The European Commission has published its annual report on EU fisheries, highlighting steady long-term progress toward sustainable fishing while warning of persistent challenges. Fish stocks are declining across the North-East Atlantic, Baltic, and Western Mediterranean. The EU fleet of 69,000 vessels employing 155,200 people is gradually shrinking to better align with available resources. Following fuel price spikes linked to the Middle East conflict, the EU unlocked €760 million in emergency support. A long-term Vision 2040 strategy is expected in September. Stakeholders may submit views on 2027 fishing opportunities until August 31.
In-Depth:
Today, the Commission published its annual communication on the state of EU fisheries, taking stock of progress towards sustainable fishing and setting the course for the upcoming cycle of fishing opportunities for 2027.
EU fisheries continue their long-term progress towards sustainable fishing. However, serious challenges persist for some stocks and sea basins. The number and size of fish stocks is decreasing across the North-East Atlantic and key commercial stocks face difficulties in the Baltic and the Western Mediterranean. Fishing – beyond other factors – remains a major contributor to the state of fish stocks. Efforts must therefore continue to improve the sustainability of the stocks.
The EU fleet now comprises 69,000 vessels employing more than 155,200 people across Europe’s coastal communities. The capacity of the fleet to catch fish continued to be reduced in 2025 reflecting a structural adjustment towards better balance with available fishing opportunities. A better-balanced fleet contributes to its own efficiency, profitability and competitiveness, which will ultimately support to attract the next generation of fishers.
Supporting fishers with EU funding
In response to the Middle East conflict which triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices, the EU activated the EMFAF crisis mechanism for the second time. This decision unlocked €760 million in direct compensation for affected fishers and aquaculture operators through Member States’ national EMFAF programmes. Member States may decide to offer this support and are responsible for administering and providing the compensation to operators directly.
To provide broader support, the Commission also adopted the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) on 29 April 2026, enabling Member States to grant State aid to companies in the fisheries, agriculture and transport sectors hit by the fuel price surge. Member States can cover up to 70% of the additional fuel costs incurred since 28 February 2026.
The EU has now faced two severe fuel crises within four years and responded swiftly through tarreceiveed measures, albeit short-term ones. The durable answer is accelerating the energy transition of EU fishing fleets. Cutting depfinishence on fossil fuels, improving competitiveness, and building the resilience requireded to withstand future shocks is as crucial as stock conservation.
The Commission is developing the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture – expected to be adopted in September, setting out a long-term strategy in which environmental and economic objectives are pursued toreceiveher. This strategy will support stable incomes and profitability and boost EU food supply, safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Enhanced socio-economic performance would enable the sector to invest in modern vessels and infrastructure, improve working standards, attract the next generation of fishers and aquaculture producers, and advance its transition towards innovation and lower environmental impact.
Next steps
Stakeholders, including Member States, Advisory Councils, the fishing indusattempt, non-governmental organisations and interested citizens are encouraged to share their views on the state of play and future directions of the fishing opportunities for 2027 by 31 August.
Following the public consultation and based on scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), as well as the economic analysis and scientific advice provided by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), the Commission will present its three proposals for the 2027 fishing opportunities: in the Atlantic and North Sea, in the Baltic Sea, and in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
The Council will then discuss the Commission proposals to reach an agreement on the total allowable catches for 2027 at its meetings in October and December this year.
More information
Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2027
Consultation: Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2027
