European Union

The 53 Italian FLAGs focus on the fisheries sector’s local production systems, promoting innovative fisheries products and processing, and supporting links with the agri-food sector.

The focus of CLLD in Cyprus is on creating new sources of income and new jobs; developing sustainable aquaculture; capitalising on opportunities provided by the blue economy; capitalising on the natural assets of the fisheries areas to improve their attractiveness as sustainable tourist destinations; and protecting the marine environment and biodiversity.

The Danish FLAG areas represent approximately 23% of the country’s surface area and 11% of the population. In the current programming period, CLLD in Denmark focuses on promoting economic growth, social inclusion and job creation, with a focus on projects that support the marketing of fisheries products and the diversification of fisheries businesses.

Slovenia has a coastline of only 46km along the northern Adriatic, between Italy and Croatia in the Gulf of Trieste. The 4 Slovenian FLAGs aim to strengthen connections between fishermen and other sectors in the community, as well as with the scientific community; increase the visibility of freshwater aquaculture and its integration among other sectors (e.g. tourism, culture, catering).

Spain is home to the biggest fishing industry in Europe and has a long tradition of maritime activities such as fishing and aquaculture, but also fish processing, tourism and marine sports. The 41 Spanish FLAGs aim to tackle the issues of unemployment and aging populations in the fisheries sector; environmental issues; and reconciling the presence of other, growing economic sectors with fisheries.

Fisheries and aquaculture have a strong socio-economic importance in Greek society. CLLD projects include activities to increase the added value of fisheries products; support for diversification; activities to enhance and capitalise on the environmental assets of fisheries areas; promoting social wellbeing and maritime cultural heritage in fisheries areas.

Romanian fishing activities mostly take place in lakes and ponds, rivers and marine waters from the Black Sea. The 22 Romanian FLAGs promote economic diversification and new forms of income that can help revitalise their communities.

The key goals that CLLD has to pursue in Sweden’s fisheries areas are increasing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises; protecting the environment (especially the Baltic Sea) and promoting the sustainable use of resources; and also promoting employment and diversification of fishermen and fisheries actors.

Ireland is surrounded by some of the most productive waters in the EU. The seven Irish FLAGs aim to promote marine and eco-tourism by taking advantage of the local biodiversity and protected habitats. Additionally, they look to leverage synergies with national/local tourism initiatives and boost the business potential of the small-scale coastal fishing vessels.

Portugal has 15 FLAGs, 12 of them in coastal areas of continental Portugal and three on the Azores archipelago, situated in the Atlantic Ocean. The main challenges that CLLD addresses are low educational level of fishermen; decreased attractiveness of fisheries for young people; declining competitiveness of the fishing industry; and conflicting demands in the coastal areas.