On 18 May 2026, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis addressed the European Parliament plenary debate on the Isabella Lövin Report on the implementation of the Multiannual Plan for the Baltic Sea, welcoming the report and outlining a series of follow-up actions. Kadis stressed the need for comprehensive cross-sectoral cooperation to address the Baltic Sea's long-standing ecological difficulties, pointing to the upcoming European Ocean Pact as a key framework to integrate science, policy, and practice.
Kadis noted that the report aligns with discussions at the third "Our Baltic" high-level conference in Stockholm in September 2025. He highlighted the report's call for urgent actions, including improved scientific advice and legal framework changes, and acknowledged issues such as climate change, eutrophication, pollutants, unexploded munitions, offshore wind farms, and Russia's behaviour. However, he cautioned that many challenges go beyond fisheries and require coordinated action across multiple policy fields.
The Commissioner confirmed that the Commission will evaluate the possibility of revising the Multiannual Plan for the Baltic Sea, as requested in the report. He recalled the joint statement by the Commission and Baltic Member States at the AGRIFISH Council in October 2025, which committed to rebuilding trajectories for Baltic fisheries to improve fishers' incomes and reduce annual fluctuations. Kadis urged confirmation of this path at the October 2026 Council.
On science, Kadis reported that his services are working with scientists and member states to identify stocks that could benefit from multiannual advice. The Commission is also in dialogue with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea to launch a research programme for ecosystem-based scientific advice for western Baltic fisheries, aiming to produce actionable advice covering a wide range of ecosystem issues identified in the Lövin report.
Kadis also noted that broader issues such as the Control Regulation, quota flexibility, and species protection will be addressed in the follow-up to the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, including the Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture planned for autumn 2026.
a commitment to evaluate the Baltic Sea multiannual plan, a research programme with ICES, and a timeline for the October Council decision. However, many elements remained declarative, such as support for the Ocean Pact and general calls for cross-sectoral action. The policy orientation is towards a more integrated, ecosystem-based approach to Baltic Sea management, balancing environmental restoration with fishers' economic stability. The speech did not introduce new numerical targets or budget commitments.
EU fishers in the Baltic could benefit from more stable catch quotas and improved income if rebuilding trajectories are confirmed, but may face short-term restrictions if ecosystem-based advice leads to lower total allowable catches. EU environmental NGOs would welcome the emphasis on ecosystem health and marine protected areas, but may push for faster action. Baltic member states gain a clearer framework for cooperation but must coordinate across multiple policy areas. The EU fisheries science community will be directly involved in the new ICES research programme, potentially increasing their workload and influence.