EU fisheries ministers on 22 June 2026 debated a Cyprus presidency compromise text for the 2028-2034 European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), with fleet modernisation and the 'do no significant harm' (DNSH) principle emerging as the main fault lines. The proposed regulation would increase the ring-fenced Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) budget from €2 billion to €4 billion and clarify WTO subsidy rules, but several member states demanded deeper changes before a partial general approach can be adopted by end of June.
Spain led calls for a €6 billion budget and insisted that the DNSH principle must not block fleet renewal. France demanded a clear framework for new vessel construction, warning that current texts are insufficient. Italy and Portugal welcomed progress but sought further improvements on funding and consistency with the National and Regional Partnership Fund. Croatia and Greece praised the inclusion of support for new vessel construction, while Sweden opposed it, warning of distortion and sustainability risks. Germany insisted that fleet renewal criteria be written into the regulation itself, not left to guidelines. Belgium and Lithuania voiced concerns over budget levels and mandatory tasks such as data collection. Poland stressed the need for adequate support given crises in the Baltic Sea. Finland and Latvia called for clarity on DNSH and separation of Ocean Pact funding.
Commissioner Costas Kadis supported fleet investment under conditions that avoid overfishing and respect WTO commitments, but stressed that DNSH guidance should not be prejudged. The presidency aims for a partial general approach by end of June, with national planning starting in July.
The compromise text would have major impacts on EU fishing fleets, which could benefit from modernisation but face strict environmental conditions; aquaculture operators, who may gain new investment opportunities; national administrations, which must implement complex rules; and environmental groups, who will scrutinise the DNSH application. The outcome will determine whether the fund accelerates decarbonisation or prioritises fleet capacity renewal, with trade-offs between economic competitiveness and sustainability goals.