The Council Presidency has launched a written procedure to adopt the second amendment to Council Regulation (EU) 2026/249, which sets fishing opportunities for 2026-2028 in Union waters and for Union vessels in certain non-Union waters, and also amends the Baltic Sea fishing opportunities regulation (EU) 2025/2454 for 2026. Member States must reply by Wednesday, 1 July, at 16:00 Brussels time, indicating YES, NO, or ABSTENTION, and may submit statements with their reply. The text to be adopted is document ST 10539/26 INIT (ST 10539/26 REV 1 for English).
This written procedure follows the Council's regular process for adopting technical amendments to annual fishing regulations. The original Regulation (EU) 2026/249 was adopted in December 2025, setting total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for 2026-2028 based on scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The first amendment, adopted in March 2026, adjusted quotas for certain stocks following updated scientific recommendations. The current second amendment addresses further adjustments, likely reflecting new stock assessments or changes in fishing opportunities in non-Union waters.
The amendment also modifies the Baltic Sea fishing opportunities regulation (EU) 2025/2454 for 2026, which had set specific TACs for cod, herring, sprat, and other species in the Baltic. The Baltic Sea has faced challenges including low fish stock levels, leading to reduced quotas in recent years. The amendment may introduce additional restrictions or adjustments based on the latest scientific advice.
The written procedure allows for swift adoption without a formal Council meeting, provided no Member State objects. If all Member States approve, the regulation will be adopted and published in the Official Journal shortly after the deadline. If any Member State votes NO or ABSTENTION, the procedure may be referred to the Council for discussion.
Stakeholders affected include EU fishing fleets, particularly those operating in the Baltic Sea and in non-Union waters under agreements with third countries. The fishing industry may face further quota reductions or adjustments, impacting livelihoods and supply chains. Environmental NGOs may welcome measures that align with sustainable fishing practices, while coastal communities dependent on fishing may express concern over economic impacts. National fisheries administrations will need to implement the new quotas and ensure compliance.
The adoption of this amendment is expected to be routine, as most Member States have already agreed on the technical adjustments during preparatory meetings. The outcome will be known after the 1 July deadline.