reSEArch-EU - European University of the Seas

Karmenu Vella graduated in Architecture and Civil Engineering and has a Master of Science in Tourism Management. During his political career, he served as Minister for Public Works, Industry, and Tourism. Between 2014 and 2019, he served as European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs, and Fisheries. Under his leadership, the EU adopted and implemented the Circular Economy Action Plan, adopted new rules to reduce single-use plastic products, updated the EU’s waste legislation, stepped up action to improve air quality, and made concrete progress in halting the decline of biodiversity. He also developed a leading international role for the EU in the field of ocean governance, promoted the blue economy, and worked to improve the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries.