European Council

On 28 June 2017 the Maltese presidency and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a new directive intended to help protect workers from exposure to carcinogens or mutagens in the workplace.

By setting limits for carcinogens and mutagens this agreement helps tackling the primary cause of work-related deaths in the EU. The aim is to help save up to 100.000 lives over the next 50 years.

"With this agreement, we can better protect millions of EU workers from cancer-causing chemical substances in the work place. This is particularly important given that cancer is the first cause of work-related deaths in the EU."

Ms Helena Dalli,  Maltese Minister for European Affairs and Equality

The main elements of the provisional agreement are the following:

• Reprotoxic substances: the Commission will have to assess the possibility of including reprotoxic substances in the scope of the directive by the first quarter of 2019 at the latest, and may present a legislative proposal on the matter
• Chromium VI: it was preliminary agreed to have an exposure limit value of 0,010 mg/m3 for a period of 5 years after the date of transposition, which limit will subsequently be lowered to 0,005 mg/m3. A derogation was introduced for welding and plasma cutting processes or similar work processes that generate fumes, with an exposure limit value of 0.025 mg/m3 for a period of 5 years after the transposition date, and 0,005 mg/m3 thereafter.
• Hardwood dust: The Council and the EP agreed on an exposure limit value of 3 mg/m3 for five years after the entry into force of the directive and thereafter to 2 mg/m3
• Respiratory crystalline silica dust: the Commission committed itself to evaluate the need to modify the limit value for respirable crystalline silica dust as part of the next evaluation of the implementation of the Directive
• Health surveillance: the doctor or authority responsible for the health surveillance of workers within member states may indicate that health surveillance must continue after the end of exposure for as long as they consider it necessary to safeguard the health of the worker concerned

The directive proposes to set exposure limits for a further 11 carcinogens in addition to those covered by the existing 2004 directive. These are: respirable crystalline silica dust, 1,2-Epoxypropane, 1,3-Butadiene, 2-Nitropropane, acrylamide, certain chromium (VI) compounds, ethylene oxide, o-toluidine, refractory ceramic fibres, Bromoethylene and Hydrazine.

The directive also revises the limits for vinyl chloride monomer and hardwood dusts in the light of more recent scientific data. 

There will be minimum requirements for eliminating and reducing all carcinogens and mutagens. Employers will also have to identify and assess risks to workers who are associated with exposure to specific carcinogens (and mutagens), and must prevent exposure where risks exist. 

Next steps

Once the deal is approved by the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee the new directive has to be formally adopted by the Council and the European Parliament.

To honour the legacy of Dr. Helmut Kohl, former German chancellor and Honorary Citizen of Europe, European institutions are co-organising a European Ceremony of Honour on 1 July in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Helmut Kohl, who was Germany's longest serving post-war chancellor died on 16 June 2017. "I will always remember Helmut Kohl. A friend and a statesman who helped reunite Europe," said European Council President Donald Tusk on that day. 

On 1 July President Tusk will give a speech at the European Ceremony together with European Parliament President Antonio Tajani and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as will Estonia Prime Minister Juri Ratas, from the Council Presidency. Bill Clinton, Felipe Gonzales and Dmitry Medvedev will all say a few words during the ceremony before German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron give a final address.

This will be followed by a ceremonial event in the cathedral in Speyer (Germany).

The entire event in Strasbourg, including the arrival of the invited guests, will be webcast and broadcast live on EbS+ and Eurovision network from around 9:30-13:30.

This ceremony is an opportunity to look to the past and appreciate the steps made to take Europe forward by Helmut Kohl, the architect of Germany's 1990 reunification and a major supporter of the single currency. 

A European ceremony in honour of former Chancellor of Germany Dr. Helmut Kohl, honorary citizen of Europe, will take place in the Plenary Chamber of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Saturday 1 July 11.00 - 13.00. At the start of the ceremony, the coffin holding the remains of Dr. Kohl will be carried to the Chamber from the room where he has been lying in state draped by the European flag. The coffin will be carried by eight members of the German Wachbataillon and accompanied by Eurocorps.

The ceremony will start with speeches by the three presidents of the EU institutions - Antonio Tajani for the European Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker for the European Commission and Donald Tusk for the European Council, followed by a video, "Helmut Kohl, a great European".

Then, at the request of Dr. Kohl's widow and in their personal capacity, personal farewell messages will be given by the former President of the United States Bill Clinton, former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe González and Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will deliver the closing speeches at the ceremony.

The Strasbourg University Orchestra will play works by Händel, Beethoven and Schubert. At the end of the ceremony the orchestra will play the German national anthem and the European anthem, accompanied by the Strasbourg Philharmonic Choir.

From the European Parliament, the coffin will be taken to Germany, where the former Chancellor will be buried after a requiem mass in the cathedral in Speyer.

The entire ceremony in Strasbourg, including the arrival of heads of government and state and other invited guests, will be webcast and broadcast live on EbS+ and the Eurovision network from around 9.30 - 13.30.

For information about accreditation, please refer to this document.

Press contacts:

For the European Parliament

Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 28 43000; +32 496 59 94 76)

For the European Council

Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 51 50; +32 476 85 05 43)

For the European Commission

Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)

Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

 

On 25 April 2017, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/734[1]. The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until 30 April 2018.

The Candidate Countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this Declaration.

They will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision.

The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it.

[1] Published on 26.04.2017 in the Official Journal of the European Union no. L108, p. 35.

* The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

Let me just share one political reflection. The fact that we are meeting here today is the best example that Europe is taking more responsibility at the international level in these turbulent times. When talking about the biggest global challenges Europe becomes a reference point for all those who value liberal democracy and human rights, free and fair trade, the fight against climate change, poverty and violence. We are determined to protect and even strengthen the rules-based international order. This is why we will speak with one voice at the G20 summit next week.

When it comes to migration just one remark: there is already a very ambitious and responsible language proposed by Chancellor Merkel. My suggestion is that maybe we could also add a very concrete reference to the fight against smugglers. We could appeal to the other G20 members to consider for example UN sanctions against the smugglers.

In order to put smugglers on the UN list we need the UN Security Council members to agree.

The G20 format seems to be a good forum to bring it to the table.

The Council wants to simplify life for both beneficiaries and administrators of EU funds. On 28 June 2017, the Council mandated its presidency to start talks with the European Parliament on a Commission proposal to make EU financial rules simpler and more focused on results. The so-called draft omnibus regulation will amend the financial regulation governing the implementation of the EU budget as well as 15 sectorial legislative acts, including in the field of agriculture and cohesion policy.

"The Council's negotiating stance is a strong plea to make things easier. It would enable the Commission to pay funds quicker and with less bureaucratic controls of eligible costs. At the same time we want to ensure that EU funds continue to be managed prudently."

Prof. Edward Scicluna, Maltese Minister for Finance and President of the CouncilFocus on results

In its negotiating stance the Council backed the possibility of basing EU payments on results rather than on the reimbursement of costs incurred. This would save beneficiaries and authorities much time and costs in the implementation of EU funds and reduce the risk of error.

The new rules would also allow for easier use of lump sums and simplified cost options. This would for instance mean that researchers could spend more time in the laboratory and less in documenting their travel expenses.

Cut red tape

In an effort to reduce the number of controls, the Council also supported the idea of allowing the Commission to rely as far as possible on existing audits, assessments or authorisations. This would cut red tape and enable both the beneficiaries and the Commission to spend more time on other tasks rather than doing paper work.

The draft omnibus regulation merges the EU financial regulation and its rules of application in one single rule book.

Background

The omnibus regulation was proposed by the Commission in September 2016 as part of the mid-term review of the EU's multi-annual financial framework 2014-2020.

Next steps

Trilogue discussions between the Council's presidency and representatives of the Parliament and the Commission will start in the coming weeks.

The Council's Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) today agreed its position on a draft regulation aimed at improving controls on cash entering or leaving the Union. 

This position serves as a mandate for the Council to enter into negotiations with the European Parliament, once the Parliament will have set out its own position. 

“Criminal and terrorist networks take advance of anonymity of cash payment transactions. That is why we need an effective system of cash declarations that can help authorities to better prevent and fight against illegal activities and reinforce security across the Union”.

Edward Scicluna, Minister for Finance of Malta 

The future regulation will improve the current system of controls with respect to cash entering or leaving the EU by replacing regulation 1889/2005. The objective is to take into account the development of new best practices in the implementation within the EU of international standards on combating money laundering and terrorism financing developed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Accordingly, the draft regulation extends the definition of cash to some instruments or methods of payment other than currency, such as cheques, traveller's cheques, gold and prepaid cards. 

