The reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) must restore the balance between environmental, economic and social sustainability, simplify legislation, strengthen Europe's food security and give regions and coastal communities a stronger voice in shaping fisheries policy. These were the key messages from EPP representatives speaking at the conference "Charting CFP Reform to Secure the Future of Europe's Fisheries and Coastal Communities", organised by the Regional Government of Galicia in cooperation with the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) at the European Committee of the Regions.
Opening the conference, Jesús Gamallo Aller, Director-General for External Relations and Relations with the European Union of the Regional Government of Galicia, stressed that the current evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy offers a unique opportunity to undertake an ambitious reform that reflects the realities of Europe's maritime regions. "We have a real opportunity to rethink the Common Fisheries Policy for the next decade. Europe needs a policy that not only protects marine resources but also guarantees the future of our fleets, employment in coastal communities and the European Union's food security. Maritime regions must have a strong, structured and coherent voice in shaping this reform," said Jesús Gamallo Aller.
Carmen Crespo, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries, argued that the coming months will be decisive for the future of the sector and called for a simpler and better-funded Common Fisheries Policy that takes regional realities into account. "Now is the time for reform. We are at a crossroads and we must be ambitious. We need a simpler Common Fisheries Policy, an adequate budget, decisions based on the best scientific advice, and greater recognition of the role played by regions and coastal communities. Fisheries are also fundamental to Europe's food security and this must remain at the heart of the Ocean Pact," she said.
Francisco José Millán Mon, Member of the European Parliament, underlined that the future CFP must restore the balance between environmental, economic and social objectives while ensuring fair competition for European fishermen. "The Common Fisheries Policy must protect our marine resources while also guaranteeing the competitiveness and viability of the fisheries sector. Environmental sustainability cannot come at the expense of economic and social sustainability. We also need simpler rules, fair competition with imported products and much closer dialogue with fisheries communities," he said.
Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasised that the next Common Fisheries Policy should strengthen multilevel governance, provide sufficient financial support under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, modernise and decarbonise the fleet, and ensure that coastal and island regions play a central role in designing and implementing fisheries policy.
The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of regional authorities, Members of the European Parliament and stakeholders to build a Common Fisheries Policy that delivers sustainable fisheries, competitive coastal economies and resilient maritime communities across Europe.