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Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2328/2003, (EC) No 861/2006, (EC) No 1198/2006 and (EC) No 791/2007 and Regulation (EU) No 1255/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Type Regulation
Publication 2014-05-20
Last updated 2022-07-23
State In force
Department Council of the European Union, European Parliament
Source EUR-Lex
articles 131
Reform history JSON API
1.

For the purpose of increasing the quality, control and traceability of the products landed, increasing energy efficiency, contributing to environmental protection and improving safety and working conditions, the EMFF may support investments improving the infrastructure of fishing ports, auctions halls, landing sites and shelters, including investments in facilities for waste and marine litter collection.

2.

In order to facilitate compliance with the obligation to land all catches in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and Article 8(2)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013, as well as to add value to under-used components of the catch, the EMFF may support investments in fishing ports, auction halls, landing sites and shelters.

3.

In order to improve the safety of fishermen, the EMFF may support investments in the construction or modernisation of shelters.

4.

Support shall not cover the construction of new ports, new landing sites or new auction halls.

Article 44
Inland fishing and inland aquatic fauna and flora
1.

In order to reduce the impact of inland fishing on the environment, to increase energy efficiency, to increase the value or quality of fish landed, or to improve health, safety, working conditions, human capital and training, the EMFF may support investments in the following:

  • (a) the promotion of human capital, job creation and social dialogue as referred to in Article 29 and under the conditions set out in that Article;
  • (b) on board or in individual equipment as referred to in Article 32 and under the conditions set out in that Article;
  • (c) in equipment and types of operations as referred to in Articles 38 and 39 and under the conditions set out in those Articles;
  • (d) the improvement of energy efficiency and the mitigation of the effects of climate change as referred to in Article 41 and under the conditions set out in that Article;
  • (e) the improvement of the value or quality of the fish caught as referred to in Article 42 and under the conditions set out in that Article.
  • (f) in fishing ports, shelters and landing sites as referred to in Article 43 and under the conditions set out in that Article;
2.

The EMFF may provide support for investments relating to business start-ups for young fishermen as referred to in Article 31 and under the same conditions as set out in that Article, except for the requirement under points (b) and (d) of paragraph 2 of that Article.

3.

The EMFF may provide support for the development and facilitation of innovation in accordance with Article 26, for the advisory services in accordance with Article 27 and for partnerships between scientists and fishermen in accordance with Article 28.

4.

In order to promote diversification by inland fishermen, the EMFF may support the diversification of inland fishing activities to complementary activities under the conditions laid down in Article 30.

4a. The EMFF may support measures for temporary cessation of fishing activities caused by the COVID-19 outbreak or by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine that jeopardises the security of fishing activities or impedes the economic viability of fishing operations, as provided for in point (d) of the first subparagraph of Article 33(1), under the conditions laid down in Article 33.

5.

For the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 4a:

  • (a) references made in Articles 30, 32, 33, 38, 39, 41 and 42 to fishing vessels shall be understood as references to vessels operating exclusively in inland waters;
  • (b) references made in Article 38 to the marine environment shall be understood as references to the environment in which the inland fishing vessel operates.
6.

In order to protect and develop aquatic fauna and flora, the EMFF may support:

  • (a) the management, restoration and monitoring of NATURA 2000 sites which are affected by fishing activities, and the rehabilitation of inland waters in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0014]), including spawning grounds and migration routes for migratory species, without prejudice to point (e) of Article 40(1) of this Regulation and, where relevant, with the participation of inland fishermen;
  • (b) the construction, modernisation or installation of static or movable facilities intended to protect and enhance aquatic fauna and flora, including their scientific preparation, monitoring and evaluation.
7.

Member States shall ensure that vessels receiving support under this Article continue to operate exclusively in inland waters.

CHAPTER II Sustainable development of aquaculture

Article 45
Specific objectives

Support under this Chapter shall contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives under the Union priority set out in Article 6(2).

Article 46
General conditions
1.

Support under this Chapter shall be limited to aquaculture enterprises, unless otherwise stated in this Regulation.

2.

For the purposes of this Article, entrepreneurs entering the sector shall provide a business plan and, where the amount of investments is more than EUR 50 000 , a feasibility study including an environmental assessment of the operations. Support under this Chapter shall be granted only where it has been clearly demonstrated in an independent marketing report that good and sustainable market prospects exist for the product.

3.

Where operations consist of investments in equipment or infrastructure ensuring compliance with future requirements relating to the environment, human or animal health, hygiene or animal welfare under Union law, support may be granted until the date on which such requirements become mandatory for the enterprises.

4.

Support shall not be granted to the farming of genetically modified organisms.

5.

Support shall not be granted to aquaculture operations in marine protected areas, if it has been determined by the competent authority of the Member State, on the basis of an environmental impact assessment, that the operation would generate significant negative environmental impact that cannot be adequately mitigated.

Article 47
Innovation
1.

In order to stimulate innovation in aquaculture, the EMFF may support operations aiming at:

  • (a) developing technical, scientific or organisational knowledge in aquaculture farms, which, in particular, reduces the impact on the environment, reduces dependence on fish meal and oil, fosters a sustainable use of resources in aquaculture, improves animal welfare or facilitates new sustainable production methods;
  • (b) developing or introducing on the market new aquaculture species with good market potential, new or substantially improved products, new or improved processes, or new or improved management and organisation systems;
  • (c) exploring the technical or economic feasibility of innovative products or processes.
2.

Operations under this Article shall be carried out by, or in collaboration with, public or private scientific or technical bodies, recognised by the Member State, which shall validate the results of such operations.

3.

The results of operations receiving support shall be adequately publicised by the Member State in accordance with Article 119.

Article 48
Productive investments in aquaculture
1.

The EMFF may support:

  • (a) productive investments in aquaculture;
  • (b) the diversification of aquaculture production and species cultured;
  • (c) the modernisation of aquaculture units, including the improvement in working and safety conditions of aquaculture workers;
  • (d) improvements and modernisation related to animal health and welfare, including the purchase of equipment aiming at protecting the farms from wild predators;
  • (e) investments reducing the negative impact or enhancing the positive effects on the environment and increasing resource efficiency;
  • (f) investments in enhancing the quality of, or in adding value to, aquaculture products;
  • (g) the restoration of existing aquaculture ponds or lagoons through the removal of silt, or investments aimed at the prevention of silt deposits;
  • (h) the diversification of the income of aquaculture enterprises through the development of complementary activities;
  • (i) investments resulting in a substantial reduction in the impact of aquaculture enterprises on water usage and quality, in particular through reducing the amount of water or chemicals, antibiotics and other medicines used, or through improving the output water quality, including through the deployment of multi–trophic aquaculture systems;
  • (j) the promotion of closed aquaculture systems where aquaculture products are farmed in closed recirculation systems, thereby minimising water use;
  • (k) investments increasing energy efficiency and promoting the conversion of aquaculture enterprises to renewable sources of energy.
2.

