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Europaudvalget 2009-10
2986 - Landbrug og fiskeri
Offentligt

COU CIL OF

THE EUROPEA U IO

17488/09 (Presse 375)

PRESS RELEASE

2986th Council meeting

Agriculture and Fisheries

Brussels, 14-16 December 2009

President

Mr Eskil ERLA DSSO

Minister for Agriculture of Sweden

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175

B – 1048 BRUSSELS

T el.: +32 ( 0)2 281 5389 / 6319

Fa x: +32 (0)2 281 8026

[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/Newsroom

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

Main results of the Council

The Council reached political agreement on the total allowable catches

(TACs) and quotas

for

2010.

The Council reached a partial political agreement in view of the second reading of a proposal on

illegal logging.

The Council held a policy debate on the future of the CAP focusing on rural development, and on

the simplification of the CAP.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

CO TE TS

PARTICIPA TS........................................................................................................................... 5

ITEMS DEBATED

TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCHES (TACS) AND QUOTAS FOR 2010 ....................................... 7

ANIMAL WELFARE LABELLING SCHEME & ESTABLISHMENT OF A EUROPEAN

NETWORK OF REFERENCE CENTRES FOR THE PROTECTION AND WELFARE OF

ANIMALS .................................................................................................................................... 26

OBLIGATIONS OF OPERATORS WHO PLACE TIMBER AND TIMBER PRODUCTS

ON THE MARKET ...................................................................................................................... 30

PROTECTION OF ANIMALS USED FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES ........................................ 31

STATE AIDS FOR HUNGARY, ITALY, LATVIA AND LITHUANIA...................................... 32

DAIRY MARKET QUARTERLY REPORT ................................................................................ 33

SIMPLIFICATION OF THE CAP ................................................................................................ 34

FUTURE OF THE CAP: RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY .................................................... 35

A BETTER FUNCTIONING FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN IN EUROPE ........................................... 36

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ............................................................................................................ 37

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FISHERIES

–

Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna -

Council conclusions............................................41

AGRICULTURE

–

European Union food aid for deprived persons -

Council conclusions...............................................................41

Maximum levels for contaminants in food - committee procedure ....................................................................41

Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated

in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks.

Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site

(http://www.consilium.europa.eu).

Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by

an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press

Office.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

GENERAL AFFAIRS

–

Implementation of Lisbon Treaty: Delegated acts.............................................................................................42

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

–

EU special representative for the crisis in Georgia - new financial reference amount.........................................42

EU police mission for Palestine .......................................................................................................................42

COMMON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY

–

Restrictive measures (Belarus - Iran - Uzbekistan) ...........................................................................................43

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

–

International accounting standards - committee procedure with scrutiny ...........................................................44

Derogations from VAT directive for Estonia....................................................................................................44

HEALTH

–

Radioisotopes -

Council conclusions................................................................................................................45

ENVIRONMENT

–

Future international climate agreement with Iceland -

Council conclusions.......................................................45

LIFE-Nature projects -

Council conclusions.....................................................................................................45

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

PARTICIPA TS

The Governments of the Member States and the European Commission were represented as

follows:

Belgium:

Ms Sabine LARUELLE

Mr Kris PEETERS

Minister for SMEs, the Self-Employed, Agriculture and

Science Policy

Minister-President of the Flemish Government and

Flemish Minister for the Economy, Foreign Policy,

Agriculture and Rural Policy

Deputy Minister for Agriculture

Minister for Agriculture

Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Commodities Section

Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries

Minister for the Environment

State Secretary at the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and

Consumer protection

Minister for Agriculture

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture,

Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for

Fisheries, Forestry and the Marine)

Minister for Rural Development and Food

Minister for the Environment and the Rural and Marine

Environment

Secretary General of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural

Development of the Autonomous Community of Castile-

Leon

Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries

Deputy Permanent Representative

Bulgaria:

Mr Georgi KOSTOV

Czech Republic:

Mr Jakub ŠEBESTA

Mr Stanislav KOZÁK

Denmark:

Ms Eva KJER HANSEN

Mr Troels Lund POULSEN

Germany:

Mr Gert LINDEMANN

Estonia:

Mr Helir-Valdor SEEDER

Ireland:

Mr Brendan SMITH

Mr Tony KILLEEN

Greece:

Ms Aikaterini BATZELI

Spain:

Ms Elena ESPINOSA MANGANA

Mr Eduardo CABANILLAS

France:

Mr Bruno LE MAIRE

Italy

Mr Vincenzo GRASSI

Cyprus:

Ms Egly PANTELAKIS

Mr George CHACALLI

Latvia:

Mr Jānis DŪKLAVS

Lithuania:

Mr Kazimieras STARKEVIČIUS

Mr Mindaugas KUKLIERIUS

Luxembourg:

Mr Romain SCHNEIDER

Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture,

Natural Resources and Environment

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Agriculture

Vice-Minister for Agriculture

Minister for Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural

Development

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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Hungary:

Mr József GRÁF

Malta:

Mr George PULLICINO

etherlands:

Ms Gerda VERBURG

Austria:

Mr Walter GRAHAMMER

Ms Edith KLAUSER

Poland:

Mr Marek SAWICKI

Portugal:

Mr António Manuel SERRANO

Romania:

Mr Achim IRIMESCU

Slovenia:

Mr Milan POGAČNIK

Slovakia:

Mr Ján SLABÝ

Finland:

Ms Sirkka-Liisa ANTTILA

Sweden:

Mr Eskil ERLANDSSON

Mr Rolf ERIKSSON

United Kingdom:

Mr Huw IRRANCA-DAVIES

Mr Richard LOCHHEAD

Ms Michelle GILDERNEW

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development

Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs

Minister for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

Deputy Permanent Representative

Director-General, Federal Ministry of Agriculture,

Forestry, Environment and Water Management

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development

Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries

Minister Counsellor

Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Food

State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture

Minister for Agriculture and Forestry

Minister for Agriculture

State Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture

Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Marine and Natural

Environment

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment,

Scottish Government

Northern Ireland Minister for the Department of

Agriculture and Rural Development

Commission:

Mr Joe BORG

Ms Androulla VASSILIOU

Member

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

ITEMS DEBATED

TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCHES (TACS) A D QUOTAS FOR 2010

The Council reached a political agreement on a draft regulation setting fishing

opportunities for 2010 for Community vessels in the waters of the Atlantic, the Channel

and the North Sea (TACs and quotas for the Baltic and Black Seas were already adopted

on 20 and 27 November).

