PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Decision 2014/48/EU on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand

BACKGROUND: on 28 June 2007, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 753/2007 concerning the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and Denmark and of Greenland. A Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement was attached thereto. The Protocol will expire on 31 December 2012.

The Union has negotiated with Denmark and Greenland a new Protocol to the Agreement setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution.  The Protocol was signed in accordance with Council Decision 2012/653/EU subject to its conclusion at a later date, and was provisionally applied from 1 January 2013.

It is now necessary to conclude the Protocol.

CONTENT : with this Decision, the Council concluded, with Parliament’s approval, the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and Denmark and Greenland, on the other hand,

The main provisions of the Protocol are as follows:

Fishing opportunities: the indicative level of fishing opportunities authorised by Greenland (in tonnes) to the European fleet has been set out by year from 2013 to 2015 for the following species in the zones specified in the Protocol:

·        cod;

·        pelagic redfish;

·        demersal redfish;

·        Greenland halibut

·        Northern prawn

·        Atlantic halibut;

·        snowcrab;

·        capelin;

·        grenadiers.

The levels of the fishing opportunities may be reviewed by the Joint Committee, taking into account available scientific advice, the precautionary approach, and the needs of the fishing industry. There are special provisions on Northern prawn.

By catch: the maximum quantities which may be taken as by-catch are limited to a rate of 10 % of the quota of the targeted stock as expressed in the fishing authorisation for all fishing activities, except for fishing activities targeting Northern Prawn where this rate is reduced to 5 %.

Financial contribution: the new Protocol provides for a total financial contribution of EUR 17  847 244 per year for the whole period. This amount corresponds to:

·        EUR 15.104.203 per year for the access to the Greenlandic EEZ

·        EUR 2.743.041 per year, corresponding to the additional envelop paid by the EU to support Greenland fisheries policy.

Duration: the Protocol covers a period of three years starting from 1 January 2013.

Specific provisions: there are provisions to ensure sustainable management of the fishery resources. The Joint Committee shall agree on a multiannual sectoral programme and detailed implementing rules. There are also provisions on scientific cooperation to ensure sustainable fishing.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: the Decision enters into force on 31.01.2014. The date of entry into force of the Protocol will be published in the Official Journal by the General Secretariat of the Council.

PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: on 28 June 2007, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 753/2007 concerning the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland. A Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement was attached thereto.

The current Protocol will expire on 31 December 2012.

The Union negotiated with the Government of Denmark and the Government of Greenland a new Protocol to the Agreement setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution which was signed in accordance with a Council Decision subject to its conclusion at a later date, and is to be provisionally applied from 1 January 2013.

It is now necessary to approve the Protocol on behalf of the EU.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 43, paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

CONTENT: with this proposed Decision, the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand, is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

For details of the content of the Protocol, please refer to the summary of the initial legislative proposal dated 31/05/2012.

PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: on 28 June 2007, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 753/2007 concerning the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland. A Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement was attached thereto.

The current Protocol will expire on 31 December 2012.

The Union negotiated with the Government of Denmark and the Government of Greenland a new Protocol to the Agreement setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution which was signed in accordance with a Council Decision subject to its conclusion at a later date, and is to be provisionally applied from 1 January 2013.

It is now necessary to approve the Protocol on behalf of the EU.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 43, paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

CONTENT: with this proposed Decision, the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand, is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

For details of the content of the Protocol, please refer to the summary of the initial legislative proposal dated 31/05/2012.

PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: on 28 June 2007, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 753/2007 concerning the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland. A Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement was attached thereto.

The current Protocol will expire on 31 December 2012.

The Union negotiated with the Government of Denmark and the Government of Greenland a new Protocol to the Agreement setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution which was signed in accordance with a Council Decision subject to its conclusion at a later date, and is to be provisionally applied from 1 January 2013.

It is now necessary to approve the Protocol on behalf of the EU.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 43, paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

CONTENT: with this proposed Decision, the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand, is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

For details of the content of the Protocol, please refer to the summary of the initial legislative proposal dated 31/05/2012.

The European Parliament adopted by 574 votes to 13, with 65 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

Parliament gives its consent to conclusion of the Protocol. However, in the interests of transparency, it requests the Commission to:

• forward to it the conclusions of the meetings and proceedings of the Joint Committee provided for in Article 10 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement.
• provide representatives of Parliament, acting as observers, with the opportunity to attend meetings and proceedings of the Joint Committee.

