The European Union and Guinea-Bissau have officially signed the new five-year protocol implementing the fisheries partnership agreement, announced the European Commission on Wednesday 18 September.
This new protocol will allow EU vessels (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and France) to fish in Guinea-Bissau waters for tuna as well as cephalopods, shrimps and demersal species (see EUROPE 13449/5).
The EU’s contribution to this new protocol is estimated at €85 million over five years, or €17 million a year, including €4.5 million for sustainable fisheries management in Guinea-Bissau. Taking into account the fees paid by EU operators, the total financial envelope is estimated at over €100 million over the 5-year period.
The new protocol will apply provisionally (resumption of activities by EU vessels) from 18 September 2024 and will enter into force as soon as the ratification process by both parties has been completed, which for the EU implies approval of the texts by the European Parliament (after the green light from the EU Council) (see EUROPE 13480/26).
Further details: https://aeur.eu/f/dhj (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)