Shout-out to the young voices for the ocean – a chronicle from a Youth Policy Dialogue

Picture this: you are under 31, and meeting with European Commissioners to discuss the future of the ocean. What would you ask, and what would you tell them?

That's exactly what happened to 30 young Europeans on 19 March, who gathered in Cyprus for a Youth Policy Dialogue with Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, and Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport.

On the agenda, discussions around jobs in the blue economy, the future of fisheries and aquaculture, and the preservation of our underwater cultural heritage. But that was not all. Before diving into a passionate discussion, the participants to the dialogue engaged in a hands-on experience on what it means to be a fisher.

The small-scale fishers from Ayia Napa spent over an hour answering many questions from the youth: on their day out at sea, on the impact of climate change on their work, on new technologies in fisheries, the types of catch and boats they use, and the list goes on.

"The fishers were very enthusiastic about their jobs and careers, which I respect. I also think that more people should know about their struggles, and how they have less fish every year. I also learned about other species destroying our environment: we should have policies and a plan in place to stop this", said Veronika, a young student passionate about the ocean and the blue economy.

This encounter set the scene for the afternoon discussion on blue economy and the future of fisheries and aquaculture, sparking a deeper reflection on challenges and opportunities in these sectors.

The future of fisheries and aquaculture

Young people clearly stressed that without a healthy ocean, fisheries and aquaculture have no future. Environmental sustainability should be the basis for long-term economic viability and food security.

They also identify aquaculture as essential to meet the growing seafood demand, while reducing pressure on wild fish stocks. In particular, the development of sustainable, innovative, and locally adapted aquaculture systems can not only contribute to food security but also play an important role in job creation. This, in turn, can diversify income sources and strengthen the resilience of coastal and rural communities.

According to the participants in the dialogue, new technologies should be central, from low-impact fishing gear to digital tools and data systems. By ensuring that these innovations are accessible and usable by fishers and aquaculture producers on the ground, we can achieve a real transition towards sustainability.

Making careers in the blue economy attractive

"I'm an engineer, and I'm the only graduate in my class working in the blue economy" said Boris. "And why is that? There was very little information about careers in the blue economy at university fairs. We should raise more awareness, because the blue economy offers many job opportunities." From this starting point, the group engaged in an inspiring discussion on how to turn the tide.

To make blue careers more attractive, participants in the dialogue proposed several actions. Among them:

• promoting ocean-related studies in both coastal and landlocked areas
• introducing ocean-related careers early in schools (e.g. through field trips)
• offering paid traineeships and entry-level positions to provide first-hand experience and access to jobs
• reaching out to youth through social media

Participants highlighted the importance of practical training - such as apprenticeships, and cross-border exchanges through a proposed 'Blue Erasmus' programme - to support knowledge sharing between generations and across land- and sea-based sectors. They also stressed the need for attractive careers in the blue economy, with safe and fair working conditions, job stability, opportunities for mobility and career growth, and support for upskilling. Mentoring, continuous learning, and assistance for those relocating to coastal areas were also considered essential.

Ideas that won't stay on paper

Commissioners Kadis and Micallef carefully listened to the concerns of the young generations, took note of their ideas, and made very clear that the ideas shared in Cyprus would not remain on paper. The youth voice matters, and this dialogue will help the Commission shape new policies under the European Ocean Pact, including the Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, the Blue Generational Renewal Strategy, and the EU Strategy for Coastal Communities.

"I'm much more aware of the blue economy and the possibilities of employment it offers", concluded Magdalena. "I want to promote it in my country, to help others find their path in this sector". From dialogue to action, Europe's young voices are helping shape the future of our ocean.

Background

The Youth Policy Dialogue took place in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, on 19 March 2026.

Three topics were selected to give young people the opportunity to contribute to upcoming policies under the European Ocean Pact , including the Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture and the Blue Generational Renewal Strategy. The aim was to ensure that these initiatives are inclusive, forward-looking, and aligned with the needs and values of the next generation.

The participants were selected through an open call. Out of 726 applications received, at least one participant per EU member state was chosen based on the quality of their replies. The selection also ensured gender balance and diversity of backgrounds.

Youth Policy Dialogues are part of the European Commission's commitment to mainstream the voice of young people in EU policymaking, as set out in President von der Leyen's Political Guidelines for 2024-2029 . These dialogues are important to ensure that young people's voice is heard and engages them in EU policymaking.

More information

Youth Policy Dialogues | European Youth Portal

The report from the event will be available on this page: Document library | European Youth Portal

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