European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027: Commission adopts €231 million for Sweden and €140 million for Finland

Yesterday, the Commission adopted the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme for Sweden and Finland, to implement the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies. The total financial allocation for the Swedish EMFAF Programme is €231.6 million over the next six years, of which the EU contribution accounts for €115.9 million. For the Finnish 2021-2027 the total financial allocation is €140.3 million, of which the EU contribution accounts for €71.8 million. These funds are part of the Partnership Agreements which were reached mid-May for Finland and mid-June for Sweden. Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: “I am delighted to announce these new EMFAF Programmes that will first and foremost empower the local coastal communities by supporting sustainable investments in aquaculture and fisheries in Sweden and Finland, accelerating the sector’s green and digital transition. I am confident that the programmes will strengthen the implementation of the common fisheries policy, safeguard the marine environment, while boosting the industry’s resilience and profitability.” The funds will support the overarching objectives of the green and digital transitions by promoting sustainable growth of Sweden’s and Finland’s aquaculture and fishing sector by stimulating their modernisation and innovative cross-sector collaboration. The programmes will support, among others, the research and innovation to improve efficiency and digitalisation across the entire value chain; reduce negative ecosystem impacts, protect biodiversity and the state of fish stocks, while ensuring a healthy food supply.