Yesterday, 4 March, the Pyrenees-Mediterranean Euroregion, together with ARCA and ACM, brought the voice of rural and fishing areas to the European Parliament to advocate for stable and sufficient European funding that guarantees opportunities and a future for rural and fishing communities, as part of the debate on the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework.
This initiative, part of the Mediterranean Appeal, emphasised the need for the next European budget to preserve the LEADER programme and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) within the structural funds, guaranteeing adequate resources beyond 2027. The aim is to ensure that European funds remain a useful and transformative lever for implementing policies that ensure local development and territorial cohesion in rural and fishing areas. During the day, the fundamental role of Local Action Groups (LAGs) and Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) was particularly highlighted as essential instruments for promoting local rural and fisheries development, based on governance tailored to the specific needs of each territory.
The session brought together representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions, as well as MEPs and members of the three governments that make up the Pyrenees-Mediterranean Euroregion, thereby reinforcing the Mediterranean Euroregional dimension of the debate.
The event was hosted by MEPs Javi López, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Diana Riba. Speeches were also given by Mr. Antoni Grau, Director General of Fisheries for the Government of the Balearic Islands, Ms. Xesca Ramis, Director General of Institutional Relations and Relations with the Parliament for the Government of the Balearic Islands, Ms. Claire Fita, Member of the European Parliament for the Occitanie Region, Ms Meritxell Budó, President of the ACM, and Mr Sergi Méndez, President of the ARCA. The closing remarks were given by the Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Mr Òscar Ordeig i Molist.
This day reinforced the Euroregion’s desire to actively contribute to a European financial framework that protects territorial cohesion and supports long-term local development.
© European Union 2026 – Source : EP
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