COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 10:11 | Press release | Renewable energy: Council adopts new rules   The Council today adopted the new Renewables Energy Directive to raise the share of renewable energy in the EU’s overall energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030 with an additional 2.5% indicative top up that would allow to reach 45%. Each member state will contribute to this common target. All member states will contribute to achieving more ambitious sector-specific targets in transport, industry, buildings and district heating and cooling. The purpose of the sub-targets is to speed-up the integration of renewables in sectors where incorporation has been slower. "This is a great achievement in the framework of the ´Fit for 55´package which will help reaching the EU’s climate goal of reducing EU emissions by at least 55% by 2030. It is a step forward which will contribute to reach the EU´s climate targets in a fair, cost-effective and competitive way." Teresa Ribera, Spanish acting Minister for the Ecological Transition Transport Member states will have the possibility to choose between: a binding target of 14.5% reduction of greenhouse gas intensity in transport from the use of renewables by 2030 or a binding share of at least 29% of renewables within the final consumption of energy in the transport sector by 2030 The new rules set a binding combined sub-target of 5.5% for advanced biofuels (generally derived from non-food-based feedstocks) and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (mostly renewable hydrogen and hydrogen-based synthetic fuels) in the share of renewable energies supplied to the transport sector. Within this target, there is a minimum requirement of 1% of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) in the share of renewable energies supplied to the transport sector in 2030. Industry The directive provides that industry will increase the use of renewable energy annually by 1.6%. Member states agreed that 42% of the hydrogen used in industry should come from renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) by 2030 and 60% by 2035. Member states will have the possibility to discount the contribution of RFNBOs in industry use by 20% under two conditions: if the member states’ national contribution to the binding overall EU target meets their expected contribution the share of hydrogen from fossil fuels consumed in the member state is not more 23% in 2030 and 20% in 2035 Buildings, heating and cooling The new rules set an indicative target of at least a 49% renewable energy share in buildings in 2030. Renewable targets for heating and cooling will gradually increase, with a binding increase of 0.8% per year at national level until 2026 and 1.1% from 2026 to 2030. The minimum annual average rate applicable to all member states is complemented with additional indicative increases calculated specifically for each member state. Bioenergy The directive strengthens the sustainability criteria for the use of biomass for energy, in order to reduce the risk of unsustainable bioenergy production. Member states will ensure that the cascading principle is applied, with a focus on support schemes and with due regard to national specificities. Faster permits for projects Permitting procedures for renewable energy projects will be accelerated. The purpose is to fast-track the deployment of renewable energies in the context of the EU’s REPowerEU plan to become independent from Russian fossil fuels, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Member states will design renewables acceleration areas where renewable energy projects will undergo simplified and fast permit-granting process. Renewable energy deployment will also be presumed to be of ‘overriding public interest’, which will limit the grounds of legal objections to new installations.

 

