THE European Union (EU) is exploring ways to enhance trade and business links with the Pacific, the EU Ambassador to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert says.
“On economic cooperation, we are exploring ways to further enhance trade and business links with the Pacific Island Countries, notably through the economic partnership agreement with the EU.
“We believe that trade can act as a positive force for a green and just transition for the Pacific and for the European Union. With sustainability at its core, it can reinforce the sustainable and mutually beneficial fisheries value chain. That is why we also support initiatives such as the ENVI and engage with specific countries on access to the EU market,” Ambassador Plinkert said at the Honiara Summit last week. The ENVI is the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment.
Ambassador Plinkert also highlighted the Pacific-EU Marine Partnership (PEUMP) as a longstanding partnership on ocean matters since its inception in 2018.
PEUMP is a programme that supports sound ocean and coastal governance with a focus on biodiversity protection and the sustainable use of fisheries and other resources. PEUMP has been strengthening partnerships between the EU and key regional actors on common objectives since 2018.
It has also been supporting scientific evidence-based management and enhancing economic cooperation that maximises benefit for all.
“Partnerships with local partners are, of course, crucial to deliver outcomes and have impact on the ground. And the regional organisations themselves are critical enablers of partnerships here in the Pacific. So, we are looking forward to continuing this important partnership,” the EU Ambassador to the Pacific said.
Ambassador Plinkert said with the Pacific Community (SPC), PEUMP provides support for scientific advice on the sustainable management of coastal fisheries and also on tuna fisheries for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
She said with the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the EU through PEUMP has been looking at ways of testing new technologies to assist monitoring, control and surveillance efforts.
The ambassador said with the University of the South Pacific, the EU through PEUMP has focused on developing education, training and research opportunities for students and fisheries professionals across the region.
She said the Honiara Summit 2025 was all about partnerships and as partners to the Pacific, the EU was pleased to take part in the deliberations about achieving SDG 14.4.
“With this, one of the guiding questions is whether or not the Honiara Summit 2025 can actually create the necessary political will to carry out the existential tasks to achieve SDG 14.4 in the spirit of togetherness.
“By coming together and discussing joint initiatives and challenges that need to be addressed, all participants here in the room today have already shown this spirit of togetherness.
“I can assure you that we found the discussions extremely inspiring and important to advance our cooperation in pursuit of our joint objectives towards sustainable fisheries.
“So, I can only say I look forward to continue these conversations leading to more concrete actions in the coming months, especially leading up to United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June this year,” Ambassador Plinkert said.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