Support under point (h) of paragraph 1 shall only be granted to aquaculture enterprises if the complementary activities relate to the core aquaculture business of the enterprise, including angling tourism, environmental services related to aquaculture or educational activities concerning aquaculture.

3.

Support under paragraph 1 may be granted for the increase in production and/or modernisation of existing aquaculture enterprises, or for the construction of new ones, provided that the development is consistent with the multiannual national strategic plan for the development of aquaculture referred to in Article 34 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

Article 49
Management, relief and advisory services for aquaculture farms
1.

In order to improve the overall performance and competitiveness of aquaculture farms, and to reduce the negative environmental impact of their operations, the EMFF may support:

  • (a) the setting-up of management, relief and advisory services for aquaculture farms;
  • (b) the purchase of farm advisory services of a technical, scientific, legal, environmental or economic nature.
2.

Advisory services referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 shall cover:

  • (a) the management needs to enable aquaculture farms to comply with Union and national environmental legislation, as well as with maritime spatial planning requirements;
  • (b) environmental impact assessment as referred to in Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0015]) and Directive 92/43/EEC;
  • (c) the management needs to enable aquaculture farms to comply with Union and national aquatic animal health and welfare or public health legislation;
  • (d) health and safety standards based on Union and national legislation;
  • (e) marketing and business strategies.
3.

The advisory services referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 shall be provided by scientific or technical bodies, as well as by entities providing legal or economic advice with the required competences as recognised by the Member State.

4.

Support under point (a) of paragraph 1 shall only be granted to public law bodies or other entities selected by the Member State to set up the farm advisory services. Support under point (b) of paragraph 1 shall only be granted to aquaculture SMEs or aquaculture organisations, including aquaculture producer organisations and associations of aquaculture producer organisations.

5.

Where the support does not exceed EUR 4 000 , the beneficiary may be selected by means of an accelerated procedure.

6.

Beneficiaries shall not receive support more than once per year for each category of advisory services referred to in paragraph 2.

Article 50
Promotion of human capital and networking
1.

In order to promote human capital and networking in aquaculture, the EMFF may support:

  • (a) professional training, lifelong learning, the dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge and innovative practices, the acquisition of new professional skills in aquaculture and with regard to the reduction of the environmental impact of aquaculture operations;
  • (b) the improvement of working conditions and the promotion of occupational safety;
  • (c) networking and exchange of experiences and best practices among aquaculture enterprises or professional organisations and other stakeholders, including scientific and technical bodies or those promoting equal opportunities between men and women.
2.

Support referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1 shall not be granted to large aquaculture enterprises, unless they are engaged in knowledge-sharing with SMEs.

3.

By way of derogation from Article 46, support under this Article shall also be granted to public or semi-public organisations and to other organisations recognised by the Member State.

4.

Support under this Article shall also be granted to spouses of self-employed aquaculture farmers or, where and in so far as they are recognised by national law, to the life partners of self-employed aquaculture farmers, under the conditions laid down in point (b) of Article 2 of Directive 2010/41/EU.

Article 51
Increasing the potential of aquaculture sites
1.

In order to contribute to the development of the aquaculture sites and infrastructures, and to reduce the negative environmental impact of the operations, the EMFF may support:

  • (a) the identification and mapping of the most suitable areas for developing aquaculture, taking into account, where applicable, spatial planning processes, and the identification and mapping of areas where aquaculture should be excluded in order to maintain the role of such areas in the functioning of the ecosystem;
  • (b) the improvement and development of support facilities and infrastructures required to increase the potential of aquaculture sites and to reduce the negative environmental impact of aquaculture, including investments in land consolidation, energy supply or water management;
  • (c) action taken and implemented by competent authorities under Article 9(1) of Directive 2009/147/EC or Article 16(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC, with the aim of preventing serious damage to aquaculture;
  • (d) action taken and implemented by competent authorities following the detection of increased mortalities or diseases as provided for in Article 10 of Council Directive 2006/88/EC ([^E0016]). Those actions may cover the adoption of shellfish action plans aimed at the protection, restoration and management, including support to shellfish producers for the maintenance, of natural shellfish banks and catchment areas.
2.

Beneficiaries of support under this Article shall only be public law bodies or private bodies entrusted by the Member State with the tasks referred to in paragraph 1.

Article 52
Encouraging new aquaculture farmers practising sustainable aquaculture
1.

In order to foster entrepreneurship in aquaculture, the EMFF may support the setting-up of sustainable aquaculture enterprises by new aquaculture farmers.

2.

Support under paragraph 1 shall be granted to aquaculture farmers entering the sector provided that they:

  • (a) possess adequate professional skills and competence;
  • (b) set up for the first time an aquaculture micro or small enterprise, as managers of that enterprise; and
  • (c) submit a business plan for the development of their aquaculture activities.
3.

In order to acquire adequate professional skills, aquaculture farmers entering the sector may benefit from support under point (a) of Article 50(1).

Article 53
Conversion to eco-management and audit schemes and organic aquaculture
1.

In order to promote the development of organic or energy–efficient aquaculture, the EMFF may support:

  • (a) the conversion of conventional aquaculture production methods into organic aquaculture within the meaning of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 ([^E0017]) and in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 710/2009 ([^E0018]);
  • (b) the participation in the Union eco-management and audit schemes (EMAS) established by Regulation (EC) No 761/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0019]).
2.

Support shall only be granted to beneficiaries who commit themselves to participate in the EMAS for a minimum of three years or to comply with the requirements of organic production for a minimum of five years.

3.

Support shall take the form of compensation for a maximum of three years during the period of the conversion of the enterprise to organic production, or during the preparation for participation in the EMAS. Member States shall calculate that compensation on the basis of:

  • (a) the loss of revenue or additional costs incurred during the period of transition from conventional into organic production for operations eligible under point (a) of paragraph 1; or
  • (b) the additional costs resulting from the application and preparation of the participation in EMAS for operations eligible under point (b) of paragraph 1.
Article 54
Aquaculture providing environmental services
1.

