SUVA, Fiji – The European Union (EU) renews its partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and the University of the South Pacific (USP) to advance their shared ambition of healthy oceans, thriving fisheries, and resilient communities. Implementation will begin this year, with activities rolled out across the Pacific until 2030.
This renewed commitment is a continuation of the Pacific – EU Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme implemented with key regional partners since 2018.
With a total budget of EUR 20 Million [approx. 52 Million FJD], the second phase of PEUMP will support Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to address critical ocean-related challenges through education, research and training, evidence-based policymaking and technical assistance.
Key areas of work include strengthening ocean governance, sustainably managing oceanic and coastal fisheries, enhancing value chains and market access for equitable benefits while combating Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing in the Pacific.
The programme builds on the many successes of phase I and was co-designed to align with national and regional priorities on ocean governance, namely the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert said:
“This agreement between our two regions – which collectively represents almost 40 countries is a powerful reflection of our shared, long-term commitment to the ocean – a clear sign that, despite our different geographies, we are united by a common purpose and a shared responsibility to protect and sustainably manage our oceans”
SPC, FFA and USP will coordinate their efforts and work in partnership with the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC), national governments, civil society, and local communities to deliver on the programme’s objectives.
Reflecting on the significance of this renewed investment, the FFA Director General, Noan David Pakop said, “Phase 2 turns our vision of a sustainably managed and economically strong Pacific tuna fishery into tangible outcomes for our members – strengthening value chains, investing in national industries and advancing innovative monitoring and compliance”.
He added that, “This strategic partnership will help maximise sustainable returns while building climate resilience, ensuring the benefits of our ocean are shared across Pacific communities now and for generations to come.”
SPC Deputy Director for the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme, Seci Waqabaca highlighted the importance of strengthening regional capacity to meet the evolving demands of ocean governance: “Building sustainable fisheries and ocean governance across our vast region is not without its challenges. Capacity gaps, evolving science, climate pressures, and governance complexities are our reefs. Yet it is precisely at these points of testing that we grow stronger.”
With its 12 campuses in the region, USP is a key partner to advance ocean learning and capacity building through education, research and training.
USP’s Pro- Chancellor, Right Honourable Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu, said:“Through the Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP warmly welcomes PEUMP 2 as a strategic investment in our region’s sustainable future. By strengthening regional capacity in ocean science, climate adaptation and biodiversity, and improving laboratory and market-readiness for our fisheries, we will equip Pacific leaders and communities with the tools they need to prosper.
The Pro-Chancellor emphasised “Crucially, our approach will weave indigenous knowledge and wisdom with modern science — recognising that healthy oceans are not only central to biodiversity and climate resilience, but are the bedrock of livelihoods, identity and food security across the region.”
This regional programme forms part of the EU’s broader engagement in the Pacific and aligns with international commitments under the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and global ocean and biodiversity frameworks.
About Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific
The Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific, established in 1975 and based in Suva, Fiji, acts as a diplomatic mission representing the EU across 13 Pacific nations and three overseas territories. The Delegation serves as the primary liaison between Pacific nations and the European Union, ensuring coordination with EU Member States present in the region.
Pacific – EU Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme
The second phase of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme addresses some of the most ocean-related challenges faced by Pacific countries. Among these are the increasing depletion of coastal fisheries resources; the threats to marine biodiversity, including negative impacts of climate change and disasters; the uneven contribution of oceanic fisheries to national economic development; the need for improved education and training; and the need to mainstream a rights-based approach and to promote greater recognition of gender issues to ensure inclusiveness and positive changes for Pacific island people.
The PEUMP II programme (2026 – 2030) is funded by the European Union and is implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC), the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and the University of the South Pacific (USP) in close collaboration with the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC), Non-Government Organisations and the national authorities.