EU/Mauritius Fisheries Partnership Agreement (6 years). Protocol: fishing opportunities and financial contribution 2014-2017

PURPOSE: to conclude a new Fishery Partnership Agreement and a new Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: the Union negotiated with the Republic of Mauritius a Fisheries Partnership Agreement providing EU vessels with fishing opportunities in the waters over which Mauritius exercises its sovereignty or jurisdiction. The Agreement was signed in accordance with a Council Decision.

The Fisheries Partnership Agreement should now be approved on behalf of the European Union.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 43(2), in conjunction with point (a) of Article 218(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

CONTENT: this proposed Council Decision aims to conclude a new Partnership Agreement in the fisheries sector with the Republic of Mauritius. It seeks to lay down the terms and conditions under which fishing vessels registered in the EU and carrying an EU flag may fish for tuna in waters over which Mauritius has sovereignty.

It also includes a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fishery Partnership Agreement between the EU and Mauritius. This contribution is fixed at EUR 1 980 000 for the total duration of the Protocol.

For further details are regards the principles, rules and procedures of the proposed Agreement, as well as the EU’s budgetary implication, please refer to the summary of the Commission’s initial legislative proposal dated 03/08/2012.

Duration of the Agreement and the Protocol: the Agreement shall apply for 6 years from the date of its entry into force. The Protocol and the Annex shall apply for a period of three years from its entry into force, unless notice of termination is given.