Sittings · Document

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2778(RSP)) 2026-09-09

On the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy and follow-up

on behalf of the PfE Group · Rapporteur: France Jamet, Ton Diepeveen, António Tânger Corrêa

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This is a motion for a resolution on the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and its follow-up. It calls for a comprehensive reform of the CFP, including revision of its objectives, the abolition of the landing obligation, and changes to funding rules for fleet renewal. It asks for food sovereignty to be an official EU objective, for small-scale fisheries to be prioritised, and for support for young fishers and fleet modernisation. It opposes fuel taxation and the inclusion of fisheries in the emissions trading system, and calls for action on invasive species, offshore wind impacts, and aquaculture development.

Key points

  1. Affirms that fisheries, aquaculture and algae products are strategic resources for health, food security, food and economic sovereignty, and geopolitical independence.
  2. Calls for food sovereignty to be recognised as an official EU objective, on the same footing as energy or industrial security.
  3. Calls for revision of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 to place human needs on an equal footing with environmental objectives.
  4. Considers that no management measure should permanently compromise profitability without demonstrated scientific benefit; calls for restrictive measures based on the precautionary principle to be accompanied by at least two independent scientific studies, an economic impact assessment and a social assessment.
  5. Affirms that fishers should be included in decision-making bodies, not limited to non-binding consultations.
  6. Calls for a European programme of administrative simplification and for the abolition of the landing obligation introduced by the 2013 CFP reform.
  7. Invites the Commission to re-examine the implementation of Maximum Sustainable Yield and calls for an independent audit of the CFP's economic, social and environmental consequences since 2013.
  8. Recognises small-scale fisheries as an essential pillar and invites Member States to give priority to small-scale and family-owned fleets in the allocation of fishing opportunities.
  9. Calls for a specific European programme for young fishers and for an ambitious plan for the renewal and modernisation of fishing fleets and port infrastructure.
  10. Calls for the decoupling of fishing capacity from gross tonnage and for revision of Articles 13, 17, 18 and 19 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1139, including the 24-metre length threshold and the 40-year age limit.
  11. Insists that no fuel taxation be introduced for the EU fishing fleet, that the existing exemption under the Energy Taxation Directive be maintained, and that the sector not be brought within the emissions trading system.
  12. Calls on the Commission to establish clear EU definitions of 'innovative' and 'sustainable' fishing gear, and to integrate invasive species, non-native species and protected predators into the forthcoming CFP revision.

Who is affected

  • EU fishers and fishing vessel operators, who would benefit from simplified rules, fleet renewal support and no fuel taxation.
  • Small-scale and family-owned fishing fleets, which would be prioritised in the allocation of fishing opportunities.
  • Young fishers, who would receive support for establishing a business and transferring family businesses.
  • Aquaculture producers, who would benefit from reduced administrative delays and new development sectors.
  • Outermost regions, which would receive support against illegal fishing and for aquaculture development.

Figures and deadlines

  • Number of fishing vessels decreased from 120 000 in 2000 to 85 000 in 2020.
  • Member States depend on imports from third countries for 70 % of their needs.
  • EU accounts for less than 1 % of global aquaculture production.
  • Average age of the EU fleet exceeds 31.5 years.
  • Eligibility conditions include a 24-metre length threshold and a 40-year age limit.
  • EU fisheries account for around 0.01 % of global emissions.
  • EU fleet has already reduced its emissions by more than 50 % compared with 1990.

Legal basis: Article 38 and Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

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