Furthermore, it extends its scope to cash that is sent in post, freight or courier shipment. 

It will thus complement the EU's legal framework for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing laid down in directive 2015/849. 

Under the Council common position, any citizen entering or leaving the EU and carrying cash of a value of €10 000 or more, will have to declare it to the customs authorities. 

The declaration will have to be done irrespective of whether travellers are carrying the cash in their person, their luggage or means of transport. At the request of the authorities they will have to make it available for control. 

With regard to cash sent in postal packages, courier shipments, unaccompanied luggage or containerised cargo (“unaccompanied cash”), the competent authorities will have the power to request the sender or the recipient, as the case may be, to make a disclosure declaration. The declaration will be done in writing or electronically using a standard form. 

The authorities will have the power to carry out controls on any consignments, receptacles or means of transport which may contain unaccompanied cash. 

The authorities of the member states will exchange information, notably where there are indications that the cash is related to criminal activity which could adversely affect the financial interests of the EU. This information will also be transmitted to the Commission. 

The new regulation will not prevent member states to provide for additional national controls on movements of cash within the Union under national law, provided that these controls are in accordance with the Union's fundamental freedoms. 

On 28 June 2017 the Maltese presidency and the European Parliament reached a preliminary agreement on an overhaul of the existing EU rules on organic production and labelling of organic products.

The agreed regulation sets more modern and uniform rules across the EU with the aim of encouraging the sustainable development of organic production in the EU. The new rules also aim to guarantee fair competition for farmers and operators, prevent fraud and unfair practices and improve consumer confidence in organic products.

"People want greener and healthier food on their plates and the demand for organic products in the EU is growing by the day. We are proud to announce an agreement on new rules that will unlock the potential of the organic sector, support farmers and increase the trust of consumers".

Hon. Clint Camilleri, Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal rights and president of the Council 

The much anticipated agreement comes after three years of intense negotiations and will have to be formally endorsed by the Council and the Parliament.

Organic farmland has more than doubled in the last decade and each year 500 000 hectares of land are converted into organic production. However, the legislative framework has not kept up with such market expansion and still includes different practices and derogations. 

The new rules will: 

• make the life of organic farmers easier by enhancing legal clarity and allowing for further harmonisation and simplification of production rules. A number of past exceptions and derogations will be phased out subject to relevant Commission reports.
• increase consumer confidence by strengthening the control system. Preventive and precautionary measures have been clarified and made more robust (e.g. the roles and responsibilities of the different controlling bodies). The new regulation introduces checks on retailers and a risk-based approach to controls, thus reducing the administrative burden for operators in general and SMEs in particular. Specific controls on organic farming will be complemented by the recently introduced rules on official controls along the agri-food chain.

• make competition between EU products and imports fairer. The 'compliance system' will become the rule as regards the recognition of the private control bodies in third countries. This means that these bodies will have to comply with EU production and control rules when deciding whether a product to be exported to the EU market is organic or not. Furthermore the development of new trade agreements with third countries will enable EU operators to find new market opportunities outside of Europe.
• enlarge the scope of organic rules to cover a wider list of products (e.g. salt, cork, beeswax, maté, vine leaves, palm hearts) and additional production rules (e.g. deer, rabbits and poultry).
• support small farmers by introducing a new system of group certification. This will make it easier for small farmers to switch to organic farming by reducing inspection and certification costs, as well as the related administrative burden.
• provide a more uniform approach on pesticides. The new regulation harmonises precautionary measures thereby enhancing legal security. At the same time, it builds flexibility in the case of measures to be taken in the presence of non-authorised substances to take account of the different situations of different member states. This means that those countries already having in place national rules establishing thresholds for non-authorised substances will be able to maintain them. Four years after the entry into force of the new rules the Commission will come forward with a report assessing national rules and practices in the field and may also table a legislative proposal to further harmonise rules concerning thresholds for non-authorised substances.
• phase out derogations for production in demarcated beds in greenhouses.  Farmers utilising demarcated beds in greenhouses up until 28 June 2017 in Denmark, Sweden and Finland will be able to maintain this practice for 10 years. In the meantime the Commission will assess the compatibility of this practice with the principles of organic production and in light of the result of this analysis, it may table a legislative proposal.

