Luis Planas discusses priority fishing issues for Spain with Commissioner Costas Kadis

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, welcomes the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, has discussed with the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, on his third visit to Spain, the priority issues of interest to Spain's fishing sector, especially those relating to fishing in the Mediterranean Sea in 2025 and 2026, the European Commission's proposal on the financial outlook and the simplification of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

With regard to the Mediterranean, Planas asked Kadis to ensure that the European Commission's proposal and the negotiations of the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in December take into account the efforts made by fishermen. The priority must be to maintain sustainability and increase profitability, which, according to Planas, must translate into more fishing days by 2026.

Insufficient quantities to meet the challenges

Regarding the financial outlook, the minister conveyed that the amounts are "insufficient" for the sector to meet future challenges and that the "common" nature of the CFP must be preserved to ensure a harmonised application of this policy.

The minister also handed the Commissioner a working document with specific proposals on the simplification of the Common Fisheries Policy. Spain supports simplifying several aspects of this policy to improve efficiency, create a simpler framework, and adapt it to the real needs of the fishing and aquaculture sectors.

The Commissioner also briefed Minister Planas on the new negotiating mandate with Morocco.

Non official translation