EFFAB welcomes the Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2040
20 October 202620 October 2026 – The European Commission has published its Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2040 setting the strategic direction for the next 15 years to strengthen the environmental and economic viability, resilience and competitiveness of the sector. The Vision is a concrete deliverable of the European Ocean Pact and builds on the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation.
EFFAB welcomes the Vision and expects it to be consistent with the Commission’s broader strategic direction for the agri-food sector, as outlined in Future-proofing EU agri-food through AgRI 2040 and Food 2040. In particular, the two initiatives should be complementary in their approach to research and innovation, sustainability, competitiveness and strategic autonomy, recognising the contribution of animal breeding and genetic improvement to resilient and sustainable food production, including in aquaculture.
Key points of the Vision:
The European Commission’s Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture is structured around six key priorities: healthy ecosystems, helping consumers choose EU-produced aquatic food, global sustainability and fairness, securing the EU’s supply of aquatic food, creating viable businesses, and supporting the energy transition.
To support these priorities, the Commission announced several targeted initiatives, including a legislative proposal by the end of 2027 to address barriers to EU aquaculture development and establish a clearer, simpler and more coherent regulatory and administrative framework. An EU Initiative on Sustainable Aquaculture is also planned for 2027 to improve coordination and support sustainable growth.
The Commission will further develop the EU framework for the welfare of farmed aquatic animals, covering all stages of production.
In cooperation with Member States, the Commission will also promote links between aquaculture, fisheries, agriculture and territorial development, improve environmental and climate performance, support alternative feed ingredients and increase hatchery capacity. Further priorities include strengthening producer organisations and improving value-chain integration, particularly for small-scale aquaculture producers.