Date: 2025-05-21Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: Europe
Council Decision (EU) 2025/961 of 12 May 2025 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029)
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**Report on Council Decision (EU) 2025/961 Regarding the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau**
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes Council Decision (EU) 2025/961 of 12 May 2025, concerning the conclusion of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029) on behalf of the European Union. This decision approves the Protocol, authorizes the Commission to notify Guinea-Bissau of the EU's consent to be bound by the Protocol, and empowers the Commission to approve amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee, subject to Council oversight. The core purpose is to enable EU vessels to fish in Guinea-Bissau's fishing zone while promoting sustainable fisheries and responsible resource exploitation through close cooperation. The key finding is that this decision establishes a framework for EU fishing activities in Guinea-Bissau, with mechanisms for adaptation through a Joint Committee and oversight by the Council.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Council Decision (EU) 2025/961 based on the provided official journal text. It outlines the decision's objectives, key provisions, and implementation aspects to inform stakeholders about the EU's fisheries partnership with Guinea-Bissau and the procedures for its ongoing management.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This policy is centered around the *implementation* of a Protocol to an existing Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
* **Core Objective(s):** The stated core objectives, as derived from the provided text, are:
* To enable Union vessels to fish in Guinea-Bissau's fishing zone.
* To foster close cooperation between the Union and Guinea-Bissau to promote the development of a sustainable fisheries policy.
* To ensure the responsible exploitation of fishery resources in Guinea-Bissau's fishing zone.
* To contribute to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* The policy addresses the ongoing need for a framework governing EU fishing activities in the waters of Guinea-Bissau. The existing Fisheries Partnership Agreement provides the overall structure, and this Council Decision approves a specific Protocol for its implementation covering the period 2024-2029. This suggests a need for periodically renewed or updated protocols to adapt to changing circumstances, fishing stocks, and conservation priorities.
**5. Key Provisions:**
This Council Decision establishes the following key provisions:
* **Approval of the Protocol:** Formally approves the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau 2024-2029 on behalf of the Union (Article 1).
* **Notification of Consent:** Mandates the Commission to notify Guinea-Bissau of the Union's consent to be bound by the Protocol (Article 2).
* **Commission's Authority to Approve Amendments:** Authorizes the Commission to approve amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee established under the Agreement (Article 3). This authority is subject to specific conditions outlined in the Annex.
* **Entry into Force:** Specifies that the Decision enters into force on the date of its adoption (Article 4).
* **Procedure for Approving Amendments (Annex):** Details the procedure for the Commission's approval of amendments to the Protocol. This includes:
* Ensuring amendments align with the Common Fisheries Policy and relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organizations.
* Submitting proposed amendments to the Council before the Joint Committee meeting.
* Requiring Council assessment of compliance with established criteria.
* Allowing the Commission to approve amendments unless a blocking minority of Member States objects.
* Establishing a mechanism for referring matters back to the Council if an agreement cannot be reached in the Joint Committee.
* Inviting the Commission to follow up on Joint Committee decisions, including publishing decisions and submitting implementation proposals.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the text, the direct target audience and stakeholders include:
* **EU Fishing Vessels/Industry:** Directly affected by the fishing opportunities granted under the Protocol.
* **The European Commission:** Responsible for implementing the Decision and representing the Union in the Joint Committee.
* **The Council of the European Union:** Responsible for overseeing the Commission's actions and approving amendments to the Protocol.
* **The Republic of Guinea-Bissau:** As a partner in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement.
* **Regional Fisheries Management Organizations:** Whose rules need to be considered.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:**
* European Commission (primarily responsible for implementation and negotiation).
* Council of the European Union (responsible for oversight and decision-making on amendments).
* Joint Committee (established under the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, responsible for monitoring the application of the agreement and the Protocol).
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The Decision enters into force immediately upon adoption. The Annex outlines a specific procedure for the approval of amendments, involving submission to the Council, assessment, and potential objection by Member States. The date of entry into force of the Protocol will be published in the Official Journal.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of this Council Decision are:
* **Continued Operation of EU Fishing Vessels in Guinea-Bissau Waters:** The Protocol enables EU vessels to continue fishing in Guinea-Bissau's fishing zone, providing economic benefits to the EU fishing industry.
* **Sustainable Fisheries Management:** The decision aims to promote sustainable fisheries management and responsible exploitation of resources in Guinea-Bissau's waters through cooperation and adherence to relevant rules.
* **Efficient Amendment Process:** The streamlined procedure for approving amendments through the Joint Committee allows for quick adaptation to changing circumstances and ensures the Protocol remains effective.
**9. Conclusion:**
Council Decision (EU) 2025/961 provides a framework for EU fishing activities in Guinea-Bissau, balancing economic interests with the need for sustainable fisheries management. The decision's provisions, particularly the delegation of amendment approval to the Commission under Council oversight, contribute to the efficient and adaptive management of this important fisheries partnership. The decision is significant because it ensures the continuation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, which is crucial for both the EU fishing industry and the sustainable development of Guinea-Bissau's fisheries sector.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union: A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe. The document concerns a Council Decision on behalf of the European Union.
Council Decision EU 2025/961: Council Decision of the European Union regarding the conclusion of a fisheries agreement protocol.
12 May 2025: Date of the Council Decision EU 2025/961.
Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029): An agreement protocol concerning fisheries partnership between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, covering the period 2024-2029.
European Community: Predecessor to the European Union, party to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Guinea-Bissau.
Republic of Guinea-Bissau: A country in West Africa, party to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the European Community.
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union: A primary treaty of the European Union.
Article 43: Article of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, relevant to the Council Decision.
Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v): Article of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, relevant to the Council Decision.
Article 218(7): Article of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, relevant to the Council Decision.
European Commission: The executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing the Council Decision.
European Parliament: The parliamentary body of the European Union; its consent is required for the Council Decision.
Council Decision EU 2024/2588: Council Decision regarding the signing and provisional application of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement Protocol with Guinea-Bissau.
18 September 2024: Date the Protocol was signed, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
Union vessels: Vessels of the European Union member states.
Guinea-Bissau's fishing zone: The maritime area under the jurisdiction of Guinea-Bissau where fishing activities take place.
Article 20: Article of the Protocol, related to notification procedures.
Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau: The main agreement which the protocol implements.
Joint Committee: A committee established under the Fisheries Partnership Agreement to monitor its application and the Protocol.
Article 10: Article of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, establishing the Joint Committee.
Council: Refers to the Council of the European Union.
Article 16(4): Article of the Treaty on European Union, concerning the blocking minority of member states.
Treaty on European Union: One of the two founding treaties of the European Union.
European Data Protection Supervisor: An independent supervisory authority tasked with ensuring the protection of personal data and privacy.
Article 42: Article of Regulation EU 2018/1725 regarding consultation with the European Data Protection Supervisor.
Regulation EU 2018/1725: Regulation on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data.
23 October 2018: Date of Regulation EU 2018/1725
27 August 2024: Date when the European Data Protection Supervisor delivered an opinion.
Official Journal: The official gazette of the European Union.
2 April 2025: Date of the consent of the European Parliament.
Brussels: The location where the decision was made.
B. NOWACKA: The President of the Council at the time of the decision.
Article 16: Article of the Protocol, relevant to amendments adopted by the Joint Committee.
Common Fisheries Policy: The fisheries policy of the European Union.
Regional Fisheries Management Organisations: International organizations involved in the management of fisheries resources.
Official Journal EN
of the European Union L series
2025/961 21.5.2025
COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2025/961
of 12 May 2025
on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the
Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of
Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43, in conjunction with
Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), and Article 218(7) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament(1),
Whereas:
(1) In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2024/2588(2), the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries
Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029) (‘the
Protocol’) was signed on 18 September 2024, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
(2) The objectives of the Protocol are to enable Union vessels to fish in Guinea-Bissau’s fishing zone and to enable the
Union and Guinea-Bissau to work closely together to further promote the development of a sustainable fisheries
policy and the responsible exploitation of fishery resources in Guinea-Bissau’s fishing zone. That cooperation will
also contribute to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.
