EC/Denmark/Greenland Fisheries Partnership Agreement: fishing opportunities and financial contribution from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020. Protocol

The Committee on Fisheries adopted the report by Marco AFFRONTE (EFDD, IT) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

The committee recommended the European Parliament to give its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

Members approved the new Protocol as it strengthens the cooperation between the Union and Greenland. However, they drew attention to some aspects that need to be improved such as establishing the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks; following scientific advice and the EU interests in fisheries arrangements with Northern partners as well as more control and adjustment to the EU's financial compensation, according to the ex-post assessment of the protocol.

Members also stressed the importance of respecting the principles and objectives covering the Common Fisheries Policies and the Fisheries Partnership Agreements as regards fish stocks.

Lastly, Members regretted that the European Parliament has a limited role in the adoption of the Fisheries Partnership agreements through only a consent procedure. They believe that the European Parliament should have a more active role and should be immediately and fully informed at all stages of the procedures concerning the FPAs or its renewals in order to increase transparency and democratic accountability of the protocols.