Considerations on COM(2023)253 - Signing and provisional application of the Protocol on the implementation of the fisheries agreement with Kiribati (2023-2028)

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dossier COM(2023)253 - Signing and provisional application of the Protocol on the implementation of the fisheries agreement with Kiribati ...
document COM(2023)253
date September  6, 2023
 
(1) On 23 July 2007, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 893/20071 on the conclusion of a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on one hand, and the Republic of Kiribati, on the other (‘the Agreement’).

(2) The first Protocol2 to the Agreement set out, for a period of six years, the fishing opportunities granted to Union vessels in the fishing zone in Kiribati waters and the financial contribution granted by the Union. The period of application of that Protocol expired on 15 September 2012.

(3) The second Protocol3 to the Agreement set out, for a period of three years, the fishing opportunities granted to Union vessels in the fishing zone in Kiribati waters and the financial contribution granted by the Union. The period of application of that Protocol expired on 15 September 2015.

(4) On 28 January 2015, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Kiribati for the conclusion of a new Protocol implementing the Agreement4. Those negotiations were concluded and a new Protocol implementing the Agreement (‘the Protocol’) for a period of five years (2023-2028) was initialled on 18 December 2022.

(5) The objective of the Protocol is to implement the Agreement so as to grant fishing opportunities to Union vessels in the fishing areas within Kiribati waters and to enable the Union and Kiribati to work more closely on promoting cooperation in the field of sustainable development of the oceans, fishery policy and blue economy, while contributing to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.

(6) The Protocol provides for fishing opportunities for Union vessels in Kiribati waters, on the basis of the best available scientific advice and following the conservation and management measures adopted by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

(7) Therefore, the Protocol should be signed on behalf of the Union, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

(8) The Protocol should be implemented as soon as possible in view of the economic importance related to Union fishing activities in Kiribati waters and the need to minimise as much as possible the time period before such activities can resume. The Protocol should therefore be applied provisionally upon its signature and this Decision should enter into force upon its adoption.

(9) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/17255 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and delivered its opinion on [insert date].