European fishing industry body Europêche has been quick to welcome the agreement reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which includes extension of fishing access to each other’s waters until 2038.
The deal is set to be formalised in London by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
According to Europêche, this represents a constructive step toward stabilising post-Brexit fisheries relations and supporting long-term cooperation.
‘While the final text and specific access conditions are still pending, the agreement signals a shared intent to promote predictability, mutual benefit and closer collaboration in the management of shared marine resources,’ a Europêche representative stated, adding that the agreement will provide much-needed certainty for European fishing communities that depend on access to British waters.
In exchange, the EU and UK have agreed on measures to ease trade frictions, including streamlined sanitary and phytosanitary rules and checks, benefiting both exporters and consumers.
The fisheries provisions are part of a broader EU–UK package to deepen cooperation in energy and defence, signalling a renewed long-term partnership.
‘This is a forward-looking agreement that ensures long-term sustainability and mutual benefit,’ said Europêche managing director Daniel Voces.
‘The extension of fishing access until 2038 provides vital stability for our fleet and coastal communities, while the reduction in trade barriers supports both EU market access and food affordability in the UK. This is a clear example of what pragmatic and constructive cooperation can achieve.’
He commented that Europêche emphasises the need for continued collaboration and predictability as essential for sustainable fisheries management and for ensuring that seafood remains a competitive, safe and accessible food source for both European and British consumers.
‘Europêche hopes the new agreement leading to full reciprocal access will open a new chapter in EU–UK fisheries relations, enabling both parties to work towards renewed access to sandeel fisheries and fostering a constructive management of our mutual access to territorial waters,’ he said.
