This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 3 2026.
EU fisheries ministers gathered in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 5 May for an informal ministerial meeting under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, launching the first political discussion on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) since the European Commission published its evaluation of the framework earlier this year. The evaluation was mixed with lacklustre results for economic performance of the fleet, living standards of coastal communities, control and enforcement, and contribution to food security. On the other hand, fishing pressure reduction and the role of science in fisheries management showed significant improvements.
The meeting, chaired by Cypriot Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and attended by Fisheries Commissioner Kostas Kadis, marked the first comprehensive assessment of the CFP since its last reform in 2013. Ministers acknowledged that while the framework remains broadly relevant, several key objectives had not been fully met over the 2014 to 2025 period, particularly regarding the economic performance of the sector and the situation of coastal communities. Recurring concerns raised during the discussion included regulatory complexity, gaps in implementation, administrative burden and the need for a more balanced approach across environmental, economic and social objectives. Ministers stressed that further delays in addressing these shortcomings were no longer an option. The Nicosia meeting marks the start of a broader reflection process, with outcomes feeding into a more structured debate at the June AGRIFISH Council. Discussions will ultimately inform the Commission’s long-term vision for fisheries and aquaculture looking toward 2040.
