The EU and Côte d'Ivoire signed today a protocol to enhance food security and a stable supply of seafood products for European markets. At the same time, the protocol will foster development of a sustainable fisheries sector in Côte d'Ivoire.
The protocol will grant EU vessels access to Côte d'Ivoire's waters for a period of four years, with a quota of 6 100 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year.
The EU will help Côte d'Ivoire improve its fishing industry by fighting against illegal fishing and monitoring fisheries more closely. The EU will provide €2.960 million in funding, with €435,000 specifically for sustainable fishing in Côte d'Ivoire.
The agreement also aims to improve labour conditions on fishing vessels and promote compliance with international fishing standards.
The EU-Côte d'Ivoire fisheries partnership agreement, established on 1 July 2007 and renewed tacitly every six years, requires an implementing protocol to define fishing rights and financial obligations. Today's protocol will restart their cooperation under the fisheries partnership agreement, which had been suspended for almost a year.
The new protocol will be applied provisionally from June 6, 2025, pending ratification by both parties, including European Parliament approval.
You can find more information on the renewed sustainable fisheries partnership online.
