European Parliament approves Tonga's accession to trade agreement with Pacific States

In brief

On 18 December 2024, the European Parliament gave the green light to the accession of the Kingdom of Tonga to the interim partnership agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Pacific States. This agreement, initially signed in 2009, aims to facilitate trade and support the sustainable development of Pacific countries.

Background

The EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement (IPA) is a preferential trade agreement that allows products originating from Pacific States to access the European market duty-free and quota-free. In return, Pacific countries commit to gradually opening their markets to European products. The agreement also includes provisions on sustainable development, technical cooperation and rules of origin. Tonga, an archipelago of about 100,000 inhabitants in the Pacific Ocean, requested to join this agreement to benefit from these trade advantages and strengthen its economic ties with the EU.

What was decided

The European Parliament approved the draft Council decision authorising Tonga's accession to the IPA. This approval was necessary because, under the EU treaties, Parliament must give its consent for international agreements. The vote was taken by roll-call, meaning each MEP voted individually and the results are public.

Vote result

The proposal was adopted by a large majority:

• For: 545 MEPs
• Against: 81 MEPs
• Abstentions: 26 MEPs

This result shows strong cross-party support for extending the agreement to Tonga.

What this means for citizens

For European citizens, this decision will not have a major direct impact on their daily lives. However, it strengthens the EU's trade and diplomatic relations with a strategic Pacific region. For the people of Tonga, joining the IPA opens up new economic opportunities: Tongan exports (notably agricultural products such as vanilla, coconuts or fish) can enter the European market duty-free, which can boost local employment and incomes. Moreover, the agreement includes sustainable development clauses that encourage environmentally friendly and labour rights-respecting trade practices. In short, this vote illustrates the EU's commitment to supporting small island developing states while expanding its network of rules-based trade agreements.