EC/Ivory Coast fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004

The committee adopted the report by Struan STEVENSON (EPP-ED, UK) approving the proposal under the consultation procedure, subject to a few amendments reflecting the position that Parliament has consistently adopted with regard to the renewal of various fishing agreements. Believing that Parliament should be provided with better information to enable it to carry out its duties under the consultation procedure, the committee stipulated that the Commission should draw up a report on the state of stocks and the use of fishing opportunities in the three years in which the previous protocol and the extension now being granted are in force. Moreover, before concluding a new agreement with Côte d'Ivoire, the Commission should submit to Parliament and Council a study assessing fish stocks and a report on the application and conditions of implementation of the previous protocol, with particular reference to the specific measures. Only after these reports had been received and Parliament consulted should the Council authorise the Commission to enter into negotiations for possible new agreements. �