Luis Planas calls for Common Fisheries Policy to be updated to adapt it to the new challenges facing the sector

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, at the Informal Meeting of Fisheries Ministers of the European Union

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, defended the need to update the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), considering the current framework, designed in 2013, insufficient. According to Planas, "this Europe and this world are not the same as they were ten years ago, so it is necessary to adapt fisheries policy to the new challenges."

During his participation in the Informal Meeting of Fisheries Ministers of the European Union, held in Nicosia, Cyprus, Planas noted that "progress towards achieving sustainable fisheries has been very significant in the European Union this decade," and highlighted the role of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in improving sustainability and in the use of scientific knowledge for resource management.

Planas advocated for the need to move towards an approach that takes into account the global context and the strategic role of the sector because "we must position fisheries within its contribution to food security."

With regard to the European Commission's evaluation report, the minister welcomed the recognition of the CFP's role in resource conservation, although he questioned the attribution of its limitations solely to implementation problems, pointing to the existence of multiple external factors.

Planas also highlighted Spain's involvement in the review process. "More than 20% of the contributions, one in five, come from Spain," acknowledged the minister, who also highlighted the need for adequate funding in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, through a strengthened European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.

The minister focused on the modernisation of the fleet. "We are working with very old vessels, and we must have a more decarbonised, safer, and more attractive fleet for young people." He also underlined the importance of improving available scientific knowledge and reaffirmed the commitment to marine conservation and the sector's sustainability, as well as the need to continue advancing key pending reforms, with the ultimate goal of "building the fishing sector of the future."

Mediterranean fisheries ministerial conference

In addition, Luis Planas will participate in the MedFish4Ever Ministerial Conference, where he will advocate for the renewal of the declaration "that has strengthened regional fisheries governance in the Mediterranean and advanced sustainable aquaculture."

According to the minister, the improved state of fisheries resources is due to greater regional cooperation, strengthened scientific advice, and more effective management of fishing effort. In this context, he has underlined the adaptation of the Spanish fleet towards more selective fishing gear with less environmental impact.

Planas has warned that significant challenges remain in the Mediterranean, such as pressure on resources, climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. He will therefore advocate for strengthening the role of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean and independent scientific advice.

The meeting will be attended by ministers from Lebanon, Italy, France, Morocco, Greece, and Libya, as well as ministerial representatives from Algeria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Tunisia, and Slovenia.

Non official translation