EU Activates EMFAF Crisis Mechanism
2026.5.11
On 16 April, the European Commission activated the crisis mechanism under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), enabling Member States to provide financial compensation to operators affected by the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East.
The measure allows support for fishers, aquaculture producers, processors and retailers whose activities have been disrupted, notably due to rising energy and fuel costs. We encourage members to raise awareness of the EMFAF crisis mechanism and to underline the importance of ensuring that the processing sector is explicitly covered at national level, given its central role in the fisheries value chain, employment and the wider blue economy.
The mechanism applies retroactively from 28 February 2026 and acknowledges the significant impact of ongoing hostilities on the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector. Financial support will be drawn from Member States’ existing EMFAF allocations under their 2021–2027 programmes, with EU co-financing. Activation of the measure remains voluntary, with national authorities responsible for implementation and payment.
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