On 15 July 2026, the European Parliament's Fisheries Committee (PECH) held an exchange with Irish Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Martin Heydon on the Irish Presidency's priorities for July-December 2026. Heydon outlined three guiding themes—competitiveness, values, and security—with a focus on generational renewal, simplification, and food security. Key files include the MFF 2028-2034, amendments to multi-annual plans (MAPs), fishing opportunities for 2027, and the European Ocean Pact.
MEPs from across the political spectrum reacted to the Presidency's agenda. Isabelle Le Callennec (EPP) stressed the need for simplification, a level playing field with third countries, and revision of MAPs to avoid excessive annual variations. André Franqueira Rodrigues (S&D) questioned how Ireland would secure adequate Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) funding given proposed cuts in the MFF. Stephen Nikola Bartulica (ECR) highlighted the EU's 70% import dependency on fisheries products and called for measures to support Adriatic fisheries. Emma Wiesner (Renew) pressed for concrete action on CFP evaluation findings, Baltic Sea protection, and EU-UK/Norway consultations. Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA) urged implementation of precautionary buffers in MAPs.
The Presidency committed to working constructively with Parliament and advancing files swiftly. The committee also adopted an opinion on the MFF regulation by 17 votes in favor, 0 against, and 9 abstentions.
The debate exposed a cleavage between those prioritising simplification and competitiveness (EPP, ECR) and those emphasising sustainability and precaution (Greens/EFA, S&D). The EPP and ECR favour reducing regulatory burden and ensuring fair competition with third countries, while the Greens/EFA and S&D push for stronger environmental safeguards and adequate funding. Renew sits in the middle, calling for concrete implementation of existing commitments.
Stakeholders most affected include EU fishers and coastal communities, who face uncertainty over quota stability and funding; aquaculture producers, who benefit from simplified rules but may face stricter environmental conditions; and third-country partners (UK, Norway), whose bilateral negotiations with the EU will be influenced by the Presidency's approach to consultations.