A Fifth Round of Negotiations Planned

Since June 2025, four rounds of negotiations have been held between Seychelles and the European Union (EU) to renew their Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, first signed in 1987.

A fifth round is scheduled for the first week of March, as the current agreement expires in six days.

In this context, the President of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, met on February 17 with a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries.

According to the official statement, the objective is to strengthen relations between the two parties and reaffirm the importance of sustainable cooperation in the fisheries sector.

The delegation, composed of five members of parliament, commended Seychelles’ essential role in tuna fishing, a key sector for the EU.

According to Emma Wiesner, representing the Vice-Chair of the Committee, the archipelago remains “a major global partner” for Europe. The latter acknowledged, however, that certain external factors are complicating the discussions, as both sides seek a balanced agreement.

Furthermore, the discussions covered broader topics such as transparency, geopolitical cooperation, and environmental protection. Both sides emphasized the need for an agreement that takes into account the challenges of climate change and mutual interests.

The Head of State reiterated that fishing is a pillar of the Seychellois economy, supporting numerous jobs and contributing significantly to the country’s revenue. He stressed that small island states like Seychelles must have their voices heard in financial discussions in order to secure a fairer agreement that is better suited to their specific circumstances.

Pending the conclusion of the new agreement, European vessels are prohibited from fishing in Seychellois waters, but they are permitted to use the archipelago’s ports.