The European fishing fleet declined by 15% over the last ten years.

Omissions

• The decline in the NUMBER of vessels over 2014–2024 was 13.6%, not 15%; the 15% figure is closer to the 14.9% decline in fleet capacity (gross tonnage).
• The same Eurostat data (2026-02-16 release) covers the period 2014–2024, which is the most recent full ten-year window available at the time of the speech (2026-07-09).
• The MEP's accompanying statement of '2,000 vessels lost per year' would imply roughly 20,000 vessels lost in ten years, whereas Eurostat shows a total reduction of 10,850 vessels over 2014–2024 (an average of about 1,085 per year).

Sources

• PrimaryEurostat – Key figures on food chain: EU's fishing fleet (news article)In 2024, the EU's fishing fleet counted 68 863 catching vessels, with a gross tonnage (a measure of fish-holding capacity) of 1.2 million tonnes ... Compared with 2014, the fleet had 10 850 fewer vessels ...
• SecondaryThe Fishing Daily – EU Fishing Fleet Shrinks As Catches Remain ConcentratedCompared with 2014, this represents a reduction of 10,850 vessels, a fall of 13.6 percent. Over the same period, total fleet capacity declined ...
• SecondaryTridge News – The EU fishing fleet has decreased by 10850 vessels over the last decadeCompared to 2014, the fleet had 10,850 fewer vessels in 2024, a decrease of 13.6%. Its combined capacity was 14.9% smaller, while the total ...