Brussels: Cypriot European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, addressed increasing concerns over funding gaps in the EU’s fisheries sector during a press conference on Monday night, following the first day of the ministerial Council on Fisheries and Agriculture in Brussels. Kadis emphasized that the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) serves as a baseline, with member states having the potential to unlock additional resources through strategic investments and broader EU funding streams.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kadis highlighted the need for simpler, more competitive, and sustainable policies while countering claims that the £2 billion minimum allocation for fisheries under the new MFF is insufficient. He argued that the revised financial structure offers unprecedented flexibility to surpass past funding levels. Kadis acknowledged that every commissioner would prefer a larger budget for their portfolio but noted that the new MFF structure creates opportunities to exceed current funding levels.
Kadis pointed to the expanded eligibility of fisheries-related actions under the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRP), where projects like fleet modernization and data collection can now draw on multiple funding sources. He explained that while the £2 billion is guaranteed for core fisheries needs under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), additional investments can support a wider range of activities, including scientific advice and crisis response.
Beyond NRP funds, Kadis highlighted three major financial instruments where fisheries could secure extra support: the £11.5 billion EU Facility for crisis response, the £451 billion European Competitiveness Fund for innovation and market resilience, and the £200 billion Global Europe Instrument for international cooperation. He emphasized that combining these streams could potentially surpass the previous EMFAF budget, urging member states to actively pursue these opportunities.
The Commissioner’s remarks came as Danish Fisheries Minister Jacob Jensen stressed the need for simplification to boost competitiveness. Jensen called the Council’s discussions “very constructive” but warned that administrative burdens continue to hinder the sector. He emphasized that successful negotiations with the UK and Norway, crucial for stable fishing grounds access, will rely on unified EU action in the coming months.