The mid-term assessment of the ‘Strategic guidelines for EU aquaculture’ published

The document reviews implementation of the strategic guidelines and the national strategic plans for aquaculture. It examines the progress in developing the recommended actions and the effectiveness of these actions in achieving the objectives. The assessment also identifies areas where adaptation is needed.

As stated in the document, the European Commission has taken substantial steps to implement the guidelines, such as:

• establishing the EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism (AAM);
• publishing five staff working documents (SWD) addressing obstacles to the sustainable growth of the sector;
• launching the EU Algae Initiative (2022);
• supporting many projects related to aquaculture under different funding programmes such as EMFF, EMFAF, Horizon Europe and Interreg.

Overall, the Commission has been a key facilitator for Member State authorities, industry and other relevant actors in realising the sector’s potential.

However, progress is uneven, and efficiency is limited by persistent structural and other barriers, notably access to space and water, licensing complexity, social acceptance and the slow uptake of innovation.  

For a better overview of the document and further details, consult the mid-term assessment on the EU Aquaculture website.