Next steps 

Today's agreement still needs to be approved by the Council's Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA). After a thorough legal and technical revision of the text and formal endorsement by the Council, the new legislation will be submitted to the European Parliament for a vote at first reading and to the Council for final adoption.

The new regulation will apply from 1 July 2020.

On 28 June, EU ambassadors endorsed the compromise reached between the Presidency and the European Parliament on the proposal for a regulation on the establishment of the European fund for sustainable development (EFSD).

''Thanks to today's agreement, we will be able to implement a new fund to support sustainable investment projects in developing countries", said Marlene Bonnici, Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU and President of the Permanent Representatives Committee. ''Together with the new European consensus on development adopted earlier this month, the establishment of the EFSD will contribute to giving a new impetus to the EU's development policy, while addressing the root causes of migration in the long term.''

Marlene Bonnici, Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU and President of the Permanent Representatives Committee

The EFSD is the main instrument for the implementation of the European external investment plan (EIP) to support investment in African and neighbourhood countries. The plan aims primarily at creating jobs and addressing root causes of migration. It will also contribute to the implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change (COP 21).

On the basis of an initial budget of 3,35 billion euros, the fund is designed to trigger up to 44 billion euro of investments. This amount could be doubled if member states and other donors match EU contributions.

The EFSD will operate as a "one-stop shop" to receive financing proposals from financial institutions and public or private investors and deliver a wide range of financial support to eligible investments. It will offer guarantees and use blending mechanisms to encourage the private sector to invest in more risky contexts, such as fragile states or conflict-affected areas.

The Parliament and the Council will now be called on to formally adopt the regulation, in order to be able to setup the fund as soon as possible.

On 28 June 2017, EU ambassadors endorsed the agreement reached between the Presidency and the European Parliament on temporary autonomous trade measures in favour of Ukraine. 

"These measures are a gesture on our part of tangible political and economic support to Ukraine. Given the difficult situation Ukraine is currently facing, we hope to proceed swiftly with the implementation of this regulation "

Christian Cardona, Minister for the economy, investment and small business of Malta

The proposal is aimed at improving access for Ukrainian exporters to the EU market, in view of the difficult economic situation and the economic reform efforts undertaken by Ukraine. 

It adds to trade provisions already introduced under an EU-Ukraine association agreement signed in 2014. Those provisions have been provisionally applied since 1 January 2016.

Applying for a three-year period, the proposed measures consist of: 

1) additional annual import quotas at zero tariff for the following agricultural products ('tariff rate quotas' at 0%): 

• Natural honey - 2500 tonnes
• Processed tomatoes - 3000 tonnes
• Grape juice - 500 tonnes
• Oats - 4000 tonnes
• Wheat - 65 000 tonnes
• Maize - 625 000 tonnes
• Barley - 325 000 tonnes
• Groats and pellets of certain cereals - 7800 tonnes

 2) full removal of import duties on several industrial products, such as fertilisers, dyes, pigments and other colouring matters, footwear, copper, aluminium, as well as television and sound recording equipment. 

Safeguard measures will apply. Ukraine will be obliged to respect the same principles as under the association agreement. These include respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms and for the principle of the rule of law, as well as continued and sustained efforts with regard to the fight against corruption and illegal activities. 

Procedure and next steps

The INTA committee endorsed the deal on behalf of the Parliament on 20 June. The Parliament and the Council will now formally adopt the text by the end of July. The regulation should be published and enter into force by the end of September. 

An EU-Ukraine summit is scheduled for 12-13 July 2017 in Kiev. 

The Maltese presidency today reached an informal deal with the European Parliament on setting up a common system of certificates for people working in the inland navigation sector in the EU. Holders of these certificates will be able to practise their profession on inland waterways across Europe. The new system will improve career prospects in the sector and make it easier for qualified people to take jobs wherever they are available. 

The single certification system will cover all crew members, from apprentices to boatmasters. Geographically it will apply to activity carried out on EU inland waterways falling under the scope of the directive, including the river Rhine. Both aspects constitute a clear improvement on the current situation, in which EU legislation on mutual recognition in the sector only covers boatmasters - and only when they operate on rivers and canals other than the Rhine. The rest of the crew is covered by the horizontal directive on the recognition of professional qualifications. 