In order to foster the development of aquaculture providing environmental services, the EMFF may support:

  • (a) aquaculture methods compatible with specific environmental needs and subject to specific management requirements resulting from the designation of NATURA 2000 areas in accordance with Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC;
  • (b) participation, in terms of costs directly related thereto, in ex-situ conservation and reproduction of aquatic animals, within the framework of conservation and biodiversity restoration programmes developed by public authorities, or under their supervision;
  • (c) aquaculture operations which include conservation and improvement of the environment and of biodiversity, and management of the landscape and traditional features of aquaculture zones.
2.

Support under point (a) of paragraph 1 shall take the form of annual compensation for the additional costs incurred and/or income foregone as a result of management requirements in the areas concerned, related to the implementation of Directives 92/43/EEC or 2009/147/EC.

3.

Support under point (c) of paragraph 1 shall be granted only to beneficiaries who commit themselves for a minimum period of five years to aqua-environmental requirements that go beyond the mere application of Union and national law. The environmental benefits of the operation shall be demonstrated by a prior assessment conducted by competent bodies designated by the Member State, unless the environmental benefits of that operation are already recognised.

4.

Support under point (c) of paragraph 1 shall take the form of annual compensation for the additional costs incurred and/or income foregone.

5.

The results of operations receiving support under this Article shall be adequately publicised by the Member State in accordance with Article 119.

Article 55
Public health measures
1.

The EMFF may support the following compensation schemes:

  • (a) compensation to mollusc farmers for the temporary suspension of the harvesting of farmed molluscs, where such suspension occurs exclusively for reasons of public health;
  • (b) granting working capital and compensation to aquaculture farmers.

Compensation referred to in point (b) of the first subparagraph may be granted for the temporary suspension or reduction of production and sales or for the additional storage costs occurring between 1 February and 31 December 2020 as a consequence of the COVID‐19 outbreak.

2.

Support under point (a) of paragraph 1 may only be granted where the suspension of harvesting due to the contamination of molluscs is the result of the proliferation of toxin‐producing plankton or the presence of plankton containing biotoxins, and provided that:

  • (a) the contamination lasts for more than four consecutive months; or
  • (b) the loss, resulting from the suspension of harvesting, amounts to more than 25 % of the annual turnover of the business concerned, calculated on the basis of the average turnover of that business over the three calendar years preceding the year in which the harvest was suspended.

For the purposes of point (b) of the first subparagraph, Member States may establish special calculation rules in respect of companies with less than three years of activity.

3.

The duration for which compensation under point (a) of paragraph 1 may be granted shall be a maximum of 12 months over the entire programming period. In duly justified cases, it may be extended once for a maximum of an additional 12 months up to a combined maximum of 24 months.

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 65(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and by way of derogation from the first subparagraph thereof, expenditure for operations supported under point (b) of paragraph 1 of this Article shall be eligible as of 1 February 2020.

Article 56
Animal health and welfare measures
1.

In order to foster animal health and welfare in aquaculture enterprises, inter alia, in terms of prevention and bio-security, the EMFF may support:

  • (a) the costs of control and eradication of diseases in aquaculture in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 652/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0020]) , including the operational costs necessary to fulfil the obligations in an eradication plan;
  • (b) the development of general and species-specific best practices or codes of conduct on bio-security or on animal health and animal welfare needs in aquaculture;
  • (c) initiatives aimed at reducing the dependence of aquaculture on veterinary medicine;
  • (d) veterinary or pharmaceutical studies and dissemination and exchange of information and best practices regarding veterinary diseases in aquaculture, with the aim of promoting an appropriate use of veterinary medicine;
  • (e) the establishment and operation of health protection groups in the aquaculture sector as recognised by Member States;
  • (f) compensation to mollusc farmers for the temporary suspension of their activities due to exceptional mass mortality, if the mortality rate exceeds 20 %, or if the loss resulting from the suspension of the activity amounts to more than 35 % of the annual turnover of the business concerned, calculated on the basis of the average turnover of that business over the three calendar years preceding the year in which the activities were suspended.
2.

Support under point (d) of paragraph 1 shall not cover the purchase of veterinary medicines.

3.

The results of the studies financed under point (d) of paragraph 1 shall be adequately reported and publicised by the Member State in accordance with Article 119.

4.

Support may also be granted to public law bodies.

Article 57
Aquaculture stock insurance
1.

In order to safeguard the income of aquaculture producers, the EMFF may contribute to an aquaculture stock insurance covering economic losses due to at least one of the following:

  • (a) natural disasters;
  • (b) adverse climatic events;
  • (c) sudden water quality and quantity changes for which the operator is not responsible;
  • (d) diseases in aquaculture, failure or destruction of production facilities for which the operator is not responsible;
  • (e) public health crises.
2.

The occurrence of the circumstances referred to in paragraph 1 in aquaculture shall be formally recognised as such by the Member State concerned.

3.

Member States may, where appropriate, establish in advance criteria on the basis of which the formal recognition referred to in paragraph 2 shall be deemed to be granted.

4.

Support shall only be granted for aquaculture stock insurance contracts which cover economic losses, as referred to in paragraph 1, exceeding 30 % of the average annual turnover of the aquaculture farmer, calculated on the basis of the average turnover of the aquaculture farmer over the three calendar years preceding the year in which the economic losses occurred.

CHAPTER III Sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture areas

Section 1 Scope and objectives

Article 58
Scope

The EMFF shall support the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture areas following a community–led local development approach as set out in Article 32 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013.

Article 59
Specific objectives

Support under this Chapter shall contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives under the Union priority set out in Article 6(4).

Section 2 Community–led local development strategies and fisheries local action groups

Article 60
Community–led local development strategies
1.

In order to contribute to the achievement of the objectives referred to in Article 59, community–led local development strategies shall:

  • (a) maximise the participation of fishery and aquaculture sectors in the sustainable development of coastal and inland fisheries and aquaculture areas;
  • (b) ensure that local communities fully exploit and benefit from the opportunities offered by maritime, coastal and inland water development and, in particular, help small and declining fishing ports to maximise their marine potential by developing a diversified infrastructure.
2.

The strategies shall be coherent with the opportunities and needs identified in the relevant area and the Union priorities set out in Article 6. Strategies may range from those which focus on fisheries to broader strategies directed at the diversification of fisheries areas. The strategies shall go beyond a mere collection of operations or juxtaposition of sectoral measures.

