On the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Democratic… Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Community (2025–2029)

A first fisheries agreement between the European Union and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe became operative in 1985. The latest Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the EU and São Tomé and Príncipe entered into force on 29 August 2011 and is tacitly renewable for additional four-year periods. It remains in force but requires a Protocol for implementation, the previous one having expired on 18 December 2024.

The European Commission negotiated a new Protocol with the government of São Tomé and Príncipe, concluded on 9 April 2025 with the initialling of the agreement. The Protocol was formally signed on 6 October 2025 and extends over a four-year period from the date of signature, covering the period 2025–2029. The implementing Protocol sets conditions for EU fishing activities and contributions to the sustainable development of São Tomé and Príncipe's fisheries sector.

The World Bank classifies São Tomé and Príncipe as a lower-middle-income country, and the country ranks 141st out of 193 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI). With 15.7% of its population living below the international poverty line, São Tomé and Príncipe graduated from the United Nations’ Least Developed Country (LDC) category in December 2024.

The fisheries sector is central to São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy and a vital source of livelihood for coastal communities, employing an estimated 4 300 fishers and 2 300 fish traders, and provides employment for an estimated 2800 female fish mongers (out of a total population of 240 000). With aquatic foods providing more than half of the population’s protein intake, fish plays a crucial role in national food security. The country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers around 160 000 km², roughly 160 times the size of its land area, and its potential annual catch capacity is estimated at about 30 000 tons.

The FPA, together with the Protocol, grants fishing opportunities to EU vessels from Spain, Portugal and France in São Tomé and Príncipe’s EEZ within the limits of the available surplus and in exchange for financial compensation. The provisions of the new Protocol are supposed to reinforce ocean governance and ensure better working conditions for fishers employed on EU vessels. The EU and São Tomé and Príncipe agreed to cooperate on the sustainability of fish stocks by increasing scientific knowledge and boosting capacity of local administrations to manage fisheries resources.

The Protocol regulates vessel licensing and fees and compliance with national and international obligations, setting conditions for EU vessels’ fishing activities in the EEZ. It also includes a commitment to respect the working conditions established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), as well as by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Additionally, the Protocol aims to enhance the sustainable management of fishery resources and the sustainable development of the sector. To this end, a sector support programme is established, focusing on (a) capacity support for monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities, with measures aimed at deterring and sanctioning infringements relating to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; (b) scientific assessment of the fishery resources of São Tomé and Príncipe and management measures based on scientific advice; and (c) support for improving the value chains for fishery products, including by supporting fishing communities, in particular through support for employment and vocational training, with a particular focus on women and young people.

With a total financial commitment of EUR 3.3 million over four years (EUR 825 000 annually) and a cap of 35 EU fishing vessels, the Agreement is modest in scale compared to others, such as the EU–Mauritania Agreement, which exceeds EUR 60 million per year. EUR 500 000 per year is allocated to support the implementation of São Tomé and Príncipe’s sectoral fisheries policy, while EUR 325 000 is paid annually for access, corresponding to a reference tonnage of 6 500 tonnes per year. EU vessel operators also pay fees, including a minimum annual fee per vessel and EUR 85 per tonne caught.

For the EU, the renewed fisheries cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe is important given the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone, and its location in highly productive tuna migration corridors. For São Tomé and Príncipe, the Protocol reinforces a shared commitment to sustainable ocean governance, and provides resources to strengthen fisheries management, to improve monitoring and surveillance capacities, and to contribute to the development of artisanal fisheries and coastal communities.

For these reasons, the rapporteur recommends that the European Parliament gives its consent to the new Protocol. It is well-balanced, aligns with EU Member States’ priorities, promotes responsible and sustainable fisheries resource exploitation, and supports São Tomé and Príncipe’s national fisheries policy. The ex-post evaluation of the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement for the period 2019–2024 shows that the Protocol has generally achieved its main objectives, and the ex-ante evaluation of the new Protocol confirms benefits for both parties.

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The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on Fisheries, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Community (2025–2029).