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European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Kadis at the European Ocean Days 2026: Towards the Vision 2040 for a thriving fisheries and aquaculture sector Brussels, 4 March 2026 Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to join you at this panel of the European Ocean Days to discuss and advance our strategic reflections on the upcoming Vision 2040 for a thriving fisheries and aquaculture...
European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Kadis at the European Ocean Days 2026: Towards the Vision 2040 for a thriving fisheries and aquaculture sector Brussels, 4 March 2026 Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to join you at this panel of the European Ocean Days to discuss and advance our strategic reflections on the upcoming Vision 2040 for a thriving fisheries and aquaculture sector. This policy vision is close to my heart: both because I come from an island nation, Cyprus, and because of my scientific background. I understand just how central the ocean is to Europe's prosperity, security and identity. Nowhere is this more evident than in fisheries and aquaculture. Fisheries and aquaculture are more than economic sectors. They provide healthy, sustainable food to European citizens, support thousands of jobs, and sustain traditions that have been passed down the generations. At the same time, they are among the sectors most vulnerable to the changes affecting our ocean and societies today. Indeed, these sectors are on the frontline of climate change, directly impacted by biodiversity loss and pollution. At the same time, they navigate a landscape marked by increasing global competition for resources, evolving consumption patterns, and rising geopolitical uncertainty. In this context, it is only natural to take stock and look ahead strategically, as we are today - towards Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture. Vision 2040 aims to provide long-term direction to these important sectors. It poses a simple, yet important question: what kind of fisheries and aquaculture sectors do we want Europe to have in 2040? And what must we do now to make that future possible? Our answer must balance ambition and realism. We need sectors that are environmentally sustainable, economically resilient and socially equitable. Sectors that reward sustainable fishing and farming practices, embrace innovation and science, support coastal and rural communities, empower our fishers and farmers and strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in food production. Throughout the past year I have visited many of our coastal and fishing communities and aquaculture farmers. This direct engagement and discussions on the ground have been an important springboard for the Vision 2040. We need to focus on four key areas: First, demand. How can we strengthen consumer trust and ensure that European products are appreciated for their quality, sustainability and traceability? Second, supply. How can we support sustainable production, resilience to climate impacts, and foster innovation in fishing and farming techniques? Third, labour force. How can we address demographic ageing, improve working conditions, and attract young people, while ensuring that skills and training keep pace with technological advancements? And fourth, the tools. What kind of policy, regulatory, financial and governance instruments do we need to support this transition and maintain coherence across both EU and national levels? These are profound questions. But luckily, we are not starting from scratch. The Vision will build on previous work, such as the Fishers of the Future foresight study as well as ongoing work such as the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy and the Energy Transition Roadmap. Most importantly, it will be shaped through meaningful engagement with our partners. Fishers, farmers, processors, scientists, NGOs, regions and young people all have a crucial role to play. The intention is to present Vision 2040 in the autumn of 2026. We are currently gathering valuable insights, through stakeholder consultations like this one today and a recently published Call for Evidence. I strongly encourage all of you to contribute and take part in shaping the future of our fisheries and aquaculture. I am confident our exchange today will help shape Vision 2040 into a path for a sustainable and prosperous future. SPEECH/26/533
Speech Brief