FRANCE’S direct funding and support commitments included €EUR1.3 million worth of equipment in 2025, and €EUR2 million euros dedicated to manoeuvres and logistical air support.
Addressing delegates of the second FFA Development Partner Symposium (DPS2), the French Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan, clarified the scope of financial support from France and the EU toward Pacific maritime and environmental efforts.
“This funding supplements maritime patrols and training by the Pacific Academy and France’s contribution targets enhanced operational capacity for Pacific states and territories,’’ Roger-Lacan said.
“The support aims to strengthen regional security and environmental monitoring capabilities.”
France’s share of the EU budget stands at 12 per cent, which translates to 12 per cent of the EU’s €EUR40 million contribution to the FFA for the period 2018-2030.
“This reflects France’s proportional investment within the broader EU framework, and the contribution supports fisheries management and regional cooperation efforts under the FFA,” she said.
“It aligns France’s national commitments with EU-wide strategic priorities in the Pacific.”
The EU’s indirect funding of €EUR 40 million is allocated to the SPC and the University of the South Pacific for the period 2018-2030.
“This funding supports scientific research, capacity building, and education in the region, and it strengthens institutional frameworks for sustainable fisheries and marine resource management.
“The indirect nature of this funding complements direct operational support from member states.”
Development Agency AFD’s Global Pacific Ocean initiative launched with €EUR8 million in subsidies spread over five years, targeting 16 states and territories.
Roger-Lacan added the focus is on coastal fisheries and marine biodiversity protection, and the funds are dispersed through regional bodies, including SPREP and SPC, to maximise reach.
“This initiative underlines a multi-year commitment to environmental sustainability in the Pacific.”