The Ocean in the structure of the new Commission

The document expresses concern over the proposed separation of the ocean portfolio from the environment portfolio in the new European Commission. The signatories argue that placing the Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans under the Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms breaks critical links between ocean health, energy, and climate. They advocate for the Ocean Commissioner to instead be guided by the Executive Vice President for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition to support the success of a proposed European Oceans Pact.

• The signatories oppose the proposed structure where the Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, reports to the Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, arguing this separates the ocean from the environment portfolio and disrupts links to water, energy, and climate portfolios.
• Historical evidence is cited showing that a siloed approach to fisheries that ignored the marine environment led to negative average profitability for the fishing fleet and only 5 EU fish stocks being sustainably exploited.
• Public opinion data from Eurobarometer indicates that 35% of EU citizens view environmental issues and climate change as the third most significant challenge facing the EU, while 84% believe environmental legislation is necessary to protect their country's environment.
• The NGOs support the proposed European Oceans Pact but argue its success requires a dedicated Ocean Commissioner who collaborates closely with Commissioners for Energy, Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy, and Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth.

APA

ClientEarth (2024). The Ocean in the structure of the new Commission. https://www.clientearth.org/media/kuwdhn4m/letter_blue-ngos_ocean-in-the-new-commission_20241029_final.pdf

Chicago

ClientEarth. The Ocean in the structure of the new Commission. 2024. https://www.clientearth.org/media/kuwdhn4m/letter_blue-ngos_ocean-in-the-new-commission_20241029_final.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=ClientEarth |title=The Ocean in the structure of the new Commission |date=29 October 2024 |url=https://www.clientearth.org/media/kuwdhn4m/letter_blue-ngos_ocean-in-the-new-commission_20241029_final.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{clientearth2024ocean, author = {{ClientEarth}}, title = {{The Ocean in the structure of the new Commission}}, publisher = {ClientEarth}, year = {2024}, month = oct, url = {https://www.clientearth.org/media/kuwdhn4m/letter_blue-ngos_ocean-in-the-new-commission_20241029_final.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }