Misalignment of EMFAF Operational Programmes with EU Environmental and Social Objectives (2021–2027)

The document argues that EMFAF funds are being used in ways that contradict EU environmental goals and international obligations, specifically by underfunding marine biodiversity and failing to prioritise small-scale fisheries. It highlights a systemic gap where 5–12% of funds are allocated to environmentally harmful subsidies, exceeding biodiversity spending by more than twofold. Analysis of several Member States shows that most fall far below a recommended 25% allocation for conservation and restoration. The brief also warns that proposed changes to the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) risk further diluting these priorities by removing the EMFAF as a stand-alone fund and lacking mandatory spending targets for biodiversity and the decarbonisation of the fishing fleet.

• There is a systemic mismatch in EMFAF funding where an estimated 5–12% (€59–138 million) of funds are allocated annually to environmentally harmful subsidies, such as those exacerbating overcapacity and overfishing, which is more than double the resources dedicated to biodiversity protection.

APA

ClientEarth (n.d.). Misalignment of EMFAF Operational Programmes with EU Environmental and Social Objectives (2021–2027). https://www.clientearth.org/media/3djmugot/policy_brief_misalignment_of_emfaf_operational_programmes_with_eu_environmental_and_social_objectives_2021_2027.pdf

Chicago

ClientEarth. Misalignment of EMFAF Operational Programmes with EU Environmental and Social Objectives (2021–2027). n.d. https://www.clientearth.org/media/3djmugot/policy_brief_misalignment_of_emfaf_operational_programmes_with_eu_environmental_and_social_objectives_2021_2027.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=ClientEarth |title=Misalignment of EMFAF Operational Programmes with EU Environmental and Social Objectives (2021–2027) |url=https://www.clientearth.org/media/3djmugot/policy_brief_misalignment_of_emfaf_operational_programmes_with_eu_environmental_and_social_objectives_2021_2027.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{clientearthndmisalignment, author = {{ClientEarth}}, title = {{Misalignment of EMFAF Operational Programmes with EU Environmental and Social Objectives (2021–2027)}}, institution = {ClientEarth}, url = {https://www.clientearth.org/media/3djmugot/policy_brief_misalignment_of_emfaf_operational_programmes_with_eu_environmental_and_social_objectives_2021_2027.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }