This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#21, 2026)
Commission adopts OceanEye initiative; €25m Spanish aid for fisheries; Port Victoria added to approved EU ports; Parliament committee backs GFCM conservation measures; REACH amendment targets microplastic exemptions.
May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026
Commission adopts OceanEye initiative; €25m Spanish aid for fisheries; Port Victoria added to approved EU ports; Parliament committee backs GFCM conservation measures; REACH amendment targets microplastic exemptions.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission adopts OceanEye initiative to boost EU ocean observation
On 2 June 2026, the European Commission launched the OceanEye initiative, aiming to secure 35% of the global ocean observing system market by 2035 through enhanced governance and innovation investment. The strategy includes the development of a European Digital Ocean System integrating Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet, WISE Marine, and the Digital Twin Ocean. €92 million from Horizon Europe will be allocated, focusing on strengthening the EU's contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), data systems, and innovation for ocean technologies. President Ursula von der Leyen, Commissioners Costas Kadis and Ekaterina Zaharieva expressed the initiative's scope and ambitions, highlighting the economic and strategic importance of ocean observation. Member States and global partners are invited to join an International Alliance and support stable funding for long-term monitoring. OceanEye is a pillar of the European Ocean Pact adopted in June 2025.
Commission approves €25 million State aid to Spanish fishing companies hit by fuel price increases
On 3 June 2026, the Commission approved a €25 million Spanish State aid scheme under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), adopted 29 April 2026. The scheme provides direct grants for diesel purchased between 22 March and 30 June 2026, up to €200,000 per vessel and €400,000 per shipowner, covering up to 70% of additional fuel costs. The Commission assessed the scheme under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and METSAF Sections 1 and 2.1, concluding it is necessary, appropriate and proportionate, without adversely affecting trade. The scheme runs until 31 December 2026 and aims to mitigate economic impacts on primary production of fishery products.
Commission refers Slovenia to Court of Justice for non-compliance with Birds Directive in marine protection
On 3 June 2026, the Commission announced its decision to refer Slovenia to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to designate adequate Special Protection Areas under Directive 2009/147/EC (Birds Directive) for the Mediterranean Shag. Slovenia did not classify sufficient marine areas, particularly Osrednji Tržaški zaliv, despite scientific recommendations, including the SIMARINE LIFE project. Previous steps included a letter of formal notice in June 2021 and a reasoned opinion in July 2022. The infringement procedure (INFR(2021)2068) targets missed protected area targets contributing to the EU-wide Natura 2000 network.
Commissioners Kadis and Zaharieva outline OceanEye initiative and future ocean observation policies
On 2 June 2026, Commissioners Costas Kadis and Ekaterina Zaharieva presented the OceanEye Communication, detailing EU ambitions in ocean observation, research, and innovation. The initiative will support new governance frameworks, international cooperation, and industrial competitiveness. Horizon Europe is investing €50 million in in-situ observation capacities, €12 million for data systems, and €30 million for startup-driven innovation. OceanEye will anchor strategic partnerships, including with UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. The European Digital Twin Ocean, launched under the Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters (backed by €475 million), will receive expanded support, aiming to increase EU-provided global ocean intelligence to 35%.
Eurobarometer survey finds strong public support for biodiversity protection and Natura 2000
On 2 June 2026, the Commission published a Special Eurobarometer survey revealing that over 90% of EU citizens consider biodiversity and nature protection vital for health, food security, water, and climate resilience. The survey, conducted between February and March 2026, highlights awareness of threats including pollution and man-made disasters. 96% support protected areas, with rising awareness of the Natura 2000 network, especially in relation to the Birds and Habitats Directives. The results will input into the ongoing stress-test and public consultation for these directives, open until 10 August 2026.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 amends microplastics derogations under REACH
Published 2 June 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 amends Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) regarding synthetic polymer microparticles. The revision clarifies exemptions for medicinal products used in clinical trials and product/process-oriented research outside industrial sites, applying retroactively from 17 October 2023. It also adjusts criteria for microplastics enclosed in solid matrices, limiting exemption to cases where end-use exceeds one year, effective from 22 June 2028.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1171: Port Victoria joins approved EU port list for tropical tuna landings
As of 1 June 2026, Port Victoria in Mahé, Seychelles, is included in the list of EU-approved ports under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1474 and amending Regulation (EU) 2025/897. France submitted the application based on compliance with weighing procedures, independent third-party oversight, and Port State Measures. Port Victoria meets EU requirements and is designated for tropical tuna purse seine fisheries under regional fisheries management organisations.
EU Council
Council to adopt conclusions on maritime industrial and EU ports strategy
On 8 June 2026, the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport) will discuss decarbonisation post-2030 and is set to adopt conclusions on the maritime industrial strategy and EU ports strategy.
EP Committee Work
Committee on Fisheries backs GFCM conservation measures for Mediterranean and Black Sea
On 3 June 2026, the Committee on Fisheries voted in favour (23 for, 3 against, 1 abstention) of the provisional agreement with Council transposing General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) recommendations. Measures include restrictions and closures targeting eel, giant red shrimp, and other species, protections for elasmobranchs, seabirds, sea turtles, and minimum standards for restricted areas. The regulation incorporates provisions against IUU fishing and introduces catch certification requirements for Black Sea turbot. Rapporteur Željana Zovko (EPP, HR) welcomed the outcome; plenary adoption is expected in September.
PECH Committee public hearing addresses fisheries crime and IUU fishing
On 3 June 2026, the Committee on Fisheries (PECH) held a public hearing titled 'Tackling fisheries-related crimes and protecting EU fishers and fisheries from such crime and IUU fishing.' Expert speakers from the Outlaw Ocean Project, Environmental Justice Foundation, Oceana Europe, Interpol, and the Portuguese Navy presented on crime impact and strategies for combating illegal fishing. The hearing included Commission input and concluded with remarks from PECH Chair, Carmen Crespo Díaz.
What We're Reading This Week
- As EU rewrites fisheries rules, coastal fishers fear a ‘privatised’ sea: Small-scale coastal fishers warn that proposed EU fisheries reforms could consolidate access and threaten traditional livelihoods.
