PURPOSE : the conclusion of a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland.

LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Regulation (EC) No 753/2007 of 28 June 2007 on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement (“the 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.

CONTENT : This Regulation approves the FPA mentioned above for a period of six years. The Agreement is accompanied by a Protocol which sets out both the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution.

Main objectives: This Agreement establishes the principles, rules and procedures governing:

- economic, financial, technical and scientific cooperation in the fisheries sector with the purpose of ensuring that the exploitation of the fisheries resources provide sustainable economic and social conditions including the development of the Greenlandic fisheries sector,

- the conditions governing access by Community fishing vessels to the Greenlandic Exclusive Economic zone ("the Greenlandic EEZ"),

- the arrangements for regulating fisheries of Community vessels in the Greenlandic EEZ with a view to ensuring that the rules and conditions applicable to them are complied with, the measures for the conservation and management of fish stocks are effective and illegal, undeclared and unregulated fishing is prevented,

- partnerships between companies aimed at developing economic activities in the fisheries sector and related activities, in the common interest.

Principles and objectives underlying the implementation of the Agreement: b oth Parties agree to promote responsible fishing in the Greenlandic EEZ based on the principle of non-discrimination between the different fleets fishing in those waters.

Scientific co-operation: t ogether, the Community and Greenland will monitor the evolution of resources in the Greenlandic EEZ. Scientific discussions will take place via the Joint Committee.

Access and licences: Greenland will allow Community vessels access to its EEZ – on condition that they operate under licence issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement and the Protocol.

Financial contribution: the financial contribution of the Community is EUR 85 843 464. To this shall be added a financial reserve of EUR 9 240 000 out of which payment shall be made for additional quantities of cod and capelin. The Community will pay the financial contribution in the form of an annual amount at the rate of EUR 14 307 244. As regards cod and capelin every year Greenland shall notify the Community authorities of any quantities of cod and capelin made available for catching beyond the amounts set out in the Annex. The Community will pay for those additional amounts 17.5 % of the first landing value at the rate of EUR 1800 per ton for cod and EUR 100 per ton for capelin, minus the fees paid by ship owners, up to a maximum of EUR 1 540 000 per year, to cover both species. Any part of this financial reserve not used in one year may be carried over to pay Greenland for additional quantities of cod and capelin made available for catching in the subsequent two years.

The minimum quantities for maintaining Greenlandic fishing activities are set, per year, as:

- Snowcrab: Western stock: 4 000;

- Cod: Western stock and Eastern stock: 30 000;

- Redfish: Western stock: 2 500; Eastern stock: 5 000;

- Greenland halibut: Western stock: 4 700; Eastern stock: 4 000; and

- Shrimp: Western stock: 25 000; Eastern stock: 1 5000.

The allocation and management of fishing opportunities including licences obtained under the Agreement will be conducted in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002. In order to optimise the use of fishing opportunities under this Agreement, the Commission will be allowed to carry out reallocations of non-utilised fishing opportunities from one Member State to another during the annual fishing campaign under certain conditions and criteria and in close cooperation with the Member States concerned.

ENTRY INTO FORCE : 07/07/2007.

Regulation 2007/753
OJ L 172 30.06.2007, p. 0001

The Council adopted a regulation approving the conclusion of a fisheries partnership agreement between the European Community and Greenland. The agreement will be applicable for six years from 1 January 2007.

The date beyond which the provisions concerning the reallocation of fishing opportunities by the Commission will apply, are as follows:

Fishing species of the Protocol Timetable

Shrimp (East): 1 August; Greenland halibut (East): 15 September; Atlantic halibut: 1 September; Greenland halibut (West): 15 October; Shrimp (West): 1 October; Redfish: 1 September; Snowcrab: 1 October; Cod: 31 October.

The first payment to Greenland in the framework of the agreement should be made by the end of June 2007.

The Council and the Commission issued a joint statement with regard to the reallocation of fishing opportunities in the framework of fisheries partnerships with third countries (see Council document 10768/07 ADD 1 ).

SP(2007)3179

Results of vote in Parliament

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Joop POST (EPP-ED, NL) amending the proposal for a Council regulation on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EC on the one hand, and Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other. It inserted three new recitals stating, respectively:

- if fishing opportunities are established by the Joint Committee at a lower level than that set out in Chapter I of the Annex, Greenland should compensate the Community in subsequent years by corresponding fishing opportunities or in the same year by other fishing opportunities, or by deducting a corresponding proportion of the agreed payment;

- the Community should reserve the right to adjust quotas where, after 2010, they are found not to be in line with EU policy on sustainability;

- in implementing Article 2(1) of the Protocol, the conditions referred to in Article 1(2) of the Protocol should be observed.

