The “Women in the Blue Economy” call for proposals is now open

Today the European Commission has launched the “Women in the Blue Economy” call for proposals under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). With a EUR 2.5 million budget, the call will help increase the participation of women in the different sectors of the blue economy, such as fisheries, aquaculture, shipbuilding, maritime transport, offshore renewable energy, blue bioeconomy, as well as inland and offshore aquaculture. Up to 2 projects are expected to be funded, with an exceptional co-funding of 90%.

The objective is to overcome the existing constraints in all aspects of the maritime sector, in particular recruitment, training, capacity-building, technical cooperation and promotions, so that every person can fully and safely participate in the activities of the sustainable blue economy.

The actions funded under this call will help sustainable blue economy sectors to embrace a deep and structural change to facilitate the inclusion of women in the wider maritime economy, thus contributing to a more gender equal society as a whole.

How to apply?

Applicants have to submit their proposal electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System.

When to apply?

Applicants can submit their proposals until 22 September 2022 at 17h00 CEST.

Background

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) supports the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and of the Union's maritime policy along four priorities:

• Fostering sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine biological resources;
• Contributing to food security in the Union through competitive and sustainable aquaculture and markets;
• Enabling the growth of a sustainable blue economy and fostering prosperous coastal communities;
• Strengthening international ocean governance and enabling safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed seas and oceans.

For the period 2021-2027, it has an overall budget of € 6.108 billion to promote a growth and job based recovery in Europe. The budget is divided between shared (e.g. managed by Member States) and direct management (managed by the European Commission, agencies and international organisations).

The majority of the EMFAF actions in direct management delegated to CINEA are targeted at supporting policy development by the European Commission and implemented by way of procurement (purchase of services) and grants (contribution to specific actions).

For more information

• Call's webpage
• EMFAF webpage
• CINEA organises a session on Women in the Blue Economy on 20 May at 10h00 am (CEST) at the European Maritime Day. The event can be followed online.
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