European fishing sector bodies are urging policymakers to maintain and strengthen the current fund for fisheries and aquaculture, highlighting its critical role in food security, economic stability and environmental sustainability, just as the European Council and the Parliament prepare to discuss the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
In a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, industry leaders express concerns about proposals to integrate the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) into a single, overarching funding structure.
They state that fisheries and aquaculture cannot be measured only in economic terms – as fishing and aquaculture businesses, processors and traders supply one of the healthiest animal foods with the lowest carbon footprint. This makes aquatic foods an optimal choice for balanced diets while delivering on food security and climate protection. However, these face unique challenges that cannot be addressed through a broad, single fund covering multiple industries. The industry group argues that such an approach would undermine the sector’s ability to address its specific challenges.
The industry representatives highlight the European Commission’s own findings that fishers, aquaculture producers and processors face rising costs, global competition, and difficulties in attracting younger generations. Small-scale coastal fisheries, in particular, struggle with wages significantly lower than other sectors. Furthermore, they face increasing environmental regulations and competition for maritime space.
‘Fisheries and aquaculture and processing are not just economic activities. They are deeply connected to Europe’s coastal and rural communities. The structural and natural differences across regions demand a targeted financial approach,’ the organisations state in their letter to leading EU figures.
‘A single fund risks limiting flexibility and failing to recognize the sector’s specific needs.’
They are looking to see a reinforced and independent fund for fisheries and aquaculture with increased budgetary allocations, stronger financial support to ensure sustainability, economic resilience and continue improving work and living conditions, targeted investments to help the sector meet environmental and climate objectives, including decarbonisation goals, and a commitment to food security and supply chain resilience, ensuring that EU fisheries and aquaculture remain a priority in the next MFF.
‘The EU must recognise the unique conditions of our industry and maintain a dedicated fund to ensure its sustainable future,’ they state.
‘A well-funded, independent fisheries and aquaculture policy is essential for Europe’s economy, environment, and food security.’
The signatories include representatives from AIPCE-CEP, Copa-Cogeca, EAPO, Europêche, ETF and FEAP, urging EU leaders to act decisively in support of the sector.
