European Union fisheries ministers reached an agreement on fishing quotas for 2026, avoiding stricter limits previously proposed for the Mediterranean region. The deal was finalised after two days of negotiations in Brussels and was welcomed by Spain, which had strongly opposed a European Commission plan to reduce trawler fishing days in Mediterranean waters.

Under the agreement, Spain will be permitted 143 fishing days in 2026, broadly in line with current levels, instead of facing sharp cuts. While the European Commission had argued that reductions were necessary to ensure long-term sustainability, the final compromise balances conservation goals with the economic concerns of fishing communities. The quotas cover major fishing areas including the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean and Black Sea, with some measures extending through 2028.

The deal includes mixed changes across regions and species, such as a more than 50% increase in catch limits for Norway lobster in the Bay of Biscay, alongside reduced quotas for common sole in the Baltic Sea to protect vulnerable stocks. Fishing vessels may also earn additional days at sea by adopting more sustainable practices. Denmark’s fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the agreement reflects a balance between scientific advice and safeguarding fish populations, with the new rules taking effect from January 1.

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