Commission proposes to simplify fisheries and aquaculture funding
Today, the European Commission proposed a targeted amendment to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Regulation to make funding easier to access for fishers and aquaculture producers across the EU. The changes are designed to cut red tape, support the sector’s energy transition and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities.
The proposal would make it easier to modernise fishing vessels by introducing more flexible rules for engine replacement and modernisation, together with a simpler approval process and a clearer method for calculating emissions reductions.
The Commission also proposes to support generational renewal, with higher aid for young fishers and fewer obstacles to business transfers.
In addition, the targeted amendment would introduce two new funding schemes: one to help fishers cope with unexpected quota cuts, and another to support small-scale fisheries, especially vessels under 12 metres and operators using non-towed gear.
The amendment would also increase the maximum share of each Member State’s funding that can be used for fleet measures and permanent cessation. This would give national authorities more flexibility to deal with imbalances in fleet capacity.
At the same time, the objective of the Commission’s proposal is to reinforce environmental protection by incentivising support for marine protected areas, fishing-restricted areas and safety-at-sea technologies, in line with the EU’s 2050 climate-neutrality objective.
The proposal also ensures full alignment with the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Operators or vessels involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, or in high-seas activities outside the competence of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, would not be eligible for EMFAF support.
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said: “Today’s proposal puts the EU at the forefront of responsible fisheries policy. By simplifying the EMFAF rules and embedding the WTO’s new discipline on harmful subsidies, we protect our marine resources, support a green transition and, crucially, give young and small‑scale fishers a more accessible pathway into the sector. These amendments will reduce unnecessary red tape, ensure that public money advances climate‑neutral technologies, and safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities.”
The amendment follows the EMFAF mid-term evaluation, input from Member States and stakeholder consultations. It will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.
