Ákos, Sabina, Anastasia, Drina, Michal, Dunja, and Mario met with Dr. Costas Kadis, EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, at AKTI’s offices to ask questions about the EU’s role in protecting our seas — through the RESisles internship. Here’s what they wanted to know:
⛏️ Dunja asked about the EU’s position on deep-sea mining, particularly regarding Norway’s recent pause on commercial deep-sea mining.
🟢 Dr. Kadis stated that the EU follows a precautionary approach, supporting a moratorium on deep-sea mining until scientific evidence fully assesses its environmental impact, aligning with the International Seabed Authority’s position.
🤝Sabina wanted to know how the EU collaborates with non-EU countries to protect biodiversity in international waters.
🟢 Dr. Kadis emphasized that marine conservation requires global cooperation—the EU works closely with non-EU countries through Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, international agreements and partnerships.
🌱 Anastasia asked how the EU plans to reach its Νet-Ζero Εmissions goal by 2050.
🟢 Dr. Kadis highlighted that EU policies align with the European Green Deal and EU Climate Law, emphasizing fuel efficiency, the transition to renewable and low-carbon energy, marine ecosystem restoration, and stakeholder engagement.
🛥️ Mario raised concerns about the Greenland-EU fishing agreement that is set to expire, given the political challenges surrounding it.
🟢 Dr. Kadis reaffirmed that the EU remains committed to sustainable fishing practices and intends to continue its agreement with Greenland, despite global uncertainties.
🌐 Michal wanted to know whether changes in the EU budget might affect marine conservation funding.
🟢 Dr. Kadis acknowledged financial pressures but reassured that protecting the ocean remains a priority, even as the EU manages competing global challenges.
🐟 Ákos asked how the EU ensures financial support for sustainable fishing.
🟢 Dr. Kadis confirmed that the €6.1 billion budget (2021-2027) guarantees continued marine protection efforts, even amid financial challenges.
Thank you to Dr. Kadis for sharing his expertise with the 7 European university students!
