European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (FEMPA)

Alarm in Vigo: Proposed 67% Cut in European Funds Threatens Future of Spanish Fisheries

SPAIN
Friday, July 18, 2025, 01:00 (GMT + 9)

Vigo's fishing organizations, led by ARVI, have issued a stark warning against the European Commission's drastic proposal to slash funding for fisheries and aquaculture by 67% for the 2028-2034 period. This reduction, coupled with the lack of a specific fund for the sector, would jeopardize the modernization of the Spanish fleet, decarbonization goals, and generational renewal, potentially increasing reliance on non-EU seafood products.

VIGO – The Spanish fishing sector today expressed its deep concern and rejection of the European Commission's recent proposal for the next multiannual financial framework. Fishing Organizations based in Vigo, spearheaded by ARVI, warn that a 67% reduction in European funds for the 2028-2034 period, combined with the absence of a dedicated fund for fisheries, would be a devastating blow to the industry.

According to the associations, this drastic decrease in funding would make the renewal of the Spanish fishing fleet unfeasible—a crucial step to meet decarbonization challenges and ensure the generational renewal that the Commission itself advocates. Furthermore, it would significantly hinder the structuring of a coherent Strategic Plan to guarantee the sector's long-term viability.

Edelmito Ulloa, Manager of ARVI -->

"The reduction in European funds would be a blow that would make the renewal and modernization of the fleet impossible, and with it, both the decarbonization and generational renewal challenges that the Commission itself promotes," stated representatives from ARVI and other organizations. They also warn that, without adequate financial support and a proper legal framework, the fleet's continuity will be severely compromised in the coming years, inevitably leading to greater reliance on non-EU products.

Vigo's fishing sector is making an urgent appeal to the European Commission to "reconsider and finally establish a specific fund, analogous to the current EMFAF [European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund]." They argue that consolidating such an indispensable activity is vital for the EU's sovereignty and food security, as well as for the economic structure of coastal regions like Galicia, where fishing is a fundamental pillar.

Given that the current proposal is still a draft, Vigo's fishing organizations trust that Spanish representatives in the European Union, across all relevant spheres, will firmly defend a fisheries budget that does not leave behind a sector essential to Spain's blue economy.

editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

Print