Distinguished guests, former Commissioners, colleagues, representatives of Member States, of Advisory Councils, fishers and stakeholders, good morning!
I welcome you to the Implementation Dialogue dedicated to small-scale and coastal fisheries.
Your presence, whether here in person or online, highlights the importance we all place on the future of this essential part of the European fishing sector.
As many of you know, I hail from Cyprus, an island where the sea shapes daily life, identity and tradition. Fisheries, particularly small-scale and coastal fisheries, are deeply woven into our culture and communities. Growing up in this environment but also having direct feedback from the coastal communities that I visit across the EU, I am deeply aware of the realities, challenges, and aspirations of small-scale fishers.
I understand how vital their work is, not only economically, but also socially and culturally. This makes todays discussion both a personal and a political priority for me.
Across Europe, small-scale and coastal fishers play a key role in sustaining local economies, maintaining traditions, and contributing to food security. Yet, increasingly, they also face complex operating conditions. The effects of climate change, fuel costs and operational expenses which are interlinked with the need for decarbonization and modernization of the fishing fleet, competition for marine space, strong market competition from industrial fleets and imported products, stock and quota fluctuations, access to fishing opportunities and administrative requirements can add a heavy burden, particularly disproportionate for small operators.
As highlighted in the recently adopted European Ocean Pact, support for small scale fisheries is a priority. The European Union has established various tools to support them. Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation guides the fair and transparent allocation of fishing opportunities. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) allows Member States to finance small-scale coastal fishing measures at up to 100% aid intensity. Tailored measures in the new Control Regulation, and EU initiatives such as the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, along with the dedicated calls to support women in the blue economy – all these efforts illustrate the EUs ongoing commitment to small-scale and coastal fisheries.
But as always, what matters most is implementation on the ground. And this is precisely why we are here today. Each sea basin has unique characteristics, and we see considerable differences in how support for small-scale coastal fisheries is used across regions and Member States. Challenges remain—from access to resources and funding, to generational renewal, data collection, and the energy transition. Yet, there are also promising examples of innovation, co-management, and shared solutions.
Lastly, I would like to mention the recent adoption by the Commission of the vademecuum setting out good practices for enhancing transparency and good governance in the allocation of fishing opportunities by Member States, when applying Articles 16 and 17 of the CFP Regulation. I trust these guidelines will facilitate Member States in supporting small-scale fishers.
Todays dialogue is a chance to take stock, together, of what works, what doesnt work, and what can be improved. We have structured our discussion around questions focusing on long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability; simplification; data needs; funding; and good practices.
Let me underline that todays discussion comes at an important moment, as the Commission evaluates the CFP Regulation, advances on the implementation of the European Ocean Pact, and prepares the Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture. I can assure you that the feedback that we will get today from you will be adequately utilised in these important initiatives.
Let me stress that todays dialogue is part of a larger effort to make sure that EU policies and tools truly support the resilience, sustainability, and future of small-scale and coastal fisheries. Your insights today will guide our next steps.
Thank you for your commitment. I look forward to our discussion.
