Spain to Defend Sufficient Financing for Fishing and Aquaculture in European Commission's Plurianual Financial Framework

Strategic Insights -

The Spanish government, led by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas, has emphasized its commitment to defending the interests of the fishing and aquaculture sector during the negotiations of the European Commission's new plurianual financial framework. At a meeting with fishing organizations, Planas stated that Spain will push for sufficient financing to promote the strategic role of fishing and aquaculture in food security, sustainability, and socioeconomic development of coastal communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission's proposal for the new plurianual financial framework 2028-2034 includes the integration of the current Maritime, Fishing and Aquaculture (FEMPA) fund into a common fund, which would dilute the visibility and priority of fishing policy.
  • Minister Luis Planas has emphasized that the fishing and aquaculture sector must be properly reflected in the new community budget to guarantee its strategic role in food security.
  • Planas has assured that Spain will actively work to increase the financial endowment for the fishing sector and establish a stable and fair co-financing system.
  • The meeting with fishing organizations aimed to define a consensual position for the negotiation of the EU's financial framework.
  • The entities present at the meeting included various associations representing the fishing and aquaculture sector, such as APROMAR, Conxemar, and ANFACO.

Statistics:

  • The European Commission's proposal for the new plurianual financial framework 2028-2034 includes a provisional scenario for financing the fishing sector.
  • Minister Planas has emphasized the need for a stable and fair co-financing system for the fishing sector.
  • The fishing and aquaculture sector is strategic for guaranteeing the food security of Europe.
  • The meeting between Minister Planas and fishing organizations marked the starting point of a complex negotiation for the EU's financial framework.

Sources:

  • EFE News Agency, "El Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación busca consensuar posición ante la Comisión para la financiación del sector pesquero"
  • Press release by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, "La ministra de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Carolina Darias, se reúne con organizaciones del sector pesquero y acuícola" ( translation not available)