EC/Cape Verde fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 1st July 2004 to 30 June 2005

The committee adopted the report by Philippe MORILLON (ALDE, FR) approving the proposal under the consultation procedure, subject to a few amendments. These 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, including an analysis of the use made of the funds earmarked for the targeted 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. One amendment stipulated that, if the Cape Verde authorities are unable to implement targeted measures intended to conserve fisheries resources, the Commission should consider converting the funds concerned into Commission-financed projects serving the same purpose.