The EU’s approach to the use of antimicrobials in animals is primarily framed by stringent regulatory measures encapsulated in Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on veterinary medicinal products, and also in Regulation (EU) 2019/4 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 when it comes to the administration of veterinary medicinal products via medicated feed specifically. The EU regulatory framework prohibits the use of antibiotics for growth promotion or yield increase. The use of all antimicrobials is subject to veterinary prescription following a clinical examination or any other proper assessment by a veterinarian. Certain antimicrobials cannot be used in animals as they are reserved for the treatment of certain infections in humans. Preventive use of antibiotics is allowed only to an individual animal, in exceptional cases and under well-defined circumstances. In addition, a pharmacovigilance system is established at EU level involving collaboration between Member States, the Commission, the European Medicines Agency and marketing authorization holders to carry out tasks related to the safety and efficacy of authorized veterinary products.

The EU sales of antimicrobial veterinary medicines for food-producing animals, including food-producing aquatic animals, have been monitored on a voluntary basis until 2022. As of 2023, the sales are monitored under a new, legally binding system. These data are used to track the progress towards the aspirational target to reduce by 50% the overall EU sales of antimicrobials for farmed animals and in aquaculture by 2030, compared to 2018 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:ea0f9f73-9ab2-11ea-9…). As of 2026, Member States are to collect data on the use of antimicrobials in finfish per category (Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, gilthead seabream, European seabass, common carp). These antimicrobial use data should set the basis for defining targeted measures against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The “Strategic Guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period 2021 to 2030” emphasize the need to reduce antibiotic dependency through enhanced husbandry practices. These practices, aimed at promoting animal welfare and disease prevention, are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with antibiotic use and eliminating the misuse of antibiotics while aligning with both environmental and public health objectives.

In July 2022, the Commission and Member States identified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top three priority health threats. A comprehensive report on Member States' One Health National Action Plans against Antimicrobial Resistance (https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/overview-report-member-states-…) was published (One Health issue, meaning that it encompasses human health, animal health, plant health and the environment, and is a multi-faceted cross-border threat to health that cannot be tackled by one sector independently or by individual countries alone).

On 26 April 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat antimicrobial resistance in a One Health approach, in which Member States are encouraged to take measures to improve the health and welfare of food-producing animals such as farmed fish in order to decrease the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases in farming and subsequently reduce the need for antimicrobial use. And on 13 June 2023, the Council adopted the Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat antimicrobial resistance with a One Health approach (https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/council-recommendation-steppin…). The recommendations aim at fostering the prudent use of antimicrobials by setting concrete targets on AMR and antimicrobial consumption in human health. They also encourage Member States to take measures to improve the health and welfare of food-producing animals such as farmed fish to decrease the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases in farming and subsequently reduce the need for antimicrobial use.

As mentioned in sections 8 and 9 of the Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat antimicrobial resistance with a One Health approach some strategies to decrease the reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture are: i) adoption of prevention and control measures against infectious diseases; ii) adoption of biosecurity measures on fish farms, which is an obligation of the operators according to article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (Animal Health Law); iii) encouraging breeding techniques in aquaculture for the development of disease resistant strains; iv) promoting the use of vaccination and alternatives to help prevent certain diseases (Vaccines offer targeted immunity against specific pathogens; however they involve challenges such as species-specific limitations.); v) promoting the development and use of innovate feed additives also including feed additives to improve the physiological status of animals such as insect-based feeds (these feeds are rich in protein, chitin, and bioactive compounds (e.g., lauric acid) that can enhance gut microbiota diversity, improve disease resistance, and reduce dependence on fishmeal), probiotics (Probiotics, such as bacillus and lactobacillus, enhance immunity, growth, and stress tolerance while suppressing pathogens), prebiotics (Prebiotics e.g., fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) selectively stimulate beneficial gut bacteria, improving nutrient absorption and immune responses) and symbiotic (which combine probiotics and prebiotics, synergistically enhance disease resistance, gut morphology, and microbiome balance); vi) ensuring continuous training regarding knowledge on infection prevention and control and biosecurity of all fish farm personnel (also according to article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429); vii) ensuring proper sludge management to prevent diseases and other pathogens.

These alternative strategies align with FAO/WHO guidelines, promoting environmentally friendly aquaculture practices that bolster fish health, minimize waste, and lessen ecological harm.

To reinforce the EU's regulatory framework, Member States implement Multi-annual National Strategic Plans for Aquaculture (MNSPAs) integrating AMR reduction targets, often supported by funding from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). These plans are designed to enhance biosecurity, promote vaccination programs, and foster investments in alternative therapies.

The EU also provides funding for AMR related projects in the aquaculture sector (Horizon Europe and EMFAF). For example, Cure4Aqua—focusing on developing bio-based alternatives to antibiotics—and NeoGiANT, which valorizes agricultural by-products into natural antimicrobial formulations.