THE launch of Phase Two of the Pacific European Union (EU) Marine Partnership Program (PEUMP) marks a continued and expanded commitment to sustainable ocean management in the Pacific region.
For five years Euro 20 million will underpin Phase Two, building on Phase One’s foundation to enhance ocean governance and sustainable fisheries.
The budget amounts to approximately $FJ52 million (€EU20 Million), allocated over the next five years, and the program extends successful initiatives led by regional partners, including SPC, FFA, USP, OPOC, and SPREP.
“This funding supports a broad agenda from governance to community-based fisheries management, ensuring regional needs are met,” said Barbara Plinkert, EU Ambassador to the Pacific.
“The long-term objective is aligned with the Pacific’s 2050 Strategy for healthy oceans and resilient communities.’’
Focus areas include governance, market access, and youth empowerment to address key challenges in fisheries and ocean management, with continued priority on strengthening ocean governance and promoting science-based decision making.
Plinkert said efforts to improve market access and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remain central.
She emphasised investing in sustainable value chains and empowering youth and young professionals through education and training.
This initiative highlights the importance of sustainable fisheries value chains, with Team Europe collaboration and regional alignment, ensuring synergy and local relevance in program design and delivery.
“The Team Europe approach coordinates efforts among EU Member States and regional organisations to avoid duplication,’’ she said.
“Sweden contributed ten million euros to Phase One, focusing on human rights, gender, and social inclusion; similar collaboration is planned for Phase Two.
She added, the program is designed to leverage each partner’s comparative advantage for complementary impact, with full alignment with the national priorities of Pacific Island countries, ensuring a direct response to local needs and ambitions.
“The program combines SPC’s technical expertise, FFA’s fisheries governance leadership, and USP’s academic capacities for tailored actions,’’ Plinkert said.
“The aim is to achieve tangible, measurable progress by 2030, with Engagement through forums like the FFA’s Development Partner Symposium, which fosters ongoing dialogue and shared commitment.
“Recognition of the vital role played by Pacific Island governments and regional organisations in shaping and stewarding the program.”
Stakeholder Engagement
The successful launch of PEUMP Phase Two reflects extensive consultation and partnership-building with Pacific island nations and regional bodies.
Extensive Consultations with Pacific Island Countries and Regional Organisations shaped the program design.
The process involved detailed discussions to understand priorities and areas for joint impact on ocean management.
Plinkert noted that the collaboration ensured the program addresses the specific expertise and needs of regional partners and countries.
“The EU delegation’s team played a key role in coordinating these efforts to reach consensus and finalise the program.’’
Shared commitment and trust underpin the partnership’s longevity and impact, and the signing of Phase Two marks a milestone reflecting trust between the EU, Pacific island countries, and regional organisations.
She emphasised on long-term cooperation signals a commitment to jointly tackle ocean-related challenges.
Plinkert’s remarks highlighted the importance of an ongoing partnership in opening a new chapter in regional ocean governance and sustainability.
Representatives from EU Member States, including France, Sweden, Germany, and Spain, regional bodies, NGOs, and civil society were engaged.
“The program’s design fosters collaboration across public and private sectors to maximise impact, and this broad involvement strengthens the program’s capacity to meet diverse challenges and community needs effectively.”