This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#23, 2026)
Commission approves €338m for ocean protection; Croatia aid scheme approved; Kattegat regulation amends fishing rules; Council to review post-2027 CFP.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Commission approves €338m for ocean protection; Croatia aid scheme approved; Kattegat regulation amends fishing rules; Council to review post-2027 CFP.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Agriculture and Fisheries Council: On June 22, the EU Council's Agriculture and Fisheries Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
EU commits over €338 million for global ocean protection at Our Ocean Conference in Kenya
The European Commission announced a €338.35 million commitment for ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, and maritime security at the Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya. Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, presented the funding that supports implementation of the recently adopted Coastal Communities Strategy. The package targets global ocean sustainability, including actions to strengthen the Global Ocean Observing System, bolster maritime security—particularly in the Southern Red Sea, Horn of Africa, and Gulf of Aden—and enable BlueInvest Africa partnerships. Funds will address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, restore vulnerable ecosystems, reduce marine pollution, and expand marine protected areas. The Commission's OceanEye initiative will support evidence-based marine policy, and additional resources are allocated to implement the UN Ocean Conference's Political Declaration. The funding is part of the EU's ongoing prioritisation of ocean protection through the European Ocean Pact and other international initiatives.
Commission approves €8 million Croatian State aid for fishing companies facing increased fuel prices
The European Commission approved an €8 million Croatian State aid scheme to support fishing companies affected by increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The measure is enabled under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026 and effective until 31 December 2026. Aid in the form of direct grants may cover up to 70% of extra fuel costs or be capped at €50,000 per company. The scheme is assessed under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and complies with METSAF requirements for necessity and proportionality. The non-confidential version of this decision is available under case number SA.123451 in the State aid register.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Amendments to Kattegat conservation measures: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/785
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/785 of 7 April 2026 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/118 regarding fisheries conservation measures in the Nordvästra Skånes havsområde in the Kattegat. The regulation introduces no-take and gear-restriction zones, annual reviews of harbour porpoise bycatch, and requirements for acoustic deterrent devices in certain fishing areas. The STECF 78th plenary report and stakeholder recommendations informed the new rules. Member States are required to assess incidental catches data by 31 December 2027 and submit findings for potential regulatory adjustment.
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1307 on the monitoring of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in feed
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1307 of 11 June 2026 urges Member States to monitor PFAS in feed, including products used in aquaculture and fisheries. The recommendation follows scientific advice from EFSA and builds on previously established maximum levels in animal-origin foods under Regulation (EU) 2023/915. Results should be submitted by 30 June 2029 using the EFSA format.
EU Council
Fisheries and Agriculture Council to address post-2027 CFP and sustainable fishing
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council, meeting on 22 June 2026, will discuss post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy proposals and review the implementation and sustainability of the Common Fisheries Policy.
EP Committee Work
Fisheries Committee chair statement on Commission's simplification package for fisheries
On 18 June 2026, Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES), chair of the Committee on Fisheries (PECH), issued a statement welcoming the Commission's commitment to a simplification package for fisheries and aquaculture. The press release refers to Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis' announcement in Parliament and calls for timely legislative proposals under the ordinary procedure. The Committee considers reducing administrative burdens and adapting legislation to operational realities a key priority.
What We're Reading This Week
- French fishermen gather in Cherbourg as sector faces down multiple challenges: French fishermen unite in Cherbourg to protest regulatory pressures and economic hardships threatening their industry’s future.
