On 11 May 2026, the European Parliament published a set of ten amendments tabled by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group to the draft report on the multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea (A10-0121/2026). The amendments fundamentally reframe the narrative of the report, shifting the focus from fishing as the primary cause of stock decline to a combination of environmental pressures including eutrophication, pollution, and predation. The ECR defends the current management framework and challenges calls for stricter measures based on scientific advice.
The amendments, all proposed by the ECR Group, represent a direct rebuttal of the draft report's critical assessment of the Baltic Sea Multiannual Plan (MAP). The original text, prepared by rapporteur Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA), argues that the MAP has failed to meet its ecological and socio-economic objectives and identifies fishing as a primary pressure on the ecosystem. The ECR amendments systematically contest this framing, defending the status quo and emphasizing the socio-economic necessity of maintaining fishing activity.
the ECR deletes language stating the MAP "has not delivered" and instead claims it has "helped maintain fishing pressure in line with MSY levels." They also delete a recital stating that remedial measures under Article 5 of the MAP have failed. In a significant shift, the ECR downgrades fishing from "the main activity impacting the marine ecosystem" to one of "multiple overlapping pressures," explicitly adding "growing populations of marine predators" as a major factor. This shifts policy focus away from fishing effort reduction.
The ECR also removes references to ICES advising "zero catch" for certain stocks and instead frames bycatch quotas as a necessary tool for compliance with EU rules and the landing obligation, citing the need for "socio-economic sustainability." This directly challenges the precautionary approach. Additionally, the ECR deletes recitals calling for improved scientific knowledge on genetic stock structure and for avoiding overestimation of stock size, suggesting a reluctance to acknowledge uncertainty that could lead to stricter catch limits.
Interestingly, the ECR sharpens the criticism of Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs), adding that they have "favoured large operators, in particular large industrial vessels." This is a notable populist or small-scale fleet protection angle within the ECR's otherwise industry-friendly package.
The amendments reveal a clear divergence between the ECR and other political groups. The original text, likely supported by Greens/EFA, S&D, and Renew, views the MAP as underperforming and supports stricter measures based on scientific advice. The ECR defends the current framework and emphasizes non-fishing pressures. The amendments are expected to be debated in the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries (PECH) before a plenary vote. The Council's position on the Baltic Sea MAP will also be relevant in the ongoing policy discussions.
The amendments, if adopted, would benefit the fishing industry by reducing regulatory pressure and maintaining current catch levels, but could harm environmental NGOs and scientists who advocate for stricter conservation measures. The shift in blame to predators and pollution may also affect the aquaculture and agriculture sectors, which contribute to eutrophication. The ITQ critique could impact large industrial fishing operators, while small-scale fishers might see a potential rebalancing of quota allocation.