Today, the European Commission presented its Vision for fisheries and aquaculture towards 2040, setting the direction for the next 15 years to strengthen the environmental and economic viability of the sector.
Titled ‘Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture’, the strategy aims to safeguard the livelihoods of communities dependent on the sector. Across the EU, the sector employs more than 200,000 people – nearly 124,500 in fisheries and almost 76,000 in aquaculture, with many more working across processing, wholesale, distribution and retail.
The strategy covers the entire value chain and seeks to provide the predictability businesses need to invest and grow, while protecting the aquatic resources and ecosystems on which they depend. It is built around strengthening both the supply of and demand for EU aquatic food and sets out key priorities to help the sector thrive: healthy ecosystems, energy transition, securing supply chains, boosting demand and securing a stable food supply, supporting producers and easing access to finance, while strengthening international cooperation.
Healthy ecosystems as the foundation for a strong sector
The Vision acknowledges and underlines that competitive and resilient fisheries and aquaculture depend on healthy aquatic resources and ecosystems. It also recognises that the landing obligation – obliging fishers to bring all caught regulated species back to port – has not delivered the expected results in monitoring of unwanted catches, notably in the way it has been applied in practice.
To address this, the Commission will consider the potential of technological innovation and fully documented fisheries, drawing on a dedicated implementation dialogue with stakeholders later this year. This can in turn help fishers, scientists and authorities better understand when and where unwanted catches occur, and design more effective, practical measures to avoid them.
Supporting the energy transition of fisheries and aquaculture
Until 2030, the main goal of the Vision is improving energy and resource efficiency, developing new technologies and skills, and using available clean fuels. From 2030 onwards, efforts will shift towards scaling up low and zero-emission technologies, supported by financing, infrastructure and fleet modernisation.
To support fleet modernisation and address the needs of the energy transition, as well as improve safety and working conditions on board, the Commission will consider how to better define effective harvesting capacity alongside capacity for social or environmental purposes.
The Commission will also update its 2014 guidelines for assessing the balance between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities. These measures will further support Member States in their ongoing efforts to achieve optimal fleet capacity management.
Securing Europe’s supply of aquatic food
The Vision presents measures to support the economic viability and resilience of EU fisheries and aquaculture.
In fisheries, this includes support for investments in more efficient and safe vessels, innovation and income diversification, promoting activities such as pescatourism.
In aquaculture, the Commission will prepare a legislative instrument and work with Member States towards a more coherent regulatory framework, offering businesses greater certainty and encouraging investment.
Encouraging consumers to choose EU-produced aquatic food
The Vision also seeks to boost demand for EU-produced aquatic food by supporting diversification and helping consumers make informed choices.
As part of this effort, the Commission will promote digital traceability for all products across the supply chain by 2029, strengthening transparency, trust and market value, while helping to align consumption patterns with the EU’s long-term nutrition and food security objectives.
Creating the right conditions for success
To help turn the Vision into reality, the Commission will launch targeted initiatives to:
improve access to finance, including through the proposed pound 2 billion minimum reserved allocation for core Common Fisheries Policy functions in the EU’s long-term budget for 2028-2034 – such as promoting sustainable fishing and aquaculture and marine ecosystem restoration – under future National and Regional Partnership Plans, support from the European Competitiveness Fund, and measures to mobilise private investment;
support small-scale fishers, including through the future Ocean Act;
strengthen research and innovation, including by expanding real-time monitoring, notably through artificial intelligence, to better anticipate future fish stock availability and bring science, industry and public authorities closer together;
introduce harmonised training and certification standards across the EU; and
prepare a Blue Generational Renewal Strategy to launch next year to help attract younger generations to the sector.
Acting globally to protect sustainability and fairness
The Vision also sets out an EU strategy for fisheries external action.
Building on the EU’s international partnerships and size of its internal market, the strategy will promote sustainable fisheries globally while helping secure a diversified and resilient supply of aquatic food in the EU. This includes stepping up the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, strengthening international fisheries rules, and developing a new generation of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs).
In its Vision, the Commission also commits to continue upholding a level playing field and protect the European fisheries value chain from unfair global competition.
The Commission now invites Member States, national and regional authorities, to translate this Vision into tailored measures that reflect local and regional realities.
