The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) will change its legal status to an international non-profit association from 1 January 2026.
The move comes as the organisation’s president, Esben Sverdrup-Jensen, reaches the end of his three-year term and hands over the reins of a restructured association.
Related: EAPO president steps down as organisation restructures
EAPO said the new status will allow closer cooperation with scientific bodies, authorities, civil society and partners across Europe and beyond.
The change follows a year of intense policy activity at the EU and international level, including work linked to the European Ocean Pact and post-Brexit fisheries relations.
Broader role in EU and global fisheries policy
Founded in 1980, EAPO brings together 31 recognised producer organisations from 12 EU member states. Its members represent around 4,000 fishing vessels.
The association works to support producer organisations in meeting the goals of the Common Fisheries Policy and the Common Market Organisation.
In his final editorial as president, Sverdrup-Jensen said the transition to a non-profit structure would strengthen EAPO’s ability to act at the interface between producer organisations and EU decision-makers.
He stressed the need for stable, coherent ocean governance to secure the future of European fisheries.
Focus on the European Ocean Pact and energy transition
In 2025, EAPO played an active role in debates on the European Ocean Pact, which aims to create a single framework for EU ocean-related policies.
The organisation argued that fisheries are central to food security and the blue economy. It highlighted efforts by fishers to reduce environmental impacts.
EAPO also served as the support group coordinator for the large-scale fisheries working group under the EU Energy Transition Partnership. The association noted that greenhouse gas emissions from the EU fishing fleet fell by 52% between 1990 and 2021, and called for policies that support innovation without blocking fleet renewal.
Membership, governance and cooperation
EAPO’s bureau includes representatives from producer organisations across Europe and meets weekly to manage day-to-day business. The association operates several working groups linked to EU advisory councils, covering areas such as the North Sea, Baltic Sea and pelagic fisheries.
In 2025, EAPO also strengthened cooperation through the EU Seafood Alliance and joined research and innovation initiatives, including the EU-funded ECO-CATCH project and the European Space Agency’s Bioeconomy Task Force.