As Cyprus begins its presidency of the Council of the European Union, environmental organisation Oceana is calling on the island nation to set a clear and ambitious course for Europe’s ocean future, centred on recovery, resilience and long-term food security.
The first half of 2026 is expected to be pivotal for EU marine policy. During this period, the European Commission will conclude its evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and decide whether to revise one of the bloc’s most important fisheries laws.
At the same time, work will advance on initiatives including the proposed EU Ocean Act, a 2040 vision for EU fisheries, international marine protection commitments and strengthened action against illegal fishing.
“Cyprus is on the frontline of the devastation caused by climate change and by the depletion of fish stocks in the Mediterranean,” said Vera Coelho, Oceana’s executive director and vice president in Europe.
“[It] has the opportunity and the responsibility to set the tone for the next decade of ocean policy. It is crucial that this presidency safeguards the benefits of ocean recovery, achieved after decades of hard work and now threatened by the so-called ‘simplification’ agenda of industrial lobbies.”
Oceana is urging the Cypriot presidency to lead Council discussions which support a strong Ocean Act, ensure full implementation of the CFP, accelerate the transition to low-impact fishing, rebuild depleted fish populations and end destructive fishing practices in marine protected areas. The organisation also calls for revised market rules to guarantee clear consumer information for all seafood products.
Cyprus takes on the role amid growing pressure from industrial interests to weaken or delay environmental and fisheries legislation. Oceana warns that rolling back hard-won protections would undermine EU credibility, increase dependence on foreign seafood supplies and put coastal communities at risk.
