Luxembourg, 22 June 2026
EU fisheries ministers reviewed the state of sustainable fishing and opened the 2027 process for setting TACs and quotas. The Council debate highlighted progress under the common fisheries policy, but also persistent pressure on stocks in the Baltic, Mediterranean and Black Seas, alongside climate impacts, market volatility, fleet capacity, decarbonisation and future funding for fisheries, aquaculture and maritime policy.
Fisheries, 22 June 2026
Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2027 (in public session)
During the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, the Commission presented its annual Communication on the state of the common fisheries policy (CFP) and orientations for fishing opportunities for 2027. This was followed by an exchange of views on the topic.
The discussion initiated the annual process for setting total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas, during which ministers discuss Commission’s proposals, provide feedback, and outline national priorities for 2027.
The Commission’s communication highlighted continued progress towards sustainable fisheries, with fishing pressure declining in many sea basins and more fish stocks being managed at sustainable levels. However, many challenges remain, including the slow recovery of some stocks, particularly in the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean and the Black Seas, and the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation and market volatility.
The Commission also underlined the need to continue basing fishing opportunities on the best available scientific advice, while supporting the long-term resilience, competitiveness and profitability of the sector. Discussions also addressed stock recovery, fleet capacity, implementation of the landing obligation, energy transition and the socio-economic outlook for EU fisheries.
- Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2027
- Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2027 – Commission working document
Evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy
EU fisheries ministers held an exchange of views on the evaluation of the common fisheries policy regulation (CFP), the EU framework governing the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture since its latest reform in 2013. They provided strategic political guidance on the future direction of the common fisheries policy.
Ministers reflected on how to ensure that the CFP delivers effectively and in a balanced way across its environmental, economic and social objectives improving the practical implementation and workability of the policy. They also discussed how to ensure that the CFP remains sufficiently adaptable to future challenges and evolving realities.
- Evaluation of the Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy ( Commission executive summary)
- Evaluation of the Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy (Commission staff working document)
Regulation on conditions for Union support to fisheries, aquaculture and maritime policy for 2028-2034 (AOB)
The presidency provided a state of play on the regulation setting out the conditions for Union support for fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime policy for 2028–2034.
The proposed regulation forms part of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 and sets out detailed conditions for Union support for the common fisheries policy and related areas. It establishes, amongst others, rules governing the admissibility of applications and the eligibility of interventions.
All delegations recognised that work on the file has progressed considerably during the last six months.
In its various compromise proposals, the Cyprus presidency addressed member states’ key concerns by strengthening rules on support for the CFP, highlighting support to aquaculture, and ensuring continued funding for fisheries control and data collection. It also clarified WTO subsidy rules, thereby implementing the WTO Agreement on fisheries subsidies, which entered into force in September 2025. The Presidency clarified admissibility and recovery provisions.
In its proposals, the presidency paid particular attention to ensuring consistency with other MFF-related regulations, in particular the NRPP regulation on which ministers reached a partial general approach at the GAC Council on 16/06.
Discussions indicated that further reflection is needed on the subject of Union support for investments in fishing vessels, particularly in relation to decarbonisation.
The presidency will continue to work aiming to achieve further progress on this important file during the last days of its term.
- Regulation establishing the conditions for the implementation of the Union support to the Common Fisheries Policy, to the European Ocean Pact and of the Union’s maritime and aquaculture policy for the period 2028 to 2034 (Commission proposal)
- Regulation on conditions for Union support to fisheries, aquaculture and maritime policy for 2028-2034 (progress report)
Other items
- Regulation on production and marketing of plant reproductive material in the Union: state of play (Information from the Presidency)
- Regulation on the protection of animals during transport and related operations: state of play (Information from the Presidency)
- Preparation of the next MedFish4Ever ministerial declaration
- Implementability of EU control measures to maintain the competitiveness of the European fisheries market (information from Germany)
- European fisheries in Western Africa: future perspectives and the next steps to be taken (Information from Latvia)
- BSE monitoring (Information from Belgium)
- Bear population (Information from Romania)
Agenda highlights for 23 June 2026: Agriculture
Post-2027 common agricultural policy proposals: flexibility, subsidiarity and common EU objectives
The Council will discuss common agriculture policy proposals focusing on flexibility, subsidiarity and common EU objectives.
Market situation, in particular following the invasion of Ukraine
As a regular discussion item on the agenda of the Council, ministers will discuss market situation and the current challenges facing the EU agricultural sector.
Other items
- Regulation amending the organic farming regulation as regards rules on production, labelling, certification and trade: state of play (Information from the Presidency)
- Amending Regulation as regards the school scheme, sectoral interventions, the protein sector, hemp, marketing standards, import duties, the availability of supplies and securities (Information from the Presidency)
- Regulation establishing the conditions for the implementation of Union support under the CAP (Information from the Presidency)
- Regulation amending the common market organisation (CMO) Regulation as regards the strengthening of the position of farmers in the food supply chain: state of play
- 59th Conference of Directors of EU paying agencies (Information from the Presidency)
Practical information
- Meeting n° 4185
- Location: Luxembourg
- Time (indicative): 10:00
Live streaming
22 June 2026
23 June 2026
Preparatory documents
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- Provisional list of A items
- Provisional agenda
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Source – EU Council