EU granted fishing access to Ivory Coast waters under new four-year protocol

The European Union and Côte d’Ivoire have renewed their cooperation under a longstanding fisheries partnership agreement by signing a new four-year protocol that restores joint efforts following nearly a year-long hiatus.

The agreement, which provisionally applies from June 6, 2025 pending ratification by both parties, would allow EU vessels to operate in Ivorian waters, targeting up to 6,100 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually.

Under the terms of the protocol, the EU will provide a total financial contribution of €2.97 million over the four-year period, equivalent to €740,000 annually. Of that amount, €435,000 per year is allocated to supporting sustainable fisheries development in Côte d’Ivoire. The deal supplements the framework agreement originally concluded in 2007, which is automatically renewed every six years.

According to the European Commission, the protocol is intended to contribute to food security within the EU and ensure a consistent supply of fishery products to the European market. In return, Côte d’Ivoire is set to benefit from targeted EU support aimed at enhancing scientific research, administrative capacity, and monitoring systems, particularly efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The agreement also includes measures to strengthen local fisheries communities by supporting job creation and skills development, as well as enhancing infrastructure at the Port of Abidjan, the EU said.

EU vessel operators will pay a licence and catch fee of €80 per tonne to Ivorian authorities, with this rate rising to €85 per tonne in the final two years of the protocol.

Both parties have committed to upholding labour and safety standards consistent with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The protocol also reiterates both parties’ adherence to international and regional fisheries obligations, including those established by regional fisheries management organisations.

Full implementation of the agreement remains subject to ratification by the European Parliament and the Ivorian government.