EU fisheries body. the NWWAC, warns fuel crisis risks fleet collapse, urging Brussels to trigger emergency funding and state aid measures.
NWWAC Warns of Fuel Crisis Impact on EU Fisheries and Urges Emergency Support
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) has issued a warning to the European Commission that rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East crisis could trigger a new economic emergency for the EU fishing sector. In its letter of 26 March 2026, the Council said the current instability is driven by “global geopolitical instability… due to the escalation of conflict involving Iran and the broader Middle East region.”
The Council says fuel costs are surging at a pace the sector cannot absorb. It stressed that “fuel prices are increasing exponentially,” and warned that “even moderate increases can severely undermine economic viability,” given fuel’s dominant share of vessel operating costs.
NWWAC members say the situation is already creating serious risks. They report “growing risks, including the potential forced exit from professional fishing activities, significant loss of income, reduced ability to supply the market with fishery products, and broader negative impacts on coastal communities.” The Council added that “safeguarding the viability of its primary producers must remain a priority” at a time when the EU is focused on food and energy security.
The letter points to the crises of 2020–2022, when the EU deployed emergency measures under the EMFAF and introduced a Temporary Crisis Framework that provided crucial support. These measures, the Council said, “proved essential in stabilising the sector during a period of acute crisis.”
With fuel volatility now creating market disruption again, the NWWAC says the Commission already has the legal tools needed to intervene. It urged Brussels to “formally recognise the current Middle East crisis as an exceptional event causing significant market disturbance,” which would activate EMFAF emergency provisions.
The Council is calling for rapid mobilisation of financial support. It asked the Commission to “facilitate the rapid mobilisation of financial support to the fisheries sector,” and to “consider the reactivation or adaptation of a Temporary Crisis Framework for State aid” so Member States can provide fuel tax relief, liquidity assistance and direct support.
The letter also highlights the need for stronger long‑term resilience tools within the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Council said future systems must have “sufficient flexibility and responsiveness… so that they can be swiftly deployed in future crises.”
In closing, NWWAC Chair Alexandra Philippe reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the EU fleet, stating: “The NWWAC remains fully committed to supporting the resilience, sustainability, and long‑term viability of the EU fisheries sector.”