New operative clauses state the following:

- the Commission shall report annually to the European Parliament and the Council on the results of the sectoral fisheries policy described in Article 4 of the Protocol;

- the Commission shall evaluate each year whether Member States whose vessels operate under the Protocol have complied with reporting requirements. Where they have not done so, the Commission shall refuse their requests for fishing licences for the following year;

- prior to the expiry of the Protocol and before the beginning of negotiations for a possible renewal, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an ex post evaluation of the Protocol, including a cost-benefit analysis.

T6-0192/2007

Debate in Parliament

A6-0161/2007

A6-0161/2007

The Committee on Fisheries adopted the report drafted by Mr. Joop POST (EPP-ED, NL) amending, in the context of the consultation procedure, the proposal for a Council regulation on the conclusion of 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.

The Committee adopted the following amendments:

- i n order to evaluate whether the compensation paid by the EU is properly accounted for and does, in fact, promote the sustainable use of fishery resources in Greenland, the Commission should report annually to the Parliament;

- the Commission shall evaluate each year whether Member States whose vessels operate under the Protocol have complied with reporting requirements. Where they have not done so, the Commission shall refuse their requests for fishing licences for the following year;

- Prior to the expiry of the Protocol and before the beginning of negotiations for a possible renewal, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an ex post evaluation of the Protocol, including a cost-benefit analysis.

The Committee also added two new recitals in order to better clarify the following points :

- if fishing opportunities are established by the Joint Committee at a lower level than that set out in Chapter I of the Annex, Greenland should compensate the Community in subsequent years by corresponding fishing opportunities or in the same year by other fishing opportunities, or by deducting a corresponding proportion of the agreed payment;

- the Community should reserve the right to adjust quotas where, after 2010, they are found not to be in line with EU policy on sustainability.

PE388.330

PE386.536

PE382.587

PURPOSE: the conclusion of a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Regulation.

BACKGROUND: the current Framework Agreement between the European Community and Greenland dates back to 1985, with the fourth Protocol to this Agreement expiring on 31 December 2006. The EU- Greenland Fisheries Agreement has acted as the main conduit for EU financing programmes – be they fisheries related or not. Recognising the indistinct nature of such an arrangement the Council, and acting upon advice from the Court of Auditors and the European Parliament, has urged the Commission to propose a new comprehensive partnership with Greenland upon the expiry of the Fisheries Agreement on 31 December 2006. The future comprehensive strategy, a political agreement between the Community and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, will be based on a two pillar system:

- A Fisheries Agreement , entailing a clear identification of the payment corresponding to effective fishing possibilities. The purpose of the present proposal.

- A specific OCT Decision governing co-operation between the EU and Greenland which is not related to fisheries. (See INI/2006/2182 ).

CONTENT: the purpose of the proposed Regulation is the conclusion of a new Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Community, the government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, for a period of six years. The Protocol will also be valid for a period of six years beginning on 1 January 2007. The Agreement is accompanied by a Protocol which sets out both the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution.

Main objectives:

The Agreement’s main objectives are to set out the principles and rules governing EU/Greenlandic fishery issues by:

- encouraging economic, financial, technical and scientific co-operation in the fisheries sectors;

- promoting responsible fishing in Greenlandic waters;

- developing the fishing sector in Greenland;

- allowing Community fishing vessels access to the Greenlandic Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ;

- setting out the arrangements for regulating Community vessels operating in the EEZ;

- regulating measures aimed at conserving and managing fish stocks;

- preventing illegal, undeclared and unregulated fishing; and

- encouraging partnerships between companies the purpose of which is to encourage fishing activities of common interest.

Principles and objectives underlying the implementation of the Agreement:

Both Parties agree to promote responsible fishing in the Greenlandic EEZ based on the principle of non-discrimination between the different fleets fishing in those waters.

Scientific co-operation:

Together, the Community and Greenland will monitor the evolution of resources in the Greenlandic EEZ. Scientific discussions will take place via the Joint Committee.

Access and licences:

Greenland will allow Community vessels access to its EEZ – on condition that they operate under licence issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement and the Protocol.

Financial contribution:

As far as the financial contribution is concerned the Community proposes a financial contribution totalling EUR 15, 847 244, per year. This includes a financial reserve of EUR 1, 540 000 to be paid in case the Community receives fishing opportunities for cod and/or capelin in addition to the quotas already set out in the Annex. Of the EUR 15, 847 244 an annual financial support of EUR 3, 261 449 will be earmarked for defining and implementing a sectoral fisheries policy in Greenland. On top of the financial contribution form the Community budget, the ship owners’ fees, fixed for each species as 5% of the average reference prices paid to Greenland could amount to around EUR 2, 000 000.

