EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) is a Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO) responsible for the management of Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBF) throughout its distribution. The Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin tuna entered into force on 20 May 1994.

The CCSBT Extended Commission was created in April 2001 to allow fishing entities other than states to participate in the works of the CCSBT. Currently the CCSBT Extended Commission includes all members of the CCSBT plus fishing entities. In practice the CCSBT adopts the decisions taken by the Extended Commission without further discussion.

The European Union has been a Cooperating Non-Member of the CCSBT Extended Commission since 2006. Cooperating Non-Members participate fully in the activities of the CCSBT but are not entitled to vote. The status of Cooperating Non-Member requires adherence to the management and conservation measures of the CCSBT.

The EU fleet does not target SBF. Catches of SBF in its area of distribution by the EU fleet result from limited by-catches of long-line fisheries targeting tuna and tuna like species mostly in the Convention area of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

Since 2006 the EU has been allocated a quota of 10 tonnes of SBF per year for by-catch in CCSBT. Conversely, the 2014 Fishing Opportunities Regulation[1] prohibits the targeting of SBF and explicitly mentions that the allocated EU quota of 10 tonnes is to be used exclusively for the counting of by-catch.

The CCSBT Convention is only open to States, excluding therefore Regional Economic Integration Organisations (REIOs) like the EU. On 1 December 2009 the Council authorised the European Commission to seek, on behalf of the European Union, an amendment to the rules of CCSBT in order for the European Union to become a Contracting Party.[2]

After several years of discussions, the CCSBT amended the Resolution governing the Extended Commission during its 20th meeting in October 2013 to allow REIOs willing to do so to become a Member of the Extended Commission (until then the only status allowed for REIOs was that of Cooperating Non-Member) through Exchange of Letters in which the applicant shall give the CCSBT its firm commitment to respect the terms of the Convention and comply with decisions of the CCSBT Extended Commission.

Upon completion of this procedure the EU would be entitled to membership and vote in the CCSBT Extended Commission and Extended Scientific Committee.

The main interest in the CCSBT for the EU lies in the similarities between the management of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (ICCAT) and the wish to ensure coherence in the management of these stocks.

The Commission therefore recommends such course of action in order to continue promoting consistency in the Union's conservation approach across oceans and reinforcing its commitment to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources globally.

2. RESULTS OF CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INTERESTED PARTIES AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

Not relevant.

3. LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL

The proposal seeks to authorise the Exchange of Letters between the EU and the CCSBT in order for the EU to become a full Member of the CCSBT Extended Commission from its current status of Cooperating Non-Member. The European Union has been a Cooperating Non-Member of the CCSBT Extended Commission since 2006.

4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATION

Annual expenditure will depend on the EU contribution to the CCSBT's budget decided at its Annual Meeting, currently estimated at roughly 70 000 € per year.

5. OPTIONAL ELEMENTS

2015/0037 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Exchange of Letters to obtain membership of the Extended Commission of the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(2) in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) (1) The Union is competent to adopt measures for the conservation of marine biological resources under the common fisheries policy and to enter into agreements with third countries and international organisations.

(2) Pursuant to Council Decision 98/392/EC ([3]), the Union is a Contracting Party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982, which requires all members of the international community to cooperate in conserving and managing the biological resources of the sea.

(3) Pursuant to Council Decision 98/414/EC ([4]), the Union is a Contracting Party to the Agreement on the implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982, relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks.

(4) On 1 December 2009 the Council authorised the European Commission to seek, on behalf of the European Union, an amendment to the rules of Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna in order for the European Union to become a Contracting Party.

(5) During its 20th meeting in October 2013, the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna amended the Resolution governing the Extended Commission to allow the European Union to become a Member of the CCSBT Extended Commission through Exchange of Letters.

(6) Since vessels flying the flags of Member States of the Union fish resources in the area of distribution of Southern Bluefin Tuna, it is in the Union's interest to sign and provisionally apply the Exchange of Letters for Membership of the CCSBT Extended Commission in order to play an effective role in the implementation of the Convention.

(7) Upon completion of this procedure the EU would be entitled to membership and vote in the CCSBT Extended Commission and Extended Scientific Committee.

