Speaking to European fisheries ministers in Luxembourg on Monday 9 October, EU Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella regretted the under use of the European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (EMFF).
Only 12% of the budget available for the 2014-2016 period has been used to date for implementing operational programmes. Only 21 member states have appointed national authorities for adopting action plans, added the Commissioner. Vella fears that member states are disengaging from the fund, which has a budget for €7.9 billion across the entire budget period for financing aid for renewing engines, helping fishermen get set up, aid for decommissioning the fleet or temporary halts, and aid for setting up mutual funds.
The Commissioner said he was open to discussion to find solutions. Some member states, the Netherlands in particular, noted the problems with using the fund, which they find over-complex. They want procedures to be simplified. Other countries, like the Czech Republic, were interested in finance for fish farming (which has risen from 14.1% to 21%).
A conference on this question will be held in Tallinn on 12 and 13 October, where more detailed talks should be possible.