Two Green MEPs have challenged the European Commission over its failure to align fisheries management with international biodiversity commitments, warning that the EU is not meeting obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) or the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
In a written parliamentary question submitted on 12 June 2026, Rasmus Nordqvist and Isabella Lövin (both Verts/ALE) asked the Commission how it will change fisheries and ocean management using an ecosystem approach to halt biodiversity loss and restore ocean health. They also demanded guarantees that destructive bottom-trawl fishing will be eliminated from Natura 2000 areas, so that EU obligations under the CBD can be met.
The MEPs' question follows a letter of concern sent by Nordic nature conservation societies to the CBD Executive Secretary on 11 June 2026, a copy of which was received by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The letter highlights unsustainable fishing quotas and destructive practices in protected marine areas, linking them to specific articles of the CBD and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Agreement. The MEPs note that while the EU has publicly committed to swift implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, it is not fulfilling its obligations under the Convention itself nor making sufficient progress toward the relevant targets.
a shift to ecosystem-based fisheries management and a ban on bottom-trawling in Natura 2000 sites. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal whether it intends to tighten fisheries rules to meet biodiversity targets or maintain current practices.
EU fisheries operators face potential restrictions on bottom-trawling in protected areas, which could reduce catches and increase costs. Environmental NGOs would welcome stronger enforcement of CBD commitments. EU consumers may see higher seafood prices if domestic supply shrinks. National fisheries authorities would need to adjust quota allocations and monitoring systems.