Public Consultation Launched on Financial Aid for Fishers and Aquaculture Operators Affected by the Ukraine War

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the Managing Authority for the Aquaculture and Fisheries Program (AFP) 2021–2027, has launched a public consultation on the Applicant’s Guide for financial aid to mitigate exceptional events.

This financial support targets fishers, aquaculture operators, and fish processors who suffered losses in 2022 compared to 2021, due to the sharp rise in the costs of fuel, electricity, and feed, driven by macroeconomic developments triggered by the war in Ukraine.

A total budget of €8,702,728 has been allocated under AFP for this action, with a maximum of €150,000 per applicant.

The aid will take the form of non-reimbursable financial compensation, covering only the additional costs directly caused by the consequences of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, and cannot be combined with other forms of support for the same reference period.

Eligible beneficiaries include:

• Owners/operators of fishing vessels (eligible for fuel-related compensation)
• Aquaculture operators (eligible for electricity and feed-related compensation)
• Processing operators (eligible for electricity-related compensation)

Citizens and institutions are invited to submit written feedback, opinions, or proposals within 10 days from publication, via email to [email protected], no later than June 30, 2025.

Full details regarding eligibility criteria, calculation of compensations, and required documentation can be found in the Applicant’s Guide, available at: www.ampeste.ro

Background:

The total budget allocated for the Aquaculture and Fisheries Program 2021–2027 amounts to €232,072,724, of which €162,450,905 represents the EU contribution.

This program aims to:

• Develop sustainable marine and inland commercial fishing
• Promote sustainable and competitive aquaculture through efficient use of resources
• Support market organization for fisheries, including the strengthening of producer organizations and short supply chains
• Stimulate the economic growth of fisheries areas, leveraging opportunities offered by the sustainable blue economy