Europeche, the representative body for the European fishing industry, has expressed disappointment following the European Commission's evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The evaluation, released in early 2025, confirmed longstanding sector warnings that the CFP has not delivered on its socio-economic sustainability goals, particularly for small-scale fisheries and coastal communities.
The Commission's report highlighted that while the CFP has made progress in reducing overfishing and improving stock sustainability, it has fallen short in achieving economic resilience and social equity. Europeche specifically criticized the policy's one-size-fits-all approach, which they argue fails to address regional differences in fleet structures and market conditions.
Europeche is now calling for a targeted revision of the CFP, focusing on simplifying administrative burdens, enhancing market access for small-scale fishers, and integrating climate adaptation measures. The organization emphasizes that any revision must be based on scientific evidence and stakeholder consultation to ensure long-term viability of the sector.
The European Commission has acknowledged the need for adjustments and plans to propose amendments by late 2026. Europeche urges policymakers to prioritize the socio-economic dimension alongside environmental objectives to secure a sustainable future for European fisheries.
