According to the Ministry of Agriculture, European Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries Costas Kadis also met with national authorities, representatives of fishermen, and visited aquaculture farms.
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During the Commissioner’s meeting with A. Palionis at the Ministry, the evaluation and changes of the EU fisheries policy, sector financing, and relevant issues of the Baltic Sea region were discussed.
According to the Ministry, the review of the Common Fisheries Policy initiated by the European Commission was discussed.
Lithuanian representatives prioritized critically important issues regarding EU support for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the upcoming multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034, also emphasized the need to simplify fisheries legislation, and discussed the future of EU Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements.
Minister A. Palionis presented the situation in the Lithuanian fisheries sector to the Commissioner, drawing attention to reduced fishing quotas and emphasizing the importance of scientific research.
“We advocate for sustainable planning, but we face the consequences of Russian fishing in the Baltic Sea. We also have competitors in nature – seals and cormorants. We would like a common vision on how we could protect business interests,” the minister is quoted in the statement.
According to the Ministry, A. Palionis is concerned about the drastic reduction in funding for the fisheries sector in the future, which could critically impact competitiveness and food security.
“Funding must remain at the same level as it was. The availability of financial resources is the most important issue for the implementation of the EU fisheries policy,” said A. Palionis.
In the Commissioner’s opinion, Lithuania has considerable potential in the field of aquaculture, and he would like to see this sector grow, which is a priority for the EU.
“The EU imports almost 70% of the fish resources it needs. Fishing opportunities in seas and oceans remain limited, but there is room for aquaculture development. We need to discuss measures for its further development,” said the Commissioner.
C. Kadis agreed with the minister regarding the negative impact of Russian fishing on Baltic Sea fish stocks.
“Lithuania and other countries in the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council requested sanctions on Russian fisheries products, but there was no unanimous agreement then. Now we will raise this issue again and hope that this time we will achieve a result,” said the Commissioner.
The meeting also discussed the issue of distant-water fishing, which is very relevant for Lithuania. The most important for Lithuania are the EU-Mauritania and EU-Morocco Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements for the continuity of fishing. The Commissioner stated that his services would seek proportional agreements favorable to the fishing sector.
On Friday, the Commissioner met with representatives of the fisheries sector, science, and environmental organizations at the Ministry.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the meeting discussed the main challenges and future prospects of the sector. Sector representatives expressed concern to the EC member about the future funding of the EU fisheries fund and the possible reduction of funds after 2028, and also emphasized issues of generational change, fleet modernization, and the vitality of coastal communities.
The discussion also covered opportunities for aquaculture development, the importance of international fishing agreements, environmental challenges, the need to expand scientific observations, and strengthen data-driven decision-making.
During the visit, the Commissioner also visited Lithuanian aquaculture companies where carp and trout are farmed, familiarizing himself with the practical activities of the farms and daily business challenges.
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