COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION interesting latest news

 

We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), met in Elmau, Germany, on 26-28 June 2022, were joined by the Leaders of Argentina, India, Indonesia, Sen… Press material Tuesday 28 June 2022   ● European Council   28/06/2022 13:17 | Statements and remarks | G7 Leaders’ Communiqué - Executive summary   We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), met in Elmau, Germany, on 26-28 June 2022, were joined by the Leaders of Argentina, India, Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa, as well as Ukraine. At a time when the world is threatened by division and shocks, we, the G7, stand united. We underscore our resolve to, together with partners, jointly defend universal human rights and democratic values, the rules-based multilateral order, and the resilience of our democratic societies. In doing so, we will address the key challenges of our time: We reemphasise our condemnation of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, providing the needed financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support in its courageous defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are ready to reach arrangements together with interested countries and institutions and Ukraine on sustained security commitments to help Ukraine defend itself and to secure its free and democratic future. Our financial support in 2022 amounts to more than USD 2.8 billion in humanitarian aid, and we are ready to grant, or have pledged and provided USD 29.5 billion in budget aid. We are strongly committed to supporting Ukranian reconstruction through an international reconstruction conference and plan, drawn up and implemented by Ukraine in close coordination with international partners. We will continue to impose severe and enduring costs on Russia to help bring an end to this war. Beyond its direct implications, Russia’s aggression is impeding the global recovery and dramatically worsening energy security and access to food globally. To this end, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our unprecedented coordination on sanctions for as long as necessary, acting in unison at every stage, and will reduce Russia’s revenues, including from gold. We will help to stabilise and transform the global economy while tackling rising costs of living for our citizens. We will coordinate on our economic security, strengthen the resilience of supply chains and secure a level-playing field. We will take immediate action to secure energy supply and reduce price surges driven by extraordinary market conditions, including by exploring additional measures such as price caps. We reaffirm our commitment to phase out our dependency on Russian energy, without compromising on our climate and environmental goals. With our partners, we have made significant progress towards the target of USD 100 billion for the most vulnerable, building on the 2021 Special Drawing Rights allocation. To protect people from hunger and malnutrition, and in response to Russia’s weaponisation of grain, we will increase global food and nutrition security through the Global Alliance on Food Security. We will provide an additional USD 4.5 billion to this end, stand by our commitments to keep our food and agricultural markets open and step up efforts to help Ukraine produce and export. We endorse the goals of an open and cooperative international Climate Club, and will work with partners towards establishing it by the end of 2022. To drive urgent, ambitious, and inclusive action to align ourselves with 1.5°C pathways and to accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement, we commit to a highly decarbonised road sector by 2030, a fully or predominantly decarbonised power sector by 2035, and prioritising concrete and timely steps towards the goal of accelerating phase-out of domestic unabated coal power. Through our Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, we aim to mobilise USD 600 billion over the next five years to narrow the global investment gap. We will step up our cooperation globally, including through working towards new Just Energy Transition Partnerships with Indonesia, India, Senegal and Vietnam, building on our existing partnership with South Africa. To overcome the current COVID-19 pandemic, we will build on our provision of over 1.175 billion vaccine doses since we last met. We will also prevent, prepare, and respond to future pandemics and health challenges including through the G7 Pact for Pandemic Readiness. Guided by the conviction that democratic values make us stronger in tackling global challenges, we will cooperate with civil society and our partners beyond the G7 to strengthen the resilience of our societies, promote human rights online and offline, address disinformation, and achieve gender equality. With these joint commitments and actions taken today, and by working together with partners, we will make progress towards an equitable world. Full communiqué

The Council presidency and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on the directive on the resilience of critical entities. Work will n… Press material Tuesday 28 June 2022   ● Council of the EU   28/06/2022 17:05 | Press release | EU resilience: Council presidency and European Parliament reach political agreement to strengthen the resilience of critical entities   The Council presidency and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on the directive on the resilience of critical entities. Work will now continue at technical level to finalise the provisional agreement on the full legal text. This agreement is subject to approval by the Council and the European Parliament before going through the formal adoption procedure. This directive aims to reduce the vulnerabilities and strengthen the physical resilience of critical entities. These are entities providing vital services on which the livelihoods of EU citizens and the proper functioning of the internal market depend. They need to be able to prepare for, cope with, protect against, respond to and recover from natural disasters, terrorist threats, health emergencies or hybrid attacks. The text agreed today covers critical entities in a number of sectors, such as energy, transport, health, drinking water, waste water and space. Central public administrations will also be covered by some of the provisions of the draft directive. Member states will need to have a national strategy to enhance the resilience of critical entities, carry out a risk assessment at least every four years and identify the critical entities that provide essential services. Critical entities will need to identify the relevant risks that may significantly disrupt the provision of essential services, take appropriate measures to ensure their resilience and notify disruptive incidents to the competent authorities. The proposal for a directive also establishes rules for the identification of critical entities of particular European significance. A critical entity is considered of particular European significance if it provides an essential service to six or more member states. In this case, the Commission may be requested by the member states to organise an advisory mission or it may itself propose, with the agreement of the member state concerned, to assess the measures the entity concerned has put in place to meet the obligations related to the directive. Background The European Commission presented a proposal for a directive on the resilience of critical entities in December 2020. Once adopted, the proposed directive will replace the current directive on the identification and designation of European critical infrastructure, adopted in 2008. A 2019 evaluation of that directive highlighted the need to update and further strengthen the existing rules in light of the new challenges facing the EU, such as the rise of the digital economy, the growing impacts of climate change, and terrorist threats. The current COVID-19 pandemic has shown in particular how exposed critical infrastructures and societies can be to a pandemic and the high level of interdependence that exists among EU member states as well as globally. Together with the proposed directive on critical entities, the Commission also presented a proposal for a directive on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the EU (NIS 2), which aims to respond to the same concerns for the cyber dimension. The Council and the Parliament reached an agreement on this proposal in May 2022. In September 2020, the Commission presented a proposal for a Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which will strengthen the IT security of financial entities such as banks, insurance companies and investment firms. It aims to make sure the financial sector in Europe is able to maintain resilient operations through a severe operational disruption. The Council and the Parliament reached an agreement on this proposal in May 2022. Member states will need to ensure a coordinated implementation of all three legislative texts. How the EU responds to crises and builds resilience (background information)

Press material Tuesday 28 June 2022   ● Council of the EU   28/06/2022 17:07 | Press release | Council agrees on new rules to drive down deforestation and forest degradation globally   The Council today adopted its negotiating position (general approach) on a proposal to limit the consumption of products contributing to deforestation or forest degradation. "We must ensure that the products we consume at home do not contribute to depleting the planet's forest reserves. The innovative text that we have adopted will make it possible to combat deforestation, within the European Union but also outside of it. This is a major step forward which also illustrates our ambition for the climate and for biodiversity." Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French minister for the energy transition The Council agreed to set mandatory due diligence rules for all operators and traders who place, make available or export the following products from the EU market: palm oil, beef, timber, coffee, cocoa and soy. The rules also apply to a number of derived products such as leather, chocolate and furniture. The Council simplified and clarified the due diligence system, while preserving a strong level of environmental ambition. The general approach avoids duplication of obligations and reduces administrative burden for operators and member states’ authorities. It also adds the possibility for small operators to rely on larger operators to prepare due diligence declarations. The Council agreed to set up a benchmarking system, which assigns to third and EU countries a level of risk related to deforestation (low, standard or high). The risk category would determine the level of specific obligations for operators and member states’ authorities to carry out inspections and controls. This would mean an enhanced monitoring for high-risk countries and simplified due diligence for low-risk countries. The Council clarified the control obligations and set quantified objectives of minimum control levels for standard- and high-risk countries. The purpose is to set effective and targeted measures. The Council maintained provisions regarding effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties and enhanced cooperation with partner countries, as proposed by the Commission. The Council modified the definition of ‘forest degradation’ to mean structural changes to forest cover, taking the form of the conversion of primary forests into plantation forests or into other wooded land. Lastly, the Council strengthened the human rights aspects of the text, notably by adding several references to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Background and next steps The Commission published its proposal for a regulation on 17 November 2021. The main driver of global deforestation and forest degradation is the expansion of agricultural land, which is linked to the production of those commodities included in the scope of the regulation. As a major consumer of such commodities, the EU can reduce its impact on global deforestation and forest degradation by adopting new rules to regulate the entry into the EU market and the export from the EU of these commodities in a way that makes sure these products and supply chains are ‘deforestation-free’. Commission proposal for a regulation on deforestation-free products United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The Council has asked the European Parliament for its opinion on the draft Council decision on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Croatia… Press material Wednesday 29 June 2022   ● Council of the EU   29/06/2022 11:29 | Press release | Schengen area: Council requests European Parliament’s opinion on a draft decision on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Croatia   The Council has asked the European Parliament for its opinion on the draft Council decision on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Croatia. The draft text will now be sent to the European Parliament for consultation. Once the Parliament has delivered its opinion, the decision may be submitted to the Council for adoption. The Council decision needs to be adopted unanimously by those member states which already apply all parts of the Schengen acquis, plus Croatia. Since its accession to the EU, Croatia has applied the provisions of the Schengen acquis, with the exception of the provisions on the lifting of internal border controls. Under the act of accession of Croatia to the EU, those controls may be lifted only following a Council decision to that effect, after it has been verified, in accordance with the applicable Schengen evaluation procedures, that Croatia fulfils the necessary conditions. The Schengen evaluation of Croatia took place between 2016 and 2020. In October 2019, the Commission found that Croatia had taken the measures needed to ensure that the necessary conditions for the application of all parts of the Schengen acquis were met. It closed the action plans for the evaluated fields in February 2021. On 9 December 2021, the Council approved conclusions on the fulfilment of the necessary conditions for the full application of the Schengen acquis in Croatia. Council concludes Croatia has fulfilled the necessary conditions for the full application of the Schengen acquis (press release, 9 December 2021)

