COUNCIL DECISION
of 18 December 2012
on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and on the provisional application of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for a period of two years
(2012/827/EU)
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(5), thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1)
On 30 November 2006, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1801/2006 on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (1) ("the Partnership Agreement").
(2)
The Council authorised the Commission to negotiate a new Protocol ("new Protocol") granting EU vessels fishing opportunities in waters in which Mauritania exercises its sovereignty or its jurisdiction as regards fishing. At the end of those negotiations, a new Protocol was initialled on 26 July 2012.
(3)
The current protocol to the Partnership Agreement expired on 31 July 2012.
(4)
To ensure that EU vessels can continue their fishing activities, the new Protocol provides for the possibility of its application by the parties on a provisional basis from the date of its signature, pending the completion of the procedures for its conclusion.
(5)
The new Protocol should be signed,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for a period of two years (the "Protocol") is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Protocol.
The text of the Protocol is attached to this Decision.
Article 2
The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Protocol on behalf of the Union.
Article 3
The Protocol shall be applied provisionally, in accordance with Article 9 thereof, from the date of its signature, pending the completion of the procedures for its conclusion.
Article 4
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
Done at Brussels, 18 December 2012.