Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

15.11.2006

Certain elements of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), notably those related to the conservation and management of fishery resources, are part of the Community acquis in the area of fisheries, as indicated in the declaration of competence deposited by the Community when it ratified Unclos. This part of the Convention was included in the screening meetings held in 2006 for Chapter 13: Fisheries.

The Commission is currently in the process of preparing the screening report for Turkey. According to the current timetable, the report is scheduled for discussion in the Council during the first semester 2007.

The Commission expects Turkey to adopt and fully implement the acquis by the time of its accession to the European Union.

OJ C 329, 30/12/2006