On average, around 10% of EU catches (but much more in the case of tuna species) are made under fisheries agreements with countries outside the EU, while another 10% are taken on the high seas, mainly in regions under the care of regional fisheries management organisations.
As the largest single market for fisheries products in the world, the EU also plays an important role in promoting better governance through a number of international organisations. This involves developing and implementing policy on fisheries management and – more generally – the Law of the Sea. The EU works closely with its partners from around the globe through the United Nations system, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), as well as in other bodies, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Fishing authorisations
All the "external" fishing activities of EU vessels, in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of third countries whether or not covered by a bilateral agreement (direct authorisations regime), in RFMO areas, in the high seas not under RFMOs, must be specifically authorised by the flag member state.
Authorisations are granted under predefined conditions (see Regulation on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets below) and have to be monitored constantly to check those conditions. Even outside EU waters, EU vessels must continue to follow EU control rules.
Fishing authorisations website
The European Commission's Fishing Authorisations website contains up-to-date information on fishing authorisations that have been granted during the last 10 years for EU vessels fishing outside EU waters and for non-EU vessels fishing in EU waters.
The European Union and Iceland held today a High-Level Dialogue on ocean cooperation in Reykjavik, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable fisheries, Arctic governance, and the blue economy.
Today, the European Commission has activated the crisis mechanism of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), allowing Member States to provide financial compensation to fishers, aquaculture producers, processors and retailers whose livelihoods have been disrupted
On 5 and 6 March, the EU as a Chair of the coastal states consultations on mackerel, called for a meeting with a view to continuing discussions towards a comprehensive sharing arrangement and ensuring the sustainable management of this ailing fishery.
Documents
Regulation on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets