Multi-annual guidance programmes for the fishing fleets at the end of 1996 (regul. 3699/93/EEC). Annual report

In adopting the report by Mr Arlindo CUNHA (PPE, P), the European Parliament urged the Council to review the system of penalties for failing to comply with the objectives of multiannual guidance programmes (MGPs) for fishing fleets with a view to providing effective sanctions, such as a quasi-automatic reduction in the quotas for a Member State found to be in breach. In addition to penalties, Parliament stressed other points as well. Firstly, it called on the Member States to measure the capacity of their fleets in accordance with the agreed Community criteria. This should be completed before the end of the year. It also called on the Commission to submit proposals without delay on harmonizing provisions on the power of vessels so as to ensure that the situation of all the fleets could be compared. Member States which had not yet achieved the objectives of MGP III should without delay adopt measures to do so. �