Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias raised concerns over what he described as provocative behavior by Turkish fishermen, illegal fishing activities, and violations of maritime law during a meeting on May 14 with European Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries Costas Kadis.

According to the minister, the discussions focused on what he called a major issue for Greece’s fishing sector. “I raised with the Commissioner the critical issue concerning our fishermen and our fisheries, as well as the provocative behavior of our Turkish neighbors, including illegal fishing, disregard for the law of the sea, and challenges to our sovereign rights,” Kikilias said.

He stressed that illegal fishing has become a serious problem for Greece, adding that the country is seeking stronger European intervention given that Greece’s maritime borders are also external borders of the European Union. “International maritime law applies to everyone,” he noted, calling for regulatory measures and practical solutions to protect a sector he described as vital to the Greek economy.

At the same time, Kikilias drew a distinction between tensions over fishing and cooperation on migration issues. He said that Greece and Turkey are working together to curb irregular migration flows, noting that arrivals from Turkey had fallen by 45% in 2025.

For his part, Kadis outlined the European Commission’s initiatives under the Ocean Pact and the broader strategy for the protection and sustainable management of marine resources. He also referred to efforts aimed at harmonizing fisheries inspection procedures in Greece.

The commissioner reaffirmed the strong cooperation between the European Commission and Greece’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, emphasizing that Brussels remains ready to support the implementation of European maritime and fisheries policies in the country.