ANALYSIS

How the next EU budget could reshape funding for aquaculture

Brussels, 10 March 2026 | Many activities currently financed through the EMFAF could be integrated into broader EU funding instruments and national investment plans managed by Member States

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The way aquaculture projects are financed in Europe could change significantly after 2027. As the European Union prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, uncertainty is growing around the future role of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), currently the main source of EU investment support for the sector.

In recent weeks, several European fisheries organisations have warned that removing or diluting a dedicated fund could reduce the political visibility of fisheries and aquaculture within the EU budget. At the same time, a number of Member States have begun calling for stable financial support for the sector, arguing that aquaculture will play an increasingly important role in Europe’s food security and in the transition towards more sustainable food systems.

The current EMFAF budget for 2021–2027 amounts to around €6.1 billion and supports investments ranging from farm modernisation and innovation to energy transition and environmental improvements. However, early indications from the European Commission suggest that the financial architecture of the sector could evolve in the next budget period.

In a written parliamentary reply published in November 2025, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis indicated that the future EU budget would reserve at least €2 billion for certain areas of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), including support for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

Beyond that minimum allocation, however, many activities currently financed through the EMFAF could be integrated into broader EU funding instruments and national investment plans managed by Member States.

This could allow aquaculture projects to access larger cross-sector funding programmes linked to competitiveness, innovation or industrial resilience. But it would also mean competing with other sectors for financial support.

For aquaculture producers, technology developers and research organisations, the shift could mark a turning point. Future funding may depend less on a dedicated sectoral fund and more on the ability of aquaculture projects to align with broader EU priorities such as food security, innovation, energy transition and blue growth.

The final design of the next EU budget will determine whether aquaculture gains access to larger financial instruments — or whether the sector loses visibility within a more fragmented funding landscape.