COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

Meetings Tuesday, 28 May 2024

● Council of the EU   28/05/2024 13:24 | Meetings | Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 30 May 2024   Background brief - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 30 May 2024

 

Υλικό για τον Τύπο Δευτέρα, 27 Μαΐου 2024

● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   27/05/2024 10:38 | Δελτίο τύπου | Νέοι κανόνες του Συμβουλίου για τις ουσίες ανθρώπινης προέλευσης   Το Συμβούλιο ενέκρινε νέους κανόνες, στόχος των οποίων είναι να βελτιωθεί η ασφάλεια και η ποιότητα του αίματος, των ιστών και των κυττάρων που χρησιμοποιούνται στον τομέα της υγειονομικής περίθαλψης και να διευκολυνθεί η διασυνοριακή κυκλοφορία αυτών των ουσιών στην ΕΕ. Ο κανονισμός για τις ουσίες ανθρώπινης προέλευσης (ΟΑΠ) θα εξασφαλίσει καλύτερη προστασία για τους δότες και τους λήπτες, καθώς και για τα παιδιά που γεννιούνται με ιατρικά υποβοηθούμενη αναπαραγωγή. Με τους νέους κανόνες επιδιώκεται να ενισχυθεί το υφιστάμενο νομικό πλαίσιο και παράλληλα να αυξηθεί η ευελιξία του, ώστε να συμβαδίζει με τις επιστημονικές και τεχνικές εξελίξεις. Βάσει του νέου κανονισμού, τα κράτη μέλη μπορούν να επιλέξουν να εφαρμόζουν αυστηρότερα μέτρα για την προστασία των πολιτών τους. Ουσίες ανθρώπινης προέλευσης: κάτι παραπάνω από αίμα, ιστοί και κύτταρα Το κείμενο που εγκρίθηκε σήμερα διευρύνει το πεδίο των ΟΑΠ, ώστε να περιλαμβάνεται το ανθρώπινο μητρικό γάλα και το εντερικό μικροβίωμα. Στόχος του είναι επίσης να θωρακιστεί η νομοθεσία της ΕΕ έναντι μελλοντικών προκλήσεων, καλύπτοντας και άλλες ΟΑΠ που ενδέχεται να χρησιμοποιηθούν μελλοντικά στον άνθρωπο και επιτρέποντας πιο ευέλικτες επικαιροποιήσεις στο μέλλον. Ο κανονισμός καλύπτει ευρύ φάσμα δραστηριοτήτων, από την καταχώριση και τον έλεγχο των δοτών, τη συλλογή και την επεξεργασία έως τη χρήση στον άνθρωπο και την παρακολούθηση των κλινικών αποτελεσμάτων ουσιών ανθρώπινης προέλευσης. Ένα κοινό πλαίσιο της ΕΕ Εκτός από τη βελτίωση της ποιότητας και της ασφάλειας, η προσωρινή συμφωνία αποσκοπεί στην περαιτέρω εναρμόνιση και στη διευκόλυνση των διασυνοριακών ανταλλαγών και της πρόσβασης σε ΟΑΠ, μεταξύ άλλων με τους ακόλουθους τρόπους: σύσταση συντονιστικού συμβουλίου ΟΑΠ σε επίπεδο ΕΕ για την υποστήριξη των κρατών μελών στην εφαρμογή του κανονισμού θέσπιση κοινών διαδικασιών σε επίπεδο ΕΕ για την έγκριση και την αξιολόγηση σκευασμάτων ΟΑΠ απαίτηση από τα κράτη μέλη να ορίσουν εθνική αρχή ΟΑΠ και άλλες αρμόδιες αρχές για την έγκριση σκευασμάτων ΟΑΠ και τη διασφάλιση ανεξάρτητης και διαφανούς εποπτείας των δραστηριοτήτων που αφορούν τις ΟΑΠ καθορισμός πρόσθετων απαιτήσεων αδειοδότησης και επιθεώρησης για τα κέντρα που