92002E2843

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2843/02

by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(3 October 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?

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(1).

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.

(1) OJ L 389, 31.12.1992.