European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, in a written answer on 26 June 2026, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to defending member states' sovereign rights in the Aegean Sea while stopping short of announcing new measures against Turkey over a fishing map dispute. Kadis stressed that the EU's Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulation is a cooperation framework and that identifying a non-cooperating third country is a last resort requiring verifiable evidence. The answer came in response to a parliamentary question from Greek MEP Fredis Beleris (EPP), who on 23 April 2026 raised concerns about Turkey's objections to Greek fishing restrictions and alleged harassment of Greek fishers.
Kadis's response offers no concrete proposals, such as sanctions or new diplomatic initiatives, instead reiterating the EU's reliance on substantiated reporting from member states and its commitment to international law. The EU's stance leaves Greek fishers—who must comply with EU regulations—at a competitive disadvantage against Turkish counterparts not bound by the same rules, while Turkey faces no immediate consequences. The Commission signals it will examine any substantiated information but provides no timeline for further action, maintaining a cautious approach to avoid escalating tensions with Ankara.