Strengthening the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of Europe’s aquatic food sector

The European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries (PECH) is currently drafting an own-initiative report titled “The role of social, economic and environmental standards in safeguarding fair competition for all aquatic food products and improving food security” (2025/2010(INI)). The report is led by rapporteur Paulo do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, Portugal) and reflects growing political focus on strengthening the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of Europe’s aquatic food sector.

In November 2025, the EFFOP Board met with rapporteur do Nascimento Cabral in Brussels, where the draft report and implications for the marine ingredients sector, among other, were discussed.

The draft report addresses the role of regulatory standards in ensuring fair competition between European and imported aquatic products. Differences in environmental, social and regulatory requirements may distort competition and affect the competitiveness of European production and the report calls on the European Commission to ensure that imports comply with equivalent standards, and that trade and customs frameworks support a level playing field.

The report also emphasize food security. EU relies on imports for around 70% of its aquatic food supply domestic production should be strengthened and the resilience of aquatic food supply chains improved.

Fisheries, aquaculture and related processing sectors are recognised as important contributors to food security and the availability of high-quality protein.

Finally, the draft also highlights the importance of traceability and transparency across the supply chain, including mandatory labelling requirements and improved monitoring systems. At the same time, it acknowledges that European producers operate under complex regulatory frameworks and calls for efforts to simplify administrative procedures while maintaining high sustainability standards.

As an own-initiative report, the text does not introduce immediate legislative changes, but it signals future policy direction. Its adoption will contribute to shaping upcoming EU discussions on trade, sustainability standards and the competitiveness of Europe’s aquatic food sector.

The report is scheduled for plenary consideration, with a total of 249 amendments. The indicative sitting date is 27 April 2026, after which the European Parliament is expected to vote on the final text.

To read the full draft report please follow this link.