EC/Mauritius fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 3 December 2003 to 2 December 2007

The committee adopted the report by Philippe MORILLON (ALDE, FR) approving the proposal under the consultation procedure, subject to a few amendments. It stressed that protection of the EU's fisheries interests must go hand in hand with the sustainable management of fisheries resources and the development of coastal populations which depend on fisheries. The Commission was accordingly urged to continue assessing the sustainable nature of the agreement with Mauritius, to ensure that the funds were properly used for the purposes laid down in the agreement and to monitor the impact on the local population.

Other amendments reflected Parliament's traditional position on renewing fishing agreements, namely, that a general assessment report should be presented by the Commission before the beginning of negotiations in order to allow an evaluation of the costs and benefits of the fisheries agreement and protocol, with particular reference to the specific measures. Only after the report had been received and Parliament had given its opinion thereon should the Council authorise the Commission to enter into negotiations for a possible new Protocol.