The negotiated solutions ensure that the most important Polish demands regarding the Baltic Sea have been fully reflected in the EU arrangements for the coming years.

– We do everything to ensure that Polish fishermen have stable and predictable working conditions. Today’s findings show that Poland is able to effectively defend its interests and present arguments based on facts. Protecting small-scale fisheries and maintaining reasonable rules of fishing in the Baltic Sea are a priority for us. I am glad that this has been clearly reflected in the decisions of the Council of the EU – stressed Minister Stefan Krajewski.

Key decisions: protection of small-scale fishermen in the Baltic Sea

One of the most important subjects was the European Commission’s proposal to prohibit the use of gillnets in the western part of the Baltic Sea (Subarea 24). Poland strongly stressed that such a solution would be disproportionate, not based on the real impact of fishing in that area and not useful from the point of view of protection of common sole. It was pointed out that Polish small-scale fishermen operating in this area did not fish for common sole, so covering them with the prohibition would have no scientific justification.

The delegation pointed to the need to apply precision measures, based on ICES advice and adapted to the actual locations where common sole was present.

As a result of these arguments, the Council of the EU decided to exclude Subarea 24 from the proposed prohibition, which allowed to maintain the economic stability of small-scale fisheries in the Baltic Sea and secured jobs in coastal communities.

– These were very difficult negotiations, but we consistently fought for the Polish position and presented specific scientific data. Thanks to this, we managed to convince our partners to solutions that are reasonable, proportionate and do not strike upon Polish fishermen. Exclusion of Subarea 24 is a real result of our work and proof that it is worth undertaking firm conversations when the future of our coastal communities is at stake – said the Secretary of State Jacek Czerniak.

Poland supports a scientific approach to fishing quotas

During the discussion, Poland confirmed its support for the general direction of the proposed regulations on fishing quotas for the years 2026–2028, in the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea. Poland has opted for the establishment of fishing opportunities pursuant to the best scientific knowledge of ICES and in the spirit of achieving the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy.

Poland has also appreciated the work of the European Commission in international organisations, among others, NEAFC, where key negotiations regarding stocks common to the EU and third countries were underway.

Mackerel, herring and blue whiting – Poland calls for a long-lasting agreement

The Polish delegation indicated the need to work out the sharing arrangements between the Coastal States for important pelagic stocks of: mackerel, Atlanto-Scandian herring and blue whiting. The absence of such arrangements results in inefficient management of resources and impedes long-term fishing planning.

Poland supported the adoption of a temporary quota for mackerel for 2026, which would allow fishermen to start fishing from January and continue talks with the United Kingdom as regards the final quota level.

Cod on Svalbard – Polish demand accepted

Upon request of the Polish delegation, the Council of the EU has set a temporary cod quota at the level of 50% of the 2025 quota, with the possibility of setting it fully in the coming months. This solution protects the interests of European and Polish fishermen in the absence of full data on the total TAC quota.

Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea – Poland is monitoring the work

As regards the issue of the regulation on fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Seas, the Polish delegation – without quotas in these areas – participated in the discussion as an observer.

Support for the future: Poland on the financing of fisheries policy post-2028

During AGRIFISH, Poland also called for providing an adequate level of financing of the Common Fisheries Policy in the perspective of 2028–2034. Minister Krajewski and Deputy Minister Czerniak stressed the need to strengthen the role of fishermen in designing future measures and support instruments.