EC–São Tomé and Príncipe Fisheries Partnership Agreement (2025–2029): Implementing Protocol

The European Parliament adopted by 545 votes to 89, with 15 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 Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Community (2025–2029).

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the protocol.

The Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Community entered into force on 29 August 2011 and has been tacitly renewed ever since. The previous five-year FPA implementation protocol entered into force on 19 December 2019 and expired on 18 December 2024.

Based on Council Decision of 10 September 2024 authorising the opening of negotiations on behalf of the European Union on a new implementing protocol to the FPA with São Tomé and Príncipe, the Commission conducted negotiations with the government of São Tomé and Príncipe, which led to the new Protocol 2025-2029.

The new protocol was initialled by the negotiators on 9 Apri 2025 and signed by the parties on 6 October 2025. It covers a period of four years from the date of its provisional application, namely the date of its signature by the parties (6 October 2025).

Fishing opportunities

The new Protocol provides fishing opportunities for Union vessels in São Tomé and Príncipe waters, based on best scientific advice and following the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). It aims to provide un updated framework, notably by taking into account the priorities of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and international standards.

The new Protocol allows European vessels to fish around 6 500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year in the waters of São Tomé and Príncipe, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of ICCAT and within the limits set by the legislation of São Tomé and Príncipe. The Protocol provides fishing opportunities for 26 tuna seiners (15 for Spain, 11 for France) and 9 surface longliners (7 for Spain and 2 for Portugal).

Financial contribution

The EU’s annual financial contribution amounts to EUR 825 000, which includes EUR 325 000 for access to fisheries resources (corresponding to a reference tonnage of 6 500 tonnes per year for highly migratory species) and EUR 500 000 to strengthen São Tomé and Príncipe’s capacity in terms of sustainable fisheries management, control and surveillance, as well as support for small-scale fishing and local communities.