Negotiations for a new Protocol implementing the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles concluded on 1 April 2026.
The Parties agreed on a text that will consolidate and strengthen the current partnership between the Union and Seychelles. The text will now be reviewed through the internal procedures of the Parties for approval and signature.
The new four-year protocol provides for a financial contribution of €5,750,000 per year, including a specific amount of €3,000,000 per year to support Seychelles efforts in its sustainable fisheries and maritime policy.
EU vessel operators will be able to obtain authorisations to conduct fishing activities for up to 30 purse seine and 8 longliner vessels for fishing highly migratory species. The scientific advice and management recommendations issued by the regional fisheries management organisation responsible for these highly migratory species are taken into account and fully apply to these activities, ensuring their sustainability.
The Parties welcomed this outcome and are keen to continue the cooperation activities initiated under the partnership agreement.
Once officially signed by Seychelles and the European Union, the text will apply provisionally pending its entry into force, thus allowing the resumption of fishing activities by Union vessels in Seychelles’ fishing zone, which are currently suspended.
The Protocol was initial in Brussels by Mr Kenneth Racombo, Ambassador of Seychelles to the EU, and Mrs Virginia Battu-Henriksson, Deputy Head of Unit, Trade Negotiations and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements, Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Union.
