EU and Côte d’Ivoire Fisheries Partnership Agreement
- Common Fisheries Policy
- Trade
Summary
The European Commission has proposed a new Implementing Protocol (2025–2029) to the current Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Côte d’Ivoire, with fishing opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire’s waters for 32 EU vessels.
EU and Côte d’Ivoire Fisheries Partnership Agreement – allocation of fishing opportunities
Proposal for a Council Regulation on the allocation of fishing opportunities under the Protocol (2025–2029) on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the European Community
Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2025–2029) on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the European Community
Update
The European Commission has proposed a new Implementing Protocol (2025–2029) to the current Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Côte d’Ivoire, with fishing opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire’s waters for 32 EU vessels.
Impacted Products
Tuna and other highly migratory fish
What is changing?
The European Commission has negotiated a new Implementing Protocol (2025–2029) to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the EU and Côte d’Ivoire. The new Protocol will provide fishing opportunities for EU fleets, and the EU will provide Côte d’Ivoire a yearly financial contribution of €740,000. This consists of annual fishing access to Côte d’Ivoire’s waters at €305,000 (based on a reference tonnage of 6,100 tonnes), plus support for development of Côte d’Ivoire’s sectoral fisheries policy at €435,000 per year (see Proposal for a Council Decision).
The new Protocol will allow fishing opportunities for:
- 25 tuna seiners (France 11, Spain 14)
- 7 surface longliners (Portugal 2, Spain 5).
Why?
The previous 6-year implementing protocol to the FPA expired on 31 July 2024.
Timeline
The new Protocol will cover a period of 4 years from the date of signature.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
The new protocol to the FPA with Côte d’Ivoire is in line with the objectives of the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and Côte d’Ivoire aimed at promoting trade in goods between the two Parties.
Abidjan, a major regional fish landing port at almost 900,000 tonnes per year, is the preferred processing location for the EU tuna fleet in the Atlantic. As a Port State, Côte d’Ivoire must be able to implement international standards for inspection of vessels that use its port. Côte d’Ivoire has significant responsibility in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and needs to secure more than €600 million over 5 years for sustainable development of the sector (Evaluation). (See Regulation on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing – explained.)
Background
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) ensure consistency between the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy and other European policies, better governance of fisheries, combating IUU fishing, integration of partner countries into the global economy, and sustainable use of partner country resources. See Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements explained.
The current Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Union and Côte d’Ivoire was signed on 1 July 2007. It is part of the network of SFPAs available to EU operators in in West and Central Africa. The FPA provides fishing opportunities for EU vessels from Spain, France, and Portugal, targeting tuna and other highly migratory species.
Resources
Online resources from the European Commission
- Evaluation Accompanying the document Recommendation for a Council Decision authorising the opening of negotiations on behalf of the European Union for a new Implementing Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
- Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (2018-2024)
- Recommendation for a Council Decision authorising the opening of negotiations on behalf of the European Union for a new implementing protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
Regulation 1380/2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy
Sources
Proposal for a Council Regulation on the allocation of fishing opportunities under the Protocol (2025–2029) on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the European Community
Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2025–2029) on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the European Community
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.
EU and Côte d’Ivoire Fisheries Partnership Agreement – allocation of fishing opportunities
Proposal for a Council Regulation on the allocation of fishing opportunities under the Protocol (2025–2029) on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the European Community
Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2025–2029) on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the European Community
What is changing and why?
The European Commission has negotiated a new Implementing Protocol (2025–2029) to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Côte d’Ivoire.
The new Protocol will provide fishing opportunities for 32 tuna fishing vessels from France, Portugal, and Spain, and the EU will provide Côte d’Ivoire a yearly financial contribution of €740,000 for access to the country’s fishing waters and to support its sectoral fisheries policy.
Timeline
The new Protocol will cover a period of 4 years from the date of signature.
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.