The harmonization of sanctions, the implementation of a penalty point system and the extension of
the powers of the Commission, Community inspectors and the Control Agency, still raise concerns
among member states and further work is needed within the Council preparatory bodies.
Consequently, the Swedish Presidency commit itself to closely cooperate with member states and
the Commission to try to bring the file to a close before the end of the year.
The European Parliament's opinion was delivered on 22 April.
According to the Commission, the main objectives of the proposal are:
- simplification of the current CFP control rules, which are currently scattered across many
different regulations, some of them overlapping each other
- a reduction of the costs and of the administrative burden
- an effective application of CFP rules, in order to remedy the shortcomings identified by
both the European Commission and the European Court of Auditors
- a control system which is global and integrated, from net to plate, including a
comprehensive traceability system
- the introduction of a "culture of compliance" involving all stakeholders. Harmonized deterrent sanctions and a "penalty point system" for infringements committed by holders of fishing authorizations and by masters and officers of vessels are proposed.
