Rådsmøde nr. 3464 (landbrug og fiskeri) den 17. maj 2016

Europaudvalget 2015-16
Rådsmøde 3464 - landbrug og fiskeri
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

9000/16

(OR. en)

PRESSE 24

PR CO 23

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3464th Council meeting

Agriculture and Fisheries

Brussels, 17 May 2016

President

Martijn van Dam

Minister for Agriculture of The Netherlands

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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CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

AGRICULTURE ................................................................................................................................. 5

Agriculture and climate ........................................................................................................................ 5

Animal welfare ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy ............................................................................. 6

Market situation ................................................................................................................................... 7

–

Crisis situation in the dairy market .......................................................................................................................... 7

The situation in the commodity markets (outcome of the meeting of the extended Visegrad group (Prague,

29 April 2016) ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Damage to agriculture due to late frost and snow ................................................................................................... 8

Any other business ............................................................................................................................... 8

–

Dual quality of foodstuffs on the EU common market ............................................................................................ 8

G7 Agriculture Ministers Meeting (Niigata, Japan, 23-24 April 2016)................................................................... 8

TTIP and other international trade negotiations ...................................................................................................... 9

Protection of geographical indications in international trade negotiations .............................................................. 9

National Emission Ceilings (NEC) directive and the agricultural sector .............................................................. 10



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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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

AGRICULTURE

–

Animal breeding - adoption of the regulation setting new EU conditions ............................................................. 11

G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting on 3 June 2016 - EU guidelines .................................................................... 11

OECD declaration on a global food system .......................................................................................................... 12

Geographical indications of spirit drinks ............................................................................................................... 12

Pesticides - maximum residue levels ..................................................................................................................... 12

FISHERIES

–

Greenland - fishing opportunities and financial contribution ................................................................................ 13

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

–

Manipulation of market ......................................................................................................................................... 13

Market infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................. 13

BUDGETS

–

Revised regulation on the making available of EU revenue - Adoption................................................................ 14

JUSTICE

–

Protection of the European Communities' financial interests ................................................................................ 15

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

–

Network and information security ......................................................................................................................... 15

TRANSPORT

–

Convention concerning international carriage by rail - EU position ..................................................................... 15

ENERGY

–

Network Code on demand connection ................................................................................................................... 16

Network code on high voltage direct current systems ........................................................................................... 17

ENVIRONMENT

–

Classification of substances ................................................................................................................................... 17

EU Ecolabel for computers, furniture and footwear .............................................................................................. 18

HEALTH

–

Standards for blood establishments ....................................................................................................................... 18

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STATISTICS

–

Statistics on external trade with non-EU countries ................................................................................................ 18

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ITEMS DEBATED

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture and climate

Ministers had an exchange of views on the relation between agriculture and climate, in light of the

Paris climate agreement of December 2015 (8772/16).

After a Commission presentation on the legislative work stemming from the Paris agreement,

ministers gave their views on its implementation. They also gave views on the role of the bio-

economy and on how to integrate land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) into climate

change targets and achieve the latter without threatening food production.

Ministers considered that coherence should be ensured between the EU food security and climate

change objectives in the implementation of the Paris climate agreement and the drafting of relevant

legislative proposals. They also invited the Commission to examine the best means of encouraging

the sustainable intensification of food production while optimising the sector's contribution to

greenhouse gas mitigation and sequestration (e.g. through afforestation).

The Paris climate agreement was reached on 12 December 2015 during COP 21. The EU committed

to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in EU territory by at least 40% from 1990 levels by 2030.

Regarding those sectors not covered by the emissions trading system (ETS), for example

agriculture, the Commission is currently working on LULUCF and the effort sharing decision

(ESD), with a view to adopting legislative proposals by mid-2016.

Animal welfare

In public session the Council took note of a Commission presentation on the results of the second

Eurobarometer public opinion survey on animal welfare, on its consequences for future EU policy

and on the establishment of an EU platform on animal welfare and its possible agenda (8410/16).

Such an EU platform on animal welfare would consist of representatives of member states and

stakeholders, and focus on exchange of information and best practices, as well as on improving the

implementation of existing legislation.

Ministers gave their views on the topics that this platform should address and stressed, among

others, the importance of prioritising the implementation and enforcement of existing legislation, of

ensuring a level playing field between EU and non EU operators, and of raising public awareness

on animal welfare and on EU standards in the field. Although some concerns were raised, member

states broadly supported the establishment of the platform and welcomed the Commission intention

to proceed with it.

