92002E0605

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0605/02

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(6 March 2002)

Subject: Opening of Chilean ports to unloading by EU fishing vessels

Despite the EU-Chile agreement reached in January 2001, following a complaint to the WTO by the Commission (at the urging of EU shipowners), the Chilean authorities are still maintaining obstructive practices, enforcing a set of rules and controls over catch unloading in international waters which have given rise to repeated complaints from the EU fisheries sector.

1. Is the Commission aware of these Chilean rules, which may be in breach of international law?

2. Is the Commission aware of the Chilean authorities' obstructive practices vis-à-vis the EU fleet?

3. Can the Commission state what action it has taken or intends to take with regard to Chile in this context?

4. What measures has the Commission taken with a view to establishing a Regional Fisheries Organisation for the southern Pacific, which would manage fish stocks in international waters which are of major interest for the EU fleet?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2002)

In January 2001 the Community and Chile came to an arrangement that allowed temporary suspension of the proceedings initiated by the Community in the World Trade Organisation and by Chile at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

The Community's complaint to the WTO was over the Chilean rules held to obstruct access to Chilean ports for landings and transhipments by Community vessels operating in international waters.

The Commission is closely monitoring implementation of the arrangements of 25 January 2001. It has held several meetings with the Chilean authorities in order to settle all practical points of detail with particular reference to launching of the joint fishing programme. Given the particular allocation of responsibilities the Spanish authorities have also been directly involved in these meetings. Most of the technical points having now been settled, the Commission awaits, for transmission to Chile and launching of the programme, the list of Spanish vessels that are to participate.

On creation of a new OFR for the South East Pacific, following the latest contacts between the Commission and the Chilean authorities an international consultation will be held in Chile in May. The Community and Chile have invited a number of parties with an interest in swordfish fishing in the South East Pacific. The main aim will be to determine terms of reference and the most appropriate form of multilateral cooperation.