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DRAFT BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT (COM(2025)0370 – C100246/2025 – 2025/0202(NLE))

On the proposal for a 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)

BUDG-PA-778378

Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Bogdan Rzońca

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This draft opinion assesses the budgetary aspects of the proposed Council decision on the EU–São Tomé and Príncipe fisheries protocol (2025–2029). It notes the financial contribution and calls for scrutiny of spending, impact assessments, and clearer budget information.

Committee position. The Committee on Budgets advises the Committee on Fisheries to recommend approval of the proposed Council decision on the protocol.

Key points

  1. Notes the financial contribution of EUR 3 300 000 for the four-year protocol, with EUR 1 300 000 for fishing access and EUR 2 000 000 for sectoral support.
  2. Calls for thorough scrutiny to ensure support meets objectives of sustainable fisheries, responsible exploitation, and decent working conditions.
  3. Recommends impact assessments of previous agreements to guide future negotiations and align with sustainable development and efficient use of funds.
  4. Regrets that the budgetary decision on the transfer of EUR 825 000 in commitments and EUR 325 000 in payments was taken before Parliament's consent, risking a fait accompli.
  5. Calls on the Commission to explain the need for provisional application of the protocol.
  6. Notes that 2025 budget lines include EUR 90 590 000 in commitments and EUR 93 655 000 in payments for operational line 08 05 01, and regrets lack of breakdown by agreement.
  7. Stresses that financial programming for line 08 05 01 must cover obligations in 2026–2027 and calls for scrutiny in annual budgets.
  8. Concludes that the Committee on Budgets advises the Committee on Fisheries to recommend approval of the proposal.

Who is affected

  • EU vessels fishing in São Tomé and Príncipe's waters, as the protocol enables access and sets conditions.
  • São Tomé and Príncipe, receiving financial support for fisheries policy development.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 3 300 000 total financial contribution for the four-year protocol.
  • EUR 325 000 per year for fishing access, totaling EUR 1 300 000.
  • EUR 500 000 per year for sectoral support, totaling EUR 2 000 000.
  • EUR 825 000 in commitment and EUR 325 000 in payment appropriations transferred.
  • EUR 90 590 000 in commitments and EUR 93 655 000 in payments on line 08 05 01 in 2025 budget.
  • EUR 59 970 000 in commitments and EUR 41 620 000 in payments on reserve line 30 02 02.