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The EU platform on animal welfare was already discussed in February 2016, when the Council

expressed broad support for its establishment, under certain conditions.

Simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy

The Council took note of updated information on the state of play and next steps regarding the

simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as a follow-up to the Council conclusions

on CAP simplification of May 2015 (8485/15). The debate focused on direct payments and market

measures, with the exception of greening, which will be the subject of a separate Council discussion

in June 2016 (8592/16).

The delegations that took the floor welcomed the Commission's efforts to reduce the administrative

burden for farmers and national authorities, and explained how, in their view, work could be

brought forward.

CAP simplification is part of the EU's overall strategy to streamline and reduce EU legislation

wherever possible. In this context, the EU institutions decided to look at what has been agreed in

the latest CAP reform and propose improvements achievable in the short and medium term.

The Council adopted conclusions on the issue in May 2015 emphasising that, in implementation of

the CAP, greater account should be taken of the subsidiarity and proportionality principles. It also

recalled the main principles to be respected in this process:

–

preserving the policy objectives and the main elements of the reformed CAP,

ensuring the sound financial management of EU funds,

focusing on areas where those implementing the CAP as well as its beneficiaries would

benefit most,

improving the clarity and consistency of legislation.

–

The Council conclusions maintained that, while in the short-term simplification should focus on the

review of delegated and implementing acts only, in the longer term basic acts could also be the

subject of a possible examination.

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Market situation

The Commission updated the Council on the latest developments concerning those agriculture

sectors that are currently facing particular difficulties, notably the dairy, pigmeat, and fruit and

vegetables sectors (8803/16). The Commission also provided information on the implementation of

the package of support measures agreed on at the Council meeting in September last year and on 14

March.

Several ministers expressed their concerns about the critical situation endured by European farmers,

particularly in the dairy sector, and asked for further initiatives to alleviate the impact of the crisis.

The Commission said that many initiatives had already been undertaken in the framework of the

September 2015 and March 2016 packages, and stressed the importance of a full implementation

and take-up of these measures. The evaluation of their effectiveness, as well as a thorough debate

on the need for new measures, is scheduled for the June Council meeting.

On 14 March 2016, ministers discussed the difficulties faced by European farmers in several

agricultural sectors and agreed with the Commission to take decisive and timely action to

supplement the September 2015 anti-crisis aid package with a set of additional measures.

At the end of the meeting, the President of the Council drew conclusions on the market situation

and support measures (7108/16), and instructed the Special Committee on Agriculture to follow up

on the new measures and initiatives in order to facilitate their effective and rapid implementation.

Ministers are also keeping developments in the market situation under close scrutiny.

The following "Any other business" items relating to the market situation were also dealt with:

–

Crisis situation in the dairy market

The Croatian delegation drew ministers' attention to the difficulties faced by the dairy sector

(8789/16) and to the possible need for additional measures within the Common Agricultural Policy.

In particular the Croatian delegation called for further temporary exceptional aid to farmers in the

livestock sectors similar to that provided for in the September 2015 package.

–

The situation in the commodity markets (outcome of the meeting of the extended Visegrad

group (Prague, 29 April 2016)

The members of the Visegrad group and Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia and Austria informed the

Council about the outcome of the extended Visegrad group meeting and their joint statement on the

situation in the commodities markets (8676/16). In view of the difficult situation in the dairy and

pigmeat sectors, the extended Visegrad group asked for further measures, such as temporary

targeted financial aid for the livestock sector, increased private storage aid for dairy products, a

higher budget for the school schemes and a broader review of the CAP 2014-2020.

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–

Damage to agriculture due to late frost and snow

The Austrian, Croatian, Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak and Slovenian delegations informed

delegations on the impact of late frost and snow on their agriculture production (8788/16). They

urged the Commission to facilitate the application of state aid schemes in the countries concerned

and the need to apply force majeure in the implementation of CAP measures.

Any other business

–

Dual quality of foodstuffs on the EU common market

The Czech delegation raised the issue of food sold in the common market of the European Union

under the same trademark but presenting differences in its content and quality in individual Member

States (8754/16). It also asked the Commission to consider initiatives that would put an end to these

practices. The Commission said it would examine the subject and invited member states to share

evidence of such practices.

The issue of dual quality of foodstuffs was recently discussed at the meeting of agriculture ministers

of the extended Visegrad group countries, held in Prague on 29 April 2016. On that occasion,

participants voiced the need to find a solution at European level with the clear objective of

protecting consumers.

