A senior European lawmaker has flagged what she described as a “political game” in negotiations between Seychelles and the European Union. This comes after their fisheries agreement expired on 23 February 2026.
Speaking to the media after a working mission to Seychelles, Member of the European Parliament Emma Wiesner said negotiators must now resolve differences over access fees and revenue. Currently, talks remain stalled.
“I am not part of the negotiation teams and they’re at the negotiation table, but I have a feeling it’s a little bit of a political game being played here,” she said. “Because more money is being offered and the Seychelles government asks more. And I think it’s okay, they have the right to do so, but you shouldn’t underestimate what you already have.”
Her remarks placed the negotiations under sharp focus as Seychelles and the European Union prepare to resume discussions.
Ms Wiesner stressed that both sides benefit from the partnership.
“I think there is a lack of also valuing what you have. I can clearly see added value and a lot of economic benefit that this brings to the Seychelles island. That would not happen if the EU ship was to land their quota somewhere else,” she said.
She highlighted the mutual reliance between the two partners.
“It’s very evident that the European Union depends a lot on Seychelles, but also that the Seychelles depend a lot on the European Union,” she said. “We have had this partnership for 41 years and I am very worried now that that is not being valued enough and it would be a huge disappointment if it’s not extended.”
At the same time, she pointed to financial pressure within the EU.
“We cannot cut down 70 percent of our own budget for our fishing sector and then increase whatever number the Seychelles government is asking for,” she said. “It has to be reasonable on both ends and we’re both co-dependent on each other.”
She also confirmed that the European Parliament will review any final agreement.
“If there is an agreement, it will also be approved by the parliament and we will treat it scrutinizing it and looking at the detail,” she said, adding that transparency will remain a priority.
“I think it should be fair in a partnership and in a relationship. You should never take each other for granted and it should benefit the both of you,” she said.
The Seychelles–EU fisheries agreement expired on 23 February 2026. Negotiators are expected to continue talks.