Text tabled : A7-0358/2012

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. − (PT) The first fisheries partnership agreement (FPA) between the EU and Greenland dates back to 1985, which shows the importance of the fisheries there for the fleets of certain European countries. The setting out of the fishing opportunities within the scope of the current FPA is based on scientific advice and the Protocol is consistent with the aims of the common fisheries policy and with the fundamental principle of sustainable fisheries. The Protocol is considered to be of great mutual benefit to both parties and includes a significant EU contribution, more than 20 % of the yearly financial contribution, earmarked for improving and implementing sectoral fisheries policies in Greenland, with a positive impact on the economy of the coastal communities and at the level of job creation. Since I think that the FPAs help to strengthen cooperation and the EU’s strategic presence in the waters of third countries, and that the current Protocol is favourable to the fleets of some European countries, I voted in favour of this report.