Overview of structural measures and the European Fisheries Fund (EFF)
In general terms, the European Union develops structural policies whose role is to adapt and manage the development of structures in the target sector. The term "structures" is understood to mean the equipment required to produce goods and the organisation of the production process.
Structural policy in the fisheries sector combines two objectives: contributing to the aims of the Common Fisheries Policy while playing its part in strengthening economic and social cohesion. In other words, it must protect resources and the marine environment to guarantee sustainable fisheries, while ensuring the economic and social development of fisheries areas. The financial instrument for this policy is the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) which covers the period 2007-2013.
On December 2nd 2011, the European Commission has proposed a new fund for the EU's maritime and fisheries policies for the period 2014-2020: the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The Fund will help deliver the ambitious objectives of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and will help fishermen in the transition towards sustainable fishing, as well as coastal communities in the diversification of their economies. The fund will finance projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts. Red tape will be cut so that beneficiaries have easy access to financing.