Cyprus parliament speaker calls on EU to support fishermen — Cyprus Mail
Cyprus Parliament Speaker Annita Demetriou, during a meeting with European Commissioner for Fisheries Costas Kadis, called on the European Union to strengthen support for Cypriot fishermen. This was reported by Cyprus Mail.
Demetriou expressed hope that the upcoming review of EU policy would provide for more concrete measures for the sector. She also stressed the need to regularly inform parliament about the impact of European fisheries policy on Cyprus.
Review of the EU common policy
Kadis said that the European Commission had completed its assessment of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. Based on feedback from member states, it plans to conduct a targeted review during the next period.
According to the commissioner, the fisheries portfolio is of particular importance to the bloc, as the EU is a maritime union with the world’s largest exclusive economic zone and a coastline of more than 70,000 kilometres.
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Problems in the fisheries sector
Demetriou described fisheries and aquaculture as strategically important for Cyprus as an island state in the Levant. She noted that the sector’s numerous problems make substantial, effective and targeted support at the EU level necessary.
Last month, several fisheries associations called on the government to adopt a ten-year national plan due to declining fish stocks. They also demanded fuller implementation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy: priority access for small-scale fishermen to coastal waters, stronger controls against illegal catches, and easier access to funding.
Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis said that since April 2024, the government has modernised around 80 fishing vessels. Grant programmes were introduced for small-scale coastal fishermen and can cover up to 100% of eligible costs. According to him, €1 million has been allocated since last year for compensation for catch damage caused by dolphins, while total support is expected to reach €4 million by 2029. A separate payment programme is in place for the removal of invasive lionfish.
