Brussels, 03/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 21 December, the European Commission announced that approval had been given to a number of member states' operational programmes for the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).
Spain. Spain is by far the main beneficiary of the European Fisheries Fund for 2007-2013. The total eligible public expenditure of the programme is €2.088 billion over this period, with EU assistance amounting to €1.13 billion (€945.7 will be granted to convergence regions, which are lagging behind in terms of development). Spain has prioritised Axis 1 “Adaptation of the Community fishing fleet” (improving the fleet, destruction of vessels, etc.) in the convergence regions (€335.13 million), and, in the other regions, Axis 2 “Aid to aquaculture companies” (€73.26 million).
Germany. The German programme is worth a total of €247.15 million over the 2007-2013 period. EU assistance through the EFF amounts to €155.86 million. Germany has put most funding into Axis 3 “Measures of common interest” (collective actions, fishing ports, new markets, etc.) for its convergence regions, and Axis 2 “Aid to aquaculture companies” for its other regions. (L.C.)