EU Parliament approves tough new fishing enforcement law steered by Malta's Bajada

The European Parliament has approved new legislation to tighten enforcement of internationally agreed fisheries rules, with Maltese MEP Thomas Bajada steering the proposal through as Rapporteur.

The law integrates conservation and control measures adopted between 2018 and 2024 by six Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) into EU law. These bodies govern shared fish stocks and set rules for vessels fishing beyond national waters.

For Malta's fishing fleet and the broader maritime supply chain, the move signals a shift toward stricter oversight and greater accountability for non-EU vessels that have long operated under looser scrutiny.

Bajada argued that European fishers should not be expected to comply with strict conservation measures while vessels from outside the EU operate without equivalent oversight. He said the legislation will help protect marine ecosystems while creating a fairer level playing field between European fishers and third-country operators.

The Maltese MEP also called for greater investment in modern surveillance, including drones and advanced monitoring technology, to detect illegal fishing more effectively. He urged the European Commission to take stronger action against countries and vessels that repeatedly flout internationally agreed rules.

On the design of the legislation itself, Bajada stressed that rules should be simple and practical, allowing fishers to clearly understand their obligations without unnecessary complexity.

The vote was decisive: 559 MEPs supported the law, 48 opposed it, and 62 abstained. The legislation now requires formal approval by the Council before it can enter into force.

Bajada said the result demonstrated Parliament's commitment to both environmental protection and fairness for Europe's fishing communities. He added that the EU must not only introduce regulations but also ensure they are properly enforced to protect those who follow the rules.

The European Union is currently a contracting party to 18 Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. The new law brings together measures agreed over a six-year period into a single enforceable framework.

For Malta, where fishing is both a traditional industry and a touchpoint for wider maritime commerce, the Bajada-led law represents a direct regulatory push that could reshape how foreign vessels operate in European waters and how local operators compete.