The European Union has formally signed into law a regulation strengthening its capacity to address unsustainable fishing practices by third countries, marking a significant evolution in EU fisheries governance and trade policy. The new framework provides the European Commission with a clearer legal basis to impose trade measures, including import restrictions, against nations that overexploit shared fish stocks or fail to engage with international fisheries management organisations.
Until now, the regulation had only been applied once, in 2013 against the Faroe Islands. The updated law, championed by S&D MEP Thomas Bajada, expands coverage to all EU waters, including the Mediterranean, and compels the Commission to act when countries are deemed to have “failed to cooperate,” a term now defined in EU legislation. “We’ve turned the EU single market into a tool for fairness at sea,” Bajada said, highlighting both economic and social objectives.
The EU is the largest market globally for fisheries and aquaculture products, sourcing approximately 70% of its consumption from outside the bloc. By leveraging this market strength, the new regulation is designed to incentivise compliance with sustainable practices. Bajada explained: “This sends a clear signal: unsustainable fishing or side-lining the EU in negotiations carries market consequences. The rules protect fishers across all sea basins, reinforce Europe’s competitiveness, and support broader international efforts towards ocean sustainability.”
Key provisions include compliance deadlines of 90 days for third countries responding to EU requests. Criteria for action now cover unilateral quota-setting, refusal to consult, exclusion of coastal states, and non-enforcement of regional fisheries management organisation (RFMO) rules. The regulation also establishes the first EU definition of “best available scientific advice,” strengthening science-based governance. Additionally, the Commission is required to pursue non-compliance cases through international enforcement mechanisms.
The regulation addresses long-standing concerns among the Mediterranean fishing community, who have historically felt underrepresented in EU enforcement. By anchoring regional realities into the law, the Parliament seeks to balance the playing field for fishers from Malta, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus. “For fishers in these areas, this is about dignity, livelihoods, and fairness,” Bajada noted, reflecting the social dimension alongside market and environmental considerations.
The law enters into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. Analysts predict it will serve as a benchmark for future EU-third country fisheries discussions and may provide a template for sustainability-linked trade measures in other sectors where environmental standards intersect with market access.
By combining trade leverage with clear compliance requirements and scientific guidance, the EU aims to enhance accountability in global fisheries management while supporting domestic industry and protecting the interests of its fishing communities. The regulation signals a strengthened EU stance on sustainable fisheries, ensuring that external partners recognise both the ecological and economic stakes of overfishing.
