MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use by Danish Fishers PO of EMFAF funding intended to promote sustainable fisheries – P-000770/2025

Priority question for written answer  P-000770/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sigrid Friis (Renew)

It has been reported in the Danish media that the producers’ organisation Danish Fishers PO (DFPO) is using money from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) in a way that might be at odds with the aims of the fund. Although the funding is intended to promote sustainable fishing, the DFPO is allegedly using it to influence policymakers with a view to weakening or reversing sustainability measures[1].

• 1.When the Commission approved Denmark’s EMFAF programme in December 2022, it was with a clear objective of supporting the sustainable development of fisheries. Can the Commission confirm whether it is aware of these allegations about the DFPO’s use of funds?
• 2.Does the Commission take the view that the Danish system for checking and supervising EMFAF funding is sufficient to ensure that the funds are being used in accordance with EMFAF’s aims?
• 3.If not, what steps can the Commission take, in cooperation with the Danish authorities, to ensure better compliance with the rules?

Submitted: 19.2.2025

• [1] https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/organisationer-danmarks-fiskeriforening-bruger-baeredygtighedsmidler-paa-modarbejde