The European Commission proposes a revision of EU tools to address unsustainable fishing practices by non-EU countries on fish stocks of common interest. Photo: Europeche
EU Commission Proposes New Measures to Combat Unsustainable Fishing by Non-EU Countries
In a bid to strengthen ocean governance and sustainability, the European Commission has proposed a revision of the EU’s tools designed to tackle unsustainable fishing practices by non-EU countries. The proposed changes target fishing on stocks of common interest, aiming to make existing measures more effective.
At the heart of this revision is an amendment to Regulation (EU) 1026/2012. The amendment clarifies the conditions under which a non-EU country can be identified for permitting unsustainable fishing practices. Countries that fail to meet these standards could face sanctions from the EU, including potential bans on fish imports.
The revision seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of shared fish stocks, a key issue that threatens marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. By addressing overfishing, the new measures aim to promote fair competition between EU and non-EU fishing operators and preserve biodiversity.
The proposed update also aims to provide more transparent guidelines for applying restrictive measures. This will offer non-EU countries clearer understanding of how their fishing practices may lead to sanctions.
Next Steps
The proposal has been forwarded to the European Parliament and the Council for consideration, where it will be discussed under the ordinary legislative procedure.
Background
The existing regulation, introduced in 2012, allows the Commission to impose sanctions on non-EU countries that engage in unsustainable fishing. These sanctions can include import restrictions on fish products from unsustainable sources, helping to ensure the long-term conservation of shared fish stocks.
The Commission’s proposal aims to improve the clarity and legal certainty of the current legislation while upholding the EU’s international commitments to sustainable fishing practices.