Brussels, 6 November 2024
The Committee on Fisheries questioned Costas Kadis, Cypriot candidate for the Fisheries and Oceans portfolio, on Wednesday.
Ensuring profitability, promoting the blue economy and protecting oceans
In his introductory speech, Mr Kadis spoke of the need to secure a sustainable, competitive and resilient fisheries and aquaculture sectors, and promote the blue economy while protecting the oceans.
For that, the Commissioner-designate will rely on the conclusions of the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), a comprehensive analysis of current legislation that will include a broad stakeholder consultation, and the results of which, expected by the end of 2025, will be discussed with Parliament. In response to MEP questions, Mr Kadis did not rule out legislative changes, in view of this assessment and the evolution of the EU fishing fleet.
Asked about the landing obligation rules, the Commissioner-designate highlighted the need to address discards, as well as the importance of comprehensive and quality data. He stressed that fish discards do not increase profitability nor maritime sustainability.
Aware of the differences between large and small-scale fisheries, as well as of the significant variations between fishing areas, Mr Kadis promised an energy transition roadmap for fisheries and aquaculture with a 2050 perspective, by the end of 2025. He also drew attention to the social dimension of the fisheries industry and committed to supporting coastal communities.
Mr Kadis referred to other challenges, such as aging boats, skills and labour shortages, the sector’s gender gap, the lack of generational renewal and the need to reduce red tape. He added that all of these issues will be at the core of the European Oceans Pact, a roadmap the Commissioner-designate plans to present in June 2025.
Baltic Sea, Brexit, relations with third countries
Responding to MEPs, the Commissioner-designate defended a holistic approach to the degradation of the Baltic Sea, one which involves all scientific and environmental stakeholders. Regarding the 2026 renegotiation of fishing quotas with the United Kingdom, Mr Kadis committed to guaranteeing EU vessels will maintain access to their historic fishing areas.
The Commissioner-designate will also tackle illegal or unregulated fishing products, enhance the Union’s food autonomy, and ensure that sustainable fisheries partnerships agreements guarantee a level playing field to lead third countries up to the higher standards applied in the EU
Protecting biodiversity and its economic benefits
In response to questions, the Commissioner-designate promised to push for science-based solutions to respond to the sector’s challenges, while also listening to stakeholders, and especially local communities. He highlighted the role of the sea as a carbon sink and the need to ensure biodiversity, both for sustainability and economic purposes. Mr Kadis emphasised the role that protected areas play in this regard, stressing that they also increase fishing revenues.
You can watch the video recording of the full hearing.
Press point
At the end of the hearing, the Chair of the Fisheries Committee, Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES), held a press point outside the meeting room.
Next steps
The committee Chair and political group coordinators will meet after the hearing to assess the performance and qualification of the Commissioner-designate.
Based on the committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group chairs) is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on 21 November. Once the Conference of Presidents declares all hearings closed, the evaluation letters will be published.
The election by MEPs of the full college of Commissioners (by a majority of the votes cast, by roll-call) is currently scheduled to take place during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.