The European Union and Iceland have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation on fisheries and ocean affairs. The establishes a framework for deeper and broader cooperation between the EU and Iceland on key priorities, including sustainable fisheries, scientific research and marine conservation.
‘Iceland has a long-standing relationship with the EU and we share values and interest in most areas. With this MoU we are strengthening our mutual commitment in working together in ensuring sustainable fisheries and to face the many challenges in ocean affairs in the North Atlantic both today and in the future,’ said Iceland’s Minister of Industries Hanna Katrín Friðriksson.
The agreement reaffirms the strong partnership between the EU and Iceland, built on shared values, mutual interests, and long-standing cooperation.
A key feature of the MoU is the establishment of an annual high-level dialogue, hosted alternately by the EU and Iceland, to monitor progress and advance cooperation in areas of common interest. The first meeting is scheduled to take place at the beginning of 2026.
Costas Kadis and Hanna Katrín Friðriksson discussed various fisheries and ocean-related issues, including the need for a comprehensive agreement on shared stocks in the North-East Atlantic, sustainable blue economy as well as cetacean conservation and welfare.
Both sides emphasised the importance of international cooperation to ensure policies are guided by the best available scientific advice.
The EU and Iceland also acknowledged the importance of aligning efforts to follow-up on global biodiversity commitments, including those outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to ensure sustainable human activities and the protection of vulnerable species.
‘Iceland is a historical key partner for the EU,’ said Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Coastas Kadis.
‘Today we are deepening our relationship to keep fisheries sustainable and to enhance our cooperation in ocean affairs. This will help us address common challenges in the North Atlantic and the Arctic that will require significant joint efforts in the coming years.’
The EU and Iceland underscored the urgency of swiftly ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, a landmark treaty that will enhance the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing global ocean governance through effective multilateral cooperation.