Lastly, they call on the Commission to submit a review of the implementation of the Agreement to Parliament and the Council in the final year of application of the Protocol, before negotiations are opened on the renewal of the Agreement.

The Committee on Fisheries unanimously adopted the report by Ole CHRISTENSEN (S&D, DK) recommending that the European Parliament gives its consent to the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other.

In the interests of transparency, Members, however, call on the Commission to:

• to forward to it the conclusions of the meetings and proceedings of the Joint Committee provided for in Article 10 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement;
• give the opportunity to representatives of Parliament, acting as observers, to attend meetings and proceedings of the Joint Committee;
• submit a review of the implementation of the Agreement to Parliament and the Council in the final year of application of the Protocol, before negotiations are opened on the renewal of the Agreement.

PURPOSE: the conclusion of a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: on 28 June 2007, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 753/2007 concerning the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland. A Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement was attached thereto. The current Protocol will expire on 31 December 2012.

On the basis of a mandate given by the Council, the Commission negotiated with the governments of Denmark and Greenland the renewal of the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and these two entities.

The Protocol was signed subject to its conclusion at a later date, and is to be provisionally applied from 1 January 2013.

It is appropriate that the Protocol is approved on behalf of the European Union.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 43 paragraph 2, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in conjunction with Article 218, paragraph 6 a) thereof.

CONTENT: with this proposal for a Decision, it is envisaged to conclude on behalf of the European Union, a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

For further details concerning this Fishing Protocol, please refer to the summary of the initial legislative proposal dated 31/05/2012.

To recapitulate, the Protocol lays down:

• fishing opportunities authorised by Greenland (in tonnes) to the European fleet has been set out by year from 2013 to 2015 for a series of species defined in the proposal in clearly specified zones (including the Northern Prawn);
• a total financial contribution of EUR 17 847 244 per year for the whole period.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS: the total financial envelop allocated to this fisheries protocol is EUR 53.9 million from 2013 to 2015, including administrative costs and human resources.

PURPOSE: the conclusion of a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: on 28 June 2007, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 753/2007 concerning the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland. A Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement was attached thereto. The current Protocol will expire on 31 December 2012.

On the basis of a mandate given by the Council, the Commission negotiated with the governments of Denmark and Greenland the renewal of the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and these two entities.

The Protocol was signed subject to its conclusion at a later date, and is to be provisionally applied from 1 January 2013.

It is appropriate that the Protocol is approved on behalf of the European Union.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 43 paragraph 2, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in conjunction with Article 218, paragraph 6 a) thereof.

CONTENT: with this proposal for a Decision, it is envisaged to conclude on behalf of the European Union, a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

For further details concerning this Fishing Protocol, please refer to the summary of the initial legislative proposal dated 31/05/2012.

To recapitulate, the Protocol lays down:

• fishing opportunities authorised by Greenland (in tonnes) to the European fleet has been set out by year from 2013 to 2015 for a series of species defined in the proposal in clearly specified zones (including the Northern Prawn);
• a total financial contribution of EUR 17 847 244 per year for the whole period.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS: the total financial envelop allocated to this fisheries protocol is EUR 53.9 million from 2013 to 2015, including administrative costs and human resources.

PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: on the basis of relevant Council mandate, the Commission on behalf of the European Union negotiated with the Governments of Denmark and Greenland to renew the

Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and these two governments.

Following these negotiations, a new Protocol was initialed on 3 February 2012, which covers a period of three years starting from 1 January 2013.

The new Protocol is in line with the objectives of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement aiming at strengthening the cooperation between the European Union and Greenland and promoting a partnership framework in which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and responsible exploitation of fishery resources in the Greenlandic EEZ in the interests of both Parties. 

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 43, paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) TFEU.

CONTENT: the Commission proposes to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and Greenland, on the other hand.

Duration: the Protocol covers a period of three years starting from 1 January 2013.

Fishing opportunities: the indicative level of fishing opportunities authorised by Greenland (in tonnes) to the European fleet has been set out by year from 2013 to 2015 for the following species in the specified zones:

• cod;
• pelagic redfish;
• demersal redfish;
• Greenland halibut in NAFO;
• Greenland halibut in ICES;
• Northern prawn in NAFO;
• Northern prawn in ICES;
• Atlantic halibut;
• Atlantic halibut in ICES;
• snowcrab;
• capelin ;
• grenadiers.