(8) Such course of action will also promote consistency in the Union's conservation approach across oceans and reinforce its commitment to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources globally,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The signature and provisional application of the Exchange of Letters to obtain Membership of the Extended Commission of the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

Article 2

The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Exchange of Letters on behalf of the Union

Article 3

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

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

1. FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE

1.1. Title of the proposal/initiative

1.2. Policy area(s) concerned in the ABM/ABB structure

1.3. Nature of the proposal/initiative

1.4. Objective(s)

1.5. Grounds for the proposal/initiative

1.6. Duration and financial impact

1.7. Management mode(s) planned

2. MANAGEMENT MEASURES

2.1. Monitoring and reporting rules

2.2. Management and control system

2.3. Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities

3. ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE

3.1. Heading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s) affected

3.2. Estimated impact on expenditure

3.2.1. Summary of estimated impact on expenditure

3.2.2. Estimated impact on operational appropriations

3.2.3. Estimated impact on appropriations of an administrative nature

3.2.4. Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framework

3.2.5. Third-party contributions

3.3. Estimated impact on revenue

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

1. FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE

1.1. Title of the proposal/initiative

1) Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Exchange of Letters to obtain membership of the Extended Commission of the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna

2) Proposal for a Council Decision to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, the Exchange of Letters to obtain membership of the Extended Commission of the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna

1.2. Policy area(s) concerned in the ABM/ABB structure[5]

11 03: To promote sustainable fisheries and healthy seas globally (RFMOs and SFPAs)

1.3. Nature of the proposal/initiative

¨ The proposal/initiative relates to a new action

¨ The proposal/initiative relates to a new action following a pilot project/preparatory action[6]

X The proposal/initiative relates to the extension of an existing action

¨ The proposal/initiative relates to an action redirected towards a new action

1.4. Objective(s)

1.4.1. The Commission's multiannual strategic objective(s) targeted by the proposal/initiative

Contribution to long-term sustainability of fisheries worldwide, measured by the number of emblematic tuna stocks fished with a fishing mortality rate being at or below Fmsy levels as per relevant scientific advice.

1.4.2. Specific objective(s) and ABM/ABB activity(ies) concerned

Specific objective No 'RFMOs and SFPAs':

To contribute to long-term sustainability of fisheries worldwide through an active involvement in international organisations and by concluding sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with third countries.

ABM/ABB activity(ies) concerned

ABB activity 11 03: To promote sustainable fisheries and healthy seas globally (RFMOs and SFPAs)

1.4.3. Expected result(s) and impact

Specify the effects which the proposal/initiative should have on the beneficiaries/groups targeted.

The proposal seeks to ensure that the EU contributes to the long-term management of Southern Bluefin Tuna in accordance with scientific advice by becoming a Member of the CCSBT Extended Commission and Extended Scientific Committee from the current status of Cooperating Non-Member.

Cooperating Non-Members participate fully in the activities of the CCSBT but are not entitled to vote. The status of Cooperating Non-Member requires adherence to the management and conservation objectives and measures of the CCSBT.

1.4.4. Indicators of results and impact

Specify the indicators for monitoring implementation of the proposal/initiative.

- Participation of the EU at the CCSBT meetings

- Improved long-term sustainability of the Southern Bluefin Tuna stocks

1.5. Grounds for the proposal/initiative

1.5.1. Requirement(s) to be met in the short or long term

The CCSBT opened the participation of Regional Integration Organisations (RIOs) as Members of the CCSBT Extended Committee at its Annual Meeting in 2013.

The main objective of the Council Decision is to allow the EU to become Member of the CCSBT Extended Commission. This is necessary to ensure the vote of the EU in the proceedings of CCSBT whose main goals are to promote the long-term conservation and sustainable use of Southern Bluefin Tuna through cooperation among the Contracting Parties.

1.5.2. Added value of EU involvement

The main interest in the CCSBT for the EU lies in the similarities between the management of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (ICCAT) and the wish to ensure coherence in the management of these stocks.

