04/09/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday, 4 September, the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries recommended that MEPs approve concluding the new fisheries protocol with Côte d’Ivoire during the plenary session (see EUROPE 13656/9). This protocol authorises Spanish, French, and Portuguese vessels to catch up to 6,100 tonnes of tuna per year in Ivorian waters for four years (2025–2029). In return, the EU will pay €740,000 per year, including €435,000 to support the sustainable development of local fisheries and strengthen the fight against illegal fishing. The agreement also requires that international labour standards be respected on board European vessels. The text still has to be approved by the European Parliament during an upcoming plenary session. The draft report on this issue by Ton Diepeveen (PfE, Dutch) was adopted in committee in the European Parliament with 23 votes in favour, one against, and one abstention. (LC)