COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Wednesday 29 November 2023

● Council of the EU   29/11/2023 02:27 | Press release | Industrial emissions: Council and Parliament agree on new rules to reduce harmful emissions from industry and improve public access to information   The Council and the European Parliament’s negotiators today reached a provisional political agreement on the revision of the directive on industrial emissions (IED) and the regulation on the establishment of an industrial emissions portal (IEP). The new rules aim to offer better protection of human health and the environment by reducing harmful emissions from industrial installations including intensive livestock farms into the air, water and soil and through waste discharges. They also aim to improve environmental data reporting by upgrading the existing European pollutant release and transfer register (E-PRTR) in order to establish a more comprehensive and integrated industrial emissions portal. The deal is provisional pending formal adoption by both institutions. "The EU’s goal for 2050 is to bring pollution down to levels that are no longer harmful to human health. Today’s agreement on industrial emissions will help us work towards this goal on two fronts. We are setting stronger rules to tackle pollution at source, while at the same time improving the reporting and monitoring of emissions. The new rules will set pollution limits at more effective levels and provide clear guidance to industry on the right investments to reduce their emissions effectively." Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Spanish third vice-president of the government and minister for the ecological transition and the demographic challenge Industrial emissions directive The industrial emissions directive is the main EU instrument regulating pollution from industrial installations including intensive livestock farms, such as nitrogen oxide, ammonia, mercury, methane and carbon dioxide. Industrial-scale installations and farms are required to operate in accordance with a permit, granted by national authorities, using Best Available Techniques (BAT) as a standard. Scope of the directive As amended, the directive would strive to promote energy efficiency, a circular economy, and decarbonisation. In their provisional agreement, the co-legislators adjusted certain agricultural thresholds for animal rearings: 350 LSU for pigs, 280 LSU for poultry (300 for laying hens) and 380 LSU for mixed farms. Extensive farms and animal farming for domestic use would be excluded from the scope of the directive. The new rules would be applied progressively, starting in 2030 with the largest farms. The agreement also brings mining activities into the scope of the directive, covering the extraction and treatment of non-energy ores produced on an industrial scale such as iron, copper, gold, nickel and platinum. Subject to a review and legislative proposal by the Commission, the scope may be extended to industrial minerals as well. Emissions limit values The agreement introduces the concept of environmental performance limit values (EPLVs), to be set by the competent authorities in the permit to authorise the establishment and operating of installations. The Council and Parliament agreed to make EPLV ranges binding for all energy resources, except for water, for which competent authorities must set binding targets. EPLVs will be indicative for emerging techniques. Establishment of e-permits The existing directive requires member states to set out binding rules to establish a registration mechanism that enables industrial installations to apply for and obtain a permit, provided that they comply with certain requirements. The co-legislators agreed to make permitting more efficient and less burdensome by introducing an obligation for member states to establish an electronic permit system (e-permit) by 2035. Enforcement The text calls on member states to establish effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties for those who infringe the measures adopted to implement the directive. These penalties would have to take into account the severity and duration of the infringement, whether it was recurrent, and the people and environment it affected. They must include administrative fines and, for the most serious infringements, fines of at least 3% of the operator’s annual turnover in the EU. Under the new rules, member states would also have to ensure that people are entitled to claim compensation where damage to their health has occurred as a result of a violation of the national rules transposing the directive. The co-legislators introduced the flexibility needed for member states to adapt the provisions on penalties and compensation in cases of health damages to their national legal systems. Review clause The provisional agreement sets the date of 2028 (and every five years thereafter) for the Commission to review and assess the implementation of the directive. This assessment must take into account emerging techniques and the need for further pollution prevention measures or EU-wide minimum emission limit requirements. By 2026, the Commission must assess how to best address the emissions generated from cattle farming and from agricultural products placed in the EU market. Industrial emissions portal The co-legislators also agreed to a proposal establishing a new portal for information on industrial emissions replacing the existing E-PRTR regulation. The portal would enhance public access to information related to industrial emissions and facilitate public participation in environmental decision-making. It would include data on the use of water, energy and key raw materials by the relevant installations for monitoring progress towards a circular, resource-efficient economy. The Council and the Parliament introduced a general review clause to assess activities and pollutants covered by the regulation, as well as the applicable thresholds in Annex I (concerning the activities that require reporting above set thresholds) and II (concerning the pollutants that need to be reported above set thresholds). The co-legislators added dicofol and two types of PFAS — perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts and perfluorohexane-1-sulfonic acid (PFOS) — to the substances listed in Annex II. By 2026, the Commission must issue a review of Annex II and provide guidance on the measurement methodology for these substances. The provisional agreement also includes provisions to align the regulation with the IED and the Kyiv Protocol on pollutant release and transfer registers. The co-legislators agreed on the entry into force of the regulation in 2028, to give member states enough time to adapt to the new rules.

