COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest

Press material Tuesday 27 June 2023

● Council of the EU   27/06/2023 18:25 | Press release | Asbestos: Council and Parliament strike deal on new rules protecting workers   The Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a new law to strengthen the protection of workers from the risks of exposure to asbestos. The new rules significantly reduce the current asbestos limits and provide for more accurate ways to measure exposure levels, in line with the latest technological developments. "Asbestos exposure is still one of the most dangerous health risks facing many EU citizens in the workplace. Today’s agreement brings the rules on exposure limits in line with advances in measuring methods, meaning that workers will benefit from much higher levels of protection." Paulina Brandberg, Swedish Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life A lower exposure limit Despite being banned in the EU nearly two decades ago, asbestos still poses a threat to workers’ health due to its presence in older buildings. The new rules agreed upon today will initially reduce the maximum limit for exposure to 0.01 fibres of asbestos per cm³, which is ten times lower than the current limit of 0.1 f/cm3. Following a maximum transition period of 6 years, member states will be required to implement a new method for measuring asbestos levels, electron microscopy (EM), which is more sensitive than the phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) currently used and makes it possible to measure thin asbestos fibres. Having introduced EM, member states will have two options: to measure thin asbestos fibres, in which case the maximum exposure limit will remain at 0.01 f/cm3 not to measure thin asbestos fibres, in which case the maximum exposure limit will be reduced to 0.002 f/cm3 Strengthened preventive and protective measures Under the new rules, undertakings that intend to carry out demolition or asbestos removal work will be required to obtain permits from national authorities. Employers will also need to take steps to identify materials that could potentially contain asbestos before beginning demolition or maintenance work on premises built before the entry into force of the national asbestos ban. They may do this, for instance, by obtaining information from the building’s owners or other employers, or by consulting other relevant sources of information such as registers. Workers who are or may be exposed to asbestos should wear suitable personal protective equipment and undergo compulsory training, in line with minimum quality requirements set out in the directive. Public registers Member states shall keep a register of all cases of medically diagnosed asbestos-related occupational diseases. Helping to beat cancer The provisions agreed upon today will help prevent cases of work-related cancer, in line with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. If inhaled, airborne asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases such as lung cancer, the first signs of which may take many decades to appear. Next steps Member states’ ambassadors to the EU will be asked to approve the agreement reached with the Parliament at an upcoming meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee. The text of the directive will then undergo legal and linguistic revision before being adopted by ministers at a forthcoming Council meeting. Once adopted, member states will have two years to introduce the new maximum exposure level of 0.01 f/cm3 and six years to introduce EM to measure asbestos levels in the workplace. In order to keep up with scientific and technological progress, the directive will be regularly updated. Background Although asbestos has been banned in the EU since 2005, it is present in older buildings. It therefore poses a particular threat to health threat during building renovations, when materials containing asbestos are disturbed and workers inhale the fibres that are released. As many as 78% of occupational cancers may be related to asbestos exposure. On 28 September 2022, the Commission published a proposal to revise the legislation on asbestos exposure in the workplace as part of a package aimed at ensuring an asbestos-free future for EU citizens. Protecting workers: health and safety at work (background information)

Press material Tuesday 27 June 2023

● European Council   27/06/2023 20:09 | Press release | Invitation letter by President Charles Michel to the members of the European Council   I would like to invite you to our June European Council which will take place on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 June. Our meeting will be preceded by a lunch with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, with whom we can exchange on issues of global and European security. Russia’s war in Ukraine is continuing relentlessly. Our unwavering unity stands in contrast to the disunity in Russia showcased by this weekend’s events. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam earlier this month is one of the biggest human-caused disasters of our time. In addition to the dramatic consequences we have already witnessed, it is also threatening Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. Ever more in these circumstances, we will reassert our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, including through sustainable financial and military assistance. We should also discuss how to further intensify international support for Ukraine’s Peace Formula. Last year in Versailles, we decided to take greater responsibility for our European security and defence. Now is the time to assess where we stand and discuss how to speed up our work so that we live up to our commitments. We will also exchange views on our economic situation. I would like us to take stock of progress in increasing our competitiveness, strengthening our economic base, and enhancing our economic security and resilience, reflecting on further action that may be needed. The recent tragic shipwreck in the Mediterranean, and the many lives lost, is a stark reminder of our need to continue working relentlessly on our European migratory challenge. After the report by the Council Presidency and the Commission, we will review the migratory situation and progress in the implementation of our February conclusions. On China, we will provide further guidance following our debate in October and the debate held by Foreign Affairs ministers in May. This will be an opportunity to reconfirm our broad and united stance towards China. Various other foreign policy items are deserving of our attention, especially the upcoming EU-CELAC summit, our relations with partners in the Southern Neighbourhood and developments in the Western Balkans. I look forward to meeting you all in Brussels. Invitation letter by President Michel

