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REPORT (12475/2024 – C100108/2024 – 2024/0159M(NLE))

Containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Implementing Protocol (2024–2029) to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau

A-10-2025-0040

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Eric Sargiacomo

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

The resolution accompanies Parliament's consent to the EU-Guinea-Bissau fisheries agreement protocol for 2024-2029, setting out recommendations for its implementation. It calls for sustainable fisheries, more local benefits, transparency, and better data, and urges action against illegal fishing and overexploitation.

Committee position. The rapporteur recommends that Parliament approve the conclusion of the agreement and protocol, while adopting a non-legislative resolution with recommendations.

Key points

  1. Notes the agreement's importance and calls for more ambitious implementation to support local fisheries and food security.
  2. Welcomes the social provision and calls for effective monitoring of equal working conditions for seafarers.
  3. Calls for better cooperation in ocean governance and for facilitating exports of sustainably processed fishery products.
  4. Calls for infrastructure development and market access for local and artisanal fisheries, and for involving local stakeholders.
  5. Supports the precautionary 0 GRT for small-pelagic trawlers and calls for monitoring of non-discrimination and third-country fleets.
  6. Calls for transparency on vessel ownership and for member states to sanction nationals involved in illegal fishing.
  7. Urges increased landings in Guinea-Bissau, noting only 3% of catches are landed locally, and calls for at least 2% landings.
  8. Calls for electronic catch reporting and data processing to be implemented effectively.
  9. Lists priority uses for sectoral support, including capacity building, infrastructure, training, and support for women and small-scale fishers.
  10. Calls for transparency on sectoral support funds and for coordination with other EU development funds.
  11. Expresses concern about fishmeal plants and calls for regional management of small pelagics.
  12. Calls for lifting the ban on Guinea-Bissau fishery exports by improving sanitary conditions and laboratory certification.

Who is affected

  • EU fishing fleets operating in Guinea-Bissau waters, subject to fishing opportunities and reporting requirements.
  • Guinea-Bissau authorities, expected to improve transparency, data, and infrastructure, and to involve local communities.
  • Local artisanal fishers and coastal communities, targeted for support and participation.
  • Women in the fisheries sector, to receive training and support.

Figures and deadlines

  • 3,700 GRT for shrimp freezer trawlers, 3,500 GRT for fin-fish and cephalopod trawlers, 0 GRT for small-pelagic trawlers.
  • 28 tuna freezer seiners and longliners and 13 pole-and-line tuna vessels.
  • Financial contribution increased from EUR 11 600 000 to EUR 12 500 000 per year for access, and from EUR 4 000 000 to EUR 4 500 000 for sectoral support.
  • 97% of catches are landed outside the country.
  • Only 3% of catches by foreign vessels are landed in Guinea-Bissau.
  • 94 tonnes landed in 2022.
  • EU contribution estimated at €85 million over 5 years, with €17 million per year.

Legal basis: Article 43(2) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a) (v), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.