Council Directive (EU) 2017/159 implementing the Agreement concerning the implementation of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 of the International Labour Organisation, concluded on 21 May 2012 between the General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives in the European Union (Cogeca), the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and the Association of National Organisations of Fishing Enterprises in the European Union (Europêche).

This Directive lays down detailed provisions implementing the agreement concluded in 2012 between the General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives in the European Union (Cogeca), the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and the Association of National Organisations of Fishing Enterprises in the European Union (Europêche). The Agreement implements the Work in Fishing Convention of 2007 of the International Labour Organisation and it applies to fishermen working in any capacity under a contract of employment or in an employment relationship on board fishing vessels engaged in sea fishing, flying the flag of a Member State or registered under the plenary jurisdiction of a Member State. Member States may maintain or introduce provisions more favourable to workers in the sea fishing sector than those laid down in this Directive. Member States shall determine what penalties are applicable when national provisions enacted pursuant to this Directive are infringed. The penalties shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
The text of the Agreement concluded in 2012 is set out in the Annex to this Directive.