The representatives of the Spanish fisheries sector.
Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has confirmed that the budget for the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) will rise to €4 billion, double the initial proposal.
This was announced last week by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, during a meeting with the Spanish Confederation of Fisheries (CEPESCA) and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds.
Negotiations with the European Union have focused on ensuring that the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) maintain their own legal frameworks, with specific regulations and sufficient financial resources.
Despite this "small progress," as described by the Ministry, Spain will continue to defend that at least the current level of funding is maintained, exceeding €6 billion.
Already in May of this year, Spain's Secretary-General for Fisheries, Isabel Artime, said she would ask the EU for "sufficient" funding for fisheries and aquaculture, separate from rural development aid.
According to the Secretary, coastal communities have their own characteristics, needs, and challenges that require tailored tools and a specific approach, distinct from other territorial development models.
Moreover, the Council of Ministers is expected to approve new support measures for economic sectors affected by the conflict in the Middle East. Last week, the first list of beneficiaries was published for aid to offset the rise in marine diesel prices, with more than €6.8 million allocated to 4,308 vessel owners.
