In a written answer on 29 June 2026, European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič defended the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) against criticism from the European fisheries sector, arguing that the deal achieves a balanced outcome for tuna products while opening new opportunities for EU businesses. The response comes after MEP Nicolás González Casares (S&D) raised concerns about tariff elimination on tuna fillets, potential negative impacts on the EU fishing and processing industry, and allegations of illegal fishing and forced labour in Indonesia.
The answer, addressed to a parliamentary question submitted on 17 April 2026, confirms that the CEPA was finalised in September 2025 and that the Commission shared all tariff offers with co-legislators and engaged regularly with stakeholders, including the canning and fishing industry, throughout the talks. Šefčovič stressed that the agreement includes strict rules of origin for all tuna products and tariff-rate quotas calibrated on current trade flows: 800 metric tonnes for canned tuna and 5,000 metric tonnes for tuna loins. For frozen tuna fillets, tariffs will be eliminated after a seven-year transitional period, aligning with most other EU free trade agreements.
The Commission also addressed concerns about health audits and labour standards. Šefčovič noted that a 2020 audit found Indonesia's official control system based on largely adequate procedures, with deficiencies addressed by an action plan and written guarantees that were positively assessed. He announced plans for a follow-up audit in Indonesia in the near future. The CEPA includes robust commitments on fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and on implementing International Labour Organisation core labour standards.
The answer provides no specific impact assessment of tariff elimination on the EU sector, nor does it detail support measures for affected industries. It reiterates that the agreement's texts have been publicly released and that the outcome was shared with co-legislators upon finalisation.
EU canning and fishing industries face increased competition from Indonesian tuna imports, with tariff-free quotas and eventual elimination of tariffs on fillets potentially pressuring domestic processors and producers. EU consumers may benefit from lower prices and greater supply of tuna products. Indonesian exporters gain improved market access, though they must comply with strict rules of origin and labour commitments. EU taxpayers and regulators will bear the cost of follow-up audits and monitoring of Indonesia's compliance with sustainability and labour standards.