Memorandum of Understanding
Bellow is the summary of the MOU signed between Costas Kadis the Commissioner for fisheries and Oceans and Hanna Katrín Friðriksson ICelandic the Icelandic Minister of Industries.
15 July 2025
This Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) establishes a political framework for enhanced cooperation between the European Union and Iceland on fisheries and ocean affairs.
The MoU builds on existing agreements and long-standing cooperation, including Iceland’s participation in the European Economic Area and association with Horizon Europe. It recognizes the shared interest of both parties in ensuring sustainable fisheries, a healthy marine environment, and a resilient ocean economy, grounded in best available scientific advice.
The cooperation framework covers the following main areas:
Sustainable fisheries management, including cooperation on shared fish stocks, fisheries control, and coordination within regional and international fisheries organizations.
Research and scientific cooperation, particularly through the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and Horizon Europe, focusing on marine ecosystems, data sharing, digital ocean tools, and ocean literacy.
Cooperation in international fora, including collaboration within the FAO, regional fisheries bodies, and initiatives related to sustainable aquatic food systems.
Sustainable Blue Economy, including exchange of best practices related to innovation, energy transition, and marine-based economic activities.
Arctic cooperation, with attention to environmental protection, precautionary fisheries management, and collaboration through Arctic governance structures.
Marine biodiversity, including cooperation on conservation, assessment of marine populations, support for relevant international conventions, and implementation of global biodiversity agreements.
Maritime monitoring, control, and surveillance, including data collection, fisheries control, and coast guard cooperation.
Sustainable aquaculture, aligned with FAO guidelines.
Energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture, focusing on efficiency and long-term decarbonisation.
Stakeholder engagement, including information exchange and cooperation between industries and organisations.
The MoU establishes a high-level dialogue mechanism, with meetings held at least annually, co-chaired by the EU and Iceland, to review progress and discuss cooperation areas. Each party designates a point of contact for coordination and technical matters.
The document explicitly states that the MoU does not create legal rights or obligations, has no financial implications, and represents a non-binding political commitment. It was signed in Brussels on 15 July 2025 by representatives of both parties.
