European Commission presents Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture

On October 20, 2026, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis and Executive Vice-President of the Commission Raffaele Fitto unveiled 'Vision 2040', a strategic framework designed to guide the European fisheries and aquaculture sectors over the next 15 years. The initiative aims to enhance both environmental and economic sustainability, ensuring long-term food security while supporting coastal and rural economies.

The strategy addresses significant challenges facing the industry, including climate change, volatile energy costs, resource depletion, an aging workforce, and limited growth in aquaculture. Vision 2040 provides a comprehensive roadmap covering the entire value chain, from production to consumption, and aligns with the European Ocean Pact. It prioritizes the modernization of fishing vessels, support for small-scale fishers, and the removal of barriers to aquaculture development.

For regions like Cyprus, the framework is particularly significant due to its focus on local coastal production and job creation. By integrating economic viability with ecosystem protection, the Commission seeks to maintain the identity of European coastal communities while adapting to shifting geopolitical pressures and competition for maritime space.