Bulgaria has modified its ‘Operational Programme’ for the implementation of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to reallocate €6.6 million of public aid to compensate companies for financial loss caused by the coronavirus outbreak, the European Commission announced on Wednesday 29 July.
Bulgaria has therefore decided to reallocate €6.6 million from the EMFF to improve the lives of people across the entire fishing sector and to prevent bankruptcies, closures, downsizing, and employment reduction.
The fisheries sector will receive €763,835 to compensate for economic losses from cessation of fishing activities. Over 100 fishermen and women will benefit from this support and this number is expected to increase further. The maximum grant amounts to €40,876 per fishing vessel, including compensation for the crew. This support covers both smaller and bigger operators.
Aquaculture farmers who are economically affected by the coronavirus outbreak will receive €4.027 million, while the processing sector will receive €1.83 million. Support for aquaculture and fish processing businesses will be available for the purchase of goods, raw materials and supplies related to the company’s activities along with storage and personnel costs. The maximum grant amount for a single project is €40,876.
The outbreak of the pandemic has put the EU fisheries and aquaculture sectors under “substantial” pressure, the Commission says.
At the end of April, the EU Council of Ministers adopted a Regulation providing for support measures for fishermen and women and aquaculture farmers hit hard by the coronavirus (see EUROPE 12472/6). The new rules amend provisions of the EMMF Regulation and the Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation. In particular, the text allows aid to be paid for the temporary cessation of fishing activities and support for aquaculture companies. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)