Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Cyprus Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou on Monday highlighted progress made during Cyprus’ EU presidency on the future of European fisheries, sector funding and preparations for the next phase of the Common Fisheries Policy.
Speaking after the first day of the final Agriculture and Fisheries Council under the Cyprus presidency in Luxembourg, Panayiotou said discussions focused on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, fishing opportunities for 2027 and the European Commission’s evaluation of the current EU fisheries framework.
Presidency priorities
Panayiotou said Cyprus had promoted measures aimed at supporting fishermen, aquaculture producers and coastal communities, while also strengthening the international dimension of EU fisheries policy.
Among the achievements of the presidency, she cited amendments to the regulation on fishing opportunities, progress on sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with Seychelles, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the Cook Islands, and agreements with the European Parliament to incorporate measures adopted by regional fisheries management organisations into EU law.
Budget discussions
A key focus of discussions was the future EU budget and support for the fisheries sector during the 2028-2034 financial period.
Panayiotou said progress had been made on strengthening the position of fisheries and aquaculture within the EU’s next multiannual financial framework, including targeted support for fisheries control, data collection and the sustainable development of aquaculture.
She added that current proposals foresee a doubling of dedicated funding for the Common Fisheries Policy to €4 billion, which, combined with additional safeguards for fisheries control and data collection, could help maintain the sector’s budget at levels similar to those of the current funding period.
2027 fishing opportunities
“The discussion confirmed a shared commitment to sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and support for coastal communities,” Panayiotou said.
Ministers also held an initial exchange of views on fishing opportunities for 2027 as part of the annual process of setting total allowable catches and quotas.
Panayiotou said there was broad agreement that decisions should be based on the best available scientific advice while also taking into account the economic viability of the sector and the challenges facing fishermen.