Proposal for a Council Decision establishing Regional Advisory Councils under the Common Fisheries Policy
Date: 2003-10-15
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: common fisheries policy, conservation of fish stocks, fishery management, fishery resources

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 15.10.2003
COM(2003) 607 final

2003/0238 (CNS)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

establishing Regional Advisory Councils under the Common Fisheries Policy

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

With the aim of improving governance within the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Regional
Advisory Councils have been provided for in the framework of the CFP reform, particularly
in  Articles  31  and  32  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  2371/2002  on  the  conservation  and
sustainable  exploitation  of  fisheries  resources  under  the  CFP.  Article  32  specifies  that  the
Council will decide on the establishment of a Regional Advisory Council. Regional Advisory
Councils offer the opportunity to respond to  the  demand of stakeholders to be more closely
involved in the development of the CFP.

Article  31  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  2371/2002  lays  down  certain  principles  which
require  further  development  if  they  are  to  provide  a  general  framework  that  will  serve  as  a
basis  for  the  establishment  of  Regional  Advisory  Councils  by  stakeholders.  Even  though
stakeholders  will  be  responsible  for  the  operation  of  Regional  Advisory  Councils,  it  is
necessary that  they comply with this general  framework  in  order  to  ensure  a  consistent  and
balanced approach amongst the Regional Advisory Councils.

The  Decision  focuses  on  the  main  aspects  that  should  be  clarified  at  Community  level:  the
definition of the areas to be covered, the main structure of Regional Advisory Councils, their
composition,  functioning,  appointment  procedure  and  financing.  On  the  basis  of  the  criteria
laid  down  in  this  Decision,  stakeholders  will  submit  a  request  for  the  establishment  of  a
Regional  Advisory  Council  to  the  Member  States  concerned  by  the  Regional  Advisory
Council and to the Commission for verification and approval.

In  order  to  offer  meaningful  advice  to  the  Commission  and  the  Member  States,  Regional
Advisory  Councils  should  be  large  enough  to  cover  management  units  based  on  biological
criteria.  In  line  with  this  approach,  Annex  I  to  the  Decision  lists  the  Regional  Advisory
Councils  that  the  Commission  proposes  to  establish.  Such  an  approach  will  ensure  that  all
fisheries  are  covered  by  a  Regional  Advisory  Council  and  also  avoid  an  overlapping  of
fisheries  between  different  Regional  Advisory  Councils.  Organisational  and  financial
constraints plead in favour of a limited number of Regional Advisory Councils. At the same
time,  the  Regulation  leaves  open  the  possibility  of  creating  subdivisions  within  a  Regional
Advisory Council to cover specific fisheries.

Regional  Advisory  Councils  are  also  meant  to  enhance  the  dialogue  between  the  different
interests  concerned  with  the  CFP.  Building  mutual  trust  between  scientists  and  fishermen
would certainly contribute to improving the transparency of scientific advice. In defining the
structure  of  the  Regional  Advisory  Councils,  it  is  necessary  to  find  a  balance  between
efficiency of discussions and inclusiveness of all parties with a real interest. The Commission
proposes  that  the  Regional  Advisory  Councils  consist  of  a  general  assembly,  which  will
appoint  an  executive  committee,  restricted  in  size  but  with  a  balanced  representation  of  all
interests affected by the CFP. Member States are best placed to appoint the representatives of
the  various  interests  that  will  be  members  of  the  general  assembly.  Participants  in  the
Regional  Advisory  Councils  will  be  considered  as  members,  observers  or  experts.  Another
important point is that some meetings will be open to the public.

In  order  to  avoid  duplication  of  work  with  other  existing  consultative  bodies  such  as  the
Advisory  Committee  on  Fisheries  and  Aquaculture  (ACFA),  it  is  essential  to  establish
appropriate links. Regional Advisory Councils should prepare an annual report that should be
transmitted  to  the  ACFA.  The  ACFA  may  also  send  a  representative  to  meetings  of  the
Regional Advisory Councils. At the same time, where there are issues of interest to more than

2

one  Regional  Advisory  Council,  the  coordination  of  the  work  of  the  Regional  Advisory
Councils concerned is envisaged with a view to adopting joint recommendations.

