Europêche, the leading trade body representing the European fishing industry, warmly welcomes the nomination of Costas Kadis as the new Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans. Europêche is eager to work closely with Mr. Kadis to ensure the industry remains sustainable, competitive, and resilient. Europêche is particularly keen to collaborate on ensuring a level playing field for the entire fisheries chain, safeguarding EU’s food sovereignty and providing vital support to coastal communities across the Union.
Javier Garat, President of Europêche, declared: ‘It is our hope that Mr. Kadis will restore the balance between biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of natural resources, and food security – an equilibrium that was regrettably lacking in the previous legislative term. With his extensive experience in nature, agriculture, and fisheries, we believe he is well-equipped to address the realities faced by our sector and coastal communities.’
Europêche also welcomes the mandate given to the Executive Vice-President-Designate for Cohesion and Reforms. He will be tasked with helping to ensure that fisheries becomes more resilient, sustainable and competitive in the global market. It represents a significant step toward elevating fisheries and food production on the Commission’s agenda, as advocated by the sector, with a dedicated focus at the Vice-Presidency level.
In this context, as outlined in the mandate for the Commissioner-Designate for Agriculture and Food, we need a Fisheries Commissioner who will work closely with fellow College Members to develop a cohesive ‘vision for food’, promote trade reciprocity and advance a strategy for generational renewal within the sector.
The sector looks forward to a fruitful and constructive partnership with the new European Commission that ensures both the sector competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
Europêche welcomes meeting with Executive Vice-President Šefčovič amid crucial political transition
Europêche is pleased to announce the confirmation of a meeting with Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič that will take place on 25 September. Both parties will address urgent fisheries matters during a crucial political transition period, as the EU prepares for the next European Commission.
Europêche welcomes Vice-President Šefčovič’s availability to meet during such busy and transitional political times, recognizing his continued leadership in the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s fisheries sector.
As the industry faces a variety of critical challenges, Europêche is eager to discuss the following high-priority issues:
- High-level dialogue on fisheries management and ocean-related cooperation with Norway: establishing a sustainable partnership and trade arrangements to protect shared resources and the interests of the EU fleet.
- EU position for the ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) Annual Meeting 2024: creating a level playing field for the European fleet, fighting IUU fishing to protect EU consumers and ensuring decisions are based upon best available science.
- Fishing opportunities for 2025: securing sustainable and fair quota allocations in the Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean seas to safeguard both natural resources and the future of the European fishing sector.
Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, declared “While the new College of Commissioners is expected to take office by December 1, this meeting will ensure that pressing fisheries issues continue to receive the political attention they deserve. Europêche remains committed to fostering constructive dialogue and close collaboration with the EU executive to safeguard the future of the fishing sector.”
On the same day, Europêche will also meet Member States to address these pressing fisheries matters and to prepare for the next legislative term.
Press contacts:
Anne-France Mattlet, Deputy Managing Director of Europêche: +33 678 11 63 01 | anne-france.mattlet@europeche.org
