Vision 2040 for a thriving fisheries and aquaculture sector

On 20 October 2026, the European Commission presented its Vision for fisheries and aquaculture towards 2040, setting the direction for the next 15 years to strengthen the environmental and economic viability of the sector.

Titled 'Vision 2040for fisheries and aquaculture', the strategy aims to safeguard the livelihoods of communities dependent on the sector. Across the EU, the sector employs more than 200,000 people - nearly 124,500 in fisheries and almost 76,000 in aquaculture, with many more working across processing, wholesale, distribution and retail.

The strategy covers the entire value chain and seeks to provide the predictability businesses need to invest and grow, while protecting the aquatic resources and ecosystems on which they depend. It is built around strengthening both the supply of and demand for EU aquatic food and sets out key priorities to help the sector thrive: healthy ecosystems, energy transition, securing supply chains, boosting demand and securing a stable food supply, supporting producers and easing access to finance, while strengthening international cooperation.

More information on our Press Corner.