In line with long-term conservation management plans applicable for certain stocks, the

Council agreed to

reductions,

compared to 2009, for the following species:

–

25% for haddock in West Scotland

20% sole in Eastern Channel

between 15% and 35% for all cod stocks depending on the areas and

rearrangements of certain TACs. Except for cod in West Scotland and Celtic Sea

(roll-over)

9 % for Norway lobster in Porcupine bank (with a seasonal closure for all fishing

in a smaller area of the Porcupine Bank and supported by scientific advise and the

Western waters RAC)

15 % for southern anglerfish

10 % for whiting in West Scotland and Irish Sea

–

Following the Commission statement on fisheries policy, an

overall reduction

of 10% was

agreed for species where scientific advice is lacking

Corresponding to category 11: see Commission's communication on fishing

opportunities for 2010 (9838/09).

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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The TACs are set at

zero for porbeagle and spurdog

(except for 10% by-catches for the

latter species).

As a consequence of the significant reduction of the EU

bluefin tuna

TAC agreed upon in

the ICCAT framework, the Commission will asses with the Member States concerned, the

best and most targeted use of financial instruments in order to address the socio-economic

impact of such reduction.

In view of the encouraging signs of recovery of certain stocks, the Council agreed an

increase

of TACs:

–

by 5% for megrim in the North Sea and West of Scotland.

by 7 % for northern hake, in conformity with scientific advise and the long-term

management plan

by 7 % for plaice in the Celtic Sea

by 15% for anglerfish in the Bay of Biscay

by 14 % for plaice in the Irish Sea

by 10 % for sole in the Bay of Biscay

–

Furthermore, in the light of the scientific surveys carried out last Autumn, the

anchovy

fisheries will be temporary re-opened as from 1 January 2010 in the Bay of Biscay. It will

be subject to a later adjustment in accordance with a new scientific advise to be provided in

Spring 2010.

A 5% flexibility between certain areas for horse mackerel after rearrangement of the TAC

areas, was agreed upon.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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Fisheries agreement with Norway

The draft regulation does not include final figures for stocks jointly managed with Norway

or the Faroe Islands, because agreement between the parties is still pending on those

resources. Instead, the political agreement includes provisional figures for shared stocks

enabling the continuation of fishing activities early next year.

As a general rule, 65% of the current 2009 TAC as regards stocks jointly managed with

Norway and exclusive stocks subject to transfers with Norway as well as those stocks

relevant to the Faroese consultations was agreed on a provisional basis.

Incentive catch quota

The joint request from Denmark, the United Kingdom and Germany for an additional 5%

incentive quota for cod (and other demersal species) to encourage fishermen reduce

discards will be part of the future discussion with Norway.

The following table sets out the indicative values of the principal TACs for 2010 compared

with those for 2009 and the Commission proposal

See Commission proposal:

14738/09

and

14738/09

ADD 1.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

COU CIL

Species Latin name

Species English name Espèces nom français

ICES fishing zone

TACs 2010

TACs 2009

comparison

2010/2009

COU CIL

COMMISSIO

Proposal

for 2010

comparison

Council

2009 TAC/

Commission

prop. 2010

ANNEX IA SKAGERRAK, KATTEGAT, ICES zones I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII and XIV, EC Waters of CECAF, French Guyana waters

Ammodytidae

IIa (EC waters), IIIa and IV

(EC waters) (SAN/2A3A4)

Sandeel

Lançon

177500

-35%

115375

Ammodytidae

IV (Norwegian waters)

(SAN/04-N)

Sandeel

Lançon

ot relevant

Argentina silus

I & II (EC and internat.

waters) (ARU/1/2)

Greater silver smelt

Grande argentine

116

-4%

111

Argentina silus

III & IV (EC and internat.

waters) (ARU/3/4)

Greater silver smelt

Grande argentine

1.331

-4%

1.278

Argentina silus

V, VI, VII (EC and internat.

waters) (ARU/567)

Greater silver smelt

Grande argentine

5.311

-4%

5.099

Brosme brosme

By catches - EC and internat.

waters of I, II & XIV

(USK/1214EI)

Tusk

Brosmes

-17%

Brosme brosme

Tusk

Brosme brosme

Tusk

Brosme brosme

Tusk

Brosmes

Tusk

Brosmes

EC waters of III (USK/03-C)

EC waters of IV (USK/04-

CI)

EC and internat. waters of V,

VI, and VII (USK/567EI)

IV (Norwegian waters)

(USK/4AB-N)

196

283

ot relevant

231

435

170

-14%

-15%

-35%

1.131

4.514

-15%

196

-17%

-14%

-15%

Not relevant

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

Clupea harengus

Herring

Clupea harengus

Herring

Clupea harengus

Herring

Clupea harengus

Herring

Clupea harengus

Herring

Clupea harengus

Engraulis

encrasicolus

Engraulis

encrasicolus

Gadus morhua

Herring

Anchovy

Cod

Hareng

Anchois

Cabillaud

IX, X; EC waters of CECAF

34.1.1 (ANE/9/3411)

Skagerrak (COD/03AN.)

Kattegat (COD/03AN.)

