On 28 January 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/146/EU on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius2 (‘the Agreement’).

The first Protocol3 to the Agreement set out, for a period of three years, the fishing opportunities granted to Union vessels in the fishing zone under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of the Republic of Mauritius (‘Mauritius’) and the financial contribution granted by the Union. The period of application of that Protocol expired on 27 January 2017.

In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2017/19604, a new Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius5 (‘the Protocol’) was signed on 8 December 2017, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

The Protocol has been applied on a provisional basis since the date of its signature.

The objective of the Protocol is to enhance cooperation between the Union and Mauritius to promote a sustainable fisheries policy and sound exploitation of fisheries resources in Mauritius waters and to support Mauritius in the development of its sustainable ocean economy.

The Protocol should be approved.

Article 9 of the Agreement establishes the Joint Committee responsible for monitoring the application of the Agreement (‘the Joint Committee’). Furthermore, in accordance with Article 5, Article 6(2) and Articles 7 and 8 of the Protocol, the Joint Committee is able to approve certain amendments to the Protocol. In order to facilitate the approval of such amendments, the Commission should be empowered, subject to specific conditions, to approve them under a simplified procedure,