In the framework of the CECAF, the Union shall:

1. (a)

   act in accordance with the objectives and principles pursued by the Union within the common fisheries policy (CFP), notably through the precautionary approach and the aims related to the maximum sustainable yield as laid down in Article 2(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, to promote the implementation of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, to avoid and reduce, as far as possible, unwanted catches, and gradually eliminate discards, and to minimise the impact of fishing activities on marine ecosystems and their habitats, as well as, through the promotion of economically viable and competitive Union fisheries, to provide a fair standard of living for those who depend on fishing activities and take account of the interests of consumers;

2. (b)

   work towards an appropriate involvement of stakeholders in the preparation phase for CECAF measures adopted within the CECAF in accordance with its revised Statutes;

3. (c)

   ensure that measures adopted within the CECAF are consistent with international law, and in particular with the provisions of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 1995 UN Agreement relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, the 1993 Agreement to promote compliance with international conservation and management measures by fishing vessels on the high seas, and the 2009 Food and Agriculture Organisation Port State Measures Agreement;

4. (d)

   promote positions consistent with the best practices of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) and regional fisheries bodies (RFBs) in the same area, and ensure the promotion of coordination between RFMOs and relevant organisations such as subregional fisheries organisations and regional sea conventions (RSCs), and cooperation with global organisations, as applicable, within their mandates, where appropriate, including cooperation mechanisms amongst non-tuna RFMOs similar to the so-called Kobe process for tuna RFMOs;

5. (e)

   seek consistency and synergy with the policy that the Union is pursuing as part of its bilateral fisheries relations with third countries, and ensure coherence with its other policies, notably in the field of external relations, employment, environment, trade, development, research and innovation;

6. (f)

   ensure that the Union's international commitments are respected;

7. (g)

   act in line with the Council Conclusions of 19 March 2012 on the Commission Communication on the external dimension of the CFP1;

8. (h)

   aim to create a level playing field for the Union fleet within the area under the competence of the CECAF, based on the same principles and standards as those applicable under Union law, and to promote the uniform implementation of those principles and standards;

9. (i)

   act in line with the Council conclusions2 on the Joint Communication by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission on International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of oceans3, as well as and promote measures to support and enhance the effectiveness of the CECAF and, where relevant, improve its governance and performance, notably by supporting the reform of the CECAF to become a fully fledged RFMO, as a contribution to the sustainable management of oceans in all its dimensions.