EU fisheries sustainability improves, but challenges remain as Commission opens 2027 consultation

EU fisheries are continuing a long-term move towards sustainability, but serious challenges remain for some fish stocks and sea basins, according to the European Commission.

In its annual communication on the state of EU fisheries, published on 5 June, the Commission reviewed progress towards sustainable fishing and set out the process for deciding fishing opportunities for 2027.

The Commission said the number and size of fish stocks is decreasing across the North-East Atlantic, while key commercial stocks continue to face difficulties in the Baltic Sea and the Western Mediterranean. It noted that fishing remains a major contributor to the state of fish stocks, alongside other factors, and said further efforts are needed to improve sustainability, having previously warned in its recent review of the Common Fisheries Policy that the rate of recovery remains too slow.

The EU fishing fleet now includes around 69,000 vessels and employs more than 155,200 people in coastal communities across Europe. According to the Commission, fleet capacity continued to decline in 2025, reflecting a a gradual reduction in fleet capacity to better match available fishing opportunities.

“A better-balanced fleet contributes to its own efficiency, profitability and competitiveness, which will ultimately help to attract the next generation of fishers,” the Commission argued.

The communication also highlighted recent financial support for fishers and aquaculture operators following a sharp rise in fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The EU has activated the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund crisis mechanism for a second time, unlocking €760 million in direct compensation through Member States’ national EMFAF programmes, where Member States are responsible for deciding whether to offer the support and for administering compensation directly to operators.

The Commission also adopted the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework on 29 April 2026, allowing its members to grant state aid to companies in the fisheries, agriculture and transport sectors affected by the fuel price increase. Under the framework, member states can cover up to 70% of additional fuel costs incurred since 28 February 2026, with schemes in France and Spain recently approved.

However, the Commission said such measures are short-term responses, and argued that the longer-term answer lies in the green transition of the fleet.

"The EU has now faced two severe fuel crises within four years and responded swiftly through targeted measures, albeit short-term ones. The durable answer is accelerating the energy transition of EU fishing fleets. Cutting dependence on fossil fuels, improving competitiveness, and building the resilience needed to withstand future shocks is as crucial as stock conservation," the statement read.

The Commission is also preparing its Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture, expected to be adopted in September. The strategy will set out a long-term approach linking environmental and economic objectives, with a focus on stable incomes, profitability, EU food supply and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

"Enhanced socio-economic performance would enable the sector to invest in modern vessels and infrastructure, improve working standards, attract the next generation of fishers and aquaculture producers, and advance its transition towards innovation and lower environmental impact," the Commission stated.

Stakeholders, including Member States, Advisory Councils, industry representatives, non-governmental organisations and citizens, have been invited to share views on the state of play and future direction of fishing opportunities for 2027 through a consultation, open until 31 August.

The Commission said that following the consultation, and drawing on scietnfici advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries, it will present its proposals for 2027 fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Negotiations on total allowable catches for 2027 will then be held at European Council meetings in October and December.