On 15 July 2026, the Council of the European Union endorsed a final compromise text empowering France to accede to the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles. The decision, communicated via a letter from the Presidency to the chairs of the European Parliament's Environment (ENVI) and Fisheries (PECH) committees, allows France to join the regional treaty covering marine turtle protection in waters adjacent to the Americas and the Caribbean.
France requested this empowerment on 4 February 2025, citing the need to strengthen cooperation with American continent countries to protect marine turtle species, particularly in its outermost regions such as French Guiana, where illegal fishing causes incidental sea turtle capture. The Convention covers matters under the EU's exclusive competence, meaning Member States require Union authorisation to accede. The Decision does not exercise external competence for non-exclusive matters, and French overseas countries and territories listed in Annex II of the TFEU, along with their waters, are excluded from the scope for exclusive-competence matters.
Under the empowerment, France must inform the European Parliament, Council, and Commission on its accession; consult the Commission and stakeholders on positions to be taken; regularly inform the Commission on decisions adopted under the Convention; and provide its annual report under Article XI of the Convention. The decision impacts EU regulatory bodies, which gain oversight through reporting requirements, and French authorities, which must comply with consultation and information obligations. French fisheries operators in the region may face new conservation measures, while environmental NGOs may welcome strengthened protection for sea turtles. The European Parliament is expected to review the compromise text before formal adoption.