Association of National Organisations of Fishing Enterprises in the European Union

EU Legislative Interests

Sustainability The EU blue economy supports 5.4 million jobs and generates nearly €500 billion annually, with fisheries employing over 400,000 people. In line with the EU Ocean Pact and the Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2040, sustainability must balance environmental protection with economic and social viability. The MFF 2028–2034 should provide stable funding to support fleet modernisation, decarbonisation and innovation, while safeguarding fish stocks for future generations. Food Security EU fisheries are a strategic pillar of Europe’s food security, providing high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood under the world’s highest standards. As recognised in the Ocean Pact, strengthening EU fisheries production capacity while reducing environmental impacts is essential to food sovereignty and resilient food systems. Common Fisheries Policy A future revision of the CFP should rebalance fisheries goals, while boosting competitive and resilient fisheries. Policies must be science-based, regionally adapted and supported by adequate funding under the MFF 2028–2034 to ensure effective implementation. Marine Protection Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems is central to the Ocean Pact. Fisheries management must continue ensuring healthy fish populations and resilient marine habitats through proportionate, ecosystem-based measures supported by sound science. The EU must try to make environmental protection compatible with human activity and in particular with the much-needed production of low-carbon seafood. Governance and Science Given the diversity of EU fisheries, decision-making should be regionalised and adaptive. Management must be grounded in robust biological, social and economic science, ensuring policies reflect operational realities. Future Workforce To address the ageing workforce and the fleet, the EU, particularly through the MFF 2028–2034, must support generational and fleet renewal and harmonised EU standards to enable workforce mobility and attract young fishers.

Communication Activities

Involvement in promotion of policies and best practices to improve science, decarbonisation, responsible fishing, seafood consumption, safety at sea, working conditions and fight against illegal fishing: https://europeche.chil.me/post/479291/eu-social-partners-unveil-new-tools-to-strengthen-the-social-dimension-of-the-co https://europeche.chil.me/post/eu-tuna-purse-seine-fleet-representatives-and-scientists-to-continue-collaborati-456896 https://shorturl.at/ro9aI https://europeche.chil.me/post/europeche-leads-global-efforts-to-decarbonise-the-fishing-sector-444978 https://europeche.chil.me/post/european-strategic-seafood-alliance-launched-at-seafood-expo-with-a-united-call--461743

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members

Member Of

Europêche has a close work relationship with ETF and Copa-Cogeca within the EU Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for sea fisheries, and closely collaborates with other key EU fisheries stakeholder organisations. In addition, Europêche is involved in the work of the EU Advisory Councils (ACs), being a full member of the Long Distance AC, the Market AC and the CCRUP. Europeche participates as obeserver in several RFMOs such as ICCAT and IOTC. Europêche is represented in various international committees and organisations such as the OSPAR Commission,ILO, FAO / COFI, the General Assembly of the United Nations, CITES, CBD, and ICFA.

Organisation Members

http://europeche.chil.me/our-members

Additional Information

EU projects aimed at improving sustainable training, safety on board and working conditions on board fishing vessels. Also projects aimed at improving the management of maritime spatial planning.