Annexes to COM(2008)711 - EC position with regard to proposals for amendments to the International Convention on the Regulation of Whaling and its Schedule

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ANNEX

15. The overarching objective of the European Community in relation to the IWC is to ensure an effective international regulatory framework for the conservation and management of whales guaranteeing a significant improvement in the conservation status of whales in the long term and bringing all whaling operations under IWC control.

16. The Member States acting jointly in the interest of the Community shall take the following position on proposals for decisions by the IWC:

17. Support the maintenance of the moratorium on commercial whaling in the Schedule;

18. Oppose any proposals regarding new types of whaling, currently not envisaged in the Convention, that could undermine the maintenance of the moratorium on commercial whaling, unless such proposals would guarantee a significant improvement in the conservation status of whales in the long term and bring all whaling operations by IWC members under IWC control;

19. Support proposals for the creation of whale sanctuaries according to the IWC rules;

20. Support proposals for the management of aboriginal subsistence whaling, on the condition that the conservation of the relevant stocks is not compromised, having due regard to the precautionary principle and the advice of the Scientific Committee, and that whaling operations are properly regulated and catches remain within the scope of documented and recognised needs;

21. Support proposals aimed to end the conduct of "scientific whaling" outside IWC control;

22. Oppose any proposals to amend the rules of procedure of the IWC to broaden the scope of secret ballot.


[1] Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

[2] OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1.

[3] In addition, Council Regulation (EEC) 348/81 on common rules for imports of whales and other cetacean products only allows imports of listed products if they are not used for commercial purposes.

[4] Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Thematic strategy on the protection and conservation of the Marine Environment COM(2005) 504 final.

[5] Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Framework for Community Action in the field of Marine Environmental Policy of 17 June 2008.

[6] Draft Council Decision authorizing the Commission to negotiate, on behalf of the Community, a protocol amending the international Convention on the regulation of whaling, Washington, 2 December 1946 COM (92)316.

[7] Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK, Romania.

[8] Council Regulation (EC) 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy, OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59-80

[9] See Article V of the Convention. Under paragraph 3, Parties become bound by amendments to the Schedule within ninety days unless they present an objection.

[10] COM (2007)821 final

[11] OJ C , , p. .

[12] OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

[13] OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1.

[14] In addition, Council Regulation (EEC) 348/81 on common rules for imports of whales and other cetacean products only allows imports of listed products if they are not used for commercial purposes.

[15] Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK, Romania.

[16] Council Regulation (EC) 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy, OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59-80