With regard to the financing of Regional Advisory Councils, the aim is that they become self-
financing  in  the  long-term.  Nevertheless,  in  order  to  ensure  the  credibility  of  this  new
structure,  Regional  Advisory  Councils  must  be  granted  sufficient  public  financing,
particularly in the start-up phase.

Regional Advisory Councils should be considered an evolutionary structure that will develop
over time on the basis of experience. The Commission proposes to carry out a review three
years  after  their  establishment  and,  if  necessary,  recommend  improvements  in  their
functioning.

3

2003/0238 (CNS)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

establishing Regional Advisory Councils under the Common Fisheries Policy

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community,  and  in  particular
Article 37 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal of the Commission1,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament2,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

1

2

3

4

Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and
sustainable  exploitation  of  fisheries  resources  under  the  Common  Fisheries  Policy3
and in particular Articles 31 and 32 thereof, provides for new forms of participation by
stakeholders  in  the  Common  Fisheries  Policy  through  the  establishment  of  Regional
Advisory Councils.

A  consistent  approach  to  the  establishment  of  Regional  Advisory  Councils  requires
that they correspond to management units based on biological criteria and that they are
limited in number in order to offer meaningful advice.

Since  Regional  Advisory  Councils  are  stakeholder-led  organisations,  they  should
adapt  their  structure  to  the  specific  characteristics  of  the  fisheries  and  regions
concerned. Nevertheless, a general framework is necessary for the establishment of the
Regional Advisory Councils.

In  the  interests  of  efficiency,  it  is  necessary  to  limit  the  size  of  Regional  Advisory
Councils  whilst  ensuring  that  they  include  all  the  interests  affected  by  the  Common
Fisheries Policy.

In order to avoid overlapping on issues of common interest to more than one Regional
Advisory  Council,  it  is  essential  to  establish  links  between  the  different  Regional
Advisory Councils.

In view of the tasks of the Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture renewed
by  Commission  Decision  1999/478/EC4,  which  is  composed  of  representatives  of  a

OJ C …, …, p. …
OJ C …, …, p. …
OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59.
OJ L 187, 20.7.1999, p. 70.

4

                                                
wide  range  of  European  organisations  and  interests,  the  work  of  the  Regional
Advisory  Councils  should  be  coordinated  with  that  of  the  Advisory  Committee  on
Fisheries and Aquaculture.

(7)

In order to ensure the effective establishment of the Regional Advisory Councils, it is
essential that public funds contribute to their costs in the start-up phase,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1
Definitions

For the purposes of this Decision the following definitions shall apply:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

"Member State concerned" means a Member State having fishing rights for regulated
species in the area or fisheries covered by a Regional Advisory Council;

“Fisheries  sector”  means  shipowners,  small-scale  fishermen,  employed  fishermen,
producer  organisations,  processors,  traders  and  other  market  organisations  and
women's networks;

“Other interest groups” means environmental organisations and groups, aquaculture
producers, consumers and recreational or sport fishermen;

“Catching  sector”  means  shipowners,  small-scale  fishermen,  employed  fishermen
and producer organisations.

Article 2

Establishment of Regional Advisory Councils

A Regional Advisory Council is established for each of the following:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Baltic Sea

Mediterranean Sea

North Sea

North Western waters

South Western waters

Pelagic stocks

The geographical areas covered by each Regional Advisory Council are set out in Annex I.

Each  Regional  Advisory  Council  may  create  subdivisions  to  deal  with  issues  that  cover
specific fisheries and biological regions.