Article 61
Fisheries local action groups
1.

For the purposes of the EMFF, the local action groups referred to in Article 32(2)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 shall be designated as Fisheries local action groups (FLAGs).

2.

The FLAGs shall propose a community–led local development strategy based on, at least, the elements set out in Article 60 of this Regulation and shall be responsible for its implementation.

3.

The FLAGs shall:

  • (a) broadly reflect the main focus of their strategy and the socioeconomic composition of the area through a balanced representation of the main stakeholders, including private sector, public sector and civil society;
  • (b) ensure a significant representation of the fisheries and/or aquaculture sectors.
4.

If the community–led local development strategy is supported by other Funds in addition to the EMFF, the selection body of the FLAGs for the EMFF supported operations shall also fulfil the requirements set out in paragraph 3.

5.

FLAGs may also carry out additional tasks going beyond the minimum tasks provided for in Article 34(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, where such tasks are delegated to them by the managing authority.

Section 3 Eligible operations

Article 62
Support from the EMFF for community–led local development
1.

The following operations are eligible for support under this Section in accordance with Article 35 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013:

  • (a) preparatory support;
  • (b) implementation of community–led local development strategies;
  • (c) cooperation activities;
  • (d) running costs and animation.
2.

FLAGs may request the payment of an advance from the managing authority if such possibility is provided for in the operational programme. The amount of the advances shall not exceed 50 % of the public support related to the running costs and animation.

Article 63
Implementation of community–led local development strategies
1.

Support for the implementation of community–led local development strategies may be granted for the following objectives:

  • (a) adding value, creating jobs, attracting young people and promoting innovation at all stages of the supply chain of fishery and aquaculture products;
  • (b) supporting diversification inside or outside commercial fisheries, lifelong learning and job creation in fisheries and aquaculture areas;
  • (c) enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets of the fisheries and aquaculture areas, including operations to mitigate climate change;
  • (d) promoting social well-being and cultural heritage in fisheries and aquaculture areas, including fisheries, aquaculture and maritime cultural heritage;
  • (e) strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development and the governance of local fisheries resources and maritime activities.
2.

The support referred to in paragraph 1 may include measures provided for in Chapters I, II and IV of this Title, with the exception of Articles 66 and 67, provided that there is a clear rationale for their management at local level. Where support is granted for operations corresponding to those measures, the relevant conditions and the scales of contribution per operation laid down in Chapters I, II and IV of this Title shall apply.

Article 64
Cooperation activities
1.

Support referred to in Article 35(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 may be granted to:

  • (a) inter-territorial or transnational cooperation projects;
  • (b) preparatory technical support for inter-territorial and transnational cooperation projects, on the condition that FLAGs can demonstrate that they are preparing the implementation of a project.

For the purposes of this Article, the term ‘inter-territorial cooperation’ means cooperation within a Member State, and the term ‘transnational cooperation’ means cooperation between territories in several Member States or cooperation between at least one territory of a Member State and one or more territories in third countries.

2.

For the purposes of this Article, apart from other FLAGs, the partners of a FLAG under the EMFF may be a local public–private partnership that is implementing a community–led local development strategy within or outside the Union.

3.

In cases where co–operation projects are not selected by the FLAGs, Member States shall establish an appropriate system for the purpose of facilitating cooperation projects. They shall make public the national or regional administrative procedures concerning the selection of transnational cooperation projects and a list of eligible costs at the latest two years after the date of approval of their operational programme.

4.

Administrative decisions concerning cooperation projects shall take place no later than four months after the date of submission of the project.

5.

Member States shall communicate to the Commission the approved transnational cooperation projects in accordance with Article 110.

Article 65
Specific objectives

Support under this Chapter shall contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives under the Union priority set out in Article 6(5).

Article 66
Production and marketing plans
1.

The EMFF shall support the preparation and implementation of production and marketing plans referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013.

2.

Expenditure related to production and marketing plans shall be eligible for support from the EMFF only after approval by the competent authorities in the Member State of the annual report referred to in Article 28(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013.

3.

Support granted per producer organisation per year under this Article shall not exceed 12 % of the average annual value of the production placed on the market by that producer organisation during the preceding three calendar years. For a newly recognised producer organisation, that support shall not exceed 12 % of the average annual value of the production placed on the market by the members of that organisation during the preceding three calendar years.

4.

The Member State concerned may grant an advance of between 50 % and 100 % of the financial support after approval of the production and marketing plan in accordance with Article 28(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013.

5.

The support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted to producer organisations and associations of producers organisations.

Article 67
Storage aid
1.

Where needed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak or to mitigate the effects of the market disruption caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on the supply chain of fishery and aquaculture products, the EMFF may support compensation to recognised producer organisations and associations of producer organisations which store fishery or aquaculture products listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 or products falling within CN code 0302 as listed in point (a) of Annex I to that Regulation, provided that those products are stored in accordance with Articles 30 and 31 of that Regulation, and subject to the following conditions:

  • (a) the amount of the storage aid does not exceed the amount of the technical and financial costs of the actions required for the stabilisation and storage of the products in question;
  • (b) the quantities eligible for storage aid do not exceed 25 % of the annual quantities of the products concerned put up for sale by the producer organisation;
  • (c) the financial support per year does not exceed 20 % of the average annual value of the production placed on the market by the members of the producer organisation in the period 2017–2019. For the purposes of point (c) of the first subparagraph, where a member of the producer organisation did not place any production on the market in the period 2017 to 2019, the average annual value of production placed on the market in the first three years of production of that member shall be taken into account.
2.

The support referred to in paragraph 1 shall end on 31 December 2020, except if it mitigates the effects of the market disruption caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on the supply chain of fishery and aquaculture products.

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 65(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and by way of derogation from the first subparagraph thereof, expenditure for operations supported under this Article shall be eligible as from 1 February 2020 to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, and as from 24 February 2022 to mitigate the effects of the market disruption caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on the supply chain of fishery and aquaculture products.

3.

The support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted once the products are released for human consumption.

4.

Member States shall fix the amount of the technical and financial costs applicable in their territories as follows:

  • (a) technical costs shall be calculated each year on the basis of direct costs relating to the actions required in order to stabilise and store the products in question;
  • (b) financial costs shall be calculated each year using the interest rate set annually in each Member State;

These technical and financial costs shall be made publicly available.

