European Parliament approves fisheries agreement with Cape Verde
The European Parliament has approved a new fishing agreement that allows vessels from three EU countries to fish in Cape Verde for five years, with a quota of 7,000 tons per year. In return, the EU will pay €780,000 a year, plus contributions from shipowners. The pact is aimed at sustainability and combating illegal fishing.
The European Parliament has approved a new fisheries agreement that will allow 56 vessels from Spain, France and Portugal to operate in Cape Verde waters for the next five years.
The pact grants access to 24 freezer tuna vessels, 10 pole-and-line vessels and 22 surface longliners, with an annual quota of 7,000 metric tons of tuna and related species.
In exchange, the European Union will pay €780,000 per year, of which €350,000 will go towards access rights and €430,000 towards the development of Cape Verde's fishing sector. In addition, additional fees paid by vessel owners could amount to €600,000 per year.
According to an EU statement, the agreement seeks to promote sustainable fishing and combat illegal fishing, with stricter monitoring and conservation measures. The report was approved with 507 votes in favor, and rapporteur Paulo do Nascimento Cabral stressed that the negotiation balances economic benefits, sustainability and better working conditions.
The agreement has already been in force provisionally since July 2024.
