EC/Kiribati Fisheries Partnership Agreement (2023-2028). Implementation Protocol

The European Parliament adopted by 536 votes to 36, with 40 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and the Republic of Kiribati, on the other.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the protocol.

The Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Republic of Kiribati, on the other, was signed on 28 April 2008, and entered into force on 30 April 2008 for a duration of six years. The first Protocol on the implementation of the FPA expired on 15 September 2012. The second Protocol expired on 15 September 2015.

On 26 January 2015, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations for a new Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Kiribati. Negotiations started in 2015 but were interrupted by the IUU yellow-carding process and the pandemic.

Following those negotiations, the new Protocol was signed by the negotiators on 18 December 2022. The new Protocol is in force for a period of five years from the date of its provisional application, i.e. the date of signature by both parties.

The aim of the new Protocol is to grant fishing opportunities to EU Member State vessels in the fishing areas within Kiribati waters in accordance with scientific advice and the recommendations of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

The new Protocol allows EU Member State vessels to fish tuna species in Kiribati waters and offers fishing opportunities to four tuna purse seiners, with access to Kiribati waters for 160 days per year. Additional days per year can be made available to EU Member State vessels on request.

The annual financial contribution from the Union is EUR 760 000, distributed as follows:

- an annual amount fixed at EUR 360 000 for the duration of the new Protocol to access fishery resources for the categories provided for in the Protocol;

- support for the development of Kiribati’s sectoral fisheries policy for an annual amount of EUR 400 000 for the duration of the new Protocol.

The Commission will be empowered to approve, on behalf of the EU, amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee established by the Partnership Agreement.