Danish MEP, Asger Christensen (left), has raised concerns over Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination for Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans
Danish MEP Asger Christensen, a member of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee (PECH), has expressed concern over the recent nomination of Cypriot politician Costas Kadis as the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans. Christensen, representing Denmark’s Venstre party, questioned whether Kadis, whose background is predominantly in environmental affairs, has sufficient understanding of the challenges facing commercial fishing in Western Europe.
In a pointed statement, Christensen remarked, “I’m glad we have a Commissioner for Fisheries, but I had hoped for a more independent appointment, so that the fishing industry could receive the attention it deserves.” His comments follow the nomination of Kadis by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a move that has drawn mixed reactions within the European fishing community.
Christensen’s primary concern is that the pressing issues in fisheries might be overshadowed by environmental priorities under Kadis’ leadership. He noted, “The risk now is that fisheries matters will be drowned out by environmental concerns, especially since Kadis comes from Cyprus, where the focus is likely to be on small-scale fisheries, as seen in countries like Spain and other Southern European nations.”
Christensen also highlighted Kadis’ potential unfamiliarity with the unique challenges faced by Northern European fisheries, particularly in areas such as the North Sea, where commercial fishing is a major industry. “I fear that Kadis may not have a deep understanding of the North Sea and the kind of fishing operations we have here. If he is approved by the European Parliament, I will waste no time in inviting him to Denmark to give him a realistic picture of the situation in our surrounding waters.”
Kadis’ background is indeed focused on environmental issues. He has served as the Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, where he was responsible for policies relating to the island’s natural resources, including marine protection and sustainability. Kadis has championed biodiversity and environmental conservation throughout his career, but his experience in managing large-scale commercial fisheries, particularly those in Western and Northern Europe, remains a question for many in the sector.
Christensen’s comments reflect broader concerns across the European fishing industry, where fishermen fear that policies focused on environmental protection could come at the expense of their livelihoods. With tensions already high regarding fishing quotas, environmental regulations, and the impact of Brexit on EU fisheries, Christensen’s warning highlights the delicate balance between sustainability and economic survival that the new Commissioner will need to navigate.
As Kadis awaits confirmation from the European Parliament, industry leaders are expected to seek reassurances that the specific needs of commercial fisheries in regions like the North Sea will not be neglected.