The new certificates will be based on competence, bringing flexibility for talented and motivated people to progress faster up the career ladder. Currently it is common to require completion of a fixed number of years in one post before promotion is possible. Introducing competence-based qualifications should also improve safety and reduce accident costs. 

To avoid disproportionate administrative burdens, the new rules will take account of the different characteristics of EU countries. Some member states have no inland navigation, some have waterways that are not connected to those of other member states, and in other countries inland navigation is only seasonal or a very limited activity. All those member states with at least some inland navigation will have to recognise the EU certificate on their territory, but the extent to which they will be required to 'transpose' or incorporate the other provisions into their national legislation will depend on the cost-effectiveness and added value for their individual circumstances. 

"More generally, the presidency attaches importance to the full implementation of the TEN-T corridors through improving inland waterways infrastructure, and stresses that inland navigation is an integral part of the TEN-T network. Inland navigation is the most energy-efficient mode of transport and has great potential, especially for shifting the transportation of more freight from land. The single certificate system opens up new career opportunities and will hopefully give a boost to the whole sector", said Ian Borg, the Maltese Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects. "I am also glad that the rules will only have to be applied where necessary, as not all EU countries have a topography that is suited for this kind of transport." 

The draft directive agreed today is part of EU efforts to promote inland waterway transport under the NAIADES II programme. 

The presidency will submit the outcome of today's negotiations for endorsement by member states in the coming days. 

The Council adopted conclusions on support for the sustainable development of European marine and maritime economies. It recalls the vital role of oceans for life on earth, economic growth, employment and innovation and highlights that oceans and seas are facing increasing pressures and should be protected from the adverse consequences of climate change.

Member states are invited to manage the oceans and seas sustainably, promote renewable resource efficiency and renewable energies, remove barriers to growth, boost investment and strengthen trade cooperation.

The Council also calls for measures to ensure that outermost, peripheral, coastal and island regions are offered adequate growth opportunities. Member states should also work on supporting new technologies that contribute to the maritime economy and  encourage closer cooperation between  education and industry in order to help promote training and job opportunities.

The Council agreed today its position on a proposal for a revised directive on the energy performance of buildings. This agreement will allow for the start of negotiations with the European Parliament under the Estonian presidency.

Buildings are the largest single energy consumer in Europe, consuming 40% of final energy. The aim of the proposal is to promote energy efficiency in buildings and to support cost-effective building renovation with a view to the long term goal of decarbonising the highly inefficient existing European building stock. This will also be a major contribution to reaching the EU's 2020 and 2030 energy efficiency targets.

In particular, the proposal requires member states to establish long-term renovation strategies, addressing also energy poverty. It strengthens the links between energy efficiency policy and financing.

Another important feature of the revised directive is the promotion of electro-mobility, by requiring at least one charging point and pre-cabling for every third parking space for electric vehicles in non-residential buildings and pre-cabling for every parking space in residential buildings. These requirements will apply to buildings with more than ten parking spaces.

The introduction of a smartness indicator for buildings is proposed and the inspection of heating and air conditioning systems is simplified.

The proposal underlines the importance of aligning the Digital Single Market and the Energy Union agendas, as digitalisation of the energy system is quickly changing the energy landscape, from the integration of renewables to smart grids and smart buildings.

"We welcome this agreement which is crucial to reach our European objectives in energy efficiency and will also benefit citizens and businesses by significantly reducing their energy bills. This agreement is also important for further promoting electro-mobility in both non-residential and residential buildings." 

Joe Mizzi, Maltese minister for Energy and Water ManagementBackground

The proposal on the energy performance of buildings amends Directive 2010/31/EU and was presented by the Commission in December 2016. It's part of the implementing legislation of the Energy Union Strategy and it has close links with the energy efficiency directive.

The general aim of the Energy Union strategy is to move towards the decarbonisation of the EU economy by 2030 and beyond, whilst strengthening economic growth, consumer protection, innovation and competitiveness.

The conclusions of the European Council of October 2014 set an indicative target of at least 27% increase in energy efficiency at Union level in 2030. This target should be reviewed by 2020 having in mind an Union level of 30%.

The Council agreed today its position on a proposal for a revised directive on energy efficiency. This agreement will allow for the start of negotiations with the European Parliament under the Estonian presidency.

The main objective of the proposed directive is to improve the existing provisions and to increase energy efficiency in order to ensure that the European Union's 2020 headline targets and 2030 climate and energy goals are met.

