Honored guests, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

Although I cannot be with you today, it is an honor to greet and congratulate you on the 20th anniversary of the European Fisheries Control Agency – EFCA.

I would like to start by thanking the former and current Executive Directors – Mr. Harm Koster, Mr. Savouret, and Dr. Steele – as well as board members, staff, and everyone who has helped make EFCA a leader in fisheries control and capacity building within the EU and beyond.

EFCA has become a cornerstone of European fisheries control, known for its professionalism and reliability.

It has promoted high standards of control and inspection under the Common Fisheries Policy.

By coordinating Joint Deployment Plans, EFCA promotes a harmonized application of control methods, essential for sustainable use of marine biological resources.

With the new Fisheries Control Regulation, EFCAs technical support becomes even more important. Your expertise and cooperation are crucial for implementing new rules as Union inspectors.

Beyond our borders, EFCA reinforces the EUs global leadership in sustainable fisheries. Through joint operations and capacity building, you strengthen the EUs stance against illegal fishing.

This is even more critical now as the IT CATCH system becomes mandatory and you assist our Member States in preparing for import controls.

Your support to my services - DG MARE - and the data analysis you provide are crucial to strengthening our actions.

Ladies and gentlemen, over the past 20 years, EFCA has grown in expertise and capacity, as evidenced by the substantial increase in budget and staff. EFCA now operates three impressive patrol vessels - a testament to its importance for sustainable fisheries management.  

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to former Executive Directors, Mr. Harm Koster and Mr. Savouret for their dedication. And to the current Executive Director, Dr. Susan Steele, for her committed leadership.

But EFCA would not be where it is today, 20 years after its establishment, without the dedication and commitment of its staff. Your hard work and cooperative spirit are at the heart of the Agencys strength.

Each of you should be proud of this success. Fisheries control is more than just a duty, it is our promise to the ocean.

Lets preserve it together – with trust, care, and commitment - as we look forward to the next 20 years of success.