09/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - On 7 April, the European Commission adopted a proposal in which it calls on the Council to allow it to open negotiations to renew the protocol to the fishing partnership agreement between the EU and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé e Príncipe. The EU and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé e Príncipe concluded a partnership agreement on fisheries on 23 July 2007, the protocol of which, which entered into force on 1 June 2006 and which lays down fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the agreement, expires on 31 May 2010. The Commission proposes negotiating a new protocol which is more in line with the opportunities and recognized requirements of the member states' fleets. (L.C./transl.fl)