52018SC0144

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 25.4.2018

SWD(2018) 144 final

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE EVALUATION

Accompanying the document

Recommendation for a

COUNCIL DECISION
authorising the opening of negotiations with Madagascar for the conclusion of a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and a Protocol between the European Communities and Madagascar

{COM(2018) 240 final}
{SWD(2018) 143 final}

Sustainable Fisheries Agreements (SFPA) concluded between the European Union and third countries help to promote the objectives of the CFP internationally, particularly to promote sustainable fishing. 1

The Council conclusions on the external dimension (CFP) adopted on 19 March 2012, stipulate that an ex-post and ex-ante evaluation is carried out by the Commission before the negotiation of a new protocol. 2

This staff working document (SWD) is built on the results of an external ex-post evaluation and ex-ante evaluation 3 of the current Protocol (2015-2018) between the European Union and the Madagascar, which expires on 31 December 2018. 4

The current Protocol provides access to a maximum of 94 tuna vessels from the EU in return for an annual financial contribution of EUR 866 250 – 787 500.

On the basis of the evaluation criteria (effectiveness, efficiency, economy, coherence, relevance, EU added value and acceptability) analysed in section 5 of the staff working document, it can be concluded that this deal is very important for the EU and its fleet, as well as for Madagascar. It promotes the objectives of the CFP and to the development of the fisheries sector of Madagascar.

The Protocol is assessed as a relevant and efficient EU financial contribution commensurate with the fishing opportunities used. The Protocol is consistent with other EU interventions that are themselves in synergy with other donors. The added value of this Agreement allows the EU to establish a management and control framework of its fleets, consistent with the framework negotiated under other tuna agreements, while creating a platform of sectoral dialogue between the EU and Madagascar with a view to establishing sustainable fisheries.

However, a number of issues/points have been identified, the evaluation also makes some recommendations on fishing opportunities, the embarkation of seamen, monitoring and surveillance capabilities, sanitary issues, the communication strategy and a possible support for maritime Blue Growth/Ocean Governance policy of Madagascar (currently in a definition phase).

In conclusion, the Commission supports the conclusions of the evaluation study and considers that the renewal of the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement should be the preferred option. It also considers that the recommendations presented are relevant and should also take into account the operational constraints of the fleet and the regional context. Finally, considers it appropriate to explore ways to increase the impact of Protocol on the local economy (employment and value-added creation) and may also consider the option of supporting blue growth.