This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission approves €4.5m German State aid for fisheries; Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1761 amends SPRFMO rules; Council Decision on Djibouti force status for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.
August 17, 2026 to August 23, 2026
Commission approves €4.5m German State aid for fisheries; Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1761 amends SPRFMO rules; Council Decision on Djibouti force status for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission approves €4.5 million German State aid for fishing and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices
On 20 August 2026, the European Commission approved a €4.5 million German State aid scheme designed to support fishing and aquaculture companies affected by increased fuel prices linked to the Middle East crisis. The scheme, notified by Germany, will run until 31 December 2026 and provides direct grants covering up to 70% of the estimated fuel cost increases between 1 March and 23 July 2026, capped at €50,000 per company. The aid is granted under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026. The Commission assessed the scheme under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, ensuring compliance with the framework's requirements. The decision is registered under case number SA.124349. The Commission concluded the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to support the sector without distorting competition to an extent contrary to the common interest.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1761 amends SPRFMO fisheries management rules
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1761 of 12 June 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2018/975 regarding fisheries management in the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) area. The regulation updates time limits for annual scientific and catch reports, line weighting standards, vessel and observer data requirements, and port data requirements. These amendments align Union law with changes adopted by the SPRFMO at its 2026 annual meeting. The regulation enters into force four days after its publication in the Official Journal.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1953 on tariff-rate quotas with Pakistan
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1953 of 10 July 2026 approves, on behalf of the Union, the agreement with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan modifying tariff-rate quotas in the EU Schedule CLXXV, following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU. Negotiations concluded in January 2021, and the agreement was signed on 3 February 2026. The decision enters into force on adoption, with the agreement text published in OJ L 2026/1953.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1947 on the agreement with Djibouti regarding EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1947 of 21 April 2026 authorises the signing and conclusion of the agreement between the EU and the Republic of Djibouti on the status of EU-led forces in Djibouti in the context of the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES maritime security operation. The decision is based on Article 37 TEU and Article 218 TFEU and permits deployment and logistical support for the operation in relation to the Red Sea crisis. The agreement text is published in OJ L 2026/1946.
Agreement between the EU and Djibouti on the status of EU-led forces for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (Red Sea)
The agreement, published 19 August 2026, sets out the legal status of EU-led forces in Djibouti under the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation, including privileges, immunities, and operational procedures. It applies within Djibouti’s territory, waters, and airspace for an initial period of 12 months from signature, renewable annually. The agreement references UN Security Council Resolutions 2624 (2022) and 2722 (2024), and Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/583.
What We're Reading This Week
- The great drought devours the heart of Europe: Record-low harvests, historic restrictions and a stalled economy: Severe drought across Europe leads to unprecedented crop failures, strict water limits, and significant economic slowdown.
