EU Emergency Funding Secured For Maltese Fishers Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Maltese MEP Thomas Bajada has announced that emergency European funding will be made available to support fishers and aquaculture operators facing rising fuel costs.

The support, expected to be approved by the European Commission, comes in response to a sharp increase in fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Bajada raised the issue at European level, highlighting the difficulties faced by Maltese and Gozitan small scale fishers, particularly as their dedicated fuel supply doubled in price within a matter of weeks. He also pointed to rising costs and supply challenges related to bait.

Speaking following discussions at the PECH Committee, Bajada described the development as a concrete result of sustained efforts to bring the concerns of local fishers to the forefront.

He said the approval of targeted emergency funding demonstrates that coordinated action at European level can deliver meaningful support.

Bajada stressed that the fishing sector remains vital to Malta’s economy, food security and national identity, and warned that fishers should not be left to face such pressures alone. He added that he will continue working to ensure the sector receives the tools and assistance it needs during this period.

#MaltaDaily