Conclusies Raad Landbouw en Visserij 19 maart 2012 (en)
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
PROVISIONAL VERSION
Items discussed on 19 March 2012 only
PRESSE 115 PR CO 16
PRESS RELEASE
3155th Council meeting
Agriculture and Fisheries
Brussels, 19 and 20 March 2012
President Ms Mette GJERSKOV
Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark
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Main results of the Council
Concerning Fisheries, the ministers held a public debate on a proposal for a regulation on the Common fisheries policy (CFP), on a proposal on a common organisation of markets in fisheries and aquaculture products and on the European maritime andfisheries fund (EMFF) within the framework of the common fisheries policy reform package.
Still in on fishery issues, ministers adopted Council conclusions on the external dimension of the CFP.
Finally, the Council was briefed on the stock of mackerel in the North East Atlantic.
The Council adopted also a general approach whereby it positions itself against the removal of fins of sharks on board vessels.
CONTTS1
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PARTICIPANTS................................................................................................................................5
ITEMS DEBATED
REFORM 01 THE COMMON FISHERIES POLICY.......................................................................7
Basic provisions of the CFP.................................................................................................................7
Common organisation of the markets in fisheries and aquaculture.....................................................8
European maritime and fisheries fund..................................................................................................9
EXTERNAL DIMSION OF THE COMMON FISHERIES POLICY - COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS.................................................................................................................................11
ANY OTHER BUSINESS.................................................................................................................12
North East Atlantic mackerel.............................................................................................................12
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FISHERIES
— Removal of fins of sharks on board vessels - Council general approach...............................................................13
— Partnership agreement between EU and Kiribati - Negotiations on renewal.........................................................13
AGRICULLURE
— Council conclusions - International plant protection convention...........................................................................14
— Council conclusions on a Court of auditors report - Effectiveness of geographical indications............................14
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
— Egypt - restrictive measures...................................................................................................................................15
— Bosnia and Herzegovina - restrictive measures.....................................................................................................15
Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks. Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site (http://www.consilium.europa.eu)
Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press Office
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ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
— KPMG appointed auditor of Bank of Greece.........................................................................................................15
INTERNAL MARKET
— Motor vehicles - Type-approval - Eco-innovation technologies and emission limits............................................16
GERAL AFFAIRS
— Adjustment of the remuneration - Request to apply the exception clause.............................................................16
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PARTICIPANTS
Belgium:
Ms Sabine LARUELLE Mr Carlo DI ANTONIO Mr Kris PEETERS
Bulgaria:
Mr Tzvetan DIMITROV
Czech Republic:
Mr Petr BDL
Mr Martin HLAVACEK
Denmark:
Ms Metre GJERSKOV Mr Anders MIKKELS
Ms Hanne LAUGER
Germany:
Ms Ilse AIGNER
Mr Robert KLOOS Estonia:
Mr Helir-Valdor SEEDER Ms Keit PTUS
Ireland:
Mr Simon COVEY Greece:
Ms Georgia BAZOTI-MITSONI Mr Andreas PAPASTAVROU
Spain:
Mr Miguel ARIAS CANETE France:
Mr Bruno LE MAIRE
Mr Philippe LEGLISE-COSTA Italy
Mr Mario CATANIA Cyprus:
Ms Egly PANTELAKIS
Latvia:
Ms Laimdota STRAUJUMA Lithuania:
Mr Mindaugas KUKLIERIUS
Luxembourg:
Mr Romain SCHNEIDER
Hungary:
Mr Sandor FAZEKAS Malta:
Minister for the Middle Classes, SMEs, the Self-Employed and Agriculture
Minister for Public Works, Agriculture, Rural Affairs, Nature, Forests and Heritage Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister for the Economy, Foreign Policy, Agriculture and Rural Policy
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Food
Minister for Agriculture Deputy Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries
Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and
Fisheries
Head of Office, Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries
Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection
State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection
Minister for Agriculture Minister for the Environment
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Secretary General for Food and Agriculture Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Environment
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, the Countryside and Land Use Planning Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment
Mr George PULLICINO
Minister for Agriculture
Deputy Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development
Minister for Rural Development
Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs
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Netherlands:
Austria:
Mr Nikolaus BERLAKOVICH
Mr Harald GÜNTHER Poland:
Mr Marek SAWICKI Portugal:
Mr Manuel Pinto DE ABREU
Mr José DIOGO ALBUQUERQUE
Romania:
Mr Stelian FUIA
Slovenia:
Mr Franc BOGOVIC Slovakia:
Mr Peter JAVORCIK Mr Jan HUSARIK
Finland:
Mr Risto ARTJOKI Sweden:
Mr Eskil ERLANDSSON
United Kingdom:
Mr Jim PAICE
Mr Richard BYON
Minister for Agriculture and Foreign Trade
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, the Environment and Water Management Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development
State Secretary for Maritime Affairs State Secretary for Agriculture
Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Agriculture and the Environment
Deputy Permanent Representative
Director, Foreign Coordination Department, Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development
State Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture
