Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: State minister relieved: EU approves fisheries subsidies

Schwerin/Brussels (dpa/mv) - Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus is relieved after the release of EU funding for fisheries.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: State minister relieved: EU approves fisheries subsidies

Schwerin/Brussels (dpa/mv) - Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus is relieved after the release of EU funding for fisheries. "Germany will have a total of 211.8 million euros in EU funds from the program at its disposal, of which around 46.9 million euros are earmarked for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania," explained the minister on Friday in Schwerin. These come from the European Marine, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the money should be used to support sustainable fishing, aquaculture and the economy in coastal, island and inland areas, as well as strengthening international ocean management.

However, the eventual investments under the program, which will run until 2019, are likely to be higher. As stated in the communication, the EU funds are co-financed nationally in a ratio of 70 to 30. In addition, the funding is to be passed on in the form of grants, in which the private and public providers each contribute their own funds.

Mathematically, "projects with a volume of up to 85 million euros are possible in MV. The state will contribute up to 12.7 million euros in state funds," says Backhaus.