Considerations on COM(2023)586 - EU position in the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (the 'Barcelona Convention') as regards the adoption of a Regional Plan on Agriculture Management, a Regional Plan on Aquaculture Management, a Regional Plan on Urban Stormwater Management, in the framework of Article 15 of the Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from Land-Based Sources, and as regards the adoption of amendments to Annexes II and III to the Protocol concerning Special Protected Areas and Biological Diversity - Main contents
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| dossier | COM(2023)586 - EU position in the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (the ... |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2023)586  |
| date | October 16, 2023 |
(2) The Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities (the ‘LBS Protocol’) was concluded by the Union by Council Decision 1999/801/EC16 and entered into force on 11 May 2008.
(3) The Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (the ‘SPA and Biodiversity Protocol’) was concluded by the Union by Council Decision 1999/800/EC17 and entered into force on 12 December 1999.
(4) Pursuant to Article 15 of the LBS Protocol, the Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols may adopt regional action plans containing measures and timetables for their implementation.
(5) Pursuant to Article 18 of the Barcelona Convention, the Meeting of the Contracting Parties, may adopt amendments of the Protocols to the Barcelona Convention. Pursuant to Article 23 of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols in conjunction with Article 14(1) of the SPA and Biodiversity Protocol, an amendment to the Annexes to the Protocol is to become effective to all Contracting Parties to the SPA and Biodiversity Protocol upon expiry of a period determined by the Contracting Parties when adopting the amendment, except for those that have notified the Depositary in writing that they are unable to approve the amendment.
(6) The Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, during its 23rd session/meeting held from 4-8 December 2023, is to adopt three new Regional Plans under the LBS Protocol (a Regional Plan on Agriculture Management, a Regional Plan on Aquaculture Management, and a Regional Plan on Urban Stormwater Management), and a proposal to amend Annexes II and III to the SPA and Biodiversity Protocol to include nine cartilaginous species: five species in Annex II (list of endangered or threatened species) and four species in Annex III (list of species whose exploitation is being regulated).
(7) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union's behalf at the Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols on the adoption of these proposals, as the Regional Plans will be binding on the Union according to Article 15, paragraph 3 of the LBS Protocol, and the amendments to Annexes II and III of the SPA and Biodiversity Protocol will be binding on the Union in accordance with Article 29 of the Barcelona Convention.
(8) Since the envisaged Regional Plans are in line with the Union’s ambition and policies to reduce pollution from agricultural, aquaculture and urban stormwater and to improve the protection of the coastal and marine environment, it is proposed that the Union support the adoption of the proposed Regional Plans.
(9) Since the envisaged amendments to Annexes II and III to the SPA and Biodiversity Protocol are consistent with the Union’s ambition under the Green Deal, in particular the EU Biodiversity Strategy, as well as with Union law on the protection of fisheries resources and marine ecosystems, it is proposed that the Union support the adoption of the proposed amendments.