Spanish Blue Economy Grants Framework

Overview

The Spanish government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, has approved the regulatory framework for grants aimed at promoting a sustainable blue economy across coastal, insular, and inland regions.

These grants, part of the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (FEMPA), support initiatives aligned with Priority 3 of the 2021-2027 Program, focusing on developing local participatory strategies that bolster fishing and aquaculture communities.

Key Aspects of the Framework

• The framework details:
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Project types
  • Funding ratios
  • Application procedures
• Emphasizes:
  • Transparency
  • Non-discrimination
  • Legal compliance

Prioritized Projects

Projects that promote:

• Innovation
• Gender equality—particularly increasing women's visibility and participation
• Environmental protection

Funding and Support

• Funding covers:
  • Productive activities (e.g., processing and marketing)
  • Non-productive projects (e.g., community engagement or environmental mitigation)
• Grants range from 50% to 90% of project costs.
• Higher funding rates are available for sectors like coastal fishing.

Application and Assessment

• The assessment process involves local groups called GALPA.
• Key evaluation criteria include:
  • Feasibility
  • Environmental impact
  • Financial soundness

Controls and Obligations

• Establishes controls to prevent fraud.
• Documentation requirements are stipulated.
• Beneficiaries must:
  • Maintain activities
  • Ensure visibility of EU funding

Goals

These measures aim to:

• Ensure investments enhance local economies sustainably and equitably
• Foster social inclusion and environmental resilience in Spain’s maritime regions.