(3) The Protocol should be approved on behalf of the Union.
(4) In accordance with the Treaties, the Commission should give the notification provided for in Article 20 of the
Protocol.
(5) Article 10 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of
Guinea-Bissau(3) (‘the Agreement’) establishes a Joint Committee responsible for monitoring the application of the
Agreement and the Protocol. That committee has the power to approve certain amendments to the Protocol. In
order to facilitate the approval of such amendments, the Commission should be empowered, subject to substantive
and procedural conditions, to approve them on behalf of the Union under a simplified procedure.
(6) The Union’s position on proposed amendments to the Protocol should be established by the Council. The proposed
amendments should be approved unless a blocking minority of Member States, in accordance with Article 16(4) of
the Treaty on European Union, objects to them.
(7) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42 of Regulation (EU)
2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council(4) and delivered an opinion on 27 August 2024,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
(1) Consent of 2 April 2025 (not yet published in the Official Journal).
(2) Council Decision (EU) 2024/2588 of 10 September 2024 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional
application of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and
the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029) (OJ L, 2024/2588, 3.10.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/2588/oj).
(3) OJ L 342, 27.12.2007, p. 5.
(4) Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural
persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free
movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39).
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/961/oj 1/3EN
OJ L, 21.5.2025
Article 1
The Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the
Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029) (‘the Protocol’) is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.
Article 2
The Commission shall, on behalf of the Union, give the notification provided for in Article 20 of the Protocol, in order to
express the consent of the Union to be bound by the Protocol(5).
Article 3
In accordance with the provisions and conditions laid down in the Annex to this Decision, the Commission is authorised to
approve, on behalf of the Union, amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee established under Article 10
of the Agreement.
Article 4
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
Done at Brussels, 12 May 2025.
For the Council
The President
B. NOWACKA
(5) The date of entry into force of the Protocol will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of
the Council.
2/3 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/961/ojEN
OJ L, 21.5.2025
ANNEX
PROCEDURE FOR THE APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE PROTOCOL TO BE ADOPTED BY THE JOINT
COMMITTEE
Where the Joint Committee is asked to adopt amendments to the Protocol under Article 10 of the Agreement and
Article 16 of the Protocol, the Commission is authorised to approve the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union,
under the following conditions:
(1) The Commission shall ensure that the approval on behalf of the Union:
(a) is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy;
(b) is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of
joint management by coastal states;
(c) takes account of the most recent statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission.
(2) Before approving the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union, the Commission shall submit them to the Council
in sufficient time before the relevant Joint Committee meeting.
(3) The Council shall assess whether the proposed amendments comply with the criteria laid down in point 1.
(4) Unless a number of Member States equivalent to a blocking minority in the Council, in accordance with Article 16(4) of
the Treaty on European Union, object to the proposed amendments, the Commission shall approve them on behalf of
the Union. If there is such a blocking minority, the Commission shall reject the proposed amendments on behalf of the
Union.
(5) If, in the course of subsequent meetings of the Joint Committee, including on-the-spot meetings, it is impossible to
reach an agreement, the matter shall be referred back to the Council, in accordance with the procedure set out in points
2, 3 and 4, in order for the Union position to take account of new factors.
(6) The Commission is invited to take, in due time, any steps necessary to follow up on the decision of the Joint Committee,
including, where appropriate, publishing the relevant decision in the Official Journal of the European Union and
submitting any proposal necessary for the implementation of that decision.
As regards other matters which do not concern amendments to the Protocol, in accordance with Article 10 of the
Agreement and Article 16 of the Protocol, the position to be adopted by the Union within the Joint Committee shall be
determined in accordance with the Treaties and established working practices.
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/961/oj 3/3