The levels of the fishing opportunities may be reviewed by the Joint Committee, taking into account available scientific advice, the precautionary approach, the needs of the fishing industry.

There are special provisions on Northern prawn. The maximum quantities which may be taken as by-catch are limited to a rate of 10 % of the quota of the targeted stock as expressed in the fishing authorisation for all fishing activities, except for fishing activities targeting Northern Prawn where this rate is reduced to 5 %.

Financial contribution: the new Protocol provides for a total financial contribution of EUR 17  847 244 per year for the whole period. This amount corresponds to:

·        EUR 15.104.203 per year for the access to the Greenlandic EEZ

·        EUR 2.743.041 per year, corresponding to the additional envelop paid by the EU to support Greenland fisheries policy.

Specific provisions: there are provisions to ensure sustainable management of the fishery resources. The Joint Committee shall agree on a multiannual sectoral programme and detailed implementing rules. There are also provisions on scientific cooperation to ensure sustainable fishing.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS: the total financial envelop allocated to this fisheries protocol is EUR 53.9 million from 2013 to 2015, including administrative costs and human resources.

The financial contribution is comprised of (a) an annual amount of EUR 15.104.203 EUR, equivalent to an annual quota of 85 765 tonnes, and (b) an annual amount of EUR 2. 743.041, paid in support of Greenland fisheries policy. The total amount of the financial contribution paid by the European Union shall not be more than twice the amount of EUR 15. 104.203.

PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: on the basis of relevant Council mandate, the Commission on behalf of the European Union negotiated with the Governments of Denmark and Greenland to renew the

Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and these two governments.

Following these negotiations, a new Protocol was initialed on 3 February 2012, which covers a period of three years starting from 1 January 2013.

The new Protocol is in line with the objectives of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement aiming at strengthening the cooperation between the European Union and Greenland and promoting a partnership framework in which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and responsible exploitation of fishery resources in the Greenlandic EEZ in the interests of both Parties. 

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 43, paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) TFEU.

CONTENT: the Commission proposes to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and Greenland, on the other hand.

Duration: the Protocol covers a period of three years starting from 1 January 2013.

Fishing opportunities: the indicative level of fishing opportunities authorised by Greenland (in tonnes) to the European fleet has been set out by year from 2013 to 2015 for the following species in the specified zones:

• cod;
• pelagic redfish;
• demersal redfish;
• Greenland halibut in NAFO;
• Greenland halibut in ICES;
• Northern prawn in NAFO;
• Northern prawn in ICES;
• Atlantic halibut;
• Atlantic halibut in ICES;
• snowcrab;
• capelin ;
• grenadiers.

The levels of the fishing opportunities may be reviewed by the Joint Committee, taking into account available scientific advice, the precautionary approach, the needs of the fishing industry.

There are special provisions on Northern prawn. The maximum quantities which may be taken as by-catch are limited to a rate of 10 % of the quota of the targeted stock as expressed in the fishing authorisation for all fishing activities, except for fishing activities targeting Northern Prawn where this rate is reduced to 5 %.

Financial contribution: the new Protocol provides for a total financial contribution of EUR 17  847 244 per year for the whole period. This amount corresponds to:

·        EUR 15.104.203 per year for the access to the Greenlandic EEZ

·        EUR 2.743.041 per year, corresponding to the additional envelop paid by the EU to support Greenland fisheries policy.

Specific provisions: there are provisions to ensure sustainable management of the fishery resources. The Joint Committee shall agree on a multiannual sectoral programme and detailed implementing rules. There are also provisions on scientific cooperation to ensure sustainable fishing.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS: the total financial envelop allocated to this fisheries protocol is EUR 53.9 million from 2013 to 2015, including administrative costs and human resources.

The financial contribution is comprised of (a) an annual amount of EUR 15.104.203 EUR, equivalent to an annual quota of 85 765 tonnes, and (b) an annual amount of EUR 2. 743.041, paid in support of Greenland fisheries policy. The total amount of the financial contribution paid by the European Union shall not be more than twice the amount of EUR 15. 104.203.