On 7 May 2026, the EU Council Working Party on Fisheries Policy discussed ten agenda items, including evaluations, consultations, and negotiations affecting EU fisheries policy and member states. The meeting advanced EU positions on several international fisheries consultations and negotiations, with some items pending written confirmation or further technical meetings.
The Working Party evaluated the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) regulation based on a Commission Staff Working Document. Delegations stressed expanding the discussion to include control, technical measures, multiannual plans, and EMFAF funding, as well as challenges like fleet aging, decarbonisation, competitiveness, and food security. This evaluation is part of the ongoing review of the CFP, which was last reformed in 2013.
Regarding the OECD Committee of Fisheries meeting scheduled for 18-19 May 2026 in Paris, eight delegations supported the proposed EU positions, while two entered scrutiny reservations. Written comments are due the following Monday.
The Working Party agreed on a non-paper containing EU positions for upcoming sprat consultations with the UK and Norway. This follows the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which provides for annual consultations on shared stocks.
On the EU-Mauritania Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA), the Commission debriefed on the state of play and next steps for a new protocol. The current protocol expires in November 2026.
The Commission briefed the Working Party on the Port State Measures (PSMA) Technical Working Group meeting scheduled for 8-12 June, with one delegation commenting.
For EU-UK consultations on the joint management of brown crab, a revised Presidency compromise was examined. A written consultation will confirm agreement, with two delegations entering scrutiny reservations.
On EU-UK consultations on rebuilding strategies, a revised compromise was examined. Four delegations expressed positive scrutiny reservations, and a written consultation will follow.
The Working Party noted a revised draft EU statement for the UNFSA ICSP 2026, with further comments to be submitted to the Commission. A coordination meeting is set for 20 May in New York.
Regarding the EU-Greenland SFPA, the Working Party discussed an experimental cod fishery for 2026 in Northeast Greenland. A technical meeting with member states will identify next steps.
EU fisheries administrations will need to prepare for upcoming consultations and negotiations, particularly on sprat and brown crab. The fishing industry in affected member states may face quota adjustments depending on outcomes. The CFP evaluation could lead to regulatory changes affecting fleet modernization and decarbonisation. EU taxpayers fund the SFPA protocols, which provide access to third-country waters for EU vessels.