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 11:00 | Press release | Chemical Weapons: EU restrictive measures prolonged for an additional year   The Council today extended the sanctions regime against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons for three years until 16 October 2026 and prolonged existing restrictive measures against persons and entities for another year, until 16 October 2024. Currently, restrictive mesures in place apply to 25 persons and 3 entities. Those targeted are subject to an asset freeze and EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Additionally, individuals are subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The sanctions regime aims to contribute to the EU’s efforts to counter the proliferation and use of chemical weapons, as well as to support the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC). The decision will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 13:10 | Press release | EU-Angola: Council greenlights first investment facilitation agreement in Africa   On 9 October 2023, the Council adopted a decision on the signature of the sustainable investment facilitation agreement (SIFA) between the European Union and Angola. This agreement will make it easier to attract and expand investments while integrating environment and labour rights commitments in the EU-Angola relationship. Raw materials and energy resources This is the first agreement on sustainable investment facilitation that the EU ever negotiated. Angola’s economy is currently based on its abundant raw materials and energy resources. During the 20-year period that the deal covers, Angola will be able to diversify its economic model and improve the investment climate for foreign and local investors. Angola is the 7th largest investment destination on the African continent for investors from the EU, covering 5.4% of the EU’s stock of foreign direct investment (EUR 9.9 billion of FDI in 2020). Main elements and benefits of the SIFA covers all economic sectors to encourage diversification to new areas, such as food exports, manufacturing or services offers greater legal certainty: transparent and clearer rules to benefit investors assures improved accountability of public agencies and officials guarantees a bigger say for civil society introduces reciprocal commitments towards investors from both sides ensures respect to environmental and labour standards, which shall not be weakened for the sake of attracting investment promotes corporate social responsibility and responsible business practices reinforces bilateral cooperation on investment-related aspects of climate change and gender equality These objectives are fully in line with the objectives of the Cotonou Agreement and its successor agreement, as well as the “Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement” currently being negotiated in the World Trade Organisation. Background and next steps The negotiations between the EU and Angola on this agreement were concluded on 18 November 2022. On 16 June 2023, the Commission sent proposals on the signature and conclusion of the agreement to the Council. After the adoption of the Council Decision, the EU and Angola still need to sign the agreement and notify each other on the completion of their respective internal procedures, including, for the EU side, the consent of the European Parliament. Council Decision on the conclusion of the investment deal EU-Angola Council Decision on the signature of the investment deal EU-Angola Text of the EU-Angola Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement Post Cotonou agreement Press material Monday 9 October 2023   ● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 12:17 | Press release | Council calls for measures to address impact of precarious work on mental health   Today, the Council approved the first-ever set of conclusions on the interconnection between mental health and employment, with a focus on precarious work. "Combatting precariousness is one of the best antidotes for the prevention of psychosocial risks at work. These conclusions mark a significant step towards recognising the impact of mental health and actively promoting workers’ psychological well-being." Yolanda Díaz Perez, Spain’s acting Minister for Work and Social Economy In 2022, 27% of the workers in the European Union suffered from stress, depression and anxiety. Exposure to certain risk factors related to stress and mental disorders has further increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health and work are closely interconnected. Mental health is an important issue for work ability and productivity, and, conversely, psychosocial risks at work can be detrimental to mental health. In particular, precarious work, including poorly paid and unprotected jobs, may lead to disorders such as anxiety and depression. With this in mind, and taking into account the emergence and consolidation of new forms of work, the Council invites member states, among other things, to: promote quality employment policies to combat precariousness strengthen public systems that safeguard mental health at work promote research on mental health at work support the recruitment or reintegration of workers with mental health issues support self-employed persons and SMEs in preventing psychosocial risks at work The Council also invites the European Commission to: reflect on an adequate policy for addressing psychosocial risks at work consider the right to disconnect as a prevention measure foster coordination of national initiatives on the management of psychosocial risks at work Furthermore, social partners are called to pursue social dialogue for the improvement of working conditions and to raise awareness on psychological well-being. Background Mental health is a growing concern at international and EU level. One of the sustainable development goals in the UN Agenda 2030 includes protecting labour rights and promoting safe and secure working environments for all workers. On 7 June 2023, the Commission adopted its communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health. Strengthening mental health is a multidisciplinary priority for the Spanish presidency. Read the full text of conclusions here Mental health (background information)

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 12:04 | Press release | Social economy: Council recommends member states tap its full potential   Today, EU ministers reached a political agreement on a recommendation on developing framework conditions for the social economy, with a view to promoting social inclusion and access to the labour market. Social economy entities can take various forms, such as cooperatives, associations and foundations; their main shared principle is that they prioritise people, as well as social or environmental purposes, over profit. The social economy contributes to labour market and social inclusion, it fosters skills development and also stimulates fair and sustainable socioeconomic and industrial development, improving social and territorial cohesion across the member states. In order to strengthen the social economy, an enabling framework is crucial.

