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DRAFT REPORT (2025/2054(INI))

On the role of ocean diplomacy for the competitiveness of EU fisheries and aquaculture

PECH-PR-777039

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Željana Zovko

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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.

This draft report on ocean diplomacy for EU fisheries and aquaculture competitiveness calls for integrating ocean diplomacy into EU foreign policy, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring fair competition. It urges support for fleet renewal, generational renewal, and environmental leadership, including a moratorium on deep-sea mining and marine protected areas in Antarctica. It stresses the need for significant funding, noting the proposed allocation of only EUR 2 billion for 2028-2034 is one third of previous levels.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes a resolution calling for strengthened ocean diplomacy, improved fisheries competitiveness, environmental leadership, and adequate funding.

Key points

  1. Calls for ocean diplomacy to be integrated into the EU's common foreign and security policy to defend a rules-based maritime order and counter IUU fishing, shadow fleets, piracy, and hostile actions.
  2. Welcomes the European Ocean Pact and the New Pact for the Mediterranean, urging implementation for regional stability and economic resilience.
  3. Calls for using regional fisheries management organisations and sustainable fisheries partnership agreements to ensure a level playing field and fair competition.
  4. Supports integrating maritime security into trade agreements and the Global Gateway strategy.
  5. Urges support for a European maritime industrial alliance integrating fisheries, aquaculture, shipbuilding, and technology.
  6. Calls for increased training of diplomats on ocean issues and involvement of the European External Action Service.
  7. Stresses reducing administrative burdens, simplifying access to land and coastal areas, and assessing structural factors affecting fisheries profitability.
  8. Calls for measures for generational renewal, modern fleets, training, and stronger port checks to protect fishers and trace imports.
  9. Calls for fleet renewal support in outermost regions and a special role for them in SFPAs.
  10. Urges removal of regulatory barriers to decarbonisation and fleet renewal, especially for outermost regions.
  11. Calls for swift ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, an international moratorium on deep-sea mining, and designation of Antarctic marine protected areas.
  12. Calls for significant funding for ocean diplomacy and simpler access to financing instruments, noting the proposed EUR 2 billion allocation is insufficient.

Who is affected

  • EU fishing fleet and aquaculture sector: benefits from reduced burdens, fleet renewal support, and fair competition measures.
  • Outermost regions: receive specific support for fleet renewal and role in SFPAs.
  • EU diplomats and delegations: receive increased training and involvement in ocean governance.
  • Non-EU countries: face potential trade restrictions for non-sustainable fishing practices.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 2 billion allocated to fisheries and aquaculture for 2028-2034, one third of previous funding.
  • 70 % of EU seafood is imported.
  • EU fleet has approximately 69 000 vessels.
  • EU is member of 18 regional fisheries management organisations.
  • 71 % of Earth's surface covered by oceans; 65 % of EU territory.

Legal basis: Article 43 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union