European Union and Greenland renew their sustainable fisheries partnership

Director-General Charlina Vitcheva, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and Inuuteq Holm Olsen, Head of Mission/Minister Counsellor, Greenland Mission to the EU

Today marks a milestone in the enduring partnership between the European Union and Greenland as they officially signed the renewed protocol implementing the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA).

Covering the next 6 years (2025-2030), this agreement will allow EU vessels to fish key species like cod, redfish, and shrimp in Greenland. It reinforces the EU and Greenland's shared commitment to sustainable fisheries and mutual economic progress, and to continuing a fruitful collaboration in fisheries governance.

Key elements of the agreement

• Revised fishing opportunities: the adjustments are based on scientific advice, with increases for cod and redfish quotas, and necessary reductions for west halibut and east prawn.
• Boosted financial package: The EU's annual contribution increases to €17.3 million. This includes €3.2 million earmarked for sectoral support, aimed at strengthening Greenland's fisheries.
• Balanced sustainability: The protocol strikes a fair balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability, ensuring significant fishing opportunities for the EU fleet while respecting the ecosystem's needs.

Next steps

The new protocol will provisionally apply as of the date of its signature by the parties and will thus allow the fishing activities of EU vessels in Greenland waters as of today. It will enter into force as soon as the ratification process by both parties has been completed, which for the EU implies the consent of the European Parliament.

Background

Sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with non-EU countries are negotiated and concluded by the Commission on behalf of the EU.

The current fisheries partnership agreement between the EU and Greenland entered into force on 18 November 2021, as provided for in Council Decision (EU) 2021/2043 and will be tacitly renewed for a 6-years period. The last protocol implementing this agreement entered into force on 18 November 2021 for a duration of 4 years.

Both parties to the protocol work closely to implement scientific assessments and recommendations within the framework of the Joint Scientific Committee and relevant regional fisheries management organisations, such as the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) and the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO).

More information

Sustainable fisheries partnership agreements (SFPAs)

Details