Dear Chair,
Honourable Members of the PECH Committee,
I am pleased to be with you again for our first structured dialogue on EU fisheries and ocean policy since my hearing. Thank you for inviting me today.
The creation of a dedicated fisheries and oceans portfolio highlights the importance of these sectors for food security and coastal communities. The Vision for Agriculture and Food acknowledges fisheries as a strategic sector.
The sector faces challenges such as sustainability and competition for maritime space. Solutions must consider both small-scale fishers and large fleets, and the specifics of each sea basin.
One of my priorities for 2025 is the Ocean Pact, a unified policy for ocean governance to secure our oceans future.
The Pact must be ambitious and involve all sectors and stakeholders for a sustainable future.
Our goals are biodiversity protection and strengthening the blue economy, with a focus on fisheries and aquaculture.
We have called for insights and will hold a Roundtable to launch a Fisheries and Ocean Dialogue.
On March 5, during the European Ocean Days, we will hold an important consultation.
The Ocean Pact will also be on the European Councils agenda in March.
Our goal is to present the Ocean Pact at the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.
I look forward to your expectations for the Ocean Pact.
Another priority is evaluating the Common Fisheries Policy to ensure the effectiveness of the rules.
The evaluation will focus on vessel modernization, safety standards, and stock management.
The fishing profession plays a central role in this evaluation.
The public consultation runs until April 2025. Your support is crucial for broad participation.
I am also focused on aquaculture promotion and will launch a campaign on March 24.
I visit coastal communities to better understand the challenges of fishers and aquaculture producers.
I organize implementation dialogues to align policies with reality.
I am working on an Energy Transition Roadmap for climate neutrality by 2050.
Thank you for your support for the HY2fish project.
The Ocean Pact must address policy fragmentation, especially in the Baltic Sea.
I work with fellow commissioners for a holistic approach.
I rely on the new fisheries control system for a level playing field with third countries.
I will develop a strategic approach for EU ocean diplomacy.
I aim for ratification of the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.
Access to UK waters post-2026 remains a priority.
Dear Chair,
Honourable Members of the PECH Committee,
In conclusion: I count on your support to advance this ambitious agenda for the future of our oceans and coastal communities.
Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your questions.