Press material Tuesday 27 June 2023

● Council of the EU   27/06/2023 23:14 | Press release | EU defence industry: Council and European Parliament agree on new rules to boost common procurement   The Council has today reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA). The regulation will incentivise EU member states to jointly procure weapons, thereby ensuring interoperability, economies of scale and - ultimately - a strong European defence industry. "Today’s agreement is indeed important. Through the joint procurement of defence materiel the competitiveness and efficiency of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base will be boosted and EU member states will be able to more effectively replenish their stocks depleted by donations to Ukraine." Pål Jonson, Minister of Defence of Sweden The Council and the EP agreed on an ambitious instrument. Member states who agree to pool their demand and jointly procure defence products in consortia of at least three countries will be partially reimbursed from the EU budget. This will benefit member states and the EU’s respective defence-related technological and industrial base, with special consideration of the involvement of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups and mid-caps in the value chain. The agreement reached today sets out a number of clear conditions for contractors, sub-contractors and defence products to be eligible, as well as conditions with which projects must comply in order to be eligible for funding: as a principle, contractors involved in the common procurement should be established in and have their executive management structures in the EU or an associated country (Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway). They should also not be controlled by a non-associated third country, or a derogation has been granted through guarantees from member states. Under no circumstances can EDIRPA funds can be used to source components from countries that do not respect good-neighbourly relations by default, contractors must use facilities and resources that are located in the EU or in an associated third country. The use of non-EU facilities is only allowed where an EU producer has no relevant infrastructure on EU territory member states may only procure products that do not carry any restrictions by a non-associated third country limiting their ability to use them. This rule is not applicable in the case of urgent and critical defence products, provided that they were in use before 24 February 2022 in the majority of the consortium, and the members of the consortium commit to study the feasibility of replacing those restricted components with restriction-free components of EU origin An absolute cap of 15% will allow for an equal distribution of available funds among member states and across funding priorities. Next steps The provisional agreement must now be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament. It will then be formally adopted by both institutions following legal-linguistic revision. On the Council’s side, the presidency intends to submit the text to EU member states’ representatives (Coreper) for endorsement as soon as possible. Background The joint communication of the European Commission and the High Representative on “Defence Investment Gaps Analysis and Way Forward” presented on 18 May 2022 highlighted that the defence sector was suffering from a triple financial, industrial and capability gap. It also noted that EU member states’ recent budgetary increases came after years of substantial cuts and severe underinvestment. EU Heads of State or Government at their informal meeting in Versailles on 11 March 2022, committed to bolster European defence capabilities in light of the new geopolitical context, and stated that member states should substantially increase defence expenditure, further develop collaborative investment in joint projects and joint procurement of defence capabilities, boost innovation, and strengthen and develop the EU defence industry, including SMEs. In light of that, the European Commission proposed a regulation on establishing the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act on 19 July 2022. The Council reached a general approach on 1 December 2022, and the European Parliament agreed its mandate for negotiations in May 2023. EU defence industry: Council reaches general approach on boosting common procurement (press release, 1 December 2022) Versailles declaration, 10 and 11 March 2022 European defence industry procurement (background information) EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)

