The session will start at 4.30pm and will last three hours. At the end of the session, Dr Borg will address a press conference.

In written replies before the hearing, Dr Borg said that his main objective within the Barroso Commission would be to “achieve sustainable fishing by putting in place long-term measures for the management of fish stocks, with reinforced control and enforcement framework in which the new Fisheries Control Agency should play a key role”.

He is also undertaking to contribute towards the success of the new Regional Advisory Councils, provide structural support to help the fisheries sector adapt to new challenges and ensure the development of small coastal communities. He trusts that agency, to be located in Vigo, Spain, may “begin its work in early 2006”.

Dr Borg said Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has asked him to conduct the work of a task force responsible for drafting a green paper on the EU’s maritime policy.

The drafting of this green paper received support from the 32nd general assembly of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions that was held recently in Stavaner. Secretary general Xavier Gizard restated CPMR’s support to the designation of Dr Borg.

Mr Gizard said the green paper on Europe’s maritime dimension, to be developed under Dr Borg’s responsibility, is a significant move forward for the CPMR “which will be adding another brick to the building”.