Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella welcomed the adoption of the programmes under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), and stressed their contribution to sustainable growth: "Today we have taken another step to secure a bright future for fishing communities and aquaculture business in Europe. The investment under these programmes will make fisheries and aquaculture more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. This means more resource efficiency, more innovation and more opportunities for jobs and growth."

All four adopted operational programmes (OPs) promote resource-efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge-based fisheries and aquaculture. As such, they are fully in line with the EMFF priorities and the EU's common fisheries policy (CFP).

In particular, investment will support projects that promote sustainable aquaculture and fisheries (for example reduction of unwanted catches) and projects that improve the competitiveness of those sectors (innovation, processing and marketing).

A significant part of the budget will also be used to support the implementation of the CFP through the collection of fish stock and other marine data as well as various measures to control fishing activities.

The latest adoption round raises the total number of adopted OPs to 13. Outstanding OPs will be adopted by the end of 2015.

More information:

• Overview of the Operational Programme for support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, 2014-2020
• Operational Programme for support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund in Denmark, 2014-2020
• Operational Programme for support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund in Estonia, 2014-2020
• Operational Programme for support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund in Germany, 2014-2020
• Operational Programme for support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund in Sweden, 2014-2020