EC/Comoros fisheries agreement: extension of the protocol for the period from 28 February 2004 to 31st December 2004

 The committee adopted the report by its chairman, Philippe MORILLON (ALDE, FR), approving the proposal under the consultation procedure, subject to just two 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 in order to assess the economic, social and environmental impact of the agreement. 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.

However, MEPs were also concerned about the problems that had arisen in the past in ensuring that the sums intended for specific projects are correctly spent. They therefore called on the Commission to produce a discussion paper outlining the options available for improving transparency and accountability as regards the implementation of targeted measures in fisheries agreements.