Ukraine begins screening on fisheries with EU
On September 25, the Ukrainian delegation initiated bilateral screening meetings with the European Commission under Chapter 13: Fisheries and Aquaculture. The meetings, held on September 25 and 26 in a hybrid format (online and in-person in Brussels, Belgium), are led by Ukraine’s Chief Negotiator, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, who participates online.
Chapter 13 falls under Cluster 5: Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion Policy, which is the final segment of Ukraine’s screening process with the European Commission.
The Ukrainian delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, the State Agency of Ukraine for Land Reclamation, Fisheries, and Food Programs, the Verkhovna Rada, and other government bodies.
Opening the session, Taras Kachka emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to developing its fisheries sector in line with European principles of sustainable resource use and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
"Today, we will present our alignment with EU standards in this area and showcase the strengths of Ukraine’s fisheries sector. It is well-developed and holds significant economic importance. Ukraine is ready to further develop the sector in accordance with EU rules for mutual benefit and the economic growth of both Ukraine and the entire European Union," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
He also highlighted the importance of considering the security context, particularly in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
"russia is attempting to illegally expand its influence in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, violating international law and temporarily occupying Crimea and parts of Ukraine’s coastal regions. It is crucial that the further development of the EU’s fisheries policy and negotiations with Ukraine take this aspect into account," Taras Kachka stated.
On Day 1 of the session (September 25, 2025), EU and Ukrainian experts shall discuss:
- General principles of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and basic regulations;
- Discard plans and fishing opportunities
- Market policy for fisheries and aquaculture products;
- Inspection and control in the fisheries sector;
- Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing;
- Data collection systems.
On Day 2 (September 26, 2025), the discussions shall cover:
- Development of aquaculture;
- Activities of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs);
- Marine spatial planning;
- Structural support for the fisheries sector;
- State aid.
Background Information
EU fisheries law consists of regulations that do not require direct implementation into national legislation. However, candidate countries like Ukraine must adopt organizational and administrative measures to prepare state institutions and market operators for participation in the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The CFP encompasses market policy, resource management, inspection and control, structural measures, and oversight of state aid. In some cases, existing international fisheries agreements and conventions may require adaptation.