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EMFAF Fund

The EMFAF runs from 2021 to 2027 and supports the EU common fisheries policy (CFP), the EU maritime policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance. It provides support for developing innovative projects ensuring that aquatic and maritime resources are used sustainably.

​​​2021-2027 budget: €6.108 billion

The programme

​The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) is the fund for the EU's maritime and fisheries policies for 2021-2027.

The fund:

• helps fishers transitioning to sustainable fishing
• supports coastal communities in diversifying their economies
• finances projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts
• supports sustainable aquaculture developments
• supports the implementation of the maritime policy

The new EMFAF particularly supports small-scale coastal fisheries, young fishers and outermost regions, as well as the promotion of sustainable aquaculture. It also aims to make it easier for applicants to access financing while improving results.

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EMFAF support

The EMFAF supports innovative projects that contribute to the sustainable exploitation and management of aquatic and maritime resources.

In particular, it facilitates:
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• the transition to sustainable and low-carbon fishing
• the protection of marine biodiversity and ecosystems
• the supply of quality and healthy seafood to European consumers
• the socio-economic attractiveness and the generational renewal of the fishing sector, in particular as regards small-scale coastal fisheries
• the development of a sustainable and competitive aquaculture contributing to food security
• the improvement of skills and working conditions in the fishing and aquaculture sectors
• the economic and social vitality of coastal communities
• innovation in the sustainable blue economy
• maritime security towards a safe maritime space
• international cooperation towards healthy, safe and sustainably managed oceans

​Programme management​

The programme management is divided between shared management and direct management:
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• shared management –  €5.311 billion is provided through national programmes co-financed by the EU budget and EU countries, for which the Common Provision Regulation 2021-2027 is applicable
• direct management – €797 million is provided directly by the Commission

Under shared management, each country receives the same percentage of the fund’s budget as during the previous period, 2014-2020.