MEPs say ocean diplomacy must guide EU policy as they call for stronger governance, action on IUU fishing and support for safer fleets
Ocean diplomacy should sit at the centre of EU external action, say MEPs on the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee, which has adopted a report setting out a wider security, trade and governance agenda for the seas.
The text links maritime diplomacy to stronger fleet safety, tighter market controls and tougher measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Ocean diplomacy as a strategic EU priority
The committee argues that integrating ocean diplomacy into development, foreign and security policy is necessary to defend a rules based maritime order. MEPs say this approach will support sustainable resource use, improve oversight of fishing activity and help the EU respond to piracy, shadow fleets and attacks on subsea infrastructure. They add that naval missions should be used to monitor and deter IUU fishing where appropriate.
Vote split and scope of the mandate
The report passed by 18 votes in favour, four against and four abstentions. It is a political mandate rather than legislation, but it signals priorities for forthcoming files and international positions. The call to embed ocean diplomacy across the EU’s external action is designed to coordinate policy across trade, environment, security and development, rather than handling each in isolation.
Partnership agreements and human rights safeguards
MEPs welcome the next generation of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements, provided they comply with scientific advice and human rights standards. They want deeper cooperation with partner countries alongside improved fleet sustainability within the EU. Diversifying the origin of seafood imports is flagged as a resilience measure, reducing exposure to supply shocks and concentrating risk.
Observation network and data sharing
The committee backs the European ocean observation initiative and supports establishing a European deep sea observatory in the Atlantic, connected to a global network that will share data. Better, standardised information flows are presented as the backbone of credible management, enabling faster detection of illegal activity and more accurate stock assessments.
Marine Protected Areas and due process
For marine protected areas, MEPs say full impact assessments and proper consultation with affected parties must take place before designation. The aim is to improve the effectiveness of MPAs by matching conservation objectives with workable measures at sea and by building acceptance among the fleets that operate around them.
Attracting young people and modernising fleets
Generational renewal is singled out as a risk. MEPs call for measures that make fishing careers more attractive, including modern, safe and digitalised vessels and stronger training pathways. They also urge the Commission to cut administrative burdens that add cost without improving control outcomes, and to back projects that reinforce food security.
Traceability, CATCH and market access
MEPs ask member states and stakeholders to implement the CATCH system for all fisheries and aquaculture products entering the Union. Uniform, end to end traceability is framed as essential for competitiveness and consumer confidence. Access to the EU market should promote sustainable practices, with importers meeting EU standards or facing restrictions.
Customs enforcement and safety at sea
The report calls for enhanced customs powers and full use of the new EU Customs Agency to protect fishermen from drug and migrant traffickers and other illicit activities that endanger crews. Raising and enforcing safety standards on vessels is positioned both as a labour protection and as a practical tool against IUU fishing, since operators cutting corners on safety often cut corners on compliance.
Funding warning for 2028 to 2034
MEPs express concern that the proposed long term EU budget for 2028 to 2034 sets aside only €2 billion for fisheries and aquaculture, around one third of the previous level. They urge the Commission to secure adequate funding for ocean governance, diplomacy and control systems, arguing that ambitions without resources will fail at implementation.
Small scale fleet and access to finance
With small scale fishermen representing three quarters of the EU fleet by vessel numbers, the committee stresses tailored measures to improve resilience and competitiveness. That includes better access to finance for vessel upgrades, safety equipment and digital tools that support traceability and monitoring.
Background and next steps
Oceans and seas cover 65 percent of EU territory. The Union controls about 25 million square kilometres of exclusive economic zones and has 70,000 kilometres of coastline. The fisheries and aquaculture sector provides around 193,000 jobs and contributes €5.5 billion per year to the EU economy, yet the bloc imports roughly 70 percent of its seafood, underlining the need for coherent ocean management across geopolitical, economic, trade, social and environmental strands. The report now proceeds to a plenary vote at a forthcoming session.
