Costas Kadis during his confirmation hearing at the European Parliament in November 2024.
Source: European Parliament
The European Parliament has now completed the approval process for the new European Commission, with the team of Commissioners now due to take office on 1 December for a 5-year term.
This includes the new EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, whose appointment was confirmed at a European Parliamentary hearing on 6 November.
"We must secure sustainable, resilient and competitive fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the European Union. We must further promote our blue economy, and we must protect our oceans and ensure their coherent and sustainable use. These will be my guiding principles as European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans," Kadis said at his hearing.
The new Commissioner also highlighted that aquaculture would be a key focus of his work.
"I will dedicate much of my attention to developing the full potential of EU aquaculture while improving animal welfare standards. Investing in aquaculture will help us to reduce our dependence on imports and create green jobs and sustainable growth," he said.
On fisheries, Kadis said: "I want us to achieve a better level playing field for our hard-working fishers by promoting the European Union's standards in all international forums. I will work closely with my fellow commissioners to better valorise sustainable fishing products on the European market, and leverage the power of the internal market."
"The sector needs to be part of the discussions on the future of our food system," he emphasised.
Kadis also highlighted the need for an energy transition within fisheries to reduce the sector's vulnerability to high fuel prices, and to ensure greater competitiveness and resilience.
"The competitiveness and resilience of the fisheries sector will largely depend on its ability to diversify its sources of energy and decrease the vulnerability to high fuel prices. By the end of 2025, I will deliver the energy transition roadmap for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors' carbon neutrality with a 2050 perspective," he stated.
"Moreover, a competitive and resilient sector is a sector that takes into account the social dimension. I would like us to address issues such as occupational health and safety, the ageing boats, labour and skills shortages, the prominent gender gap, the ageing workforce and the need for generational renewal," Kadis added.
Kadis's confirmation was welcomed by the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP), with the organization pointing to "his constructive stance on aquaculture".
In a press statement published on its website, FEAP said it was encouraging that Kadis addressed "several key topics that are critical to the aquaculture industry", including "the stagnation of production, the need for fair competition with imports, and the importance of consumer education".
The Federation said it also welcomed Kadis's support for effective marine spatial planning, and the European Commission's plans for a communication campaign to increase consumer awareness of the benefits and high standards of EU aquaculture.
"FEAP looks forward to collaborating closely with the Commissioner to ensure this positive momentum translates into tangible results for aquaculture producers across Europe," the Federation said.
