Labour MEP Thomas Bajada has sealed an inter-institutional agreement on EU regulation that equips the Union with stronger diplomatic and trade instruments to tackle non-sustainable fishing practices by third countries, the Labour Party said in a statement.
"In a significant win for European fishers, Maltese MEP Thomas Bajada led and concluded negotiations on behalf of the European Parliament with the Council of the EU on a legislative framework that aims to strengthen the EU's ability to act internationally in defence of marine sustainability, fair competition, and coastal livelihoods," the PL said.
"A highly anticipated law by the European fishing sector - this law aims to strengthen the mechanism by which the EU identifies third countries that are allowing non-sustainable fishing practices on fish stocks of common interest. Countries identified as such could ultimately be sanctioned through EU restrictive measures, including import bans."
Through negotiations, the Parliament's position expanded this law to reflect Mediterranean realities, and not just those of the Northern seas. Bajada said that "This is not only a victory for European fishers - it is a landmark recognition of the Mediterranean, because we are seeing the specific realities of the Mediterranean, and thus of Maltese fishers, for the first time reflected in European laws that aim to take action, and possibly, sanctions against third countries in the fishing sector".
The final political trilogue was held in Brussels on 3 June 2025, with MEP Thomas Bajada representing the European Parliament as Rapporteur, joined by Polish Secretary of State Jacek Czerniak on behalf of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis.
This law now obliges the European Commission to take action on reports of non-sustainable fishing by third countries in all shared waters, including the Mediterranean, and to do so through international regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs), including GFCM and ICCAT.
"I want to see a EU that listens and acts, not ignores the suffering of our fishers, who are facing not only non-sustainable fishing, but also aggression from fishers coming from third countries in the Mediterranean", said Bajada.
Beyond regional considerations, the legislation strengthens the EU's ability to act as a united bloc in international fisheries negotiations - by ensuring that environmental sustainability, the competitiveness of European fisheries, and fair market access, are at the heart of international negotiations.
Bajada said that this new mandate not only serves coastal states within the EU, but also aims to bring a level playing field in the high seas, where unregulated fishing practices often disadvantage responsible operators.
"We have taken a stand for sustainability, the dignity of fishers, and the future of our marine ecosystems," Bajada noted. "Through my work as Rapporteur, Maltese fishers have had a direct influence on shaping EU policy. Their voices have not only been heard - they are now enshrined in law."
The regulation will now proceed to formal adoption, by both the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, expected later this summer.