Cyprus: Cyprus, holding the Presidency of the European Council, is spearheading significant European Union actions for marine conservation, with a focus on the European Ocean Pact. Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, emphasized in an interview with CNA the active role Cyprus is playing in implementing the Pact, leveraging the momentum created for marine environment protection and maritime security enhancement. According to Cyprus News Agency, Kadis highlighted that Cyprus' Council Presidency aligns with a crucial period for sea protection. He explained that the European Ocean Pact, the EU's flagship strategy, is expected to drive specific actions in the near future. The Pact represents the EU's first comprehensive approach to managing and protecting marine ecosystems, establishing a coherent policy framework for sustainably utilizing and preserving marine biodiversity. Kadis noted Cyprus' early support for this initiative, emphasizing its vested interest as an island nation in ocea n-related issues. He recalled President Nikos Christodoulides' participation in a special event where the Pact was presented by President von der Leyen in Nice, France, last June. There is excellent coordination between the Presidency and the Commission regarding the Pact's implementation. The Pact has generated significant momentum around EU marine policies, and as the Presidency holder, Cyprus is contributing to the execution of flagship actions within the Pact. During the first half of 2026, Kadis mentioned vital actions focusing on Island and Coastal region strategies. These strategies aim to document regional characteristics and challenges, such as climate change impacts like droughts, floods, and natural disasters. Kadis outlined challenges related to connectivity, isolation, energy interconnections, and waste management in these regions. He stated that these challenges will be thoroughly analyzed, and strategic solutions will be proposed. A framework addressing these issues will be unveiled at a sp ecial event in Cyprus in June. Kadis expressed that Cyprus is an ideal location for presenting these strategies, given its similar challenges and characteristics as other island and coastal regions. The Commissioner highlighted the Ocean Observation Initiative, set to begin during Cyprus' Presidency. This initiative, part of the Pact, aims to provide reliable seabed data through continuous monitoring and research, offering insights into fisheries, pollution, marine species movement, and navigation. The initiative is a tool for effectively protecting the marine environment and managing risks from various factors. At the same time, Kadis mentioned the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, governing EU fishing activities. The evaluation results will be discussed at an informal Council of Fisheries Ministers in May in Cyprus, determining if targeted improvements are needed. Kadis emphasized the Regulation's significance, noting it has not been revised since 2013, and new challenges must be add ressed for modernization. Additionally, Kadis discussed European Maritime Day, organized in May in Limassol, with stakeholders from various sectors participating to present marine environment activities and discuss sea-related policies. Kadis underscored the importance of maritime security, noting significant infrastructure within the marine environment. He stressed that protecting this infrastructure is crucial and outlined EU plans for enhanced maintenance and surveillance. Regarding reducing marine product imports while preserving ecosystems, Kadis acknowledged this as a significant challenge. He noted that EU member states import around 70% of their needs, which doesn't help food security or autonomy. To address this, the Commission is moving toward prudent fishing and aquaculture development. Kadis highlighted the potential of aquaculture, noting its stagnation in the EU compared to its global growth. Cyprus, however, sees aquaculture growth, contrasting with the European trend. A pan-European campa ign was launched in 2025 to promote aquaculture, showcasing producers' stories to raise awareness and inform about product quality. Kadis also mentioned EU intentions to increase fisheries agreements with third countries, sending EU experts on-site to reduce dependency on specific countries and ensure legality in product imports.