“Today’s vote is a success for reason, realism, and the interests of our fishermen. We have managed to prevent an ideologically overloaded approach and instead to enshrine a gradual, economically viable path toward decarbonization. The key point is this: ‘climate protection’ must not come at the expense of competitiveness, security of supply, and Europe’s strategic autonomy. Our fishing fleet accounts for only a negligible share of global emissions, but it makes an indispensable contribution to food security.”
ESN MEP Volker Schnurrbusch, a European policy representative from the coastal region of Schleswig-Holstein, added:
“The decision finally acknowledges the real investment barriers and enables modernization, greater safety on board, and better working conditions. Instead of a rigid one-size-fits-all model, Parliament is opting for practical solutions, technology-neutral approaches, and targeted support for new, more efficient fishing gear. This strengthens European fisheries, secures generational renewal, and prevents new dependencies on third countries. That is exactly what the ESN group stands for. Moreover, the voting ratios in the responsible committee clearly show that there is a clear centre-right majority there. We will now rely on this stable majority in the plenary as well, to permanently secure a realistic, economy-friendly, and ideology-free fisheries policy.”
