Brussels, 30/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On 20 July, the European Commission adopted a proposal in which it calls on the EU countries to authorise it to open negotiations for the renewal of the protocol to the fisheries partnership agreement with Cape Verde. The current protocol, which came into force on 30 March 2007 and provides fishing opportunities for EU vessels and sets the financial counterpart, is due to expire on 31 August 2011.
The current protocol relates only to tuna fishing and provides 84 fishing licences for European fishermen. The financial counterpart paid by the EU is €385,000 per year.
The Commission proposes negotiating a new protocol with Cape Verde in line with the following negotiation guidelines: - there should be a clause on the consequences of infringement of human rights and democratic principles; - access must be guaranteed to the Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cape Verde and the appropriate authorisation provided for the vessels of the European fleet to fish for tuna in this EEZ; - due account must be taken of the best available scientific advice; - access must be ensured to fisheries resources based on the same criteria that apply to the current protocol and on the changes observed over the past few years; - dialogue on sector policy must be strengthened with a view to encouraging the implementation of a responsible fisheries policy, consistent with the country's development objectives, in particular with regard to monitoring control and surveillance of fishing activities, fisheries resource management and improved safety and hygiene standards of fisheries products. (L.C./transl.rt)