Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Kostas Kadis, starts today a 2-day visit to Vigo, Spain, to discuss the reform and simplification of the common fisheries policy , the external dimension of the EU maritime sector, and its role in free trade agreements.

Being the biggest fishing port in Spain and one of the biggest in the EU, the trip will offer the occasion for the Commissioner to see closely the different aspects and specificities of a sector which is crucial for the Galician region's economy.

Accompanied by the Spanish Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, and representatives of the Galicia region, Commissioner Kadis will visit the European Fisheries Control Agency. They will also tour the BECP Intermares ship for training in fishing and regulatory controls and attend a fish auction at the Port of Vigo.

The Commissioner will also hold discussions with national and regional fishing representatives, civil society organisations linked to maritime activities, and students. Topics will include the implementation of the common fisheries policy, the competitiveness and sustainability of the fisheries sector, conservation policies and the recent Commission proposal on an EU Ocean Pact .

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