Improving the financial measures relating to the common fisheries policy

This Regulation establishes a clear and effective structure for Community financial interventions in the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP). These interventions involve, in particular, the control and enforcement of CFP rules, conservation measures, data collection, the improvement of scientific advice, governance, compliance with international agreements concerning the sustainability of fisheries resources and the implementation of measures relating to the Law of the Sea.

ACT

Council Regulation (EC) No 861/2006 of 22 May 2006 on the Union's financial measures for the implementation of the common fisheries policy and in the area of the Law of the Sea.

SUMMARY

Through this Regulation the Council intends to improve the effectiveness of financial interventions within the framework of the implementation and control of the common fisheries policy (CFP).

Priority objectives

Financial measures are provided for in order to implement the CFP. The financial interventions concern:

• improving the control of fishing activities and the application of CFP measures. The purpose of the funds allocated to the Member States is to support national fisheries control programmes. The aim is also to coordinate these control measures, especially through the European Fisheries Control Agency;
• data collection, management and use and improving scientific advice. The aim of the financial interventions made in Member States is to provide additional information on the state of fisheries resources, the impact of fishing on resources and the marine ecosystem, the economic aspects of fishing and aquaculture and the health of the fishing industry. Financial support should be provided to the Member States to set up integrated databases with biological, technical, environmental and socio-economic information;
• international relations. The financial interventions will support the conclusion of fisheries agreements with third countries, collaboration with the United Nations and Regional Fisheries Organisations and the establishment of partnerships in the sector. These funds are also to be used for Union participation in preparatory work aimed at establishing new international organisations and/or new international standards in the fisheries sector and to protect fisheries resources;
• governance of the CFP. The Regulation provides for expenditure relating to preparatory meetings of the Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture (ACFA), as well as operating grants for the Regional Advisory Councils (RACs).

Allocation of funds

These actions receive EU budget funding as they help to ensure a long-term balance for fisheries resources.

Annual appropriations will be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework for the 2007-2013 period. The measures financed under this Regulation may not receive financial assistance from other Union instruments. The Commission will ensure that preventive measures are established against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities by providing for the recovery of the amounts paid if any irregularities are detected.

The implementation of these actions will be monitored on a regular basis. The Commission will ensure the regular, independent, external evaluation of the actions financed.

The financial measures will be carried out during the 2014-2020 programming period. The majority of the measures will be integrated into the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

RELATED ACTS

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1078/2008 of 3 November 2008 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 861/2006 as regards the expenditure incurred by Member States for the collection and management of the basic fisheries data [Official Journal L 295 of 4.11.2008].

This Regulation establishes the Union's financial contribution for expenditure incurred by Member States for the collection and management of the basic fisheries data. Member States are to submit an annual budget forecast concerning their national programme to the Commission for evaluation. The Commission may request a Member State to provide further clarification on the expenditure concerned in order to carry out that evaluation. The Member State shall provide that clarification within 15 calendar days from the Commission’s request. Eligible expenditure shall be related to data collection activities (collection of data on the sampling sites, at-sea-monitoring of commercial and recreational fisheries, research surveys at sea), data management activities (database and website development, storage, quality control and validation, processing, etc.) and data use activities (production of data and their uses to support scientific analysis, biological parameter estimates, and preparation of sets of data for stock assessment, bio-economic modelling and corresponding scientific analysis). The first national programme covers the period 2009-2010.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 391/2007 of 11 April 2007 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 861/2006 as regards the expenditure incurred by Member States in implementing the monitoring and control systems applicable to the Common Fisheries Policy [Official Journal L 97 of 12.4.2007].

This Regulation establishes the conditions governing financial aid from the Union for expenditure incurred by Member States on the control and implementation of the CFP regulations during the period 2007-2013. To receive financial aid, Member States must notify the Commission of their control programme before 15 November of the previous year. Eligible projects are generally for a sum greater than 40 000 euros. They must follow the schedule set out in the annual programme and are subject to an interim evaluation report and a final report which is submitted to the Commission by each Member State. In addition, some additional conditions must be met for investment in new technologies, the purchase and modernisation of vessels and training and exchange programmes.

last update 12.11.2013