Inter-Advisory Councils Meetings with DG MARE (18 November 2025)
On 18 November 2025, the MAC participated in a coordination meeting between the European Commission and the 11 Advisory Councils.
In an exchange of views with Director-General Charlina Vitcheva on general EU fisheries matters, our representatives raised the following points:
1) Implementation of the Fisheries Control Regulation – Request for information on the next steps, including further technical exchanges, and the effects on the entry into force of the incoming requirements for digital traceability for fresh and frozen fishery and aquaculture products.
2) Vision for Fisheries, Aquaculture and their Market in 2040 – Request for information on the timing of the upcoming communication and the coordination between the various Commission services.
3) Simplification targets – Request for clarity on the timeline and on the link to the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation and of the Common Market Organisation.
4) Labelling and consumer information concerning plant-based imitations – Following the legislative proposal to restrict the use of designations associated with meat, request for information on the collaboration between DG MARE and other Commission services on food labelling policy.
During an exchange of views on the upcoming “Strategy on EU External Fisheries Action”, our representatives raised various points for sustainable international value chains, including:
1) Maintaining a “zero-tolerance” approach to IUU fishing
2) Increased control efforts, together with capacity development in third countries as well as diplomatic and communication efforts
3) Within EU diplomacy, treatment of fishery and aquaculture products as a strategic food commodity
4) Trade with sustainability clauses, clear guidance, well-defined compliance levels, and sufficient time for third-country operators to adjust
5) Leadership role of the EU in global efforts to promote binding standards on social responsibility, including on forced labour and decent working conditions
Furthermore, representatives held comprehensive exchanges on the upcoming Multi-Annual Financial Framework as well as on the overall functioning of the Advisory Councils (e.g., representativeness, membership, rules of conduct, financing).
