On 31 October 2025, AmCham Cyprus had the honour of hosting Mr. Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, at our Breakfast Series event at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Commissioner Kadis presented the European Ocean Pact, the EU’s first comprehensive framework to coordinate all ocean-related policies. Commissioner Kadis emphasised that the Pact is built on extensive consultation and is structured around six priorities, each with targeted initiatives to ensure coherence and impact across the EU’s vast maritime domain.
The Pact aims to:
- Protect and restore ocean health by designating and managing Marine Protected Areas and tackling pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
- Boost the sustainable competitiveness of the blue economy, supporting sectors from fisheries and aquaculture to maritime transport, tourism, and offshore renewables.
- Support coastal, island, and outermost regions in building resilience and economic development, especially in the face of climate change.
- Strengthen EU Ocean diplomacy and international governance, ensuring the EU leads by example globally and mirrors its sustainable policies abroad.
- Enhance maritime security and defence, including initiatives to protect critical undersea infrastructure and address cyber threats.
- Advance ocean research, knowledge, skills, and innovation, with a focus on ambitious observation and research strategies.
Cyprus, as an island nation and a key EU maritime hub, stands to benefit significantly from the Pact. Pact’s focus on supporting coastal communities and fostering technological innovation aligns closely with Cyprus’s strategic priorities.
The presentation was followed by a lively exchange of views, where participants from the business community and policymakers discussed the opportunities and challenges presented by the European Ocean Pact. The dialogue highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to sustainable growth in Cyprus and across the EU.
The event also highlighted the importance of transatlantic cooperation and AmCham Cyprus’s role in bridging EU and US business interests. The Pact’s focus on sustainable growth, digitalisation, and science-based solutions aligns perfectly with AmCham’s mission to promote commercial diplomacy and policy advocacy.
We thank Commissioner Kadis for his leadership and vision, and all participants for their engagement. AmCham Cyprus remains committed to supporting the implementation of the European Ocean Pact and facilitating dialogue between the business community and policymakers.
