European Commissioner for Fisheries and Ocean Costas Kadis, speaking on 21 May 2026 at the European Maritime Day in Limassol, Cyprus, announced that the European Ocean Act will be delivered by 2027 as the flagship legislative tool to implement the European Ocean Pact. Kadis also outlined upcoming strategies for fisheries, coastal communities, and ocean observation, and called for enhanced maritime security and regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Kadis recalled that the European Ocean Pact was adopted one year ago, in 2025, as a shared commitment to protect the ocean, improve governance, strengthen the blue economy, and reconcile sustainability with competitiveness. Since then, he said, the EU has taken steps to boost industrial competitiveness, port resilience, and prepare for the future of fisheries and aquaculture through the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
On fisheries, Kadis noted that the CFP evaluation confirmed the 2013 approach balancing environmental, economic, and social sustainability remains valid, but identified scope for targeted improvements. He announced that a long-term Vision for 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, alongside an Energy transition roadmap and a Strategy for fisheries external action, will be adopted this autumn (September 2026). Kadis stressed the need for input from Member States, the sector, NGOs, and Advisory Councils to guide the Vision.
Kadis also previewed several initiatives to be launched in the coming weeks and months. Tomorrow (22 May), he will announce the Energy Transition Partnership Champion, honouring innovation in energy transition across fisheries, aquaculture, and infrastructure. He will also present first elements of the OceanEye initiative, an ocean observation and marine knowledge tool to be adopted by the Commission next month (June 2026). The Commission will adopt strategies on coastal communities, islands, and sustainable tourism in June, to be presented in Cyprus. A prototype of the EU Ocean dashboard will be showcased later today at the EU Blue Economy Observatory stand.
Turning to the European Ocean Act, Kadis described it as the key legislative tool to turn the Ocean Pact into action, introducing clear timelines, stricter accountability for Member States, and better ocean data to guide decisions. It will replace fragmented rules with a single strategic plan, align planning with environmental targets, set clear priorities for sea use, and remove conflicts between existing laws.
On maritime security, Kadis highlighted the need for better situational awareness, secure information sharing, and stronger infrastructure defence, including undersea cables, amid geopolitical challenges. He also called for a dedicated sea basin strategy for the Eastern Mediterranean, where more cooperation is needed, and expressed the Commission's readiness to work with countries in the region.
Regarding financing, Kadis noted that the Commission's proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework offers greater flexibility and a stronger focus on results, giving Member States more responsibility. He stressed that funding for fisheries, aquaculture, and implementation of the Ocean Pact remains a priority, requiring strategic investment, efficient use of EU funds, and better coordination between EU funding streams, including competitiveness and external action instruments.
Kadis concluded by recognising the dedication of the blue and ocean community, including the Blue Forum, the High-Level Ocean Board, the Energy Transition Partnership, Advisory Councils, and youth communities, and invited participants to shape the next steps for Europe's maritime future over the two-day event.