5.

Member States shall carry out controls to ensure that the products benefiting from storage aid fulfil the conditions laid down in this Article. For the purposes of such controls, beneficiaries of storage aid shall keep stock records for each category of products entered into storage and later reintroduced onto the market for human consumption.

Article 68
Marketing measures
1.

The EMFF may support marketing measures for fishery and aquaculture products which are aimed at:

  • (a) creating producer organisations, associations of producer organisations or inter-branch organisations to be recognised in accordance with Section II of Chapter II of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013;
  • (b) finding new markets and improving the conditions for the placing on the market of fishery and aquaculture products, including:
  • (i) species with marketing potential;
  • (ii) unwanted catches landed from commercial stocks in accordance with technical measures, Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and Article 8(2)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013;
  • (iii) fishery and aquaculture products obtained using methods with low impact on the environment, or organic aquaculture products within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007;
  • (c) promoting the quality and the value added by facilitating:
  • (i) the application for registration of a given product and the adaptation of concerned operators to the relevant compliance and certification requirements in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0021]);
  • (ii) the certification and the promotion of sustainable fishery and aquaculture products, including products from small–scale coastal fishing, and of environmentally-friendly processing methods;
  • (iii) the direct marketing of fishery products by small–scale coastal fishermen or by on–foot fishermen;
  • (iv) the presentation and packaging of products;
  • (d) contributing to the transparency of production and the markets and conducting market surveys and studies on the Union’s dependence on imports;
  • (e) contributing to the traceability of fishery or aquaculture products and, where relevant, the development of a Union–wide ecolabel for fishery and aquaculture products as referred to in Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013;
  • (f) drawing up standard contracts for SMEs, which are compatible with Union law;
  • (g) conducting regional, national or transnational communication and promotional campaigns, to raise public awareness of sustainable fishery and aquaculture products.
2.

The operations referred to in paragraph 1 may include the production, processing and marketing activities along the supply chain.

The operations referred to in point (g) of paragraph 1 shall not be aimed at commercial brands.

3.

The EMFF may support financial compensation to operators of the fishery and aquaculture sector for their income foregone, and for additional costs they incur due to the market disruption caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its effects on the supply chain of fishery and aquaculture products.

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 65(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, expenditure for operations supported under the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be eligible as from 24 February 2022.

The compensation referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be calculated in accordance with Article 96.

Article 69
Processing of fishery and aquaculture products
1.

The EMFF may support investments in the processing of fishery and aquaculture products that:

  • (a) contribute to energy saving or reducing the impact on the environment, including waste treatment;
  • (b) improve safety, hygiene, health and working conditions;
  • (c) support the processing of catches of commercial fish that cannot be destined for human consumption;
  • (d) relate to the processing of by-products resulting from main processing activities;
  • (e) relate to the processing of organic aquaculture products pursuant to Articles 6 and 7 of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007;
  • (f) lead to new or improved products, new or improved processes, or new or improved management and organisation systems.
2.

As regards enterprises other than SMEs, the support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted through the financial instruments provided for in Title IV of Part Two of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013.

3.

The EMFF may support granting working capital and compensation to processing enterprises within the scope set out in the second subparagraph of Article 55(1) for aquaculture farmers.

CHAPTER V Compensation for additional costs in outermost regions for fishery and aquaculture products

Article 70
Compensation regime
1.

The EMFF may support the compensation of additional costs incurred by operators in the fishing, farming, processing and marketing of certain fishery and aquaculture products from the outermost regions referred to in Article 349 TFEU.

The EMFF may also support measures to compensate the economic losses resulting from the COVID‐19 outbreak, in particular those resulting from the deterioration in the price of fish or from increased storage cost.

2.

Each Member State concerned shall determine, for the regions referred to in paragraph 1, the list of fishery and aquaculture products and the quantity of those products eligible for compensation.

3.

When establishing the list and the quantities referred to in paragraph 2, Member States shall take into account all relevant factors, in particular the need to ensure that the compensation is fully compatible with the CFP rules.

4.

The compensation shall not be granted for fishery and aquaculture products:

  • (a) caught by third country vessels, with the exception of fishing vessels which fly the flag of Venezuela and operate in Union waters;
  • (b) caught by Union fishing vessels that are not registered in a port of one of the regions referred to in paragraph 1;
  • (c) imported from third countries.
5.

Point (b) of paragraph 4 shall not apply if the existing capacity of the processing industry in the outermost region concerned exceeds the quantity of raw material supplied in accordance with the compensation plan of the region concerned.

6.

The following operators shall be eligible for compensation:

  • (a) natural or legal persons using means of production to obtain fishery or aquaculture products with a view to placing them on the market;
  • (b) the owners or operators of vessels that are registered in the ports of the regions referred to in paragraph 1 and that are operating in those regions, or associations of such owners or operators;
  • (c) the operators in the processing and marketing sector or associations of such operators.
Article 71
Calculation of the compensation

The compensation shall be paid to the operators referred to in Article 70(6) carrying out activities in the regions referred to in Article 70(1) and shall take into account:

  • (a) for each fishery or aquaculture product or category of products, the additional costs resulting from the specific handicaps of the regions concerned; and
  • (b) any other type of public intervention affecting the level of additional costs.
Article 72
Compensation plan
1.

The Member States concerned shall submit to the Commission a compensation plan for each region referred to in Article 70(1). That plan shall include the list, and quantities of fishery and aquaculture products and the type of operators referred to in Article 70, the level of compensation referred to in Article 71 and the managing authority referred to in Article 97. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts setting out its decision whether to approve such compensation plans.

2.

Member States may amend the content of the compensation plan referred to in paragraph 1. Member States shall submit such amendments to the Commission. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts setting out its decision whether to approve those amendments. Where the amendments concern measures to compensate the economic losses resulting from the COVID‐19 outbreak under the second subparagraph of Article 70(1), the Commission shall adopt such implementing acts within 15 days of the submission of the amendment. Notwithstanding paragraph 4 of this Article, the implementing acts concerning measures to compensate the economic losses resulting from the COVID‐19 outbreak shall also set out the methods of calculation of the additional costs and the methods of implementation by the Member States.

3.

The Commission shall adopt implementing acts defining the structure of the compensation plan. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 127(3).

4.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, in accordance with Article 126, laying down the criteria for the calculation of the additional costs resulting from the specific handicaps of the regions concerned.

