This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission extends Spanish coastal fishing derogation; EU-UK fisheries positions prolonged; new feed additive authorisations; Lithuania LNG aid decision; OceanEye Alliance launched.
September 21, 2026 to September 27, 2026
Commission extends Spanish coastal fishing derogation; EU-UK fisheries positions prolonged; new feed additive authorisations; Lithuania LNG aid decision; OceanEye Alliance launched.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Agriculture and Fisheries Council: On September 28, the EU Council's Agriculture and Fisheries Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Exchange of views with the Commission and national authority representatives on food safety, traceability and import to Europe.
European Commission
OceanEye International Alliance Launches Global Ocean Observation Funding
On 22 September 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at a high-level pledging event in New York. The EU increased its funding for ocean observation activities by €92 million, bringing the total pledges from 31 member countries to nearly €220 million. The funding supports maintenance of observation platforms, closure of data gaps, and reinforcement of the Global Ocean Observing System Secretariat and OceanOPS data-reporting centre. Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IOC-UNESCO, establishing a long-term strategic partnership to support global ocean observation. The European Digital Twin Ocean is scheduled to be fully operational by 2030, consolidating marine data services for real-time monitoring and predictive modelling.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Spanish Boat Seine Derogation Extended for Coastal Fisheries
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2085 of 18 September 2026 extends the derogation from Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 regarding minimum distance from the coast and sea depth for boat seines fishing for sand eel and gobies in Catalonia, Spain. The extension applies from 3 July 2026 to 2 July 2029 and is limited to 26 vessels under a revised management plan. The Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries assessed and confirmed the plan's compliance with Article 13(5) and (9) of Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006.
EU-UK Fisheries Consultations Position Extended
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2145 of 22 September 2026 amends Decision (EU) 2021/1875, prolonging the EU position in annual consultations with the United Kingdom on total allowable catches until 30 June 2038. The review of the position is scheduled by 31 December 2036.
EU Position in Specialised Committee on Fisheries Prolonged
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2144 of 22 September 2026 extends Decision (EU) 2021/1765 regarding the position taken within the Specialised Committee on Fisheries under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The new validity lasts until 30 June 2038, with a mandatory review by 31 December 2036.
Commission Decision on Lithuanian LNG Terminal State Aid
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2114 of 7 April 2026 concludes that State aid measure SA.44678 for the Klaipėda LNG Terminal in Lithuania, covering the period 2016–2018, is compatible with the internal market under Article 106 TFEU. The aid supported Litgas via the LNG Supplement for supply obligations, following a formal investigation procedure and a previous annulment by the General Court. The decision addresses compensation methodology, market evolution, and regulatory controls.
Renewal of Feed Additive Authorisations for Tocopherol Extracts
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2084 of 18 September 2026 renews authorisation for tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils, tocopherol-rich extracts (delta rich), and alpha-tocopherol as feed additives for all animal species. The previous regulation (EU) 2015/1152 is repealed.
Authorisation of L-isoleucine Produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum as Feed Additive
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2087 of 18 September 2026 authorises L-isoleucine produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum CCTCC M 2022764 as a feed additive for all animal species. The authorisation covers use in feed and water for drinking, with EFSA safety findings and requirements for ruminant supplementation.
Authorisation of Marjoram Essential Oil as Feed Additive
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2110 of 23 September 2026 authorises marjoram essential oil from Origanum majorana L. as a feed additive for all animal species. The additive is classified as a sensory additive in the functional group 'flavouring compounds'.
Authorisation of Rosemary Essential Oil as Feed Additive
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2113 of 23 September 2026 authorises rosemary essential oil from Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. as a feed additive for all animal species. The additive falls under sensory additives, with safety limits for specific compounds and transitional provisions.
Renewal of Vitamin K3 Feed Additives Authorisation
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2115 of 23 September 2026 renews authorisation for menadione sodium bisulphite (vitamin K3) and menadione nicotinamide bisulphite (vitamin K3) as feed additives for all animal species. Regulation (EU) 2015/2307 is repealed, and new protective measures for users are included.
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council to Discuss Post-2027 Fisheries Support
On 28 September 2026, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will seek a partial general approach on regulation setting post-2027 EU support for the common fisheries policy, maritime and aquaculture policies, and the ocean pact. Ministers will also review agricultural markets.
