EC/Ivory Coast fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 1st July 2000 to 30th June 2003

PURPOSE: to propose a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out, for the period 01.07.2000 to 30.06.2003, the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire on the fishing off the coast of Cote d'Ivoire. CONTENT: The Protocol to the Fisheries Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire expires on 30.06.2000. A new Protocol setting out the technical and financial conditions governing the fishing activities of Community vessels in Cote d'Ivoire waters during the period 01.07.2000 to 30.06.2003 was initialled by both parties on 26.05.2000. The Commission proposes, on this basis, that the Council adopt, by Regulation, the conclusion of the new Protocol. A proposal for a Council Directive on the provisional application of the new Protocol pending its definitive entry into force is the subject of a separate procedure. The main provisions of the proposed Protocol are as follows: - fishing opportunities shall be applicable to certain types of fishing vessels and a limited number of vessels. However, this may be revised at the request of the Community; - the financial contribution for the fishing opportunities laid down shall be EUR 957 500 per year (EUR 275 000 as financial compensation and EUR 682 500 for the different measures provided for in Article 4 of this Protocol); - the financial contribution for tuna fishing shall cover a catch of 8 500 tonnes a year. - the annual financial compensation shall be payable by 31 December each year of the Protocol at the latest; - should the Community fail to make the payments provided for under Articles 3 and 4 of this Protocol, the obligations of Cote d'Ivoire resulting from the Fisheries Agreement may be suspended; - where force majeure prevents fishing activities in the Cote d'Ivoire fishing zone, the Community may suspend payment of the financial contribution following, prior consultations, where possible, between the two parties; - the Annex to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire on fishing off the coast of Cote d'Ivoire shall be replaced by the Annex to this Protocol. �