Article 73
State aid for implementing compensation plans

Member States may grant additional financing for the implementation of the compensation plans referred to in Article 72. In such cases, Member States shall notify the Commission of the State aid which the Commission may approve in accordance with this Regulation as part of those plans. State aid thus notified shall be regarded as notified within the meaning of the first sentence of Article 108(3) TFEU.

CHAPTER VI Accompanying measures for the CFP under shared management

Article 74
Geographical scope

By way of derogation from Article 2, this Chapter shall also apply to operations carried out outside the territory of the Union.

Article 75
Specific objectives

Support under this Chapter shall contribute to achieving the specific objectives under the Union priority set out in Article 6(3).

Article 76
Control and enforcement
1.

The EMFF may support the implementation of a Union control, inspection and enforcement system as provided for in Article 36 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and further specified in Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

2.

In particular, the following types of operations shall be eligible:

  • (a) the purchase, installation and development of technology, including computer hardware and software, vessel detection systems (VDS), closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and IT networks enabling the gathering, administration, validation, analysis, risk management, presentation (by means of the websites related to control) and exchange of, and the development of sampling methods for, data related to fisheries, as well as interconnection to cross-sectoral data exchange systems;
  • (b) the development, purchase and installation of the components, including computer hardware and software, that are necessary to ensure data transmission from actors involved in fishing and the marketing of fishery products to the relevant Member State and Union authorities, including the necessary components for electronic recording and reporting systems (ERS), vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and automatic identification systems (AIS) used for control purposes;
  • (c) the development, purchase and installation of the components, including computer hardware and software, which are necessary to ensure the traceability of fishery and aquaculture products, as referred to in Article 58 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009;
  • (d) the implementation of programmes for exchanging data between Member States and for analysing them;
  • (e) the modernisation and purchase of patrol vessels, aircrafts and helicopters, provided that they are used for fisheries control for at least 60 % of the total period of use per year;
  • (f) the purchase of other control means, including devices to enable the measurement of engine power and weighing equipment;
  • (g) the development of innovative control and monitoring systems and the implementation of pilot projects related to fisheries control, including fish DNA analysis or the development of websites related to control;
  • (h) training and exchange programmes, including between Member States, of personnel responsible for the monitoring, control and surveillance of fisheries activities;
  • (i) cost/benefit analyses and assessments of audits performed and expenditure incurred by competent authorities in carrying out monitoring, control and surveillance;
  • (j) initiatives, including seminars and media tools, aimed at enhancing awareness, among both fishermen and other players such as inspectors, public prosecutors and judges, as well as among the general public, of the need to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and of the implementation of the CFP rules;
  • (k) operational costs incurred in carrying out more stringent control for stocks subject to specific control and inspection programmes established in accordance with Article 95 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 and subject to control coordination in accordance with Article 15 of Council Regulation (EC) No 768/2005 ([^E0022]);
  • (l) programmes linked to the implementation of an action plan established in accordance with Article 102(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, including any operational costs incurred.
3.

The operations listed in points (h) to (1) of paragraph 2 shall only be eligible for support if they relate to control activities carried out by a public authority.

4.

In the case of the operations listed in points (d) and (h) of paragraph 2, the Member States concerned shall designate the managing authorities responsible for the operation.

Article 77
Data collection
1.

The EMFF shall support the collection, management and use of data, as provided for in Article 25(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and further specified in Regulation (EC) No 199/2008.

2.

In particular, the following types of operations shall be eligible:

  • (a) the collection, management and use of data for the purpose of scientific analysis and implementation of the CFP;
  • (b) national, transnational and subnational multiannual sampling programmes, provided that they relate to stocks covered by the CFP;
  • (c) at-sea monitoring of commercial and recreational fisheries, including monitoring of by-catch of marine organisms such as marine mammals and birds;
  • (d) research surveys at sea;
  • (e) the participation of representatives of Member States and regional authorities in regional coordination meetings, meetings of regional fisheries management organisations of which the Union is a contracting party or an observer, or meetings of international bodies responsible for providing scientific advice;
  • (f) the improvement of data collection and data management systems and the implementation of pilot studies to improve existing data collection and data management systems.

CHAPTER VII Technical assistance at the initiative of Member States

Article 78
Technical assistance at the initiative of Member States
1.

The EMFF may support, at the initiative of a Member State, and subject to a ceiling of 6 % of the total amount of the operational programme:

  • (a) the measures of technical assistance referred to in Article 59(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013;
  • (b) the establishment of national networks aiming at disseminating information, capacity building, exchanging best practices and supporting cooperation between the FLAGs in the territory of the Member State.
2.

In duly justified circumstances, the threshold referred to in paragraph 1 may exceptionally be exceeded.

CHAPTER VIII The IMP measures financed under shared management

Article 79
Specific objectives
1.

Support under this Chapter shall contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives under the Union priority set out in Article 6(6), including:

  • (a) the Integrated maritime surveillance (IMS) and, in particular, the Common information sharing environment (CISE) for the surveillance of the Union maritime domain;
  • (b) the promotion of the protection of the marine environment, in particular its biodiversity and marine protected areas such as Natura 2000 sites, without prejudice to Article 37 of this Regulation, and the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, and the further definition of the boundaries of the sustainability of human activities that have an impact on the marine environment, in particular in the framework of Directive 2008/56/EC.
Article 80
Eligible operations
1.

The EMFF may support operations in accordance with the objectives set out in Article 79, such as operations that:

  • (a) contribute to achieving the objectives of the IMS and, in particular, those of the CISE;
  • (b) protect the marine environment, in particular its biodiversity and marine protected areas such as Natura 2000 sites, in accordance with the obligations established in Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC;
  • (c) improve the knowledge on the state of the marine environment, with a view to establishing the monitoring programmes and the programmes of measures provided for in Directive 2008/56/EC, in accordance with the obligations established in that Directive.
2.

The salary costs of personnel of national administrations shall not be considered to be eligible operating costs.

TITLE VI MEASURES FINANCED UNDER DIRECT MANAGEMENT

CHAPTER I Integrated maritime policy

Article 81
Geographical scope

By way of derogation from Article 2, this Chapter shall also apply to operations carried out outside the territory of the Union.