–

G7 Agriculture Ministers Meeting (Niigata, Japan, 23-24 April 2016)

The Commission briefed ministers on the outcome of the meeting of G7 agriculture ministers that

took place in April in Japan.

The G7 Summit is attended by Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany,

Italy and Canada, as well as the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission.

The April meeting was only the second G7 Agriculture Ministerial, following on from the one held

in 2009 under the Italian Presidency, and was organised in response to the food price crisis. The

main themes Japan put forward for the meeting were: revitalising rural areas and increasing farmers'

income, improving agricultural productivity and food supply capacity, and realising sustainable

agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

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–

TTIP and other international trade negotiations

At the request of the Austrian delegation (8629/16) the Commission informed ministers about the

state of play concerning free trade agreements, in particular the 13th round of TTIP negotiations,

the comprehensive economic and trade agreement with Canada (CETA), and the negotiation of the

Mercosur agreement.

Ministers reiterated the need to protect European agriculture in the context of these agreements and

to pay special attention to protected designations of origin and geographical indications; the

Commission committed to raising the ministers' concerns in the respective fora.

As regards TTIP negotiations, the 13th negotiation round took place on 29 April 2016, and another

round is to be scheduled before the summer break, most likely in July. Both parties say they aim to

conclude the negotiations by the end of 2016.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a freshly negotiated EU-Canada

treaty. Its objective is to make business with Canada easier by removing customs duties, ending

limitations on access to public contracts, opening up the services market, offering predictable

conditions for investors and preventing illegal copying of EU innovations and traditional products.

Negotiations for an inter-regional Association Agreement between the EU and Mercosur were

launched in 1999, suspended in October 2004 and re-launched officially at the EU-Mercosur

Summit in Madrid on 17 May 2010. On 11 May 2016 the Commission had a new exchange of

offers with Mercosur.

The Council discussed this topic at its meeting on 11 April 2016 when a group of delegations

voiced their concern about FTA negotiations and asked for greater involvement of agriculture

ministers (7629/16).

–

Protection of geographical indications in international trade negotiations

The Greek delegation drew ministers' attention to the need to defend protected designations of

origin (PDOs) from unfair competition in the context of international trade negotiations and to

involve agriculture ministers more in such negotiations (8790/16).

Greece referred in particular to the case of feta cheese in the context of the agreements with Canada

(CETA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Singapore, and requested its

protection.

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–

National Emission Ceilings (NEC) directive and the agricultural sector

In public session, the Polish delegation expressed its concerns regarding the negotiations on the

NEC directive (7946/16), focusing in particular on the reduction of ammonia emissions and its

possible impact on EU farmers.

Several delegations agreed that the reduction of ammonia emissions could be particularly

burdensome for the agriculture sector, especially in the context of the current market situation, and

asked for an in-depth analysis of its potential impact.

The proposal for a directive on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants

was submitted to the Council and the European Parliament (EP) on 20 December 2013 (18167/13).

The EP Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety voted its amendments on

28 October 2015 (13347/15) and the Environment Council reached a general approach on

16 December 2015 (15401/15).

Trilogues have been ongoing with a view to reaching a first reading agreement before the end of the

Netherlands Presidency.

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

AGRICULTURE

Animal breeding - adoption of the regulation setting new EU conditions

The Council adopted the regulation on zootechnical and genealogical conditions for the breeding,

trade in and entry into the Union of purebred breeding animals, hybrid breeding pigs and their

germinal products ("animal breeding regulation") following a first reading agreement with the

European Parliament

(PE-CONS

3/16).

The new regulation constitutes a more comprehensive single legal framework that takes into

account the “state of the art” in animal breeding while preserving valuable animal genetic resources.

Breed societies and breeding operations will have to meet specific criteria to obtain recognition and

approval of their breeding programmes by national authorities, and will therefore form the

backbone of this regulation.

The new legislation aims at improving the functioning of the internal market and trade with third

countries. It contains specific rules for promoting endangered breeds and provisions taking into

account the specificities of the horse breeding sector.

As animal breeding is not intended to fall within the scope of the official controls proposal currently

being discussed between the Council and the European Parliament, the new regulation will include

provisions on the performance of official controls which are tailor-made for the animal breeding

sector.

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on this

regulation on 18 December 2015.

G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting on 3 June 2016 - EU guidelines

The Council endorsed EU guidelines with a view to the G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting

scheduled on 3 June 2016 in China.

