29/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - On 21 December, the European Commission adopted a proposal cancelling the fisheries agreement between the EU and Angola. The last agreement, covering the period 3 August 2002 to 2 August 2004, laid down the EU fishing possibilities and financial contribution, but after two rounds of negotiations the two sides were not able to reach agreement to extend this (see EUROPE 8367). The new proposal relaxes EU aid rules for ships fishing in Angolan waters. The maximum duration for such aid is six months, but this can be extended as long as the Member State in question implements a plan to convert the fishing fleet concerned. The fishing vessels covered are from France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands.