The impact of the crisis in the Middle East, as well as illegal fishing activity in Greece and Cyprus, was highlighted yesterday through a series of interventions at the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee by New Democracy and EPP MEP, Mr. Fredi Beleris.

As Mr. Beleris stated, recent geopolitical developments have led to a significant increase in fuel prices, further burdening professional fishermen and threatening the economies of coastal and island regions, as well as their stable access to food.

According to him, it is “necessary” to take targeted measures to support the sector, through the provision of financial assistance to fishermen for fuel and by strengthening—up to full subsidy—investments in new technologies.

On the issue of illegal fishing, the MEP focused on Greece and Cyprus, referring to increased Turkish violations using illegal fishing gear, which, beyond breaching international law, undermine efforts to preserve fish stocks and create unfair competition for lawful European fishermen, with serious consequences for local communities.

To better address the phenomenon, Mr. Beleris stressed the need to strengthen maritime controls and to utilize modern monitoring technologies.

“The protection of our seas is not only an environmental obligation, but also a matter of European Union sovereignty,” he concluded.