EU/Greenland/Denmark Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and Implementation Protocol

The European Parliament adopted by 624 votes to 12, with 56 abstentions, a 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 on the one hand, and the Government of Greenland and the Government of Denmark, on the other hand and the Implementation Protocol thereto.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the agreement and the protocol.

The new agreement repeals and replaces the existing agreement, which entered into force on 28 June 2007. It covers a period of six years (2021-2026) from the date of its provisional application and is renewable by tacit agreement. The new protocol covers a period of four years (2021-2024) from the date of its provisional application and can be extended for two years.

The new agreement and its implementing protocol aim to achieve the priorities of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy and its external dimension, with a view to continuing and strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Governments of

Greenland and Denmark in the field of fisheries.

The purpose of the Protocol is to provide fishing opportunities to EU vessels in Greenland waters in accordance with best available scientific advice and the recommendations of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) and of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC). The aim is also to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and Greenland, thereby creating a partnership framework within which to develop the Greenlandic fisheries sector fisheries policy and to promote sound exploitation of fishery resources in Greenlandic waters, in the interests of both parties.

The species covered by the new Protocol are Cod, Pelagic Redfish, Demersal Redfish, Greenland Halibut, Northern Prawn, Grenadier, Capelin and Mackerel.

The new Protocol provides fishing opportunities for 12 vessels. In return, the EU budget will allocate an annual financial compensation to Greenland of EUR 16 521 754, of which EUR 2 931 000 is earmarked to support the Greenland Fisheries Policy.