European funds through POPAM (Operational Programme for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs) represent the main source of financing for fish farms in Romania. Between 2021 and 2024, only 9% of holdings accessed these funds, according to MADR data, with the low rate caused by bureaucracy and the lack of specialized consultancy.

For 2025, the budget allocated to Romania through European aquaculture mechanisms amounts to approximately €150 million. The main priorities are investments in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), fish processing, and diversification of farmed species. The maximum value of non-reimbursable support for a farm is €1 million.

Fish farms that have already implemented POPAM projects reported production increases of 30–40% and diversification of sales channels (HoReCa, local retail, export). However, accessing funds remains difficult for small farms, which lack the administrative resources to prepare applications.

Experts recommend the creation of regional consultancy centers and the simplification of procedures, so that the available funds can be fully utilized. Without higher absorption, Romania risks remaining dependent on imports, despite having significant natural resources for aquaculture.

(Photo: Freepik)