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WRITTEN QUESTION P-2843/02
by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission
(30 September 2002)
Subject: Ramifications of delays in proposals relating to the common
fisheries policy
Given the repeated delays in the publication by the Commission of the CFP
reform proposals and the ongoing controversy surrounding them, it appears
possible that the overall timetable for the completion and entry into
force of the reformed CFP will be delayed. Can the Commission answer the
following questions:
1. What will be the legal status of
access restrictions should the CFP not, as seems apparent at this point,
enter into force by January 2003, with particular regard to:
(a) 6-12 mile coastal zones;
(b) access to the North Sea?
2. Can the Commission guarantee that the
overriding goal of sustainable fisheries will not be jeopardised because
of delays and the Commission's failure to keep to the timetable, since
that would threaten the very survival of fisheries-dependent communities?
P-2843/02EN
Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission
(28 October 2002)
1. The conditions relating to the 6 to 12 mile zone expire at the end of
2002 according to article 6(1) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3760/92 of
20 December 1992 establishing a Community system for fisheries and
aquaculture .
The rules on access to the North Sea are not affected by the new framework
entering into force on 1 January 2003. The restriction on access to the
North Sea for Spanish and Portuguese vessels laying down the 1985 Act of
Accession will no longer apply from that date.
2. The Commission always puts forward proposals which recognise the
requirement to support and encourage sustainable fish stocks and hence
sustainable fisheries upon them. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the
current proposals will be adopted with little or no delay. |
