At its 43rd Administrative Board Meeting, EFCA approves the Agency’s €31 million budget and adopts its Work Programme for 2025. Photo: EFCA
The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) held its 43rd Administrative Board meeting in Vigo on 17 October 2024, where members approved the Agency’s work programme for 2025 and adopted the Multiannual Work Programme for 2025-2029.
The approved budget for 2025 stands at €31 million, which will support EFCA’s ongoing mission to assist EU Member States with the operational coordination of fisheries control and inspection activities.
A key focus of EFCA’s 2025 agenda will be the continued enhancement of common procedures, methodologies, and best practices, as part of its joint deployment plans. The upcoming year will also see EFCA providing robust support to both the European Commission and Member States as they prepare to implement the revised Fisheries Control Regulation. This includes the application of new rules and requirements set forth in the regulation.
Another significant development in 2025 will be the launch of the procurement process for EFCA’s chartered fisheries offshore patrol vessels, which play a critical role in monitoring EU waters and enforcing fisheries regulations.
Internationally, EFCA will expand its efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. New projects are planned for Western Africa, with potential initiatives in Central Africa and the Southwestern Indian Ocean, further cementing EFCA’s pivotal role in safeguarding global fisheries.
2025 also marks the 20th anniversary of EFCA’s establishment. Reflecting on this milestone, EFCA Executive Director Dr. Susan Steele emphasised the agency’s unwavering commitment to its principles of coordination, assistance, and cooperation. “We will continue working closely with the European Commission, Member States, and international partners to uphold the highest standards of fisheries control and surveillance,” Steele stated.
The approved work programme and budget will enable EFCA to advance its efforts in maintaining sustainable fisheries practices and supporting EU-wide fisheries control and surveillance for the year ahead.
Source: Press Release