Fisheries structural policy in the European Union: A critical analysis of a subsidised sector

Policies based on grants to specific economic sectors, such as the fisheries sector have become widespread over the last fifty years. Despite their long history, there is no consensus regarding their scope or effects. In recent years, European economic policy has been subject to substantial change, not only regarding the level of funding but also concerning support mechanisms for Member States in the form of grants. imary objective of this article is to conduct a critical analysis of the impact of EU policies on fisheries subsidies. To this end, it was necessary to analyse the evolution of these subsidies over the period 1994–2012. The article highlights aid for modernising fishing vessels and reducing fishing efforts by scrapping vessels.