The European Commission has organised a conference which finishes tomorrow on “Sustainable futures for fisheries areas,” in the Square Brussels meeting centre, where hands-on examples of how the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) can help boost the sustainable development of Europe’s fisheries areas will be presented.

Fisheries areas throughout the EU are confronted with many challenges linked to the decline of the fisheries sector and dwindling fish stocks. In the context of the reform of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, the EFF, notably its so-called Axis 4, offers a new, innovative approach, which seeks to mobilize and support local people within fishing communities to work together to develop sustainable responses to these challenges, based on their area’s specific assets and potential.

To illustrate this, 30 pioneering projects from around Europe are being showcased. Commissioner of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki said, “These success stories show that European tax payers’ money can create sustainable growth, jobs and enforce the social cohesion in coastal areas of the Union. I am very pleased for this efficient use of European Commission funds.”

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