The Balearic Islands demand that the energy transition in fishing guarantees safety and marine susta

The European Parliament is calling for a European plan to renew the fishing fleet in order to move towards decarbonization.

The Balearic Government has argued that any innovation in fisheries promoted by European institutions must guarantee fleet safety and respect the sustainability of marine resources.

This position was expressed by sources from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment after the European Parliament recently approved a report introducing new measures to promote the energy transition of the fishing sector. These include fleet renewal programs, changes to existing legislation, and increased funding to facilitate the decarbonization of EU vessels.

The report is based on the central idea that achieving climate neutrality by 2050 will only be possible if the European fleet is modernized through a just transition that takes into account the economic impact on the sector, especially on small operators.

The regional government recalled that the Balearic fleet is mostly made up of small vessels, less than ten meters in length, which limits current technological options.

Accordingly, the same sources argued that building new vessels with electric engines and batteries rechargeable in port is the most viable alternative, together with adapting ports to provide the necessary connections.

As for trawlers, they noted that optimizing fishing gear, such as doors that do not touch the seabed, can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 30 percent, a measure that is already being successfully implemented by the Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) in Mallorca and Menorca.

The Ministry headed by Joan Simonet emphasized that any innovation must ensure fleet safety in adverse conditions and respect the sustainability of marine resources, while ensuring that European funds are used for the construction of new vessels and for technological improvements in local fishing.

The plenary session of the European Parliament recently approved the report with new measures to promote the energy transition of the fishing sector, including fleet renewal programs, legislative changes, and increased funding to facilitate the decarbonization of EU vessels.

The text was adopted with 450 votes in favor, 93 against, and 37 abstentions, and is based on the premise that achieving climate neutrality by 2050 will only be possible if the European fleet is modernized through a just transition that takes into account the economic impact on the sector, particularly on small operators.

“This report establishes a practical approach to reducing the barriers faced by fishers, supporting investment and innovation, and improving working and living conditions on board,” said MEP Ton Diepeveen of Patriots for Europe.

To reduce emissions, the European Parliament proposes renewing vessels and calls on the European Commission and Member States to promote modernization programs in cooperation with the private sector, given that the European fleet has an average age of 31.5 years.

It also calls for a reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), arguing that current regulations limit access to public and private financing for this type of investment. MEPs also call for the creation of new, specific financial instruments to support the energy transition.

The report also highlights the need to improve the energy efficiency of vessels. Proposed measures include financing energy audits with European funds and using technologies such as artificial intelligence to optimize fishing routes. The European Parliament also supports defining a roadmap for progressive decarbonization based on scientific data.

Beyond reducing emissions, Parliament focuses on innovation in fishing gear and techniques. The development of more selective equipment would make it possible to reduce unwanted catches, avoid the capture of juveniles, and minimize the impact on marine ecosystems.

In this regard, the European Parliament calls for investment in improving the selectivity of fishing gear, modernizing vessels, and strengthening port infrastructure, with the aim of ensuring fisher safety and decent working conditions.