Until 2013, the European Union concluded so-called fisheries partnership agreements to fish in the waters of third countries, mainly in Africa. In 2013, these agreements were renamed “Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements” (SFPAs). These SFPAs focused on sustainability, the collection of scientific data, and “governance,” replacing the previous access-based agreements. Due to the conditionality attached to these agreements, a growing number of negotiations—and consequently the agreements themselves—have been put on hold. Siegbert Droese, AfD Member of the European Parliament in the Committee on Fisheries (PECH), stated:
“More and more SFPAs are becoming inactive because negotiations between the EU and its partner countries have stalled. Currently, there are nine SFPAs on hold. The reason: EU partner countries no longer have to accept what the EU is offering. They can license Asian fleets or expand their own capacities. And how has the EU responded to this challenge? With plans for supposedly improved SFPAs that include even stricter environmental regulations, even more bureaucratic requirements, and an even greater focus on so-called global ocean diplomacy. Just think of pilot projects on gender mainstreaming in fisheries in Gambia, for example. It is only logical that many countries prefer the more direct approach taken by China. China’s trade agreements are concluded quickly, are less complicated, and offer higher compensation for resources. It is time for the EU to replace its arrogant regime of values colonialism with fair trade agreements!”
