In a written answer on 30 July 2026, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Mr Kadis, outlined how EU funds can be used to support Greek fishers affected by the spread of the silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), while stopping short of committing to a dedicated compensation scheme. Responding to a parliamentary question from Greek MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou, the Commissioner acknowledged the economic and operational damage caused by the invasive species in the Eastern Mediterranean, including destroyed fishing gear, catch losses, ecosystem disruption, and public health risks from its toxicity and attacks on bathers. He confirmed that Member States can use the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to finance management actions, scientific monitoring, and support for fishers affected by non-indigenous species, provided such measures are included in national EMFAF programmes. Notably, he pointed to a recent Greek call for proposals specifically targeting Lagocephalus, which includes remuneration for coastal fishers who catch and land the fish. However, the Commission has not produced a single harmonised quantitative estimate of the total economic damage across affected Member States, deferring to national and project-level assessments. The answer also highlighted ongoing cooperation with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), including a pilot project to establish an observatory for data collection and long-term solutions.
The response builds on existing EU funding mechanisms rather than announcing new money. The Commission's position is that EMFAF already provides the legal basis for Member States to act, and it encourages them to design and implement targeted measures. This approach gives flexibility to national authorities but places the burden of prioritisation and implementation on them. For Greek fishers, the practical impact depends on how quickly national programmes can channel funds to the most affected regions, such as Crete, the Dodecanese, and the Eastern Aegean. The mention of remuneration for catching Lagocephalus suggests a potential incentive scheme, but its scale and effectiveness remain unclear. The Commission's reliance on scientific projects like LIONHARE and LagoMeal, funded under the previous EMFF, indicates a data-driven approach, yet the absence of a comprehensive damage assessment may delay targeted action. The GFCM pilot project could improve regional coordination, but its timeline is unspecified. Overall, the answer signals support within existing frameworks, but does not introduce new EU-level funding or a binding strategy, leaving affected fishers and tourism-dependent communities to rely on national implementation and future project outcomes.