1.5.3. Lessons learned from similar experiences in the past

The EU, represented by the Commission, plays an active role in six tuna organisations and 11 non-tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs). RFMOs are international organisations formed by countries with fishing interests in an area. Some of them manage all the fish stocks found in a specific area, while others focus on particular highly-migratory species, notably tuna, throughout vast geographical areas. The organisations are open both to countries in the region (“coastal states”) and countries with interests in the fisheries concerned.

While some RFMOs have a purely advisory role, most have management powers to set catch and fishing effort limits, technical measures, and control obligations.

Lessons learnt from the past indicate that the EU should direct its efforts at tackling the main difficulties preventing RFMOs from delivering on their mandates, by directing its actions along the following policy lines:

• The functioning of RFMOs should be enhanced through systematically conducted performance reviews, in line with the appropriate UN Resolutions;

• More reliable scientific data and advice should be available to RFMOs through increasing the EU's investment in data collection, applied research, scientific knowledge and in RFMOs' scientific activities while encouraging other RFMO Members to do the same. The EU should also promote a wider scope of scientific advice, notably through an implementation of the precautionary and ecosystem approaches and complementing them with the tools of socio-economic analysis;

• To remedy the current situation of poor compliance of some Members with RFMOs' conservation and management measures, the EU should promote the following:

– A periodic review of the compliance records of each individual Party in the respective RFMOs;

– Identification of reasons for the lack of compliance (e.g. lack of capacity in developing countries) and addressing them in an appropriate, focused manner;

– Development and implementation of transparent and non-discriminatory sanctions in cases of clear lack of compliance or political engagement by Parties. This process could be accompanied by incentives to reward "complying" and "transparent" actors (flag States or fleets).

• Overcapacity is an issue to be addressed both on a multilateral level (the EU launching an initiative together with its main partners) and RFMO level. The EU should advocate tackling overcapacity through a review of the best available scientific advice on sustainable levels of catch and consideration of measures to address it. Such measures could include capacity freeze or reduction while taking into account the aspirations of the developing States to develop their own fishery sector.

• Adoption of decisions on management measures through consensus is the best guarantee for the highest level of compliance. Nevertheless, the EU should advocate a reform of decision-making systems in RFMOs, in particular to allow for voting, where necessary.

1.5.4. Compatibility and possible synergy with other appropriate instruments

The proposal drives forward the global and multilateral agenda promoting sustainable fisheries worldwide to address crucial issues such as eradication of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing or reduction of overcapacity.

Better integrates the fisheries, development, environment, trade and other policies to further advance the objectives of sustainable and responsible governance.

1.6. Duration and financial impact

¨ Proposal/initiative of limited duration

– ¨ Proposal/initiative in effect from [DD/MM]YYYY to [DD/MM]YYYY

– ¨ Financial impact from YYYY to YYYY

X Proposal/initiative of unlimited duration

– Implementation with a start-up period from YYYY to YYYY,

– followed by full-scale operation.

1.7. Management mode(s) planned

X Direct management by the Commission

– X by its departments, including by its staff in the Union delegations;

– ¨ by the executive agencies

¨ Shared management with the Member States

¨ Indirect management by entrusting budget implementation tasks to:

– ¨ third countries or the bodies they have designated;

– ¨ international organisations and their agencies (to be specified);

– ¨the EIB and the European Investment Fund;

– ¨ bodies referred to in Articles 208 and 209 of the Financial Regulation;

– ¨ public law bodies;

– ¨ bodies governed by private law with a public service mission to the extent that they provide adequate financial guarantees;

– ¨ bodies governed by the private law of a Member State that are entrusted with the implementation of a public-private partnership and that provide adequate financial guarantees;

– ¨ persons entrusted with the implementation of specific actions in the CFSP pursuant to Title V of the TEU, and identified in the relevant basic act.

– If more than one management mode is indicated, please provide details in the ‘Comments’ section.

Comments

2. MANAGEMENT MEASURES

2.1. Monitoring and reporting rules

Specify frequency and conditions.

Each year, theCCBST’s budget is adopted. The Extended Commission may examine, verify and comment on the draft budget submitted by the CCSBT Secretariat. The execution of these budgets is also scrutinised every year by the Contracting Parties. The budget is to be adopted by consensus of the Contracting Parties.

