EU Fisheries Committee backs new Greenland fishing protocol securing access and supporting sustainable Arctic fisheries until 2030
EU granted access to key Greenlandic fisheries until 2030
The European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee has approved a new six-year protocol under the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with Greenland, allowing EU vessels to fish for species including cod, redfish, halibut, and shrimp in Greenlandic waters.
Under the agreement, the EU will pay €17.3 million annually for access rights and sector support. This includes €14.1 million for fishing access and €3.2 million to support Greenland’s fisheries industry. EU vessel owners will also pay authorisation fees estimated to reach around €4.5 million per year, increasing biennially.
Annual catch limits and strict monitoring planned
The protocol sets annual catch limits totaling 30,906 tonnes, covering key species such as capelin (subject to fishery reopening), halibut, prawn, redfish, and cod. It establishes by-catch limits and obliges cooperation on scientific research, monitoring, controls, and surveillance to ensure compliance.
The Fisheries Committee gave consent by 23 votes in favour, 1 against, and 2 abstentions.
Precautionary measures emphasised to protect stocks
MEPs urged the Commission and Greenland to maintain a precautionary approach, basing fishing opportunities on the best scientific advice, while balancing the needs of fishers and the sector. They highlighted the importance of conducting all trawling operations in ways that minimise seabed damage.
Significance for Arctic marine environment and regional cooperation
The agreement is significant within the wider context of post-Brexit fisheries governance and Arctic regional fisheries management involving the EU, Norway, and neighbouring countries. MEPs stressed the need for strong partnerships with Greenland and Nordic neighbours and called for equal sustainability standards for EU and Norwegian vessels.
Next steps and geopolitical context
The protocol must still be approved by the full European Parliament before entering into force.
Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, relies heavily on its fishing sector, which accounts for over 90% of its exports. The SFPA with Greenland and related agreements with Norway play key roles amid ongoing diplomatic sensitivities, including tensions with the United States.
EU quotas from Greenland are shared with Norway, Germany, Denmark, France, Estonia, and Lithuania. The Fisheries Committee advocates for equal sustainability standards across all fleets to ensure fair treatment.
Source: Press Release
