Considerations on COM(2023)252 - Allocation of fishing opportunities under the Protocol on the implementation of the fisheries agreement with Kiribati (2023-2028)

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dossier COM(2023)252 - Allocation of fishing opportunities under the Protocol on the implementation of the fisheries agreement with Kiribati ...
document COM(2023)252 EN
date September  6, 2023
 
table>(1)On 23 July 2007, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 893/2007 (1) 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 Protocol (2) to the Agreement set out, for a period of six years, the fishing opportunities granted to Union vessels in the Kiribati fishing zone and the financial contribution granted by the Union. The period of application of that Protocol expired on 15 September 2012.

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

(4)On 26 January 2015, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Kiribati for the conclusion of a new Protocol implementing the Agreement (4). Those negotiations were concluded and a new Protocol implementing the Agreement for a period of five years (2023–2028) was initialled on 18 December 2022.

(5)In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2023/2187 (5), the Protocol on the implemention of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Republic of Kiribati, on the other (2023–2028) (‘the Protocol’) was signed on 2 October 2023, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

(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)The fishing opportunities provided for in the Protocol should be allocated among relevant Member States for the entire period of its application.

(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.

(9)The Protocol will apply on a provisional basis as from the date of its signature in order to allow for the fishing activities of Union vessels. This Regulation should therefore apply from the same date,