This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Morocco-EU research agreement updated; maritime security commander appointed; Russia restrictive measures amended; EEA CBAM contributions agreed; UK withdrawal Annex amended.
October 05, 2026 to October 11, 2026
Morocco-EU research agreement updated; maritime security commander appointed; Russia restrictive measures amended; EEA CBAM contributions agreed; UK withdrawal Annex amended.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Fisheries (PECH): On October 12, the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries (PECH) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU and Morocco Update PRIMA Participation Terms
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2217 of 17 February 2026 authorises the signing and provisional application of the updated scientific and technological cooperation agreement between the European Union and Morocco. The agreement amends the terms for Morocco’s participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under Horizon Europe, following Decision (EU) 2024/1167. The provisional application enables Morocco to continue its involvement pending the agreement's entry into force.
EU Approves Morocco PRIMA Research Agreement
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2219 of 24 September 2026 concludes the Agreement between the EU and Morocco regarding scientific and technological cooperation for PRIMA. The Council noted the European Parliament’s consent of 8 July 2026. The updated terms align Morocco’s participation with Horizon Europe and extend the partnership’s duration until 2031.
Agreement on PRIMA Between EU and Morocco Published
The Official Journal published the text of the Agreement, in the form of an Exchange of Letters, between the EU and Morocco on 5 October 2026, amending the scientific and technological cooperation for PRIMA. The agreement details updated obligations, mutual assistance arrangements, and financial rules for continued participation under Horizon Europe.
New EU Force Commander Appointed for Maritime Security
Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/2204 of 24 September 2026 appoints Commodore José João Rodrigues Pedra as EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, effective from 10 October 2026. The decision repeals CFSP 2026/1060 and is based on prior support from Portuguese military authorities, the EU Operation Commander, and the EU Military Committee.
EU Amends Russia Restrictive Measures List
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2257 of 8 October 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2024/2642, updating listings in Annex I. Eight natural persons are amended and one entry is deleted, following Parliamentary concern on hybrid threats, notably from Russia. The regulation enters into force the day after publication.
EEA States Agree CBAM Financial Contribution
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2256 of 24 September 2026 establishes the EU’s position within the EEA Joint Committee to amend Protocols 10 and 31 to the EEA Agreement. The amendments enable EEA EFTA States to contribute financially to the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) across the EEA.
EU Updates Withdrawal Agreement with UK
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2234 of 1 October 2026 sets the Union’s position in the Joint Committee established by the UK Withdrawal Agreement. The forthcoming adoption amends Part I of Annex I to reflect new decisions by the Administrative Commission for Coordination of Social Security Systems.
EU and UK Joint Declaration on Windsor Framework
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2232 of 1 October 2026 establishes the EU’s position for a joint declaration with the United Kingdom on Article 5 of the Windsor Framework. The declaration clarifies customs duties application for goods moved into Northern Ireland and includes handling fees for distance sales.
EU Council
Environment Council Prepares COP31, COP17 Negotiations
Environment and climate ministers will meet in Luxembourg on 12 October 2026 to discuss the EU emissions trading system review and approve negotiating positions for COP31 and COP17.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU debates harsh working conditions for fishers: 'I had no other choice': EU policymakers consider reforms to address exploitation and improve labor rights for fishers facing dangerous and underpaid conditions.
