European Economic
and Social Committee
EESC PLENARY: Interview with rapporteur Javier Garat on the common fisheries policy
We spoke with the rapporteur for the EESC opinion NAT/967 on the 'Revision of the common fisheries policy'.
What are the main findings of the opinion?
The opinion adopted by the EESC sends a very clear political message: the future EU budget (MFF) must continue to provide strong and dedicated support for fisheries and aquaculture. At a time when the sector is facing major socio-economic and geopolitical challenges, Europe cannot weaken one of its few truly common policies.
What are the main recommendations of the opinion?
A central recommendation of the opinion is to maintain a mandatory and ring-fenced allocation of EUR 6.1 billion for the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP) during the 2028-2034 period, in line with the current budgetary framework. This is essential to preserve the CFP as an exclusive EU competence and to prevent funding for fisheries being diluted or fisheries being forced to compete with other sectors under broader financial instruments. The opinion also calls for a dedicated fisheries chapter within the future fund, providing greater legal certainty, visibility and predictability for operators and coastal communities.
Another key concern raised in the opinion is the apparent shift in priorities towards implementing the objectives of the European Ocean Pact. While the Ocean Pact can provide useful political guidance, it is still a non-binding initiative. By contrast, the CFP is anchored in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in the CFP Regulation itself. For this reason, the opinion clearly stresses that EU fisheries funding must first and foremost contribute to achieving the objectives of the CFP, including sustainable resource management, control, food security, economic viability and social cohesion in coastal areas.
The opinion also highlights the need to simplify access to funding and reduce unnecessary administrative burden. Public support must help the sector invest in innovation, energy transition, safety on board, fleet modernisation and generational renewal. These investments are indispensable if Europe wants to maintain a competitive, resilient and sustainable fisheries sector.
After the adoption of this opinion, what have you done to promote it?
Since the adoption of the opinion, I have continued presenting these messages in discussions with EU institutions, stakeholders and sector representatives. In the coming months, I will continue to advocate a strong and autonomous fisheries budget that recognises the strategic importance of the sector for Europe’s food sovereignty, coastal communities and maritime resilience.
The EESC opinion on the 'Revision of the common fisheries policy' was presented and adopted at the EESC plenary session in January 2026. Read it at: https://link.europa.eu/cmXvQJ
Javier GARAT PÉREZ (Spain)
EESC rapporteur, NAT/967 Revision of the common fisheries policy
Member, EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group
Secretary-General, Spanish Fishing Confederation (CEPESCA)