Press material Tuesday 27 June 2023

● Council of the EU   27/06/2023 23:48 | Press release | Data act: Council and Parliament strike a deal on fair access to and use of data   With a view to making the EU a leader in our data-driven society, the Council presidency and European parliament representatives reached a provisional agreement on a new regulation on harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data (data act). "Today’s agreement will accelerate our Union’s digital transformation. Once the data act enters into force, it will unlock the economic and societal potential of data and technologies and contribute to an internal market for data. It will enhance the single market, allowing data to flow freely within the EU and across sectors for the benefit of our citizens and businesses." Erik Slottner, Swedish minister for public administration The regulation proposes new rules on who can access and use data generated in the EU across all economic sectors. It aims to: ensure fairness in the allocation of value from data among actors in the digital environment stimulate a competitive data market open opportunities for data-driven innovation, and make data more accessible to all The new legislation also aims to ease the switching of providers of data processing services, puts in place safeguards against unlawful data transfer by cloud service providers and provides for the development of interoperability standards for data to be reused between sectors. The data act will give both individuals and businesses more control over their data through a reinforced portability right, copying or transferring data easily from across different services, where the data are generated through smart objects, machines, and devices. The new legislation will empower consumers and companies by giving them a say on what can be done with the data generated by their connected products. Main elements of the agreement Scope of legislation The political agreement clarifies the scope of the regulation allowing users of connected devices, ranging from smart home appliances to smart industrial machinery, to gain access to data generated by their use which is often exclusively harvested by manufacturers and service providers. Regarding Internet of Things (IoT) data, in particular, the focus was moved to the functionalities of the data collected by connected products instead of the products themselves. Data sharing, compensation and dispute settlement The text contains measures to prevent abuse of contractual imbalances in data sharing contracts due to unfair contractual terms imposed by a party with significantly stronger bargaining position. Moreover, the text provides additional guidance regarding the reasonable compensation of businesses for making the data available, as well as adequate dispute settlement mechanisms. Trade secrets The agreement also ensures an adequte level of protection of trade secrets and intellectual property rights, accompanied by relevant safeguards against possible abusive behaviour of data holders. Public sector bodies The text provides the means for public sector bodies, the Commission, the European Central Bank and Union bodies to access and use data held by the private sector that is necessary in exceptional circumstances, particularly in case of a public emergency, such as floods and wildfires, or to fulfil a task in the public interest. Benefits for customers The new rules will also allow customers to effectively switch between different data-processing service providers (cloud providers) and put in place additional safeguards against unlawful data transfers. Interplay with existing legislation Finally, the new text clarifies the interplay between the data act and existing horizontal and sectoral legislation, such as the data governance act and the general data protection regulation (GDPR).

Press material Wednesday 28 June 2023

● Eurogroup   28/06/2023 15:42 | Statements and remarks | Statement by the Eurogroup President, Paschal Donohoe, on the publication of the European Commission’s Single Currency Package   The Eurogroup, as a key stakeholder and representative of national governments in the digital euro project, has been regularly discussing the various dimensions of the project for the past two years and engaging in dialogue with the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Commission. We issued a Eurogroup statement in January, summarising our discussions to date. The Commission has today presented legislative proposals which once adopted would set up the enabling framework on which to build the next steps in the digital euro project. Within the Eurogroup, there is broad support for the ongoing work on the project to ensure our currency keeps pace with an increasingly more digital world. There is also a common recognition of the importance of keeping citizens, businesses and potential intermediaries well-informed and engaged in understanding the rationale and added value of the possible introduction of a digital euro. We need to be able to better explain the difference this project would make to the everyday lives of European citizens. There’s a strong strategic rationale for safeguarding the future of the euro in a digital environment, as we are facing changes in payments technology in the decades ahead. Security, privacy, and inclusiveness must be key features, reflecting our shared values. There are three important characteristics in the digital euro project: a digital euro would offer a single European digital means of payment, seamlessly usable throughout the euro area a digital euro would operate as an additional form of currency – physical euro cash will continue to circulate in the economy a digital euro could help position Europe as a leader at the forefront of financial technological innovation We, in the Eurogroup, will continue to engage as work on this project progresses, without prejudice to the work in the legislative track. Eurogroup statement on the digital euro project, 16 January 2023

 

Press material Wednesday 28 June 2023

● Council of the EU   28/06/2023 17:06 | Press release | Digital justice: Council and European Parliament conclude deal on proposals on digitalisation of judicial cooperation and citizens access to justice   The presidency and the European Parliament today reached a provisional agreement on two EU laws that will digitalise the EU justice systems and make them more accessible and effective. "Thanks to digital technologies, courts can work more effectively and cooperate across borders. The agreement reached today will improve access to justice for citizens and businesses, as well as facilitate the fight against crime." Gunnar Strömmer, Swedish minister for justice Citizens and their representatives will be able to communicate with competent authorities in cross-border procedures in the EU through a European electronic access point, sending their requests and receiving replies electronically. Authorities will also be able to communicate between themselves and exchange case-related data in civil, commercial and criminal matters through secure, reliable digital channels. The new rules, once adopted, will improve cross-border judicial procedures by: allowing parties and other relevant persons in civil, commercial and criminal hearings to participate by means of videoconferencing or other distance communication technology establishing a European electronic access point through which natural and legal persons can file claims, send and receive relevant information, and communicate with the competent authorities accepting electronic communication and documents from natural and legal persons recognising documents with electronic signatures or seals promoting the payment of fees through electronic means

Meetings Wednesday 28 June 2023

● European Council   28/06/2023 18:08 | MEETING | European Council, 29-30 June 2023   Background brief - European Council of 29-30 June 2023

Meetings Tuesday 27 June 2023

● Council of the EU   27/06/2023 17:58 | MEETING | Supporting the future of Syria and the region - Brussels seventh Conference, Chairs' statement (including details on pledges)   Supporting the future of Syria and the region - Brussels seventh Conference, Chairs' statement (including details on pledges)