επεξεργάζονται και αποθηκεύουν, αποδεσμεύουν, εισάγουν ή εξάγουν ουσίες ανθρώπινης προέλευσης δημιουργία νέας κοινής πλατφόρμας ΤΠ, της πλατφόρμας ΟΑΠ της ΕΕ, για την καταχώριση και την ανταλλαγή πληροφοριών σχετικά με συναφείς δραστηριότητες Εθελοντική και μη αμειβόμενη δωρεά Βάσει του νέου κανονισμού, οι δωρεές ΟΑΠ θα πρέπει κατ’ αρχήν να είναι εθελοντικές και μη αμειβόμενες, και δεν πρέπει να παρέχονται οικονομικά κίνητρα στους δότες προκειμένου να προβούν σε δωρεά. Οι ζώντες δότες μπορούν να λαμβάνουν αποζημίωση ή επιστροφή εξόδων, κατά περίπτωση, σύμφωνα με την εθνική νομοθεσία. Επαγρύπνηση, αδιάλειπτος εφοδιασμός και εθνικά σχέδια για την αντιμετώπιση καταστάσεων έκτακτης ανάγκης Στον κανονισμό προβλέπεται επίσης σύστημα έγκαιρων προειδοποιήσεων για την αντιμετώπιση σοβαρών συμβάντων ή αντιδράσεων που είναι πιθανόν να θέσουν σε κίνδυνο λήπτες ή δότες. Τα κράτη μέλη θα πρέπει επίσης να καταβάλουν εύλογες προσπάθειες για να διασφαλίσουν την επαρκή, κατάλληλη και ανθεκτική προσφορά ΟΑΠ κρίσιμης σημασίας στις χώρες τους, μεταξύ άλλων με την κατάρτιση εθνικών σχεδίων έκτακτης ανάγκης, συμπεριλαμβανομένων μέτρων για την αντιμετώπιση κρίσιμων ελλείψεων. Επόμενα βήματα Ο κανονισμός θα υπογραφεί τώρα από το Συμβούλιο και το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο. Στη συνέχεια θα τεθεί σε ισχύ, μετά τη δημοσίευσή του στην Επίσημη Εφημερίδα της ΕΕ. Γενικές πληροφορίες Οι υφιστάμενες οδηγίες για το αίμα, τους ιστούς και τα κύτταρα εκδόθηκαν ως απάντηση στη μετάδοση λοιμωδών νοσημάτων τις δεκαετίες του 1980 και του 1990. Όπως φάνηκε από την πρόσφατη αξιολόγησή τους, οι ασθενείς, οι δότες και τα παιδιά που γεννήθηκαν από δωρεά ωαρίων, σπέρματος ή εμβρύων δεν προστατεύονται πλήρως από κινδύνους που θα μπορούσαν να αποφευχθούν, καθώς το ισχύον πλαίσιο δεν συμβαδίζει με τις επιστημονικές εξελίξεις. Επιπλέον, τα κράτη μέλη εφαρμόζουν διαφορετικά συστήματα εποπτείας. Ως αποτέλεσμα, παρεμποδίζεται η διασυνοριακή ανταλλαγή αίματος, ιστών και κυττάρων και δεν προάγεται η καινοτομία στον εν λόγω τομέα. Στις 19 Ιουλίου 2022, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή υπέβαλε πρόταση κανονισμού σχετικά με τα πρότυπα ποιότητας και ασφάλειας για τις ουσίες ανθρώπινης προέλευσης που προορίζονται για χρήση στον άνθρωπο. Η πρόταση βασίζεται σε διδάγματα που αντλήθηκαν, μεταξύ άλλων, από την πρόσφατη πανδημία COVID-19. Με αυτήν αντιμετωπίζεται ο κίνδυνος μετάδοσης νόσων μέσω του αίματος, των ιστών και των κυττάρων και η ανάγκη επαρκούς προσφοράς. Το Συμβούλιο και το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο κατέληξαν σε προσωρινή συμφωνία επί του κανονισμού στις 14 Δεκεμβρίου 2023. Πολιτική της ΕΕ για την υγεία (γενικές πληροφορίες)

