The European Commission has opened up a call for evidence period on its Vision 2040 policy as it works toward a 15-year framework for fisheries and aquaculture.
European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis called for establishing a 2040 Vision for the fisheries sector in 2024, suggesting that that the European Union needs to ensure the industry’s “long-term competitiveness and sustainability.”
“The E.U. fisheries and aquaculture sector are crucial for European food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities,” the commission stated in its announcement. “Yet they face mounting pressures: an ageing workforce, insufficient generational renewal, external shocks, fossil fuel dependency, and the pressing need to harvest fish stocks sustainably. The Vision 2040 aims to address these challenges across the entire value chain, covering fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic food processing.”
According to the commission, the Vision 2040 framework will build on the European Ocean Pact – which was launched in June 2025 – and the Fishers of the Future study by addressing four interconnected issues: aquatic food demand, aquatic food supply, workforce, and infrastructure and financing. Contributions will be accepted through 24 March.
“Feedback collected through this call for evidence will directly inform the development of the Vision 2040,” the commission stated in its announcement. “In addition to the call for evidence, the Commission is engaged in ongoing structured dialogue with stakeholders, including discussions on achieving a level playing field, strengthening food security, conserving marine biological resources, and driving the green, digital, and social transition in coastal communities.”
The announcement comes shortly after the commission announced the creation of a European Ocean Board to advise Kadis on rolling out the European Ocean Pact.
“Last year, I made very clear that the European Ocean Pact won’t be a message in a bottle, and I have been acting on that promise,” Kadis said in a social media post. “We are creating the European Ocean Board for experts to advise me on the implementation of the Ocean Pact. Applications are open until 10 March and I encourage you to apply.”
The board will be made up of up to 25 members who will serve terms of up to five years.
The commission also has calls for evidence open for the EU Ocean Observation Initiative and the EU Strategy for Coastal Communities.
