The Council of the European Union has published an information note confirming that the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kiribati (2023-2028) entered into force on 8 July 2026. The protocol, signed on 2 October 2023, covers a five-year period and allows EU and Kiribati fishing operators to implement its provisions following the completion of internal procedures by both parties.
The European Union notified completion of its internal procedures on 16 January 2024, while Kiribati notified completion on 8 July 2026. Entry into force is pursuant to Article 23 of the Protocol, which stipulates that the protocol takes effect on the date of the later notification. With both notifications now submitted, the protocol is fully operational.
The protocol provides EU vessels with access to Kiribati's exclusive economic zone for tuna fishing, in exchange for financial compensation and support for Kiribati's fisheries sector. It is expected to benefit EU fishing operators, particularly those from Spain and France, by securing fishing opportunities, while Kiribati gains revenue and technical assistance. The agreement also includes provisions for sustainable fishing practices and monitoring.
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