The European fishing sector, represented by Europeche, an organization of which the Spanish Cepesca is a part, has had a meeting with Commissioner Kadis in Brussels in which the critical challenges facing European fishing were discussed, including sector funding, fishing opportunities for 2026, negotiations with third countries, and the new control measures. Regarding the EU budgets for the 2028-2035 period, the sector again demonstrated its disagreement to the commissioner over the lack of a specific, reinforced fund for fishing.
The president of Europeche, Javier Garat, has valued the conversations with Commissioner Kadis, which have served to find formulas to increase the funds allocated to fishing. “They are fundamental for fishermen to be able to continue investing in new technologies, guarantee safer and more dignified working conditions, attract new talent to the profession, lead the transition towards a low-carbon future, and maintain competitiveness in global markets,” Garat indicated.
Fishing opportunities for 2026
Europeche expressed to the commissioner the need to abandon zero-catch approaches, maintain ancillary quotas, and consider the socioeconomic impacts when setting quotas for key species. Regarding the Mediterranean, the fishermen highlighted the significant progress achieved through the reduction of fishing effort by more than 40% and the implementation of strict management measures.
Alert with the United Kingdom and Norway
Europeche reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation with the United Kingdom and welcomed the 12-year extension of reciprocal access to fishing zones, until 20238, but warned about new restrictions that could render this agreement worthless. On the international front, the organization expressed its deep concern about the poor state of key pelagic stocks such as herring, mackerel, or blue whiting, after years of overfishing by certain coastal states, in particular Norway, Russia, and the Faroe Islands. “Retail consumers and the market in general must continue to trust, trade, and consume mackerel from the European fleet, as it remains a sustainable choice,” stated the president of Europeche, Javier Garat.
