The Gozo Confederation for Agriculture and Fisheries (GCAF) welcomes the European Commission’s approval of a €700,000 Maltese State aid scheme to support fishing companies affected by increased fuel prices.
Announced on 13 August 2026, the measure is intended to assist companies active in the primary production of fishery products at a time when higher fuel costs are placing additional pressure on the sector.
Under the scheme, eligible operators may receive direct grants covering 70% of the additional fuel costs incurred during the eligible period. The support relates to fuel purchased between 1 March and 31 December 2026, with the additional cost calculated against a pre-crisis reference price.
Supporting Gozo’s Fishing Community
For Gozo’s fishing community, measures addressing rising operating costs are particularly relevant. Small-scale fishers operate within a sector where fuel, vessel maintenance, equipment and other operating expenses can have a significant impact on the viability of individual fishing operations.
GCAF therefore welcomes measures that can provide relief from exceptional cost increases and help safeguard the continuity of Malta and Gozo’s fishing activity.
At the same time, short-term assistance should be complemented by a longer-term approach to strengthening the resilience of the sector. This should include continued investment in efficiency and modernisation, better opportunities for the marketing of locally caught fish, support for younger fishers entering the sector and recognition of the particular challenges faced by operators working from Gozo.
A viable fishing sector is important not only for livelihoods but also for Gozo’s food supply, coastal communities, maritime traditions and local economy.
GCAF will continue to follow developments concerning the implementation of the scheme and other measures affecting Gozo’s fishing community.
Further Information
The full announcement and details of the State aid measure are available from the European Commission – Oceans and Fisheries:
European Commission: Maltese State aid for fishing companies facing increased fuel prices
Source: European Commission, 13 August 2026.