EU COUNCIL:update

 

Press material Tuesday 21 June 2022   ● Council of the EU   21/06/2022 01:41 | Press release | Council and Parliament agree to reduce limit values for the presence of persistent organic pollutants in waste   The Council and the Parliament reached a provisional deal concerning the revision of annexes to the persistent organic pollutant regulation in order to set further restrictions to the presence of these substances in waste. Persistent organic pollutants are particularly harmful chemicals. Although they are generally no longer used in new products, they can still be found in waste coming from some consumer products such as waterproof textiles, furniture, plastics and electronic equipment. In order to reach a circular economy, where waste will be increasingly used as a secondary raw material, limiting the presence of persistent organic pollutants in waste is crucial. The Council and Parliament therefore agreed to introduce new chemicals on the list of persistent organic pollutants and to restrict their presence in waste by strengthening the concentration limit values. The terms of the provisional agreement were the following: PFOA: the Council and Parliament include PFOAs into the regulation. The maximum limit value was set at 1 mg/kg for PFOA and its salts and at 40 mg/kg for PFOA-related compounds, with a review clause to re-evaluate the situation, 5 years after the entry into force of the regulation. Dioxins and furans: (PCDDs/PCDFs and dl-PCBs): the limit value for dioxins and furans was set at 5 μg/kg. The limit value for these substances in domestic ashes and soot will apply from 1 January 2025. The value limits for these substances in fly ashes from biomass units for heat and power production will apply one year after the entry into force of the regulation, with a transitional value of set at 10 μg/kg in the meantime.The purpose is to allow member states’ authorities to examine the situation in further detail in order to implement the regulation effectively. Member States would collect and make the data available by 1 July 2026 at the latest. The limit values will be reviewed 5 years after the entry into force of the regulation. PFHxS: the limit value was set at 1mg/kg for PFHxS and its salts and at 40mg/kg for PFHxS related compounds. The values will be reviewed 5 years after the entry into force. This substance was not initially included in the Commission’s proposal but the colegislators added it, following a decision of the Conference of Parties to the Stockholm Convention, to add this substance in Annex A of the Convention on 9 June. HBCDD: the colegislators agreed on a two-step limit value reduction at 500mg/kg at the entry into force of the regulation and a review clause to lower that value to 200mg/kg, 5 years after entry into force of the regulation. This is to allow the demolition sector to adapt while sending a signal for them to improve their sorting methods. PBDE: the agreement foresees a three-step approach with a limit value set at 500mg/kg at the entry into force of the regulation; an automatic reduction to 350 mg/kg, 3 years after the entry into force; and another automatic reduction to 200mg/kg, 5 years after the entry into force, provided that the limit value to place this substance on the market is not higher. This is to avoid a situation where a product can be placed on the European market legally (Annex I), but is considered POP waste once it is withdrawn from the market (Annex IV). Annex 1 is set to be reviewed meanwhile. SCCPs: the colegislators agreed to set the limit value at 1500mg/kg with a review clause 5 years after the entry into force. In addition, the Commission will assess whether to amend EU waste legislation to assess if waste containing any persistent organic pollutants exceeding the concentration limits indicated in Annex IV to the POP regulation should be classified as hazardous. Background and next steps The proposed regulation aims to bring the EU’s legislation into line with its international commitments, particularly under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. To achieve this, it will add some substances to annex IV of the POPs regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants) and update the concentration limit values for some substances in annexes IV and V of that regulation. The proposal concerns mainly the following substances: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts and related compounds – found in waterproof textiles and fire-fighting foams Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) – flame retardants found in plastics and textiles used in electrical and electronic equipment, vehicles and furniture; Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) – flame retardant found in some plastic and textile waste, particularly in polystyrene insulation from demolition of buildings; Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) – flame retardants found in some rubber and plastic waste, such as rubber conveyor belts, hoses, cables and seals; Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) – these substances are not produced or added to materials intentionally but are present as impurities in certain ashes and in other industrial waste; Dioxin-like PCBs – similar to dioxins, these PCBs can be present as impurities in some ashes and industrial oils. Limits for these specific PCBs are proposed, together with those for dioxins. The Commission submitted the proposal for a regulation to the European Parliament and the Council on 28 October 2021. In the Council, the provisional political agreement found today will first be submitted for endorsement by the Committee of permanent representatives. A formal adoption procedure will then be launched. Mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the amendment of the POP regulation + COR 1 Commission proposal to amend the annexes to the POPs regulation POPs regulation

Meetings Monday 20 June 2022

● Council of the EU   20/06/2022 19:18 | MEETING | Main results - EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council, 20 June 2022   The Cooperation Council discussed the state of play and next steps of the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. It exchanged views on political, economic and trade matters (including internal reforms, rule of law and human rights, regional trade) and cooperation. The delegations also touched on regional and international developments and cooperation, including security.

Council of the EU
EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council, 20 June 2022

Main results

The Cooperation Council between the European Union and Kazakhstan held its nineteenth meeting on Monday, 20 June 2022 in Luxemburg.