China holds the G20 Presidency in 2016 and has planned a meeting of the Ministers for Agriculture

on 3 June 2016, in Xi'an, China. The subject of the ministerial meeting is

"Agricultural Innovation

and Sustainable Development".

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OECD declaration on a global food system

The Council authorised the Commission to sign, on behalf of the EU, the Organisation for

Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ministerial

declaration

on “Better Policies to

achieve a productive, sustainable and resilient global food system”, adopted by the OECD

committee for agriculture on 7-8 April 2016.

Geographical indications of spirit drinks

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a delegated regulation amending annex III to

regulation 110/2008 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of

geographical indications of spirit drinks (7303/16 + ADD1).

The delegated regulation replaces annex III to regulation 110/2008 with a view to updating the list

of established geographical indications for which technical files were submitted to the Commission

by 20 February 2015.

Pesticides - maximum residue levels

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a series of regulations amending regulation

396/2005 as regards maximum residue levels (MRLs) in or on certain products for:

–

ethofumesate, etoxazole, fenamidone, fluoxastrobin and flurtamone (7610/16),

AMTT, diquat, dodine, glufosinate and tritosulfuron

(7599/16),

1 naphthylacetamide, 1-naphthylacetic acid, chloridazon, fluazifop-P, fuberidazole,

mepiquat and tralkoxydim

(7632/16),

and

abamectin, acequinocyl, acetamiprid, benzovindiflupyr, bromoxynil, fludioxonil,

fluopicolide, fosetyl, mepiquat, proquinazid, propamocarb, prohexadione and tebuconazole

(7641/16).

–

Regulation 396/2005 establishes the MRLs permitted in products of animal or vegetable origin

intended for human or animal consumption. These MRLs include, on the one hand, levels which are

specific to particular foodstuffs intended for human or animal consumption and, on the other, a

general limit which applies where no specific level has been set. MRL applications are

communicated to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which issue a scientific opinion on

each intended new MRL. Based on EFSA's opinion, the Commission proposes regulations to

establish new MRLs or to amend or remove existing MRLs, and to modify the annexes of

regulation 396/2005 accordingly.

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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 it, unless the European

Parliament objects.

FISHERIES

Greenland - fishing opportunities and financial contribution

The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the EU, of the protocol setting out

the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership

Agreement between the European Community, on the one hand, and the Government of Denmark

and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand

(11634/15;

Commission

statement:

7926/16 ADD 1).

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

Market manipulation

On 17 May 2016, the Council adopted new rules aimed at ensuring

greater accuracy and integrity

of benchmarks in financial instruments.

The regulation sets out to

restore trust

in indices used as financial benchmarks, following

manipulation scandals in recent years. The aim is to enhance the robustness and reliability of

benchmarks, thereby strengthening confidence in financial markets.

See

press release

Market infrastructure

The Council decided not to object to a Commission regulation amending regulation 153/2013 on

requirements for central counterparties for the clearing of financial derivative contracts (8169/16 +

7651/16).

The regulation adjusts the time horizons for the liquidation period to be considered for different

classes of financial instruments.

The regulation is a delegated act pursuant to article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the

European Union. It can now enter into force, unless the European Parliament objects.

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BUDGETS

Revised regulation on the making available of EU revenue - Adoption

The Council adopted a regulation amending regulation 609/2014 on making available the EU's own

resources (7945/16).

Own resources constitute EU revenue. There are three types of own resources: traditional own

resources (mainly customs duties and sugar levies) as well as VAT and GNI-based own resources.

The new regulation provides in particular for

–

revised rules for calculating the interest that member states have to pay

on own

resources made available belatedly; the fixed increase to the basic rate applied by central

banks is raised from 2.0 to 2.5 percentage points; in addition to this, the increase of 0.25 of

a percentage point for each month of delay remains applicable; however, the new

regulation introduces a ceiling of 16% for the increase to the basic rate applied by central

banks

new procedure for adjusting the VAT and GNI-based own resources;

to prevent

unreasonably heavy budgetary constraints on member states just before the year-end, more

time is given to them between the formal notification of the adjustments and their entry

into the EU budget

new rules ensuring

that negative interest

applied to Commission own resources accounts

opened by member states

is compensated

by them

to prevent losses for the EU budget

the possibility for the Commission to ask member states

to bring forward up to an

additional half of one twelfth

of VAT and GNI-based own resources for paying

expenditure of the European structural and investment funds; this is to further reduce the

risk of payment delays due to temporary shortages of cash resources; the current rules

already allow the Commission to ask member states to bring forward up to two additional

twelfths for paying expenditure of the European agricultural guarantee fund

–

The main provisions of the new regulation will apply retroactively from 1 January 2014 once the

new own resources decision has been ratified by all member states.

