Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2010)116 - Authorisation of the Commission to open negotiations for the renewal of the Protocol to the fisheries agreement with the Federated States of Micronesia

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dossier COM(2010)116 - Authorisation of the Commission to open negotiations for the renewal of the Protocol to the fisheries agreement with the ...
source COM(2010)116 EN
date 29-03-2010
The European Union and the Federated States of Micronesia concluded a Fisheries Partnership Agreement i on 25 April 2006, the Protocol to which, setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement, entered into force on 26 February 2007 and expired on 25 February 2010.

The Commission proposes negotiating a new Protocol which is more in line with the opportunities and recognised requirements of Member States' fleets, in accordance with the Council Conclusions of 2004 on Fisheries Partnership Agreements.

The Council is accordingly requested to approve the negotiating instructions set out in the Annex hereto.

RECOMMENDATION

In the light of the above, the Commission recommends that:

- the Council authorise the Commission to open and conduct negotiations with a view to renewing the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Federated States of Micronesia;

- the Commission be appointed negotiator in the matter;

- the Commission conduct the negotiations in consultation with a special committee in accordance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;

- the Council approve the negotiating instructions set out in the Annex hereto.

ANNEXNegotiating instructions

The negotiations are aimed at renewing the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Federated States of Micronesia in light of the Council Conclusions of 15 July 2004 based on the Commission Communication of 23 December 2002.

With a view to promoting responsible and sustainable fishing through the new Protocol, the Commission is to base those negotiations on the following objectives:

- access to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Federated States of Micronesia and the requisite authorisations for European Union fleet vessels to fish for tuna in the said EEZ;

- taking account of the best available scientific advice;

- ensuring the level of access to the resource, on the basis of the parameters defined in the current Protocol and trends noted in recent years;

- reinforcing the dialogue on sectoral policy in order to encourage the implementation of a responsible fisheries policy, in connection with the country’s development objectives, in particular as regards fisheries control and surveillance, fishery resource management and improvement of the health and hygiene conditions of fishery products.