The fisheries sector requires a guaranteed, ring-fenced allocation from the EU budget to support fleet decarbonisation as part of the energy transition, as well as to strengthen aquaculture in the context of the EU’s urgent need for greater food autonomy, given that 70% of seafood consumed in the EU is imported from third countries. The Common Fisheries Policy must also address generational renewal and ensure a central role for local and regional authorities in shaping and implementing fisheries, aquaculture and maritime policies, given their proximity to fishers and coastal communities. These are the main messages of the opinion unanimously adopted by the European Committee of the Regions’ NAT Commission on “The Common Fisheries Policy, the European Ocean Pact and the Union’s maritime and aquaculture policy”, drafted by Thibaut Guignard (FR/EPP), Mayor of Plœuc-L'Hermitage and President of ELARD.
Addressing the European Commission, the rapporteur said: “It is time to accelerate the energy transition and achieve an effective food sovereignty by valuing the work of our sector. But this will only be possible with a sufficient, coherent and non-fragmented budget, which sends a clear message to the whole European Union, to our partners but also to our competitors. Thanks to multilevel governance, European regions must remain a key actor in the forthcoming definition of the funding of the Common Fisheries Policy, of maritime and aquaculture policy, as well as of the European Ocean Pact.”
The opinion underlines the essential role of local and regional authorities in supporting fisheries and aquaculture, given their competences in economic development, innovation, training, and coastal management. It stresses that these sectors are not only economic drivers but also key elements of the identity of many coastal communities.
Members express concern over the proposed budget for fisheries and aquaculture in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, calling for a ring-fenced allocation at least equal to the current level, adjusted for inflation. They also highlight the need for stronger synergies with EU research and innovation programmes to support fleet decarbonisation, sustainable seafood processing, and innovation in aquaculture.
The opinion calls for accelerated investment in the energy transition of the sector, including support for fleet renewal and the decarbonisation of ports. It reaffirms the importance of community-led local development and stakeholder involvement through local action groups in coastal areas.
Finally, the Committee advocates for a stronger territorial approach, including tailored support for outermost regions, greater flexibility for regions to act as managing authorities, and enhanced subsidiarity to ensure that funding decisions reflect regional needs and competences. The opinion also calls for the percentage of technical assistance to be increased to 6% of the budget earmarked for fisheries in order to ensure that it is implemented effectively and in line with local circumstances.
