Operational Program “Fisheries and Sea” 2014 – 2020 – changes

The Operational Program “Fisheries and Sea” 2014 – 2020 is the national instrument for the implementation of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). It is part of the European Structural and Investment Funds. As part of the 2014-2020 financial perspective, Poland has been allocated more than €531 million from the EMFF, which, together with the contribution from the national budget (about €179 million), makes more than €710 million for activities. The Operational Program “Fisheries and Sea” 2014 – 2020 was approved by the European Commission by Decision No. C(2015) 7386 of October 22, 2015. and assumes the implementation of 6 priorities and technical assistance.

Operational Program “Fisheries and Sea” 2014 – 2020 – new regulation

On June 16, 2023, the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development dated June 15, 2023 was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Poland. It is of key importance for the fishing sector in terms of granting advances and deadlines for payment applications under the 2014-2020 Fisheries and Sea Operational Program. The entry into force of the regulation allows the implementation of advance payments in accordance with the schedule of the Bank of National Economy.

The new regulation specifies:

1. conditions and procedure for granting advances to beneficiaries and settlement of these advances, including repayment of funds from the state budget grant;
2. The scope of payment applications and the deadlines for submitting these applications.

The basis for financial support is the Operational Program “Fisheries and Sea,” so the money largely comes from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

Operational Program “Fisheries and Sea” – formal conditions

According to the regulation, the advance is granted to the beneficiary:

1. if provided for in the grant agreement referred to in Art. 17 para. 1 of the Law of July 10, 2015. On supporting the sustainable development of the fisheries sector with the participation of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 2140);
2. Only for the eligible costs specified in the grant agreement.

The amount of the advance paid may not exceed the amount of the subsidy specified in the contract. The money can be paid either in a single payment or in tranches, and the amount transferred at one time cannot exceed 30% of the value of the grant specified in the agreement. The exception to this is if the grant agreement provides for the submission of a payment application within no more than 90 days from the date of receipt by the beneficiary of an advance payment or a tranche thereof. The advance shall be paid after the beneficiary establishes and lodges a security guaranteeing proper performance of obligations under the grant agreement.

The adopted regulation was preceded by the Regulation of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Inland Navigation dated February 28, 2018. On the conditions and procedure for granting and clearing advance payments and the scope and timing of applications for payment under the program financed with the participation of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (Journal of Laws, item 458). It expired on June 4, 2023. According to Art. 142 para. 3 of the Law of April 28, 2022. On the principles of implementation of tasks financed from European funds in the financial perspective 2021 – 2027 (Journal of Laws item 1079).