COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2026

The European Commission published its Communication for 2026. The Communication  outlines the orientations for the upcoming Commission proposals for fishing opportunities for 2026, initiating the consultation process with interested stakeholders. The proposals will aim to keep fish stocks that have already reached sustainable levels at those levels, while helping other stocks recover.

The state of the Baltic Sea remains a significant concern, as fish stocks continue to decline due to various pressures. Certain stocks in the Baltic Sea are no longer targeted and may only be landed as by-catch. The Commission will continue to propose measures to address all the various pressures on fish stocks and improving the ecosystems conditions in the Baltic Sea. It is therefore crucial that Member States implement existing EU legislation, also beyond fisheries to allow fish stocks to recover.

eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0296

EU fish populations show signs of recovery, but more efforts needed as key species struggle – European Commission

Date Posted: July 3, 2025