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Cypriot Costas Kadis has been confirmed as European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, after replying to all the questions at his hearing in the European Parliament on Wednesday afternoon (6 November).
In the committee chamber, MEPs on the Fisheries Committee (PECH) ended the Costas Kadis’ hearing with a warm round of applause.
“He has shown to be more than prepared,” for the role, the committee chair Carmen Crespo said in a press conference after the hearing.
At the end of the hearing, the parliamentary coordinators gave their approval. As with Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, only the Patriots for Europe, the Left and Europe of Sovereign Nations parties voted against.
We have to go back to the Greek socialist Maria Damanaki (Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, 2010-14) to see a portfolio focused on the fisheries sector, separated from the environment.
The Cypriot, who had been a minister for agriculture and responsible for fisheries since 2018, pledged to present a European Ocean Pact, promised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, at the United Nations Conference on the Oceans in Nice in June 2025. This will coordinate all EU policies relating to the oceans.
For Kadis, thanks to the ocean’s pact, “all policies will be facilitated,” as they will be better coordinated, particularly the Common Fisheries Policy and environmental policies.
A social kind of sustainability
Kadis stayed on course, defending a concept of sustainability, emphasising social aspects together with environmental and economic issues.
Environmental NGOs have recently called for dropping the “fisheries” label and keeping the “ocean” for the new commissioner, and that he would be under the responsibility of the candidate Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera.
Answering the question from Portuguese socialist Andre Rodrigues, Kadis explained he sees his position in a quite different manner.
For him, “defending coastal communities has everything to do with territorial cohesion,” and on this, he is on “the same wavelength” with Raffaele Fitto, candidate Vice-President for Cohesion and Reform, under whose direction he would work according to the mission letters of Ursula von der Leyen.
Fisheries policy, reform or not?
MEPs from across the political spectrum called for clear commitments on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which is currently undergoing a full evaluation. Kadis reaffirmed that he was awaiting the results “at the end of next year” to highlight the strengths and possible weaknesses of the current policy – which was last reformed in 2013. If necessary, Kadis said, “I will not hesitate” to propose a CFP overhaul.”
Some MEPs underlined the loopholes in the current legal framework. The Left’s coordinator Emma Fourreau warned member states were not complying with Article 17 of the CFP, which requires them to fairly distribute fishing quotas among big and small vessels.
“I will ensure that the Commission gives the member states guidelines on the correct application of article 17,” the commissioner-designate replied. He added that he would be proposing a practical guide on the subject.
On fish farming (aquaculture), Kadis committed to developing the sector, “while improving animal welfare standards.”
Agreement with the UK
Another thorny issue raised by MEPs was the relations with neighbouring partner countries. Kadis reiterated the need to put in place “a positive agenda” with the United Kingdom, as the trade and cooperation agreement ends in 2026, but also – if confirmed – he will defend the rights of European fishermen.
“If there are disagreements, we have the tools available,” he said, referring to the launch of an arbitration tribunal against the United Kingdom following its ban on sandeel fishing in English waters.
Finally, Kadis promised “zero tolerance” for illegal fishing (IUU).
[Edited by Angelo Di Mambro and Rajnish Singh]
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