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JUSTICE

Protection of the European Communities' financial interests

The Council adopted a decision (7771/16) concerning the accession of Croatia to the Convention,

drawn up on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, on the protection of the

European Communities' financial interests and to the Protocol of 27 September 1996, the Protocol

of 29 November 1996 and the Second Protocol of 19 June 1997 thereto.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Network and information security

The Council adopted new rules to strengthen cybersecurity across the EU. The network and

information security (NIS) directive will increase cooperation between member states and lay down

security obligations for operators of essential services and digital service providers.

This adoption by the Council of its position at first reading paves the way for final approval by the

European Parliament at second reading.

EU-wide cybersecurity rules adopted by the Council - press release

Network and information security - Council position at first reading

Network and information security - Statement of Council's reasons

TRANSPORT

Convention concerning international carriage by rail - EU position

The Council adopted a decision establishing the position to be taken by the EU at the 54th session

of the OTIF (Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail) Committee of

Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. The meeting is due to take place on 25 May 2016.

The position relates to certain amendments to appendix C to the Convention concerning

international carriage by rail (COTIF) as applicable from 1 January 2017.

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ENERGY

Network Code on demand connection

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

code on demand connection (7394/16) of

–

transmission-connected demand facilities;

transmission-connected distribution facilities;

distribution systems, including closed distribution systems;

demand units.

The regulation lays down the obligations for ensuring that system operators make appropriate use of

the demand facilities' and distribution systems' capabilities in a transparent and non-discriminatory

manner.

It also aims to ensure fair conditions of competition in the internal electricity market, to strengthen

system security and the integration of renewable electricity sources, and to facilitate Union-wide

trade in electricity .

The Commission act is subject to what is known as the regulatory procedure with scrutiny

. This

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

European Parliament objects.

Council decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise

of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23), as

amended by decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11)

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Network code on high voltage direct current systems

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

code on requirements for grid connection of high voltage direct current systems and direct current-

connected power park modules (7383/16 + ADD1).

The regulation lays down the obligations for ensuring that system operators make appropriate use of

HVDC systems and DC-connected power park modules capabilities in a transparent and non-

discriminatory manner.

It also aims to establish fair conditions of competition in the internal electricity market, to ensure

system security and the integration of renewable electricity sources, and to facilitate Union-wide

trade in electricity.

The Commission act is subject to what is known as the regulatory procedure with scrutiny

. This

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

European Parliament objects.

ENVIRONMENT

Classification of substances

The Council decided not to oppose to a Commission decision (7253/16+ADD1) concerning the

classification of substances. It amends four existing decisions to take into account new

developments in the classification of substances.

The Commission decision is subject to what is known as the regulatory procedure with scrutiny.

This means that now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt it, unless

the European Parliament objects.

Council decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise

of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23), as

amended by decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11)

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EU Ecolabel for computers, furniture and footwear

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of the three following Commission decisions:

–

a decision establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for

personal, notebook and tablet computers (7477/16)

a decision establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for furniture

(7478/16)

a decision establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for

footwear (7479/16)

–

The Commission decisions are subject to what is known as 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

Standards for blood establishments

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission directive amending directive

2005/62/EC as regards quality system standards and specifications for blood establishments

(7566/16).

The Commission directive is subject to what is known as the regulatory procedure with scrutiny.

This means that now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt it, unless

the European Parliament objects.

STATISTICS

Statistics on external trade with non-EU countries

The Council reached a political agreement with a view to amending

regulation 471/2009

statistics relating to external trade with non-EU countries

(7105/16).

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The amendments will mainly adapt the delegated and implementing powers to be conferred to the

Commission for the adoption of measures relating to changes in the Customs Code or provisions

deriving from international conventions, and to changes needed for methodological reasons to

improve the system for the collection of data.

A final agreement between the Council and the European Parliament is still pending confirmation.

The European Parliament adopted its first reading position on 12 March 2014.

The statistical information on EU member states′ trade flows with non-member countries is of

essential importance for the EU’s economic and trade policies and for analysing market

developments concerning goods.

External trade statistics are based on data obtained from customs declarations.

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