EU–Cook Islands Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (2025-2032): Implementing Protocol

The European Parliament adopted by 476 votes to 101, with 74 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 Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands (2025-2032).

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the protocol.

The new protocol was negotiated to implement the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Union and the Cook Islands, which has been in force since 10 May 2017. It covers a period of seven years and aims to update the cooperation framework between the Union and the Cook Islands, taking into account the priorities of the Common Fisheries Policy as well as the priorities of the Cook Islands.

The existence of this implementation protocol will also strengthen the strategic partnership that the Union maintains with the Cook Islands and will promote the adoption of a sustainable fisheries policy and the responsible exploitation of fisheries resources in the waters of the Cook Islands.

Fishing opportunities

The protocol provides fishing opportunities for four tuna purse seiners and 40 fishing days per year in the Cook Islands fishing zone. The protocol and access to these fishing opportunities in the Cook Islands fishing area are important for Union vessels operating in this zone. The number of fishing days has been reduced compared to the previous protocol to better reflect the utilisation rate under that protocol.

Financial contribution

The new protocol provides for the payment to the Cook Islands of an annual financial contribution of EUR 460 000, of which EUR 165 000 is for access to fisheries resources and EUR 295 000 is to support the development of the Cook Islands' sectoral fisheries policy.

The sectoral support provided by the new protocol will contribute to the implementation of the Cook Islands' fisheries policy and the development of their national fishing sector and economy by fostering growth related to fishing-related economic activities and infrastructure, and by ensuring decent working conditions. It will also contribute to the Cook Islands' global fisheries plan, their efforts to monitor and combat illegal fishing, and support the country's small-scale fishing sector.