Spain advocates keeping a specific EU fund for fishing and aquaculture

The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food will advocate before the European Union for fishing and aquaculture to have a significant place in the new financial framework.

This stance follows the European Commission's proposal to integrate programs like the current European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) into a common fund, eliminating a specific fund for the sector.

This move "dilutes the visibility and priority of fisheries policy within the community framework," said the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas. He also added, "The fishing and aquaculture sector must be adequately represented in the new EU budget."

To achieve this, Planas has met with fishing organizations, key sector stakeholders, and regional governments to define a unified position ahead of negotiations for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework proposed by the European Commission.

Finally, regarding financial allocation, the Minister has expressed his intention to increase the amount and ensure a "stable and fair" co-financing system for the fishing sector.

The organizations that attended the meeting include: Spanish Aquaculture Business Association (Apromar); Spanish Association of Wholesalers, Importers, Processors, and Exporters of Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (Conxemar); National Association of Canned and Processed Fish and Seafood Manufacturers-Center for Knowledge and Technology for Marine, Aquaculture, and Food Industries (Anfaco-Cytma); National Association of Canned Fish and Seafood Manufacturers (Anfaco); National Association of Women in Fisheries (Anmupesca); Spanish Confederation of Fisheries (Cepesca); National Federation of Provincial Associations of Fish and Frozen Product Retailers (Fedepesca); National Federation of Fishermen's Associations (FNCP); and National Federation of Fish Wholesalers (Fenamar).