The European Commissioner for Fisheries and the Oceans, Costas Kadis, stated on Tuesday 17 February at the ‘High-Level Conference on the Energy Transition in EU Fisheries and Aquaculture’, that the future Energy Transition Roadmap will aim to set out clear and effective ways for fleet owners to “reduce their reliance on fossil fuels through innovative business ideas, infrastructure upgrades and the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies” (see EUROPE 13776/22).
He indicated that the work carried out within this framework would feed into the evaluation of the regulation regarding the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). A report on the evaluation of the CFP is expected in less than three months. This evaluation should determine whether the current policy framework provides “the tools to address the challenges of today and tomorrow or whether it needs adjustments”. If necessary, the Commission says it is ready to take action, including decarbonisation and modernisation of the European fishing fleet.
According to Mr Kadis, the Energy Transition Roadmap will form a central pillar of the EU’s ‘Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture’, which will be part of the European Ocean Pact. This ‘vision’ will “place the focus clearly on stakeholder engagement to deliver real sustainability and competitiveness”.
Finally, the Commissioner spoke about the upcoming European Ocean Pact (see EUROPE 13801/28). Initiatives include the ‘European Ocean Observation Initiative’, scheduled for April, and the ‘European Digital Twin Ocean’. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)