Polish MEP Bartosz Arłukowicz (PPE) has asked the European Commission whether it plans to guarantee increased financial support for Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) under the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, warning that these groups are vital for coastal communities and the blue economy.
The question, submitted on 7 May 2026, highlights the role of FLAGs in supporting fisheries-dependent areas, creating jobs, and combating depopulation. Arłukowicz notes that Poland alone has 24 FLAGs involving over 1,000 entities, 200 local authorities, 500 companies, and 300 community organisations, representing about 1.5 million people and 20% of Poland's territory. He cites the Mielno FLAG, which completed 145 projects worth nearly PLN 16 million.
Concrete asks and policy direction
whether the Commission will guarantee increased financial support for FLAGs in the next MFF, particularly for coastal resilience and blue economy development; and whether it plans to strengthen the role of FLAGs in future cohesion policy and under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). The questions signal a push for greater EU investment in community-led local development within fisheries policy.
Expected follow-up The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it intends to maintain, increase, or restructure FLAG funding in the post-2027 budget, and how it views the groups' role in broader EU cohesion and maritime policies. The response will be closely watched by coastal regions and fisheries stakeholders across the EU.
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