Changes from plenary report to adopted text

RemovedEXPLANATORY STATEMENT

RemovedIntroduction

RemovedThe Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is an island country in the Gulf of Guinea/ West Africa. With a population of about 200.000, it is one of the smallest countries in Africa.

RemovedFishing is the main activity and source of income for coastal communities in São Tomé and Príncipe. Santomean fishing is essentially small-scale. Industrial fishing in the Santomean exclusive economic zone (EEZ) takes place by EU and non-EU tuna vessels. The Santomean fishing zone is an attractive zone as it is on the route of migration of highly migratory species from the Atlantic. A total of 37 tuna vessels have taken out fishing licences on average per year over the period 2020 - 2023, 25 of which fly the flag of an EU Member State.

RemovedThe fisheries sector in São Tomé and Príncipe faces challenges in governance, resource management, and sectoral support utilisation under the FPA with the European Union. For example, there are problems regarding compliance and reporting obligations under ICCAT or regarding the employment of São Toméan seamen and observers on EU vessels. Economic benefits are limited for São Tomé and Príncipe since the EU fleet relies on ports in neighbouring countries for landing and processing catches.

RemovedThe new Protocol

RemovedThe Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Community entered into force on 29 August 2011 and has since been tacitly renewed.

RemovedThe previous five-year Protocol on the implementation of the FPA started to apply on 19 December 2019 and expired on 18 December 2024.

RemovedBased on Council Decision of 10 September 2024 authorising the opening of negotiations on behalf of the European Union on a new implementing protocol to the FPA with São Tomé and Príncipe, the Commission conducted negotiations with the government of São Tomé and Príncipe, which led to the new Protocol 2025-2029.

RemovedThe new Protocol was initialled by the negotiators on 9 April 2025 and signed by the parties on 6 October 2025.

RemovedThe new Protocol covers a period of four years from the date of its provisional application, i.e. the date on which it was signed by the parties (6 October 2025).

RemovedThe Protocol will enter into force once ratification will have been completed by both parties.

RemovedOn the European side, this requires the consent of the European Parliament.

RemovedThe new Protocol provides fishing opportunities for Union vessels in São Tomé and Príncipe waters, based on best scientific advice and following the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). This Protocol aims at providing un updated framework, notably by taking into account the priorities of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and international standards.

RemovedFishing opportunities

RemovedThe new Protocol allows European vessels to fish around 6,500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year in the waters of São Tomé and Príncipe, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of ICCAT and within the limits set by the legislation of São Tomé and Príncipe.

RemovedThe Protocol provides fishing opportunities for 26 tuna seiners (15 for Spain, 11 for France) and 9 surface longliners (7 for Spain and 2 for Portugal).

RemovedFinancial contribution

RemovedThe EU’s annual financial contribution amounts to €825,000, which includes €325,000 for access to fisheries resources (corresponding to a reference tonnage of 6,500 tonnes per year for highly migratory species) and €500,000 to strengthen 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.

RemovedConclusion

RemovedThe new Protocol enhances cooperation between the EU and São Tomé and Príncipe, and it promotes the development of sustainable fisheries policy.

RemovedFrom the perspective of the EU, the new Protocol secures continued access to fishing areas for the EU fleet, as the current Agreement contains a clause excluding fishing activity not taking place in the framework defined by a protocol, predominantly benefiting Spanish, French and Portuguese operators.

RemovedFrom the perspective of São Tomé and Príncipe, the sectoral support available will help the country in the context of its national fisheries strategy, including the fight against IUU fishing, while promoting decent working conditions for fishing activities.

RemovedIt follows that this Protocol is in the interest of both Parties.