This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#16, 2026)
Commission evaluates fisheries policy; adopts temporary State aid for fishery sector; EU-Mercosur trade quotas updated; Parliament debates ocean diplomacy.
April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026
Commission evaluates fisheries policy; adopts temporary State aid for fishery sector; EU-Mercosur trade quotas updated; Parliament debates ocean diplomacy.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Informal meeting of agriculture ministers: On May 03, the EU Council's Informal meeting of agriculture ministers configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): On May 04, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) 2018/848 as regards certain production, labelling and certification rules and certain rules on trade with third countries; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) 2018/848 as regards certain production, labelling and certification rules and certain rules on trade with third countries; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: ------; Amending Council Directive 98/58/EC and Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the simplification and strengthening of food and feed safety requirements, and repealing Council Directives 82/711/EEC and 85/572/EEC; Amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 1829/2003, (EC) No 1831/2003, (EC) No 852/2004, (EC) No 853/2004, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1099/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 528/2012, (EU) 2017/625 as regards the simplification and strengthening of food and feed safety requirements.
- Committee on Fisheries (PECH): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries (PECH) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Allocation of fishing opportunities by Member States: A vade mecum on the application of Articles 16 and 17 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy; Chair’s announcements.
European Commission
Commission evaluation finds slow progress in fishing sustainability and ongoing challenges
The European Commission published its evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation, covering 2014–2024. The report points to mixed results: while overfishing has decreased and fisheries management improved, fish stock recovery remains slow and projected economic gains have not fully materialised. Persistent issues include ageing fleets, rising costs, and limited access to fishing opportunities for small-scale fishers, with only moderate contributions to food security. The evaluation also notes limited progress in selectivity under the landing obligation and slow adoption of ecosystem-based management. Regionalisation has improved governance but has also slowed decision-making, and challenges remain with stakeholder representation in Advisory Councils. The findings will inform potential CFP reforms, the Commission’s 2040 Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the strategy on external fisheries action.
Commission adopts temporary State aid framework for fisheries sector due to Middle East crisis
The Commission adopted the Middle East crisis Temporary State aid Framework (METSAF) on 28 April 2026, effective until 31 December 2026. The framework allows Member States to support sectors highly exposed to crisis-related cost increases, including fisheries, by compensating up to 70% of extra fuel and fertiliser costs. It also introduces a simplified aid option capped at €50,000 per beneficiary for fisheries and related sectors. For energy-intensive industries, the aid intensity under electricity relief schemes is increased to 70% of eligible consumption, with a cumulative cap. All measures under METSAF require notification to the Commission and are subject to a fast approval process. The framework complements existing State aid rules, including the Fishery Block Exemption Regulation and sectoral guidelines.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU updates tariff quotas for Mercosur trade, affecting fishery and aquaculture imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/996, adopted 29 April 2026 (CELEX: 32026R0996), amends Implementing Regulations (EU) 2020/761 and 2020/1988 to reflect changes from the Interim Agreement on Trade between the EU and Mercosur (Council Decision (EU) 2026/183). The new provisions, effective 1 May 2026, update the management of tariff quotas—including for fishery and agricultural products—and introduce transitional arrangements for 2026. Imports under these quotas require official documents from Mercosur States, and quantities are pro-rated for the first application year. Additional requirements are set for products like sugar and processed goods.
European Parliament
Parliament debates ocean diplomacy and competitiveness of EU fisheries and aquaculture
On 27–28 April 2026, MEPs debated the report by Željana Zovko (A10-0043/2026) on the role of ocean diplomacy for the competitiveness of EU fisheries and aquaculture. The debate addressed the need for enhanced EU external action to support sustainable fishing, fair competition, and enforcement against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
www.europarl.europa.eu | www.europarl.europa.eu
EU Council
Upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council to address fisheries sector matters
An informal meeting of agriculture ministers under the Agriculture and Fisheries Council is scheduled for 3 May 2026. The agenda is expected to cover current challenges in the fisheries sector in light of recent Commission evaluations.
EP Committee Work
Fisheries Committee calls for ocean diplomacy and action on IUU fishing
The Committee on Fisheries (PECH) issued a press release on 28 April 2026 urging stronger EU ocean diplomacy. MEPs call for tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, shadow fleets, and piracy through enhanced cooperation with EU agencies and naval missions. The committee stresses the need for full implementation of the CATCH system for imports, increased competitiveness for small-scale fisheries, and adequate funding in the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework.
MEPs join IMO talks on global shipping emissions
A delegation from the ENVI and TRAN Committees participated in the International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) in London from 27 to 29 April 2026. Led by Thomas Bajada (S&D, MT), the group engaged in discussions on greenhouse gas emissions reduction in shipping, affirming the European Parliament's support for a global rules-based framework aligned with the 2023 IMO GHG strategy.
What We're Reading This Week
- CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE SELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE EXPERT GROUP ’ZERO POLLUTION STAKEHOLDER PLATFORM’ *The Commission: The European Commission invites experts to apply for roles shaping strategies and policies on zero pollution initiatives across sectors.
- EP Plenary SessionThe role of ocean diplomacy for the competitiveness of EU fisheries and aquaculture: EU policymakers are exploring how ocean diplomacy can enhance the global competitiveness and sustainability of European fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
- Commission evaluation shows slow progress in fishing sustainability and ongoing challenges for EU fishers: EU fishers continue to face sustainability hurdles as recent assessments reveal limited improvements in responsible fishing practices.
