The roughly €53m available for the period 2014-2020 include more than €39m in EU funds. 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. Cypriot fishermen and fish farmers as well as fishing communities will benefit from greater security and more opportunities for jobs and growth.”

The adopted operational programme (OP) is fully in line with the priorities of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy. It will promote environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, and competitive and knowledge based fisheries and aquaculture.

In particular, funds will flow to projects that improve the livelihood of fishing communities – for instance through better infrastructure or new professional development opportunities –, limit the impact of fishing on the marine environment, ensure the balance between fishing capacity and available fishing opportunities, and promote economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture and processing sectors.

Source: Cyprus Mail