Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 37 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament^f1,

Whereas:

Council Regulation (EC) No 1543/2000^f2 establishes that the first Community Programme and the first programming period are to cover the period from 2002 to 2006.

Regulation (EC) No 1543/2000 is to be replaced by a new Regulation in order to implement new approaches to fisheries management. Such approaches include the transition from fish stock-based management to a fleet- and area-based management as well as the ecosystem approach. Pending the adoption of that new Regulation, it is necessary to establish a second programming period covering the years 2007 and 2008 in order to ensure consistent and synchronised programming at Community and national level.

Regulation (EC) No 1543/2000 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: