New fund for the European maritime and fisheries policies

On 15 July 2013, the Council reached agreement on a general approach on a proposal for the European maritime and fisheries fund (EMFF).

© fotografci - Fotolia.com

The EMFF forms part of the reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP), on which the EU institutions reached agreement in May. Its aim is to help fishermen adapt to the key principles of the reform, such as preserving fish stocks by better aligning catches with scientific advice and implementing a discard ban. 

“This is a very important agreement for the future of the European fisheries sector. Being a part of the multiannual financial framework, the new fund with the envisaged sum of EUR 6.396 billion will be the most important instrument to finance the reformed CFP in 2014–2020 and to develop the EU’s integrated maritime policy“, said Lithuanian Minister for Agriculture Vigilijus Jukna, who chaired the meeting.

The general approach establishes the Council's position on the outstanding budgetary issues in the proposal, which were left open pending an agreement between the EU institutions on the multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020.

The EMFF  is structured around the following pillars:

• smart green fisheries, enabling a smooth transition to sustainable fishing;
• smart green aquaculture, to give EU consumers access to healthy and nutritious food;
• sustainable and inclusive development of communities depending on fisheries;
• cross-sectoral maritime policies generating savings and growth.

In addition to these four pillars, it will finance  a series of measures including data collection, scientific advice, controls, governance and technical assistance.

The new fund will replace the existing European Fisheries Fund (EFF) and a number of other instruments. This will result in a major simplification, making easy access to financing possible for fishermen and other beneficiaries . 

The general approach adopted yesterday will enable the Council to start negotiations with the European Parliament in autumn. The EMFF regulation and other two regulations forming the CFP reform package are expected to become operational in January 2014.

Video highlights

More information:

• Press release (pdf)
• Audiovisual page
• European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
• Common fisheries policy reform