The fishing and aquaculture sectors, like many other economic activities within the European Union, are increasingly pressed to swiftly phase out their dependence on fossil fuels. This imperative is not only aligned with the overarching objectives of the European Green Deal, which aims at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 but is also crucial for enhancing the sectors' financial viability, sustainability, and resilience. The Communication adopted in February 2023 by the European Commission on Energy Transition in EU Fisheries and aquaculture has identified a different set of actions to support the acceleration of the energy transition towards a climate-neutral sector by 2050. Improving business environment and raising awareness of financing opportunities were identified as one of the four main pillars to set course for the energy transition action plan. To promote simplified access to information on funding, and better identify which funds can be used to support the energy transition, the Commission prepared this guide, which was announced in the communication. This document is a comprehensive guide that serves as a valuable resource for understanding the diverse funding options available to support the energy transition of EU fisheries and aquaculture. It caters to a wide range of stakeholders, including small and large-sized enterprises, public administrations, research institutions, and civil society organizations seeking EU funding for their energy transition projects. The objective of this guide is to enhance the existing landscape of guidance for environmental funding. It complements established guidance tools from the European Commission such as the EU Funding Programme for the Environment guide, the Investors Dialogue on Energy, or the Access to EU Finance tool, as well as an existing guide on EU funding opportunities for aquaculture. What sets this guide apart is its tailored approach, specifically designed to assist stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors to swiftly identify and assess the applicability of EU funding sources that align with their endeavours in supporting the energy transition. The guide covers a spectrum of areas supporting the transition of fisheries and aquaculture, including innovations for vessels, improvements in energy-efficient gear and equipment, and energy management enhancements for aquaculture. It also covers industry-related infrastructure transformations that can help reduce carbon emissions, as well as training and capacity-building that can help ensure a fair and competitive transition. This guide is a dynamic document that undergoes regular updates to include newly identified funds at various junctures. These updates align with the evolving landscape of funding opportunities within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors focusing on financing activities related to energy transition. The guide will be regularly updated on the Energy transition partnership website. Additionally, feedback from stakeholders in these sectors is actively sought and incorporated, in an iterative process that ensures the guide remains current, relevant, and valuable in facilitating the sectors' pursuit of sustainable practices.