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 11:35 | Press release | EDIRPA: Council greenlights the new rules to boost common procurement in the EU defence industry   The Council today adopted the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA) paving the way for its entry into force. The regulation will incentivise cooperation in defence procurement between member states in order to increase solidarity, prevent crowding-out effects, increase the effectiveness of public spending and reduce excessive fragmentation in defence procurement. With the new instrument, a partial reimbursement from the EU budget will be available to member states where joint purchases involve a consortia of at least three member states. The instrument's budget willl be €300 million. EDIRPA will foster the competitiveness and efficiency of the European defence-related technological and industrial base, including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and mid-caps, by accelerating the adjustment of industry to structural changes and opening supply chains for cross-border cooperation in the EU. EDIRPA sets out clear conditions to make sure that the European defence industry benefits from the instrument. Among other things, contractors and subcontractors must be established, and have their executive management structures, in the EU or an associated country and may not be controlled by a non-associated third country. In addition, at least 65% of the end products’ components must originate in the EU or an associated country.

Meetings Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 11:23 | MEETING | Agenda highlights - Environment Council, 16 October 2023   EU environment ministers will seek to agree on negotiating positions on Commission proposals regarding the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the Regulation for CO2 emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles. Ministers also aim to approve Council conclusions in view of the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP28) and the submission of an updated EU NDC to the UNFCCC.

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 10:21 | Press release | RefuelEU aviation initiative: Council adopts new law to decarbonise the aviation sector   More renewable and low-carbon fuels will reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation sector and create a level playing field for a sustainable air transport in the EU following today’s adoption of a new regulation by the Council on the so-called ‘ReFuelEU aviation’ initiative. "The new law will provide legal certainty to aircraft operators and fuel suppliers in Europe. By kick-starting the large-scale production of sustainable aviation fuels, it will soon make the EU’s aviation sector much greener. This is a key step in our broader effort to reach our climate targets at European and global level." Raquel Sánchez Jiménez, Spanish acting minister of transport, mobility and urban agenda Main objectives of the new legislation The main objective of the RefuelEU aviation initiative, as a key part of the EU’s Fit for 55 package, is to increase both demand for and supply of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which have lower CO2 emissions than fossil fuel kerosene, while ensuring a level playing field across the EU air transport market. The new legislation aims to put air transport on the trajectory of the EU’s climate targets for 2030 and 2050, as SAF are one of the key short- and medium-term tools for decarbonising aviation. It should address the current situation which is hindering their development: low supply and prices much higher than prices of fossil fuels. Main provisions of the new regulation The new regulation contains the following main provisions: The obligation for aviation fuel suppliers to ensure that all fuel made available to aircraft operators at EU airports contains a minimum share of SAF from 2025and, from 2030, a minimum share of synthetic fuels, with both shares increasing progressively until 2050. Fuel suppliers will have to incorporate 2% SAF in 2025, 6% in 2030 and 70% in 2050. From 2030, 1,2% of fuels must also be synthetic fuels, rising to 35% in 2050. The obligation for aircraft operators to ensure that the yearly quantity of aviation fuel uplifted at a given EU airport is at least 90% of the yearly aviation fuel required, to avoid tankering practices which would bring additional emissions from extra weight. The scope of eligible sustainable aviation fuels and synthetic aviation fuels includes certified biofuels, renewable fuels of non-biological origin (including renewable hydrogen) and recycled carbon aviation fuels complying with the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) sustainability and emissions saving criteria, up to a maximum of 70% with the exception of biofuels from food and feed crops, as well as low-carbon aviation fuels (including low-carbon hydrogen), which can be used to reach the minimum shares in the respective part of the regulation. Rules on the competent authorities, to be designated by the member states to enforce this regulation, and rules on fines The creation of a Union labelling scheme about environmental performance for aircraft operators using SAF, which will help consumers make informed choices and will promote greener flights. Data collection and reporting obligationsfor fuel suppliers and aircraft operators enabling to monitor the effects of this regulation on the competitiveness of EU operators and platforms. Press material Monday 9 October 2023   ● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 10:04 | Press release | Asking for a loan will be safer in the EU after the Council’s final approval of the Consumer Credit Directive   The Council has today adopted the consumer credit directive, which aims to enhance the protection for European consumers applying for credit. The revised legislation repeals and replaces the current 2008 directive on consumer credit agreements. "While the digital transition facilitates access to credit, we need to protect consumers from irresponsible lending practices that spread particularly in online environments. This new legislation will ensure that consumers have all the information they need, and that it is presented clearly, even for small-scale credit." Alberto Garzón Espinosa, Spanish Acting Minister for Consumer Affairs The directive adopted today: ensures that credit information, such as the total cost of credit is presented in a clear and understandable manner and is adapted to digital devices establishes stricter advertising rules to reduce abusive credit to over-indebted consumers and creates effective measures against overcharge requires lenders to assess whether consumers can repay their credit, so that they are protected from over-indebtedness enlarges the scope of the directive to loans below €200 and buy-now-pay-later products gives consumers the right to terminate a credit agreement within 14 days, and gives cancer survivors the right to be forgotten Next steps Following the Council’s approval today of the provisional agreement, the legislative act has been adopted. After being signed by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council, the directive will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication. Council and European Parliament agree to improve protection for consumers applying for credit (press release, 2 December 2022)

