Turkish Cypriot fishers are currently facing a multitude of challenges that significantly impact their livelihoods. Economically, rising operational costs, fluctuating fish prices, and competition from imported farmed fish strain their profitability. The lack of investments in modern fleets and technology, along with outdated fishing gear and engines, further impairs their efficiency and productivity. The strong positioning of middlemen in the supply chain diminishes fishermen’s earnings, while inadequate storage facilities for fresh fish hinder the quality and saleability of their catch. The sector also lacks the necessary differentiation and quality assurance systems required to access higher-value EU markets.
To support the small-scale sustainable and competitive fisheries value chain, through eunite:AgriBusiness we are offering a grant scheme entitled “Fostering the Development of Sustainable and Competitive Fisheries”, designed and implemented with the scope of strengthening the fisheries value chain.
This scheme will be closely interlinked with the identified needs of fishermen and fisheries groups that will be determined in consultation with TAIEX experts involved in inspecting fishing vessels for Green Line trade as well as the TC fishing community.
The ultimate objectives of this grant scheme are:
To strengthen the small-scale fisheries value chain by supporting sustainable, competitive, and EU-compliant fishing practices that improve livelihoods and market opportunities for the Turkish Cypriot community.
Specific Objectives are:
- Support the modernisation of fishing fleets, gear, and fish handling and storage facilities in line with EU standards.
- Enhance market access and readiness for Green Line trade, including through value-added fisheries products.
- Complement advisory services, training, and knowledge exchange through AKIS and the enhanced FAS framework.
- Address the needs of fishermen through demand-driven support developed in consultation with the fishing community and TAIEX experts.
What does the support include?
- Budget: €0.8 million (approx. 50 beneficiaries)
- Grant limit: up to €15,000 (100% of eligible costs)
- Engine requests: in case beneficiary contribution is required, the contribution cannot exceed the grant amount.
Old engines replaced through the project must be scrapped, with evidence provided to confirm their disposal.
Eligible Support Packages
- Green Line Trade Standards: ice boxes, ice machines, power washers, thermometers, logbook tablets, maintenance tools and materials.
- Sustainability: fuel-efficient engines (≤100 Hp) or gearboxes, solar lighting/ice machines, turtle excluders, dolphin pingers.
- Modernization: eco-friendly nets & lines, fish finders, GPS/navigation gear, winches
Applicants can only select items from the pre-defined list of support. To achieve the maximum score under the grant scheme objectives, at least two items must be selected from each support package.
Who can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must be natural persons that:
- Category A or B fisher with a 2026 fishing license
- Fishers who participated in the eunite:AgriBusiness training
Who Cannot Apply? Ineligibility Criteria
- Middlemen
- Fishers who own fish shops
- Applicants with criminal records that could undermine integrity or legality of fisheries operations
- Bankrupt/insolvent persons
- Family members or relatives unless they have separate fishing licence.
- Individuals that have received funding towards the project from any other source.
- Public officers
Applications and evaluation
- Two stages: Administrative and Technical check → Award evaluation.
- Applicants can only submit one proposal per licensed vessel.
- Merit based on applicant profile & relevance to scheme objectives.
Timelines
Submission
Notification of evaluation results
Agreement signature
Project implementation period
Latest by March 31, 2026 17:00 Cyprus time
May 2026
From July 2026
12 months (after contract signature)
How to Apply?
- Applications will be received by the eunite team in hard-copy format during one-to-one appointments arranged for each applicant.
- Fishers wishing to apply under this grant scheme must be present for the appointment given by the eunite team.
- Applications can only be received with an appointment. Further information regarding the venues and available dates for appointments will be provided.
Information Sessions
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend these information sessions in order to gain a clear understanding of the application requirements.
Tentative Schedule for Information Sessions
