Recreational Fisheries gain momemtum as 8 MEPs call in a joint letter for formal recognition in EU policies

Earlier, that structural imbalance was once again underlined through a joint letter addressed to the European Commission by eight Members of the European Parliament. Among the signatories are MEP Sofie Eriksson (S&D, Sweden) and MEP Michal Wiezik (Renew Europe, Slovakia), co-chairs of the Forum on Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Environment. The MEPs message is clear: recreational fisheries must be fully integrated into EU fisheries governance and decision-making processes.

This initiative comes at a crucial moment, as the European Commission reviews the Common Fisheries Policy and completes its work on the EU Oceans Pact. The letter reflects growing political recognition of the need for a more inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based approach to managing Europe’s aquatic resources.

 
The European Anglers Alliance (EAA) welcomes this strong support from the Members of the European Parliament. We are committed to advocating for policy frameworks that acknowledge the full ecological, social, and economic benefits of recreational fisheries as an important segment of the EU Blue economy. Which should be of course reflected in related policies.

 
We will continue to engage with EU institutions, stakeholders, and decision-makers to ensure the recreational fisheries sector has a meaningful voice in shaping the future of EU fisheries policy.

 
We will remain in close contact with the signatory MEPs to ensure effective follow-up and that the letter’s recommendations are duly considered in the upcoming policy discussions.

 
Read the full letter – signed by 8 MEPs – below.
The signing MEPs are: