This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 3 2025.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries has approved a new protocol under the EU’s Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with Greenland, allowing EU vessels to fish in Greenlandic waters from 2025 to 2030. The agreement grants EU vessels access to key species including cod, halibut, redfish, and shrimp. In return, the EU will pay Greenland €17.3 million annually—€14.1 million for access rights and €3.2 million to support Greenland’s fisheries sector. EU vessel owners will also pay separate fees, potentially totalling €4.5 million per year, with rates increasing every two years. The protocol permits EU vessels to catch upto 30,906 tonnes annually, including 13,000 tonnes of capelin (if reopened), 6,675 tonnes of halibut, 6,581 tonnes of prawn, 2,100 tonnes of redfish, and 2,050 tonnes of cod. It includes provisions on by-catch limits, scientific collaboration, monitoring, and protection of fishing zones. Fisheries Committee MEPs endorsed the agreement with 23 votes in favour, one against, and two abstentions. A related resolution emphasized the benefits to Greenland’s economy from increased EU contributions and called for precautionary, science-based management of fish stocks. MEPs also stressed the importance of minimizing seabed damage from trawling to preserve the marine environment. The protocol is seen as a key part of the EU’s post-Brexit fisheries governance, particularly in Arctic waters shared with Norway and other regional partners. The agreement also reinforces diplomatic ties with Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark where fisheries account for over 90% of exports. To take effect, the protocol must still be approved by the full European Parliament.