5

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

Article 3

Procedure

Representatives  of  the  fisheries  sector  and  other  interest  groups  with  an  interest  in
one  of  the  Regional  Advisory  Councils  shall  submit  a  request  concerning  the
operation of that Regional Advisory Council to the Member States concerned and to
the Commission. The request shall include:

(a)

a statement of objectives

(b)

operating principles

(c)

rules of procedure

(d)

the budget estimate.

The Member States concerned shall check whether the request is in accordance with
the provisions laid down in this Decision and shall transmit a recommendation to the
Commission on that Regional Advisory Council.

After evaluation of the recommendation and possible amendments to the request, the
Commission  shall  adopt  a  decision  specifying  the  date  from  which  the  Regional
Advisory  Council  shall  become  operational.  The  decision  shall  be  published  in  the
Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 4

Structure

Each  Regional  Advisory  Council  shall  consist  of  a  general  assembly  and  an
executive committee.

The  general  assembly  shall  meet  at  least  once  a  year  to  review  the  work  of  the
Regional Advisory Council.

The  general assembly shall appoint  an  executive committee of  between  twelve  and
eighteen members. The executive committee shall manage the work of the Regional
Advisory Council and adopt its recommendations and suggestions.

Article 5

Membership

The  Regional  Advisory  Councils  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  from  the
fisheries sector and other interest groups affected by the Common Fisheries Policy.

Members of the general assembly shall be appointed by common agreement between
the Member States concerned. European and national organisations representing the
fisheries  sector  and  other  interest  groups  may  propose  members  to  the  Member
States concerned.

6

3.

4.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1.

2.

3.

4.

In  the  general  assembly  and  executive  committee  two  thirds  of  the  seats  shall  be
allotted to representatives of the fisheries  sector  and  one  third  to  representatives  of
the other interest groups affected by the Common Fisheries Policy.

At least one representative of the catching sector from each Member State concerned
shall be represented in the executive committee.

Article 6

Participation

Scientists  from  institutes  of  the  Member  States  concerned  or  international  bodies
shall  be  invited  to  participate  as  experts  in  the  work  of  the  Regional  Advisory
Councils.

National  and  regional  administrations  of  the  Member  States  concerned  may  be
present  at meetings as observers to express  their  views  on  the  recommendations  or
suggestions to be adopted by a Regional Advisory Council.

The  Member  States  not  having  fishing  rights  for  regulated  species  in  the  area  or
fisheries covered by the Regional Advisory Council which declare a fishing interest
may also participate as observers.

The Commission may be present at any meeting of a Regional Advisory Council.

A  representative  of  the  Advisory  Committee  on  Fisheries  and  Aquaculture  may
participate as an observer in the Regional Advisory Councils.

Representatives of third countries that have a fishing interest in the area or fisheries
covered by a Regional Advisory Council may participate in that Regional Advisory
Council as observers when issues which affect them are discussed.

The meetings of the general assembly and executive committee shall be open to the
public.

Article 7

Functioning

Regional  Advisory  Councils  shall  adopt 
organisation.

the  measures  necessary  for 

their

The  members  of 
the  executive  committee  shall,  where  possible,  adopt
recommendations  and  suggestions  by  consensus.  If  no  consensus  can  be  reached,
dissenting opinions expressed by members shall be recorded in the recommendations
and suggestions adopted by the majority of the members present and voting.

Each  Regional  Advisory  Council  shall  designate  a  chairperson  by  consensus.  The
chairperson shall act impartially.

The  Member  States  concerned  shall  provide  the  necessary  support,  including
logistical help, to facilitate the functioning of a Regional Advisory Council.

7

Article 8

Coordination between Regional Advisory Councils

If  an  issue  is  of  common  interest  to  two  or  more  Regional  Advisory  Councils,  they  shall
coordinate their positions with a view to adopting joint recommendations on that issue.

Article 9

Financing

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

3.

A Regional Advisory Council which has acquired a legal personality may apply for
Community financial aid.