Energy efficiency is considered as an energy source in its own right. Increasing energy efficiency will benefit the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, cut energy costs for households and companies, help alleviate energy poverty and contribute to growth and jobs.

The main elements of the revised directive are:

• Overall EU energy efficiency target of 30%
• An energy savings obligations of 1.5%, decreasing to 1.0% for the period 2026-2030, unless the  mid-term review in 2024 concludes that the EU is not on track to meet its targets
• Long term individual actions may count for energy savings obligation
• Alternative measures are recognised as equivalent to energy efficiency obligation schemes
• Possibility of partially counting renewable energy generated on-site towards savings in the 2020-2030 period
• Obligation to take into account energy poverty when designing new measures
• Improved metering and billing provisions for the benefit of final users of heating and cooling

"We are extremely pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement  on this important legislation, which was a priority of our Presidency . Energy efficiency is a crucial element for Europe's successful energy transition. It will allow us to move forward on the implementation of the Clean Energy Package."

Joe Mizzi, Maltese minister for Energy and Water ManagementBackground

The Commission proposal on energy efficiency updates the current Directive 2012/27/EU and was presented by the Commission in November 2016. It's part of the extensive Clean Energy Package, the implementing tool of the Energy Union strategy.

The general goal of the strategy is to move towards the decarbonisation of the EU economy by 2030 and beyond, whilst strengthening economic growth, consumer protection, innovation and competitiveness.

The conclusions of the European Council of October 2014 set an indicative target of at least 27% increase in energy efficiency at Union level in 2030. This target should be reviewed by 2020 having in mind an Union level of 30%.

The Maltese presidency reached a preliminary agreement with European Parliament representatives to strengthen cooperation between EU national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws.

"Trust in e-commerce by citizens and companies is an essential condition for making the digital single market more attractive and dynamic. The safeguarding of consumers' rights and interests will be better preserved, including for shopping online, thanks to this new harmonised framework", said Chris Cardona, the Maltese Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business.

The agreement, which has still to be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament, aims at modernising cooperation mechanisms to further reduce the harm caused to consumers by cross-border infringements to EU consumer law.

In particular, effective consumer protection has to respond to the challenges of the digital economy and the development of cross-border retail trade in the EU.

Fight against cross-border infringements

This revision of the existing Consumer Protection Cooperation framework will give more powers to national authorities, particularly in the context of the digital single market.

In case of EU-wide breaches of consumer rights, national enforcement authorities and the Commission will coordinate their action to stop these practices, in particular in cases of widespread infringements with an EU-dimension which are likely to harm consumers across a large part of the Union.

Consumer trust in e-commerce

Ineffective enforcement of cross-border infringements, in particular in the digital environment, enables traders to evade enforcement by relocating within the Union, giving rise to a distortion of competition for law-abiding traders operating either domestically or cross-border, and thus directly harming consumers and undermining consumer confidence in the single market.

An increased level of harmonisation setting effective and efficient enforcement cooperation among public enforcement authorities is therefore necessary to detect, investigate and stop intra-Union infringements and widespread infringements.

In order to further harmonise practices across the EU, the new regulation will set out a number of minimum investigation and enforcement powers that every national competent authority will have to be able to exercise in order to coordinate properly in the fight against infringements.

These powers will strike a balance between the interests protected by fundamental rights such as a high level of consumer protection, the freedom to conduct business and freedom of information.

The mutual assistance mechanism between administrations will be strengthened to establish whether an intra-EU infringement has occurred and to bring about the cessation of that infringement.

An improved alert mechanism will allow a competent authority to notify without delay the Commission and other competent authorities of any reasonable suspicion that an intra-Union infringement or widespread infringement is taking place on its territory that may affect consumers' interests in other member states.

Competent authorities will also be able to open investigations on their own initiative if they become aware of intra-Union infringements or widespread infringements by means other than individual consumer complaints.

Catching up with the digital economy

On 25 May 2016, the Commission presented the proposal to modernise consumer protection cooperation as part of a broader package including proposals on cross-border parcel deliveries and on tackling unjustified geo-blocking.

At present, regulation 2006/2004 provides for harmonised rules and procedures to facilitate cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of cross-border consumer protection laws.

