Simplification as a Core Priority
Commissioner Costas Kadis, speaking before the European Parliament Committee on Fisheries, emphasized simplification of EU fisheries legislation and policies as a central objective for the current Commission mandate. Kadis framed this effort as a crucial way to ease administrative burdens on operators, Member States, and the Commission itself while maintaining policy ambition. Concrete steps include an evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation to be completed by spring 2026 to identify simplification opportunities, and an ongoing study assessing the regulatory costs of the Fisheries Control Regulation revised in 2023.
Digital Transformation and Enforcement
The Commissioner detailed specific moves to enhance digital tools, including development of user-friendly IT systems such as RecFishing for recreational catch reporting, and plans to implement a tracking system for small-scale fisheries by 2028. These initiatives target reducing administrative overhead and improving data quality and enforcement effectiveness. Kadis also stressed the Commission’s active role in enforcement through pre-infringement dialogues to ensure compliance on issues like European eel stock protection and measures against IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing imports, indicating a strong commitment to enforcement alongside simplification.
Ocean Pact and Policy Integration
Highlighting the ongoing work under the Ocean Pact, Kadis presented the forthcoming Ocean Act expected by end of 2026 to unify maritime governance frameworks. Planned revisions of Marine Strategy and Maritime Spatial Planning Directives aim to accelerate environmental objectives while further streamlining administrative processes. The establishment of an Ocean Board and a monitoring dashboard are also underway to enhance policy coordination.
Stakeholder Implications
Fisheries operators and small-scale fishers may benefit from reduced bureaucratic requirements and digital reporting tools, potentially lowering compliance costs. Member States’ administrations might experience streamlined enforcement procedures but may incur costs transitioning to new digital systems. Environmental groups may see strengthened enforcement against illegal fishing and clearly integrated ocean governance. Businesses in the blue economy could face evolving regulatory landscapes but with potential for clearer, more coordinated policy frameworks. Overall, Kadis signals a policy direction geared towards increased efficiency, transparency, and integrated ocean management, balancing simplification with sustained regulatory ambitions.