Patriots for Europe Secure Strong Majority for Fisheries Report Focused on Fishers and Food Security
Strasbourg, 19/12/2025 - The European Parliament today adopted, by a large majority (450 votes in favour, 93 against and 37 abstentions), the own-initiative report on the Decarbonisation and modernisation of EU fisheries, and the development and deployment of fishing gear, drafted by MEP Ton Diepeveen (Patriots for Europe).
The report sets out a practical and sector-focused roadmap to support Europe’s fishing industry by reducing regulatory barriers, improving access to investment, and strengthening legal certainty for fishers. It recognises the economic realities of the sector, including high investment costs, an ageing fleet and the need for adequate port infrastructure, while rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach.
As rapporteur, Ton Diepeveen emphasised that the report deliberately shifts the focus away from abstract targets and towards workable solutions: supporting innovation in fishing gear, enabling fleet modernisation, improving working and living conditions on board, and creating the conditions for generational renewal.
The report also underlines the strategic importance of fisheries for Europe’s food security, stressing that fishing is not a marginal activity but an essential sector that must remain economically viable and competitive. By strengthening certainty for fishers and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, the report aims to safeguard the future of the sector.
Commenting on the vote, Ton Diepeveen said:
“This report is a step in the right direction for Europe’s fisheries. It sets out a practical approach to reducing barriers for fishers, supporting investment and innovation, and improving working and living conditions on board. By strengthening certainty for the sector, it helps generational renewal and creates a more viable future for fisheries.”
The adoption of this report with a broad majority confirms that common-sense, realistic policies for fisheries can unite the Parliament, and demonstrates the growing influence of the Patriots for Europe group in shaping EU policy in line with the needs of workers, producers and coastal communities.