EU urged to maintain fisheries management principles amid global sustainability goals

Ambassador Peter Thomson, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, has issued a formal call for the European Union to strengthen its commitment to sustainable ocean governance. As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for the UN Sustainable Development Goals and passes the midpoint of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, the international community is emphasizing the critical role of ocean health in maintaining global climate stability, food security, and biodiversity.

At the core of this discussion is the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which is currently undergoing evaluation. The CFP, significantly reformed in 2013 to address years of overfishing and economic decline, is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive frameworks for fisheries management. Proponents argue that preserving the policy's core principles is vital not only for the survival of European fishing communities but also to cement the EU’s position as a global leader in environmental sustainability. While experts note that progress since the 2013 reform has been uneven, the current discourse centers on ensuring that long-term sustainability remains the primary driver of all future fisheries policy decisions.