Decarbonizing European shipping remains a priority, and Brussels shows no intention of retreat. The war in Ukraine highlighted fuel-supply challenges and their impact on fisheries, observed Maja Kirchner, the Deputy Head of Fisheries Policy for the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea and outer regions within the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs (DG-Mare). Speaking at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) during a conference organized by Opromar, the Fresh Fish Producers Organization of the Port and Ría de Marín, Kirchner underscored the bloc’s commitment to boosting fleet efficiency to support sustainability. The discussion opened a pathway to new funding lines aimed at achieving a zero-footprint in the ocean [Citation: DG-Mare briefing, 2025].
“We need to explore how to adapt ships to cut energy use in the future, ensuring sector resilience and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This dependency can be a significant disadvantage, especially in the current energy landscape”, Kirchner stated. “We will explore how to jointly deploy other EU funds that could support this energy transition”, he added, noting that the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other instruments will be evaluated alongside the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (Fempa) [Citation: EC statements, 2025].
Echoing remarks from EC Fisheries spokesperson Adalbert Jahn, who described the Action Plan as one of the four documents in the EU Biodiversity Strategy being discussed in Madrid, Kirchner stressed that there are no binding objectives or new legislation at this stage. He pointed out a misunderstanding about the February roadmap in countries like Spain and France, which envisions reducing trawler fishing in about 30% of European waters by 2030. He urged continued dialogue with the fishing sector and closer cooperation with governments rather than a top-down mandate.
Make way for SPOs
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas used much of his speech to defend the fishing industry, noting that protected marine areas can be valuable but should be paired with regulation—not outright fishing prohibitions. He advocated reforms to empower local producers and streamline access to related support, all while reinforcing existing SPOs (sectoral producers organizations) [Citation: Ministry address, 2025].
On fleet energy transition, the EU Fisheries Council is slated to meet on July 17–18 in Vigo, a city repeatedly called the European fishing capital. The discussions will focus on financing for the industry as part of this refresh cycle [Citation: European Council agenda, 2025].
Fisheries General Secretary Isabel Artime emphasized that decarbonizing the sector is a key objective for Spain during its presidency of the European Council. The goal is to encourage sustainable and economically viable alternatives while ensuring the sector’s long-term viability. Portuguese Minister of State for Fisheries Teresa Coelho described fishermen as the stewards of the sea and warned against discriminatory measures in trawling policies. She stressed balancing environmental goals with the economic and social needs of fishing communities [Citation: Spain-Portugal statements, 2025].
At Opromar’s event, Juan Carlos Martín Fragueiro, head of the Port and Ría de Marín Fresh Fisheries Producers Organization, highlighted concerns about the lack of solid impact studies backing certain measures and warned they could provoke regional tensions. He praised the daily efforts of sea workers toward sustainability and lamented that fishing was not prioritized in Marine Area Management Plans (POEM) [Citation: Opromar remarks, 2025].
Javier Touza, chair of the Vigo Port Shipowners Cooperative (ARVI), spoke on behalf of the union, urging recognition of fishermen as equals in the value chain. He described the industry as peaceful, resilient, and deeply invested in the future of fishing families, and pressed for EC sensitivity in addressing these critical issues [Citation: ARVI statement, 2025].