Cooperation between countries to manage shared fish stocks is an international obligation. This is a particular challenge for the EU, which shares many of the fish stocks it exploits with third countries. If a third country does not cooperate in the management of a shared stock and decides unilaterally on its fishing opportunities, there is a risk of overfishing. The EU has adopted Regulation 1026/2012 to take measures against third countries that do not cooperate in the management of shared fish stocks. On 13 September 2024, the Commission presented a proposal to amend this regulation. The aim is to clarify the conditions under which a country is deemed to be non-cooperating, as well as the process before and after EU action. The updated regulation would give the EU a stronger tool to tackle unsustainable fishing practices. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP Read more