Commenting on the adoption, Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: "I warmly welcome the adoption of this investment package for Lithuania's fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The €82 million agreed today will enable the country to further develop these sectors and make them more sustainable, for example by supporting investments that limit the impact of fishing on the marine environment."    
        
The adopted programme is in line with the EU's reformed common fisheries policy and integrated maritime policy and fully supports the EMFF priorities. It will promote environmentally sustainable, resource-efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge-based fisheries and aquaculture. The programme will also foster marketing and processing as vital parts of the fisheries industry.

The EMFF investment will also strengthen local communities: by preserving and creating jobs, by promoting social well-being and cultural heritage, and by improving and capitalising on local environmental assets.

Background

OP budget breakdown:

• Total value: €81 608 150
• Total European contribution: €63 432 000

The Lithuanian operational programme mainly focuses on:

• Promoting environmentally sustainable, resource-efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge-based fisheries: €10.4 million;
• Promoting environmentally sustainable, resource-efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge-based aquaculture: €21.2 million;
• Fostering the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy: €7.4 million;
• Implementing Community Led Local Development strategies: €10.4 million;
• Fostering marketing and processing: €9.2 million;
• Implementing the integrated maritime policy: €1.0 million.

More information

Operational Programme for support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund in Lithuania, 2014-2020