Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001562/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE)
Article 39 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 (IUU Regulation) establishes obligations for Member States to ensure that their natural and legal persons (‘nationals’), including ultimate beneficial owners from the EU of foreign fishing vessels, do not directly or indirectly support IUU fishing. In line with this obligation, Member States are required to identify, prosecute and take appropriate measures against vessels involved in illegal fishing, while also cooperating with other countries to tackle IUU activities on a global scale.
However, it has come to light that some Member States appear to adopt a restrictive interpretation of these obligations. Specifically, they argue that vessels must first be included on an IUU list by a regional fisheries management organisation (RFMO) before any action can be taken against their ultimate beneficial owners. This restrictive approach has the potential to limit the effectiveness of the regulation and undermine its core objective of preventing illegal fishing worldwide.
Given the above, can the Commission confirm whether Article 39 of the IUU Regulation applies to all ultimate beneficial owners from EU Member States, even if their vessels are not included on an IUU list by an RFMO or the EU itself? If so, how can the Commission ensure the full implementation of these obligations?
Submitted: 16.4.2025