Cypriot Costas Kadis has been confirmed as European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, after replying to all of the questions at his listening to within the European Parliament on Wednesday afternoon (6 November).
Within the committee chamber, MEPs on the Fisheries Committee (PECH) ended the Costas Kadis’ listening to with a heat spherical of applause.
“He has proven to be greater than ready,” for the position, the committee chair Carmen Crespo mentioned in a press convention after the listening to.
On the finish of the listening to, the parliamentary coordinators gave their approval. As with Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, solely the Patriots for Europe, the Left and Europe of Sovereign Nations events voted in opposition to.
We have now to return to the Greek socialist Maria Damanaki (Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, 2010-14) to see a portfolio centered on the fisheries sector, separated from the surroundings.
The Cypriot, who had been a minister for agriculture and liable for fisheries since 2018, pledged to current a European Ocean Pact, promised by European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen, on the United Nations Convention on the Oceans in Good in June 2025. It will coordinate all EU insurance policies referring to the oceans.
For Kadis, due to the ocean’s pact, “all insurance policies will likely be facilitated,” as they are going to be higher coordinated, significantly the Frequent Fisheries Coverage and environmental insurance policies.
A social sort of sustainability
Kadis stayed on target, defending an idea of sustainability, emphasising social features along with environmental and financial points.
Environmental NGOs have lately referred to as for dropping the “fisheries” label and retaining the “ocean” for the brand new commissioner, and that he could be underneath the accountability of the candidate Government Vice-President for a Clear, Honest and Aggressive Transition, Teresa Ribera.
Answering the query from Portuguese socialist Andre Rodrigues, Kadis defined he sees his place in a fairly totally different method.
For him, “defending coastal communities has all the pieces to do with territorial cohesion,” and on this, he’s on “the identical wavelength” with Raffaele Fitto, candidate Vice-President for Cohesion and Reform, underneath whose course he would work based on the mission letters of Ursula von der Leyen.
Fisheries coverage, reform or not?
MEPs from throughout the political spectrum referred to as for clear commitments on the Frequent Fisheries Coverage (CFP), which is at present present process a full analysis. Kadis reaffirmed that he was awaiting the outcomes “on the finish of subsequent 12 months” to focus on the strengths and doable weaknesses of the present coverage – which was final reformed in 2013. If needed, Kadis mentioned, “I cannot hesitate” to suggest a CFP overhaul.”
Some MEPs underlined the loopholes within the present authorized framework. The Left’s coordinator Emma Fourreau warned member states weren’t complying with Article 17 of the CFP, which requires them to pretty distribute fishing quotas amongst massive and small vessels.
“I’ll be certain that the Fee provides the member states pointers on the right software of article 17,” the commissioner-designate replied. He added that he could be proposing a sensible information on the topic.
On fish farming (aquaculture), Kadis dedicated to growing the sector, “whereas enhancing animal welfare requirements.”
Settlement with the UK
One other thorny subject raised by MEPs was the relations with neighbouring associate nations. Kadis reiterated the necessity to put in place “a optimistic agenda” with the UK, because the commerce and cooperation settlement ends in 2026, but additionally – if confirmed – he’ll defend the rights of European fishermen.
“If there are disagreements, we’ve got the instruments obtainable,” he mentioned, referring to the launch of an arbitration tribunal in opposition to the UK following its ban on sandeel fishing in English waters.
Lastly, Kadis promised “zero tolerance” for unlawful fishing (IUU).
[Edited by Angelo Di Mambro and Rajnish Singh]