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 10:00 | Press release | Organic pet food: Council adopts updated labelling rules   The Council today gave its final green light on a new EU law that will align the rules regarding the labelling of organic pet food to those governing the labelling of organic food intended for human consumption. The new regulation will make it easier for pet owners to purchase organic food for their pets. It also provides an opportunity for farmers engaged in organic production. "Pets are an important part of our lives and our families. With these new and updated rules, it will be easier for pet owners to buy organic food for their pets. At the same time, the regulation will make it easier for producers to enter the organic pet food market and will improve certainty for EU consumers." Luis Planas Puchades - acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 09:56 | Press release | Wopke Hoekstra appointed as European Commissioner   The Council today appointed Wopke Hoekstra (Netherlands) as new European Commissioner, by common accord with the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The appointment follows the resignation of Frans Timmermans as Executive Vice-President of the Commission and is for the remainder of the term of office of the Commission, which runs until 31 October 2024. Mr Hoekstra has been assigned the portfolio of Climate Action by President von der Leyen. Background In accordance with Article 246 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a vacancy caused by the resignation of a member of the Commission is filled for the remainder of his or her term by a new member of the same nationality. The new member is appointed by the Council, by common accord with the President of the Commission, after consulting the European Parliament.

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 09:54 | Press release | Geographical indications for craft and industrial products: Council gives its final approval   The Council has today adopted a regulation on geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. Once this regulation comes into force, the geographical indications (GI) of industrial products linked to the geographical area of production (such as Albacete cutlery, Bohemian glass, Limoges porcelain) will enjoy similar protection to regionally produced foods or beverages. The adoption of the craft and industrial GIs regulation will also enable the EU to fully meet its international obligations under the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications. To that end, the Council has today also adopted an amendment to the Council decision on the accession of the European Union to the 2015 Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement, so as to designate the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) as the competent authority for the administration of the Geneva Act in the territory of the Union as regards geographical denominations of industrial and craft products. "The expertise, tradition and talent of our artisans are amongst the treasures that Europe has to protect. With the adoption of this regulation on geographical indications for manufactured products and the protection of these products in 59 countries under the Geneva Act, we are creating the conditions to protect the traditional know-how of our artisans and producers not only in Europe, but also internationally." Héctor José Gómez Hernández, Spanish acting Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Importance of GI rules The regulation will establish directly applicable GI protection for craft and industrial products (such as jewellery, textiles, glass, porcelain, etc.) at EU level, complementing the existing EU protection for GIs in the agricultural domain. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO will play an important role in implementing the new protection system, in particular as regards registration procedures for craft and industrial GIs.