Herring

Hareng

Herring

Hareng

IIIa (HER/03A)

EC waters of IV north of

53°30' N (HER/04A)

(HER/04B)

Norwegian waters south of

62° N (HER/04-N)

by-catches in IIIa

(HER/03A-BC)

by-catches in IV, VIId and in

EC waters of IIa(HER/2A47-

DX)

IVc, VIId (HER/4CXB7D)

EC and internat. waters of

Vb and VIb and VIaN

(HER/5B6ANB)

VIaS, VIIbc (HER/6AS7BC)

VIa Clyde (HER/06ACL)

VIIa (HER/07A/MM)

VIIe, f (HER/7EF)

VIIg, h, j, k (HER/7G-K)

VIII (ANE/08.)

7000

8.000

2.588

379

8.000

3.981

505

-35%

-25%

6.800

379

-15%

-25%

20.924

32.190

-35%

63.598

ot relevant

5.442

97.843

846

8.373

-35%

10.390

15.319

15.985

23.567

-35%

Not relevant

13.715

7.451

720

4.800

1.000

10.150

21.760

9.314

800

4.800

1.000

5.918

-37%

-20%

-10%

72%

21.100

6.986

680

4.800

1.000

10.150

-3%

-25%

-15%

72%

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

Gadus morhua

EC waters of IIa and IV, the

part of IIIa not covered by

the Skagerrak and Kattegat

(COD/2A3AX4)

Norwegian waters south of

62° N (COD/04-N)

VIb; EC & int. waters of Vb

to the west of of 12˚00W and

of XII & XIV (COD/561214)

[splitting of TAC]

VIa, EC & int. waters of Vb

to the east of 12˚00W

(COD/5B6A-C)

VIIa (COD/07A)

VIIb-c, VIIe-k, VIII, IX & X;

EC waters of CECAF 34.1.1

(COD/7XAD34)

VIId (COD/07D)

EC waters of III, IV, V, VI,

VII, VIII, IX, X & XII

(POR/1-14CI)

EC waters of IIa & IV

(LEZ/2AC4-C)

EC and intern. waters of Vb;

intern. Waters of XII & XIV

(LEZ/561214)

VII (LEZ/07)

Megrims

Lepidorhombus spp.

Megrims

Lepidorhombus spp.

Megrims

Cardines

VIIIa, VIIIb, VIIId, VIIIe

(LEZ/8ABDE)

VIIIc, IX & X; EC waters of

CECAF 34.1.1

(LEZ/8C3411)

18.300

2.125

18.300

2.125

18.300

2.125

Cod

Gadus morhua

Cod

Gadus morhua

Cabillaud

15.536

ot relevant

23.902

382

-35%

Not relevant

Cod

Gadus morhua

Cod

Gadus morhua

Cod

Gadus morhua

Lamna nasus

Porbeagle

Lepidorhombus spp.

Megrims

Lepidorhombus spp.

Megrims

Lepidorhombus spp.

Cod

Cabillaud

302

-74%

Cabillaud

240

674

240

899

-25%

180

674

-25%

Cabillaud

4.023

1.091

4.023

1.678

-35%

3.017

-25%

Requin taupe commun

Cardines

1.757

436

1.597

-100%

10%

1.597

Not relevant

Cardines

3.079

2.799

10%

2.799

1.287

1.430

-10%

1.216

-15%

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

Limanda limanda

and Platichthys

flesus

Lophiidae

Anglerfish

Lophiidae

Anglerfish

Lophiidae

Anglerfish

Lophiidae

Anglerfish

Melanogrammus

aeglefinus

Melanogrammus

aeglefinus

Melanogrammus

aeglefinus

Melanogrammus

aeglefinus

Melanogrammus

aeglefinus

Melanogrammus

aeglefinus

Melanogrammus

aeglefinus

Haddock

Baudroie

Eglefin

EC waters of IIa and IV

Eglefin

Norwegian waters south of

62° N

VIb; XII and XIV (EC and

internat. waters)

(HAD/61214)

Vb, VIa (EC and internat.

waters) (HAD/5BC6A)

VIIb-k, VIII, IX, X; CECAF

34.1.1 (EC waters)

VIIa

21.241

ot relevant

32.679

707

-35%

Not relevant

Anglerfish

Baudroie

EC waters of IIa and IV

(D/F/2AC4-C)

Dabe and Flounder

dabé et Flet

EC waters of IIa and IV

(ANF/2AC4-C)

Norwegian waters of IV

(ANF/4AB-N)

VI, EC & int. waters of Vb,

int. Waters of XII & XIV

(ANF/561214)

VII

VIIIa,b,d,e

VIIIc, IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1

(EC waters)

IIIa, IIIbcd (EC waters)

18.810

11.345

ot relevant

18.810

11.345

1.550

Not relevant

18.810

11.345

5.567

32.292

9.108

1.496

1.441

5.567

28.080

7.920

1.760

2.217

15%

-15%

-35%

5.567

32.292

9.108

1.320

15%

-25%

Haddock

Eglefin

4.997

2.673

11.579

1.424

5.879

3.516

11.579

1.424

-15%

-24%

4.997

1.600

11.579

1.424

-15%

-54%

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

Merlangius

merlangus

Merlangius

merlangus

Merlangius

merlangus

Merlangius

merlangus

Merlangius

merlangus

Merlangius

merlangus

Merlangius

merlangus

Merlangius

merlangus and

Pollachius

pollachius

Merluccius

merluccius

Merluccius

merluccius

Merluccius

merluccius

Merluccius

merluccius

Merluccius

merluccius

Micromesistius

poutassou

IIIa

Whiting

Merlan

EC waters of IIa and IV

(WHG/2AC4)

Vb (EC and internat. waters),

VI, internat. waters of XII

and XIV (WHG/561214)

VIIa

Whiting

Merlan

VIIb-k

Merlan

VIII

Merlan

IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1 (EC

waters)

Norwegian waters south of

62° N

3.240

588

3.600

653

-10%

3.060

555

-15%

14.407

16.949

-15%

14.407

-15%

157

209

-25%

157

-25%

168

8.185

258

12.593

-35%

Whiting

Merlan

431

574

-25%

431

-25%

Whiting and Pollack

Hake

Merlan et Lieu jaune

Merlu

IIIa; IIIbcd (EC waters)

