Source: European Parliament
Senegal is a long-standing partner of the EU in the fisheries sector. A Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA)[1] was concluded between Senegal and the EU in 2014. The last protocol (2019-2024) expired in November 2024.
In line with the EU’s zero tolerance policy towards illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing[2], the Commission decided not to renew the Protocol, given its decision of the pre-identification of Senegal as a non-cooperating country in the fight against IUU fishing.
The formal IUU dialogue has just begun, and so long as the yellow card is in place, the renewal of the protocol cannot be considered.
The Commission recognises the challenges faced by the Basque tuna vessels and other European fleets due to the expiration and the non-renewal of the protocol.
However, the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)[3] for 2021-2027, as agreed and adopted by the co-legislators, does not envisage the possibility to compensate losses in cases of non-renewal of SFPAs or their implementing protocols.
The Commission is available to further engage with any stakeholders concerned to discuss possible alternative options for fishing grounds offered by the network of fisheries agreements covering several countries in the region and other regions, the regional fisheries management organisations and EU waters.