Community start-up aid may be granted for the operating expenditure of a Regional
Advisory Council during its first three years in accordance with the conditions set out
in Annex II, Part 1.

Community  aid  may  be  granted  for  the  interpretation  and  translation  costs  of  the
meetings of the Regional Advisory Councils as set out in Annex II Part 2.

Article 10

Annual Report and Audit

Each  Regional  Advisory  Council  shall  transmit  an  annual  report  of  its  activities  to
the  Commission,  the  Member  States  concerned  and  the  Advisory  Committee  on
Fisheries and Aquaculture before 31 March of the year following the year covered by
the report.

The Commission or the Court of Auditors may, at any time, arrange for an audit to
be carried out  either  by  an outside body  of its choice or by  the  Commission or the
Court of Auditors departments themselves.

Each  Regional  Advisory  Council  shall  appoint  a  certified  auditor  for  the  period
during which it benefits from Community funds.

Article 11

Review

After a period of three years following the establishment of the Regional Advisory Councils,
the  Commission  shall  send  a  report  to  the  European  Parliament  and  the  Council  on  the
functioning and implementation of the Regional Advisory Councils.

8

Article 12

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the seventh day following that of its publication in the
Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council
The President

9

ANNEX I

Regional Advisory Councils referred to in Article 2

Name of the Regional Advisory Council

ICES areas, CECAF divisions and GFCM

Baltic Sea

Mediterranean Sea

North Sea

North Western waters

South Western waters

IIIb, IIIc and IIId

EC waters

IV, IIIa, VIId (Eastern Channel)

V (excluding Va and only EC waters in  Vb),
VI, VII (excluding VIId and VIIe)

VIIe  (Western  Channel),  VIII,  IX  and  X
(waters around Azores), and CECAF division
34.1.2  (waters  around  Madeira  and 
the
Canary Islands)

Pelagic  stocks  (blue  whiting,  mackerel,
horse mackerel, atlanto-scandic herring)

All areas

10

ANNEX II

Costs incurred by the Regional Advisory Councils

Part 1. Contribution  towards  the  start-up  costs  of  the  Regional  Advisory  Councils

(RACs)

The  Community  will  contribute  part  of  the  operating  costs  from  the  year  of  their
establishment for a maximum of three years. The amount allocated to each RAC for operating
costs  will  not  exceed  85%  of  its  operating  budget  in  the  first  year  and  may  not  exceed
€100 000. In the two following years, the financial contribution will be degressive and depend
on the budget available. The Commission will conclude with each RAC and for each year an
"operating grant agreement" which will set the precise terms and conditions and the procedure
for the grant of financing.

The  eligible  costs  will  consist  of  the  costs  necessary  to  ensure  the  normal  operation  of  the
RACs and enable them to pursue their aims.

The following direct costs will be eligible:

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

personnel expenses (cost of personnel per day of work on the project);

new or used equipment;

materials and supplies;

dissemination of information to members;

travel and accommodation expenses of scientific experts attending Committee
meetings (based on scales or rules laid down by the Commission departments);

audits;

a contingency reserve of not more than 5% of eligible direct costs.

Part 2. Interpretation and translation costs

The Commission will conclude with each RAC and for each  year an action grant agreement
which will set the precise terms and conditions and the procedure for the grant of financing.

11

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Policy area(s): FISHERIES

Activity(ies): 1104 : GOVERNANCE OF THE CFP

TITLE  OF  ACTION:  CONTRIBUTION  TO  THE  OPERATING  COSTS  OF  THE  REGIONAL  ADVISORY
COMMITTEES  AND  MEETING  THE  COST  OF  PART  OF  THEIR  INTERPRETATION  AND
TRANSLATION EXPENSES

1.

BUDGET LINE(S) + HEADING(S)

B2-903 (110401)

Closer dialogue with the fishing industry and those affected by the common fisheries
policy.

