Costas Kadis, nominated as new European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans.
Photo: Frederick University, Cyprus.
The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, led by EC President Ursula von der Leyen, has designated its new set of 27 Commissioners for the following five years - appointments which still need to be confirmed by an upcoming vote in the European Parliament.
One of the key designations in the new team is Cypriot politician and former scientific researcher, Costas Kadis, proposed as the new Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans.
Kadis is to take over from outgoing Commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevičius, a Lithuanian politician who in the previous commission had a remit which not only covered fisheries and oceans but also the environment. In the newly-formed Commission for 2024-2029, the portfolio for environment has been transferred to a standalone commission, led by Sweden's Jessika Roswall.
However, Kadis also brings plenty of experience in environmental matters, agriculture and nature conservation to his proposed new role.
Born in Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1967, Kadis holds a BSc and PhD in biology from the University of Athens, specialising in conservation biology. In 2005 he founded the Nature Conservation Unit at Frederick University, Cyprus, leading the research centre from 2005-2014. Following this, he held ministerial posts in the Cyprian government, as Minister for Health (2007 and 2008), Education and Culture (2014-2018), most recently as Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (2018-2023).
"I count on his experience to help build a resilient, competitive, and sustainable sector and present the first European Oceans Pact," von der Leyen said in an official statement announcing the proposed new appointees.
Von der Leyen had previously pledged that under her leadership, the new Fisheries & Oceans Commissioner would ensure the European fisheries sector “remains sustainable, competitive and resilient and with upholding a level playing field for the European fisheries chain”, and that “a European Oceans Pact will focus on boosting the blue economy and ensuring the good governance and sustainability of our oceans in all of their dimensions.”
The news that Kadis was selected for this role has so far been welcomed by European fisheries and aquaculture organizations, with the Spanish aquacuture industry association APROMAR saying it is "eager to begin, through its European federation FEAP, a relationship with the likely new European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis."
APROMAR also welcomed the separation of portfolios of Fisheries and Oceans from that of Environment. However, it said, it was a "missed opportunity not to name the newly-configured portfolio 'Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Oceans'."
"The goal is for European aquaculture to regain competitiveness and dynamism. The tenure of the previous commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevicius, can be considered a missed term," APROMAR stated.
"The ongoing review of the Common Fisheries Policy will be one of the new commissioner's first challenges. It's up to him to provide a significant qualitative leap to allow the achievement of goals in aquaculture. At present, European aquaculture producers are even requesting to be removed from the CFP as it is a regulatory framework designed for fishing but not for aquaculture."
APROMAR said it would be urging the new commissioner to emphasize that his portfolio also includes aquaculture, especially river aquaculture, and that it wanted to see better coordination with the commissioner for agriculture on food security issues.
Meanwhile, key fisheries trade association Europêche also indicated its support for Kadis' appointment.
"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," the organization said in a press release.
"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," added Europêche President, Javier Garat.