Europêche uses first meeting to underline the need for workable and balanced EU policies that support the sector

European fishing industry representative body Europêche has welcomed the commitment shown by new EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis to delivering a resilient, competitive and sustainable fisheries sector. 

Europêche held its first meeting with Commissioner Kadis on 29 January 2025 to address the future of the EU fisheries sector under the legislative term 2024-2029. It said the dialogue focused on securing workable and balanced EU policies that support the sector, ensure access to traditional fishing grounds, strengthen EU seafood sovereignty, and promote fair market competition – all while fostering socio-economic growth for coastal communities.

At the meeting, the association emphasised the urgency of immediate action to reverse the declining fleet size and job losses – caused by imbalanced EU policies, costs pressures, increasing area closures, access restrictions and maritime spatial squeeze. It called for fairer competition in the marketplace by aligning sustainability standards for imported seafood with those required of EU fishers, ensuring a level playing field.

Europêche President Javier Garat said the body was very pleased with the Commission’s active engagement, and declared that Commissioner Kadis showed a strong commitment to maintaining an open dialogue and developing practical policies and regulations for the sector.

“This is just the first of many meetings needed to tackle the significant challenges facing our industry. Our discussion with Commissioner Kadis represents an important step towards shaping a competitive and sustainable future for the EU fisheries sector. We look forward to a shift in policy direction and the CFP evaluation presents a crucial window of opportunity. Europêche remains fully committed to working closely with the Commissioner and his team,” Garat said.