COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Informal meeting of Trade Ministers: agenda highlights 19/01/2024 | Article Informal meeting of Trade Ministers: agenda highlights The informal meeting of Trade Ministers is largely dominated by preparations for the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, to be held on 26-29 February in Abu Dhabi. In addition, topics such as open strategic Autonomy and the ongoing trade cases in the European Parliament will also be discussed.

Meetings Monday 22 January 2024

● Council of the EU   22/01/2024 21:55 | MEETING | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 22 January 2024   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, and

Press material Monday 22 January 2024

● Council of the EU   22/01/2024 19:09 | Press release | Fertilisers’ labelling: Council and Parliament strike provisional deal to make fertilisers’ labelling, clearer, simpler and more digital   The Council and the European Parliament reached today a provisional deal on the regulation for digital labelling of fertilising products. This proposal, which amends the currently applicable legislation, aims to introduce the possibility to opt for digital label on EU fertilising products, to improve the readability of labels, leading to a more efficient use of fertilising products, and to simplify the labelling obligations for suppliers while reducing costs for the industry. The provisional agreement reached today encourages the wider use of digital labelling while including measures to provide physical labels when they are most needed.The agreement also specifies that digital labels will be available for a period of 10 years from the moment that the product is placed on the market. "This regulation reinforces the digitalisation of the fertilisers’ sector and at the same time it makes sure that farmers and other costumers - including those with limited digital skills - get clear, readable and consumer-friendly information when they purchase the products they need." David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Self-Employed, SMEs and Agriculture, Institutional Reforms and Democratic Renewal Commission proposal The revision of this legislation proposes allowing suppliers of fertilising products to communicate labelling information in a physical format, a digital format, or a combination of the two. The Commission’s text proposes that a digital-only format will be allowed when the EU fertilising products are sold without packaging or when the products are sold to economic operators who are not end-users of the products. Farmers and other consumers of fertilising products sold in packaging would continue to benefit from both digital and physical labels for the most important information (i.e. health and environmental protection, agronomic efficiency or contents). The Commission’s proposal prescribes the content and the technological requirements for digital labels. The economic operators would have to ensure that the digital label will be searchable, accessible, free of charge and capable of meeting the needs of vulnerable groups. Main elements of the agreement The provisional agreement reached today by the two co-legislators, promotes the wider use of digital labelling to reduce the costs, bureaucracy, and environmental footprint of producers, but ensures that consumers, including vulnerable groups or people with limited digital competences, have all the information they need through physical means. Today’s provisional agreement allows the use of digital labels for products sold without packaging (in bulk), provided that the information of the label is also displayed in physical format in a visible place at the point of sale. The co-legislators have decided to enlarge the availability of digital labels to a duration of 10 years from the moment that the product is placed on the market. Finally, the provisional agreement brings back to the physical label a certain set of information about the agronomic efficiency of the fertilizing products that are described in Annex III of the regulation. The Commission would be empowered to update the general digital labelling requirements through delegated acts in the future. Next steps The provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament now needs to be endorsed and formally adopted by both institutions. Background Digital labels are QR or a bar codes that redirects the user to a web page where the information of the label is stored. Digital solutions reduce substantially the cost of labelling and at the same time makes it easy to update its content. Furthermore, the quantity and quality of the information that can be stored in a digital label is much higher compared with a physical label, whose readability can prove difficult, especially small packages. However, the level of digital literacy varies among social groups and ages, and some vulnerable groups may have difficulties to understand the functioning of digital labels or smart devices. In the EU, digital labelling is already used for some products containing chemicals, for instance batteries, and rules for digital labelling are under consideration for other products (i.e. detergents, cosmetics and other chemicals). The simplification of labelling obligations is expected to reduce annual costs by, on average, €57 000 for a large company and €4 500 for an SME. Up until now, regulation (EU) 2019/1009 has governed the requirements for the labelling of fertilisers. The Commission’s proposal, published on 27 February 2023, aims to improve the readability of labels, introducing the possibility to provide labelling information in a digital format. Negotiating mandate Commission proposal Chemicals (background information)

Press material Monday 22 January 2024

● Council of the EU   22/01/2024 15:15 | Press release | Syria: Council adds six persons and five entities to EU sanctions list   The Council today approved additional restrictive measures against 6 persons and 5 entities, in view of the gravity of the ongoing situation in Syria. The new listings include an economic advisor to Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, three leading businesspersons providing support to, and benefitting from, the Syrian regime and two persons connected to the Assad family. Five companies supporting, and benefiting from, the Syrian regime - Al-Dj Group, Cham Wings, Freebird Travel Agency, Iloma Investment Private JSC and Al-Aqila company - will also be subjected to restrictive measures. Some of these entities are engaged in the transfer of Syrian mercenaries, arms trade, narcotics trafficking or money laundering, which support the activities of the Syrian Regime. Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze. The provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is also prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed. Syria continues to be a high priority for the EU. The Council remains deeply concerned about the situation in Syria. After more than a decade, the conflict is far from over and remains a source of suffering and instability for the Syrian people and the region. The Council also notes that the Syrian regime continues to pursue its policy of repression. It is therefore necessary to maintain and ensure the effectiveness of the restrictive measures in place by further developing them. The EU reiterates that the only path to sustainable peace for Syria is a political solution in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. Background Sanctions on Syria were first introduced in 2011 in response to the violent repression of the civilian population by the Assad regime. EU sanctions in place regarding Syria target the Assad regime and its supporters, as well as sectors of the economy from which the regime makes profit. EU sanctions in place regarding Syria are not meant to impede the provision humanitarian assistance to any part of the country. EU Sanctions do not prohibit the export of food, medicines or medical equipment by the EU to Syria, and they do not target Syria’s healthcare system. The sanctions regime includes a wide range of humanitarian exceptions to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to any part of the country. Following the tragic earthquake of 6 February 2023, the already existing humanitarian exceptions were strengthened to further facilitate the speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian population. The EU and its member states have mobilised over EUR 30 billion since 2011, remaining the largest provider of international aid and delivering humanitarian, stabilisation and resilience assistance inside Syria and in neighbouring countries. Since 2017, the EU hosts yearly the Conference on Supporting the future of Syria and the Region to keep Syria high on the international political agenda, to raise pledges for assistance to those in need and to dialogue with the Syrian civil society. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/362 of 22 January 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2024/380 of 22 January 2024 implementing Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria Syria: EU response to the crisis (background information) Timeline: EU response to the Syrian crisis (background information)