(HKE/3A/BCD)

EC waters of IIa and IV

(HKE/2AC4-C)

Vb (EC waters), VI, VII; XII,

XIV (internat. waters)

(HKE/5671214)

VIII a, b, d, e (HKE/8ABDE)

VIIIc, IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1

(EC waters)

Norwegian waters of II and

ot relevant

1.661

1.935

190

1.552

1.808

Not relevant

1.397

1.627

-10%

Hake

Blue whiting

Merlu

Merlan bleu

30.900

20.609

9.300

ot relevant

28.879

19.261

8.104

4.000

15%

25.991

17.335

9.300

-10%

15%

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

Micromesistius

poutassou

Blue whiting

Micromesistius

poutassou

Blue whiting

Micromesistius

poutassou

Blue whiting

Microstomus kitt &

Glyptocephalus

cynoglossus

Molva dypterigia

Blue ling

Molva molva

Ling

Molva molva

Ling

Molva molva

Ling

Molva molva

Nephrops

norvegicus

Nephrops

norvegicus

Ling

Norway lobster

Lingue

Langoustine

IIa (EC waters), IV (EC

waters) (NEP/2AC4-C)

Lingue

Ling

Lingue

Ling

Lingue bleue

Lingue

Lemon sole and

Witch

Merlan bleu

Limande sole et plie

grise

EC waters and internat.

waters of VI,VII

I, II (EC and internat, waters)

IIIa, IIIb-d (EC waters)

(LIN/03)

IV (EC waters) (LIN/04)

V (EC and internat, waters)

(LIN/05)

VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII,

XIV (EC waters and internat,

waters) (LIN/6X14)

IV (Norwegian waters)

IIIa; IIIbcd (EC waters)

5.170

23.188

5.170

24.837

-7%

5.170

23.188

-7%

Merlan bleu

EC and international waters

of I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII,

VIIIa,b,d,e, XII and XIV

(WHB/1X14)

VIIIc, IX and X; EC waters

of CECAF 34.1.1

(WHB/8C3411)

EC waters of II, IVa, V, VI

north of 56˚30N and VII

west of 12˚W

(WHB/24A567)

IIa and IV (EC waters)

48.138

74.058

-35%

9.851

15.155

-35%

ot relevant

Not relevant

6.521

2032

2.428

6.793

2309

100

2.856

-4%

-12%

-16%

-10%

-15%

5.774

1732

2.428

-15%

-25%

-16%

-15%

7.003

ot relevant

10.776

850

-35%

Not relevant

14.164

31%

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

Nephrops

norvegicus

Nephrops

norvegicus

Nephrops

norvegicus

Nephrops

norvegicus

Nephrops

norvegicus

Nephrops

norvegicus

Pandalus borealis

Northern prawn

Pandalus borealis

Northern prawn

Penaeus spp.

Pleuronectes

platessa

Pleuronectes

platessa

Pleuronectes

platessa

'Penaeus' shrimps

Plaice

Crevette nordique

Crevette royale

Plie

Kattegat (PLE/03AS)

Plie

EC waters of Iia and IV; that

part of IIIa not covered by

the Skagerrak and Kattegat

(PLE/2A3AX4)

Vb (EC and internat. waters),

VI; XII and XIV

(internat.waters)

(PLE/561214)

1.520

2.338

-35%

Crevette nordique

Norway lobster

Northern prawn

Langoustine

VIII a, b, d, e (NEP/8ABDE)

Langoustine

VIIIc

Langoustine

Crevette nordique

IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1 (EC

waters)

IIIa

IIa (EC waters), IV (EC

waters)

Norwegian waters south of

62°00’ N

French Guyana

Skagerrak (PLE/03AN)

5.956

9.163

-35%

337

4.033

ot relevant

4.108

112

374

6.205

4.980

664

4.108

-15%

-10%

-35%

Not relevant

337

Not relevant

4.108

-15%

-10%

3.899

4.104

-5%

3.488

-15%

IV (Norwegian waters)

(NEP/4AB-N)

Vb (EC and internat, waters),

VI (NEP/5BC6)

VII

ot relevant

16.057

22.432

1.210

18.891

24.650

Not relevant

-15%

-9%

Not relevant

16.057

17.160

Not relevant

-15%

-30%

Plaice

Pleuronectes

platessa

Plaice

Plie

34.120

47.875

-29%

Plie

707

668

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Pleuronectes

platessa

Pleuronectes

platessa

Pleuronectes

platessa

Pleuronectes

platessa

Pleuronectes

platessa

Pleuronectes

platessa

Pollachius virens

VIIa

Plaice

Plie

VII b, c

Plie

VII d, e

Plie

VII f, g

Plie

VII h, j, k

Plie

VIII, IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1

(EC waters)

Vb (EC and internat. waters),

VI, XII, XIV (internat.

waters) (POL/561214)

VII (POL/07)

Pollack

Saithe

Pollachius virens

Saithe

Pollachius virens

Saithe

Lieu noir

Lieu jaune

VIII a, b, d, e

Lieu jaune

VIIIc (POL/08C)

Lieu jaune

Lieu noir

IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1 (EC

waters) (POL/9/3411)

IIIa; EC waters of IIa,b,c,d

and IV (POK/2A34)

VI; EC and internat. waters

of Vb, XII and XIV

(POK/561214)

Norwegian waters south of

62° N

236

288

39.291

262

288

60.448

-10%

-35%

223

288

-15%

1.512

1.680

-10%

1.680

13.770

15.300

-10%

13.005

-15%

218

403

256

448

-15%

-10%

218

381

-15%

451

422

451

4.274

4.646

-8%

3.949

-15%

1.627

1.430

14%

1.627

14%

Pollack

Pollachius

pollachius

Pollachius

pollachius

Pollachius

pollachius

Pollachius

pollachius

Pollachius virens

Lieu jaune

405

450

-10%

383

-15%

8.493

ot relevant

13.066

880

-35%

Not relevant

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Pollachius virens

Saithe

Psetta maxima &

Scophthalmus

rhombus

Rajidae

Skates and rays

Rajidae

Skates and rays

Rajidae

Skates and rays

Reinhardtius

hippoglossoides

Greenland halibut

Scomber scombrus

Mackerel

Scomber scombrus

Maquereau

Flétan du Groenland

Requins et Raies

Skates and rays

Requins et Raies

Skates and rays

Requins et Raies

Lieu noir

VII, VIII, IX, X, CECAF

34.1.1 (EC waters)

