EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis and EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef, are taking part in a youth-focused policy dialogue on ocean issues in Cyprus.
The event forms part of broader youth engagement efforts, running alongside the online EU Youth Conference from 18 to 20 March, which brings together around 300 young delegates, policymakers and institutional representatives from across EU member states and candidate countries.
It aims to incorporate younger perspectives into future European Union initiatives.
During the Youth Policy Dialogue, the two Commissioners are meeting 30 young participants selected through an open call from across the EU. Discussions are centred on three key areas: encouraging greater youth participation in the blue economy and contributing to the development of the Blue Generational Renewal Strategy; gathering views on the future of the fisheries and aquaculture sector to help shape the forthcoming Vision 2040 initiative; and exploring ways to protect underwater cultural heritage while balancing environmental, cultural and educational priorities.
The outcomes of the dialogue are expected to be presented during the closing session of the EU Youth Conference on 20 March.
The initiative is designed to ensure that youth perspectives are reflected in major EU policy frameworks, including Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture and the Blue Generational Renewal Strategy, both of which are part of the European Ocean Pact.
Schedule
On Thursday, the Commissioners will begin their programme with a visit to Ayia Napa Harbour, where they met local fishermen to discuss sector challenges.
They will then travel to Ammos tou Kampouri Beach, taking part in a series of environmental activities, including studying marine litter and microplastics, examining coastal biodiversity, and discussing the environmental impact of oil spills and shipping.
The Commissioners are due to deliver press statements at midday at the beach.
Later in the day, events continue at the Cape Greco Environmental Information and Education Centre, where the Youth Policy Dialogue titled “Young Voices for the Ocean” will take place.
On 20 March, both Commissioners are scheduled to participate online in a session reflecting on the dialogue as part of efforts to strengthen connections between EU institutions and young people.
Separately, Commissioner Kadis will deliver a keynote address at a Net Zero Cities event hosted by the Limassol Municipality.