EU Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis visits Sciacca to meet Sicilian fishing industry

European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, visited Sciacca, Sicily, to engage directly with local fishing communities and institutions. This marks the first time an incumbent Fisheries Commissioner has visited the city.

Accompanied by MEP Marco Falcone, Kadis met with Mayor Fabio Termine and various maritime associations to discuss critical challenges facing the Mediterranean fishing sector. Key issues raised include fishing quotas, trawling regulations, competition from third countries, and the need for specific policies that recognize the unique characteristics of the Mediterranean compared to the Atlantic.

MEP Falcone outlined five priority areas for the upcoming 2028-2034 European Multiannual Financial Framework: simplifying regulations, combating illegal fishing, renewing fleets, balancing environmental sustainability with fisher competitiveness, and recognizing the principle of insularity. Commissioner Kadis noted that while EU funds like FEAMPA are available, local authorities must accelerate their implementation to support the sector through challenges such as rising fuel costs.