Rådsmøde nr. 3365 (landbrug og fiskeri) den 26. januar 2015

Europaudvalget 2015-16
Rådsmøde 3365 - landbrug og fiskeri
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

5605/15

(OR. en)

PRESSE 10

PR CO 2

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3365th Council meeting

Agriculture and Fisheries

Brussels, 26 January 2015

President

Jānis Dūklavs

Minister for Agriculture

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175 B – 1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press

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Rådsmøde nr. 3365 (landbrug og fiskeri) den 26. januar 2015 - Bilag 1335904:

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CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

Presidency work programme ............................................................................................................... 4

FISHERIES .......................................................................................................................................... 6

Multiannual management plan for fish stocks in the Baltic ................................................................. 6

AGRICULTURE ................................................................................................................................. 7

Market developments, including the impact of the Russian ban ......................................................... 7

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ................................................................................................................... 8

–

Implementation of the landing obligation................................................................................................................ 8

Future of the sugar sector ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Russian ban on import of pigs and pig products ...................................................................................................... 8

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

AGRICULTURE

–

Animal feed - Requirements for additives ............................................................................................................... 9

FISHERIES

–

Illegal fishing - Trade measures against Sri Lanka .................................................................................................. 9

Partnership between EU and Kiribati - Negotiations for a renewal of the protocol .............................................. 10

Fishing opportunities 2015 .................................................................................................................................... 10

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

Restrictive measures - Côte d’Ivoire ..................................................................................................................... 10

ENVIRONMENT

–

Kyoto Protocol ...................................................................................................................................................... 11



Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated

in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks.

 

Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site

(http://www.consilium.europa.eu).

 

Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by

an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press

Office.

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ENERGY

–

Convention on Nuclear Safety ............................................................................................................................... 11

Ecodesign requirements for solid fuel local space heaters .................................................................................... 11

Ecodesign requirements for solid fuel boilers ....................................................................................................... 12

HEALTH

–

Tissues and cells .................................................................................................................................................... 12

FOOD LAW

–

Food supplements .................................................................................................................................................. 12

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ITEMS DEBATED

Presidency work programme

The Latvian Presidency gave a public presentation on its work programme in the agriculture and

fisheries sectors.

The agricultural policy priorities of the Presidency will include:

–

Focusing on the

simplification of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy

(CAP)

with an emphasis on how to implement the basic acts in a simpler way with particular

attention to rural development

Continuing the work on the proposal on

organic farming

to reach a general approach in

the Council by the end of the Presidency with a view to future negotiations with the

Parliament on this issue;

Working on

market developments,

including the Russian agricultural import ban by

encouraging political debate in Council.

–

As regards food and veterinary issues, the Presidency intends to:

–

Work towards reaching an agreement with the Parliament on the legislative proposal on

animal health;

Continue the work on a more integrated and horizontal approach to

official controls

so as

to reach a compromise between the member states with a view to launching negotiations

with the Parliament;

Continue discussion of the compromise text on a harmonised approach to

protective

measures against pests of plants

and represent the interests of the EU and its member

states under the

International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC);

Start the examination of the new proposal on

fertilisers;

Finalise work on

novel food.

–

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The priorities for fisheries policy will focus on:

–

Taking forward work on the

multiannual management plans

to ensure the sustainable

management of fisheries, with the examination of the proposal for a regulation of the

establishing a multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea;

Reaching a balanced compromise with the Parliament on the

"Omnibus" regulation

and

concluding negotiations on the

landing obligation;

Coordinating the EU position and representation at negotiations concerning protocols to

agreements on fisheries partnership with third countries,

as well as annual meetings

with

regional organisations

responsible for fisheries management.

–

On the subject of forests, the Presidency will continue to promote the European model of forest

management. Efforts will also be focused on the preparation of the EU position and presentation of

the EU model at the United Nations Forum on Forests, to be held in May 2015.

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FISHERIES

Multiannual management plan for fish stocks in the Baltic

The Council was briefed by the Commission and held a public exchange of views on a proposal for

a regulation establishing a multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea

(14028/14).

Member states generally welcomed the proposal considering that it would be a test case for a new

generation of multiannual management plans. Whilst pointing out that there were issues needing

further discussion, such as the legal basis or the detail of the acts delegated to the Commission,

most of the ministers looked forward optimistically to the examination of the proposal in the

months ahead. Accordingly, the Presidency hoped to reach a draft Council position on the proposal

before the end of the Presidency in order to launch the negotiations with the Parliament as soon as

possible.

This management plan aims to ensure that the Baltic stocks of cod, herring and sprat are exploited

in a sustainable way in accordance with the principles of maximum sustainable yield (MSY). It

aims to replace the existing management plan for the Baltic Sea cod stocks (in place since 2007)

with a multispecies approach as the stocks of herring and sprat are not yet included in a

management plan. In view of the strong influence that biological interactions and environmental

effects have on those fish stocks, exploitation rates and patterns need to be adapted. In addition,

scientific advice has indicated that the current exploitation rates for some of the Baltic fish stocks

are not consistent with achieving MSY.