Minister for Rural Affairs
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Fisheries
Commission:
Mr Dacian CIOLOS Ms Maria DAMANAKI
Member Member
The government of the acceding state was represented as follows:
Croatia:
Mr Tihomir JAKOVPNA
Minister for Agriculture
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ITEMS DEBATED
REFORM OF THE COMMON FISHERIES POLICY
The Council held a public debate on the three main regulation proposals of the common fisheries policy (CFP) reform "package":
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•Proposal for a regulation on the CFP () replacing the basic provisions of the CFP;
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•Proposal for a regulation on the common organisation (CMO) of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products (), focussing on market policy issues;
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•Proposal for a regulation on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) () replacing the existing European Fisheries Fund
Basic provisions of the CFP
The debate on the proposal for a regulation on the CFP was mainly focused on the issue of a discard ban raised by the Presidency in this framework
At this occasion, Member States welcomed in general the objective of having a ban on discards. They consider clearly that discards represents an avoidable spoilage
However, the views differed concerning the modalities of the implementation of a discard ban. If some delegations supported the landing obligation of all the catches several others are in favour of a cautious step by step approach because. They noted for example that this obligation would not apply to mixed fisheries. Most of the Member States considered that such a ban should be led by fisheries-based approach instead of a species-based approach. In addition the landing obligation should not apply to species with a good survival rate. Some countries would like the discard ban to be a part of the multiannual fishery plans
For most of the Member States, the setting of minimum conservation reference sizes in the context of the landing obligation should be based on a reinforced scientific approach. Moreover, for many delegations, the improvement of selectivity in which the input of research and innovation is indispensible constitutes the best way to avoid unwanted catches in the first place. As regards the best way to deal with the inevitable residual unwanted catches that cannot be avoided, several delegations raised their concerns about the risk to develop a parallel market in case of landing these catches
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Most of the Member States noted that the CMO and the EMFF should strongly support the avoidance of unwanted catches through an increased selectivity
As regards the regulation on the basic provisions of the CFP, the Commission proposal considers that conservation of marine biological resources is fundamental to achieve the objectives of the CFP, the proposal envisages the reinforcement of multi-annual management plans to manage resources at levels that are capable of producing MSY and the ending the practice of discards. To better regulate the access to resources it also introduces a system of transferable fishing concessions which could constitute a major driver for fleet capacity adjustment. It notes that reliable and complete data, both for scientific advice and for implementation and control purposes are central to well-functioning fisheries management. The proposal establishes that CFP should support the development of the aquaculture industry by the implementation of appropriate measures
Common organisation of the markets in fisheries and aquaculture
During this debate, most of the Member States established that the role and the responsibilities of producer organisations should be strengthened, as well as their organisation and access to EU funding
While a better information of the consumers was generally considered as a key element of the proposal, many member states insisted that this should not interfere with other horizontal provisions applying to food. Some provisions about the identification of sustainable fishing could be voluntary
With regard to market measures, different views were expressed. Some Member States defended strongly intervention stocks as the best measure to apply in case of a crisis, but some other countries were against maintaining such measures. A level playing field with third countries in this area was an important point raised by several delegations
According to this proposal, the regulation on CMO of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products should help to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the CFP, to enable the industry to apply the CFP at the appropriate level, and to strengthen competitiveness, particularly of producers. The current proposal supports:
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•the empowerment of producers organisations and their co-management of access rights as well as production and marketing activities;
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•market measures that increase the bargaining power of producers improve prediction, prevention and management of market crisis and foster market transparency and efficiency;
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•market incentives and premiums for sustainable practices; partnerships for sustainable production, sourcing and consumption; certification (ecolabels), promotion, information to consumers;
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•additional market measures on discards. European maritime and fisheries fund
As regards the EMFF, many delegations mentioned aquaculture as a key EU priority to meet the objectives and obligations of the reformed CFP. Moreover, during this session, 16 Member States presented a joint declaration on an enhanced support for aquaculture enterprises from the EMFF (Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain)
Research and innovation were also mentioned as key priorities of the EMFF
Concerning measures financed by the EMFF some Member States insisted that this fund should continue to offer financial support for the renewal of fleet and aid for fishermen choosing to stop to work in this area, some others defended the view that this fund has to focus on innovation, growth and creation of jobs
The debate established that the EMFF should be used to foster innovation and selectivity, environmental protection, data collection, scientific research and advice, and control of fishing operations
Finally several Member States noted that if the use of the resources of the EMFF could be optimized for growth, creation of jobs and social cohesion in coastal and rural areas, there is a risk of increasing administrative burden. Simplification was a strong request for many Member States