Meetings Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 20:35 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 27 May 2024   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, and was informed about Georgia under current affairs.

Meetings Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 18:33 | Meetings | Main results - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 27 May 2024   The Agriculture and Fisheries Council met on Monday 27 May 2024 in Brussels. Agriculture ministers discussed the current crisis situation in the agricultural sector. The Council also exchanged views on the market situation, in particular following the invasion of Ukraine.

Press material Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 15:13 | Press release | Russia: EU sets up new country-specifc framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights violations, and lists 20 persons   The Council today established a new framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia. The decision to establish this new sanctions’ regime is part of the EU’s response to the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia. The new regime was proposed by HRVP Borrell after the untimely death of the opposition politician Alexei Navalny in Siberian prison in February. The decision to establish this new sanctions’ regime is part of the EU’s response to the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia. The new regime was proposed by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, after the untimely death of the opposition politician Alexei Navalny in Siberian prison in February. Furthermore, the new sanctions regime introduces trade restrictions on exporting equipment, which might be used for internal repression, as well as on equipment, technology or software intended primarily for use in information security and the monitoring or interception of telecommunication. Alexei Navalny’s shocking death was another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression by the Kremlin regime. He, as with other political prisoners and victims, gave hope to democrats and civil society in Russia. We will spare no efforts to hold the Russian political leadership and authorities to account, including through this new sanctions’ regime, targeting those limiting the respect for and violating human rights in Russia. Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Today the Council also decided to list one entity and 19 natural persons under the new regime: -the Federal Penitentiary Service of the Russian Federation, which is the central authority managing the Russian prison system, known for its widespread and systematic abuses against, and ill-treatment of, political prisoners in Russia. As a federal agency, FSIN is responsible for the penal colonies where Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny was held on politically motivated charges and ultimately died on 16 February 2024, and -several judges, prosecutors and members of the judiciary, who played a key role in the imprisonment and ultimate death of Alexei Navalny, as well as the sentencing on politically motivated charges of Oleg Orlov, one of the most respected and longest-serving human rights defender in Russia, one of the leaders of 2022 Nobel Peace Prize-winning organisation Memorial Human Rights Defence Center, and artist Alexandra Skochilenko. Those designated today are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The EU remains deeply concerned about the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Russia, especially in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and strongly condemns the severe expansion of restrictive legislation, the systematic and intensifying repression against civil society and human rights defenders, as well as the unabated crackdown on independent media, individual journalists and media workers, political opposition members and other critical voices active throughout the Russian Federation and outside the country. On 19 February 2024, the High Representative expressed, on behalf of the EU, outrage on the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and stated that the ultimate responsibility for this death lies with President Putin and the Russian authorities. The High Representative urged Russia to allow an independent and transparent international investigation into circumstances of Mr. Navalny’s death, and asserted that it is yet another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia. In its conclusions of 22 March 2024 the European Council called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Russia and an end to the persecution of the political opposition. Furthermore, it called for work to be taken forward in the Council to establish a new sanctions regime in view of the situation in Russia. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Council Implementing regulation (EU) 2024/1488 of 27 May 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1485 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia (including the list of sanctioned individuals and entity) Council regulation (EU) 2024/1485 of 27 May 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia European Council conclusions 21 and 22 March, 2024 Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the death of Alexei Navalny (19 February 2024) Timeline - EU sanctions against Russia (background information) EU response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine (background Information)

Press material Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 14:51 | Press release | EUMPM Niger: Council decides not to extend the mandate of the mission   The Council today decided to not extend the European Union military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM) beyond 30 June 2024, in view of the grave current political situation in the country. The mission was established in December 2022 at the request of the former Nigerien authorities to enhance the ability of the Niger Armed Forces to contain the terrorist threat, protect the population in the country and ensure a safe and secure environment in compliance with human rights law and international humanitarian law. The agreed initial duration was of three years; On 26 July 2023, a military coup attempted to oust democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Two days after, General Tchiani, chief of the Presidential guard, proclaimed himself President of the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP). The EU immediately condemned the coup in the strongest terms, and in October 2023 it created a framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in Niger to be able to target those who undermine the stability, democracy, rule of law in the country, and constitute a threat to peace and security in the region. On 4 December 2023, Niger junta announced that it would terminate the agreement establishing the legal basis for the deployment of the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission and the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger). On 5 December, the High Representative expressed his regret over such decision. By letter dated 21 December 2023, the Mission Commander, Lieutenant-General Michiel van der Laan, notified the Council that the EU personnel of EUMPM Niger had been redeployed to Europe. On 23 April 2024, the Political and Security Committee agreed that EUMPM Niger should not be extended beyond 30 June 2024 Niger : Déclaration du Haut représentant Josep Borrell sur les derniers développements concernant EUCAP Sahel et EUMPM (5 December 2023) Niger: EU sets up an autonomous framework for restrictive measures (press release, 23 October 2023) Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the situation in Niger, 28 July 2023 Civilian and military missions and operations (background information) EU Delegation to Niger (EEAS)

