Minister Anton Refalo, together with Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said, officially launched a new call under the European FEMSA Programme 2021–2027 with the aim of providing fishermen with more opportunities to diversify their income.
This call will have an allocation of €500,000 and the funding will be 50% up to a maximum of €75,000 per project. The call is open to those fishermen who hold an MFA (full-time) or MFB (part-time) licence, and will remain open until the end of December 2026, with the first deadline for applications being 10 October 2025.
Through this scheme, fishermen can invest in activities that complement their work, including fishing-related tourism, education, environmental services, or even fishing-related food establishments. Any expenditure must be part of a business plan that is submitted together with the application.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, stressed that, “With this investment, we are not only providing financial assistance, but we are also giving a boost to sustainable change in this sector. We want to see our fishermen adapt to new challenges, in a way that strengthens their resilience and that of our coastal communities. This call is another step on the path towards more sustainable and innovative fishing where Malta remains at the forefront in the effective use of European funds for the good of the country and its people. It is also important to remember the nutritional benefits that fish has when consumed.”
Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, stressed the importance of European funds in supporting traditional sectors such as fishing to remain relevant and sustainable. He explained that through the FEMSA Programme, the Government is giving new space to initiatives that strengthen the economic potential of fishermen and offer them new opportunities. “We are using European funds with vision and wisdom to support our communities in taking a step forward. This call is an example of how EU funding can help fishermen strengthen their operations and be more resilient to today’s challenges,” said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
explained how “Through this call we will be continuing to strengthen the income of our fishermen. We have always stressed the importance that fishermen have in our country. Although they do not have an easy job, they still go out to sea, come rain or shine. With this scheme that we are launching today, we will continue to complement their work in areas related to this crucial sector. Through this call we will be continuing to strengthen the income potential of our fishermen.”
