During a meeting with Commissioner Kadis, Spain urged the EU to reform fisheries policy and boost funding to support fleet renewal and sector competitiveness
Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, has pressed for a strengthened EU commitment to the future of European fisheries during a bilateral meeting with European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, who is making his first official visit to Spain.
During the meeting, Planas outlined Spain’s key priorities for the new EU political cycle, calling for a “comprehensive approach that guarantees the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the sector.”
The minister highlighted three strategic pillars for the next phase of EU fisheries policy: strengthening the role of fisheries in food security, enhancing the EU’s global leadership in fisheries governance, and significantly increasing EU financial support for fishing and aquaculture activities.
Modernisation, youth and competitiveness
Planas also emphasised the urgent need to ensure generational renewal, modernisation and decarbonisation of the fishing fleet, and improving the sector’s competitiveness to make it more attractive and viable in the long term.
He called for stronger EU backing for innovation and professionalisation, as well as investment in modern, safe, and comfortable vessels. Measures to improve the public image of fishing as a profession were also deemed essential.
“This is about more than just boats and quotas — it’s about building a future for fishing that young people want to be part of,” Planas said.
Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy
Planas described the ongoing reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) as a “key opportunity” to rebalance EU fisheries regulation so that environmental, economic and social priorities are better aligned. He also urged stronger EU leadership in tackling illegal fishing and ensuring fair international competition.
In particular, the minister underscored the need for a better-financed and more flexible European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), calling it “essential to secure the modernisation and competitiveness the sector urgently requires.”
Call to review WestMed plan
Finally, Planas flagged the need to revise the Western Mediterranean multiannual management plan (WestMed MAP), which has been in force for more than five years. He said the plan must be updated to address its shortcomings and deliver both environmental sustainability and economic viability for Mediterranean fisheries.
Commissioner Kadis has not yet commented publicly on the proposals but is expected to respond during upcoming EU-level discussions on the future of fisheries policy.
Source: Press Release
