28/02/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 28 February, the Council of the EU adopted without debate legislation on the new fisheries agreement between the EU and the government of Cook Island (see EUROPE 11725) foreseeing fishing opportunities for four tuna seiners and annual financial compensation from the EU of €735,000 for the first and second year and €700,000 for the third and fourth year based on: - a reference tonnage of 7,000 tonnes (€385,000 for the first and second year, and €350,000 for the third and fourth year); - support for developing the fisheries industry on Cook Islands (€350,000 a year). The agreement has applied provisionally since 14 October 2016 and will apply for four years from the start of its provisional application. (LC)