Polish EU Presidency Focus to Raise Irish Fisheries Concerns

The Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU has announced its ambitious work programme for the first half of 2025, prioritising international partnerships in fisheries management.

However, its focus on strengthening ties with Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands has raised concerns among Irish fishing communities about potential threats to Ireland’s waters.

Deepening Ties with Coastal Nations

The Presidency aims to enhance cooperation with Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands by negotiating sustainable fisheries partnership agreements. These agreements will address shared stocks and mutual access to waters, aligning with the EU’s agenda to foster multilateral and bilateral relationships with key coastal states.

Threats to Irish Sovereignty

For Irish fishermen, this increased collaboration sparks fears of further exploitation of Ireland’s waters. Concerns centre on the potential for expanded access benefiting foreign fleets, including Dutch-owned supertrawlers that already dominate Irish waters. Ireland’s fishing representatives argue that these agreements often overlook smaller, independent operators in favour of industrial-scale fleets.

Irish representatives have been lobbying to protect Irish sovereignty in its fishing zones, but many feel that the EU prioritises the interests of larger member states and organisations like the Pelagic Freezer Trawler Association.

Other Items on the Presidency’s Agenda

• Supporting EU Fleet Competitiveness: Advocating for fair fishing opportunities and socio-economic sustainability in negotiations with regional fisheries management organisations and third countries.
• Science-Driven Fisheries Management: Ensuring decisions rely on the best scientific advice while considering socio-economic impacts on fishing communities.
• Key Negotiations: Addressing 2025 fishing opportunities in the North Sea, Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Atlantic, including deep-sea stocks.
• Strengthening International Cooperation: Implementing recommendations from the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean into EU law.
• Tackling Unsustainable Practices: Amending regulations targeting third-country practices to enhance conservation and stock sustainability.
• Reviewing the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP): Starting preliminary discussions to update the CFP and address emerging fisheries management challenges.