(POK/7/3411)

IIa (EC waters), IV (EC

waters) (T/B/2AC4-C)

IIa (EC waters), IV (EC

waters)

IIIa (EC waters) (SRX/03-C)

VIab (EC waters), VIIa-c,

e-k (EC waters)

(SRX/67AKXD)

VIId (EC waters) (SRX/07D)

VIII et IX (EC waters)

(SRX/89-C)

IIa (EC waters), IV; Vb and

VI (EC and internat. waters)

(GHL/2A-C46)

IIIa; EC waters of IIa, IIIb, c,

d and IV (MAC/2A34)

IIa (non-EC waters), Vb (EC

and internat. waters), VI, VII,

VIII a, b, d, e, XII, XIV

(MAC/2CX14)

VIIIc, IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1

(EC waters) (MAC/8C3411)

IIIa, IIIb,c,d (EC waters)

EC waters of II and IV

(SOL/24)

Vb (EC and internat. waters),

VI, XII, XIV (SOL/561214)

3.411

3.790

-10%

3.222

-15%

Turbot and brill

Turbot et barbue

4737

1.397

5.263

1.643

-10%

-15%

4.474

1.397

-15%

13.387

887

5.459

15.748

1.044

6.423

-15%

13.387

887

5.459

-15%

612

15.243

720

23.450

-15%

-35%

612

-15%

Mackerel

Scomber scombrus

Mackerel

Solea solea

Common sole

Solea solea

Common sole

Maquereau

Sole commune

202.495

28.663

700

14.100

311.531

35.829

800

14.000

-35%

-20%

-13%

-10%

680

14.100

-15%

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Solea solea

Solea spp.

Sole

Sprattus sprattus

Sprat

Sprattus sprattus

Squalus acanthias

Spurdog dogfish

Squalus acanthias

Spurdog / dogfish

Squalus acanthias

Spurdog dogfish

Trachurus spp.

Horse mackerel

Trachurus spp.

Chinchard

Aiguillat chien de mer

Sprat

Sole

Sprat

Common sole

Sole commune

VIIa

VIIb, c

VIId

VIIe

VIIf, g

VIIh, j, k

VIIIa, b (SOL/8AB)

VIIIc, d, e, IX, X, CECAF

34.1.1 (EC waters)

(SOX/8CDE34)

IIIa

IIa (EC waters), IV (EC

waters)

VIId, e

IIIa (EC waters) (DGS/03A-

IIa & IV (EC waters)

(DGS/2AC4-C)

IIIa, EC & Int. Waters of I,

V, VI, VII, VIII, XII & XIV

(DGS/15X14)

EC waters of IVb, IVc, VIId

(JAX/47D)

EC waters of Iia, Iva, VI,

VIIa-c, VIIe-k, VIIIa,b,d,e;

Vb (EC and internat.

Waters); internat. waters of

XII and XIV (JAX/2AX14)

VIIIc (JAX/08c)

402

4.219

618

993

498

4.829

502

5.274

650

993

553

4.390

-20%

-10%

-20%

-5%

-10%

10%

377

3.650

553

920

470

4.490

-25%

-14%

-31%

-15%

-7%

-15%

1.094

31.265

170.000

5.532

1.216

48.100

170.000

6.144

104

266

-10%

-35%

-10%

-100%

1.034

170.000

5.223

-15%

-100%

30.144

1.002

-100%

Horse mackerel

Trachurus spp.

Horse mackerel

Chinchard

98.986

25.310

25310

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Trachurus spp.

Horse mackerel

Trachurus spp.

Horse mackerel

Trachurus spp.

Horse mackerel

Trisopterus esmarki

Norway pout

Trisopterus esmarki

Norway pout

Tacaud norvégien

Industrial fish

Combined quota

Other species

Tacaud norvégien

Chinchard

Horse mackerel

Chinchard

IX (JAX/09)

X, CECAF Azores

(JAX/X34PRT)

CECAF Madeira Islands

JAX/341PRT

CECAF Canary Islands

(JAX/341 SPN)

IIa (EC waters), IIIa, IV (EC

waters) (NOP/2A3A4)

IV (Norwegian waters)

(NOP/4AB-N)

IV (Norwegian waters)

(I/F/4AB-N)

EC waters of Vb; VI and VII

(R/G/5B67-C)

IV (Norwegian waters)

(OTH/4AB-N)

EC waters of Iia, IV and Via

north of 56˚30N

(OTH/2A46AN)

31.142

3.072

1.229

75.888

ot relevant

5.000

Not relevant

3.200

1.280

26.250

1.000

800

-4%

189%

Not relevant

27574

2.720

1.088

Not relevant

-15%

Not relevant

Other species

ot relevant

Not relevant

ANNEX IB NORTH EAST ATLANTIC AND GREENLAND AND ICES zones I, II, V, XII, XIV and Greenland Waters of NAFO 0 and 1

Chionoecetes spp.

