European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis announced on 27 April 2026 that he is launching the process for a new MedFish4Ever political declaration, with a high-level conference scheduled for 5 May in Cyprus. Speaking before the European Parliament, Kadis also committed to strengthening EU ocean diplomacy to boost the competitiveness of the bloc's fisheries and aquaculture sector, emphasising the use of multilateral fora and enforcement tools against illegal fishing.
Kadis outlined several concrete proposals, including the full implementation of the CATCH digital certification system for fisheries products entering the EU, and a pledge to pursue targeted amendments to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation if needed. He stressed that the Commission would leverage Regional Fisheries Management Organisations and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements as strategic instruments to promote sustainable fisheries, transparency, and a level playing field for EU fishers. The Commissioner also took note of Parliament's call for a more strategic global communication approach and deeper partnerships, notably in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
The speech builds on the ongoing evaluation of the CFP Regulation, which will form the basis for a forthcoming Vision for fisheries and aquaculture with a 2040 perspective, including a strategy for fisheries external action. Kadis indicated that the Commission is looking at simplifying procedures and reducing burdens to keep the framework fit for purpose. He also highlighted the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing as a top priority, and committed to strengthening enforcement and transparency, including on fleet activities and beneficial ownership.
Policy orientation and trade-offs
Kadis's proposals represent a moderate shift towards more assertive EU engagement in international fisheries governance, combining diplomatic outreach with stronger enforcement mechanisms. The new MedFish4Ever declaration signals continued commitment to regional cooperation in the Mediterranean. The emphasis on competitiveness and sustainability reflects a balancing act: while the CATCH system and transparency measures may impose new compliance costs on EU producers and importers, they aim to create a level playing field and protect legitimate operators from unfair competition. National authorities will face administrative burdens in implementing digital certification and enforcement, but EU fishers stand to benefit from fairer access to resources and reduced illegal fishing. Consumers may gain from more sustainable and traceable products, though potential price increases could result from stricter controls. Overall, the impact is moderate, with positive effects for compliant industry players and the environment, and negative effects for those facing new compliance costs. The importance score is 65, reflecting a significant policy update with moderate interest to stakeholders in the fisheries sector.