Background
The Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture is a concrete deliverable of the European Ocean Pact which was presented in June 2025. It is also included in Commissioner for fisheries and oceans, Costas Kadis’ mission letter.
The Vision incorporates two key initiatives:
the Energy Transition Roadmap for fisheries and aquaculture; and
the EU strategy for fisheries external action.
It was developed through an extensive participatory process involving actors from across the value chain – including fishers, aquaculture producers, the fish processing industry, Member States, NGOs, Advisory Councils, young people and citizens – and builds on the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation.
For more information
Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture
Energy transition
External dimension of fisheries
Factsheet Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture
Questions and Answers
Website (dedicated page on DG MARE website)
Quote(s)
Europe’s fisheries and aquaculture sector is vital to the prosperity and identity of our coastal communities. With our Vision 2040, we are setting a clear course towards a sector that is competitive, sustainable and fit for the future. By supporting innovation, strengthening resilience, promoting fair opportunities and safeguarding our natural resources, we want to ensure that fisheries and aquaculture continue to provide quality food, quality jobs and long-term value for citizens across the European Union.
Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms
A fair income for fishers and aquaculture producers and a healthy marine environment depend on each other. When I took office, I committed to striking the right balance between the two through a long-term vision for our fisheries and aquaculture sector. Today we deliver on that commitment: a Vision to 2040 for a resilient, competitive and sustainable sector, backed by concrete initiatives to get us there.
Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans
Statement by President von der Leyen on Europe’s Northern Neighbourhood: A New Strategy for the Arctic
Good afternoon,
We have just adopted our new European Arctic Strategy. It was time to do so. The Arctic is one place where the tectonic plates of geopolitics are colliding. And it is not someone else’s frontier. It is part of the European Union. Three of our Member States are Arctic countries, and more than half a million EU citizens live in the Arctic. For Europe, it is also our Northern Neighbourhood: close, connected and very critical to our future. So when we see Russia rebuilding its Arctic military footprint, pursuing hybrid strategies against its neighbours, and reshaping the security of the Arctic: it impacts the European Union as a whole. When we see that sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rules that have underpinned stability in the region can no longer be taken for granted: we have to act and change our strategic posture. And, together with like-minded partners, stand up for these values.
Security is not the only trigger. Our strategy is also about the economy. As the Arctic becomes more accessible, it also becomes more central to Europe’s economic security: critical raw materials essential to our green and digital transitions, emerging shipping routes that reshape global trade, connectivity infrastructure that will define the region’s future. These are opportunities. Our goal is to turn them into prosperity for Arctic communities, while strengthening Europe’s economic resilience.
And there is another angle that is important to us: the Arctic belongs to the people of the Arctic. To the families, communities, Indigenous Peoples and young people who want to build their future in the Arctic. It is their home. This is why we keep them at the very centre of our approach. Their home is massively affected by climate change. The Arctic is warming nearly four time faster than the global average. As a global climate regulator, the Arctic shapes weather patterns, biodiversity and sea level rise worldwide. For Europe, the consequences are direct. Arctic warming is driving more extreme and persistent weather patterns across our continent. And it changes our ecosystems, agriculture and water systems. This is why our strategy maintains a strong emphasis on protecting the Arctic environment and advancing the clean transition.
Finally, and importantly, our strategy is about our partnership with key Arctic allies, such as Canada, and our many like-minded partners. We want to work with them more closely. On a peaceful, stable and resilient Arctic. On a prosperous and economically secure Arctic. Basically, on an Arctic that delivers for its people.
Thank you very much.
EU sets out a new Strategy for the Arctic
Today, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy presented a new Strategy for the Arctic. The Strategy presents a new framework of political cooperation for like-minded partners that places people, security, climate and prosperity at its core. It has four priorities: strengthening security and resilience, responding to climate change in the Arctic, prosperity, and opportunities for people and communities in the Arctic.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: ‘The Arctic is Europe’s Northern Neighbourhood – close, connected and critical to our future. And it is changing. New shipping routes and resources are driving strategic competition. With our new Strategy, we are investing in stronger security, resilient infrastructure and economic opportunities. For the benefit of the people who call the Arctic home, and for our shared space.’
