The Commission requests information on the future of the fisheries and aquaculture sector

The European Commission has launched acall for evidence. It seeks to gather the views of stakeholders, experts and citizens on the 2040 Vision for fisheries and aquaculture. The 2040 Vision will establish a 15-year strategic framework to address the structural challenges facing the sector and ensure its long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

The EU fisheries and aquaculture sector is crucial for European food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities. However, it faces increasing pressures: an ageing workforce, insufficient generational renewal, external crises, dependence on fossil fuels and the pressing need to exploit fish stocks sustainably. Vision 2040 aims to address these challenges across the entire value chain, covering fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic food processing.

Building on the commitments of the European Ocean Pact, the prospective study Fishermen of the Future and the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, Vision 2040 will address four interconnected dimensions.

• Demand for aquatic food
• Supply of aquatic food
• Personnel
• Infrastructure and financing

Vision 2040 will also address simplification, ensuring that objectives are achieved in a cost-effective and proportionate manner.

Have your say on the fisheries and aquaculture sector

The call for evidence will run until 24 March 2026, and the Commission invites contributions from a wide range of stakeholders, including

• Representatives of the fishing industry and producer organisations
• Aquaculture operators and aquatic food processors
• Non-governmental organisations and civil society
• Academic and scientific institutions
• National, regional and local authorities
• Social and economic partners
• Citizens

Next steps

The feedback gathered through this call for evidence will directly inform the development of Vision 2040. In addition to the call for evidence, the Commission is engaged in ongoing structured dialogue with stakeholders, including discussions on how to achieve a level playing field, strengthen food security, conserve marine biological resources, and drive the green, digital, and social transition in coastal communities.

More information: European Commission.