The European Commission has published its annual report on the state of EU fisheries, demonstrating continuing long-term progress towards sustainable fishing, although serious challenges persist for some stocks and sea basins. Key commercial stocks face difficulties in the Baltic and the Western Mediterranean.
The EU fleet now comprises 69,000 vessels employing more than 155,200 people across Europe’s coastal communities. The capacity of the fleet to catch fish continued to be reduced in 2025 reflecting a structural adjustment towards balance with available fishing opportunities.
In response to the Middle East conflict which triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices, the EU this year activated the EMFAF crisis mechanism, the second time this has been done. This decision unlocked €760 million in direct compensation for affected fishers and aquaculture operators through Member States’ national EMFAF programmes. Member States may decide to offer this support and are responsible for administering and providing the compensation to operators directly.
To provide broader support, the Commission also adopted the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) on 29th April 2026, enabling Member States to grant State aid to companies in the fisheries, agriculture and transport sectors hit by the fuel price surge. Member States can cover up to 70% of the additional fuel costs incurred since 28 February 2026.
The EU has now faced two severe fuel crises within four years and responded through targeted measures, albeit short-term ones. The durable answer is accelerating the energy transition of EU fishing fleets. Cutting dependence on fossil fuels, improving competitiveness, and building the resilience needed to withstand future shocks is as crucial as stock conservation.
The Commission is developing the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture – expected to be adopted in September, setting out a long-term strategy in which environmental and economic objectives are pursued together. This strategy will support stable incomes and profitability and boost EU food supply, safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Enhanced socio-economic performance would enable the sector to invest in modern vessels and infrastructure, improve working standards, attract the next generation of fishers and aquaculture producers, and advance its transition towards innovation and lower environmental impact.
Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2027
