Basque Government gives green light to grants for the sustainable development of Basque fishing areas in 2025
The Basque Cabinet today approved the call for applications for aid for the sustainable development of fishing areas in the Basque Country. The aim is to support both projects in the fisheries sector aimed at diversifying their activity and those in the field of the blue economy. The total budget allocated amounts to some €3 million.
This funding is divided into three main lines: productive investments, aimed at the creation, start-up and initial operation of new companies and lines of business; job creation, aimed at hiring personnel for diversification activities in the fishing sector; and non-productive investments, aimed at scientific studies, campaigns to promote fish consumption, dissemination and enhancement of the value of the maritime fishing heritage, training, energy efficiency and the digital transition, among others. The funding falls under the framework of the European Maritime Fund for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EMFAF) 2021-2027.
Over €755,000 to consolidate social economy partnership structures
The Cabinet also today approved the call for applications for grants, worth a total of €755,800, to consolidate the partnership structures of social economy companies and organisations in the Basque Country in 2025. The aim is to help cooperatives, worker-owned companies, solidarity economy entities, special employment centres and inter-sectoral organisations of self-employed workers that have been in existence for at least two years to cover staff and operating costs.
The maximum sums if the grants vary; up to €455,800 for partnership entities of worker cooperatives and worker-owned companies, €100,000 for other cooperatives and confederations, €150,000 for solidarity-based social economy structures and special employment centres, and €50,000 for self-employed organisations.
The deadline for applying for grants is one month from the day following the publication of the call for applications in the Official Gazette of the Basque Country.
€700,000 for seed potato production
The Cabinet has also given the green light to the call for applications for grants for agricultural sub-sector diversification in the field of innovation linked to quality or productive transformation. These eligible niche areas include seed potato production, due to its key role in the Basque agri-food chain.
There will be two lines of funding, both compatible with each other, with a maximum of €110,000 per farm. The first is intended to cover investments that facilitate the development of productive activity, for example, the purchase of machinery aimed at reducing the use of phytosanitary products or for harvesting. (a maximum of €70,000). The second will support the agricultural activities (maximum €40,000), or the increase of production capacity (maximum €35,000).
For both lines, projects presented by women, young people and farms under shared or group ownership will be favoured.
In the case of seed potato cultivation, the following requirements are established: to cultivate at least 1 hectare of certified seed potato of protected varieties by 2025, to accredit specialised training and to be an authorised producer in the Basque Country. The other niche production areas eligible for grants are hop production, walnut and hazelnut plantations, goat's milk, truffles, cold-pressed oilseeds for food or feed, olive groves, table apples, soft fruit and sports horse breeding.
Direct grant worth €235,000 for Zaporeak to ensure daily food for refugees in Lesbos
The Basque Cabinet has approved the award of a direct grant of €235,000 to the Zaporeak Solidarity Association to finance the Zaporeak project, which aims to provide daily food to refugees on the island of Lesbos (Kara Tepe II camp).
This project is aligned with the values of the Basque Social Pact for Migration (30/11/2019) - dignity, solidarity and universality - and contributes directly to improving the living conditions of refugees, reinforcing the ethical commitment of the Basque Government.
€120,000 to improve localisation of humanitarian aid in the Sahel (Africa)
The Cabinet also approved a grant of €120,000 to improve local leadership in the design and management of humanitarian aid in the Sahel (Africa).
eLankidetza will support the Basque Cooperation Assembly for Peace / Bakerako Lankidetza Batzarrea (ACCPP/BLB) and the Association for Aid to Vulnerable Populations (DIKO) in Niger. This project is part of eLankidetza's Humanitarian Action Strategy’s localisation commitment.
Through this grant, the capacities of local and national stakeholders in terms of funding and advocacy will be strengthened and the ISLAH platform will be consolidated, bringing its voice to the spaces for debate on humanitarian crises in the region, promoted by international networks.
Renewal of the collaboration agreement with the Basque Union of Speleologists
Finally, the Cabinet approved the renewal of the collaboration agreement with the Basque Union of Speleologists in the field of emergencies and civil protection in situations of serious risk, catastrophe or public calamity.
The agreement will see the implementation of an extensive programme of activities undertaken by this entity in accordance with the priorities and criteria of the Department of Security's Directorate of Emergency Response and Meteorology. Activities include the mobilisation of resources, the design of training programmes for members of the partnership and the organisation of exercises and drills.
The term of this agreement shall be four years from the date of signing.
