Protecting the European eel in light of its critical conservation status

Priority question for written answer P-000846/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
César Luena (S&D)

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is categorised as 'critically endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the stock of European eel has decreased by more than 90 % in recent decades. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has been recommending for years that there should be zero catches of European eels. Despite that, their capture and trade continue to be authorised in several Member States, and certain regional authorities have recently rejected their Member State's proposals to strengthen the eels' protection.

In the EU, Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 establishes a recovery plan for the European eel, and legislation on biodiversity and fisheries control also imposes obligations.

• 1.Does the Commission consider the current national and regional management plans to effectively meet the recovery targets required by Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007?
• 2.Does the Commission intend to propose additional measures, including temporarily suspending the capture and sale of European eels, if scientific data continues to indicate a critical status?
• 3.What action will the Commission take to ensure that EU law is applied uniformly and to prevent subnational decisions from jeopardising the recovery of a critically endangered species?

Submitted: 2.3.2026