European Commission marginalises fisheries in new 2028–2034 EU budget plan, fishing association Europeche says
The European Commission has unveiled its proposal for the EU budget covering the period 2028 to 2034. As part of this plan, the commission aims to consolidate various funding instruments under national and regional partnerships to support investment and reform.
One of the pillars— the European economic, territorial, social, rural and maritime sustainable prosperity and security fund—would merge the European maritime, fisheries and aquaculture fund (EMFAF) with several other programmes, including those related to agriculture, cohesion and regional development.
According to Europêche, such a decision disregards the strategic importance of fisheries, as one of the few truly common EU policies, omitted even from the new fund's title. The association said this, "clearly sends a disheartening signal to the European fishing sector and the coastal communities that depend on it."
"The multiannual financial framework (MFF) is the EU's long-term budget, spanning a seven-year period," said Europêche. "It is not just a financial tool but a political roadmap reflecting the EU's strategic priorities and how it intends to address common challenges.
"The current MFF, covering 2021 to 2027, has already been revised twice—most recently resulting in a €105 million (US$122 million) cut to EMFAF.
Europêche said that while the commission claims this new framework will enhance coherence, simplify procedures and increase flexibility, the association warns of a "double absorption" of fisheries funding: first, through its merger with broader EU funds, and second, by aligning EMFAF resources with the objectives of the "ocean pact"—further diluting its capacity to address the specific needs of the fisheries sector.
For example, the new fund could be used to subsidise a wide range of blue economy initiatives—such as offshore and ocean energy, biotechnology, and desalination—which may compete directly with core fisheries priorities for limited financial resources, according to Europêche.
The association reiterates the, "contradiction between the [European] Commission's political priorities—such as competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy—and the treatment of the fisheries sector."
"We expected an ambitious financial envelope that recognises the vital role of the fishing fleet in delivering healthy diets, food security and climate protection," said Javier Garat, President of Europêche. "Instead, we are witnessing a weakening of support for a sector already under severe strain and in steady decline."
Europêche said these pressures include soaring operational costs, global market competition, labour shortages and mounting regulatory constraints.
Europêche said it is also alarmed by the "low ring-fenced allocation" of €2 billion (US$2.3 billion) for fisheries, especially when compared to the total EMFAF budget of €6.1 billion (US$7.1 billion) for 2021–2027 — all the more so given that the overall EU budget has increased from €1.2 trillion (US$1.4 trillion) to €2 trillion (US$2.3 trillion).
Moreover, the absence of defined co-financing rates for vessels over 12 metres, combined with a general lack of mandatory financial measures to address fisheries challenges, leaves member states with full discretion over whether and how to allocate funding to the fishing fleet.
Europêche said this places the future of the sector at the mercy of national priorities, risking uneven support across the EU and creating an unlevel playing field that undermines fair competition and cohesion within the single market.
Europêche also emphasises the broader consequences of underfunding fisheries: reduced EU production, higher consumer prices and growing dependence on food imports.
"Restrictive funding policies directly undermine the EU’s food sovereignty and the development of a modern, competitive fleet," added Mr Garat, "Subsidies should be more effectively targeted at incentivising sustainable production volumes, not feeding bureaucracy or research disconnected from on-the-water realities."
In conclusion, Europêche urges EU policymakers to correct course.
"This is not what we were promised," said Mr Garat. We will continue to work with the council and the European Parliament to ensure the unique needs of our industry are recognised, and to secure a reinforced, independent fund dedicated to fisheries."
