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

Council Decision (EU) 2026/1544 approves, on behalf of the European Union, the Protocol implementing the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands for 2025–2032. The Protocol enables Union vessels to fish in the Cook Islands fishing zone and supports cooperation on sustainable fisheries policy, responsible use of fishery resources in the Cook Islands and the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, and decent working conditions in the fishing sector.

The Decision was adopted following the European Parliament’s consent of 20 May 2026. It confirms the conclusion of the Protocol, which was signed on 9 December 2025 subject to its conclusion at a later date.

Amendments to the Protocol

The Decision authorises the European Commission to negotiate and, where appropriate, approve on the Union’s behalf certain amendments adopted by the Joint Committee established under the Fisheries Partnership Agreement. This simplified procedure applies to amendments concerning:

• fishing opportunities and the related financial contribution;
• arrangements for sectoral support;
• technical conditions and arrangements governing fishing activities by Union vessels; and
• additional safeguards for personal data protection.

The Commission must ensure that amendments are consistent with the objectives of the common fisheries policy, compatible with relevant rules of regional fisheries management organisations, take account of joint management by coastal States, and reflect the latest relevant statistical, biological and other information.

Union position and Council oversight

Before a Joint Committee meeting, the Commission must submit a detailed proposed Union position to the Council or its preparatory bodies. The position is deemed approved unless Member States representing a blocking minority object during a preparatory-body meeting or within 20 days of receiving the proposal, whichever occurs first. If an objection is made, the matter is referred to the Council.

Where no agreement can be reached in later Joint Committee meetings, the matter must be returned to the Council so that the Union position can take account of new elements. Questions in the Joint Committee that do not concern amendments to the Protocol remain subject to the Treaties and established working practices.

The related budgetary commitments may be divided into annual instalments over the Protocol’s duration, as it covers more than one financial year.

The Decision entered into force on 17 November 2025. The date of entry into force of the Protocol itself is to be published separately in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This summary was AI-generated and human-reviewed