Galician Fishing Communities Call for Balanced Reform of EU's Common Fisheries Policy

The Common Fisheries Policy (PPC), governing fishing and aquaculture within the European Union, is currently under review amid calls from Galician fishing fleets for a more balanced approach that equally weighs environmental, social, and economic factors. Long criticized by Spanish and particularly Galician sectors, the PPC is seen as favoring environmental concerns at the expense of the social and economic well-being of coastal communities reliant on fishing. The policy has not been updated in over a decade, prompting urgent demands for reforms to adapt to modern challenges faced by the value chain. Karmenu Vella, former European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs, and Fisheries, underscored the importance of maintaining equilibrium among the three PPC pillars during the XIII Conxemar Congress. He warned against allowing any one dimension to grow disproportionately, advocating for comprehensive policy adjustments that address environmental sustainability alongside preserving livelihoods and local economies in Galicia. This ongoing discourse highlights the tension between EU regulatory frameworks and regional realities, as the Galician fleet continues to seek fair consideration within broader conservation efforts.