Agreement reached on the EU's new maritime and fisheries fund
On January 25, political agreement was reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the 2014-2020 European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The funding instrument is a crucial step towards the EMFF coming into force later this year to support the implementation of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and thelp boost Europe's Blue Economy.
The EMFF will support the rebuilding of fish stocks, reduce the impact of fisheries on the marine environment, and the progressive elimination of wasteful discarding practices. Support will be given to small-scale fisheries, young fishermen and local fisheries. It will boost innovation, help communities to diversify their economies, finance projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts. The fund will also support European Aquaculture so that it can fully develop its potential.
