EU Acknowledges Vietnam’s Efforts to Remove IUU “Yellow Card,” Expects EC On-Site Inspection Soon

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At a working session on January 26 announcing the upcoming visit to Vietnam by European Council President António Costa, the EU Ambassador to Vietnam, Julien Guerrier, shared updates on the assessment process regarding the removal of the “yellow card” imposed on Vietnam’s fisheries sector.

According to Ambassador Julien Guerrier, following a working meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Environment in November 2025, Vietnam submitted an updated report on the implementation of the EC’s recommendations related to combating IUU fishing. Specialized units of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment have also actively engaged in exchanges and provided comprehensive responses to EC experts in Brussels over recent weeks.

EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier. (Photo: Agriculture and Environment Newspaper)

The Ambassador expressed his expectation: “Based on the current working and review process, the EC may soon organize an on-site inspection in Vietnam within the next few months. While more time is still needed, we look forward to positive outcomes from Vietnam’s highly commendable efforts.”

According to the EU side, the greatest challenge at present lies in the effective enforcement of regulations in practice. This requires close and continuous coordination among central ministries and agencies and coastal local authorities. Ambassador Julien Guerrier emphasized that maintaining consistent enforcement discipline is a key factor in the process of removing the “yellow card.”

In particular, the EU Ambassador highly appreciated the fact that the Prime Minister of Vietnam personally chairs regular weekly meetings involving ministries, sectors, and more than 20 coastal provinces and cities to closely monitor the progress of anti-IUU measures. According to him, this is clear evidence of Vietnam’s strong political commitment to addressing the issue.

In his overall assessment of the implementation of the EC’s recommendations, Ambassador Julien Guerrier reaffirmed that Vietnam has made many highly commendable strides. Specifically, Vietnam has made significant efforts to complete the installation of vessel monitoring systems for all fishing vessels with a length of 15 meters or more, with some localities having fully met the requirements. At the same time, the legal framework for fisheries management continues to be improved, gradually aligning with international standards.

Alongside institutional improvements, coastal localities have intensified inspections and supervision of fishing activities, strengthened legal awareness-raising among fishermen, and gradually addressed shortcomings that have persisted for many years. According to the EU Ambassador, these efforts have yielded positive changes, helping to build a foundation for a transparent and responsible fisheries sector.

Affirming that the EU clearly recognizes Vietnam’s efforts, Ambassador Julien Guerrier stated that EC agencies will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, providing companionship and maximum support in the process toward lifting the “yellow card,” for the long-term sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

Beyond IUU fishing, the EU Ambassador noted that cooperation in fisheries and the maritime economy is one of the key pillars the EU seeks to promote as relations with Vietnam are upgraded. The EU aims to expand cooperation in marine resource management, ecosystem protection, and the development of a green maritime economy, thereby making practical contributions to sustainable development and shared prosperity for both sides.

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