The European Parliament has approved new legislation aimed at strengthening the implementation of internationally agreed fisheries rules, protecting marine ecosystems, and ensuring a level playing field between European fishermen and vessels from third countries, the office of Labour MEP Thomas Bajada said in a statement.

The legislation, steered through the European Parliament by Bajada as Rapporteur, incorporates into EU law conservation measures and controls agreed upon between 2018 and 2024 by six Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).

RFMOs play a pivotal role in the international management of shared fish stocks and in establishing conservation and control measures for vessels operating beyond national waters, the statement said. The newly approved legislation also reinforces the need for future internationally agreed measures to be transposed into EU law in a timely manner, ensuring greater clarity for fishermen and avoiding unnecessary delays.

For Bajada, however, common rules can only work if accompanied by effective enforcement.

"Today, Parliament sent a clear message: if we expect our fishermen to respect the rules, then those same rules must apply to everyone fishing alongside them."

Bajada stressed that European fishermen should not find themselves in a situation where they comply with increasingly strict conservation obligations, while vessels from third countries are allowed to operate without the same level of scrutiny.

"A rule that exists only on paper does not protect the fisherman out at sea. Protection from Europe must be visible. It must be tangible. And it must mean that when someone breaks the rules, Europe is capable of taking action." 

In his speech prior to the vote, Bajada called for stronger maritime surveillance through investment in modern monitoring technology and the permanent use of drones for fisheries control. This ensures that vessels-including those from third countries-can be caught engaging in illegal fishing before they have the chance to escape. He also urged the European Commission to take stronger action within the international framework against countries and vessels that persistently fail to comply with agreed-upon rules.

Bajada also made simplification a key priority during the negotiations, insisting that European fishermen must be able to clearly understand what is expected of them.

"Fishermen should not need a lawyer by their side to understand their obligations. Rules must be clear, practical, and enforceable. Yet, Europe cannot simply appear when it comes to fining fishermen; it must also be present-out at sea-to defend those who abide by the rules." 

Bajada concluded by stating that the vote represents both environmental responsibility and a commitment to fairness for the fishing community.

"Our fishermen want a Europe whose presence is felt at sea-standing shoulder to shoulder with them. We are not here simply to impose laws and fines on them. We are here to ensure that our fishermen are not left to face unfair competition alone."

The European Union currently acts as the authority for 18 Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, whose decisions establish conservation and fisheries management obligations for their members worldwide.

The interinstitutional agreement negotiated by Bajada as Rapporteur was approved by the European Parliament with 559 votes in favour, 48 against, and 62 abstentions. The new law must now be signed by the Council and the Parliament before entering into force.