Reporting is also done on annual basis by the CCSBT Secretariat.

2.2. Management and control system

2.2.1. Risk(s) identified

CCSBT Members regularly pay their contributions and currently there are no arrears.

2.2.2. Information concerning the internal control system set up

CCSBT expenditure is reviewed by the Finance and Administration Committee. Some specific programms are audited.

2.2.3. Estimate of the costs and benefits of the controls and assessment of the expected level of risk of error

Limited costs. Peer review. Subsequent revisions.

2.3. Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities

Specify existing or envisaged prevention and protection measures.

The budget and expenditure are prepared by the CCSBT Secretariat, then reviewed and endorsed by the Finance and Administration Committee and approved by the CCSBT Extended Commission.

3. ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE

3.1. Heading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s) affected

· Existing budget lines

In order of multiannual financial framework headings and budget lines.

Heading of multiannual financial framework || Budget line || Type of expenditure || Contribution

Number || Diff./Non-diff. || from EFTA countries || from candidate countries || from third countries || within the meaning of Article 21(2)(b) of the Financial Regulation

|| 11 03 02 Contribution to International Organisations (2) || Diff. || NO || NO || NO || NO

|| 11 01 04 01 : Contribution to International Organisations - Expenditure on administrative management (2) || Non-diff. || NO || NO || NO || NO

|| 11 01 02 11: Other management expenditure (5) || Non-diff. || NO || NO || NO || NO

· New budget lines requested

In order of multiannual financial framework headings and budget lines.

Heading of multiannual financial framework || Budget line || Type of expenditure || Contribution

Number || Diff./Non-diff. || from EFTA countries || from candidate countries || from third countries || within the meaning of Article 21(2)(b) of the Financial Regulation

|| || || || || ||

3.2. Estimated impact on expenditure

Annual expenditure will depend on the contribution the EU must make to the Organisation's budget decided at the Annual Meeting of the CCSBT (currently estimated at roughly 70.000 €)

3.2.1. Summary of estimated impact on expenditure

EUR million (to three decimal places)

Heading of multiannual financial framework || Number: 2 || Sustenable growth natural ressources ||

|| DG MARE || || || Year 2015 || Year 2016 || Year 2017 || Year 2018 || Year 2019 || Year 2020 || TOTAL

||  Operational appropriations || || || || || || ||

|| 11. 03 02 || Commitments || (1) || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.42

|| Payments || (2) || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.42

|| Number of budget line || Commitments || (1a) || || || || || || ||

|| Payments || (2a) || || || || || || ||

|| Appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope of specific programmes || || || || || || ||

|| Number of budget line11.01 04 01 || || (3) || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.060

|| TOTAL appropriations for DG MARE || Commitments || =1+1a +3 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.48

|| Payments || =2+2a +3 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.48

 TOTAL operational appropriations || Commitments || (4) || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.42

Payments || (5) || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.070 || 0.42

 TOTAL appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope for specific programmes || (6) || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.60

TOTAL appropriations under HEADING <2> of the multiannual financial framework || Commitments || =4+ 6 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.48

Payments || =5+ 6 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.080 || 0.48

If more than one heading is affected by the proposal / initiative:

 TOTAL operational appropriations || Commitments || (4) || || || || || || || ||

Payments || (5) || || || || || || || ||

 TOTAL appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope for specific programmes || (6) || || || || || || || ||

TOTAL appropriations under HEADINGS 1 to 4 of the multiannual financial framework (Reference amount) || Commitments || =4+ 6 || || || || || || || ||

Payments || =5+ 6 || || || || || || || ||

Heading of multiannual financial framework || 5 || ‘Administrative expenditure’

EUR million (to three decimal places)

|| || || Year 2015 || Year 2016 || Year 2017 || Year 2018 || Year 2019 || Year 2020 || TOTAL

DG MARE || || ||

 Human resources || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.156

 Other administrative expenditure || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.048

TOTAL DG MARE || Appropriations || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.204

TOTAL appropriations under HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework || (Total commitments = Total payments) || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.204

