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European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Kadis at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council: Energy transition in the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector Brussels, 30 March 2026 Dear Chair/Maria, Ministers, I thank the Presidency for the initiative to put this item on the agenda of the Agrifish Council. Energy transition is critical for the future of our sector. Therefore, I am happy t...
European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Kadis at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council: Energy transition in the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector Brussels, 30 March 2026 Dear Chair/Maria, Ministers, I thank the Presidency for the initiative to put this item on the agenda of the Agrifish Council. Energy transition is critical for the future of our sector. Therefore, I am happy to present the progress made so far, especially in light of the current international geopolitical context and of the difficulties that the sector is currently facing. The energy transition initiative was originally conceived three years ago, as a response to skyrocketing energy prices following Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The recent impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices brings again to the fore the risks associated with fossil fuel dependency in fisheries. It highlights the urgency of accelerating the energy transition in EU fisheries and aquaculture. This is key for two key reasons: firstly, to reduce the sector's vulnerability to volatile energy prices, and secondly, to improve environmental performance. Since the first Commission Communication in 2023, stakeholders across the sector, supported by Member States and regional authorities, have undertaken actions towards fleet and fish farm transitions. The Commission has been facilitating this work through the Energy Transition Partnership. Today, this Partnership is recognised as a hub for innovative projects and best-practice exchanges among over 600 stakeholders from various sectors. The ten working groups within the Partnership have recently delivered initial recommendations, essential in shaping the upcoming Commission's Roadmap for Energy Transition. These were presented last February at the High-Level conference, which gathered representatives from the industry, the civil society, the finance sector, regional authorities or international organisations like the OECD. Our ambition is clear: we want to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, we want to move away from fossil fuel dependency, towards energy solutions that (i) preserve our ecosystems, (ii) protect the sector from future energy shocks, and (iii) stimulate the blue economy and coastal communities. Financial and technical challenges persist, as the technology to decarbonise and modernise the fisheries sector is still developing. Investments are still insufficient and access to alternative energy sources limited. Port infrastructure remains inadequate. And attracting new generations of fishers proves difficult in a sector which struggles to attract private investment. Progress continues with the launch of the Energy Transition Partnership Ambassador Programme, equipping Member States' authorities to spread knowledge and support stakeholders. The recently launched initiative titled Energy Transition Partnership Champions recognises and promotes innovative projects. Finally, two new studies offer insights on pathways for reducing greenhouse gas missions. Energy transition is key to the competitiveness of the sector: a truly future-proof and attractive sector needs business models that are not only viable, but also flexible and sustainable. This will make fisheries attractive for investors: while public funds, from EMFAF to Horizon Europe, are important for research and innovation, private investments are essential to ensure profitable fleets, supported by thriving stocks. This leads me to another essential element of our policy on energy transition: we need to ensure good fisheries management. Ensuring the sustainable balance between the size and the catching capacity of the EU fishing fleet is crucial, both for economic and for conservation reasons. In this context, it is important that Member States work on the energy transition, within their capacity limits, so that our industry remains socially, economically and environmentally competitive. All efforts towards energy transition are closely linked to broader questions on the future of fisheries and aquaculture, such as their role in food systems and global competitiveness. This is why the Energy Transition Roadmap will be delivered as part of the Vision 2040 and the Strategy for Fisheries External Action, forming a coherent package to be adopted by the Commission during the third quarter of 2026. The Vision 2040 for EU fisheries and aquaculture will build on the European Ocean Pact and will be supported by the findings of the ongoing comprehensive evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation. Dear colleagues, During our recent exchanges, many of you recalled the importance of ensuring appropriate funding to help the sector transitioning. Please allow me to recall that Member States have opportunities to advance energy-efficient technologies in the fisheries sector through EMFAF. To this end, I would encourage Member States to continue implementing their EMFAF national programmes and reducing administrative burden at national level. This will ensure smoother and faster absorption of funds. The Commission services stand ready to provide any help and support. At the same time, the Commission has heard the strong and repetitive calls from all interested parties for the need to improve EMFAF. We are looking into options to align the fund with the aspirations from the sector. Particular attention is given on how to facilitate energy transition, while taking into account (i) the current implementation rate and (ii) the remaining funds available. Lastly, it is also important and timely for Member States to start working and reflecting on how to enhance the nexus between investments and reforms. This will ensure a smooth transition from the current to the new delivery model of the next MFF. Dear colleagues, The energy transition is pivotal for the sector's competitiveness and a building block to our future vision. It won't happen overnight. Yet, the long-lasting positive effects are worth it. Together, we are navigating towards a sustainable and resilient future for our sector. SPEECH/26/754
Speech Brief