Article 82
Scope and objectives

Support under this Chapter shall contribute to enhancing the development and implementation of the Union’s IMP. It shall:

  • (a) foster the development and implementation of integrated governance of maritime and coastal affairs, in particular by:
  • (i) promoting actions which encourage Member States and their regions to develop, introduce or implement integrated maritime governance;
  • (ii) promoting dialogue and cooperation with and among competent authorities of the Member States and stakeholders on marine and maritime issues, including by developing and implementing integrated sea-basin strategies taking into account a balanced approach in all sea basins as well as the specific characteristics of the sea basins and sub-sea basins, and relevant macro-regional strategies where applicable;
  • (iii) promoting cross-sectoral cooperation platforms and networks, including representatives of public authorities at national, regional and local level, industry including tourism, research stakeholders, citizens, civil society organisations and the social partners;
  • (iv) improving the cooperation between Member States through exchange of information and best practices among their competent authorities;
  • (v) promoting the exchange of best practices and dialogue at international level, including bilateral dialogue with third countries, taking into account UNCLOS and the relevant international conventions based on UNCLOS, without prejudice to other agreements or arrangements which may exist between the Union and the third countries concerned. Such dialogue shall include, as appropriate, effective discussion on the ratification and implementation of UNCLOS;
  • (vi) enhancing the visibility of, and raising the awareness of public authorities, the private sector and the general public to an integrated approach to, maritime affairs;
  • (b) contribute to the development of cross-sectoral initiatives that are mutually beneficial to different maritime sectors and/or sectoral policies, taking into account and building upon existing tools and initiatives, such as:
  • (i) the IMS so as to reinforce the safe, secure and sustainable use of maritime space in particular by enhancing effectiveness and efficiency through information exchange across sectors and borders, while taking due account of existing and future cooperation mechanisms and systems;
  • (ii) maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management processes;
  • (iii) the progressive development of a comprehensive and publicly accessible high quality marine data and knowledge base which shall facilitate the sharing, re-use and dissemination of those data and knowledge among various user groups, thus avoiding a duplication of efforts; for that purpose, the best use shall be made of existing Union and Member States’ programmes;
  • (c) support sustainable economic growth, employment, innovation and new technologies within emerging and prospective maritime sectors, as well as in coastal, insular and outermost regions of the Union, in a way that complements established sectoral and national activities;
  • (d) promote the protection of the marine environment, in particular its biodiversity and marine protected areas such as Natura 2000 sites, and the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources and to further define the boundaries of the sustainability of human activities that have an impact on the marine environment, in accordance with the objectives of achieving and maintaining a good environmental status as required by Directive 2008/56/EC.
Article 83
Eligible operations
1.

The EMFF may support operations in accordance with the objectives set out in Article 82, such as:

  • (a) studies;
  • (b) projects, including test projects and cooperation projects;
  • (c) public information and sharing best practices, awareness-raising campaigns and associated communication and dissemination activities such as publicity campaigns, events, the development and maintenance of websites, and stakeholder platforms;
  • (d) conferences, seminars, fora and workshops;
  • (e) coordination activities, including information-sharing networks, and development support for sea–basin strategies;
  • (f) the development, operation and maintenance of IT systems and networks enabling the gathering, administration, validation, analysis and exchange of, and the development of sampling methods for, data, as well as interconnection to cross–sectoral data exchange systems;
  • (g) training projects for the development of knowledge, professional qualifications and measures aimed at promoting professional development in the maritime sector.
2.

In order to achieve the specific objective of developing cross–border and cross–sectoral operations set out in point (b) of Article 82, the EMFF may support:

  • (a) the development and implementation of technical tools for the IMS, in particular for supporting the deployment, operation and maintenance of the CISE, with a view to promoting cross-sectoral and cross-border surveillance information exchanges interlinking all user communities, taking into account the relevant developments of sectoral policies as regards surveillance and contributing, as appropriate, to their necessary evolution;
  • (b) activities of coordination and cooperation between Member States or regions in order to develop maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management, including expenditure related to systems and practices of data sharing and monitoring, evaluation activities, the setting-up and running of networks of experts, and the setting-up of a programme aimed at building capacity for Member States to implement maritime spatial planning;
  • (c) initiatives to co-finance, purchase and maintain marine observation systems and technical tools for designing, setting-up and running an operational European marine observation and data network system which aims to facilitate the collection, acquisition, assembly, processing, quality control, re-use and distribution of marine data and knowledge, through cooperation between Member States and/or international institutions concerned.

CHAPTER II Accompanying measures for the CFP and the IMP under direct management

Article 84
Geographical scope

By way of derogation from Article 2, this Chapter shall also apply to operations carried out outside the territory of the Union.

Article 85
Specific objectives

Measures under this Chapter shall facilitate the implementation of the CFP and the IMP, in particular with regard to:

  • (a) the collection, management and dissemination of scientific advice under the CFP;
  • (b) specific control and enforcement measures under the CFP;
  • (c) voluntary contributions to international organisations;
  • (d) Advisory Councils;
  • (e) market intelligence;
  • (f) communication activities under the CFP and the IMP.
Article 86
Scientific advice and knowledge
1.

The EMFF may support the provision of scientific deliverables, particularly applied–research projects directly linked to the provision of scientific and socio–economic opinions and advice, for the purpose of sound and efficient fisheries management decisions under the CFP.

2.

In particular, the following types of operations shall be eligible:

  • (a) studies and pilot projects needed for the implementation and development of the CFP, including those on alternative types of sustainable fishing and aquaculture management techniques, including within Advisory Councils;
  • (b) the preparation and provision of scientific opinions and advice by scientific bodies, including international advisory bodies in charge of stock assessments, by independent experts and by research institutions;
  • (c) the participation of experts in the meetings of working groups on scientific and technical issues related to fisheries, such as STECF, as well as in international advisory bodies and in meetings where the contribution of fishery and aquaculture experts is required;
  • (d) research surveys at sea, as referred to in Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No 199/2008, in areas where Union vessels operate under Sustainable fisheries partnership agreements as referred to in Article 31 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;
  • (e) expenditure incurred by the Commission for services related to the collection, management and use of data, to the organisation and management of fisheries expert meetings and the management of annual work programmes related to fisheries scientific and technical expertise, to the processing of data calls and datasets and to the preparatory work aiming at delivering scientific opinions and advice;
  • (f) cooperation activities between Member States in the field of data collection, including those between the various regional stakeholders, and including the setting–up and running of regionalised databases for the storage, management and use of data which will benefit regional cooperation and improve data collection and management activities as well as improving scientific expertise in support of fisheries management.
Article 87
Control and enforcement
1.

