30 March 2026 10:53 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission reports Dialogue outcomes on small-scale fisheries

Key points

Dialogue finds small-scale fisheries vital yet structurally vulnerable
Commission to work on targeted EMFAF revision and improved allocation transparency under CFP

TL;DR

Commissioner Kadis notes small-scale and coastal fisheries represent around three quarters of the active EU fleet and more than half of total employment at sea.
Commissioner Kadis says the segment is structurally vulnerable and faces cumulative pressures including climate change, invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea, rising energy costs, market volatility and competition for maritime space.
Commissioner Kadis reports stakeholders called for simplification of EMFAF access, predictability of funding calendars, targeted EMFAF revision, and better alignment of support with operational realities of small-scale fleets.
Commissioner Kadis emphasizes the need for transparent and predictable allocation of fishing opportunities, consideration of preferential access to the 12 nautical mile zone, and proportionate implementation of environmental measures.

Original text

European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Kadis at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council: Implementation dialogue on small-scale and coastal fisheries Brussels, 30 March 2026 Dear Chair/Maria, Ministers, I would like to thank you for adding this point to the agenda of today's Council and for the opportunity to present the outcome of the Implementation Dialogue dedicated to small-scale and coastal fisheries. I hosted this important exchange with stakeholders on 24 November 2025. It gathered representatives of small-scale fishers, Member States, Advisory Councils, Fisheries Local Action Groups, social partners and civil society, along with previous Commissioners Karmenu Vella and Maria Damanaki. Small-scale and coastal fisheries represent around three quarters of the active EU fleet and more than half of total employment at sea. They are vital to coastal and island communities. They preserve traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, they enhance local food supply and support social cohesion where alternative economic opportunities are often limited. However, this segment is structurally vulnerable, with many vessels operating with minimal margins and profitability declining in several regions. The Dialogue confirmed that small-scale fishers are facing growing cumulative pressures, including climate change and stock displacement, invasive species — particularly in the Mediterranean Sea — rising energy costs, market volatility, increasing competition for maritime space and access to the resources. Innovation and generational renewal were seen as key to the future of the sector. The importance of ensuring a level playing field, both within the Union and vis-à-vis third-country operators, was also strongly emphasised, with participants pointing to inconsistent implementation and enforcement of existing provisions. Another central message concerned administrative complexity, particularly in accessing our European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. In this regard, Simplification, predictability of funding calendars and better alignment of support measures with the operational realities of small-scale fleets were identified as priorities. For this reason, I have instructed my services to work on a possible targeted revision of EMFAF. Environmental pressures and sustainability concerns were identified as intensifying risks for the sector and environmental ambition was broadly supported. However, stakeholders stressed that measures, including marine protected areas and decarbonisation policies, must be implemented in a proportionate manner, reflecting the limited environmental footprint of small-scale fleets. Access to fishing opportunities and the allocation of quotas were among the most sensitive and pressing issues raised, including a request for preferential access for small-scale and coastal fisheries to the 12 nautical mile zone. Stakeholders stressed the importance of transparency and predictability in allocation systems and called for the full and effective use of the criteria provided under the Common Fisheries Policy, including environmental and social considerations. This last message actually echoes the Communication for enhanced transparency and good governance in the allocation of fishing opportunities by Member States. This so-called vade mecum on Article 17 of the CFP published in November 2025 was a commitment from the 2023 Fisheries and Ocean Package and the 2025 Ocean Pact. Conscious of Member States' prerogatives, the Commission invites Member States to reflect on and improve current allocation practices by improving transparency and communication, promoting sustainable fishing practices and supporting small-scale and coastal fishers. The Communication and the Dialogue took place at an important moment, with the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation and the preparation of the Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture. The reflections shared by stakeholders confirm that small-scale and coastal fisheries are central to the resilience of our coastal communities, to food security, and to the sustainability of our blue economy. The Commission will use the outcomes of the Dialogue to inform ongoing analytical work and future policy development, including the possible revision of the CFP. I also expect that the Communication on allocation of fishing opportunities would serve as a basis for further dialogue and reflections with and within Member States. I very much count on your follow-up. Our objective is clear: to ensure that existing tools are implemented effectively, that support reaches the small scale fishers, and that environmental sustainability and economic viability go hand in hand. Nothing in that respect can be done without your commitment and determination. I look forward to working closely with all of you to ensure that small-scale and coastal fisheries continue to play their vital role in the European Union. SPEECH/26/755

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