Press material Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 14:40 | Press release | Information manipulation in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists two individuals and one entity   Today the Council decided to impose restrictive measures against two individuals and one entity responsible for conducting propaganda actions targeted at civil society in the EU and its neighbouring countries, gravely distorting and manipulating facts in order to justify and support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The propaganda has repeatedly and consistently targeted European political parties, especially during election periods, as well as targeting civil society, asylum seekers, Russian ethnic minorities, gender minorities, and the functioning of democratic institutions in the EU and its member states. In particular, the Council imposed restrictive measures on "Voice of Europe", an online media outlet which has engaged in a systematic, international campaign of media manipulation and distortion of facts to destabilise Ukraine, the EU and its member states. Furthermore, Voice of Europe runs a website - with accounts promoting it on social media such as Facebook, YouTube, Telegram and X - actively spreading disinformation related to Ukraine and promoting pro-Kremlin false narratives about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Voice of Europe has been used as a vehicle for funneling of financial resources designated for remuneration of propagandists, and for building a network influencing representatives of political parties in Europe. Today’s listings also include two persons closely associated with Voice of Europe: - Artem Marchevskyi, who played a key role in the acquisition of a media brand “Voice of Europe”. As a concealed head of Voice of Europe, he has played an instrumental role in disseminating concerted disinformation and biased narratives aimed at undermining credibility and public image of Ukraine and its efforts to defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression; and - Viktor Medvedchuk, who has promoted policies and actions intended to erode credibility and legitimacy of the Government of Ukraine. Medvedchuk has close personal ties to Vladimir Putin and is associated with his regime, and through his associates, including Artem Marchevskyi, he controlled Ukrainian media outlets and used them to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda in Ukraine and beyond. Altogether, EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to over 2100 individuals and entities altogether. Those designated today are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. In its conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression. It also called for further steps to weaken Russia’s ability to continue waging its war of aggression, including by strengthening the sanctions. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Council Decision 2024/1508/CFSP of 27 May 2024 amending decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (consolidated version of 13 April 2024) European Council conclusions 21 and 22 March, 2024 EU sanctions in response to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine (background information) EU Sanctions against Russia explained (background information)

Press material Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 12:25 | Press release | Fight against human trafficking: Council strengthens rules   The Council adopted today a directive that adds the exploitation of surrogacy, of forced marriage and of illegal adoption as forms of exploitation covered by the EU’s anti-trafficking law. The modification reflects the gravity, as well as the prevalence and the relevance of these forms of exploitation. Knowingly using the service provided by a trafficking victim will now become a criminal offence that is punishable by effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties. The new law also strengthens prevention measures as well as the support for and assistance to victims. The addition of forced marriage, illegal adoption and the exploitation of surrogacy to the EU’s anti-trafficking law was much needed. These awful crimes of human trafficking have to be tackled with the full force of our criminal code. Paul Van Tigchelt, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and the North Sea As is the case in the current directive, the new types of exploitation will be punishable by a maximum penalty of at least five years of imprisonment, or of at least ten years of imprisonment in case of aggravated offences. The agreement includes a new aggravating circumstance to take into account the amplifying effects of the dissemination of exploitative material, such as the dissemination of visual content of sexual nature involving the victim, through information and communication technologies (ICT). Legal persons, such as companies, will also face more severe sanctions, that is the exclusion from access to public funding and the withdrawal of permits and authorisations to pursue activities which have resulted in committing the offence. Next steps The text will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states will have up to two years to transpose the amended directive into national law. Background The first ever EU law on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting the victims of this crime was adopted in 2011. In December 2022 the Commission published a proposal to update the law. The European Parliament’s rapporteurs for this file were Malin Björk (GUE/NGL – SE) and Eugenia Rodríguez Palop (GUE/NGL - ES); the provisional agreement was reached on the 23rd of January 2024.  Fight against human trafficking: Council and European Parliament strike deal to strengthen rules (press release, 23 January 2024) The EU’s fight against organised crime (background information)

