Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION authorising the Kingdom of Spain to extend until 7 March 2004 the Agreement on mutual fishery relations with the Republic of South Africa

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

On 14 August 1979, the Kingdom of Spain signed an agreement on mutual fisheries relations with the Republic of South Africa which entered into force on the 8 March 1982 for an initial period of ten years, and which it was envisaged should subsequently rest in force for an indeterminate period unless it were to be denounced with twelve months notice. Under this fisheries agreement, annual fisheries licence can be granted to vessels flying the Spanish flag. This was the case since 1989.

Article 167 (2) of the Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal lays down that the rights and obligations for the Kingdom of Spain following from fisheries agreements concluded with third countries shall not to be affected during the period for which the provisions of such agreements are provisionally maintained. Under Article 167 (3) of the Action of Accession, the Council, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, is to adopt the decisions appropriate for the continuation of fishing activities resulting from such agreements. This may include prolonging them for periods not exceeding one year.

The Decision put forward in this proposal authorises Spain to extend the fisheries agreement referred to above until 7 March 2004.

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION authorising the Kingdom of Spain to extend until 7 March 2004 the Agreement on mutual fishery relations with the Republic of South Africa

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to the Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal, and in particular Article 167 (3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [1],

[1] OJ C [...], [...], p. [...].

Whereas:

(1) Agreement on mutual fishery relations between the Government of the Kingdom of Spain and the Government of the Republic of South Africa, signed on 14 August 1979, entered into force on 8 March 1982 for an initial period of 10 years; agreement remains in force for an indeterminate period if it is not denounced by the giving of 12 months' notice.

(2) Article 167 (2) of the Act of Accession lays down that the rights and obligations resulting from the fisheries agreements concluded by the Kingdom of Spain with third countries shall not be affected during the period for which the provisions of such agreements are provisionally maintained.

(3) Pursuant to Article 167 (3) of the said Act, the Council is to adopt, before the expiry of the fisheries agreements concluded by the Kingdom of Spain with third countries, decisions appropriate for the continuation of fishing activities resulting therefrom, including the possibility of prolonging for periods not exceeding one year; the above mentioned Agreement has been extended until 7 March 2003 [2].

[2] OJ L 116, 03.05.2002, p. 31.

(4) It appears appropriate to authorise the Kingdom of Spain to renew the Agreement in question until 7 March 2004.

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Kingdom of Spain is hereby authorised to extend until 7 March 2004 the Agreement on mutual fishery relations with the Republic of South Africa which entered into force on 8 March 1982.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Spain.

Done at Brussels, [...].

For the Council

The President