EU boosts fisheries funding, Italian groups call for stronger reforms

The European Commission and the EU presidency in Cyprus discussed reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy, welcoming an increase in the EU's binding allocation for sustainable fishing from €2 billion to €4 billion under the next multi‑annual financial framework. The industry body EuroPesc highlighted the need for simplified legislation, balanced catch quotas and measures that protect fleet competitiveness and food security.

Italian farmers' union Coldiretti, represented by regional leaders in Molise, urged the Commission to set aside at least €7.3 billion for the upcoming PCP to support fleet modernisation, decarbonisation, generational renewal and the resilience of coastal communities. Coldiretti warned that the Italian fishing fleet has shrunk by 40 % over the past decade and that further cuts could jeopardise food autonomy and increase social inequities, especially as Mediterranean fishing days have fallen by more than 15 % in the last two years.