The EMFF proposal must be seen in the context of Commission's proposal for a multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020, as well as the package for the reform of the CFP
The general objective of the EMFF is to support the objectives of the CFP and to further develop the EU's integrated maritime policy (FMP). The common procedural provisions are laid down in this proposal for a horizontal regulation. With proposals for reforming the CFP currently being discussed in the Council and the launch of the FMP, it became necessary to adopt a long-term instrument for specific financial support. The Commission proposes that most of the current CFP and FMP instruments be integrated into one fund, with the exception of fisheries partnership agreements and the compulsory contribution to regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs)
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The EMFF is proposed to be structured around 4 pillars:
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•Smart green fisheries (shared management);
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•Smart green aquaculture (shared management);
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•Sustainable and inclusive territorial development (shared management); and
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•Integrated maritime policy (direct centralised management)
In addition to these four pillars, the EMFF will include accompanying measures in the areas of data collection and scientific advice, control, governance, fisheries markets (including outermost regions), voluntary payments to RFMOs and technical assistance
In addition to the orientation debates on the three proposals for the reform of the CFP, the Council adopted conclusions on the communication from the Commission on the external dimension of the CFP which was presented in July 2011 in the CFP reform "package" (See below)
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EXTERNAL DIMSION OF THE COMMON FISHERIES POLICY - COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS
The Council adopted conclusions on a communication from the Commission on the external dimension of the Common fisheries policy (CFP)
On 14 July 2011 the Commission submitted to the Council its communication on the external dimension of the CFP (). It contains orientations for the pursuit of fisheries management at the multinational, regional and bilateral levels. The intention was to accompany the programmatic articles on an external dimension in its proposal on a reformed CFP with a more operational policy document which should trigger an update of the Council conclusions on this subject dating from 2000 and 2004 (partnership agreements)
The Council had an orientation debate on this issue in November 2011 where ministers considered, the priorities to be taken on board, At this occasion a number of Ministers supported the Presidency suggestion to adopt new Council conclusions reinforcing the existing ones
The conclusions adopted today stress the need to promote a more sustainable fisheries policy on its external like on its internal side. The fight against illegal, reported and unregulated (IUU) fishing needs to be reinforced by building partnerships with other main fishing nations. Compliance with management measures at the level of regional fisheries management organisations needs more follow-up, governance within these organisations strengthened, and overcapacity problems need to be addressed at the global scale. Sustainable exploitation levels through access agreements with third countries require transparency about the activity of all fleets that were given access, as well as scientific assessments on the surplus of stocks, involving assessments at the regional level when stocks are migrating across borders. Payments for access need to provide for adequate economic returns, and financial development assistance needs to be closely monitored in terms of delivering on objectives, including the benefit to the local population, and decoupled from the consideration for access
The Conclusions also contain a chapter on fisheries agreements on jointly managed stocks and international exchanges of fishing opportunities. The Council underlines the mutual benefit and adequate economic return that these agreements must provide, and recalls the obligation of all fishing nations involved to cooperate in order to find common ground for sustainable management of stocks which are of common interest
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ANY OTHER BUSINESS North East Atlantic mackerel
The Council was briefed by the Irish and the British delegations on the consequences of the failure of negotiations with Iceland and the Faroe Islands on the management of the mackerel stock in North East Atlantic
Several Member States shared the concerns of Ireland and the United Kingdom for the sustainability of this stock put under pressure by the fishing policy implemented by Iceland and the Faroe Islands. They supported also the request of Ireland and the United Kingdom to impose sanctions impacting significantly on the economics of this unilateral fishing in the framework of the proposal against unsustainable fishing practices from third countries
The failure of the negotiations on the mackerel stock in the North East Atlantic means that the 2011 fishing policy whereby huge unilateral total allowable catches (TACs) set by Coastal states were largely overtaking the scientifically advised TACs, will be carried over for 2012
In June 2011, Ireland already informed the Council that the refusal of Iceland and the Faroe Islands to enter into an appropriate management framework and their overexploitation of the mackerel stock in the North East Atlantic, was putting at risk the long term sustainability of the stock and the viability of the EU industry dependent on it
In December 2011, the Commission proposed to the Council to develop a specific instrument to tackle situations like the one that is currently threatening the stock of North-east Atlantic mackerel (). That instrument was aimed at protecting fish stocks under EU responsibility from the unsustainable fishing practices of countries that were resisting any joint management of those stocks. Several Member States supported this initiative, whilst stressing that the EU should always favour negotiations
The North East Atlantic stock of mackerel has a wide distribution area from waters off the north coast of Spain to waters around the Faroe Islands and Norway. Recently it is also to be found in Icelandic waters
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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED FISHERIES
Removal of fins of sharks on board vessels - Council general approach
The Council adopted a general approach whereby it supports landing of all sharks with their fins attached as proposed by the Commission (/12).