Press material Monday 22 January 2024

● Council of the EU   22/01/2024 12:39 | Press release | Sudan: Council adds six entities to EU sanctions list   The Council today adopted restrictive measures against six entities, in view of the gravity of the situation in Sudan, where fighting is ongoing between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their respective affiliated militias. The new listings – the first within the Sudan regime - include six entities responsible for supporting activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan. Among the entities listed are two companies involved in the manufacture of weapons and vehicles for the SAF (Defense Industries System and SMT Engineering); the SAF-controlled Zadna International Company for Investment Limited and three companies involved in procuring military equipment for the RSF (Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd, Tradive General Trading and GSK Advance Company Ltd). The entities listed are subject to asset freezes. The provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is prohibited. On 27 November 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the EU, reiterating its strong condemnation of the continuous fighting between the SAF and the RSF and their respective affiliated militias. In this statement, he also deplored the dramatic escalation of violence and the irreparable cost to human life in Darfur and throughout the country, as well as violations of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law. The EU remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sudan and reaffirms its steadfast support for, and solidarity with, the Sudanese people. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background On 9 October 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/384 of 22 January 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2147 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/383 of 22 January 2024 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan Sudan: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the latest situation (press release, 27 November 2023) Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Sudan

Press material Monday 22 January 2024

● Council of the EU   22/01/2024 12:30 | Press release | United Nations Human Rights Fora: Council approves EU priorities   The Council today approved conclusions on the priorities of the European Union in United Nations Human Rights fora in 2024. In its Conclusions, the Council reaffirms the EU's commitment to human rights, multilateralism and the international criminal justice system in the current fraught international environment marked by armed conflict, authoritarianism, disinformation and a pushback against gender equality. In the year of the Summit of the Future, the Council reaffirms the EU's commitment to effective multilateralism and strengthening of the United Nations human rights system, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), calling on all states to respect and fully cooperate with the OHCHR. The Council emphasises the EU’s readiness to continue monitoring the human rights situation globally and denouncing human rights violations and abuses wherever they occur, and to take up a number of initiatives in international fora. The EU will support independent investigations into violations and abuses of human rights, in order to hold perpetrators accountable. Regarding thematic priorities, the conclusions highlight the EU's continued strong opposition to the death penalty in all cases and circumstances and its condemnation of the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The EU will continue to call for all countries to abolish the death penalty, continue to promote the Global Alliance for Torture-Free-Trade and consider further steps to ban trade in goods used for capital punishment and torture. Furthermore, the EU calls on all countries to ensure proper functioning of democratic institutions, fight corruption and uphold freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression and opinion. Importantly, the conclusions highlight the EU's determination to continue to vigorously promote and scale up efforts towards gender equality, combat all forms of discrimination and strive to eliminate racism, building on the EU Anti-racism action plan 2020-2025. The Council emphasises that the EU will continue to take a leading role in human rights initiatives and stress human rights issues in interactive dialogues and general debates and invites all partners to join efforts to uphold and advance human rights globally and to build stronger partnerships. The EU will continue working on strengthening respect for, and the protection and fulfilment of, human rights and will continue to cooperate with all regions of the world, organisations and relevant stakeholders in order to fulfil these goals. Council conclusions on EU priorities at UN human rights fora are approved on a yearly basis. Council Conclusions on EU Priorities in UN Human Rights Fora in 2024 Council conclusions on EU priorities in UN human rights fora 2023 (press release, 20 February 2023) Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (background information)

Press material Monday 22 January 2024

● Council of the EU   22/01/2024 11:23 | Media advisory | Media advisory - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23 January 2024   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Chair: David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Self-Employed, SMEs and Agriculture, Institutional Reforms and Democratic Renewal From 08.30 Arrivals and doorsteps (live streaming) 08.45 Doorstep by Minister Clarinval (live streaming) 10.00 Beginning of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting Adoption of the agenda Approval of 'A' items Non-legislative list Legislative activities (+/- 10.10 public session) +/- 10.15 Presidency work programme (public session) +/- 10.35 Trade Any other business: - sanctions on Russian-imported agricultural products - autonomous trade measures (ATMs regulation) +/- 12.20 Any other business: - implementation of the area monitoring system (public session) +/- 14.30 Strategic dialogue (public session) +/- 16.05 Forest monitoring (public session) +/- 17.35 Any other business: - habitats directive and large carnivore populations (+/- 17.35 public session) - water resilience initiative (+/- 18.05 public session) - RENURE fertilisers (+/- 18.35 public session) - the CAP's role in safeguarding high-quality food production (+/- 19.10 public session) At the end of the meeting (+/- 19.50) - press conference in live streaming. Arrangements for the press conference The press conference 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 Justus Lipsius 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 the Agriculture and Fisheries Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 23 January 2024 at 18.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Videos and photos from the event