The Commission is not in agreement with the Ombudsman’s analysis of the situation regarding the alleged administrative error concerning fishing quotas.
Both the complaint and the Ombudsman’s analysis are based on a non-paper, which is an informal discussion document. In fact, non-papers are often used as the basis for discussion prior to the adoption of official proposals by Member States in Council. However, since non-papers are not official proposals, they cannot be the source of administrative errors.
In the meantime, it is to be noted that Council approved the relevant TAC (total allowable catches) and Quota Regulation after negotiations among Member States on the Commission’s formal proposal.
The Commission will provide the Ombudsman with a detailed reply on this matter by 1 May 2009.
