Having appointed Costas Kadis to the position of Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, EU President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined Kadis’s priorities moving forward, urging the former Cypriot politician and his fellow new commissioners to “hit the ground running on day one”.
Identifying that fisheries remain the “lifeblood” of Europe’s coastal communities and economies and that they are an “essential” supplier of food, von der Leyen stated in her mission letter to Kadis that as part of the Commission’s broader work on securing European food sovereignty, she would like him to develop a long-term vision for “resilient, competitive and sustainable” fisheries, aquaculture and other blue economy sectors.
She also advised: “You will ensure the EU leads global efforts to restore the health and security of the world’s ocean and support coastal communities across Europe with the unique challenges they face.”
The mission handed down also includes ensuring the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is implemented effectively across all member states to support the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and their competitiveness across the EU, while achieving sustainable fish stocks and minimising the impact of fishing on marine ecosystems.
Von der Leyen further asks for a follow up on the comprehensive evaluation of the CFP, with particular attention paid to its environmental, economic and social dimensions. On this basis, she said she wants Kadis to prepare a “vision for the fisheries sector with a 2040 perspective”, tackle issues affecting fishing communities and support job creation in the sector.
Actions should also be taken to “uphold a level playing field”, protecting the European fisheries chain from unfair competition, particularly with regards to seafood products.
Meanwhile, as part of a new strategic approach to fisheries external action, Kadis is charged with working on a new generation of Sustainable Fisheries Partnerships, ensuring they are in line with the EU’s wider regional strategies and priorities, most notably for Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
Von der Leyen also asked the commissioner to be present in coastal communities across the union and to organise Fisheries and Oceans Dialogues. She has also charged him with helping design the European Oceans Pact in a collaborative and inclusive way, and to listen to the views of all stakeholders, including small-scale and artisanal fishers.