Today, the Council agreed its position on the European single access point (ESAP) proposal, which is part of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) package.… Press material Wednesday 29 June 2022   ● Council of the EU   29/06/2022 10:38 | Press release | Easier access to corporate information for investors: Council agrees its position on a single access platform   Today, the Council agreed its position on the European single access point (ESAP) proposal, which is part of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) package. It aims to create a single point of access to public information about EU companies and EU investment products. ESAP is expected to make it easier for European companies and financial products to attract investors, as, via the platform, investors will obtain easy and fast access to the relevant information they require to take good investment decisions. In its position, the Council specified that the national competent authorities should be the collection bodies of the information which will be provided on the ESAP platform. This proposal will not impose any additional types of data reporting requirements on European companies, as the ESAP platform will contain already established types of data, as well as publicly available information, including: (consolidated) annual financial statements, (consolidated) management reports, audit reports and reports on payments to governments. Well-structured metadata will make it possible to extract and compare information. The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) shall develop draft implementing technical standards to specify: the further metadata to accompany the information; the structuring of data in the information; for which information a machine-readable format is required and which machine-readable format is to be used EIOPA will submit those draft implementing technical standards to the Commission, which will be empowered to adopt the implementing technical standards. In its position, the Council specifies that there should be a gradual phasing in of the ESAP platform, with essential parts to become operational between 2026 and 2030. Background This proposal is part of the Capital Markets Union package which the Commission presented on 25 November 2021. The Council’s position agreed today spells out the position of member states ahead of negotiations with the European Parliament. Council position part 1 10619/22 Council position part 2 10620/22 Council position part 3 10621/22

