Council Decision (EU) 2024/396 of 16 January 2024 on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Republic of Kiribati, on the other (2023-2028)

Article 1

The Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Republic of Kiribati, on the other (2023-2028) (‘the Protocol’) is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

Article 2

The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the Union, give the notification provided for in Article 23 of the Protocol.

Article 3

In accordance with the procedures and conditions laid down in the Annex to this Decision, the Commission is authorised to approve, on behalf of the Union, amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee established under Article 9 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Republic of Kiribati, on the other.

Article 4

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

PROCEDURE FOR THE APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE PROTOCOL ON THE IMPLEMENTION OF THE FISHERIES PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, ON ONE HAND, AND THE REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI, ON THE OTHER (2023-2028) TO BE ADOPTED BY THE JOINT COMMITTEE

ANNEXSupplementary provisions

ANNEX PROCEDURE FOR THE APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE PROTOCOL ON THE IMPLEMENTION OF THE FISHERIES PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, ON ONE HAND, AND THE REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI, ON THE OTHER (2023-2028) TO BE ADOPTED BY THE JOINT COMMITTEE Where the Joint Committee is asked to adopt amendments to the Protocol on the implemention of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community, on one hand, and the Republic of Kiribati, on the other (2023-2028) (‘the Protocol’) in accordance with Articles 8 and 18 thereto, the following procedure applies: 1. The Commission shall ensure that the approval of the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union: (a) is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy; (b) is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of joint management by coastal States; (c) takes account of the latest statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission. 2. Before the approval of the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union, the Commission shall submit them to the Council in sufficient time before the relevant Joint Committee meeting. 3. The Council shall assess whether the proposed amendments comply with the criteria laid down in point 1. 4. Unless a number of Member States equivalent to a blocking minority of the Council in accordance with Article 16(4) of the Treaty on European Union object to the proposed amendments, the Commission shall approve them on behalf of the Union. If there is such a blocking minority, the Commission shall reject the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union. 5. If, in the course of subsequent meetings of the Joint Committee, it is impossible to reach an agreement, including on the spot, the matter shall be referred back to the Council, in accordance with points 2, 3 and 4, in order for the Union position to take account of new factors. 6. The Commission is invited to take, in due time, any steps necessary to follow up on the decision of the Joint Committee to amend the protocol including, where appropriate, publishing that decision in the Official Journal of the European Union and submitting any proposal necessary for the implementation of that decision. As regards other matters which do not concern amendments to the Protocol, in accordance with Articles 8 and 18 thereto, the position to be adopted by the Union in the Joint Committee shall be determined in accordance with the Treaties and established working practices.