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

TA-10-2026-0121 · P10_TA(2026)0121 · PE777.039

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

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Parliament's resolution on ocean diplomacy for EU fisheries and aquaculture competitiveness calls for stronger EU leadership in ocean governance, fair competition, and sustainable management. It demands action on shadow fleets, IUU fishing, and maritime security, and supports new SFPAs and RFMO cooperation. It urges reducing administrative burdens, ensuring generational renewal, and promoting traceability and mirror measures for imports. It backs international moratoriums on deep-sea mining and krill fishing, and calls for adequate funding for fisheries.

Key points

  1. Calls for mainstreaming ocean diplomacy in EU external action and common foreign and security policy, in line with UNCLOS.
  2. Urges measures against shadow fleets, piracy, and hostile acts, including naval missions and satellite monitoring.
  3. Welcomes the European Ocean Pact and Pact for the Mediterranean, calling for regular oceans summits and implementation.
  4. Calls for new generation SFPAs aligned with regional strategies, ensuring fair treatment and non-discrimination for EU vessels.
  5. Demands transparency and accountability from all fishing nations, including compliance with ILO conventions and accurate reporting.
  6. Urges the Commission to reduce administrative burdens and simplify procedures in the CFP evaluation.
  7. Calls for measures to attract new generations and women to fishing careers, including training and safety improvements.
  8. Supports international moratoriums on deep-sea mining and krill fishing, and respect for the whaling moratorium.
  9. Calls for strengthening customs checks and using a new EU customs agency to combat illicit activities.
  10. Urges intensified engagement with Norway and the UK to ensure fair fishing arrangements and resolve disputes.
  11. Calls for using EU market power to condition access on compliance with EU standards and to restrict Russian seafood imports.
  12. Insists on significant funding for ocean governance and fisheries in the next multiannual financial framework.

Who is affected

  • EU fishers and fishing fleet, including small-scale and outermost regions' fleets.
  • Non-EU countries and their fishing industries, subject to stricter standards and potential trade measures.
  • EU institutions, including the Commission, EEAS, and agencies, tasked with implementing ocean diplomacy and enforcement.
  • Partner countries under SFPAs, with new agreements promoting sustainable practices.

Figures and deadlines

  • 71 % of Earth's surface covered by oceans; 65 % of EU territory.
  • 25 million km² of EEZs and coastline over 70 000 km.
  • Approximately 69 000 vessels, 75 % used by coastal and small-scale fishers.
  • EUR 5,5 billion per year contribution; 193 000 direct jobs.
  • EU imports 70 % of its seafood.
  • 20 SFPAs, seven dormant.
  • EUR 1 billion pledged at UN Ocean Conference.
  • EUR 2 billion ring-fenced for fisheries for 2028-2034.

Legal basis: Articles 2, 3(5), 43, 349 and 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union