Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Costas Kadis, EU Commissioner for Fisheries, held an annual consultation meeting with the Icelandic and EU delegations.
On Friday, 17 April, Minister of Industry Hanna Katrín Friðriksson and the European Union’s Commissioner for Fisheries, Costas Kadis, convened in Reykjavík for their annual consultation meeting.
Leading delegations from both Iceland and the EU, the officials focused on a shared vision for sustainability, maritime innovation, and the “blue economy.”
The dialogue serves as a key pillar of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties last July. This agreement formalises a commitment to increase cooperation in protecting marine biodiversity and accelerating the energy transition within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
A Broad Agenda for the North Atlantic
The discussions covered a wide spectrum of maritime issues, including:
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Arctic Affairs: Strengthening joint efforts in northern latitudes.
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Sustainable Fisheries: Aligning management systems to ensure long-term resource health.
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Scientific Research: Collaborative ocean observation and innovation through programmes such as Horizon EU.
- Aquaculture: Sharing best practices for responsible fish farming.
“As before, our primary focus remains on cooperation regarding sustainable fisheries and the pressing challenges facing our oceans,” stated Minister Friðriksson. “This annual meeting with the EU Fisheries Commissioner is a vital platform for joint policy-making and future-facing solutions that benefit us all.”
Innovation and Practical Cooperation
During his visit, Commissioner Kadis toured the Iceland Ocean Cluster innovation hub, noting how EU funding is currently supporting the transformation of Icelandic ideas into commercial maritime solutions. He also visited one of Iceland’s leading fishery companies to observe their state-of-the-art processing facilities and management systems first-hand.
“Today’s High-Level Dialogue marked a milestone in EU–Iceland cooperation,” Kadis remarked, praising the “candid talks” held during his visit. “When we work together, our oceans and industries thrive.”
The Accession Question
While the atmosphere was cooperative, the Commissioner also addressed the broader political landscape. Kadis confirmed that the European Union remains ready to open the “fisheries chapter” should Iceland decide to resume accession negotiations.
However, Kadis appeared less inclined to signal fundamental shifts in the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), despite suggestions from Icelandic officials. He noted that the CFP is currently under review following its last revision in 2023.
“Due to new challenges, we have engaged in extensive consultation,” Kadis explained. The results of this review are expected to be made available by the beginning of May. For now, the Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the current policy framework, even as Iceland continues to showcase its own successful, independent management model as a potential benchmark for international standards.
Photo: EU Commission
On the visit, Commissioner Kadis stated:
“The EU and Iceland are close partners when it comes to the North-East Atlantic. We are facing many of the same challenges, from climate change to pressure on fish stocks, and we need to work closely together. Strengthening cooperation on broader ocean matters, including international ocean governance and our engagement in Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, is essential to ensure sustainable and resilient seas in line with the objectives of the Ocean Pact. That means relying on science, managing our fisheries responsibly, and giving people in the sector more certainty and opportunities. Today’s discussions were a good step forward, and I am confident we can build on this cooperation in the years ahead, and the EU-Iceland MoU is a good basis for that.”
