Vision 2040: aquaculture as a strategic pillar of the EU food system

On 20 October 2026, the European Commission adopted the long-awaited Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture (COM(2026) 701), setting the EU’s direction for the sector for the next 15 years. By 2040, EU aquaculture is to be “a strategic and fully integrated pillar of the EU’s sustainable food system”, expanding production capacity and reducing the EU’s trade deficit – at a time when EU production covers only 38% of EU consumption.

The key announcement for fish farmers: a Commission proposal, by the end of 2027, for a clear, simplified and coherent regulatory and administrative framework for aquaculture across the EU, with flexible and adaptive licensing – responding to FEAP’s long-standing call for a dedicated legislative instrument. “We have also listened to the calls to take action on aquaculture,” said Commissioner Kadis.

Inland aquaculture is explicitly included: freshwater farms are to be supported through integrated spatial and water resource planning, coherent with River Basin Management Plans – while food production is named a strategic priority use of maritime space.

The Commission will also consider extending mandatory consumer information to prepared and preserved products, with digital traceability applying to all products – including imports – by 2029.

The package further announces an EU Initiative on Sustainable Aquaculture (2027), a proposed minimum of EUR 2 billion for core CFP functions, a campaign promoting EU-produced aquatic food, and a Blue Generational Renewal Strategy (2027).

Read FEAP’s first assessment in our press release: FEAP welcomes a Vision 2040 which sets a positive growth direction for EU aquaculture, but EU fish farming needs targets

Read the factsheet (PDF) ›
Read the Vision 2040 package ›
Watch the press conference ›
Energy transition roadmap for EU aquaculture ›