EUR million (to three decimal places)

|| || || Year N || Year N+1 || Year N+2 || Year N+3 || Year N+4 || Year N+5 || TOTAL

TOTAL appropriations under HEADINGS 1 to 5 of the multiannual financial framework || Commitments || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.684

Payments || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.114 || 0.684

3.2.2. Estimated impact on operational appropriations

– ¨ The proposal/initiative does not require the use of operational appropriations

– X The proposal/initiative requires the use of operational appropriations, as explained below:

Commitment appropriations in EUR million (to three decimal places)

Indicate objectives and outputs ò || || || Year 2015 || Year 2016 || Year 2017 || Year 2018 || Year 2019 || Year 2020 || TOTAL

|| || OUTPUTS

Type || Average cost || No || Cost || No || Cost || No || Cost || No || Cost || No || Cost || No || Cost || Total No || Total cost

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE No 1 RFMO and SFPAs': To contribute to long-term sustainability of fisheries worldwide through an active involvement in international organisations and by concluding sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with third countries || || || || || || || || || || || || ||

Membership in CCSBT || || || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.42

- Output || || || || || || || || || || || || || || || ||

- Output || || || || || || || || || || || || || || || ||

Subtotal for specific objective No 1 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.42

TOTAL COST || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.07 || 1 || 0.42

3.2.3. Estimated impact on appropriations of an administrative nature

3.2.3.1. Summary

– ¨ The proposal/initiative does not require the use of appropriations of an administrative nature

– X The proposal/initiative requires the use of appropriations of an administrative nature, as explained below:

EUR million (to three decimal places)

|| Year 2015 || Year 2016 || Year 2017 || Year 2018 || Year 2019 || Year 2020 || TOTAL

HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework || || || || || || ||

Human resources || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.026 || 0.156

Other administrative expenditure || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.008 || 0.048

Subtotal HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.034 || 0.204

Outside HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework || || || || || || ||

Human resources || || || || || || ||

Other expenditure of an administrative nature || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.060

Subtotal outside HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.010 || 0.060

TOTAL || 0.044 || 0.044 || 0.044 || 0.044 || 0.044 || 0.044 || 0.264

The appropriations required for human resources and other expenditure of an administrative nature will be met by appropriations from the DG that are already assigned to management of the action and/or have been redeployed within the DG, together if necessary with any additional allocation which may be granted to the managing DG under the annual allocation procedure and in the light of budgetary constraints.

3.2.3.2. Estimated requirements of human resources

– ¨ The proposal/initiative does not require the use of human resources.

– X The proposal/initiative requires the use of human resources, as explained below:

Estimate to be expressed in full time equivalent units

|| || Year N || Year N+1 || Year N+2 || Year N+3 || Year N+4 || Year N+5 ||

||  Establishment plan posts (officials and temporary staff) || ||

|| XX 01 01 01 (Headquarters and Commission’s Representation Offices) || 0.2 || 0.2 || 0.2 || 0.2 || 0.2 || 0.2 ||

|| XX 01 01 02 (Delegations) || || || || || || ||

|| XX 01 05 01 (Indirect research) || || || || || || ||

|| 10 01 05 01 (Direct research) || || || || || || ||

 External staff (in Full Time Equivalent unit: FTE) ||

|| XX 01 02 01 (AC, END, INT from the ‘global envelope’) || || || || || || ||

|| XX 01 02 02 (AC, AL, END, INT and JED in the delegations) || || || || || || ||

|| XX 01 04 yy || - at Headquarters || || || || || || ||

|| - in Delegations || || || || || || ||

|| XX 01 05 02 (AC, END, INT - Indirect research) || || || || || || ||

|| 10 01 05 02 (AC, END, INT - Direct research) || || || || || || ||

|| Other budget lines (specify) || || || || || || ||

|| TOTAL || || || || || || ||

XX is the policy area or budget title concerned.

The human resources required will be met by staff from the DG who are already assigned to management of the action and/or have been redeployed within the DG, together if necessary with any additional allocation which may be granted to the managing DG under the annual allocation procedure and in the light of budgetary constraints.

