EC/Angola fisheries agreement: denunciation of the agreement (derog. Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999)

PURPOSE: to denounce the Agreement between the EEC and Angola on fishing off Angola.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Regulation 1185/2006/EC denouncing the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Government of the People’s Republic of Angola on fishing off Angola and derogating from Regulation 2792/1999/EC.

CONTENT: the EEC/Angolan fishing Agreement was signed in 1989. The last Protocol annexed to the Agreement was valid from 2002-2004. The fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement has not, however, been renewed since certain conditions laid down in the new legislative framework on Biological Aquatic Resources adopted by the Government of Angola in 2004 are incompatible with Community requirements on Community fishing vessels fishing in Angolan waters. The purpose, therefore, of this Council Regulation is to denounce the Agreement in accordance with procedures set out in Regulation 2792/1999/EC.

In addition the Regulation provides compensation to those fishermen and owners of vessels who are affected by the cessation of activities. Within the context of FIFG, the Commission adopted in 2005 a Decision approving the conversion plan for fishing vessels affected by the non-renewal of the fishing Protocol between the European Community and the Republic of Angola.

All vessels and fishermen affected by the denunciation of the Agreement will be exempted from certain provisions set out in 2792/1999/EC. In particular, they will not need to reimburse public aid for the temporary cessation of activities or for the renewal and modernisation of equipment – nor will they be obliged to demonstrate continuous activity in the year preceding their deletion from the Community’s fishing register.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 11 August 2006.