Brussels, 27/08/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is soon to adopt a decision concerning the bringing into operation of the Mediterranean Sea Regional Advisory Council (RAC). This will allow the list of operational RACs to be finalised. The six other RACs have operated since 2004 (North Sea), 2005 (pelagic and north-western waters), 2006 (Baltic Sea) and 2007 (distance and south western waters). The parties concerned (fisheries sector and NGOs in the fields of environment and development) have put to member states their request to create the Mediterranean Sea RAC, whose seat will be in Rome. Italy had forwarded this request to the Commission in May 2008.
Those involved will convene their first general assembly (in September and October) to designate the members of the executive committee, the main body within the RAC. It will manage the work and adopt recommendations. The RACs were created in 2004 to contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The Commission recently suggested improving the way such bodies work (EUROPE 9693). (L.C./transl.jl)