fisheries

Press release: The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) considers the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), published by the European Commission on 30 April 2026, an important exercise to identify critical issues affecting workers in the fisheries sector. However, the report makes one reality painfully clear: prioritising environmental sustainability almost exclusively has not delivered the expected results.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), together with Europêche and Copa-Cogeca, has sent a formal letter to Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission warning about the alarming and structural decline of the EU fishing fleet. The full letter can be downloaded here to learn more about the concerns raised and the concrete proposals put forward by the social partners.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation together with Europêche has been awarded a grant by the European Commission for the project "Pillars of the Sea 4" (PILLARS4) – 101262519. This project is part of the European Social Dialogue for the Sea Fisheries sector. Its main objective is to improve social sustainability in the industry through three main pillars.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation has sent a formal letter to the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans raising urgent concerns about the implementation of the new Fisheries Control Regulation (EU) 2023/2842.

Representatives of the European blue economy value chain met yesterday with Commissioner Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, to discuss the forthcoming Roadmap for the Energy Transition of Fisheries. The meeting brought together SEA Europe, Europêche, Copa-Cogeca, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the European Association of Fish Producers’ Organisations (EAPO), representing fishers and aquaculture producers, producers’ organisations, cooperatives, workers, shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers.

The European Social Partners in Fisheries express their deep concern and strong opposition to the European Commission’s proposal for Mediterranean fishing opportunities for 2026. The measures, representing some of the most severe cuts ever imposed, risk dismantling an entire sector already pushed to its limits, putting at stake thousands of jobs, family livelihoods and the socio-economic fabric of coastal communities across the region.

After being abandoned and left without pay, 37 Russian and Ukrainian fishers have finally received the wages they earned, three years after their nightmare began. The crew of the Hunter, a Russian fish factory vessel abandoned in Las Palmas were unpaid for up to seven months, with a total wage debt of $252,822 (232.951 euros). Trapped aboard the ship, they faced a constant cloud of uncertainty – until they decided to contact the ITF International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).

More than 130 migrant fishers impacted by forced labour in seafood supply chain for scampi that ends up on UK plates The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has successfully appealed against the false labour and human rights claims of the UK Nephrops (scampi) Fishery Improvement Project (FIP).

The European Commission's intention to drastically reduce - even ban - bottom-contacting fishing gears is no secret. But the implications of such a decision are often disregarded. The ETF favours more sustainable fisheries, as fishers - the true guardians of the sea - are fully aware that the sustainability of fish stocks and the marine ecosystem is vital in preserving their income and jobs.