On Friday 21 February, Costas Kadis, the European Commissioner for Fisheries and the Oceans, kicked off the first dialogue on fisheries and the oceans, a crucial stage in the preparations for the 'European Oceans Pact' (see EUROPE 13583/6).
The meeting brought together leading figures, including ministers from the EU Council Presidencies and France (which will host the UN Oceans Conference in June), Carmen Crespo Díaz, Chair of the European Parliament's Fisheries Committee, Thomas Bajada, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's 'SEARICA' Intergroup, former Commissioners Maria Damanaki and Karmenu Vella, as well as representatives of advisory councils, NGOs, think tanks, industry and the marine community.SEARICA' intergroup, former Commissioners Maria Damanaki and Karmenu Vella, as well as representatives of advisory councils, NGOs, think tanks, industry and the research community.
Participants discussed the urgent issues facing the EU's ocean governance model. They examined measures to protect biodiversity and promote ecosystem-based management of the oceans, as well as the opportunities for sustainable growth and job creation in the EU's blue economy. To see the draft communication, go to https://aeur.eu/f/fhh (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)