In a written answer to a parliamentary question on 6 August 2026, European Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries, Mr Kadis, detailed the Commission's ongoing and planned actions for the Baltic Sea, but stopped short of committing to lower fishing quotas for 2027. Responding to a question from S&D MEPs Sofie Eriksson and Heléne Fritzon, Kadis emphasised cooperation with Member States to implement EU environmental legislation, including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and highlighted efforts under the Helsinki Convention to achieve good environmental status. He also pointed to the EU's zero-pollution agenda, targeting nutrient pollution, hazardous chemicals, and marine litter, with enforcement actions such as the evaluation of the Nitrate Directive and the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. On fisheries, Kadis referenced the 'Baltic project' with ICES to improve scientific advice and a three-year research project on ecosystem-based fisheries management in the western Baltic Sea. However, when asked directly whether the Commission would advocate for lower quotas next year, Kadis only stated that the proposal for 2027 would consider all relevant aspects, including the ecosystem-based approach under the Common Fisheries Policy, without giving a yes or no answer. This response follows the Commission's high-level 'Our Baltic' event in 2025, which was presented as a starting point for a renewed approach to the Baltic Sea's challenges, and a subsequent European Parliament own-initiative report that set out Parliament's expectations. The answer underscores a cautious approach, balancing environmental commitments with the socio-economic needs of the fishing sector. The Commission's concrete proposal for 2027 fishing opportunities is expected later this year, which will reveal whether the ecosystem-based approach translates into actual quota cuts. The response signals a continued focus on science-based management and pollution reduction, but leaves the most politically sensitive decision—quota levels—open, likely to be influenced by upcoming ICES advice and stakeholder consultations.
This approach impacts Baltic Sea fishers, who face potential quota reductions, environmental NGOs advocating for stronger action, EU institutions negotiating the final quotas, and coastal communities dependent on fishing livelihoods.