– The Common Fisheries Policy should support the sector, not burden it. Currently, the Polish fishing industry, particularly in the Baltic Sea, is facing many challenges: poor condition of fish stocks, high costs of fuel, climate change and excessive administrative burdens. That is why we need simpler regulations, more flexibility and stable financing that will allow fishermen to invest, modernise their fleet and preserve fishing traditions for future generations – stressed Secretary of State Jacek Czerniak.

Future of the Common Fisheries Policy

During the debate on the assessment of the Common Fisheries Policy, Poland indicated that its environmental, economic and social objectives remained valid. At the same time, current tools need to be adapted to new realities, including climate change, rising operating costs, geopolitical pressure and the need to strengthen the EU’s food security.

Poland pointed to the special situation of the Baltic Sea. The condition of stocks depends not only on catches but also on non-fishing factors such as eutrophication, climate change and marine ecosystem disturbances. Therefore, a more comprehensive approach to fisheries management is required.

The Deputy Minister also pointed to the need to simplify the regulations, reduce administrative burdens and increase the predictability of fishing opportunities. This is essential for the stability of fishermen’s activities, investment planning and generational renewal in the sector.

The countries have indicated the climate conditions as well as third-country fisheries as factors significantly affecting the condition of stocks.

Stable financing post-2027

The Ministers expressed their opinion on the draft regulation developed by the Presidency and specifying the conditions for implementing EU support for the Common Fisheries Policy, Aquaculture Policy, Maritime Policy and the European Ocean Pact for the years 2028–2034.

Poland generally supported the partial general approach developed by the Cyprus Presidency. At the same time, we stressed that the inclusion of the fisheries fund in the new EU financial architecture must not deteriorate fishermen’s access to EU funds.

For Poland, it is critical to guarantee an appropriate allocation for the fishing sector. These funds should support fleet modernisation, energy transition, fisheries control, data collection, aquaculture development and the competitiveness of the sector.

Poland highlighted the need to ensure the conditions for the expected energy transition of the sector and for fleet renewal. Such support must be available to the sector without restrictions. A similar approach was presented by the majority of delegations, which stressed the need for energy transition and fleet renewal while maintaining flexible access to financing. The Presidency will continue its work aimed at developing a partial general approach so as to enter into negotiations with the EP during the Irish Presidency.

Sustainable fisheries in the EU: current situation and directions for 2027

Poland supported the achievement of the CFP objectives, in particular, stock management in accordance with the MSY principle, while keeping a balance between the environmental, economic and social aspects, which is essential for the sustainability of the sector.

In his speech, the Minister pointed to the special situation of the Baltic Sea, where the condition of stocks largely depended on non-fishing factors, such as climate change, eutrophication or marine ecosystem disturbances, which requires a more comprehensive approach.

 

He stressed the need to increase the predictability of fishing opportunities and to provide adequate financial support for fleet modernisation and energy transition, which would allow to maintain the competitiveness of the sector and strengthen its resilience to changing market conditions.

At the end of his speech, Minister J. Czerniak stressed that further measures should also foster the improvement in the economic situation of fishermen and support the generational renewal in the sector.

The countries have indicated the climate conditions as well as third-country fisheries as factors significantly affecting the condition of stocks. The rules for determining the quotas should be predictable. For the Baltic countries, herring, sprat and cod stocks are of key importance. In order to determine the fishing quotas, it is needed to base the decision on ICES advice. In order to ensure the stability of the sector, it is important to ensure financing from the European Fisheries Fund. The EC admitted that the landing obligation had not brought the expected results and would look for alternative methods.

Any other business

In the any other business section, Poland supported the need to analyse new control requirements in fisheries. We pointed out that the regulations had to be practicable and could not impose disproportionate burdens, in particular, on small and medium-sized enterprises.

Poland also referred to the future of the EU fisheries agreement with Mauritania. We stressed the importance of continuity of the agreement for the EU fleet and the need for the European Commission to continue to involve in negotiations with partners from West Africa.