The proposal belongs to a new generation of multiannual management plans designed on the basis

of principles agreed jointly between the Council and the Parliament, following the report on the

subject by the inter-institutional Task Force. The Task Force was created to resolve an inter-

institutional disagreement on the allocation of responsibilities between the Council and the

European Parliament under article 43 of the Lisbon Treaty.

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AGRICULTURE

Market developments, including the impact of the Russian ban

The Council discussed market developments and in particular the impact on the EU market of the

import ban on EU agricultural product imposed by Russia in August 2014 (5397/15). In response to

the ban, the Commission triggered emergency market support measures for fruit, vegetables and

dairy products, while also providing funds for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) promotion

programmes.

While acknowledging the measures, the member states expressed concern that they might prove

insufficient to alleviate the consequences of the ban on the EU market. Ministers called for more to

be done for the sectors concerned, by extending the scope of certain measures and diversifying the

tools used. The Bulgarian and the Romanian delegations mentioned the need for further measures in

their own dairy sector which was only marginally covered by the emergency market measures for

this sector (5522/15). Some member states also drew attention to the difficulties encountered by the

pigmeat sector, for which no market measures had so far been taken.

Member states expressed diverging views with regard to the relevant quantitative criteria for

designating the situation on the market as a 'crisis situation'. Some insisted, for example, in the need

to take into account a decrease of the farmers' profit margin in addition to the price of the product.

Others stressed that a crisis situation tended to affect a particular sector or region and that only a

case-by-case designation could be envisaged.

The Commission pointed out that some emergency market measures had already been extended to

mitigate the effect of the Russian ban in the coming months. For dairy products, it stressed the

importance of obtaining updated information from the member states, monitoring the market

through the Milk Market Observatory and considering an action if needed. Concerning pig meat, the

Commission indicated its readiness to evaluate the market situation and discuss further measures if

necessary at the next agriculture Council.

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ANY OTHER BUSINESS

–

Implementation of the landing obligation

The Presidency and the Commission briefed the ministers on the state of play of negotiations as

regards the proposal for an "omnibus" regulation (on the landing obligation) that was currently

being discussed by the Council and the Parliament.

Member states supported the way forward presented by the Latvian Presidency aimed at reaching a

rapid agreement on the issue with the Parliament. This would ensure a proper implementation of the

landing obligation which is already in force in some fisheries since the beginning of the year. The

compromise focuses in particular on the scope of the regulation. Ministers stressed, however, that

any agreement should not increase the administrative burden for member state particularly in terms

of reporting.

A central objective of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the progressive elimination

of discards in all EU fisheries through the introduction of an obligation to land all catches. The

"omnibus" regulation contains a package of amendments to existing control and technical measures

regulations to implement the landing obligation agreed under the reformed CFP.

–

Future of the sugar sector

At the request of the Italian delegation, the ministers discussed the future of the sugar sector which

currently faces a difficult economic situation(5460/14).

Several member states supported Italy's call regarding measures which would ensure a smooth

transition when the current sugar quota system ends in 2017 Some others pointed out with the

Commission that the end of the quota system for sugar had been decided in 2008 and that the

reformed CAP had postponed the deadline by two years to facilitate the transition. The Commission

announced its readiness to set up an expert group to take stock of the end of the quota system.

By adopting the reformed CAP in 2013, the EU confirmed its decision to abolish the sugar quota

system from October 2017. Since then market data have shown a constant price reduction in sugar

prices in the EU.

–

Russian ban on import of pigs and pig products

In the framework of the import ban on pig and pig products imposed by Russia in relation to

African swine fever, several member states supported the Polish delegation which recalled the

importance of EU solidarity in particular when discussing the resumption of EU exports with the

Russian authorities.

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

AGRICULTURE

Animal feed - Requirements for additives

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission amendment to regulation

1831/2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition (16243/14).

Regulation 1831/2003

authorises technological additives exerting a function on the active

substance contained in the preparation, e.g. by stabilising or standardising it, or facilitating its

handling or incorporation into feed. However, since technological progress contributes to the

development of new preparations, closer consideration should be given to the specificities of

additives consisting of preparations and to providing greater transparency and clarity when placing

them on the market. It is therefore appropriate to include in annex III of the above-mentioned

regulation additional labelling requirements for this type of additives and for premixtures containing

them. Annex IV on general conditions of use should also be amended.

This Commission regulation is subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that

now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt the regulation, unless the

European Parliament objects.

FISHERIES

Illegal fishing - Trade measures against Sri Lanka

The Council added Sri Lanka to the list of non-cooperating third countries in fighting illegal,

unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing pursuant to regulation 1005/2008 establishing a

Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing (5035/15).

