European Union vessels will be authorised to fish for cod, redfish, halibut, and shrimp in Greenlandic waters over the next six years, following the approval of an agreement on Tuesday. This agreement is part of the 2025-2030 protocol of the EU’s Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with Greenland, which entails an annual payment of €17.3 million. Of this sum, €14.1 million is allocated for access rights, while €3.2 million will support the Greenlandic fisheries sector.
The agreement is particularly significant amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with the United States. Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, derives over 90% of its exports from seafood. The EU exchanges a notable share of the quotas obtained from Greenland with Norway, while the remaining quotas are allocated to Germany, Denmark, and France.
The European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee has urged that sustainability standards be applied consistently to both EU and Norwegian vessels. Additionally, EU vessel owners will face biennial increases in authorisation fees, potentially reaching €4.5 million annually.
Under the protocol, annual fishing opportunities will allow EU vessels to catch up to 30,906 tonnes, including provisions for capelin, halibut, prawn, demersal redfish, and cod. The agreement also covers bycatch limits, scientific collaboration, and monitoring.
The Fisheries Committee approved the agreement with 23 votes in favour, one against, and two abstentions. MEPs have highlighted that increased financial contributions will benefit Greenland’s economy and urged a precautionary approach to setting annual fishing opportunities.
MEPs emphasised the importance of minimising seabed damage during trawling to safeguard the marine environment. They also reaffirmed the need for a strong partnership with Greenland and its Nordic neighbours. For the protocol to take effect, approval must be obtained from Parliament as a whole.
