EU/Cook Islands Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and implementation Protocol

The European Parliament adopted by 578 votes to 95, with 16 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands and the Implementation Protocol thereto.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

It was recalled that, at present, there are no EU vessels fishing in Cook Islands waters. Concluding a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement is a strategic choice for the EU and the Cook Islands that will provide fishing opportunities for vessels flying the flags of Member States, theoretically on the basis of the best scientific advice available, subject to compliance with the conservation and management measures laid down by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) within the limits of the available surplus.

Therefore, Parliament considered that the Agreement and its Protocol should be adopted given their importance both to the Cook Islands and to the EU fleets operating in their waters. It also stressed that it should be kept fully informed, at every stage, without delay about procedures related to the Protocol or its renewal.