EN Official Journal of the European Union L 277/4

COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2015/1894

of 5 October 2015

on the conclusion of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and Article 218(7) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament,

Whereas:

(1) On 19 December 2006, by adopting Regulation (EC) No 2027/2006 (1) the Council approved the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (the ‘Agreement’). The Protocol agreed between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the two parties (2) expired on 31 August 2014.

(2) The Union has negotiated with the Republic of Cape Verde a new protocol (the ‘Protocol’) to the Agreement granting Union vessels fishing opportunities in the fishing zone in which the Republic of Cape Verde exercises sovereignty or jurisdiction in fishing matters.

(3) By Decision 2014/948/EU (3), the Council authorised the signing and provisional application of the Protocol, subject to its later conclusion.

(4) The Agreement set up a Joint Committee to monitor its application. Furthermore, in accordance with the Protocol, the Joint Committee may approve certain modifications to it. In order to facilitate the approval of such modifications, it is appropriate to empower the European Commission, subject to specific conditions, to approve them under a simplified procedure.

(5) The Protocol should be approved,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

Article 2

The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the Union, make the notification provided for in Article 16 of the Protocol.

Article 3

Subject to the provisions and conditions set out in the Annex to this Decision and in Article 9 of the Agreement, the Commission shall be empowered to approve, on behalf of the Union, modifications to the Protocol in the Joint Committee.

Article 4

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Luxembourg, 5 October 2015. For the Council The President N. SCHMIT

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 2027/2006 of 19 December 2006 on the conclusion of the Fisheries partnership agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (OJ L 414, 30.12.2006, p. 1).

(2) OJ L 181, 9.7.2011, p. 2.

(3) Council Decision 2014/948/EU of 15 December 2014 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (OJ L 369, 24.12.2014, p. 1).