Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

Europe’s maritime economy is a cornerstone of its prosperity: the blue economy contributes EUR 250 billion annually in gross value added, supports 5 million jobs, and underpins the functioning of global trade, with 90 % of the value of international trade and 80 % of EU external trade transported by sea, and 99 % of intercontinental internet traffic carried through undersea cables.

Small-scale fisheries are the backbone of many coastal communities, providing economic livelihoods, preserving traditions, and ensuring food security, but face declining generational renewal and unattractive working conditions. In particular, the Mediterranean fishing fleet is predominantly composed of small-scale vessels, accounting for around 80 % of the total EU fleet in the region, and is already facing multiple challenges affecting the sector’s attractiveness and socio-economic sustainability.

The common fisheries policy (CFP) is an exclusive EU competence and a cornerstone of EU food security and environmental policy, built on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, regional cooperation, and science-based decision-making.

The EU has the largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the world and engaged already in safeguarding its resources for future generations. EU is thus uniquely positioned to lead global ocean governance due to its maritime size, economic weight, and legal and regulatory leadership.

Ocean diplomacy is no longer an optional foreign policy tool but a strategic necessity for Europe’s security, trade, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. A coherent EU Ocean Diplomacy Charter should be used to influence trade partners, create binding sustainability obligations, secure fair access to stocks, and make Marine Protected Areas more efficient.

Fisheries and aquaculture are strategic assets for food security and rural development. It is important to acknowledge the broader identity and role of fishers as custodians of the marine environment, contributors to environmental tourism, and drivers of local development in coastal communities. The environmental measures must not undermine socio-economic viability.

The over dependence on seafood imports must be mitigated through self-sufficiency policies by engaging third countries to meet equivalent environmental and social standards as well as to prevent unfair competition. Cooperation between fishers and other maritime stakeholders in areas such as maritime spatial planning, renewable energy deployment, seafood supply chain organisation, the circular economy, and diversification under the sustainable blue economy framework must be strengthened.

The trust between fisheries stakeholders and EU institutions must be rebuilt through improved transparency, evaluation, and engagement in policy development processes. It is essential the international scientific cooperation and an increased investment in marine research to address global challenges and support evidence-based policy making.

A strong cooperation with the United States is vital through e.g. the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), recognising the role of transatlantic partnerships in advancing ocean governance and science. The withdrawal of the US from several multilateral organisations is regrettable, which has weakened collective action.

The common fisheries policy (CFP) must be supported by adequate and stable funding to achieve its objectives.