The Council of the European Union has adopted updated rules strengthening the bloc’s ability to act against non-sustainable fishing practices conducted by countries outside of the union.
The move updates E.U. Regulation 1026/2012, which governs E.U. measures against countries that allow unsustainable fishing of shared stocks. It aims to protect the long-term sustainability of common fish stocks, ensure fair competition for E.U. fleets, and safeguard the integrity of the European seafood market.
Under the revised framework, non-E.U. countries will now have a clearer understanding of the behaviors that could lead to possible penalties. The regulation also introduces a 90-day period for third-party countries to respond to E.U. notifications before any action is taken, extending the window for dialogue and corrective measures.
“The amendments provide clarity about the rules for identifying countries that allow non-sustainable fishing practices but do not change the type of measures that the E.U. will take against countries allowing non-sustainable fishing,” a European Commission official told SeafoodSource. “Non-E.U. countries will have a better understanding of the circumstances under which their actions could lead to E.U. measures, including import bans or restrictions of fish and fishery products.”
Commission officials also said the regulation will help create a level playing field for E.U. producers by ensuring imported seafood meets comparable sustainability standards.
“The regulation helps ensure fairer competition for E.U. fishers by making sure imported seafood is held to the same sustainability standards that E.U. fleets already follow,” the official said. “If a third-party country allows unsustainable fishing while failing to cooperate in the management of a shared stock, the E.U. could respond with trade measures or even port measures to block those products from entering its market. This is to prevent unsustainably caught fish from undermining E.U. producers who face stricter rules.”
If a third-party country fails to respond within 90 days of a notification, the Commission may proceed swiftly with targeted restrictions, though officials emphasized that dialogue and cooperation remain the preferred approach.
“The extended response period ensures that countries have a fair chance to cooperate,” the Commission official said. “The goal is not punishment, but partnership – acting against unsustainable fishing while promoting cooperation in the sustainable management of shared stocks.”
The Commission stressed that transparency will remain central to the enforcement process. Countries identified as allowing non-sustainable fishing will be publicly listed through implementing acts, ensuring visibility for seafood companies and consumers.
Beyond potential penalties, the E.U. will continue to work closely with countries outside of the bloc through regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), bilateral consultations, and capacity-building initiatives.
“The measures aim to ensure a move toward sustainability rather than being punitive,” the official added. “We regularly engage with partner countries to provide guidance on best practices and support alignment with international standards.”
The clarified framework could have significant implications for major seafood exporters to the E.U., including China, Vietnam, Morocco, and Norway, which supply large volumes of products linked to shared or migratory fish stocks.
The amended regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the E.U.’s Official Journal.
