The EU Council on 22 June 2026 debated the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) evaluation, revealing a divide between member states that defend the 2013 framework and those calling for targeted revision. Denmark, Finland, and Bulgaria backed the current CFP, while France, Belgium, and Germany pushed for changes. Spain, Italy, and Latvia urged stronger socio-economic weighting, whereas Denmark and Sweden insisted on conservation-first. On fleet renewal, Portugal, Spain, and Germany called for updating capacity rules to enable decarbonisation, but Commissioner Costas Kadis stressed that capacity must balance with fishing opportunities. On fisheries control, most delegations (Portugal, Greece, Italy) demanded simplification and flexibility, while Denmark and Sweden supported remote monitoring. The landing obligation drew criticism from Portugal, Croatia, and Belgium, but Denmark defended it. Aquaculture growth was backed by Hungary, Austria, and Czechia, with Kadis noting limits of non-binding tools. On MedFish4Ever, Greece, Spain, and Italy supported continued cooperation but Italy demanded stricter compliance. On Mauritania SFPAs, Latvia, Lithuania, and Spain warned that sharp reductions would harm EU fleets, while Kadis insisted on scientific and financial responsibility. Broad consensus emerged on simplification, fleet modernisation, regionalisation, and sustainable aquaculture. Next steps include a Vision 2040 strategy, external action strategy, energy transition roadmap, and possible CFP amendments. Affected stakeholders include EU fishers, aquaculture operators, small-scale fleets, coastal communities, and third-country partners.
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EU Matrix analysis