EU Proposes EMFAF Reform to Boost Fisheries Funding and Accelerate Fleet Energy Transition
The European Commission has proposed targeted changes to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to simplify access to fisheries funding, support aquaculture investment, accelerate the energy transition of the EU fishing fleet and strengthen compliance with international fisheries rules.
The proposed EU fisheries funding reforms would provide greater flexibility for fleet modernisation, support new maritime technologies, increase assistance for young fishers and small-scale coastal fisheries, and direct investment toward ports, infrastructure and marine environmental protection. The proposal follows the EMFAF mid-term evaluation, feedback from Member States and extensive stakeholder consultations.
Greater Flexibility for Maritime Technology and Fleet Investment
The amendment would introduce new definitions for “energy transition” and “pilot projects”, providing greater legal certainty for testing new technologies.
It would also make rules for engine replacement and fleet modernisation more flexible. Targeted support would be available for pilot and research projects, along with investments in ports and infrastructure that contribute to the fisheries sector’s energy transition.
New Funding for Young and Small-Scale Fishers
The Commission is proposing measures to support generational renewal in the fisheries industry.
Aid intensity for young fishers would increase, while barriers to financial support for transferring business ownership would be removed.
Two additional funding schemes are proposed:
- A temporary cessation scheme for fishers facing a reduction of at least 40% in fishing opportunities allocated to the operator.
- A dedicated small-scale fisheries scheme designed to sustain viable coastal fishing and help small-scale fishers diversify their income.
Fleet Funding Ceiling to Increase From 15% to 30%
The proposal would raise the budgetary ceiling for fleet measures and permanent cessation from 15% to 30% of each Member State’s allocation.
The change would provide Member States with greater flexibility when programming additional financial resources for these measures.
The Commission also proposes removing the budgetary ceiling for temporary cessation.
Stronger Marine Environmental Protection
The proposed reforms would encourage financial support for national strategies covering marine protected areas and fishing restricted areas.
Funding could support their design, development, collective implementation and management, as well as the development of fisheries co-management schemes.
EMFAF Funding Linked to WTO Fisheries Rules
The amendment would align the EMFAF Regulation with the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Operators and vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, or fishing-related activities supporting IUU fishing, would be ineligible for EMFAF support.
The same restriction would apply to fishing and fishing-related activities on the high seas outside the competence of a relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisation or Arrangement (RFMO/A).
The EU ratified the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in June 2023. The Commission said completing its implementation requires aligning the EU legal framework through the EMFAF Regulation so that EU funding cannot contribute to prohibited activities.
Member States Retain Key Role in Funding Allocation
EMFAF operates primarily through shared management, meaning Member States remain mainly responsible for allocating public resources.
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The European Commission establishes the overall framework and eligibility criteria, while national authorities allocate funding to eligible operators, including fishers and aquaculture producers, through programmes reflecting the socio-economic conditions of their coastal and inland waters.
Member States will also remain responsible for keeping administrative procedures for beneficiaries limited and proportionate.
Policy Significance for Fisheries Investment
The proposed changes combine fisheries financing, fleet modernisation, environmental protection and international regulatory compliance within the remaining 2021–2027 EMFAF period.
The Commission’s mid-term evaluation found that some rules were difficult to apply halfway through the programme period, while certain funding opportunities were considered too rigid to unlock investments needed by the sector.
The proposed amendments therefore focus on making funding rules more flexible while maintaining conditions linked to sustainable fisheries, marine protection and WTO compliance.
What Happens Next?
The proposal is now before the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union under the ordinary legislative procedure.
The European Commission said the amendment was developed using the EMFAF mid-term evaluation, the results of its call for evidence, feedback from Member States and extensive stakeholder consultations.
Background: European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) is the EU’s main financial instrument for fisheries and aquaculture. It supports the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU maritime policy and international commitments on ocean governance.
Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, said the proposal would simplify EMFAF rules, incorporate the WTO’s new disciplines on harmful subsidies, support the green transition and improve access to the sector for young and small-scale fishers.
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