Changes from plenary report to adopted text

RemovedEXPLANATORY STATEMENT

RemovedGeneral circumstances in Côte d’Ivoire

RemovedCôte d’Ivoire is an economically significant country in West Africa with a population of approximately 29 million. Despite periods of political instability, the country has experienced robust economic growth driven largely by agricultural exports. The fisheries sector, particularly in the port city of Abidjan, is vital for employment and nutritional security, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing substantially to the GDP of the country.

RemovedHowever, Côte d’Ivoire faces considerable challenges, including unsustainable fishing practices and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, notably by foreign vessels operating under flags of convenience. The previous EU–Côte d’Ivoire SFPA agreement highlighted critical issues: under-utilization of fishing licenses, inadequate oversight, in some cases poor working conditions for local crews and administrative delays in sectoral support implementation. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding non-compliance with minimum wage standards for local crew members.

RemovedThe new SFPA Protocol 2025-2029

RemovedThe Protocol allocates an annual EU contribution of €740,000, comprising €305,000 for access rights and €435,000 for sectoral support. Additionally, operators will pay €80 per tonne of catch in the first two years, increasing to €85 per tonne in the final two years. The Protocol authorizes 25 tuna purse seiners and 7 surface longliners to fish within Côte d’Ivoire’s Exclusive Economic Zone, with an annual reference catch limit of 6,100 tonnes of tuna.

RemovedThis Protocol aims at sustainability, ensuring responsible exploitation of tuna stocks in accordance with ICCAT regulations and regional fisheries management obligations.

RemovedBenefits to EU Fishers and Food Security

RemovedFrom the perspective of the EU, this agreement presents a strategically significant opportunity. It secures continued access to fishing areas for the EU fleet, predominantly benefiting Spanish, Portuguese and French operators. These fishing opportunities directly support the EU seafood supply chain, ensuring stability and continuity, which reinforces European food security.

RemovedFrom an economical point of view, this renewed Protocol signifies a balanced and mutually advantageous relationship fostering economic resilience both in Côte d’Ivoire and within the EU fishing sector. According to the European Commission, each euro from the EU budget invested in this agreement generates an added value of 7.56 euro.

RemovedCooperation and EU Interests

RemovedOut of the €740,000 provided annually under the agreement, €435,000 is allocated as sectoral support, specifically earmarked for the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s fisheries infrastructure, governance capacities and scientific expertise. The sectoral support also targets improvements in scientific knowledge, management measures for small-scale fishing and aquaculture and community support through training.

RemovedDecisions on the precise allocation of these funds will be approved by a Joint Committee, ensuring transparency and alignment with strategic objectives. A portion of the funds is specifically dedicated to addressing IUU fishing, which contributes to establishing a level playing field for the EU fishers. Moreover, the Protocol promises job creation and improved economic opportunities for local communities through better fisheries management and enhanced infrastructure.