Commission welcomes Council adoption of Directive improving the working conditions in the fishing sector

The European Commission welcomes today's adoption by the EU's Council of Ministers of the Directive which aims at improving the working conditions in the fishing sector.

In 2013, the EU social partners in the fishing sector reached an agreement, which proposed to align EU law with the "Work in Fishing" Convention 2007 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

On 29 April 2016, the European Commission adopted a proposal translating the agreement into a Directive. The directive adopted today by the Council implements the social partner agreement, which provides for a higher level of protection of EU fishermen.

The Council Directive will improve the living and working conditions of fishermen. It includes minimum requirements for:

• Work on board (e.g. minimum age, medical certificate, information in the employment contract).
• Conditions of service (working time limits, right of repatriation).
• Accommodation and food.
• Occupational safety and health protection, including medical treatment on board and ashore.

Furthermore, the implementation of the social partner agreement in EU legislation is expected to set an example for third countries to ratify the 2007 ILO Working in Fishing Convention. This is particularly relevant in the context of the fight against forced labour, often connected to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

By adopting this Directive, the EU cements its commitment to the Convention, which will enter into force on 16 November 2017, and will be in stronger position to promote its implementation worldwide.