Greenland waters of NAFO 0

and 1

Crabe

Snow crab

500

Clupea harengus

EC and International waters

of I and II (HER/1/2)

Herring

Hareng

106.959

-10%

96.543

Gadus morhua

Norwegian waters of I and II

(COD/1N2AB)

Cod

Cabillaud

19.324

Not relevant

ot relevant

Gadus morhua

Greenland waters of NAFO 0

and 1, Greenland waters of V

and XIV (COD/NO1514)

Cod

Cabillaud

3.500

-29%

2.500

500

Not relevant

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Gadus morhua

Cod

Gadus morhua and

Melanogrammus

aeglefinus

Hippoglossus

hippoglossus

Hippoglossus

hippoglossus

Mallotus villosus

Melanogrammus

aeglefinus

Micromesistius

poutassou

Molva molva and

Molva dypterigia

Pandalus borealis

Northern prawn

Pollachius virens

Saithe

Pollachius virens

Reinhardtius

hippoglossoides

Reinhardtius

hippoglossoides

Saithe

Greenland halibut

Lieu noir

Flétan du Groenland

International waters of I and

II (GHL/12/INT)

Saithe

Crevette nordique

Lieu noir

Cabillaud

Internat. waters of I and IIb

(COD/1/2B)

Vb (Faroese waters)

22.356

19.793

13%

Not relevant

Cod and haddock

Atlantic halibut

Capelin

Haddock

Blue whiting

Ling and Blue ling

Northern prawn

Cabillaud et églefin

V, XIV (Greenland waters)

Flétan

Capelan

Eglefin

Faroese waters

Merlan bleu

Vb (Faroese waters)

Lingue et lingue bleue

Crevette nordique

Greenland waters of V and

XIV (PRA/514GRN)

Greenland waters of NAFO 0

and 1 (PRA/N01GRN)

I, II (Norwegian waters)

International waters of I and

Vb (Faroese waters)

Norwegian waters of I and II

NAFO 0 and 1 (Greenland

waters)

IIb

V, XIV (Greenland waters)

I, II (Norwegian waters)

ot relevant

4.000

ot relevant

500

1.075

2.500

3.000

3.065

7.000

4.000

3.000

2.425

Not relevant

-35%

Not relevant

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Reinhardtius

hippoglossoides

Reinhardtius

hippoglossoides

Scomber scombrus

Sebastes spp.

Redfish

Sebastes spp.

Redfish

By-catches

Other species

Flatfish

ANNEX IC NORTH WEST ATLANTIC Area of NAFO

Gadus morhua

Cod

Cabillaud

Gadus morhua

Glyptocephalus

cynoglossus

Glyptocephalus

cynoglossus

Cod

Witch flounder

Cabillaud

Plie grise

NAFO 3NO

Plie grise

Sébaste

Greenland halibut

Mackerel

Flétan du Groenland

Maquereau

Greenland waters of V and

XIV

Greenland waters of NAFO 0

an 1

IIa (Norwegian waters)

Vb (Faroese waters)

V (EC and internat. waters);

XII and XIV (internat.

waters) (RED/51214)

I and II (Norwegian waters)

I and II (internat. waters)

V, XIV (Greenland waters)

Va (Icelandic waters)

Vb (Faroese waters)

NAFO 0, 1 (Greenland

waters)

I, II (Norwegian waters)

Vb (Faroese waters)

NAFO 2J3KL

NAFO 3NO

NAFO 3M

NAFO 2J3KL

ot relevant

7.500

2.500

12.300

3.001

Not relevant

6992

ot relevant

5500

1.500

1.600

2.300

350

760

Not relevant

6992

Not relevant

5500

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Hippoglossoides

platessoides

Hippoglossoides

platessoides

Illex illecebrosus

Limanda ferruginea

Yellowtail flounder

Mallotus villosus

Pandalus borealis

Reinhardtius

hippoglossoides

Rajidae

Sebastes spp.

Redfish

Urophycis tenuis

White hake

Sébaste

Merluche blanche

Capelin

Northern prawn

Nothern prawn

Greenland halibut

Skate

Redfish

Limande à queue jaune

Capelan

Crevette nordique

Flétan du Groenland

Raie cendrée

Sébaste

NAFO 3LNO

NAFO 3LN

NAFO 3M

NAFO 3O

NAFO Subarea 2, divisions

1F and 3K

NAFO 3NO

NAFO 3L

NAFO 3M

NAFO 3LMNO

6.951

8.500

638

7.813

7.000

2.503

5.000

6.951

8.500

7.813

7.000

2.503

5.000

11.856

12.000

3.500

10.000

20.000

2.503

6.000

71%

41%

28%

186%

20%

American Plaice

Short fin squid

Faux Flétan

Calmar à nageoires

courtes

NAFO 3M

NAFO 3LNO

NAFO sub-zones 3 and 4

34.000

NAFO 3LNO

17000

334

17000

334

17000

30000

8882%

34.000

ANNEX ID HIGHLY MIGRATORY FISH - All AREAS

Thunnus thynnus

Atlantic Ocean, east of

longitude 45°W and

Mediterranean

(BFT/AE045W)

Atlantic Ocean (north of

latitude 5° N)

Bluefin tuna

Xiphias gladius

Swordfish

Thon rouge

Espadon

7.113

8.636

11.907

8.232

-40%

7.113

8.636

-40%

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Xiphias gladius

Swordfish

Germo alalunga

Northern Albacore

Germo alalunga

Southern Albacore

Thunnus obesus

Makaira nigricans

Lamna nasus

Portbeagle

Tetrapturus alba

White marlin

Requin-taupe

Makaire blanc

Bigeye tuna

Blue marlin

Thon blanc

Thon obèse

Makaire bleu

Thon blanc

Espadon

Atlantic Ocean (south of

latitude 5° N)

Atlantic Ocean (north of

latitude 5° N)

Atlantic Ocean (south of

latitude 5° N)

