EU budget plan 2028-2034 marginalises fisheries, as Europêche warns of diluted funding, risking food security and coastal communities
The European Commission has unveiled its proposed budget for the European Union covering the period 2028 to 2034, a plan which has has drawn sharp criticism from Europêche.
The new framework proposes consolidating various funding instruments. They would merge into a single entity: the European Economic, Territorial, Social, Rural and Maritime Sustainable Prosperity and Security Fund. This fund would absorb the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
According to Europêche, this decision significantly disregards the strategic importance of the fisheries sector. They highlight that fisheries, as one of the EU’s few truly common policies, has been “shockingly omitted” even from the new fund’s title.
This omission, Europêche states, sends a disheartening signal to the European fishing sector. It also negatively impacts the coastal communities that rely heavily on it.
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) serves as the EU’s long-term budget, spanning a seven-year period. It is more than just a financial tool; it’s a political roadmap reflecting the EU’s strategic priorities.
The current MFF (2021-2027) has already undergone two revisions. The most recent revision resulted in a €105 million cut to the EMFAF.
While the Commission asserts that this new framework will enhance coherence, simplify procedures, and increase flexibility, Europêche expresses serious concerns. They warn of a “double absorption” of fisheries funding.
This dilution, they explain, would occur first through the merger with broader EU funds. Second, EMFAF resources would align with the objectives of the Ocean Pact.
This could lead to fisheries priorities competing directly with a wide range of blue economy initiatives for limited financial resources. Examples include offshore energy, biotechnology, and desalination.
Javier Garat, President of Europêche, voiced the sector’s profound disappointment. “We expected an ambitious financial envelope that recognises the vital role of the fishing fleet in delivering healthy diets, food security and climate protection,” Garat stated.
“Instead, we are witnessing a weakening of support for a sector already under severe strain and in steady decline,” he added. These pressures include soaring operational costs, global market competition, labour shortages, and mounting regulatory constraints.
The sector is particularly alarmed by the low ring-fenced allocation of €2 billion for fisheries in the new proposal. This is a drastic reduction compared to the €6.1 billion EMFAF budget for 2021–2027.
This cut is especially concerning given that the overall EU budget has increased from €1.2 trillion to €2 trillion.
Furthermore, the absence of defined co-financing rates for vessels over 12 metres and a general lack of mandatory financial measures for fisheries challenges grant Member States full discretion over funding allocation.
This risks uneven support across the EU, creating an unlevel playing field. Such disparities undermine fair competition and cohesion within the single market.
Europêche also underscored the broader implications of underfunding fisheries. They warn of reduced EU production, higher consumer prices, and increased dependence on food imports.
“Restrictive funding policies directly undermine the EU’s food sovereignty and the development of a modern, competitive fleet,” Europêche stated. “Subsidies should be more effectively targeted at incentivising sustainable production volumes, not feeding bureaucracy or research disconnected from on-the-water realities.”
In conclusion, Europêche urged EU policymakers to “correct course,” emphasising that the current proposal does not align with previous promises.
The organisation affirmed its commitment to working with the Council and the European Parliament. Their goal is to ensure the unique needs of the industry are recognised and to secure a reinforced, independent fund dedicated specifically to fisheries.
Source: Press Release