The proposed new FPA differs from previous agreement in a number of ways. The changes can be summarised as:

- following scientific advice the Commission proposes a reduced redfish, Greenland halibut East and snow crab quota;

- increasing the Greenland halibut West quota by 1 000 tonnes and increasing the shrimp East quota by 1 325 tonnes;

- following scientific advice, the Commission is proposing to prohibit direct fishing for roundnose grenadier and only allowing by-catches of this species; and

- introducing a cod quota of 1 000 tonnes in 2007 to be increased to 3 500 tonnes from 2008 onward.

Thus, the minimum quantities for maintaining Greenlandic fishing activities are set, per year, as:

- Snowcrab: Western stock: 4 000;

- Cod: Western stock and Eastern stock: 30 000;

- Redfish: Western stock: 2 500; Eastern stock: 5 000;

- Greenland halibut: Western stock: 4 700; Eastern stock: 4 000; and

- Shrimp: Western stock: 25 000; Eastern stock: 1 5000.

For further details on the financial aspect of this proposal please refer to the financial statement.

COM(2006)0804
EUR-Lex

PURPOSE: the conclusion of a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Regulation.

BACKGROUND: the current Framework Agreement between the European Community and Greenland dates back to 1985, with the fourth Protocol to this Agreement expiring on 31 December 2006. The EU- Greenland Fisheries Agreement has acted as the main conduit for EU financing programmes – be they fisheries related or not. Recognising the indistinct nature of such an arrangement the Council, and acting upon advice from the Court of Auditors and the European Parliament, has urged the Commission to propose a new comprehensive partnership with Greenland upon the expiry of the Fisheries Agreement on 31 December 2006. The future comprehensive strategy, a political agreement between the Community and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, will be based on a two pillar system:

- A Fisheries Agreement , entailing a clear identification of the payment corresponding to effective fishing possibilities. The purpose of the present proposal.

- A specific OCT Decision governing co-operation between the EU and Greenland which is not related to fisheries. (See INI/2006/2182 ).

CONTENT: the purpose of the proposed Regulation is the conclusion of a new Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Community, the government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, for a period of six years. The Protocol will also be valid for a period of six years beginning on 1 January 2007. The Agreement is accompanied by a Protocol which sets out both the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution.

Main objectives:

The Agreement’s main objectives are to set out the principles and rules governing EU/Greenlandic fishery issues by:

- encouraging economic, financial, technical and scientific co-operation in the fisheries sectors;

- promoting responsible fishing in Greenlandic waters;

- developing the fishing sector in Greenland;

- allowing Community fishing vessels access to the Greenlandic Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ;

- setting out the arrangements for regulating Community vessels operating in the EEZ;

- regulating measures aimed at conserving and managing fish stocks;

- preventing illegal, undeclared and unregulated fishing; and

- encouraging partnerships between companies the purpose of which is to encourage fishing activities of common interest.

Principles and objectives underlying the implementation of the Agreement:

Both Parties agree to promote responsible fishing in the Greenlandic EEZ based on the principle of non-discrimination between the different fleets fishing in those waters.

Scientific co-operation:

Together, the Community and Greenland will monitor the evolution of resources in the Greenlandic EEZ. Scientific discussions will take place via the Joint Committee.

Access and licences:

Greenland will allow Community vessels access to its EEZ – on condition that they operate under licence issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement and the Protocol.

Financial contribution:

As far as the financial contribution is concerned the Community proposes a financial contribution totalling EUR 15, 847 244, per year. This includes a financial reserve of EUR 1, 540 000 to be paid in case the Community receives fishing opportunities for cod and/or capelin in addition to the quotas already set out in the Annex. Of the EUR 15, 847 244 an annual financial support of EUR 3, 261 449 will be earmarked for defining and implementing a sectoral fisheries policy in Greenland. On top of the financial contribution form the Community budget, the ship owners’ fees, fixed for each species as 5% of the average reference prices paid to Greenland could amount to around EUR 2, 000 000.

The proposed new FPA differs from previous agreement in a number of ways. The changes can be summarised as:

- following scientific advice the Commission proposes a reduced redfish, Greenland halibut East and snow crab quota;

- increasing the Greenland halibut West quota by 1 000 tonnes and increasing the shrimp East quota by 1 325 tonnes;

- following scientific advice, the Commission is proposing to prohibit direct fishing for roundnose grenadier and only allowing by-catches of this species; and

- introducing a cod quota of 1 000 tonnes in 2007 to be increased to 3 500 tonnes from 2008 onward.

Thus, the minimum quantities for maintaining Greenlandic fishing activities are set, per year, as:

- Snowcrab: Western stock: 4 000;

- Cod: Western stock and Eastern stock: 30 000;

- Redfish: Western stock: 2 500; Eastern stock: 5 000;

- Greenland halibut: Western stock: 4 700; Eastern stock: 4 000; and

- Shrimp: Western stock: 25 000; Eastern stock: 1 5000.

For further details on the financial aspect of this proposal please refer to the financial statement.

COM(2006)0804
EUR-Lex

COM(2006)0142
EUR-Lex