Brussels, 28/06/2006 (Agence Europe) - In its conclusions adopted without debate on 27 June, the Council of Ministers of the EU gave its support to efforts by the European Commission to provide more time to consultations for negotiations on setting Total Allowable Catches (TAC). Member States supported suggestions by Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries in his communication of 24 May to “improve consultation on Community fisheries management” (EUROPE 9200). The new procedure is expected to begin this year for fishing possibilities for 2007.
In their conclusions, Member States are calling on the Commission to: examine how scientific bodies could present their opinions earlier (if possible from 2007); present a general political declaration on TAC and quotas in April every year in order to conduct a discussion with Member States and stake holders prior to preparation of legislative proposals; to present its proposals by the first week of September, after consulting the relevant Regional Association Councils on stocks where the scientific advice is available in June (Baltic stocks, deep-sea stocks and some pelagic stocks; to present is proposals as early as possible in November on remaining stocks where the scientific advice is available in October; for that purpose, to consult the relevant third countries with a view to advancing the timetable for the conclusion of annual consultations; to continue to explore other possibilities, such as the use of multi-annual TACs and quotas and a separation in different proposal of TACs and quotas from conditions which are not directly associated. The Council invites future presidencies to programme their work so that the Council can conclude its deliberations and reach political agreement on the proposals based on the June advice by the end of October and on the proposals based on the October advice by the end of December, at the latest.