Overview
The analysis is based on the Council document (ST 16147 2025 INIT) and procedural data. The file is a legislative proposal (COD) for a regulation establishing the conditions for implementing EU support to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the European Ocean Pact, and maritime and aquaculture policies for the 2028–2034 period. The overall status is ongoing, with the European Parliament procedure at the "Awaiting committee decision" stage following its referral.
Legislative timeline
The legislative procedure is in its first reading. The file was referred to the European Parliament's committee on 23 October 2025. Recent calendar events include a Council 'Any Other Business' point in December 2025 and two noted European Parliament events on 17 March 2026.
Institutional handling
The lead committee in the European Parliament is the Committee on Fisheries (PECH). Within the Commission, the responsible Directorate-General is Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD), under Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. In the Council, the file is handled by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council configuration (AGRIFISH).
Stakeholder reactions
Stakeholder engagement has been extensive, with 77 documented meetings involving 51 distinct organisations. Meetings were held with Members of the European Parliament, Commissioners, and Commission staff. The most frequently engaged organisations include the Federación Nacional de Cofradías de Pescadores, the Confederación Española de Pesca, the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, the Estonian Marine Institute, and the Danish Fishers Producer Organisation.
On specific policy topics, stakeholder positions vary. Regarding 'Environmental regulation of fisheries', several organisations, including the Federation of Maltese Aquaculture Producers, the Active Fishermen Association, the National Fisheries Cooperative, and the Mediterranean Advisory Council (MEDAC), have expressed supportive positions that subtly favor competitiveness. MEDAC explicitly opposed further reductions under the Western Mediterranean multiannual plan. On 'Funding for fisheries and aquaculture', positions in opposition were recorded from MEDAC, which advocates against a single fund and for fleet renewal; Marine Ingredients Denmark; the FAIRR Initiative; and the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers, with these positions subtly or explicitly favoring more EU funding for the sector. On 'Nature protection and restoration', the Estonian Marine Institute expressed opposition, with a subtle preference signaled for environmental measures through a mention of the positive effects of dam removals.
Media coverage
Media monitoring identified one relevant article from Brussels. The piece argues that enforcing existing Common Fisheries Policy rules is more critical than rewriting the policy, using the Mediterranean and the Cyprus/Greece area as examples where stock pressures and enforcement gaps are highlighted.