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EU adopts 113m EUR investment package for the Bulgarian fisheries and aquaculture sectors

The European Commission has adopted a key investment package for the Bulgarian maritime, fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The roughly 113 million EUR available for the period 2014-2020 include more than 88 million EUR of EU funds.

date:  16/11/2015

Welcoming the adoption, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella stressed the programme's contribution to sustainable growth: "With its emphasis on economic, environmental and social sustainability, this investment package ensures that money is used for projects that deliver long-term results. Bulgarian fishermen and fish farmers as well as fishing communities will benefit from greater security and more opportunities for jobs and sustainable growth."

The adopted operational programme (OP) is in line with the priorities of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), as well as the EU's Common Fisheries Policy and Integrated Maritime Policy. It will promote environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, and competitive and knowledge based fisheries and aquaculture as well as actions to promote blue growth and maritime skills and knowledge.

In particular, the funding will contribute to limit the impact of fishing activities on the marine environment and enhance its biodiversity, and ensure the balance between fishing capacity and available fishing opportunities. The programme also aims to promote economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture and processing sectors. Funds will flow to projects that improve the livelihood of fishing communities – for instance by setting up Community-Led Local Development groups (CLLD) and creating Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).

Background

OP budget breakdown:

Total public budget: € 113.5 million

Total EMFF contribution: € 88 million

The main focus for the Bulgarian Fisheries Operational Programme is on:

  • Promoting environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge based fisheries: €25.5 million
  • Promoting environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge based aquaculture: €36.2 million
  • Fostering the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy: €12.4 million
  • Increasing employment and territorial cohesion: €17.8 million
  • Fostering marketing and processing: €12.7 million
  • Implementing the Integrated Maritime Policy: €3.3 million
  • Technical assistance: €5.5 million

More information

Operational programme - summary