The European Parliament on 9 July 2026 debated the Commission's evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) ten years after the 2013 reform, exposing a split between those calling for targeted amendments and those demanding a fundamental overhaul. Commissioner Costas Kadis confirmed the CFP's objectives remain valid but acknowledged weak delivery on stock recovery, the landing obligation, and resilience to crises. The vote on a resolution is scheduled for the next part-session.
Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA) argued that implementation failures were the core problem, while Gabriel Mato (EPP) and Ton Diepeveen (PfE) pushed for a paradigm shift. On simplification, Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP) pressed for rapid action, whereas Anja Hazekamp (The Left) warned against weakening environmental rules. The landing obligation divided speakers: Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) called for its withdrawal, while Lövin defended the no-discard principle. Environmental precaution versus competitiveness saw Karin Karlsbro (Renew) urging science-based Baltic action, while Stephen Nikola Bartulica (ECR) highlighted import dependence. Fleet renewal and capacity restraint were contested, with André Franqueira Rodrigues (S&D) supporting modernisation and Lövin warning against overcapacity. Small-scale fisheries received broad support, with Luke Ming Flanagan (The Left) calling for more quota allocation. On third-country competition, Jessica Polfjärd (EPP) demanded tougher action against Russia. Kadis confirmed the Commission will weigh options, including a targeted CFP amendment, with modernisation, decarbonisation, generational renewal, and simplification as priorities.
The debate revealed a moderate-to-substantial divide between centre-right and centre-left groups. The EPP and PfE favour fundamental reform, while S&D and Greens/EFA lean toward targeted fixes. The landing obligation and fleet capacity remain the most contentious issues. Stakeholders most affected include fishers (facing regulatory uncertainty), coastal communities (dependent on small-scale fisheries), fish processors (affected by import competition), and third-country trading partners (potential new restrictions). The upcoming vote will signal Parliament's position ahead of any Commission legislative proposal.