Commissioner Costas Kadis addressed the Agrifish Council on January 26, 2026, focusing on difficulties surrounding the implementation of the EU’s revised Fisheries Control Regulation and its digital catch certification system, CATCH. His speech emphasized maintaining strict compliance with existing EU legislation while exploring technical, non-legislative solutions to practical challenges faced by Member States.
Preserving Legal Integrity Versus Pragmatic Adaptations Kadis firmly opposed any unilateral national derogations from the Control Regulation, warning they risk violating EU obligations and could undermine the extensive multi-year legislative effort behind the updated control framework. The revised regulation aims to modernize fisheries governance, introducing streamlined, digitalized controls and lengthy transition periods up to seven years to ease adaptation.
The Commissioner assured the Commission’s readiness to collaborate closely with Member States to devise workable technical solutions within the current legal and procedural contours. This approach balances respecting national implementation difficulties while maintaining EU integration and regulatory cohesion.
Advancing the Digital CATCH System Kadis highlighted the successful launch of the digital catch certification tool, CATCH, designed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by ensuring market transparency. With over 1,500 importer declarations processed in ten days, CATCH’s digital format replaces paper-based certification and is integrated with customs systems ahead of the 2028 mandated deadline.
The proposal advocates increased interoperability and cooperation with third countries to facilitate trade and reduce administrative burdens, reinforcing EU regulatory strength.
Impacted stakeholders include fisheries operators who face updated compliance requirements alongside potential administrative simplifications; EU national authorities tasked with enforcement and digital integration; fish-importing businesses adjusting to the new certification system; and environmental groups favoring enhanced controls against illegal fishing.
Overall, Kadis’s speech signals a policy orientation prioritizing legal precision and digital modernization, rejecting regulatory dilution while accommodating implementation challenges through dialogue and technical assistance.
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