The EU is part of the Arctic: more than half a million EU citizens live there. With the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland and Sweden as Arctic EU Member States, and close ties with Norway, Iceland, the UK, Canada and the United States, the developments in the Arctic directly affect Europe’s security, the climate, and our prosperity.
The Arctic is changing fast. It is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, affecting ecosystems, changing livelihoods and communities. New shipping routes and uncovering resources are reshaping Arctic’s security and economic landscape, resulting in increasing geopolitical tensions, strategic competition and military activity.
Following extensive consultations with Arctic stakeholders, the Strategy proposes concrete measures to promote a stable and future-proof Arctic, in close cooperation with Arctic partners, local communities including Indigenous Peoples and in their interest.
The new Strategy sets out four priorities in response to this evolving context:
Strengthening security and resilience in the Arctic
The EU will work with Member States, Arctic partners and in complementarity with NATO, to improve preparedness, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen Europe’s ability to operate in Arctic conditions, including by expanding European icebreaker capacity.
The EU will promote Arctic-ready, dual-use and multi-purpose capabilities that benefit local communities, the Arctic and the EU. It will also focus on long-term situational preparedness and responsiveness by ensuring supply chain resilience, protecting northern maritime borders, and safeguarding critical subsea infrastructure.
To advance shared situational awareness and vigilance, a new Maritime Security Hub will support Member States and partners in sharing information and improving monitoring of maritime activities in the Arctic. As a first step, the EU will support the establishment of an Arctic Cable Hub to monitor, protect and help repair submarine cables in the North Atlantic and Arctic. It will also invest in smart technologies to detect potential threats to this critical infrastructure. The Hub will be further developed to include tracking shadow fleet vessels, detecting illegal fishing and pollution, and improving search and rescue coordination.
Responding to accelerating climate change
The Arctic is experiencing climate change on an unprecedented scale, warming nearly four times faster than the global average. As a global climate regulator, these changes also have consequences far beyond the Arctic, including rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. These effects are being directly felt across Europe. From deadly heatwaves to changes in ecosystems, Europe is warming at twice the global rate.
The EU will strengthen climate research, observation and monitoring to better understand these changes and support effective responses.
Among other initiatives, the EU will work with Member States and partners on data sharing through OceanEye, the EU’s new ocean monitoring and observation initiative. This will help improve climate predictions, strengthen maritime safety and support efforts to adapt to climate change.
Building a prosperous and economically secure Arctic
Opportunities for economic cooperation are emerging in the Arctic in renewable energy, critical raw materials, dual-use transport, digital connectivity and sustainable marine industries. The EU will support sustainable economic development that creates jobs, improves infrastructure and connectivity to the benefits of Arctic communities and European businesses.
The EU will work to integrate European infrastructure, such as ports, rail connections, energy terminals, satellite and digital infrastructure into emerging Arctic trade and transport networks. This will create better connections to the European markets and beyond, while strengthening new supply chains.
Transport connectivity is essential for economic development, military mobility and regional cohesion. The EU will strengthen transport connectivity towards the Arctic by upgrading the European Transport Corridors to dual-use standards, and speeding up the implementation of the Rail Nordica project.
The EU will also support secure, resilient submarine cable connectivity through the Pan-Arctic Cable, linking Greenland directly to Europe. At the same time, it will provide secure satellite connectivity for government communications through IRIS² Arctic Connectivity.
Building on the already existing cooperation, the EU will continue supporting the Arctic to develop its renewable energy and sustainable minerals potential. In line with the 2021 Joint Communication on the Arctic, the EU’s position remains clear on ensuring that oil, coal and gas stay in the ground, including in Arctic regions.
A new EU Polar Research Hub will strengthen the link between science and policy. By reinforcing the European Polar Coordination Office, it will better connect research, observation and scientific infrastructure, improve access to research resources and strengthen coordination with stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples. This will support better informed decisions and scientific innovation.
Creating opportunities for people and communities in the Arctic
The future of the Arctic must be shaped together with the people who live and work there. The Strategy places local communities, young people and Indigenous Peoples at the centre of the EU’s approach, with a focus on education, employment, skills and social inclusion.
