MEP Nina Carberry recently met with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Cotas Kadis, in Brussels, where she has been appointed Vice-Chair of a key European Parliament Maritime body.

As part of her new role with the Seas, Rivers, Islands, and Coastal Areas Intergroup, Carberry will focus on the forthcoming EU Port Strategy, sustainable fisheries, offshore wind development, and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities.

Speaking alongside the Commissioner at the Intergroup’s launch, the Midlands Northwest MEP highlighted the critical role of ports in Europe’s transport and energy networks, stressing the need for continued investment.

“Ports serve as the backbone of maritime trade, energy, and transport systems. We have to look no further than the Port of Galway’s recent integration into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) for example, which strengthens its role in this European-wide infrastructure project.

“Strengthening Europe’s transport and energy corridors is vital to ensuring maritime connectivity and a greener future.”

As the only Irish MEP on the group’s board, Carberry underscored Ireland’s unique position as an island nation and its growing role in Europe’s offshore wind sector.

“We know the excellent wind capacity off both the east and west coasts of Ireland can generate huge amounts of green power for Europe. But to make this a reality, we need greater investment, to streamline planning, more research, and a sharper focus on ports, which will be crucial to offshore wind expansion.”

On fisheries, Carberry called for a more balanced and sustainable approach to access rights for non-EU countries, arguing that current policies fail to protect European waters and fishing communities.

“Third countries should not be allowed such large access to the EU while fishing unsustainably in European waters. Some of the current practices are simply not sustainable. We need a comprehensive coastal-sharing arrangement, one that relies on the best scientific advice while also considering the socio-economic impact on our fishing communities.”

Carberry’s new position will allow her to champion Ireland’s maritime interests, advocating for policies that support economic resilience, and the sustainable development of coastal and island communities.