Press material Tuesday 28 November 2023

● Council of the EU   28/11/2023 14:51 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council greenlights further funding for training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces under EUMAM Ukraine   The Council today decided to provide additional funding for training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces under the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). Such support will be granted through the European Peace Facility (EPF) and take the form of necessary lethal and non-lethal equipment and supplies, as well as services to back the training activities. The financial amount is increased by €194 million totalling €255 million. The objective of today’s decision is to continue supporting the capacity building of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by EUMAM, based on Ukrainian needs and taking into account the increasing scope and complexity of the training curriculum. This support will continue facilitating large-scale training of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel and enable EU member states to provide required training equipment and supplies. To date, more than 34 000 soldiers have been trained by EUMAM Ukraine since the launch of the mission. Background The European Peace Facility is an off-budget instrument aimed at enhancing the EU's ability to prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security. It enables the financing of operational actions with military or defence implications under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). On 17 October 2022, the Council adopted a decision establishing EUMAM Ukraine with an initial duration of two years. The mission is a direct response to Ukraine’s request for support addressed to the High Representative and provides individual, collective and specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, along with coordination and synchronisation of member states’ activities delivering training. In a letter dated 23 August 2023, the Ukrainian authorities acknowledged the important contribution provided by EUMAM Ukraine and requested an extension of EUMAM Ukraine training to the National Guard, the State Border Service, the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine, for those units under the operational control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukraine: EU launches Military Assistance Mission (press release, 15 November 2022) European Union Assistance Mission Ukraine (EUMAM) European Peace Facility (background information) EU Solidarity with Ukraine (background information)

Meetings Tuesday 28 November 2023

● Council of the EU   28/11/2023 13:59 | MEETING | Main results - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy), 27-28 November 2023   On the second day of the EPSCO Council, the focus was on social investment and EU fiscal rules. Employment and social policy ministers also approved conclusions on digitalisation in social security coordination.

Meetings Tuesday 28 November 2023

● Council of the EU   28/11/2023 13:59 | MEETING | Agenda highlights - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications), 5 December 2023   The Council is expected to agree a general approach on the regulation on measures to reduce the cost of deploying gigabit electronic communications networks (gigabit infrastructure act) and take note of a progress report on the cyber solidarity act (CSoA) laying down measures to strengthen solidarity and capacities in the EU to detect, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents. Ministers will also hold a policy debate on technological leadership and competitiveness, and discuss the state of play on a number of current legislative files in the field of telecommunications.

Press material Tuesday 28 November 2023

● Council of the EU   28/11/2023 11:36 | Media advisory | Press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council (Cohesion) of 30 November 2023   The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council (Cohesion) will take place on Wednesday, 29 November 2023 at 13.00. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building press room. To attend the event remotely, please use this link to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for the previous press events of General Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Wednesday, 29 November 2023 at 12.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants after the deadline.

