Regions and cities oppose proposed cuts to fisheries funding

Local and regional leaders shared with Commissioner Kadis their concern that cuts would weaken coastal communities and food security.

During a debate with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, on 1 July, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) called for EU funding dedicated to fisheries, aquaculture and coastal communities to be maintained at least at current levels. Local and regional leaders warned that the proposed reduction in resources under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-34, risks undermining the resilience of coastal regions and limiting the sector's capacity to contribute to the EU's environmental, climate and energy objectives.

During the CoR's plenary session, CoR members emphasised that fisheries and aquaculture are economically, socially and culturally vital for many EU coastal, island and outermost regions, supporting jobs, food production, processing industries, logistics and tourism, while sustaining local identities, preserving cultural heritage and contributing to Europe's food sovereignty. In terms of policy implementation, local and regional authorities are ready to play a central role to deliver the the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and Ocean Pact's objectives, through fisheries and aquaculture management, innovation, training, coastal development and the enforcement of fisheries and environmental rules, ensuring that policies respond effectively to territorial realities and the needs of coastal communities.

In that regard, the CoR regrets that the proposed allocation for fisheries and aquaculture is the one that suffered the highest reduction in percentage among EU policy areas under the next MFF. The opinion led by Thibaut Guignard (FR/EPP), Mayor of Ploeuc-l'Hermitage, therefore calls for a guaranteed ring-fenced budget at least equivalent to the current programming period. The opinion also calls for a dedicated fisheries and aquaculture chapter within the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) to safeguard the visibility and autonomy of the CFP. To ensure that the future funding framework delivers for all territories, the Committee requests an ex-ante territorial assessment of its socio-economic impacts, with particular attention to remote areas, islands and outermost regions.

In addition, the opinion warns of the risk of substantial contraction of the sector and stresses that environmental sustainability and socio-economic resilience must go hand in hand. The CFP must have sufficient financial resources to address pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution in marine ecosystems, and generational renewal. The opinion also calls for greater investment into ecosystem restoration, decarbonisation, fleet modernisation and innovation, and for a strengthening of support for small-scale coastal fisheries, quality employment, safer working conditions, and gender equality.

Finally, local and regional leaders demand to be systematically involved in the design, implementation and monitoring of fisheries and maritime policies, in line with the principles of multi-level governance.

Quotes

CoR rapporteur Thibaut Guignard (FR/EPP), Mayor of Ploeuc-l'Hermitage: "Fisheries and aquaculture are strategic sectors for the EU, essential to ensuring food security, territorial cohesion and the development of coastal communities. Within the European Committee of the Regions, we call for strong, stable and dedicated financial support for the Common Fisheries Policy in order to address all the social, economic and environmental challenges facing the sector. We also support generational renewal and the strengthening of community-led local development approaches, as well as the key role of regional and local authorities in building a truly sustainable future for European fisheries."

Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans: "Local and regional authorities are key partners in shaping and delivering on the ground the Common Fisheries Policy, the European Ocean Pact and the Union's maritime and aquaculture policies. As we move forward with the MFF, we need a funding framework that helps coastal communities innovate and remain resilient and competitive. To achieve this, we must make full use of the new budget architecture to maximise available funds. A strong role for Regions will be key to turning these ambitions into tangible results."

Background

• Photos and videos from the Plenary Session.
• Follow the Press service account on X.
• The Euroepan Commission in July 2025 adopted a proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034. The new MFF includes support for the implementation of: i) the Common Fisheries Policy, ii) the European Ocean Pact and iii) the Union's maritime and aquaculture policy, as part of the National and Regional Partnership Fund (NRP Fund). The Fund is a single, shared-management instrument that consolidates multiple policy areas and operates via National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) and a single rulebook.
• In April 2025, the CoR adopted an opinion on the European Ocean Pact, led by Mätta Ivarsson (SE/Greens). More information.
• In June 2025, the CoR joined the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition, which was launched during the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. Press release.
• In June 2026, the European Commission published the first annual social report on fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors. It was presented in the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 22 June, during which EU fisheries ministers also held an exchange of views on the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy regulation (CFP). More information.
• The adopted opinion is part of a series of 20 opinions on which the CoR is working to assess specific aspects and regulations of the future EU long-term budget 2028-34: check the opinions' roadmap.

Contact:

Hélène Dressen

Tel: +32 471 50 27 95

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