Question for written answer E-000748/2020 to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Rule 138 (ID), (ID), (ID), (ID), (ID), (ID), (ID), (ID), (ID), (ID)

Subject: Algeria’s unilateral establishment of an EEZ

In the Official Gazette of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria No 18-96 of 20 March 2018, the country established a maritime exclusive economic zone defined by means of a set of geolocation points identified by latitude and longitude. An examination of these points shows that a section of its outer limits is located close to the coast of Sardinia, at the 12-mile limit, cancelling out ’s EEZ. This seriously damages the fishing and mining rights of Italy, a European Union Member State, as well restricting the scope for protecting the environment and marine fauna and flora, bearing in mind also the proximity of the protected marine area of the Sinis Peninsula. In addition, by acting in this way, Algeria is displaying an aggressive attitude towards a Member State.

As this zone, which has been established unilaterally, infringes the rights of a Member State, can the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy reply to the following questions:

1. How does he intend to protect the exclusive economic zones of the Member States?

2. What action will he take with regard to Algeria to protect the rights of the Member States?

3. Does he not consider it appropriate to inform the Council with a view to proposing imposing economic sanctions in response to this action?

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