OVERALL FIGURES

Total allocation for action (Part B): Estimate of expenditure for the period 2004-
2009 = € 2.278 million in commitment appropriations

Period of application:

Annual action

2.

2.1

2.2

2.3

Overall multiannual estimate of expenditure:

(a)  Schedule  of  commitment  appropriations/payment  appropriations  (financial  intervention)
(see point 6.1.1)

€ million (to three decimal places)

Year
2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009
and
subs.
fin.
year
0,2

Total

2,278

2,278

Commitments

Payments

0,4

0,4

0,537 0,548

0,348

0,245

0,537 0,548

0,348

0,245

0,2

(b) Technical and administrative assistance and support expenditure (see point 6.1.2)

Commitments

Payments

12

Subtotal a+b

Commitments

Payments

(c)  Overall  financial  impact  of  human  resources  and  other  administrative  expenditure  (see
points 7.2 and 7.3)

0,164

0,164

0,164

0,164

0,164

0,164

0,984

Commitments/Paym
ents

TOTAL a+b+c

Commitments

0,564

0,701

0,712

0,512

0,409

0,364

3,262

Payments

0,564

0,701

0,712

0,512

0,409

0,364

3,262

2.4

Compatibility with financial programming and financial perspective

X

Proposal compatible with existing financial programming

(cid:1) This  proposal  will  entail  reprogramming  of  the  relevant  heading  in  the
financial perspective

(cid:1) This  may  entail  application  of  the  provisions  of  the  Interinstitutional
Agreement.

2.5

Financial impact on revenue

No financial implications (involves technical aspects regarding implementation

X
of a measure)

OR

(cid:1) Financial impact - the effect on revenue is as follows:

- Note: All details and observations pertaining to the method of calculating the
effect on revenue should be included in a separate annex.

Budget line Revenue

€ million (to one decimal place)

Prior to
action
(year n-
1)

Year
n3

Situation following action

n+1

n+2

n+3

n+4

n+5

(a) Revenue in absolute
terms1

(b) Change in revenue2

 (cid:1)

(Describe each budget line  concerned, adding the appropriate number of lines to
the table if several budget lines are affected)

13

3.

BUDGET CHARACTERISTICS

Type of expenditure

New

EFTA
contribution

Contributions
from
applicant
countries

Heading in
financial
perspective

CE

DA

NO

NO

NO

No 3

4.

LEGAL BASIS

Article 37 of the EC Treaty

5.

5.1

DESCRIPTION AND GROUNDS

Need for Community intervention

5.1.1

Objectives pursued

An important feature of the reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP) is to make
stakeholders  more  closely  involved  in  the  formulation  and  implementation  of  the
policy, including its local and regional aspects.

To that end Articles 31 and 32 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 provide for
the  setting  up  of  Regional  Advisory  Councils  (RACs)  whose  main  task  will  be  to
advise the Commission on the management of resources.

These  Councils  will 
present
recommendations/suggestions/opinions to the Commission and/or the Member State
concerned regarding various proposals for measures such as recovery plans, technical
and other measures affecting the fishing zones concerned.

particular 

called 

on 

be 

in 

to 

In order  to  enable these Councils  to  carry  out  their  consultative  role  fully  and  thus
respond  to  the  needs  of  the  Commission,  public  financing  will  be  essential,  failing
which  there  is  a  danger  that  the  Councils  will  not  be  established  or  function
effectively.

It is planned, therefore, to provide part-financing of the operating costs of the RACs
in  the  form  of  degressive  start-up  aid  over  a  three-year  period,  and  to  meet  the
interpretation  and  translation  costs  of  the  Councils,  given  their  multilingual
character.

5.1.2 Measures taken in connection with ex ante evaluation

The Green Paper  on the future of  the common  fisheries policy emphasised that  the
parties concerned  are  not sufficiently involved in the  development  of  the  CFP,  and
that this has a negatives impact on observance of the rules.

