Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/242 of 9 October 2014 laying down detailed rules on the functioning of the Advisory Councils under the Common Fisheries Policy

17.2.2015 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 41/1
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2015/242
of 9 October 2014
laying down detailed rules on the functioning of the Advisory Councils under the Common Fisheries Policy
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council Decision 2004/585/EC (1) and in particular Article 45(4) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and in particular Article 43 thereof, provides for the establishment of Advisory Councils which are to promote a balanced representation of all stakeholders in the field of fisheries and aquaculture and to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy.
(2) Advisory Councils may submit recommendations and suggestions to the Commission and to the Member States concerned on matters relating to the management of fisheries and the socioeconomic and conservation aspects of fisheries and aquaculture. They may inform the Commission and Member States of problems relating to the management and socioeconomic and conservation aspects of fisheries and aquaculture in their geographical area or field of competence, and contribute, in close cooperation with scientists, to the collection, supply and analysis of data necessary for the development of conservation measures.
(3) While Council Decision 2004/585/EC (2) establishes seven Regional Advisory Councils, Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 comprises also the four new Advisory Councils, established by that Regulation.
(4) Since new Advisory Councils are established by Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, it is necessary to define the procedure for the start of their functioning.
(5) In the light of the important role that the Advisory Councils are expected to play in the regionalised Common Fisheries Policy and in line with the principles of good governance set out in Article 3(b) and (f) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, it is also necessary to ensure, in line with Article 43(1) of that Regulation, that their structure guarantees a balanced representation of all legitimate stakeholders in the field of fisheries, including small-scale fleets and where appropriate, of aquaculture.
(6) Small-scale fisheries play an important social, economic, environmental and cultural role in numerous coastal communities throughout the European Union. It is therefore necessary to ensure their efficient participation in the work of the Advisory Councils, including by contributing to the costs and loss of income that such participation may entail.
(7) In order to ensure effective functioning and collaboration with stakeholders from third countries, Advisory Councils shall be able to adapt their working methods and reimburse their expenses on case-by case basis,