Council Decision (EU) 2026/1548 of 8 June 2026 on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, 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)

Article 1

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’) is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

Article 2

In accordance with the provisions and conditions set out in the Annex to this Decision, the Commission is hereby authorised to approve, on behalf of the Union, the amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee established by Article 9 of the Agreement.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption  ( 5 ) .

Procedure for the approval of amendments to the Protocol to be adopted by the Joint Committee

ANNEXSupplementary provisions

ANNEX Procedure for the approval of amendments to the Protocol to be adopted by the Joint Committee (1)    Where the Joint Committee is asked to adopt amendments to the Protocol under Article 16(2) of the Protocol, the Commission is authorised to negotiate with the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe and, where appropriate and subject to compliance with point 3 of this Annex, to approve, on behalf of the Union, the proposed amendments to the Protocol as regards: (a) the review of fishing opportunities under Article 5(2), Article 9(1) and Article 10(2) of the Protocol and, consequently, the financial contribution provided for in Article 6(2)(a) of the Protocol; (b) the implementing arrangements for the sectoral support referred to in Article 7 of the Protocol; (c) the technical conditions and arrangements under which Union vessels carry out their fishing activities; (d) the additional safeguards for the protection of personal data provided for in Article 15(4) of the Protocol. (2)    The Commission shall ensure that the approval on behalf of the Union: (a) is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy; (b) is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of joint management by coastal states; (c) takes account of the most recent statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission. (3)    To that end, and based on the information referred to in point 2(c), the Commission shall transmit to the Council, or to its preparatory bodies, in sufficient time before the relevant meeting of the Joint Committee, a document setting out in detail the particulars of the proposed Union position (the ‘preparatory document’) for consideration and approval. (4)    The proposed Union position set out in the preparatory document shall be deemed to be approved, unless a number of Member States equivalent to a blocking minority of the Council, in accordance with Article 16(4) of the Treaty on European Union, objects during a meeting of the Council’s preparatory body or within 20 days of receipt of the preparatory document, whichever occurs earlier. In the event of such objection, the matter shall be referred to the Council. (5)    If, in the course of subsequent meetings of the Joint Committee, including on the spot, it is impossible to reach an agreement, the matter shall be referred back to the Council, in accordance with the procedure set out in points 2 to 4, in order for the Union position to take account of new factors. (6)    The Commission is invited to take, in due time, any steps necessary to follow up on the decision of the Joint Committee, including, where appropriate, publishing the relevant decision in the Official Journal of the European Union and submitting any proposal necessary for the implementation of that decision. (7)    As regards other matters, which do not concern amendments to the Protocol under Article 16(2) thereof, the position to be adopted by the Union within the Joint Committee shall be determined in accordance with the Treaties and established working practices.