The rules apply not only to shipowners, seamen, producer organisations, processors
and  trade  representatives  (auction  markets),  but  also  to  groups  involved  in  the
environment  and  sport  fishing,  fish  farmers,  consumer  interests  and  women's
networks.

14

All  these  categories  are  concerned,  directly  or  indirectly,  by  the  development  and
implementation of the CFP.  It is important that their views be heard and taken into
account when the opinions the RACs are called upon to give are drawn up.

The  general  aims  which  the  RACs  should  contribute  to  attaining  concern  the
sustainable management of fish stocks, incorporating an approach based on the eco-
systems and the precautionary principle.

In  addition  to  the  specific  aims  of  the  RACs  referred  to  in  point  5.1.1  above,
emphasis  should  be  placed  on  the  need  to  improve  the  transparency  of  scientific
advice by promoting dialogue between scientific experts and fishermen.

The  main  operational  objective  in  the  short  term  is  to  put  in  place  RACs  with
transparent operating rules. They must be representative of all the parties concerned
and should cover all fishing zones in the European Union under the jurisdiction of at
least  two  Member  States.  The  Commission  will  present  to  the  RACs  proposals  for
measures  it  is  planning  to  take  and  which  cover  fishing  zones  within  their
competence. The RACs will be asked to deliver opinions which the Commission will
examine when the proposal is being finalised; where appropriate, it will give reasons
for its refusal to take account of the opinions.

The  Commission  also  expects 
to  produce  a  number  of
recommendations/suggestions,  of  their  own  accord,  on  topics  related  to  the
management of resources in the zone they cover.

the  RACs 

Their  role  will  be  to  inform  the  Commission  about  difficulties  involved  in
implementing the Community rules and to make recommendations and suggestions.

A number of indicators linked to the above objectives have been identified:

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the number of fishing zones in the European Union under the jurisdiction of at
least two Member States covered by operational RACs;

their  composition 
representativeness;

in 

relation 

to 

their  geographical  and 

sectoral

the rate of participation of stakeholders, and in particular scientists, in the RAC
working groups;

the percentage of opinions obtained compared with the proposals presented for
consultation,  a  rate  of  around  80%  being  satisfactory;  the  number  of
recommendations and suggestions, if any, made of their own accord;

the number of meetings each year, with three at least appearing to be essential;

the quality of the opinions presented;

the  total  operating  costs  eligible  per  year  in  the  three  years  following  their
establishment.

To  attain  the  objectives,  various  options  were  considered,  including  expanding  the
role  and  functions  of  the  Advisory  Committee  on  Fisheries  and  Aquaculture.  This
Committee, however, deals with fairly general matters and it may be difficult for it to

15

take into account the special characteristics of certain fishing zones and/or fish stocks
or represent local/regional actors which will have their place within RACs.

It  is  important  to  underline  that  in  the  European  fishing  industry,  because  of  their
transnational  character,  the  RACs  will  bring  added  value  to  the  quality  of
consultations.

On the cost/effectiveness side,  the  RACs are  a  new  tool whose  expected effects do
not appear to be obtainable at lower cost. Moreover, the start-up aid is degressive and
covers a three-year period, at the end of which the RACs should be self-financing.

5.1.3 Measures taken following ex post evaluation

/

5.2

Actions envisaged and arrangements for budget intervention

The  total  annual  budget  will  be  distributed  to  finance  two  actions,  a  contribution  towards
start-up costs and the financing of translation and interpretation costs.

The  calculation  of  the  annual  amounts  to  be  earmarked  is  based  on  an  estimate  that  three
RACs will be established in 2004, two in 2005 and one in 2006 (see Annex).

5.2.1. Contribution towards the start-up costs of the Regional Advisory Councils

From the year they are set up the Commission will contribute part of their operating costs for
three years. The maximum amount allocated for operating costs for each RAC will be 85% of
their  operating  budget  in  the  first  year,  and  may  not  exceed  €100 000.  The  financial
contribution for the next two years will be degressive and depend on the available budget.

