On Monday 6 October, São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Commission signed the new protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement for the period 2025-2029.
The Council of the EU formally adopted the texts of the agreement on 29 September (see EUROPE 13682/14).
This protocol will allow European vessels to fish around 6,500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year in the waters of São Tomé and Príncipe.
The EU’s financial contribution amounts to €3.3 million over four years, or €825,000 per year. Of this amount, €500,000 will be devoted each year to strengthening São Tomé and Príncipe’s capacity in terms of sustainable fisheries management, control and surveillance, as well as support for small-scale fishing and local communities. In addition to this contribution, European shipowners will pay São Tomé and Príncipe a fee of €85 per tonne of fish caught for operating in its waters.
The new protocol has applied provisionally since Monday 6 October and will enter into force once ratification has been completed by both parties. On the European side, this requires the approval of the European Parliament. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)