Atlantic Ocean

EC and internat. waters of I,

II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII,

IX, X, XII and XIV

Atlantic Ocean

6.638

27.917

1.915

31.200

103

5.717

38.193

1.915

31.200

103

16%

-27%

6.638

27.917

1.915

31.200

103

16%

-27%

ANNEX IE ANTARCTIC Area of CCAMLR

Champsocephalus

Poisson des glaces

gunnari

Antarctic icefish

antarctique

Champsocephalus

Poisson des glaces

gunnari

Antarctic icefish

antarctique

Dissostichus

eleginoides

Antarctic toothfish

Légines

Dissostichus

eleginoides

Antarctic toothfish

Légines

Dissostichus

eleginoides

Antarctic toothfish

Légines

Euphausia superba

Krill

Euphausia superba

Krill

Euphausia superba

Krill

FAO 48.3 Anatarctic

ANI/F483

FAO 58.5.2 Antarctic

ANI/F5852

FAO 48.3 Antarctic

TOP/F483

FAO 48.4 Antarctic

TOP/F484

FAO 58.5.2 Antarctic

TOP/F5852

FAO 48

KRI/F48

FAO 58.4.1 Antarctic

KRI/F5841

FAO 58.4.2 Antarctic

KRI/F5842

1.548

1.658

3.000

2550

3 470 000

440 000

2 645 000

3834

102

3920

2500

3 470 000

440 000

2 645 000

-60%

1525%

-23%

1.548

1.658

3000

2.550

3.470.00

440.000

2.645.000

-60%

1525%

-23%

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Lepidonotothen

squamifrons

Paralomis spp.

Macrourus spp.

Grenadier

Other species

Rajidae

Skates and rays

Beryx spp.

Chaceon spp.

Dissostichus

eleginoides

Hoplostethus

atlanticus

Hoplostethus

atlanticus

Alfonsinos

Deep-sea Red crab

Patagonian Toothfish

Orange roughy

Requins et raies

Béryx

Gérion ouest-africain

Légine australe

Hoplosthète orange

ANNEX IF SOUTH-EAST ATLANTIC OCEAN Area of SEAFO

SEAFO

SEAFO Sub Division B1

SEAFO excluding Sub

division B1

SEAFO

SEAFO Sub Division B1

SEAFO, excluding Sub

Division B1 (ORY/F47X)

By-catches in all areas

(SBF/F41-81)

200

260

-100%

-23%

200

-100%

-23%

Grenadier

Autres espèces

Grey rockcod

Crab

Colin austral

Crabe

FAO 58.5.2 Antarctic

NOS/F5852

FAO 48.3 Anatarctic

PAI/F483

FAO 58.5.2 Antarctic

GRV/F5852

FAO 58.5.2 Antarctic

OTH/F5852

FAO 58.5.2 Anarctic

SRX/F5852

1600

360

120

1600

360

120

1600

360

120

ANNEX IG SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA - All Areas

Thunnus maccoyii

Bluefin tuna footnote Thon rouge

ANNEX IH

WCFPC Area

Xiphias gladius

Swordfish

Espadon

ANNEX IJ SPFO

Area

Trachurus murphyi

Jack mackerel

Chinchard du Chili

WCPFC area south of 20˚ S

SPFO (CJM)

179000

179.000

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A IMAL WELFARE LABELLI G SCHEME & ESTABLISHME T OF A EUROPEA

ETWORK OF REFERE CE CE TRES FOR THE PROTECTIO A D WELFARE OF

A IMALS

The Council took note of the presentation by the Commission of its report on options for animal

welfare labelling and the establishment of a European Network of Reference Centres for the

protection and welfare of animals (15307/09).

While one Member State requested that further work is carried out on the basis of this report, other

Member States recalled the need to avoid extra burden and/or to ensure that distortion of

competition with third countries is avoided.

Background information:

The debate on how to improve the communication to consumers regarding animal welfare in

livestock production has been running in the EU for several years.

The conference:

"Animal Welfare – Improving by Labelling?"

organised in Brussels on

28 March 2007 by the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Commission and

the German Presidency enabled a first broad discussion to take place with representatives of all

stakeholder groups.

The report identifies various issues concerning animal welfare labelling and communication, and

the possible establishment of a European Network of Reference Centres for the protection and

welfare of animals, based on the results of an external study provided to the Commission in

January 2009.

Following that conference the Council adopted in May 2007 conclusions on animal welfare

labelling (9151/07), inviting the Commission to assess further the issue of animal welfare labelling

and to submit a report to the Council in order to allow an in-depth debate on the issue.

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The impact assessment accompanying the report does not conclude on any definitive option neither

for animal welfare labelling nor for the possible establishment of a European Network of Reference

Centres for the protection and welfare of animals. In relation to welfare labelling, it does however

identify the legislative and non-legislative options that are considered the most feasible at this stage

(harmonised requirements for voluntary animal welfare claims and/or a Community animal welfare

label).

Currently there is no EU legislation on specific animal welfare labelling of products of animal

origin. As a consequence there are no harmonized requirements for labelling of animal welfare

standards in the EU. However, a number of private schemes have emerged in recent years . Among

these can be mentioned:

–

Schemes that focus only on animal welfare (e.g. Freedom Food (UK), Neuland (DE),

Animal Index System (AT))

Schemes that focus on various aspects including animal welfare (e.g. organic farming,

Label Rouge (FR))

Schemes that focus on aspects other than animal welfare but have positive side effects on

animal welfare (e.g. PDO/PGI schemes)

–

Freedom Food (UK)

Freedom Food is a farm assurance and food labelling scheme set up by the Royal Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in 1994 to improve farm animal welfare and to address

growing consumer demand for food produced to higher animal welfare standards.

For further information:

http://www.rspca.org.uk/freedomfood

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Label Rouge (France)

Label Rouge is a French national quality assurance scheme for food products managed by the

Ministry of Agriculture. Participation is open to groups of producers and processors of food

products after demonstration of their ability to comply with the

notices techniques,

the minimum

technical requirements of the label. Animal welfare specifications relate to the type of rearing, the

genetics, maximum stock densities, the origin and type of feed, the slaughter age and the transport.

"Label Rouge" logo was created in 1965. French law governs the use of the label.

The final product is not only marked with a logo, but also provides more detailed information on the

production, the so-called "caractéristiques

certifies".

The most important product segment of Label

Rouge is poultry.

