Local development in EU coastal and fisheries areas is entering a new and exciting period. The implementation of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) present new challenges and new opportunities for coastal and fisheries communities. Greater coordination between the European Structural and Investment (ESI) funds also offers the possibility to combine different funds and to increase the impact of EU funding at local level. Local initiative is essential to ensuring that the projects supported by EU funds are tailored to local needs. By mobilising new ideas, thinking and resources, communities can open up new development pathways and play a decisive role in shaping their own future. Local should not mean marginal and isolated, however.