Nicosia, Cyprus. European Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis said Cyprus can “act as a facilitator” to help strengthen relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom. He said Cyprus could use its understanding of the UK to support dialogue across multiple areas.
Cyprus’ role in EU-UK dialogue
Kadis told the Cyprus Mail that Cyprus and the UK have a longstanding bilateral relationship, which he said has developed in recent years. He said Cyprus can use this relationship to facilitate dialogue with the UK, not only on fisheries but on wider topics of common concern.
EU-UK fisheries agreement and EU unity
He referred to an agreement signed by the EU and the UK last year that allows fishermen from the EU to fish in British waters, and the inverse, until the end of June 2038. Kadis said fisheries has been central to the relationship with the UK and that the talks aimed to deliver stability for fishers and coastal communities.
He said unity among the EU’s 27 members was “absolutely essential throughout this process,” adding that it sent a strong signal that reciprocal access was a strategic priority for the entire EU. He said maintaining a common front helped secure a balanced outcome, including “full reciprocal access,” and removed what he described as a sensitive potential source of tension.
Stability, markets and impact on Cyprus
Kadis said full reciprocal access ensures stability and predictability for fleets and safeguards the livelihoods of coastal regions dependent on the sea. He said it also allows future fisheries negotiations to focus on sustainable quotas, technical measures and responsible fisheries management.
He said Cyprus’ fishing industry was not directly affected due to geography, but that Cypriot citizens would still benefit from the stability the agreement brings. He said a stable fisheries relationship with the UK supports the functioning of the single market and contributes to the EU’s food security, helping consumers by avoiding disruptions, volatility or tensions that could indirectly affect prices and supply chains. He added that stability in an important sector such as fisheries has positive spillovers for all member states, including Cyprus.
How do you think Cyprus could contribute to broader EU-UK cooperation beyond fisheries?