MEPs urge ocean diplomacy in EU external action, warning on IUU fishing, fisheries security and long-term funding needs now EU focus
EU Parliament Demands ‘Ocean Diplomacy’ Overhaul to Counter Shadow Fleets and Budget Cuts
The European Parliament has sent a clear message to Brussels: the ocean is no longer just a source of food, but a “strategic arena” where Europe’s security and economic sovereignty are at stake.
On Tuesday, MEPs adopted a comprehensive report by 430 votes to 107, calling for a radical shift in how the Union manages its maritime interests. The report argues that as the holder of the world’s largest collective maritime area, the EU must place “ocean diplomacy” at the heart of its external action.
The Front Line: A Call for Action
The report highlights a growing list of maritime threats, from piracy to the rise of “shadow fleets”—unregulated vessels, often linked to Russia, that operate outside international norms and increase the risk of devastating oil spills.
To protect EU fishers and maritime infrastructure, MEPs are calling for:
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Naval Missions: Strengthening both military and non-military missions to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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Russian Sanctions: Increased control over Russian fishing activities and stricter restrictions on imports.
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Trade Enforcement: Using import bans and trade restrictions against non-EU countries that allow practices that deplete shared fish stocks.
The “Strategic Arena”: A Statement from the Rapporteur
The urgency of the report was punctuated by the rapporteur, Željana Zovko (EPP, HR), who emphasized that the survival of coastal communities is a matter of continental identity:
“Ocean diplomacy begins with our fishermen — those who are on the front lines of our seas, whose livelihoods, knowledge, and resilience sustain Europe’s maritime communities and food security. It is through their reality that Europe’s economy, security, and identity meet the challenges of a changing world.
“In today’s geopolitical climate, the ocean is no longer just a shared space – it is a strategic arena where resilience, power, and responsibility are being defined. As the rapporteur of this report, I underline the urgency of this moment.”
Why This Matters: The Background
The push for a stronger maritime policy comes as the EU struggles to maintain its self-sufficiency. Despite having a 25 million km² exclusive economic zone and a coastline stretching 70,000 km, the EU currently imports 70% of its seafood. This reliance exposes the market to unfair competition and volatile global shifts.
The sector is currently a pillar of the European economy, providing 193,000 jobs and contributing €5.5 billion annually. However, the Parliament warns that this foundation is cracking. With 40% of EU citizens living within 50 km of the sea, the decline of the fleet—driven by climate change and a lack of interest from younger generations—poses a significant social risk.
A Financial “Cliff-Edge”
The report expresses grave concern over the proposed long-term EU budget (2028-2034). Current plans earmark only €2 billion for fisheries and aquaculture, representing a 66% reduction compared to the previous multiannual budget.
MEPs insist that such a “mere” sum is insufficient to deliver on the EU’s environmental and security commitments. They argue that significant funding is required to:
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Modernise Fleets: Invest in digitalised and safer vessels to attract a new generation of fishers.
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Ensure Traceability: Implement the “CATCH” system for all imports to guarantee they meet EU standards.
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Support Small-Scale Fishing: Protect the small-scale vessels that make up 75% of the EU’s total fleet.
By adopting this report, the Parliament is demanding that the European Commission rethink its financial priorities to ensure the “long-term resilience and competitiveness” of a sector that is increasingly vital to Europe’s geostrategic standing.