Description of tasks to be carried out:

Officials and temporary staff || Elaborate and contribute toward the definition of EU policies concerning the political, economic and technical aspects of internationa co-operation in the field of international fisheries. Represent the Union at meetings organised by CCSBT to present and defend the Union's position, as defined through the appropriate internal and institutional procedures. Ensure the liaison between the Extended Commission, Member States and the CCSBT Secretariat for the execution of intersessional work and tasks in the framework of CCSBT.

External staff ||

3.2.4. Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framework

– X The proposal/initiative is compatible the current multiannual financial framework.

– ¨ The proposal/initiative will entail reprogramming of the relevant heading in the multiannual financial framework.

Explain what reprogramming is required, specifying the budget lines concerned and the corresponding amounts.

– ¨ The proposal/initiative requires application of the flexibility instrument or revision of the multiannual financial framework.

Explain what is required, specifying the headings and budget lines concerned and the corresponding amounts.

3.2.5. Third-party contributions

– The proposal/initiative does not provide for co-financing by third parties.

Appropriations in EUR million (to three decimal places)

|| Year N || Year N+1 || Year N+2 || Year N+3 || Enter as many years as necessary to show the duration of the impact (see point 1.6) || Total

Specify the co-financing body || || || || || || || ||

TOTAL appropriations co-financed || || || || || || || ||

3.3. Estimated impact on revenue

– X The proposal/initiative has no financial impact on revenue.

– ¨ The proposal/initiative has the following financial impact:

– ¨ on own resources

– ¨ on miscellaneous revenue

EUR million (to three decimal places)

Budget revenue line: || Appropriations available for the current financial year || Impact of the proposal/initiative[7]

Year N || Year N+1 || Year N+2 || Year N+3 || Enter as many years as necessary to show the duration of the impact (see point 1.6)

Article …………. || || || || || || || ||

For miscellaneous ‘assigned’ revenue, specify the budget expenditure line(s) affected.

Specify the method for calculating the impact on revenue.

[1] See Annex IG of Regulation No 43/2014 of 20 January 2014 fixing for 2014 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Union waters and, to Union vessels, in certain non-EU waters , Official Journal of the European Union, L 24, 28.1.2014

[2] 16936/09 PECHE 364

[3] OJ L 179, 23.6.1998, p. 1.

[4] OJ L 189, 3.7.1998, p. 14.

[5] ABM: activity-based management; ABB: activity-based budgeting.

[6] As referred to in Article 54(2)(a) or (b) of the Financial Regulation.

[7] As regards traditional own resources (customs duties, sugar levies), the amounts indicated must be net amounts, i.e. gross amounts after deduction of 25 % for collection costs.

ANNEX

to the

Proposal for a Council Decision

on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Exchange of Letters to obtain membership in the Extended Commission of the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT)

A. Letter from the European Union

Sir/Madam,

I have the honour to refer to the Resolution to establish an extended Commission and an Extended Scientific Committee (hereafter ‘the Resolution’), as amended by the 20th Meeting of the CCSBT in October 2013.

Paragraph 6 of the Resolution establishes that any regional economic integration organisation, entity or fishing entity, vessels flagged to which have caught SBT at any time in the previous three calendar years, may express its willingness to the Executive Secretary of the Commission to become a member of the Extended Commission and Extended Scientific Committee. To this end, the Executive Secretary of the CCSBT, on behalf of the Commission, will conduct an Exchange of Letters with the representative of such regional economic integration organisation, entity or fishing entity to this effect.

Regarding Paragraph 7 of the Resolution there are no changes to the EU entitlement of 10 tonnes for the years 2015-2017.

I should be obliged if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter and confirm that this letter and your reply constitute an Agreement between the CCSBT and the European Union to become Member of the CCSBT Extended Commission and Extended Scientific Committee in accordance with the provisions contained in the Resolution mentioned above.

The EU would like to indicate its firm commitment to continue to respect the terms of the CCSBT Convention and comply with decisions of the Extended Commission.

This agreement will apply from the day following the day of your reply.

Please accept, Sir/Madam, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the European Union

The President