This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission updates IUU vessel blacklist; fishing quota carryover for 2026 adopted; new animal feed additive authorised; Customs Code overhaul published.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission updates IUU vessel blacklist; fishing quota carryover for 2026 adopted; new animal feed additive authorised; Customs Code overhaul published.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission amends EU list of vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2045 of 14 September 2026 amends Regulation (EU) No 468/2010 to update the EU list of vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The update follows notifications from regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs), which have added or removed vessels based on recent compliance assessments. Several vessels, including 'AVEMARYIA', 'EL SHADDAI', 'EMMANUEL', and 'MANJUMATHA', have been removed from the list in line with recent IOTC and SIOFA decisions. The changes will enter into force seven days following publication in the Official Journal.
Commission increases 2026 fishing quotas with carryover from 2025
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2057 of 17 September 2026 adds to the 2026 fishing quotas certain quantities withheld in 2025 under Article 4(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96. The measure allows Member States that requested a carryover of up to 10% of their 2025 quotas for specific stocks to transfer those amounts to 2026, following conditions set by Regulation (EC) No 847/96. The regulation specifies that quota flexibility cannot be combined with other year-to-year quota transfer provisions. The adjustment enters into force seven days after its publication.
New animal feed additive authorised for all species
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2074 of 17 September 2026 authorises a preparation of Bacillus subtilis DSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856 as a feed additive for all animal species. This follows a favourable opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal 2026;24:e9876), confirming safety for animals, consumers, and the environment, though highlighting sensitisation risks to users. The additive is classified as a technological additive in the functional group 'acidity regulators' and is subject to user protection requirements. The regulation enters into force twenty days after publication.
Regulation establishes new Union Customs Code and EU Customs Authority
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 September 2026 establishes the new Union Customs Code and creates the European Union Customs Authority, repealing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. The regulation addresses challenges identified in the previous code, including digitalisation, e-commerce controls, and harmonised customs enforcement. It introduces the EU Customs Data Hub, new governance structures, and updated definitions relevant to fisheries imports and trade. Gradual implementation is scheduled, with provisions on distance sales and the EU Customs Authority to apply from 1 July 2028.
EU Council
Upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council to discuss post-2027 fisheries and maritime policy
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet on 28 September 2026 to seek a partial general approach on post-2027 EU support for the Common Fisheries Policy, maritime and aquaculture policies, and the ocean pact. Ministers will also review the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy and current agricultural market conditions.
Transport ministers to hold informal meeting
An informal meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council is scheduled for 20 September 2026.
