Fisheries agreement between the EU and Guinea-Bissau

4.4.2018

Question for written answer E-001985-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Clara Eugenia Aguilera García (S&D)

The fisheries agreement was concluded on 23 November 2017, which permitted ships from the EU, mainly from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and France, to fish in the waters of Guinea-Bissau. In the case of Spain, a considerable part of the fleet has depended almost exclusively on the fishing opportunities in this country in recent years.

Several rounds of negotiations have already taken place to renew the current protocol, but without an agreement.

1. What are the obstacles to renewing the agreement?

2. In the event that an agreement cannot be made with Guinea-Bissau, is the Commission seeking alternatives to the ships affected by the closure of these fisheries?