The European Commission approved Malta’s National Programme for the implementation of the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) for the 2021-2027 financial period.
Collectively, the programme provides for a total budget of around €31.1 million and will provide an important opportunity for Malta to support investment in its fisheries and aquaculture sectors, which constitute an important resource for Malta. The EMFAF 2021-2027 Programme is expected to build upon the investments of the previous programming period thus aiming to maximize the added value of public investment.
The investment is expected to contribute towards actions battling climate change, the protection of the environment, as well as towards biodiversity. Some of these investments shall target fishing vessels, as well as training to support professional fishers and the improvement of fishing ports, including landing infrastructure. Actions in the fishing industry shall also include the protection of aquatic biodiversity together with research and awareness-raising campaigns.
Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri said that these funds are tied to an important sector in the economy of our country. “Since the beginning of Malta’s history, the fishing industry has always been an important one for our livelihood; by means of these funds we will ensure that projects that help to make this sector even more sustainable are implemented,” said Minister Schembri.
Whilst welcoming the adoption of the new programme by the College of Commissioners, Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett stated that Malta was now committed towards a successful implementation of this fund which would continue to build on the various actions which are currently being implemented under the current Programme. Parliamentary Secretary Bonett added that the new programme complements other EU funded interventions and investments for the benefit of the fisheries and the aquaculture sectors.
