Dear President [dear Jacek], dear Ministers,

Thank you for addressing the financial support for EU fisheries. This is an important topic that we regularly discuss with you to tackle challenges within the fisheries and aquaculture sector and find the best solutions within the existing legal framework.

While the absorption of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund is still low, the Commission is working closely with you to advance implementation, and we expect progress in 2025. This is not unprecedented, given similar situations in previous programming periods. Causes include late adoption of relevant national rules and publications.

To address the low financial implementation, we must consider concrete solutions such as:

• increasing national contributions to EMFAF funding,
• fully utilizing fleet capacity margins,
• mobilizing financing opportunities for energy transition within existing rules.

Other options include further use of financial instruments and opportunities within state aid rules.

It is also important to engage in strategic national dialogues with the sectors to address industry challenges and opportunities and ensure a profitable business model for our fisheries. I am ready to support you in this endeavor, including through the implementation dialogues I will hold.

Regarding future support post-2027, the recent Commission Communication indicates a need for EU action, but choices must be made. The EU must maximize the impact of every euro and focus on EU priorities. The Common Fisheries Policy is one of the Unions five exclusive competences and should continue to receive financial support, including its external dimension.

Modernizing and decarbonizing the fishing fleet will be addressed in the evaluation of the fisheries policy and the energy transition roadmap. Based on the results, we will develop measures to support modernization and decarbonization.

Financing the CFP alone is insufficient to meet objectives. We must also support research, data, and maritime spatial planning to enhance our oceans and the CFP.

Looking ahead, preparing the next long-term budget is an opportunity to develop a modern and reinforced EU budget.

The Commission intends to present the next financial framework in July 2025, following extensive consultations with Member States and other stakeholders.

I look forward to constructive exchanges to make our fisheries and aquaculture sectors more resilient and sustainable and to continue supporting the blue economy and technology.

Thank you.