(1)

On 23 July 2007, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 894/2007 on the conclusion of a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Community (1) (the ‘Agreement’). The Agreement entered into force on 29 August 2011.

(2)

The previous protocol on the implementation of the Agreement expired on 18 December 2024.

(3)

On 10 September 2024, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe (‘São Tomé and Príncipe’) for a new protocol on the implementation of the Agreement. The negotiations were successfully concluded by the initialling, on 9 April 2025, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Community (2025–2029) (the ‘Protocol’).

(4)

In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2025/2139 (2), the Protocol was signed on 6 October 2025, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

(5)

The fishing opportunities provided for in the Protocol should be allocated among the Member States for the entire period of its application.

(6)

This Regulation should apply as soon as possible, in view of the economic importance of Union fishing activity in São Tomé and Príncipe’s fishing zone and the need to minimise the duration of any interruption of that activity.

(7)

The Protocol will apply on a provisional basis from the date of its signature in order to allow fishing activity by Union vessels. This Regulation should therefore apply from the same date,

(a)

26 tuna seiners:

(b)

9 surface longliners: