Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, highlighted the progress achieved during the Cyprus Presidency on issues concerning the future of European fisheries, funding for the sector, and preparations for the next phase of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Following the conclusion of the first day of the final Agriculture and Fisheries Council under the Cyprus Presidency, held on in Luxembourg, the Minister on 22 June noted that discussions focused on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, fishing opportunities for 2027, and the evaluation of the EU’s existing fisheries regulatory framework.
She stated that, throughout the Cyprus Presidency, efforts were made to support fishers, aquaculture producers and coastal communities, while at the same time strengthening the international dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy.
She underlined that the necessary amendments to the Fishing Opportunities Regulation were adopted, while sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with the Seychelles, Sao Tome and Principe, and the Cook Islands were advanced.
The Minister made special reference to negotiations on the future EU financing framework and support for the fisheries sector during the 2028–2034 period.
She pointed out that progress was achieved during the Cyprus Presidency on key aspects of the future CFP framework, including strengthening the position of fisheries and aquaculture within the next MFF.
She added that steps had been taken to secure dedicated support for fisheries control, data collection and the sustainable development of aquaculture, as well as improved access for the sector to EU support mechanisms.
The Minister also noted that the negotiations foresee a doubling of the ring-fenced allocation for the Common Fisheries Policy to €4 billion. She added that, combined with additional safeguards for fisheries control and data collection, these developments could keep the sector’s budget close to its current level during the next programming period.
At the same time, ministers held a first exchange of views on fishing opportunities for 2027 as part of the annual process of setting total allowable catches and quotas.
The Minister stressed that ministers highlighted the need for decisions to be based on the best available scientific advice, while also taking into account the economic viability of the sector and the challenges it faces.
She noted that the Cyprus Presidency is handing over the baton to Ireland after helping lay the foundations for the next phase of European fisheries policy, with the objective of building a more resilient, competitive and future-oriented fisheries sector.
Kadis: More fish stocks are being fished at sustainable levels
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, stated that ministers discussions focused on the state of the European fisheries sector, the future of the Common Fisheries Policy, and the future financing framework for fisheries.
The Commissioner noted that, during discussions on the Commission’s annual communication on sustainable fisheries, it was highlighted that significant progress has been made in recent years in the management of fish stocks, with more stocks now being fished at sustainable levels.
However, he stressed that major challenges remain, as a number of fish stocks, particularly in the Mediterranean, continue to face significant pressure, while the situation in the Baltic Sea remains difficult due to environmental factors.
Regarding the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, the Commissioner said that discussions revealed broad support among Member States for maintaining the core objectives and principles established under the 2013 reform.
He noted that the findings of the evaluation are expected to feed into the Commission’s upcoming initiatives for the sector, including the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Ocean Act, and negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget.
Referring to the future financing framework, the Commissioner said that progress had been made in consultations on the funding rules for fisheries policy under the next EU budget.
He added that a key priority is the completion of the relevant rules and national budgetary plans before the new EU budget enters into force in 2028.
The Commissioner also referred to preparations for the next “MedFish4Ever” Ministerial Declaration, which is expected to be signed in 2027 and will focus on continuing cooperation between the EU and Mediterranean third countries to restore fish stocks in the region.
Concluding his remarks, the Commissioner highlighted the contribution of the Cyprus Presidency to discussions on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy and to negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
(Source: CNA)
