Nicosia: Cyprus intends to contribute to the European OceanEye initiative, which aims to improve the coordination of European and national actions for ocean observation and the use of marine data, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Christos Senekis said during a meeting with European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis at the Ministry on Friday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting, which took place on the occasion of Senekis' recent assumption of duties, focused on the priorities of European policy on fisheries and aquaculture, as well as issues of particular interest to Cyprus. Senekis reiterated the Republic of Cyprus' positive stance towards the OceanEye initiative and expressed Cyprus' intention to contribute to it, making use of the country's existing national and international cooperation in the field.
The meeting also addressed, among other issues, the future of the Common Fisheries Policy, the implementation of the European Ocean Pact and the development of the European Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture towards 2040. Particular emphasis was placed on the challenges facing the sector, including generational renewal, competitiveness and the long-term sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture.
The Minister noted that, as an island state in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus attaches particular importance to a European policy that takes into account the specificities of the Mediterranean, island states and small-scale coastal fisheries, while ensuring a balance between environmental, economic and social sustainability.
For his part, Kadis referred to the significant challenges currently facing the European fisheries and aquaculture sector, highlighting the importance of cooperation with Member States and dialogue with people working in the sector. According to the Ministry's announcement, the European Commissioner also made particular reference to Cyprus' high absorption of European funds for actions in the fisheries sector, noting that this demonstrates the effective use of available European funding instruments.
He also praised the work carried out during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, highlighting the significant progress achieved in negotiations on the future funding framework for fisheries and aquaculture. As he said, the work of the Cyprus Presidency was recognised by all Member States and provided a basis for continuing negotiations on the file under the Irish Presidency.
Kadis also referred to Cyprus' strong performance in aquaculture, noting that the country ranks among the leading EU countries in the sector and that there are significant prospects for further development. Senekis and Kadis finally agreed on the importance of maintaining close cooperation and regular communication between the Ministry and the European Commission, particularly at a time when important decisions are being shaped regarding the future of European fisheries and aquaculture.