Fisheries Committee backs tougher EU action against non-EU overfishing, including import bans and clearer non-cooperation criteria
MEPs move to tighten rules on non-EU states enabling unsustainable fishing, including clearer definitions and potential import bans.
The European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee has unanimously approved its position on tightening measures against non-EU countries involved in unsustainable fishing, including those who breach bilateral quotas or allow illegal activity by their vessels.
The vote, held on Wednesday, supports legal changes to clarify when a third country is deemed to be “failing to cooperate” with EU efforts to conserve fish stocks. The aim, according to the committee, is to bring more legal certainty to the EU’s external fisheries management tools.
Clearer Triggers for Sanctions
The proposed amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 would identify offending states based on actions such as ignoring bilateral or multilateral agreements, setting unilateral quotas, or refusing to cooperate transparently within regional fisheries bodies.
Countries that discriminate against EU fleets while protecting their own — resulting in overfishing — could also be targeted.
Such behaviour would enable the Commission to take retaliatory measures, including the imposition of import bans on specific fish products. A similar measure was last used in 2013 against the Faroe Islands, when the EU blocked imports of herring and mackerel. That ban was lifted in 2014.
Procedural Steps and Political Messaging
The regulation outlines how the Commission must engage with the offending country both before and after any action is taken. This includes ensuring cooperation efforts have been attempted and documenting non-compliance.
“This is a clear and united call from the European Parliament,” said rapporteur Thomas Bajada (S&D, Malta). “The EU must act decisively to protect our fishers in every sea basin. By standing together, we are defending Europe’s food sovereignty… and sending a strong signal to third countries.”
Despite the strong language, actual sanctions remain rare. Parliament’s proposal still needs to pass interinstitutional negotiations, and its impact will depend heavily on how aggressively the Commission enforces it in practice.
Next Steps
The Committee also voted unanimously to begin talks with the Council and Commission. The Council adopted its position in December 2024. Parliament’s negotiating mandate will be confirmed in an upcoming plenary session.
Source: Press Release