EU countries will be able to use existing funds under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to provide emergency compensation to fishers, aquaculture producers, processors, and retailers affected by disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis. The support measure applies retroactively from 28 February 2026 and will cover eligible costs until the end of the year, offering immediate financial relief to impacted operators.
The European Commission said the conflict has driven up energy and raw material prices, placing additional strain on a sector already vulnerable to fuel and input cost shocks. It noted that parts of the EU fishing fleet have already halted operations due to reduced profitability, while aquaculture and processing activities are also facing significant pressure.
The financial support will be drawn from each Member State’s existing EMFAF allocation under the 2021–2027 national programmes, with EU co-financing covering part of the costs. National governments will decide whether to activate the measure and will be responsible for distributing compensation to eligible businesses.
According to the Commission, around €760 million remains available from the €1.3 billion originally set aside under emergency measures in the current EMFAF programme. The mechanism will allow compensation for lost income and additional operational costs, including higher energy expenses, as well as storage aid to help stabilise fishery markets.
The Commission also indicated that further assistance is being prepared through a temporary state aid framework, currently under consultation with Member States, which will target vulnerable parts of the fisheries supply chain such as landing, handling, and initial processing. This framework is expected to be adopted by the end of April.
Officials emphasized that the crisis highlights the sector’s dependence on fossil fuels and underlined the importance of transitioning toward more energy-efficient and lower-emission operations to strengthen long-term resilience. EU Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis said the decision ensures that fishers and related workers are not left alone in facing a crisis beyond their control, reaffirming EU support for the sector.
