This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission adopts new regulatory package for outermost regions; Public Procurement Regulation proposed; focus on fisheries, maritime and port adaptation.
September 07, 2026 to September 13, 2026
Commission adopts new regulatory package for outermost regions; Public Procurement Regulation proposed; focus on fisheries, maritime and port adaptation.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Fisheries (PECH): On September 17, the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries (PECH) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; *** End of electronic vote ***.
European Commission
Commission unveils new Strategy and regulatory package for the EU's outermost regions
On 9 September, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto presented the European Commission's new Strategy for the Union's nine outermost regions, including the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. The Strategy addresses structural challenges such as distance, connectivity, and exposure to external shocks, while acknowledging opportunities in their geostrategic positions and maritime zones, which account for over half the EU's exclusive economic zones. The package implements Article 349 TFEU, introducing targeted regulatory adaptations and derogations for key sectors, including fisheries, agriculture, and migration. The Commission intends to strengthen the regions' role in maritime security and trade, and to support economic diversification, including in the blue economy and port infrastructure. The Strategy was developed with input from regional stakeholders and Member States. Measures will be delivered through EU sectoral policy adaptations and ongoing dialogue with the regions.
Commission sets out new strategic vision for outermost regions: Fisheries and maritime sector included
On 9 September, the Commission adopted a Communication outlining a strategic vision for the outermost regions, accompanied by a regulatory package with sectoral adaptations. The Communication identifies the fisheries, agriculture, and maritime sectors as essential for boosting competitiveness and resilience. The package includes proposed legislative changes for fisheries and port management, tailored to local constraints. The Commission will submit the regulatory package to the Council after consultation with the European Parliament. The initiative aims to align internal and external EU policies, improve connectivity for ports, and enhance disaster response capacities relevant to maritime and fisheries industries.
Commission proposes new Regulation to modernise EU public procurement, including maritime and port infrastructure
On 8 September, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new Public Procurement Regulation, consolidating and modernising the current procurement framework. The proposed Regulation would create a single set of rules for all public procurement, including for ports, shipping, and fisheries-related infrastructure. The Regulation introduces an integrated digital procurement marketplace and clarifies provisions for strategic sectors, including resilience and security of supply for critical infrastructure. The proposal reflects recommendations from the Draghi and Letta reports, and responds to calls from the European Parliament and Council. The Regulation will now proceed to negotiations with the Parliament and Council prior to adoption.
EU Council
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council to discuss maritime transport on 20 September
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will hold an informal meeting of transport ministers on 20 September. Maritime transport and port policy are expected to feature on the agenda.
What We're Reading This Week
- The return of whale hunting in Iceland stirs public debate: Iceland’s decision to resume whale hunting has sparked national controversy and renewed scrutiny of the country’s environmental policies.