The scope of the 2004 regulation covers 18 pieces of consumer legislation, including: provisions to protect consumers from unfair and misleading commercial communication; ensuring that consumers are adequately informed before making purchasing decisions; providing appropriate protection when entering contracts with businesses; as well as complaint and redress mechanisms and access to justice.

However, following a review on the effectiveness of regulation 2006/2004, the Commission concluded that it no longer effectively addresses the challenges of the digital single market.

Place:        European Convention Centre Luxembourg (ECCL)
Chairs:      Joe Mizzi, Maltese minister

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 09.15
Doorstep by minister Mizzi

+/- 10.00
Beginning of Council meeting (roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of non-legislative A items
Adoption of legislative A items (public session)

+/- 10.20
Any other business
- Nord Stream 2

+/- 10.40
Energy efficiency (public session)

+/- 12.20
Energy efficiency of buildings (public session)

+/- 12.30
Clean energy package (public session)

+/- 16.00
Interconnections (public session)

+/- 16.40
Any other business
- External energy relations
- Work programme of the Estonian presidency

+/- 17.00
Press conference (live streaming)

European Ceremony of Honour for former Chancellor Kohl in the European Parliament on Saturday morning 1 July

A European Ceremony of Honour for former Chancellor of Germany Helmut Kohl will take place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg from 11.00 a.m. on Saturday 1 July.        

Speakers at the Ceremony will include European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and former President of the United States Bill Clinton. The casket holding the remains of Dr Kohl will lie in state covered by a European flag.

Following the European Ceremony of Honour, which is expected to last for around two hours, the casket will be brought to Germany, where the former Chancellor will be buried after a funeral service in the cathedral in Speyer.

Press contacts:

For the European Council
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

For the European Parliament
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

For the European Commission
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

1er juillet: cérémonie d'hommage européen au PE en mémoire de l'ex-chancelier et citoyen d'honneur de l'Europe Helmut Kohl

Cérémonie d'hommage au Parlement en l'honneur de l'ancien chancelier Helmut Kohl

Une cérémonie d'hommage européen en l'honneur de l'ancien chancelier allemand Helmut Kohl se tiendra au Parlement européen de Strasbourg le samedi 1er juillet.

Au cours de la cérémonie, des discours seront prononcés notamment par le Président du Parlement européen Antonio Tajani, le Président du Conseil européen Donald Tusk, le Président de la Commission européenne Jean-Claude Juncker, la chancelière allemande Angela Merkel, le Président français Emmanuel Macron et l'ancien Président américain Bill Clinton. Le cercueil de M. Kohl sera exposé en chapelle ardente et sera recouvert du drapeau européen.

Suite à la cérémonie européenne, qui devrait durer environ deux heures, le cercueil sera transporté en Allemagne, où l'ancien chancelier sera enterré après un requiem à la cathédrale de Spire.

Pour le Conseil européen
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

Pour le Parlement européen
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

Pour la Commission européenne
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

 

Europäischer Trauerakt für den ehemaligen Bundeskanzler und Ehrenbürger Europas Dr. Helmut Kohl im Parlament am Samstag, den 1. Juli

Ein europäischer Trauerakt zu Ehren des ehemaligen Bundeskanzlers Dr. Helmut Kohl findet am Samstag, den 1. Juli, ab 11.00 Uhr im Europäischen Parlament in Straßburg statt.

Als Redner bei der Zeremonie werden der Präsident des Europäischen Parlaments, Antonio Tajani, der Präsident des Europäischen Rates, Donald Tusk, der Präsident der Europäischen Kommission, Jean-Claude Juncker, die deutsche Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel, der französische Präsident Emmanuel Macron sowie der ehemalige Präsident der Vereinigten Staaten Bill Clinton erwartet. Der aufgebahrte Sarg mit dem verstorbenen Altbundeskanzler wird mit einer Europaflagge bedeckt sein.

Nach dem europäischen Trauerakt, der etwa zwei Stunden dauern wird, erfolgt die Überführung des Sarges nach Deutschland. Nach einem Requiem im Dom von Speyer wird der ehemalige Bundeskanzler beigesetzt.

Kontakt für die Medien:

Für den Europäischen Rat
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

Für das Europäische Parlament
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

Für die Europäische Kommission
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

The Premio Princesa de Asturias de la Concordia Award granted to the European Union is a significant recognition in a year marked by the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

Six decades ago, the founding fathers of the EU sowed the seeds of a united Europe in the ashes of a devastating war. Since then, the path we have followed has helped us develop a union of peoples, allowing Europeans to embark upon a project of peace, democracy and prosperity.

