Seychelles EU fisheries agreement negotiations are continuing as a delegation from the European Parliament Committee on Fisheries visits the country for talks with national authorities. The visit comes as both sides work to reach a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement before the current deal expires.
On Tuesday, 17 February, the delegation met President Patrick Herminie as negotiations between Seychelles and the European Union Commission continue.
Before the meeting, President Herminie said discussions over the past two months had been difficult, with both sides maintaining their positions.
“Tough negotiations have taken place for the past two months and both Seychelles and the European Union Commission are maintaining their position,” he said. “We think that we can get more from our marine resources. For too long we have received peanuts in the deal.”
He said the European Union has more resources and influence in the sector and described the fishing industry as a multi-billion-dollar industry. He added that Seychelles receives about 10 million for the duration of the contract.
“We feel that this is not fair and we are going to put our feet down,” President Herminie said. “We are telling the European Union that they need to reconsider the percentage that they pay Seychelles. They cannot continue to exploit us and our government does not believe in these things.”
Following the courtesy call, MEP Emma Wiesner stressed the importance of the long-standing partnership between Seychelles and the European Union.
“The European Parliament is here as a delegation to strengthen the relationships and underline the importance of the partnership that Seychelles and the European Union have,” she said.
Ms Wiesner noted that the fisheries partnership has been in place for more than four decades and will expire in five days. She said negotiations are ongoing between the Seychelles government and the European Commission to reach a new agreement.
“The European Parliament is not negotiating the agreement. That is the role of the European Commission,” she said. “However, we believe it is a very important partnership for both Europe and Seychelles.”
She added that the agreement has supported jobs, infrastructure and regulatory development in Seychelles, and that both sides benefit from cooperation.
“We want to see an agreement that is beneficial for both parties,” she said. “Negotiations on the specific terms and conditions are ongoing.”
Ms Wiesner also described the partnership as Europe’s largest global tuna fisheries agreement and said the European Union wants continued cooperation with Seychelles.
“Europe is a reliable democratic partner,” she said. “We hope this long relationship will continue into the future.”
Negotiations between Seychelles and the European Commission are continuing as both sides work towards a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement.