Brussels, 11/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 11 January, the European Commission approved the French and Swedish projects for the period 2007-2013 to be co-financed by the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).
France. The total eligible public expenditure of the operational programme amounts to €436.2 million for the period 2007-2013. EU assistance through the EFF amounts to €216 million: €181.8 million will be allocated to non-convergence regions (metropolitan France) and €34.2 million to convergence regions (overseas departments). France has elected to give priority in EFF funding to axis 3 (measures of common interest, such as collective actions, new markets; protection of aquatic flora and fauna and fishing port equipment) with €85 million. Priority axis 1 (adjusting fishing effort, investment on board vessels, training entry of young fishers) receives €59.5 million. Priority axis 2 (support for aquaculture companies) receives €63 million from the EFF.
Sweden. The total eligible public expenditure of the 2007-2013 operational programme amounts to €104.7 million. Of this the EFF will contribute €54.6 million, shared thus: €19.1 million for priority axis 3 (measures of common interest), €13.6 million for priority axis 1 (adaptation of the fleet), €10.9 million for priority axis 2 (aquaculture), €8.2 million for priority axis 4 (sustainable development of fisheries areas) and €2.7 million for priority axis 5 (technical assistance). (L.C.)