Where the law stands, Dossier 2025/2054(INI)
The role of ocean diplomacy for the competitiveness of EU fisheries and aquaculture
Own-initiative report (INI): Parliament’s own position on a topic. It is not binding. · First reading
Parliament sets out its own position on a topic. The resolution is not binding but signals what Parliament wants.
Where it stands
Parliament’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 28 April 2026. This is its final position on the matter.
- Referred to committee(done) 13 March 2025
- Committee work(done) Report adopted 25 February 2026
- Tabled for plenary(done) 6 March 2026
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 28 April 2026
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
28 April 2026 · decision 13
Agriculture, food & fisheries, Resolution
The role of ocean diplomacy for the competitiveness of EU fisheries and aquaculture
Adopted 430 for · 107 against · 115 abstained by a large majority
AI summary:Parliament adopted the text as its official position, endorsing a call for the EU to lead international ocean governance and strengthen cooperation with partners.
What changed
Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament
AI summary:Adds new paragraphs on ocean diplomacy, shadow fleets, dormant agreements, whaling moratorium, krill fishing, WTO subsidies, Russian fishing, and financial support for outermost regions. Drops corresponding paragraphs from the old version, often merging them into preceding paragraphs or removing them entirely. Moves several recitals and paragraphs to standalone positions, changing the structure but not the content. The only formal change is the addition of 'EC' to a regulation number.
Committee draft → Tabled for plenary
AI summary:The report expands significantly, adding many new paragraphs on SFPAs, IUU fishing, and maritime security, while removing some previous calls. It strengthens language on the EU's role in ocean governance, adding references to UNCLOS, RFMOs, and the precautionary principle. New paragraphs address generational renewal, outermost regions, and funding, with calls for specific measures and financial instruments. The report adds details on the Mediterranean, Arctic, and Baltic, and calls for more cooperation with non-EU countries. The other changes are formal or wording: rephrasing and updates to references.
Who works on it
- Lead committee
- Fisheries
- The MEP who drafts the report and negotiates it on behalf of the committee.
- Željana Zovko (EPP)
- An MEP who follows a report on behalf of their own group when another group holds the rapporteur.
- Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), France Jamet (Patriots), Karin Karlsbro (Renew), Mélissa Camara (Greens), Emma Fourreau (The Left)
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 28 Apr 2026
AI summary:Parliament's resolution on ocean diplomacy for EU fisheries and aquaculture competitiveness calls for stronger EU leadership in ocean governance, fair competition, and sustainable management.
Tabled for plenary· 6 Mar 2026
AI summary:The resolution calls for the EU to strengthen ocean diplomacy to boost the competitiveness of its fisheries and aquaculture, covering governance, trade, security, and funding.
Committee draft· 6 Oct 2025
AI summary:This draft report on ocean diplomacy for EU fisheries and aquaculture competitiveness calls for integrating ocean diplomacy into EU foreign policy, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring fair competition.
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 4 steps
28 April 2026
Plenary vote
Sitting of 28 Apr 2026 Report A10-0043/2026Adopted text TA10-0121/2026
27 April 2026
Debated in plenary
MEPs debated the text in the chamber ahead of the vote.
22 April 2026
4 amendments tabled for the plenary vote
Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.
6 March 2026
Report tabled for plenary
This is the text all MEPs vote on. Political groups can still table amendments to it.
Committee stage 4 steps
25 February 2026
Committee vote: report adopted
PECH (Fisheries) voted on the amendments and adopted the report that goes to plenary.
24 October 2025
Amendments tabled in committee
Members of PECH (Fisheries) proposed changes to the draft.
6 October 2025
Draft report published
The rapporteur’s first text in PECH (Fisheries). Members can table amendments before the committee votes.
13 March 2025
Referred to the PECH (Fisheries) committee
The lead committee prepares Parliament’s report.
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2025/2054(INI)