Norwegian aquaculture has grown into a global leader while the rest of the EU has lagged behind. Norway has developed a real strategy for its aquaculture sector including licenses, well managed fjords, organized marketing and support from government agencies, making it one of the country’s main industries. The EU imports 75% of its seafood despite the fact that geographically Europe has all that is needed to establish a solid aquaculture sector. The following article discusses the hindrances that are holding back this development, and what changes the EU needs to make to catch up with Norway in this regard.