The Commission will conclude an "operating grant agreement" with each RAC and for each
year setting the precise terms and conditions and the procedure for the grant of financing.

The eligible costs will be the costs needed to ensure the normal operation of the RACs.

The following direct costs are eligible:

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

personnel expenses (cost of personnel per day of work on the project);

new or used equipment; these costs must reflect market costs;

costs of non-capital equipment and supplies;

dissemination of information to members;

travel and accommodation expenses of scientific experts attending Committee
meetings (based on scale or rules laid down by the Commission departments) ;

audits;

a contingency reserve of not more than 5% of eligible direct costs.

According  to  the  rules  in  force  regarding  start-up  grants,  the  Regional  Advisory  Councils
must present their applications in the first half of their budget year.

16

5.2.2.

Interpretation and translation costs

In view of the multilingual nature of the Regional Advisory Councils and in the interests of
contributing  effectively  to  the  cooperation  and  communication  needs  of  their  members,  the
European Union will meet the interpretation and translation costs as follows:

The  overall  annual  amount  earmarked  for  this  action  is  estimated  as  follows:  €100 000  for
2004, € 166 665 for 2005 and € 200 000 for subsequent years (See Annex).

The Commission will conclude an "action grant agreement" with each RAC and for each year
setting the precise terms and conditions and the procedure for the grant of financing .

5.3

Methods of implementation

The Commission will be solely responsible for implementing the actions.

6.

6.1

FINANCIAL IMPACT

Total financial impact on Part B (over the entire programming period)

(The method of calculating the total amounts shown in the table below must be explained by
the breakdown in table 6.2. )

6.1.1 Financial intervention Commitments in € million (to three decimal places)

Breakdown

Action 1: Operating costs

Action  2:  Translation  and

Year n
2004

0,3

0,1

interpretation

Etc.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

0,370

0,167

0,348

0,148

0,045

0,2

0,2

0,2

-

0,2

1,211

1,067

TOTAL 0,4

0,537

0,548

0,348

0,245

0,2

2,278

17

6.1.2 Technical and administrative assistance, support expenditure and
IT expenditure (commitment appropriations)

Year n

n + 1

 n + 2

n + 3

n + 4

Total

n + 5 and
subs.
years

and

Technical 

1) 
administrative assistance:
(a) Technical assistance
offices

technical  and

(b)  Other 
administrative assistance:
- intra-muros:
- extra-muros:
the
including 
and
establishment 
maintenance 
of
computerised  management
systems:

for 

Subtotal 1

(2) Support expenditure:

(a) Studies

(b) Meeting of experts

(c) Information and
publications

Subtotal 2

TOTAL

18

6.2.

Calculation  of  costs  by  measure  envisaged  in  Part  B  (over  the  entire
programming period)

(Where there are several actions, details should be given about the practical measures to be
taken for each action, needed for estimating the volume and cost of outputs)

Breakdown

Commitments in € million (to three decimal places)

Type
of outputs
(projects, files,
etc.)
1

Number of
outputs
(total for years
1…n)
2

Average unit
cost

Total cost (total for
years
1…n)

3

4=(2X3)

Action 1
- Measure 1
- Measure 2
Action 2
- Measure 1
- Measure 2
- Measure 3
Etc.

See Annex for a simulation on a
degressive basis

TOTAL COST

Where necessary, explain the method of calculation.

7.

IMPACT ON STAFF AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE

7.1.

Impact on human resources

Types of post

Staff to be assigned to management of the
action using existing and/or additional
resources

Number of
permanent posts

Number of
temporary posts

Officials or
temporary staff

A
B
C

Other human resources
Total

1
1
1

3

Description of tasks deriving from the
action

If necessary, a fuller description of the
tasks may be attached

Total
man/m
onths

12
3
1

16

19

7.2

Overall financial impact of human resources

Type of human resources

Amount in €

Method of calculation *

Officials
Temporary staff

Other human resources

144.000

(108.000/12*16)

(Indicate budget line)

Total

144.000

The amounts are total expenditure for 12 months.

