The European Union has welcomed the entry into force of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, a landmark accord designed to protect the world’s oceans and curb destructive fishing practices.
A breakthrough after two decades
The deal, which comes after 20 years of negotiations, bans subsidies that fuel illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It also ends government support for vessels operating on the unregulated high seas, where fish stocks are most at risk. A further provision targets subsidies that harm already overfished stocks.
EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, described the pact as “the first ever multilateral trade agreement to focus on sustainability” and stated that it demonstrates that global cooperation can address urgent challenges.
Support for developing nations
To help poorer nations adapt, the agreement activates the WTO Fish Fund, which supports developing and least developed countries in meeting their obligations. The EU and its member states are the main contributors to the fund, pledging financial aid and technical expertise.
Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, said: “The agreement is crucial for ensuring that subsidies serve sustainability. It will provide new means to fight harmful practices and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.”
A link to the global goals
The deal fulfils the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14.6, which calls for a global prohibition of harmful subsidies. Transparency measures are also built into the text, requiring WTO members to report their support schemes in detail. A new WTO Committee on Fisheries Subsidies will monitor compliance.
With 111 members having accepted the deal so far, the EU urged remaining countries — preeminent fishing powers — to sign up quickly to ensure broader impact.
Next steps
National governments must now align their domestic subsidy rules with the WTO provisions. EU officials stressed that this is only the first phase of reform, with more negotiations expected to tackle other forms of harmful support.
Šefčovič added: “This agreement shows what can be achieved when countries act together. It is a strong signal that sustainability belongs at the heart of global trade.”