Skip to content
OPINION (2025/2156(DEC))

On discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the EU agencies for the financial year 2024

PECH-AD-779547

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Giuseppe Lupo

Official HTML ↗ PDF DOCX
✦ In shortFull textProcedure & committee votes
✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

The Committee on Fisheries proposes granting discharge to the Executive Director of the European Fisheries Control Agency for the 2024 budget, while noting concerns about funding, staffing, and operational capacity. It highlights the Agency's high budget implementation and increased inspections, but warns that insufficient resources and the loss of aerial assets hinder the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. It calls for adequate funding in the next Multiannual Financial Framework and for support to Member States in implementing the revised Fisheries Control Regulation.

Committee position. The Committee on Fisheries proposes that discharge be granted to the Executive Director of the Agency for the 2024 budget, while making recommendations for improvement.

Key points

  1. Takes note of the Court of Auditors' report and the Agency's accounts for 2024, which comply with the Financial Regulation.
  2. Notes the Agency's total revenue of EUR 32,02 million, including an initial EU contribution of EUR 30,58 million and a final contribution of EUR 30,79 million after the amending budget.
  3. Acknowledges the Agency implemented 99,5% of its annual work programme and achieved 100% in commitments and 76,6% in payments, calling it an example of good management.
  4. Deplores that no fixed-wing aerial assets could be chartered due to contract expiry and delay with Frontex, restricting capacity to fight IUU fishing; calls for review of procedures.
  5. Stresses the need to reinforce aerial and maritime surveillance and provide support and training to national authorities and coastal communities to combat IUU fishing.
  6. Highlights the Agency's role in harmonising control and ensuring a level playing field, without adding burdens to operators.
  7. Calls on the Commission to collaborate with the Agency on delegated and implementing acts for the revised Fisheries Control Regulation and to support stakeholders in transitioning to digital tools.
  8. Calls on the Agency to support Member States in monitoring serious infringements, including forced labour, and to provide training for EU inspectors.
  9. Notes 45,734 inspections in 2024, a 1,65% increase, and a 14% increase in inspections with suspected infringements; urges sustaining inspection activities.
  10. Emphasises the Agency's role in international ocean governance, cooperation with third countries, and ensuring imported fisheries products meet EU standards.
  11. Welcomes cooperation with Frontex, EMSA, EEA, and ESA, including a memorandum of understanding on marine litter.
  12. Concerned about gender imbalance at management level (39% women at grade AD 8 or higher) and calls for strengthening the gender parity strategy.

Who is affected

  • The European Fisheries Control Agency and its Executive Director, who would receive discharge for the 2024 budget.
  • Member States and their national authorities, inspectors, and coastal communities, who receive support and training from the Agency.
  • EU fishing operators and fleets, who face potential unfair competition if imported products do not meet EU standards.
  • Third countries and coastal states, with whom the Agency cooperates on capacity-building and compliance.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 30,58 million initial EU contribution for 2024, an increase of 1,61% over 2023.
  • EUR 30,79 million final EU contribution after amending budget, a 2,31% increase over 2023.
  • EUR 1,23 million in other revenue, making total revenue EUR 32,02 million.
  • 99,5% implementation of annual work programme, 100% commitments, 76,6% payments.
  • 45,734 inspections in 2024, a 1,65% increase; 14% increase in inspections with suspected infringements.
  • 75 temporary agents appointed out of 77 authorised, 97% fulfilment of establishment plan.
  • 39% of staff at grade AD 8 or higher are women, stagnated since 2021; overall female staff is 50%.