Professional fishermen in Greece have until Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. to apply for funding under a €16 million programme supporting investments in fishing vessels without increasing their fishing capacity.
The funding comes through Action 1.1.2, “Investments in fishing vessels without increasing their fishing capacity,”under Greece’s Fisheries, Aquaculture and Sea 2021-2027 Programme.
According to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the programme carries a total public expenditure of €16 million and can approve projects worth up to 110% of the available budget.
The initiative aims to support around 400 professional fishermen and businesses operating in the sector.
The programme places particular emphasis on small-scale coastal fishing, remote Greek islands and local communities that rely heavily on fishing activity.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include owners of professional fishing vessels operating either as individual businesses or legal entities, including co-ownership arrangements.
Applicants must operate an active fishing vessel commercially and hold a valid professional fishing licence.
The action also covers inland-water fishing.
Under the current call, eligible fishing vessels must, among other requirements, have carried out fishing activity for at least 60 days during the two calendar years preceding the year in which the funding application is submitted.
Funding of up to 85%
The level of public funding depends on the type of project and vessel.
Owners of fishing vessels can receive public funding covering 50% of eligible expenditure, rising to 85% for projects carried out on remote Greek islands.
For small-scale coastal fishing vessels measuring less than 12 metres in overall length and not using towed gear, funding reaches 80%, rising to 85% on remote Greek islands.
For inland-water fishing vessels measuring less than 12 metres and not using towed gear, public funding covers 80% of eligible expenditure.
What the programme funds
The action supports investments designed to improve conditions and operations on fishing vessels, including:
- Fishermen’s safety on board;
- Health and hygiene conditions;
- Working conditions;
- Hull hydrodynamics;
- The quality and hygiene of catches.
Eligible expenditure includes safety equipment and personal protective equipment, modifications that improve working and hygiene conditions on board, refrigeration equipment and other equipment that helps preserve the quality of catches.
The programme also allows beneficiaries to purchase a vehicle with an enclosed refrigerated compartment and refrigeration system for the safe and hygienic transport of fishing products, subject to the conditions of the funding call.
Investment proposals can range from €5,000 to €500,000.
Beneficiaries must complete approved projects within 18 months of the funding approval decision. Authorities can grant extensions of up to six months in documented cases.
Application deadline
Applicants must submit their applications electronically through Greece’s Integrated State Aid Information System (OPSKE).
The deadline is September 15, 2026, at 3 p.m.
The government says Action 1.1.2 forms part of its broader policy to modernise Greece’s fishing fleet, improve working conditions for professional fishermen and strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of Greek fisheries without increasing the fishing capacity of vessels.
