Commission launches call for evidence to shape the EU strategy on fisheries external action

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to shape a new EU strategy for fisheries external action — a key step towards more sustainable and globally responsible ocean governance. 

The call for evidence will run until 15 September 2025, with the Commission expecting to receive a wide range of contributions from stakeholders, within and outside the EU, including from:  

• Organisations and individuals involved in the conservation of marine resources and wildlife conservation and management
• Stakeholders with an economic stake
• Academia 

The initiative follows the Commission’s commitment under the European Ocean Pact to steer global governance for sustainable fisheries as part of a strengthened EU ocean diplomacy. 

Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Kostas Kadis, said: 

 “There is no sustainable future for EU fisheries without a strong EU fisheries external action. As demonstrated at the recent UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the EU is more committed than ever to strengthening international fisheries governance and sustain the multilateral rules system for the ocean. The EU can be more effective in putting its ocean diplomacy and fisheries instruments at the service of more sustainable international fisheries, thereby upholding a level playing field. We turn to stakeholders to help the Commission shape the fisheries external action that will be fit for the future.” 

 The objective of the call for evidence is to receive input on the following questions: 

• How can the EU strengthen environmental, social and economic sustainability of fisheries globally?
• How can the EU enhance fisheries global governance and continue to uphold the rules-based multilateral maritime order?
• What can EU ocean diplomacy do to build strong regional partnerships in fisheries? 

Next steps 

The call for evidence will run until 15 September 2025.  The feedback received will be used to shape the future EU strategy for fisheries external action. 

Background 

As announced in the European Ocean Pact, the Commission will prepare in 2026 a communication on a new strategic approach to EU fisheries external action to outline the EU efforts to close gaps in global fisheries governance and reinforce the EU’s commitment to sustainable ocean stewardship.  

Among key actions, the Ocean Pact points to: 

• actively leading and advocating within Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) to uphold high standards of sustainability in fisheries management.
• proposing a new generation of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) that align with the EU’s wider regional strategies and priorities.
• continuing to lead by example through a zero-tolerance approach to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
• seeking the ratification and full implementation of international instruments such as the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (to prohibit harmful subsidies), the ILO Conventions relating to seafarers and fishers, and the Fishing Vessel Safety Standards established under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
• intensifying efforts to address challenges with 'flags of convenience'. 
• exploring how to improve the sustainability of imports of fisheries and aquaculture products under the Autonomous Tariff Quota (ATQ) regime.
• the importance of the provisional political agreement on the amendment to Regulation 1026/2012 which aims to tackle non-sustainable fishing practices.  

More information 

Call for evidence 

European Ocean Pact