Commissioner Kadis has defended the robustness of EU controls against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing imports, responding to a parliamentary question from Spanish MEP Nicolás González Casares (S&D). Kadis stressed that fishery products entering the EU must pass both food safety and IUU checks, and that the catch certification scheme under the IUU Regulation provides a legal framework to block illegal products. The answer aims to reassure stakeholders—particularly EU fishing fleets facing unfair competition—that existing systems are adequate, while implicitly acknowledging that no immediate legislative changes are planned.
The question, submitted on 17 February 2026, raised concerns about two Ghanaian-flagged vessels whose fishing licences had been suspended by Ghanaian authorities yet remained listed as authorised in the EU's TRACES (IMSOC) system. González Casares questioned whether the EU's systems were robust enough to prevent IUU products from entering the market and whether automatic delisting should occur when a licence is suspended.
Kadis clarified that TRACES is a sanitary listing, not a fisheries control tool, and that inclusion does not imply a valid fishing licence. He explained that catch certificates must confirm legal catch, and Member States can request verifications from third countries if concerns arise; if unsatisfied, they must reject the products. The answer contains no concrete proposals for system changes, instead reiterating existing procedures and the role of Member States in enforcement.
The Commission signals confidence in the current framework and resists calls for automatic delisting, emphasising that the catch certificate system already provides safeguards. This suggests a preference for maintaining the status quo rather than introducing new automation or centralised controls.
No immediate legislative initiative is indicated. The Commission may continue to rely on Member State enforcement and bilateral cooperation with third countries. The issue may resurface if further incidents occur or if the European Parliament pushes for a review of the IUU Regulation.