Thirty years ago, Spain joined this European adventure enthusiastically and with a constructive spirit. Today, it has become one of the main protagonists of the European project.

On behalf of the European Union, we accept this prestigious award and we express our appreciation for the recognition and great honour bestowed upon the EU by Spain.

Press contacts:

For the European Council
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

For the European Parliament
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

For the European Commission
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

 

More information on the Princess of Asturias Foundation website

"The European Union has achieved the longest period of peace in modern Europe, contributing to introducing and disseminating values such as freedom, human rights and solidarity to the world. These values of the European Union project hope for the future, in times of uncertainty, offering an example of progress and well-being."

On 21 June 2017, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a proposal for a revised directive concerning the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The agreement will have to be confirmed by the EU ambassadors (Coreper) during their meeting scheduled this Friday, 23 June.

The new directive revises the scope of the Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2). It includes amendments aimed at establishing equal treatment of products covered by the Directive, proposes to exclude a particular product: pipe organs; and specifically, addresses concerns arising from the "open-scope" product group. 

"We have reached a deal with the European Parliament to reduce hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. With this new legislation, we are improving the prevention and management of  waste and encouraging the reuse and recycling of those products and materials in the EU. The Maltese presidency is determined to move the EU forward towards a more circular economy."

José Herrera, Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change

The main purpose of the amended text is to address a number of problems which were identified in the evaluation carried out by the Commission in relation to the scope of the Directive. Specifically, it will ensure the possibility of secondary market operations (e.g. reselling, second-hand market) for electrical and electronic equipment that were newly covered by RoHS 2 and the use of spare parts for such equipment if they are put on the market before 22 July 2019.

Both the Council and the European Parliament are in favour of the approach followed by the Commission not to widen the scope of this revision and leave, as scheduled, the general review of the Directive for 2021. In the agreed text, the Commission is required to carry out this general review of RoHS2 by 22 July 2021. 

In relation to applications for the renewal of an exemption warranted under the directive, the Commission will also have to inform applicants on the expected timing of the decision-making process.   

Next steps 

Once the deal is approved by the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee the new directive has to be formally adopted by the Council and the European Parliament. 

The legislative act will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. 

Background

The Commission submitted a proposal for a new directive amending Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) on 26 January 2017. The Council adopted its negotiating mandate on 14 June. On the same day, the European Parliament gave its authorisation to start negotiations immediately.

RoHS 1 and 2 have introduced measures to limit the presence of these harmful substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The existing Directive RoHS2 broadened the scope significantly as it now applies to all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE)  placed on the EU market.

European Ceremony of Honour for Dr. Helmut Kohl on 1 July 2017

To honour the legacy of Dr. Helmut Kohl, Honorary Citizen of Europe, the three European institutions are co-organising a European Ceremony of Honour on 1 July in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

This will be followed by a ceremonial event in the cathedral in Speyer (Germany).

Further information will follow soon.

Press contacts:

For the European Council
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

For the European Parliament
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

For the European Commission
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

Cérémonie d'hommage européen en mémoire d'Helmut Kohl, le 1er juillet 2017

Afin d'honorer la mémoire d'Helmut Kohl, citoyen d'honneur de l'Europe, les trois institutions européennes organisent une cérémonie d'hommage européen le 1er juillet, au Parlement européen, à Strasbourg.

Elle sera suivie par un événement solennel à la cathédrale de Speyer (Spire, Allemagne).

Des informations complémentaires suivront dès que possible. 

Personnes de contact pour la presse:

Pour le Conseil européen
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

Pour le Parlement européen
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

Pour la Commission européenne
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

Europäischer Trauerakt für Dr. Helmut Kohl am 1. Juli 2017

Zu Ehren des Vermächtnisses des europäischen Ehrenbürgers, Dr. Helmut Kohl, richten die drei europäischen Institutionen am 1. Juli im Europäischen Parlament in Straßburg einen europäischen Trauerakt aus.

Daran schließt sich eine Trauerfeier im Dom zu Speyer (Deutschland) an.

Weitere Informationen folgen in Kürze.

Kontakt für die Medien:

Für den Europäischen Rat
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

Für das Europäische Parlament
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

Für die Europäische Kommission
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)