The EMFF may support the implementation of a Union control, inspection and enforcement system as provided for in Article 36 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and further specified in Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

2.

In particular, the following types of operations shall be eligible:

  • (a) joint purchase and/or chartering by several Member States belonging to the same geographical area, of patrol vessels, aircrafts and helicopters, provided that they are used for fisheries control for at least 60 % of the total period of use per year;
  • (b) expenditure relating to the assessment and development of new control technologies, as well as of processes for the exchange of data;
  • (c) all operational expenditure related to control and evaluation by the Commission of the implementation of the CFP, in particular that relating to verification, inspection and audit missions, equipment and training for Commission officials, the organisation of or participation in meetings, including the exchange of information and best practices between Member States, studies, IT services and suppliers, and the charter or purchase by the Commission of inspection means as specified in Titles IX and X of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
3.

With a view to strengthening and standardising controls, the EMFF may support the implementation of transnational projects that aim to develop and test the inter–State control, inspection and enforcement systems provided for in Article 36 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and further laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

Eligible types of operations shall include, in particular, the following:

  • (a) international training programmes for personnel responsible for monitoring, control and surveillance of fisheries activities;
  • (b) initiatives, including seminars and media tools, for standardising the interpretation of regulations and associated controls in the Union.
4.

In the case of the operations referred to in point (a) of paragraph 2, only one of the Member States concerned shall be designated as a beneficiary.

Article 88
Voluntary financial contributions to international organisations

The EMFF may support the following types of operations in the area of international relations:

  • (a) financial contributions provided to the United Nations organisations as well as voluntary funding provided to any international organisation active in the field of the Law of the Sea;
  • (b) financial contributions to preparations for new international organisations or the preparation of new international treaties which are of interest to the Union;
  • (c) financial contributions to work or programmes carried out by international organisations which are of special interest to the Union;
  • (d) financial contributions to any activity (including working, informal or extraordinary meetings of contracting parties) which upholds the interests of the Union in international organisations and strengthens cooperation with its partners in those organisations. In that regard, when the presence of representatives of third countries in negotiations and meetings in international fora and organisations becomes necessary for the interests of the Union, the EMFF may bear the costs of their participation.
Article 89
Advisory Councils
1.

The EMFF shall support the operating costs of the Advisory Councils established in accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

2.

An Advisory Council having legal personality may apply for Union support as a body pursuing an aim of general European interest.

Article 90
Market intelligence

The EMFF may support the development and dissemination of market intelligence for fishery and aquaculture products by the Commission in accordance with Article 42 of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013.

Article 91
Communication activities under the CFP and the IMP

The EMFF may support:

  • (a) the costs of information and communication activities linked to the CFP and the IMP, including:
  • (i) the costs of the production, translation and dissemination of material tailored to the specific needs of the different target groups in written, audiovisual and electronic format;
  • (ii) the costs of the preparation and organisation of events and meetings to inform, or collect the views of, the different parties concerned by the CFP and the IMP;
  • (b) the travelling and accommodation costs of experts and stakeholders’ representatives invited by the Commission to meetings;
  • (c) the costs of the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation.

CHAPTER III Technical assistance

Article 92
Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission

The EMFF may support, at the initiative of the Commission and subject to the ceiling of 1,1 % of the EMFF:

  • (a) the measures of technical assistance specified in Article 58 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013;
  • (b) the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of sustainable fisheries agreements and the Union participation in regional fisheries management organisations. The measures concerned shall consist of studies, meetings, expert involvement, temporary staff costs, information activities and any other administrative costs or costs arising from scientific or technical assistance by the Commission;
  • (c) the setting-up of a European network of FLAGs aimed at capacity building, disseminating information, exchanging experiences and best practices and supporting cooperation between the FLAGs. That network shall cooperate with the networking and technical support bodies for local development set up by the ERDF, the ESF and the EAFRD as regards their local development activities and transnational cooperation.

TITLE VII IMPLEMENTATION UNDER SHARED MANAGEMENT

CHAPTER I General provisions

Article 93
Scope

This Title shall apply to measures financed under shared management as set out in Title V.

CHAPTER II Delivery mechanism

Section 1 Support from the EMFF

Article 94
Determination of co-financing rates
1.

When adopting implementing acts pursuant to Article 19 approving an operational programme, the Commission shall set the maximum EMFF contribution to that programme.

2.

The EMFF contribution shall be calculated on the basis of the amount of eligible public expenditure.

The operational programme shall establish the EMFF contribution rate applicable to the Union priorities set out in Article 6. The maximum EMFF contribution rate shall be 75 % and the minimum EMFF contribution rate shall be 20 % of eligible public expenditure.

3.

By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the EMFF contribution shall be:

  • (a) 100 % of the eligible public expenditure for the support under storage aid referred to in Article 67;
  • (b) 100 % of the eligible public expenditure for the compensation regime referred to in Article 70;
  • (c) 50 % of the eligible public expenditure for the support referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of Article 33(1), Article 34 and Article 41(2);
  • (d) 70 % of the eligible public expenditure for the support referred to in point (e) of Article 76(2);
  • (e) 90 % of the eligible public expenditure for the support referred to in points (a) to (d) and (f) to (l) of Article 76(2);
  • (f) 80 % of the eligible expenditure for the support referred to in Article 77.
4.

By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the maximum EMFF contribution rate applicable to the specific objectives under a Union priority shall be increased by ten percentage points, where the whole of the Union priority set out in Article 6(4) is delivered through community-led local development.

Article 95
Intensity of public aid
1.

Member States shall apply a maximum intensity of public aid of 50 % of the total eligible expenditure of the operation.

2.

By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Member States may apply an intensity of public aid of 100 % of the eligible expenditure of the operation where:

  • (a) the beneficiary is a public law body or an undertaking entrusted with the operation of services of general economic interest as referred to in Article 106(2) TFEU, where the aid is granted for the operation of such services;
  • (b) the operation is related to the storage aid referred to in Article 67;
  • (c) the operation is related to the compensation regime referred to in Article 70;
  • (d) the operation is related to the data collection referred to in Article 77;
  • (e) the operation is related to support under Article 33 or 34 or to compensation under Article 54, Article 55, Article 56, Article 68(3) or Article 69(3);
  • (f) the operation is related to the IMP measures referred to in Article 80.
3.

By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Member States may apply an intensity of public aid between 50 % and 100 % of the total eligible expenditure where:

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