European Commissioner Kadis discusses EU State of the Union address

On September 16, 2026, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, provided a detailed assessment of the State of the Union address delivered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the preceding Wednesday. Kadis highlighted the critical geopolitical and economic landscape currently facing the European Union, specifically citing the ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, rising fuel and energy costs, and the escalating climate crisis as the most pressing threats.

Commissioner Kadis emphasized that the primary goal of future European policy must be to secure strategic autonomy, particularly by reducing dependence on external sources for energy, food supplies, and raw materials. Furthermore, he identified the completion of the European single market as a vital step in bolstering the competitiveness of the continent's economy. Highlighting the security implications for Cyprus, Kadis stressed the significance of the Commission's commitment to the defense of European territory. He concluded that these collective efforts are essential for ensuring the stability and resilience of the member states in an increasingly volatile global environment.