Questions and answers on the Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture

Why is the Commission presenting the Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture now?

Fisheries and aquaculture directly employ around 200,000 people in the EU, with several hundred thousand more working in processing, distribution and retail. Yet, the sector is facing rapid and far-reaching change. Climate change is affecting aquatic ecosystems; energy costs are rising and competition for maritime space is increasing. At the same time, low profitability in parts of the sector, together with an ageing fleet and workforce, is making it harder to attract a new generation of workers.

The recent evaluation of the common fisheries policy (CFP) Regulation draws a mixed picture: while the report acknowledges some progress in reducing overfishing and strengthening fisheries management, it also shows that there are still shortcomings in sustainability gains. It also showed that the economic performance of the EU fleet has not improved as expected, while EU aquaculture production has largely stagnated. The EU also remains highly dependent on imports of aquatic food.

Against this backdrop, the Vision sets a shared direction for building a competitive, resilient and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sector by 2040. It translates the findings of the evaluation of the CFP Regulation into a strategic vision to overcome these challenges and bring prosperity and new entrants to the sector.

The Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture is also a concrete deliverable of the European Ocean Pact,  presented in June 2025. In addition, it responds directly to Commissioner for fisheries and oceans, Costas Kadis' mission letter which called for the preparation of a “vision for the fisheries sector with a 2040 perspective” which “tackles the issues that affect the fishing community, supports job creation in the sector and ensures its long-term competitiveness and sustainability”.

What will be the concrete benefits for fishers and aquaculture producers?