EUROPEAN FUNDS

Fears Grow over Potential EU Funding Cuts for Aquaculture Sector

Brussels, 18 July 2025 | There is growing concern that aquaculture could be overshadowed by other Blue Economy priorities

Comisión Europea - FONDOS

The European Commission has unveiled its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), convering the period 2028-2034, with a total budget nearing €2 trillion (approximately 1.26 of the EU’s average gross national income). The aim is to bolster the Union’s resilience, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. While continued support for agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture is confirmed, serious concerns is mounting within the aquaculture sector over what appears to be a significant cut to sector-specific funding.

According to the Commission, income support for farmers and fishers will remain ringfenced, covering environmental measures, on-site investment, support for young professionals and risk management tools. These funds will be delivered through the new National and Regional Partnership Plans, designed to streamline funding and tailor investment to local and regional priorities.

However, organisations such as Europêche have expressed alarm over a Sharp drop in dedicated funding for the sector. According to industry estimates, the proposed framework earmarks just €2 billion for fisheries and aquaculture, compared to the €6.1 billion allocated under the current European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) for the 2021-2027 period.

 The Commission has not yet provided a detailed breakdown of how much will be allocated specifically to aquaculture within the new MFF. Instead, support for the sector will be embedded in broader territorial and thematic investment programmes. While this may offer more flexibility, there is growing concern that aquaculture could be overshadowed by other Blue Economy priorities, especially in the absence of a dedicated fund, as existed in the current framework.

The budget also aims to drive innovation, competitiveness and the green transition through instruments such as the European Competitiveness Fund and a renewed Horizon Europe programme. Aquaculture projects may benefit indirectly from these instruments, particularly in fields such as bioeconomy, sustainable food system and health, though this would fall outside the scope of sector-specific funding.

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