Spain to ask the European Commission for satisfactory proposals for the Spanish fleet

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, during the meeting of the Advisory Councils on Fisheries Policy and Agricultural Policy for Community Affairs

Luis Planas highlighted the difficulty of the process, both in the Atlantic and in the Mediterranean, and stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between the sustainability of resources and the socio-economic profitability of the sector.

He explained this to the autonomous communities within the framework of the Consultative Council on Fisheries Policy for Community Affairs, which was held by videoconference to discuss the issues to be analysed at the next Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the European Union on 17 November.

In the Mediterranean, the minister recalled that the final proposal has not yet been published, but that the negotiations are expected to be particularly complex due to the application of the new long-term framework, which establishes stricter catch limits and sustainability criteria, as well as possible reductions in fishing effort. Spain considers these reductions to be unaffordable given the extreme situation of the sector, marked by the efforts already made in terms of selectivity and sustainability, such as the obligation to use more selective nets throughout the trawl fleet, measures which have been financed by the Government of Spain.

The minister insisted that "Spain will defend the consideration of socio-economic factors alongside conservation factors," especially for critical species for the artisanal and trawl fleet in the Bay of Biscay, the Northwest and the Gulf of Cadiz.

Luis Planas has announced that he will present - together with Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal - a joint proposal to ask the European Commission to simplify and revise the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Planas stressed that "it is necessary to adapt the CFP to the current context, strengthening food sovereignty, strategic autonomy and the socio-economic viability of the sector." He stressed that this review must respond to the challenges of climate change, competition for maritime space and the preservation of coastal communities.

A strong, autonomous and adequately budgeted CAP

Another item on the agenda at the next meeting of European ministers will be the proposal for the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which introduces changes in the distribution of funds.

Planas insisted on the importance of defending a constructive and ambitious position in Brussels to ensure a solid, autonomous CAP with a sufficient budget, "capable of responding to the new challenges in terms of food security, sustainability, profitability of the sector and generational replacement of farmers."

Sector strength and market diversification

In terms of agri-food trade, Luis Planas stressed that, although the international geopolitical context is unstable and complex, Spain maintains "a notable strength, with exports exceeding 77,000 million euros in the last year," and highlighted the importance of diversifying markets.

The minister valued the progress made on the European agenda, such as the EU-Mercosur agreement, and pointed out the importance of maintaining stable trade relations with the United States. According to Planas, the latest agreements with Spain have avoided a tariff war and have benefited strategic sectors for Spain, such as olive oil and wine, which "have been able to maintain their competitiveness". In the first half of 2025, olive oil exports to the United States increased by 26% in volume terms.

On Ukraine, Planas stressed that "it is essential that the implementation of the free trade agreement maintains the balance between supporting the country and protecting our sensitive sectors." He also pointed out the special attention being paid to strategic products for Spain, such as honey, for which reinforced controls of origin have been requested to guarantee its traceability and protect the competitiveness of the national sector.

In addition, the minister pointed to progress in negotiations with Australia, the United Arab Emirates, India and Indonesia, and stressed that "trade openness must always go hand in hand with balance and defence of our most sensitive sectors."

Non official translation