Greece at the Forefront of the European Strategy for Seas, Fisheries and the Environment

Joint Parliamentary Session and Briefing by EU Commissioner Kostas Kadis

At a critical juncture, where the protection of the marine environment intersects with geopolitical challenges, food security, and the need for sustainable fisheries, a joint session of the Special Standing Committee on European Affairs, the Standing Committee on Production and Trade, and the Special Permanent Committee on Environmental Protection of the Hellenic Parliament was held at the Hellenic Parliament under the chairmanship of Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection.

The briefing by the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Mr. Kostas Kadis, in the presence of the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Margaritis Schinas, highlighted the strategic importance of the sea for Greece and the European Union.

Opening the proceedings, Dr. Avgerinopoulou emphasized the need for a coherent European vision for fisheries with a horizon to 2040. Special emphasis was placed on Greece’s leading role in the protection of the marine environment at both European and global level. She noted that Greece is already exceeding international biodiversity targets, protecting approximately 35% of its waters through new national marine parks in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and is the first EU Member State to implement a ban on bottom trawling in protected areas. She also referred to Greece’s strategic participation in the international Mercator Ocean organisation and proposed the development of new EU legislation encouraging Member States to prepare National Sea and Climate Plans, similar to National Energy and Climate Plans.

The European Commissioner acknowledged Greece’s leadership in international efforts to protect the marine environment, highlighting initiatives such as the “Our Ocean” Conference, the BBNJ Agreement, and the establishment of national marine parks. He stressed that Greece is at the core of Europe’s ocean strategy and that its active cooperation is essential for the effective implementation of EU policies.

He also underlined the importance of combating illegal fishing and stressed the need for stronger coordination to ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

During the discussion, European initiatives such as the European Oceans Pact, with its €1 billion investment plan, and the “OceanEye” programme for systematic scientific monitoring of marine ecosystems were presented.

Dr. Avgerinopoulou also raised the issue of illegal fishing activities by Turkish vessels within Greek territorial waters, stressing the EU’s obligation to protect its maritime borders and ensure fair competition. The Commissioner reiterated the EU’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, noting that both cooperation and enforcement mechanisms exist. He added that such incidents are incompatible with the rule of law at sea and do not contribute to regional cooperation.

In closing, Dr. Avgerinopoulou noted that these issues will be a central priority of the Greek Presidency in the second half of 2027, expressing confidence that the Commissioner’s experience will significantly contribute to strengthening the blue economy.