EU and Iceland sign new cooperation agreement on fisheries and ocean affairs

The European Union (EU) and Iceland signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) on July 15 to establish a framework for deeper cooperation on key priorities, including "sustainable fisheries", scientific research, and marine conservation.

The agreement, signed by EU Commissioner Costas Kadis and Iceland's Minister of Industry Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, also aims to reinforce joint efforts in protecting marine biodiversity. A key feature of the MOU is the establishment of an annual high-level dialogue to monitor progress, with the first meeting scheduled for the beginning of 2026.

During the signing, the two parties discussed various issues, including the need for a comprehensive agreement on shared fish stocks in the Northeast Atlantic and cetacean conservation.

Both sides underscored the urgency of ratifying the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement to enhance the protection of marine biodiversity in international waters. They also acknowledged the importance of aligning efforts on global biodiversity commitments, such as those outlined in the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework.