The European Commission has announced the launch of two consultations on fisheries and maritime activities funding programmes
European Commission Launches Consultations on Fisheries and Maritime Funding Programs
The European Commission has initiated two consultations to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of past and current funding programs for fisheries and maritime activities.
These consultations aim to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, the fisheries and maritime sectors, non-governmental organisations, and national administrations from EU Member States.
Calls for Evidence
The first consultation focuses on collecting evidence and perspectives on the management and utilisation of funds. It seeks input until 11 July 2024, for the following programs:
– European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF): This fund supported fisheries and maritime sectors from 2014 to 2020.
– European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF): This fund is currently active, covering the period from 2021 to 2027.
Upcoming Questionnaire
A second consultation will soon be available, including a detailed questionnaire targeting key stakeholders involved in the management and use of the funding provided by the EMFF and EMFAF from 2014 to 2024.
Next Steps
The results of these consultations, alongside other analyses and studies, will help assess the performance of these funds and their contribution to the EU’s strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. The Commission plans to publish a summary report, including the gathered evidence, by the end of 2024.
Support During Economic Crises
Both the EMFF and EMFAF have been crucial in supporting the fisheries and aquaculture sectors during economic crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic impacts of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The EMFF funded over 22,000 operations across 21 Member States to compensate businesses affected by COVID-19. It also supported more than 16,000 operations in 10 Member States to mitigate market disruptions caused by the Ukraine conflict.
The EMFAF continues this support, ensuring financial aid for businesses affected by ongoing and future economic crises.
Background
From 2021 to 2027, the EMFAF will contribute EUR 2.7 billion to promoting sustainable fisheries, EUR 1.8 billion to ensuring food security in the EU, EUR 528 million to developing the blue economy in coastal communities, and EUR 91 million to strengthening international ocean governance, among other priorities.
Between 2014 and 2020, the EMFF contributed nearly EUR 4.1 billion to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. It also invested EUR 2.5 billion in environmental protection and resource efficiency, alongside significant support for employment stability, technical assistance, and developing a low-carbon economy.
These consultations underscore the European Commission’s commitment to refining and improving the impact of its funding programs on fisheries and maritime activities across the EU.