Press material Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 11:37 | Press release | Fit for 55: Council gives final green light to cut methane emissions in the energy sector   The Council today adopted a regulation on tracking and reducing methane emissions. It is part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package. The regulation introduces new requirements on measuring, reporting and verifying methane emissions in the energy sector. Mitigation measures, such as detecting and repairing methane leaks and limiting venting and flaring, will aim to avoid methane emissions. Global monitoring tools will ensure transparency on methane emissions from imports of oil, gas and coal into the EU. Methane, a short-lived climate pollutant up to 30 times more potent than CO2, is the second most important greenhouse gas. To meet the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, we must cut methane emissions in the oil, gas, and coal sectors. This legislation ensures proper monitoring and addressing of emissions across these value chains. Tinne Van der Straeten, Belgian Minister for Energy Stricter rules on monitoring and reporting Operators will have to measure methane emissions at source level and draw up monitoring reports that will be checked by independent accredited verifiers. Member states will maintain and regularly update an inventory of all wells, as well as mitigation plans for inactive wells, in order to prevent any public health and environmental risks from methane emissions. They will also measure and monitor emissions from coalmines which have been closed or abandoned for less than 70 years, since methane continues to be released even when production is halted. National authorities will carry out periodic inspections to check and ensure operators' compliance with the requirements of the regulation, including the taking of follow-up remedial measures. Prevention and mitigation measures Under the new rules, operators will have to detect and repair methane leaks. Operators will need to carry out surveys of methane leaks in different types of infrastructures at set intervals. Operators will then need to repair or replace all components above certain methane leak levels immediately after detection, and no later than five days thereafter. The set deadline for a full repair under the new rules is 30 days. In addition, the regulation bans venting and flaring methane from drainage stations by 2025 and from ventilation shafts by 2027, unless it is strictly necessary or the event of an emergency or malfunction. Methane emissions outside the EU Methane emissions from the EU’s energy imports will also be traced. The new rules will introduce global monitoring tools to increase the transparency of methane emissions from imports of oil, gas and coal into the EU. Next steps The regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The Commission will review the application of the regulation in 2028, including the level of emissions reduction achieved. Background The Commission (under Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson) presented the proposal for a regulation on methane emissions reduction in the energy sector in December 2021. It follows on from the strategic vision set out in the EU methane strategy in 2020 and is part of the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package, which aims to achieve climate neutrality in the EU by 2050. Methane emissions regulation Voting results Climate action: Council and Parliament reach deal on new rules to cut methane emissions in the energy sector (press release, 15 November 2023) EU Methane Strategy Global Methane Pledge Fit for 55 (background information) Timeline - European Green Deal and Fit for 55 (background information)

Press material Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 11:10 | Press release | Industrial policy: Council gives final approval to the net-zero industry act   The Council has today adopted a regulation on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe's net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem, better known as the 'net-zero industry act'. This is the last step in the decision-making process. The regulation aims to boost the industrial deployment of net-zero technologies that are needed to achieve the EU's climate goals, using the strength of the single market to reinforce Europe’s position as a leader in industrial green technologies. The net-zero industry act is one of the foundation stones of a new industrial policy. This legal act will help Europe to lead the global race for green technologies and make sure that our contribution to the fight against climate change also reduces our dependencies, reinforces our strategic autonomy and helps us to create growth and jobs in Europe. Jo Brouns, Minister of Flanders for Economy, Innovation, Work, Social Economy and Agriculture Boosting green technologies The net-zero industry act will create favourable conditions for investment in green technologies by: simplifying the permit-granting process for strategic projects facilitating market access for strategic technology products (in particular in public procurement or the auctioning of renewable energies) enhancing the skills of the European workforce in these sectors (i.e. with net-zero industry academies and high-concentration industrial areas or 'valleys') creating a platform to coordinate EU action in this area To foster innovation, the legal act proposes to create favourable regulatory frameworks for developing, testing and validating innovative technologies (known as 'regulatory sandboxes'). Progress towards the objectives of the net-zero industry act will be measured by two indicative benchmarks. Firstly, manufacturing capacity of net-zero technologies, such as solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, batteries and heat pumps, reaching 40% of the EU’s deployment needs. Secondly, a specific target for an increased Union share for these technologies with a view to reaching 15 % of world production by 2040. In addition, the net-zero industry act sets up an annual injection capacity of at least 50 million tonnes of CO2 to be achieved by 2030 in geological storage sites located in the territory of the Union. Next steps Following the Council's approval today of the European Parliament's position, the legislative act has been adopted. After being signed by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the day of its publication. Background The net-zero industry act is one of the three key legislative initiatives of the green deal industrial plan - together with the critical raw materials act and the electricity market design reform - to enhance the competitiveness of Europe's net-zero industry and support a rapid transition to climate neutrality. The Commission tabled its proposal on 16 March 2023. The European Parliament adopted its position on 21 November 2023 and the Council its general approach on 7 December 2023. The Council and the Parliament reached a provisional agreement on 6 February 2024, which was voted on in a plenary session in the European Parliament on 25 April 2024. Outcome of the European Parliament first reading General approach Commission’s proposal EU industrial policy (background information) European Green Deal (background information)

