Greece, Romania land millions in EU support

Greece and Romania have become the latest countries to adopt European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) programs and will receive EUR 364 million (USD 383.3 million) and EUR 162.4 million (USD 171 million) respectively in E.U. funding over the next six years.

The total financial allocation for the Greek program 2021-2017 is EUR 519.6 million (USD 547.2 million), while Romania is apportioned EUR 232 million (USD 244.3 million).

The commission advises 57 percent of Greece’s program allocation, or EUR 207.9 million (USD 219 million), will be dedicated to sustainable fisheries; 25 percent, or EUR 91.2 million (USD 96.1 million), will be invested in sustainable aquaculture and in processing and marketing; 14 percent, or EUR 49.9 million (USD 52.6 million), will support a sustainable blue economy in coastal, island, and internal regions; and 2 percent, or EUR 7 million (USD 7.4 million), will be invested in the strengthening of ocean governance.

E.U. Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said the adoption of the EMFAF program for Greece, will support the country’s green and digital transition

“The program will also contribute to protect and restore the marine environment, help decarbonize the Greek economy and support sustainable development of Greek coastal communities and islands,” he said.

The financial support will also help to develop and implement of management plans for marine protected areas (MPAs) and Natura 2000 sites and to fight against marine litter.

Sinkevičius also confirmed that alongside supporting sustainable investments in aquaculture and fisheries, Romania’s EMFAF program would help protect and restore aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, and also support the energy transition of the country’s economy.

In Romania, 24 percent, or EUR 55.8 million (USD 58.8 million) of Romania’s program allocation, will be dedicated to sustainable fisheries; 47 percent, or EUR 108.4 million (USD 114.2 million), will be invested in sustainable aquaculture, processing, and marketing; and 23 percent, or EUR 53.9 million (USD 56.8 million), will be dedicated to sustainable blue economy.

Photo courtesy of Aetherial Images