Both parties confirmed the mutual commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and reviewed progress made in the implementation of EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which entered into force on 1 March 2020. Bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union has progressed steadily, and has become even more relevant in light of the current geopolitical context, through high-level contacts and continued exchanges at different levels. The EU conveyed a strong message of commitment to the bilateral relations and the demonstrated willingness to open new avenues of cooperation in the framework of the EPCA, for instance on critical raw materials. The current geopolitical context has highlighted the need for new alternative routes that connect Asia and Europe, and connectivity has become an area of strategic importance where there is a mutual interest for further cooperation. With regard to trade, the EU welcomed the advanced level of economic relations developed between the EU and Kazakhstan. The EU is Kazakhstan’s first trade partner and first foreign investor, and Kazakhstan remains the main trade partner of the EU in Central Asia. In 2021, the trade balance reached 12 bn € in favour of Kazakhstan. The EU welcomed the successful cooperation in the framework of the EU-Kazakhstan High–Level Business Platform launched in 2019, and in particular the constructive spirit shown by Kazakhstan in addressing concerns shared by EU investors. The platform acknowledges the importance of the EU in Kazakhstan's external trade, and opens possibilities to explore new avenues of cooperation.

The Cooperation Council also provided an opportunity for reinforced political dialogue and addressed issues of good governance, the promotion and protection of human rights, and engagement with civil society. The EU shared its concerns regarding the follow up of the January events and highlighted the importance of a full and independent investigation that would be shared with the international community, including on human rights violations. The EU welcomed the political reform path that Kazakhstan has embarked on, notably the constitutional referendum that took place on Sunday 5 June. With this referendum, the people of Kazakhstan supported important constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening the democracy of the country. The EU equally welcomed Kazakhstan's Green Agenda and its commitment to a green transition. The EU encouraged Kazakhstan to submit a revised NDC to the UNFCCC. The EU welcomed Kazakhstan’s pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 and looked forward to seeing the target reflected in the revised NDC. The EU offered its expertise and support to modernise Kazakhstan’s energy system by harnessing its sun and wind potential. The EU recognised Kazakhstan as an influential regional player and its constructive role in regional cooperation. Regional security was also discussed, including the situation in Afghanistan, border management, and counter-terrorism. The EU looked forward to the EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting that will take place in the autumn.

The Cooperation Council was chaired by Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. The delegation of Kazakhstan was led by Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan

Meetings Monday 20 June 2022

● Council of the EU   20/06/2022 22:09 | MEETING | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 20 June 2022   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on worldwide consequences of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, EU relations with Egypt, and the Horn of Africa. Under current affairs ministers were informed about relations with the Gulf region.

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Council of the EU
Foreign Affairs Council, 20 June 2022

Main results
Russian aggression against Ukraine - consequences for food security

The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the latest developments in relation to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ministers stressed their full determination to continue supporting Ukraine militarily, by putting pressure on Russia, and working with the international community.

The Council then focused on the negative consequences of Russia's war of aggression on food security worldwide



Russia is blockading Ukrainian exports. Russia, not us. Russia is destroying ports, food stocks and transport infrastructure, and that has sparked the global food crisis. When more than 20 million tons of grains are being blocked in Ukrainian storages, and someone is preventing this food from reaching the consumers, someone else will suffer from hunger. This is a deliberate attempt to use food as a weapon of war. It is a deliberate attempt to create hunger in the world.Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The Council focused in particular on the effects of the crisis on African countries and how to help them mitigate the impact of the food price increases.

The EU is showing solidarity and taking decisive action. It has pledged around €1 billion to address food insecurity in the Sahel, €600 million for urgent support to strengthen food systems and resilience in the Horn of Africa, and €225 million to mitigate the effects of potential emerging food crises in North Africa and the Levant. The EU will also study in cooperation with the UN the impact of over compliance to EU sanctions or undue market avoidance by some economic actors.

The Council then discussed the Action Plan on the geopolitical consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on third countries. The Action Plan focuses on solidarity, boosting food production on the ground, stabilising trade, and cooperating multilaterally.
Egypt

In the aftermath of the EU-Egypt Association Council of 19 June which endorsed the new EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities until 2027, the Foreign Affairs Council held a discussion on EU relations with Egypt, focusing on food security and Egypt’s Presidency of the upcoming COP27.

The discussion was followed by an informal exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Sameh Hassan Shoukry, over lunch.

Ministers exchanged on the consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and the COP27 preparations. Climate change remains a global priority and the EU will support Egypt so that COP 27 will be a success.
Horn of Africa

The Council held a discussion on the situation in the Horn of Africa, and the elements of a proactive longer-term EU engagement in a region where fragilities have been exacerbated by the COVID19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

Ministers reviewed the situation in Sudan, where the EU supports the tripartite mechanism UN, African Union and IGAD to facilitate the finding of a political solution.

On Somalia, ministers stressed the importance of seizing the new momentum following the election of a new President, and pushing for political, security and economic reforms.

Lastly the ministerial discussion highlighted that although there is some progress in Ethiopia, this is not enough for a full normalisation of relations. The EU's approach should be “cautious, conditional and transactional”, i.e. dependant on further humanitarian access, restoring basic services in Tigray and lifting restrictions on fuel and fertilisers.
Council conclusions and other decisions

The Council approved conclusions on:The Team Europe response to global food insecurity (press release 20 June 2022)
A strategic partnership with the Gulf (press release 20 June 2022)
Addressing the external dimension of a constantly evolving terrorist and violent extremist threat
The Council took note of the 7th EU-NATO Progress Report on the implementation of the 74 common actions endorsed by EU and NATO (press release 20 June 2022)
The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion on behalf of the Union of the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part. (press release 20 June 20222)

In the margins of the Council meeting, the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs formally informed the High Representative and the French presidency about Denmark's intention to end its opt-out and join EU defence policy and cooperation.


Meeting information

Meeting n°3884
Luxembourg
20 June 2022
Preparatory documentsProvisional agenda
Provisional list of A items
Provisional list of A items, addition 1
List of A items, non-legislative activities
Background brief
Outcome documentsList of participants