opinion parliamentary committee draft, 8 November 2024
On the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde
Document DEVE-PA-765301 · (11267/2024 – C100087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE))
Committee on Development · Rapporteur: Rosa Estaràs Ferragut
AI:In short
This draft opinion concerns the approval of a new Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Cabo Verde, covering 2024-2029. It allows EU vessels to fish for tuna in Cabo Verde's waters and supports sustainable fisheries development. The rapporteur recommends approval, noting the Protocol's benefits for both parties and increased sectoral support.
Position. The rapporteur proposes that the Protocol be approved, as it promotes responsible and sustainable exploitation and is in the interest of both Parties.
Key points
- The Protocol covers five years, allowing Union vessels to fish for tuna and associated species in Cabo Verde's fishing zone, in line with ICCAT measures.
- The EU's financial contribution is EUR 780 000 per year: EUR 350 000 for access and EUR 430 000 for sectoral policy development, an increase in sectoral support.
- Cabo Verde's economy relies heavily on fisheries, which is crucial for food security and employment, but faces threats from overfishing, illegal fishing, and climate change.
- Women play a vital role in the fisheries sector but face marginalisation due to social norms and institutional barriers.
- The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on Fisheries to recommend approval of the draft Council decision.
Who is affected
- EU fishing vessels: gain access to Cabo Verde's waters for tuna fishing under the Protocol.
- Cabo Verde: receives financial support for fisheries policy development and sectoral support.
- Local communities in Cabo Verde: depend on fisheries for livelihoods and food security.
Figures and deadlines
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Full text
Short justification 7 paragraphs
The Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (FPA) entered into force on 30 March 2007 for a period of 5 years, being tacitly renewable. A previous 5-year Protocol to the FPA entered into force on 20 May 2019 and expired on 19 May 2024.
With a view to adopt a new Protocol to the FPA, the European Commission conducted negotiations with the Republic of Cabo Verde. Following these negotiations, a new Protocol was initialled on 15 April 2024. This new Protocol covers a period of five years, allowing Union vessels to access Cabo Verde’s fishing zone and to fish for tuna and associated species there, in compliance with the measures adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The aim is also to enhance cooperation between the EU and Cabo Verde, thereby creating a partnership framework within which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and the responsible exploitation of fishery resources in Cabo Verde’s waters, in the interest of both Parties.
The EU’s financial contribution allocated to the Protocol is EUR 780 000 per year. This total is broken down into an annual amount of EUR 350 000 for access to fishery resources and another EUR 430 000 for the development of Cabo Verde’s sectoral fisheries policy, which represents an increase for sectoral support in comparison with the previous protocol.
Cabo Verde’s economy heavily relies on fisheries, which plays a crucial role in food security and employment for local communities. Artisanal fishing is vital for the livelihoods of many coastal communities. However, commercial fishing operations are also prominent targeting high-value species like tuna, which can affect local resources. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal fishing and climate change pose significant threats to fish stocks, marine ecosystems, and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on fishing. Furthermore, while women play a vital role in the fisheries sector of Cabo Verde, social norms and institutional barriers reinforce their marginalisation especially in rural areas. Overall, fisheries in Cabo Verde are a vital part of the economy and culture, and, therefore, there is a pressing need for sustainable management to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Your rapporteur takes the view that the Protocol promotes the responsible and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources and the development of the national fisheries policy in Cabo Verde and is in the interest of both Parties. For this reason, your rapporteur is proposing that the protocol be approved.
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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 European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (2024-2029).