In a major step to align international seafood trade with ESG goals and carbon neutral strategy principles, the European Union has secured a provisional agreement to enforce stricter rules against unsustainable fishing by third countries. The revised regulation empowers the EU to take firm action against nations that fail to uphold sustainable fishing standards, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and fair trade. 

The new framework outlines clearer criteria for identifying non-cooperative behavior, such as refusing to engage in international consultations, failing to implement conservation measures, or imposing discriminatory fishing quotas. Such violations may now trigger EU trade sanctions, including potential import bans. 

Polish State Secretary Jacek Czerniak emphasized that the updated rules send a strong message: “We are determined to safeguard the long-term sustainability of shared fish stocks and protect European fishers from unfair competition.” 

A key ESG enhancement includes the extension of the regulation reach to Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), allowing the EU to respond to non-compliance within multilateral frameworks more effectively. This not only supports the EU’s carbon neutral strategy through ecosystem preservation but also promotes global regulatory harmonization. 

The agreement introduces a mandatory 90-day response window for third countries served with EU notifications, tightening compliance timelines and increasing pressure for prompt diplomatic resolution. Transparency measures also require the European Commission to report regularly on enforcement actions to the Council and European Parliament. 

By reinforcing sustainable fisheries governance, the EU is integrating ESG accountability into international trade, supporting marine biodiversity, reducing overfishing-related emissions, and ensuring a level playing field for compliant producers. 

This decisive action demonstrates the EU’s leadership in embedding sustainability into global supply chains—strengthening both its ESG credibility and long-term carbon neutral strategy across economic sectors. 

Source: 

https://esgnews.com/eu-secures-tougher-rules-to-curb-unsustainable-fishing-by-third-world-countries/