Common fisheries policy after 2002: meetings at regional level in 1998-1999. Report

The European Parliament adopted this resolution by Mr Bernard POIGNANT (PES, F). The MEPs approved an amendment which 'insists that closed areas should not be discriminatory in any way on the basis of nationality and that the possible creation of spatio-temporal definition thereof should be based exclusively on scientific opinions which specifically call for this'. In addition, the resolution calls on the Commission to reflect on the derogation on access to resources for the 6/12-mile zone and calls on the Commission to ensure that, in the event of controversy, the status quo is maintained. Moreover, the Parliament supports the continuation of the current system of TACs and quotas and recommends the introduction of incentives to reduce the number of discards. The Commission's position on extending Multiannual Guidance Programme IV up to the end of 2002 is supported by the Parliament. The aim of this is to achieve as good a balance as possible between fishing effort and available stocks. The Parliament recognises the role that international fisheries agreements play in the supply of the European market and emphasises that joint ventures with third countries should be supported and encouraged. The Council and the Commission are both called upon to support scientific, technical and economic research in order help it establish itself as an indisputable authority. The introduction of an effective regulatory system for the Mediterranean was also proposed by the Parliament.