In this regard, the EU will strengthen Erasmus+ opportunities for Arctic young people through exchanges and skills development. The EU will also continue regular Arctic Youth Policy Dialogues and establish a Youth Sounding Board in Greenland.
Arctic regional development already benefits from over pound 1 billion in EU cohesion support for the 2021-2027 period. The EU will continue supporting Arctic local governments in addressing shared challenges and exchange knowledge on climate resilience, education, youth engagement and sustainable local development. As a concrete example, the EU will expand existing cooperation via the Arctic Mayors’ Forum, which will gather local governments from across the Arctic.
The Arctic is also home of vibrant democracies. They however face similar external threats, such as on the integrity of their information space. The EU will work with Arctic partners and communities to strengthen democratic resilience, including by countering foreign information manipulation and interference and disinformation.
The EU will also continue to deepen engagement and dialogue with Arctic communities, and in particular with young people, to ensure their needs and ambitions continue to shape the work in the Arctic.
Background
The new Arctic Strategy builds on the issues identified by the EU’s 2021 Arctic policy and responds to the major geopolitical, security and environmental changes that have taken place since then. The EU has longstanding political, economic, environmental and societal ties with the Arctic.
The Strategy was prepared following extensive consultations with governments, local communities including Indigenous Peoples, young people, businesses and researchers across the Arctic. This includes outreach by Jyrki Katainen in his role as Special Adviser for the EU-Arctic relations. These contributions have helped shape an approach that combines Europe’s strategic interests with the priorities and ambitions of the people who live in the Arctic.
For more information
Statement by President von der Leyen (will be available shortly)
Joint Communication
Webpage on the Arctic
Factsheet
Quote(s)
The Arctic is Europe’s Northern Neighbourhood – close, connected and critical to our future. And it is changing. New shipping routes and resources are driving strategic competition. With our new Strategy, we are investing in stronger security, resilient infrastructure and economic opportunities. For the benefit of the people who call the Arctic home, and for our shared space.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Arctic security is European security. More than 500,000 EU citizens live in the Arctic, and three EU Member States are Arctic nations. With Russia and China increasing their footprint and ambition, the Arctic has become a front line of global power competition. Our revamped Strategy reflects this new reality and puts security firmly at its core. To defend our interests, we are stepping up efforts in surveillance, infrastructure, military mobility, and defence technologies that can withstand the harsh climate. Access to Arctic sea lanes and natural resources is of strategic interest to the EU.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
For Europe, the Arctic is not distant. It is part of our Northern Neighbourhood. It is changing fast, and what happens there directly affects us. But it is first of all home to people whose lives are being transformed by the ongoing changes. Our new Arctic Strategy will strengthen our partnership with them to build a secure and prosperous future for the Arctic.
Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships
Commission welcomes political agreement on the future organic rulebook
The European Commission welcomes today’s agreement between the European Parliament and the Council to amend certain production, labelling and certification rules, as well as rules on trade with non-EU countries, in the organic sector. These revised rules will help consumers make more informed choices about imported organic products. Today’s agreement also introduces targeted changes to production and certification rules, simplifying and improving the framework for organic operators. These changes will support investments, create employment opportunities in the organic sector, and further develop farming practices with high environmental standards.
The revised EU framework for organic production and labelling agreed upon by the co-legislators will:
allow imported organic products coming from non-EU countries with equivalent systems to use the EU organic logo, provided they meet additional EU production and control requirements;
extend the current recognition of 11 non-EU countries under the equivalence regime until 31 December 2036, avoiding disruptions in organic imports and exports while trade agreements are negotiated;
adapt and streamline eligibility conditions on certification for small retailers and for groups of operators and their members;
adapt certain livestock and crop production rules, such as on poultry, feed, conversion period and veterinary treatments, as well as on the management of soil fertility in greenhouses.
The political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council is now subject to formal approval by the co-legislators. Once approved, this Regulation will enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Background
Organic farming is a key part of the Common Agricultural Policy, with organically farmed land representing 11% of EU agricultural land.