Press material Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 11:09 | Press release | Green transition: Council gives its final approval to the ecodesign regulation   The Council has today adopted the ecodesign regulation, which sets requirements for sustainable products. The regulation replaces the existing ecodesign directive and enlarges its scope, beyond energy products, to all kind of goods placed in the EU market. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. With the ecodesign regulation we create the right incentives for the industry to think circular from the very design conception of the products they plan to produce and sell in the EU. Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy and Employment Green requirements for sustainable products The regulation affects all kinds of products, with only a few exceptions (i.e. cars or defence and security related products). The new regulation introduces new requirements such as product durability, reusability, upgradability and reparability, rules on the presence of substances that inhibit circularity; energy and resource efficiency; recycled content, remanufacturing and recycling; carbon and environmental footprints; and information requirements, including a Digital Product Passport. The Commission will be empowered to set ecodesign requirements by delegated acts and the industry will have 18 months to comply with them. Ecodesign criteria will be applicable in public procurement to incentivise the public purchase of green products. The new regulation introduces a direct-ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear (SMEs will be temporarily excluded) and empowers the Commission to introduce similar bans for other products in the future. The ecodesign regulation will be aligned to the digital services act, when it comes to products sold online. Next steps Following the Council’s approval today, the legislative act has been adopted. After being signed by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the 20th day following that of its publication. It will apply from 24 months after the entry into force. Background The current Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC established energy efficiency requirements covering 31 product groups. According to the Commission’s calculations, this has saved EUR 120 billion in energy expenditure and led to a 10% lower annual energy consumption by the products covered within its scope. The new regulation was proposed by the Commission on 30th March 2022. The Council adopted its general approach on 23 May 2023, and reached a provisional agreement with the Parliament on 4 December 2023. Commission Proposal Council’s general approach/negotiating mandate Circular economy (background information)

Press material Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 09:47 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Councils (Energy) of 30 May 2024   The press briefing ahead of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) will take place on Tuesday, 28 May 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 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 28 May 2024, 12.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.

Press material Monday, 27 May 2024

● Council of the EU   27/05/2024 09:17 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) of 30 May 2024   The press briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) will take place on Tuesday, 28 May 2024 at 16.00. 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 Trade meetings do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 28 May 2024, 15.00.  Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.

Press material Tuesday, 28 May 2024

● Council of the EU   28/05/2024 11:07 | Press release | Syria: Council renews restrictive measures and extends humanitarian exemption for another year   The Council today extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters until 1 June 2025, in view of the gravity of the deteriorating situation in Syria. Following the review, the Council also decided to remove five deceased persons and one other individual from the list. The restrictive measures currently in place target a total of 316 persons and 86 entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The Council also decided to extend the application of the humanitarian exemption introduced in February 2023 in view of the gravity of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, exacerbated by the earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria. This decision will ensure a continued timely delivery of humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs, and increase consistency across the EU restrictive measures and those adopted at UN level. The Council remains deeply concerned about the situation in Syria. After more than 13 years, the conflict remains a source of suffering and instability for the Syrian people and the region. Against this background, the Council also recalls that the Syrian regime continues to pursue a policy of repression and violations of human rights. It is therefore appropriate and necessary to maintain the restrictive measures in place. The Council keeps developments in the Syrian conflict under constant review, and can decide to renew sanctions, and amend the list of targeted entities or persons based on developments on the ground. The European Union reiterates that the only path to sustainable peace for Syria is a political solution in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015). Background Sanctions on Syria were first introduced in 2011 in response to the violent repression of the civilian population by the Assad regime. The EU sanctions in place regarding Syria target the Assad regime and its supporters, as well as sectors of the economy from which the regime profits. EU sanctions in place regarding Syria are not meant to impede the provision of 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 €35 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 Brussels 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 Syrian civil society. This year’s edition took place just this Monday, reaffirming EU’s commitment to the Syrian people and Syria’s neighbours affected by the protracted crisis. Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1496 of 27 May 2024 amending Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1510 of 27 May 2024 amending Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria Council Decision 2013/255/CFSP of 31 May 2013 concerning restrictive measures against Syria (consolidated version of 22 January 2024) Syria: EU response to the crisis (background information) Syria: Council adds six persons and five entities to EU sanctions list (press release, 22 January 2024) Syria: Statement by the High Representative on the 13th anniversary of the beginning of the conflict (EEAS) Eighth Brussels Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region' (EEAS)