Press material Tuesday 28 November 2023

● Council of the EU   28/11/2023 01:53 | Press release | Internal markets in renewable and natural gases and in hydrogen: Council and Parliament reach deal   The Council and the Parliament today reached a provisional political agreement on the directive to establish common rules for the internal markets in renewable and natural gases and in hydrogen. The directive seeks to facilitate the penetration of renewable and low-carbon gases into the energy system, enabling a shift from natural gas, with a view to reaching the EU’s goal of climate neutrality in 2050. "This agreement is a great achievement as it will boost the deployment of the emerging hydrogen sector, the transition of the gas sector towards renewable energy and it also sets rules for consumer protection and strengthens security of supply. This is undoubtedly a big step closer to the EU’s goal of reaching climate neutrality in 2050, which we should all be proud of." Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, third vice-president of the Spanish government and minister for the ecological transition and the demographic challenge The directive is part of the hydrogen and gas markets decarbonisation package, which also includes a regulation. Both the directive and the regulation are part of the Fit for 55 package, and they aim to create a regulatory framework for dedicated hydrogen infrastructure and markets and integrated network planning. They also set rules for consumer protection and strengthen security of supply. The remaining part of the gas package will be agreed by the Council and the Parliament at a later stage. Amendments to the directive agreed by Council and Parliament The Council and the Parliament agreed on the split between Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) for hydrogen. As for the protection of vulnerable groups, member states must ensure that the right to switch supplier or market participant is granted to customers in a non-discriminatory manner in terms of cost, effort and time. The provisional agreement provides arrangements on how disconnections could take place, in order to protect customers from the future decommissioning of the gas network or its repurposing to hydrogen. Appropriate organisations need to be consulted, the customer needs to be informed in advance, and the specific needs of vulnerable customers will be taken into account. Member states have the power to decide how to protect vulnerable customers from disconnections and to decide on how best to support them. Finally, the provisional agreement provides for increased coordination between network development plans for hydrogen, electricity and natural gas. Network development plans will be built on sector integration, the ‘energy efficiency first’ principle and prioritising the use of hydrogen in hard-to-decarbonise sectors.

Press material Monday 27 November 2023

● Council of the EU   27/11/2023 18:24 | Press release | European disability card: travelling across the EU to become easier for persons with disabilities   Today, the Council agreed its negotiating stance – general approach – on the directive establishing the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities. "Today, we reached an agreement among EU member states on the new European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities. Special conditions and preferential treatment applying to persons with disabilities in their country of residence will be available to other Union citizens with disabilities travelling to or visiting that country for a short period. Travelling around the European Union is an incredibly enriching experience, and it should be easy and accessible for any EU citizen, without exceptions." Pablo Bustinduy, Spanish Minister for Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda

Meetings Monday 27 November 2023

● Council of the EU   27/11/2023 18:17 | MEETING | Main results - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy), 27-28 November 2023   Employment and social policy ministers met in Brussels to reach a general approach on the directive on the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities. Under the umbrella of 2024 European Semester, they held a policy debate on green collective bargaining. They also approved conclusions on democracy at work and on transition of care systems, and they discussed anti-racism.

Meetings Monday 27 November 2023

● Council of the EU   27/11/2023 15:58 | MEETING | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 27 November 2023   Ministers discussed the state of play of the preparations for the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, which is scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 February 2024 in Abu Dhabi. The Presidency informed ministers of the timeline for the adoption and signature of the interim trade agreement with Chile. Ministers also discussed the state of play in EU-US trade relations. On the basis of a Commission report, ministers were also briefed about the implementation and enforcement of the EU's trade policy. Over a working lunch, ministers touched upon the state of play of ongoing trade negotiations and the agreements already negotiated and still pending.

Meetings Monday 27 November 2023

● Council of the EU   27/11/2023 15:05 | MEETING | Agenda highlights - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health), 30 November 2023   EU ministers for health will meet in Brussels to discuss open strategic autonomy from a health perspective and will aim to approve conclusions on mental health. The Spanish presidency will also update ministers on ongoing legislative files and their state of play, such as the regulation on EMA fees, the European Health Data Space regulation, the regulation on substances of human origin and the pharmaceutical package.

Press material Monday 27 November 2023

● Council of the EU   27/11/2023 14:49 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts an assistance measure to support the Somali National Army in conjunction with the EU Training Mission in Somalia   The Council today adopted an assistance measure worth €1 million, under the European Peace Facility, to support the Somali National Army with military equipment designed to deliver lethal force. "With the adoption of today’s additional support, the Somali National Army (SNA) will be better equipped and trained. The EU is determined to help the SNA to assume full responsibility over security operations in Somalia. Our joint interest remains security and stability in the country." Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy The assistance measure will strengthen the capacity of the Somali National Army to be trained at the General Dhagabadan Training Centre, with a view to restore safety and security in the country and protect the civilian population. Through this assistance measure, the EU will provide ammunition that will be used solely for training Somali National Army personnel in conjunction with EU Training Mission in Somalia and in full respect of relevant international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law. This capacity-building support through the EU Training Mission in Somalia is coupled and synchronised with the €69 million of equipment and supplies delivered to the Somali National Army since 2019, and remains essential for Somalia to be in better control of its security. Background The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in military and defence areas, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organisations as regards military and defence matters. European Peace Facility (background information) EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)