The controversial practice of "shark finning" (whereby the fins are removed from sharks, with the remainder of the shark being discarded at sea) has been forbidden on EU fishing vessels since 2003. However, a derogation still persists allowing with special fishing permits the processing on board, whereby shark fins can be removed from the carcasses (landing of fins and the remainder of the shark together or separatly). The Commission proposal aims to suppress this derogation which would mean sharks can only be landed with their fins attached
The Council now awaits the position in first reading of the European Parliament, before it will formalise its position
Partnership agreement between EU and Kiribati - Negotiations on renewal
The Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations on behalf of the EU for a new protocol to the fisheries partnership agreement with the Republic of Kiribati
The existing protocol with Kiribati has been applied with effect from 16 September 2006 and will expire on 15 September 2012. The Commission services therefore wish to open new negotiations in April 2012
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AGRICULTURE
Council conclusions - International plant protection convention
The Council adopted Conclusions on an EU strategy regarding the International plant protection convention (TPPC)
Decision of 19 July 2004 approved the accession of the EU to the IPPC. This international organisation operates in the framework of the Sanitary and phytosanitary agreements under the World Trade Organisation (SPS-WTO)
Since then, the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, the main governing body of the IPPC, has undergone in-depth discussions leading to the development of its strategic objectives. In their capacity of contracting parties of the IPPC, the EU and its Member States have been closely associated to this work
For further details, see Council conclusions
Council conclusions on a Court of auditors report - Effectiveness of geographical indications
The Council adopted conclusions on the special report No 11/2011 from the European Court of Auditors entitled "Do the design and management of the geographical indications scheme allow it to be effective?" (\
The Council notes that the geographical indication (GI) scheme has potential to attract further producers and that this is affected by lengthy procedures and a lack of awareness; in the majority of Member States, the consumer recognition of the GI scheme is still low. Appropriate measures should be taken forward by the Commission to develop a unified strategy addressing the lack of awareness of the GI scheme among both producers and consumers
The Council takes note of the Court's remarks concerning shortcomings in regulatory provisions and the weaknesses in the Commission's supervision of Member States' checks related to the GI scheme. It acknowledges also the need for a clarification concerning the control system related to this scheme and specific periodic checks carried out by Member States in a limited number of cases
The Council encourages the Commission to pursue the promotion of European quality schemes and continue to improve the effectiveness of the geographical indications scheme
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FOREIGN AFFAIRS Egypt - restrictive measures
The Council extended by 12 months the EU's restrictive measures in view of the situation in Egypt. The sanctions consist in the freeze of assets within the EU of persons responsible for the misappropriation of Egyptian state funds, and persons or entities associated with them. The measures were intended to support the peaceful and orderly transition to a civilian and democratic government in Egypt
Bosnia and Herzegovina - restrictive measures
The Council prolonged for 12 months the validity of Council decision /CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision gives the possibility to impose asset freezes and travel bans on those undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina or seriously threatening its security situation
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS KPMG appointed auditor of Bank of Greece
The Council adopted a decision approving the appointment of KPMG Certified Auditors as external auditors of the Bank of Greece for the financial years 2012 to 2016
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INTERNAL MARKET
Motor vehicles - Type-approval - Eco-innovation technologies and emission limits
The Council decided not to oppose the adoption by the Commission of draft regulations updating type-approval requirements for motor vehicles as regards:
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-eco-innovation technologies (/12);
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-emissions of vehicles fuelled by hydrogen and mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas, as well as the inclusion of specific information regarding vehicles fitted with an electric power train (/12): and
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-emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles ().
The draft regulations are subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. Now that the Council has given its consent the Commission may adopt them unless the European Parliament objects
GERAL AFFAIRS
Adjustment of the remuneration - Request to apply the exception clause
The Council requested the Commission to apply the provisions of the exception clause defined in article 10 of annex XI to the staff regulations with regard to the 2012 annual adjustment of the remuneration of EU officials ().