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 Left Group · Rapporteur: Luke Ming Flanagan, Emma Fourreau

Official HTML ↗ PDF DOCX
✦ In shortFull text
✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 17 Sept 2026

Parliament welcomes the Commission's evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and says the CFP remains fit for purpose but needs full implementation by member states. It regrets that the 2020 target to end overfishing was not met and calls for action within the existing CFP framework to restore fish stocks and improve implementation. It asks for better support for small-scale fisheries, including preferential access within the 0-12 nautical mile zone, easier funding and less administrative burden. It calls for funding for energy efficiency, decarbonisation and fleet modernisation without increasing catching capacity, and for a better balance between fleet capacity and fishing opportunities. It reiterates support for protecting at least 30% and strictly protecting at least 10% of EU marine areas by 2030, and asks for a roadmap on CFP follow-up.

Key points

  1. Parliament welcomes the Commission's CFP evaluation and its finding that the CFP remains fit for purpose, and says full implementation by member states is needed.
  2. It regrets that the 2020 target to end overfishing and fish at maximum sustainable yield levels was not achieved, and calls for ambitious, targeted and timely action within the existing CFP framework.
  3. It stresses that fisheries management decisions must be based on the best available scientific advice and on precautionary and ecosystem-based approaches.
  4. It calls on member states and the Commission to implement the Fisheries Control Regulation and facilitate the landing obligation by strengthening incentives for selectivity and reducing unwanted catches.
  5. It expresses concern that uneven implementation of the CFP does not effectively support small-scale fisheries, and calls for preferential spatial access for small-scale coastal fisheries within the 0-12 nautical mile zone.
  6. It calls on the Commission to examine how the current fund and the upcoming multiannual financial framework can support energy efficiency, decarbonisation, fleet modernisation and safety, without increasing catching capacity or contributing to overcapacity.
  7. It calls for better access to funding for small-scale operators, including pre-financing and earmarked allocations, and for incentives for selective, low-impact fishing techniques.
  8. It reiterates support for protecting at least 30% and strictly protecting at least 10% of EU marine areas by 2030, and regrets that member states have blocked many such measures under Article 11 CFP.
  9. It calls on the Commission to take measures on invasive marine species and to ensure timely, effective and adequately funded implementation of the revised Fisheries Control Regulation.
  10. It calls for greater transparency and traceability in the supply chain, clearer consumer information including on origin, shorter supply chains and a level playing field between EU and non-EU producers.
  11. It stresses the need to support low-trophic and low-carbon aquaculture such as seaweed farming, and to provide targeted administrative support to small-scale fisheries and aquaculture producers.
  12. It regrets that the CFP evaluation does not reflect barriers to generational renewal, and calls for a clear roadmap identifying implementation and enforcement gaps and the measures needed to achieve CFP objectives.

Who is affected

  • Small-scale fishers and small aquaculture producers, who would get preferential access, easier funding and less administrative burden.
  • Member states, which are called on to implement the CFP and the Fisheries Control Regulation fully and consistently.
  • The Commission, which is asked to examine funding, conduct energy audits, act on invasive species and present a roadmap.
  • Coastal and island communities, whose food systems, employment and social cohesion the resolution says depend on fisheries and aquaculture.

Figures and deadlines

  • 0-12 nautical mile zone, where preferential spatial access for small-scale coastal fisheries is called for.
  • 12 nautical mile zone, where reserved areas for small-scale low impact inshore fishing are proposed.
  • At least 30% of the EU's marine areas to be protected by 2030.
  • At least 10% of the EU's marine areas to be strictly protected by 2030.
  • Around 2.3-2.5 °C, the global warming trajectory cited as a risk to marine ecosystems.

Legal basis: Articles 3, 4, 5, 11, 13, 38, 39, 43, 225 and 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text and ¶ links to the paragraph it rests on. Check the text itself before relying on it.