The EU sets out rules and regulations governing the production, distribution and marketing of organic products in the EU. The latest EU framework for organic production and labelling is applicable since January 2022. Following the Court of Justice’s C-240/23 judgment, adjustments were needed to clarify labelling of equivalent third-country organic products. While existing rules already provided a sound basis for a reliable and growing organic sector in the Union, it was necessary to make targeted adjustments to certain production rules to create a simplified regulatory framework.
Building on the input collected during consultations with stakeholders, the Commission’s proposal aimed to ensure informed consumer choice, enhanced consumer confidence, and fair competition in the organic market. Recognition of equivalent third-country systems would be extended until 31 December 2036, avoiding potential trade disruptions. The proposal also made targeted adjustments to production and certification rules, simplifying and improving the framework for organic operators.
For more information
Organic rulebook fit for the future
Organics at a glance
Quote(s)
Today, we delivered a swift and simplified agreement in the interest of both producers and consumers. This agreement will provide the clarity the organic sector needs to continue growing. Our producers need predictable rules and a level playing field. By adapting our regulatory framework, we are supporting the competitiveness of European organic production while maintaining its high standards. And we are strengthening consumers’ trust in the EU organic label, regardless of the origin of the product they buy.
Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food
Commission data shows continued growth in sustainable investments across the EU
Over pound 1.2 trillion has been invested in sustainable activities in the EU since 2021, according to data published by the Commission today.
Today’s figures highlight continued growth in the use of the EU’s sustainable finance framework. The sustainable finance framework links economic growth with decarbonisation by supporting the roll-out of clean technologies and infrastructure, especially in the energy sector. They strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and energy security by channelling investments into domestic renewable energy, electrification, and other clean technologies, thus reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The data shows that in 2025, over pound 320 billion was invested in activities aligned with the EU Taxonomy, the EU classification system that helps companies and investors identify environmentally sustainable activities. The energy sector accounted for the largest share of such investments, driven mainly by electricity providers.
The figures reveal that European Green Bonds are also gaining momentum. Since the European Green Bond Standard started to apply in December 2024, around pound 60 billion has been issued, including pound 21 billion in 2025 and a further pound 39 billion euro from 1 January to 7 October 2026, nearly double the amount issued in the first year. This points to growing use of the standard, which is a voluntary framework for bonds issued to finance sustainable activities aligned with Taxonomy.
Today’s figures highlight the important role the EU’s sustainable finance framework plays in supporting the transition to a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive EU economy. The Commission is continuing work on simplifying the framework to make it easier to implement.
Commission clears acquisition of Fnac Darty by EPG
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Fnac Darty S.A. of France by EP Group, a.s. (‘EPG’) of Czechia.
The transaction relates primarily to the retail distribution of consumer goods, including electronics and books.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its limited impact on competition in the markets where the companies are active. The notified transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12364.
Commission clears acquisition of MerMec by Siemens
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of MerMec S.p.A. of Italy by Siemens Mobility Holding B.V. (‘Siemens’) of the Netherlands.
The transaction relates primarily to the supply of rolling stock, rail diagnostics, electrification and signalling.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its limited impact on competition in the markets where the companies are active. The notified transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12478.
Commissioner Kos in Montenegro to attend the Berlin Process Summit and discuss the country’s accession process
Tomorrow and on Thursday, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will be in Montenegro to participate at the Berlin Process Summit and to discuss Montenegro’s progress on its accession path.
On Wednesday morning, Commissioner Kos will meet President Jacov Milatovic to discuss the latest progress on Montenegro’s accession path. She will then meet with Speaker of the Montenegrin Parliament Andrija Mandic to discuss Montenegro’s European agenda and the importance of political dialogue in advancing reforms. Commissioner Kos will then meet with members of the opposition parties to discuss Montenegro’s EU accession path and underline the importance of sustained political commitment and cross-party unity in advancing the country’s European agenda. In the afternoon, the Commissioner will meet Prime Minister Milojko Spajic to take stock of progress on reforms related to Montenegro’s EU accession.
On Thursday, the Commissioner will attend the Berlin Process Summit, where she will take part in discussions on regional cooperation, connectivity and the Western Balkans’ European integration. She will also meet European Investment Bank Vice-President Robert de Groot to discuss investment and support for regional development and European integration. Commissioner Kos will also meet Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti to discuss the latest developments in the country.