This decision triggers measures affecting the trade in fisheries products and other fisheries-related

activities with Sri Lanka in order to put a stop to commercial benefits stemming from illegal fishing

activities. Ultimately, fisheries products caught by vessels from this country will be banned from

being imported into the EU.

The adoption of the decision to add Sri Lanka to list follows a formal warning given to 8 countries

(including Sri Lanka) in November 2012 and a process of open dialogue with the countries

concerned.

OJ L 268 18.10.2003, p. 29.

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Regulation 1005/2008 establishes a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.

This key instrument in the fight against illegal fishing aims to allow access to the EU market only to

fisheries products that have been certified as legal by the flag state or the exporting state concerned.

Partnership between EU and Kiribati - Negotiations for a renewal of the protocol

The Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations on behalf of the

EU for the renewal of the protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution

provided for in the fisheries partnership agreement (FPA) between the EU and the Republic of

Kiribati.

The current protocol will apply until September 2015. The new protocol between the EU and

Kiribati should be in line with the Council conclusions of 19 March 2012 on the Commission

communication of 13 July 2011 on the external dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)

as well as Regulation No 1380/2013 on the CFP

Fishing opportunities 2015

The Council adopted by written procedure on 19 January



a regulation fixing for 2015 fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks to EU vessels in

Union and certain non-Union waters (17058/14 +

ADD 1, ADD 2,ADD 3).



a regulation fixing for 2015 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks in the Black Sea

(16422/1/14

REV 1).

A political agreement had been reached on those regulations at the Agriculture and Fisheries

Council meeting on 16 December 2014. Each year, in accordance with to Article 43(3) of the TFEU

the Council takes a decision based on a Commission proposal with regard to fishing opportunities

for the stocks in the Atlantic, the North Sea and international fisheries in which EU vessels

participate. Furthermore the Council decides also on an annual basis on the fishing opportunities in

the Black Sea and the way they are allocated to the member states concerned (i.e. Bulgaria and

Romania).

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Restrictive measures - Côte d’Ivoire

The Council amended EU restrictive measures against Côte d'Ivoire. To take account of a decision

at UN level, one person has been removed from the list of those subject to sanctions.

OJ L 354/2013, p. 22.

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ENVIRONMENT

Kyoto Protocol

The Council

–

approved the text of the Doha Amendment (10400/14

ADD1

10400/14 ADD1COR1)

the Kyoto Protocol

decided to sign the agreement between the EU and its member states on one hand, and

Iceland on the other, concerning Iceland's participation in the second commitment period

of the Kyoto Protocol (10881/14 +

10881/14 COR1)

approved the text of the agreement concerning Iceland's participation in the second

commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (10941/14 +

10941/14 COR1),

–

For further details, please see the

press release.

ENERGY

Convention on Nuclear Safety

The Council adopted a decision issuing directives to the Commission for the negotiation of

amendments to the Convention on Nuclear Safety in the framework of a Diplomatic Conference

(5209/15).

The Contracting Parties to the Convention agreed in 2012 to start a review process to strengthen its

effectiveness.

The Community is a Contracting Party to the Convention, which was adopted in June 1994 by a

Diplomatic Conference convened by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The

Convention entered into force on 24 October 1996.

Ecodesign requirements for solid fuel local space heaters

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission regulation implementing

Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning ecodesign

requirements for solid fuel local space heaters (15078/14).

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The Commission regulation is subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that

now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt the regulation, unless the

European Parliament objects.

Ecodesign requirements for solid fuel boilers

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission regulation implementing

Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign

requirements for solid fuel boilers (15278/14).

The Commission regulation is subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that

now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt the regulation, unless the

European Parliament objects.

HEALTH

Tissues and cells

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of the following two Commission directives on

tissues and cells:

–

a directive implementing directive 2004/23/EC as regards the procedures for verifying the

equivalent standards of quality and safety of imported tissues and cells (16626/14)

a directive amending directive 2006/86/EC as regards certain technical requirements for

the coding of human tissues and cells (16988/14).

–

The Commission directives are subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that

now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt them, unless the European

Parliament objects.

FOOD LAW

Food supplements

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of the following two Commission regulations:

–

a regulation adding (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, glucosamine salt as a source of

folate to the list of vitamin and mineral substances which may be used in the manufacture

of food supplements (15716/14)

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–

a regulation placing the substance Yohimbe under EU scrutiny and prohibiting Ephedra

herb and its preparations in foods (15793/14).

The Commission regulations are subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that

now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt them, unless the European

Parliament objects.

Health claims made on foods

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of the following two Commission regulations on

health claims made on foods:

–

a regulation refusing to authorise certain health claims made on foods, other than those

referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children's development and health

(15794/14)

a regulation refusing to authorise certain health claims made on foods and referring to

children's development and health (15795/14).

–

The Commission regulations are subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that

now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt them, unless the European

Parliament objects.

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