Background

Fishing in areas beyond national jurisdiction is subject to cooperation among the countries that have fishing interests in those areas, in the framework of RFMOs. These organisations have the power to adopt internationally legally binding conservation and management measures within their area of competence. As a contracting party to 18 RFMOs altogether, the EU must enact the decisions adopted at RFMO-level into EU law, so that these measures apply to all EU fishingvessels. Only RFMO members have access to the fisheries resources in question.

European Commission proposal

The purpose of the proposed regulation is to implement into Union law measures adopted by a number of RFMOs over several years. With the bundling, the Commissionaims to simplify and speed up the legislative process, which in the past had seen delays. The measures proposed comprise conservation and control measures in view of the sustainable exploitation of marine species, and measures aimed at reducing the impact of fishing activities on marine ecosystems and non-target species, such as sharks. The proposal covers fisheries management measures adopted by six RFMOs: the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT); the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO); the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO); the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC); the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention (WCPFC); and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). It includes measures adopted up until 2024.

European Parliament position

On 29 April 2026, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement following interinstitutional negotiations. The agreement was endorsed by Parliament's Committee on Fisheries (PECH) on 6 May 2026 and is due to be voted during the September 2026 plenary session.

In line with Parliament's position, the agreed text highlights the importance of full and timely transposition of the measures, to ensure clarity, predictability and a level playing field for EU fishers. The co-legislators also strive to enhance readability and accessibility of the proposal.

First-reading report: 2025/0106(COD) Committee responsible: PECH; Rapporteur: Thomas Bajada (S&D, Malta). For further information see our 'EU Legislation in progress' briefing.