Key data
| Regulation | Council Decision (EU) 2026/2145, of 22 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified regulation | Decision (EU) 2021/1875 |
| Publication | 23 September 2026 (EU Official Journal, OJ:L_202602145) |
| Entry into force | 22 September 2026 |
| Affected parties | European fishing fleets —especially Spanish— operating in waters shared with the United Kingdom |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
| Legal reference framework | EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (post-Brexit) |
| Purpose | Update of the EU's negotiating mandate to set annual Total Allowable Catches (TAC) in shared waters |
Spanish fishing fleets operating in waters shared with the United Kingdom face a new regulatory scenario. The Council Decision (EU) 2026/2145, adopted on 22 September 2026, amends Decision 2021/1875 and updates the mandate with which the EU sits down to negotiate annually with the United Kingdom the Total Allowable Catches (TAC).
Since Brexit, the EU and the United Kingdom have negotiated fishing quotas annually under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This update of the European negotiating mandate reflects the need to adapt the EU's position to current scientific, economic or diplomatic circumstances, which may imply direct changes in the quotas available to community fleets.
What does this regulation establish?
Decision 2026/2145 amends Decision 2021/1875, which established the EU's original position for annual consultations with the United Kingdom on TACs. In practical terms, the EU Council adjusts the European negotiating mandate —that is, the limits, criteria and objectives with which the Commission's negotiators approach annual consultations with London.
| Aspect | Previous situation (Decision 2021/1875) | Current situation (Decision 2026/2145) |
|---|---|---|
| Negotiating mandate | Position set in 2021, at the beginning of the post-Brexit framework | Position updated in September 2026 to reflect current scientific, economic or diplomatic circumstances |
| Legal basis | EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (in force since 2021) | Same agreement, with renewed mandate |
| Subject of negotiation | TAC in waters shared with the United Kingdom | TAC in waters shared with the United Kingdom (no change in subject) |
The Total Allowable Catches (TAC) are the maximum fishing limits set for each species in each zone. Once agreed between the EU and the United Kingdom, they are distributed among Member States in the form of national quotas. The outcome of the negotiation determines how much each fleet can fish in shared waters.
Economic and operational impact
The economic impact of this decision is not materialized in the regulation itself, but in the outcome of the negotiations that this regulation enables. A mandate more favorable to European fishing interests can result in broader quotas; a more restrictive one, in reductions that directly affect the revenue of fishing companies.
- Higher quotas: greater volume of catches permitted, greater potential revenue for shipowners and processing companies.
- Lower quotas: reduction in income, possible underutilization of fleet, pressure on employment in ports dependent on these fisheries.
- Negotiating uncertainty: while annual consultations are not closed, companies must plan with open scenarios.
- Operational adaptation: changes in TACs may force redirection of fishing effort to other areas or species, with the logistical and licensing costs that this entails.
The most exposed sectors are those that structurally depend on waters in the Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, where the presence of Spanish fleet is significant.
Who does it affect?
- Spanish fishing fleets operating in the Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea in waters shared with the United Kingdom.
- Fleets from other Member States with presence in the same waters: France and the Netherlands are the most cited along with Spain.
- Shipowners and fishing companies with licenses or historical fishing rights in fishing grounds affected by TACs negotiated with the United Kingdom.
- Processing and marketing industry that depends on the supply of species caught in these waters.
- Fishing producer organizations and fishermen's associations that manage quotas among their members.
- Advisors and managers of fishing companies who must anticipate annual planning scenarios.
Practical example
A Galician shipping company with several vessels operating in the Northeast Atlantic under quotas agreed in the EU-UK framework must closely follow the outcome of the negotiations enabled by this decision. If the EU's new negotiating mandate results in a reduction of TACs for any of the species it catches —for example, northern hake or cod in northern waters— the company will see its assigned quota reduced for the next campaign.
This means fewer permitted fishing days, fewer tons available for sale and, consequently, lower revenue. If the reduction is significant, it may be necessary to reconsider the activity of part of the fleet: redirect it to other areas, seek quota exchange agreements with other producer organizations, or anticipate temporary employment regulation procedures for affected crews.
Conversely, if the updated mandate allows the EU to negotiate broader quotas for certain species, the same company could increase its catch volume and plan a more profitable campaign.
What should companies do now?
- Identify affected species and areas: review which fishing grounds your fleet operates in and which TACs negotiated with the United Kingdom apply directly to them.
- Follow the negotiation process: annual EU-UK consultations take place throughout the year. Staying informed of progress allows you to anticipate scenarios before final TACs are published.
- Prepare planning scenarios: develop a plan A (quotas similar to current ones) and a plan B (significant reduction) for the next campaign, with impact on revenue, fleet costs and employment.
- Consult with the producer organization: fishing producer organizations manage the distribution of quotas among their members and usually have advance information about negotiations.
- Review licenses and access rights: ensure that fishing permits in UK waters are up to date and compatible with the new negotiating framework.
- Seek legal advice if the company has contracts or commercial commitments linked to catch volumes in areas affected by EU-UK TACs.
Frequently asked questions
What are TACs and how do they affect my fishing company?
Total Allowable Catches (TAC) are the maximum fishing limits set for each species in each marine zone. In the case of waters shared with the United Kingdom, the EU and the United Kingdom negotiate them annually. Once agreed, they are distributed among Member States as national quotas. If your company operates in the Northeast Atlantic or the North Sea, TACs determine how much you can legally fish each campaign.
Why is the EU modifying its negotiating position now, in 2026?
Decision 2026/2145 updates the original position set in Decision 2021/1875, adopted at the beginning of the post-Brexit framework. The modification responds to the need to adapt the European negotiating mandate to current scientific, economic or diplomatic circumstances. It is a common adjustment in annual negotiations of this type, where scientific data on fish stocks and market conditions evolve each year.
Which Spanish fleets are most exposed to this negotiation?
Fleets operating in the Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea in waters shared with the United Kingdom are directly affected. Along with Spain, France and the Netherlands are the Member States with the greatest presence in these waters according to the data in the decision itself.
When will the outcome of negotiations with the United Kingdom be known?
The decision entered into force on 22 September 2026 and enables annual consultations. The concrete outcome —that is, the TACs agreed for the next campaign— is published once negotiations between the EU and the United Kingdom are concluded, usually before the start of the next fishing campaign. It is essential to follow the negotiation process to anticipate the impact on fleet planning.
Does this decision directly change my current fishing quotas?
Not immediately. Decision 2026/2145 modifies the EU's negotiating mandate, not the TACs themselves. Changes in specific quotas will occur when annual consultations between the EU and the United Kingdom are concluded and the new agreed TACs are published. This decision is the preliminary step that defines the position with which the EU negotiates.
Official source
Consult full regulation at official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202602145
