Ljubljana - The government has sent the European Commission the programme for the implementation of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund in Slovenia for the 2021-2027 period, the Agriculture, Forestry and Food Ministry announced on Friday, noting that EUR 24 million of EU funds had been earmarked for its implementation.

The ministry said on the occasion that the programme was an ambitious document for the sustainable development of marine commercial fishing, aquaculture and processing of products from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

"It will enable the green transition of the sectors, better adaptation to climate change and reduction of environmental impact, and contribute to the key objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy, 2030 Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and other strategic documents," it added.

The priorities of the programme include the promotion of sustainable fisheries and the conservation of aquatic biological resources, and the promotion of sustainable aquaculture activities and the processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products.

The other priorities are enabling the growth of a sustainable blue economy and the promotion of the development of fishing and aquaculture communities in coastal and inland areas, strengthening international ocean governance and enabling safe, protected, clean and sustainably managed seas and oceans.

The programme has been drafted by the Food and Fisheries Directorate in cooperation with external partners and representatives of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The process started in 2019.

The ministry added that formal negotiations with the European Commission would now follow, adding that the document was expected to be adopted in November.