Meetings Wednesday 29 June 2022

● Council of the EU   29/06/2022 03:24 | MEETING | Main results - Environment Council, 28 June 2022   Environment ministers reached a general approach on proposals that are part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, relating to ETS, effort sharing between member states, emissions from land use and land-use change, CO2 emission performance standards for cars and vans and the creation of a social climate fund. Ministers also reached a general approach on a proposal to limit the consumption of products contributing to deforestation or forest degradation. Council of the EU Environment Council, 28 June 2022 Main results Infographic - How the EU delivers the green transitionSee full infographic ‘Fit for 55’ package Ministers reached a general approach on the following files of the ‘Fit for 55’ package:revision of the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme (EU ETS) revision of the regulation on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by member states (effort sharing regulation) revision of the regulation on greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) revision of rules for CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles regulation establishing a social climate fund The proposals will play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the main sectors of the economy. They represent an important contribution towards meeting the EU’s overall goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.Fit for 55 package: Council reaches general approaches relating to emissions reductions and their social impacts (press release, 29 June 2022) Fit for 55 (background information) European Green Deal (background information) Deforestation and forest degradation Ministers reached a general approach on a proposal to reduce to a minimum the consumption of products coming from supply chains associated with deforestation or forest degradation. The objective of this proposal is to ensure that products consumed on the EU market do not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide. The Commission published its proposal for a regulation on 17 November 2021. The main driver of global deforestation and forest degradation is the expansion of agricultural land, which is linked to the production of those commodities included in the scope of the regulation. As a major importer of such commodities, the EU can reduce its impact on global deforestation and forest degradation by adopting new rules to regulate the entry into the EU market and the export from the EU of these commodities in a way that promotes the consumption of ‘deforestation-free’ products and ensures deforestation-free supply chains.Council agrees on new rules to drive down deforestation and forest degradation globally (press release, 28 June 2022) Waste shipments The presidency presented a report on the progress of discussions on a proposal for a regulation to tighten EU waste shipment rules. The proposal aims to ensure that the EU does not export its waste challenges to third countries. It also aims to facilitate the transport of waste for reuse and recycling in the EU. Finally, it aims to combat illegal shipments of waste more effectively.Progress report Other matters The Commission informed ministers of the main international meetings that have taken place recently. The Commission provided ministers with information on certain pending legislative proposals.Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Regulation Revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive Regulation relating to the eco-design of products Regulation on the restoration objectives of the nature Sweden brief ministers on the outcome of the Stockholm +50 conference. Cyprus briefed ministers on the 9th Environment for Europe ministerial conference. Lastly, Czechia present the work programme for its upcoming presidency. The Council also adopted without debate the list of ‘A-items’ listed below. Meeting information Meeting n°3887 Luxembourg 28 June 2022 09:30 Preparatory documentsProvisional agenda List of A items, non-legislative activities List of A items, legislative deliberations Background brief Outcome documentsList of participants Meeting voting results

The Council today adopted its negotiating positions (general approaches) on important legislative proposals in the ‘Fit for 55’ package. Presented by… Press material Wednesday 29 June 2022   ● Council of the EU   29/06/2022 02:50 | Press release | Fit for 55 package: Council reaches general approaches relating to emissions reductions and their social impacts   The Council today adopted its negotiating positions (general approaches) on important legislative proposals in the ‘Fit for 55’ package. Presented by the European Commission on 14 July 2021, the package will enable the European Union to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to achieve climate neutrality in 2050. "The achievement, led by the French Presidency, of an agreement between the member states on the 'Fit for 55' package is a crucial step in attaining our climate objectives within the main sectors of the economy. The ecological and energy transition will require the contribution of all sectors and all member states, in a fair and inclusive manner. The Council is now ready to negotiate with the European Parliament on concluding the package, thereby placing the European Union more than ever in the vanguard of fighting climate change." Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French Minister for the energy transition The member states adopted a common position on EU emissions trading system (EU ETS), effort-sharing between member states in non-ETS sectors (ESR), emissions and removals from land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), the creation of a social climate fund (SCF) and new CO2 emission performance standards for cars and vans. These agreements pave the way for negotiations with the European Parliamen \ The Council today gave its green light to the extension of the regulation establishing the EU digital COVID certificate. The digital COVID certificat… Press material Tuesday 28 June 2022   ● Council of the EU   28/06/2022 10:48 | Press release | COVID-19: Council extends the regulation establishing the EU digital COVID certificate   The Council today gave its green light to the extension of the regulation establishing the EU digital COVID certificate. The digital COVID certificate has played an important role in facilitating the free movement of people during the pandemic. The regulation establishing the EU digital COVID certificate will be prolonged by one year, until 30 June 2023. The extension of the regulation will ensure that EU travellers as well as those from third countries connected to the system can continue to use their EU digital COVID certificate for travel within the Union in member states where these certificates are required. If the health situation allows, the regulation can also be repealed earlier.