7.3

Other administrative expenditure deriving from the action

Budget line
(number and heading)

Overall allocation (Title A7)
A0701 – Missions
A07030 – Meetings
A07031 – Compulsory committees (1)
A07032 – Non-compulsory committees (1)
A07040 – Conferences
A0705 – Studies and consultations
… Other expenditure (state which)

Information systems (A-5001/A-4300)

Other expenditure - part A (state which)

Amount in €

Method of calculation

20.000

Total

20.000

The amounts are total expenditure for 12 months.

(1) Specify the type of committee and the group to which it belongs.

I.
II.
III.

Annual total (7.2 + 7.3)
Duration of action
Total cost of action (I x II)

€164.000
6 years
€984.000

The  human  resource  and  administrative  needs  will  be  covered  within  the  allocation  for  the
managing DG under the annual allocation procedure.

8.

8.1

FOLLOW-UP AND EVALUATION

Follow-up arrangements

The  Commission  departments  will  see  to  it  that  the  operating  grant  agreements
stipulate that an annual report is required for each RAC, which will be essential for
the  final  annual  payment  and  the  renewal  of  the  grant  for  the  following  year.  The
report  will  include  a  model  table  determined  in  advance  by  the  Commission
containing some of the indicators listed under 5.1.2.

The  quality  of  the  opinions  issued  by  the  RACs  and  the  participation  of  officials
from  DG  FISH  –  as  observers  -  at  the  meetings  of  the  RACs  will  attest  to  the
satisfactory operation and the quality of the Councils.

20

8.2

Arrangements and schedule for the planned evaluation

As  provided  for  in  Article  11  of  this  Regulation,  the  Commission  will  draw  up  a
report on the operation of each RAC three years after it is set up.

For subsequent years, DG FISH undertakes to provide a report every three years on
the operation of each RAC.

9.

ANTI-FRAUD MEASURES

To prevent the risk of fraud, each RAC must appoint a certified auditor. In addition,
the Commission may require the audit of an RAC at any time.

21

Operating costs projection
2004
Establishment of 3 RACs

2005
Establishment of 2 RACs

2006
Establishment  of  1  RAC

2007

2008

Annex to the Financial Statement (simulation)

Sea 

North 
Baltic ( BA)
Mediterranean (ME)

(MDN)

Western  Waters  North
(WWN)
Western  Waters  South
(WWS)

Pelagic (PE)

MDN
BA
ME

100.000 MDN
100.000 BA
100.000 ME

WWN
WWS

300.000

TOTAL 1
Translation and interpretation costs5
MDN
BA
ME

33.333 MDN
33.333 BA
33.333 ME

WWN
WWS

TOTAL 2
T1+T2

99.999
400.000

56.700 MDN
56.700 BA
56.700 ME
100.000 WWN
100.000 WWS

PE

370.100

33.333 MDN
33.333 BA
33.333 ME
33.333 WWN
33.333 WWS

PE

166.665
536.765

45.000
45.000
45.000
56.700 WWN
56.700 WWS
100.000 PE
348.400

33.333 MDN
33.333 BA
33.333 ME
33.333 WWN
33.333 WWS
33.333 PE
200.000
548.400

45.000
45.000
56.700 PE
146.700

33.333 MDN
33.333 BA
33.333 ME
33.333 WWN
33.333 WWS
33.333 PE
200.000
346.700

45.000
45.000

33.333
33.333
33.333
33.333
33.333
33.333
200.000
245.0006

5

6

The amounts are given purely for information, as there is a total allocation for this action.
From 2009 only the action 'Translation and interpretation costs' will require budget programming for a fixed amount of € 200 000.

22