For further information:

http://www.poultrylabelrouge.com/

Egg marketing legislation (EU)

The egg marketing legislation is designed to inform consumers of the production system used to

produce eggs. It provides minimum standards, but Member States are free to go beyond this should

they wish to. One example is the UK's Lion code. Legislation on the general labelling of eggs was

first established in 1990 under a Council Regulation.

Although the labelling scheme is derived from EU legislation, the views of stakeholders including

producer organisations and animal welfare organisations were considered in the drafting of the

legislation. Egg labelling is not designed to be an animal welfare label, although consumers are able

to purchase eggs from the system which they feel offers the best animal welfare, if this is an

important factor in their purchase decision.

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There are four permitted production system labels: eggs from caged hens, barn eggs, freerange eggs

and organic eggs. The mandatory labelling scheme for eggs was introduced in 2004 following the

optional ability to label eggs produced from caged hens as "eggs from caged hens" which had been

in operation since 1995.

A necessary precondition of the optional labelling was that this was meaningful to consumers and

that they were prepared to pay a price premium for eggs produced in systems which they associated

with higher animal welfare criteria.

Since the implementation of the legislation, the percentage of non-caged egg production has

increased significantly in nearly all Member States.

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OBLIGATIO S OF OPERATORS WHO PLACE TIMBER A D TIMBER PRODUCTS

O THE MARKET

The Council reached a partial political agreement on the text of a draft Regulation

laying down the

obligations of operators who place

timber and timber products

on the market (14482/08).

The political agreement on the entire text could be reached during one of the Council forthcoming

meeting

The European Parliament adopted its opinion on 22 April 2009.

The Council adopted the FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) Regulation in

December 2005 and gave the Commission mandate to open negotiations with third countries willing

to enter voluntary partnership agreements

(VPA).

Except certain parts of the text relating to Articles 290 and 291 of the Treaty on the

Functioning of the European Union which still need to be assessed in light of the entry into

force of the Lisbon Treaty.

Possibly on 22 December, without discussion.

The first VPA was signed on 20 November this year with the Republic of Ghana (see

15913/09).

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14.-16.XII.2009

PROTECTIO OF A IMALS USED FOR SCIE TIFIC PURPOSES

The Council took note of the oral presentation given by the Presidency regarding the state of play

regarding the proposal for a Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

(15546/08).

Thanking in particular the Czech Presidency for its important role in the progress achieved, the

Presidency informed the Council that a tentative agreement on the content of the proposal had been

reached with the European Parliament. This agreement did not however include the provisions

related to comitology which were to be finalised under the Spanish Presidency.

The Parliament delivered its opinion at first reading on 5 May 2009.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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STATE AIDS FOR HU GARY, ITALY, LATVIA A D LITHUA IA

The Council adopted two decisions stating that the exceptional aid granted between 1 January 2010

and 31 December 2013 by the Latvian and Lithuanian authorities, for the purchase of agricultural

land, were to be considered compatible with the internal market.

The Council reached political agreement on a similar decision concerning Hungary and agreed to

adopt it at one of its forthcoming session

Under the Community Guidelines for State aid in the agriculture sector applied during the period

2000-2006, it was possible to grant state aid for purchase of land costing up to 40%-50% of the

eligible expenses of the investment. Using this possibility, the Lithuanian and the Hungarian

national legislations provided for state aid consisting in different forms of subsidies. Latvia had a

State aid scheme in force between 2002 and 2007.

Such possibility was ruled out under the 2007-2013 Guidelines, with a foreseen phasing out by

31 December 2009.

Hungary, Latvia and Lithuania have each addressed an application to the Council requesting that

the Council declares their state aid for the purchase of agricultural land between 1 January 2010 and

31 December 2013, compatible with the common market.

In application of Article 108(2), third subparagraph of the Treaty, the Council must, acting

unanimously

, make known its attitude within three months of the application being made by a

Member State for authorisation to grant such aid.

The Italian request will be dealt with in a forthcoming meeting.

Under the unanimity rule, abstentions by Members present in person or represented shall not

prevent the adoption by the Council of acts which require unanimity (Article 238(4) of the

Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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Total exceptional aid for the period 2010-2013, amounts to:

–

HUF

4 000 million for Hungary (16848/09);

LVL

8 million for Latvia (16846/09); and

LTL

55 million for Lithuania (16843/09).

DAIRY MARKET QUARTERLY REPORT

The Council took note of a quarterly report of the situation on the dairy market.

Latest figures show further improvement in dairy prices in recent weeks and stabilisation of the

"farm gate" prices in member states, even if at relatively low level (16813/09).

Hungarian forints (about EUR 14,83 million).

Latvian lats (about EUR 11,22 million).

Lithuanian litas (about EUR 15,93 million).

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

SIMPLIFICATIO OF THE CAP

The Council took note of the views expressed by ministers on the Simplification of the Common

agricultural policy (CAP) based on a Commission staff working document (16208/09).

Under the Swedish Presidency, which had made a priority of it, the topic has been addressed in

different ways and from different angles, in particular by the Chief Veterinary Officers and by the

Conference of the Paying Agencies, as well ad during a workshop organised in Brussels in

September.

The Council had adopted conclusions on simplification of the CAP in May, inviting the

Commission to examine and assess by the end of the year a list 39 concrete simplification

suggestions submitted by 16 Member States.

Today, several member states have expressed satisfaction on the outcome of the Commission's

assessment of the 39 suggestions for simplification, and have in particular welcomed the

Commission's commitment to prepare in the coming months a number of draft acts and proposals to

follow up on a number of suggestions made, including alternative solutions.

Others, however, pointed out that the Commission's assessment did not lead to a positive follow-up

on a number of suggestions made and would like to see those suggestions being reviewed through a

political process

Moreover, several delegations have indicated areas where they see scope for further simplification,

and have asked the Commission in particular to take a more proportionate and risk-based approach

to carrying out controls, conducting compliance audits and imposing financial corrections.

As regards the functioning of the Commission's Simplification Experts Group, a number of

suggestions for improvement have been made. The Commissioner has noted those carefully.

For the near future, the Council would like to invite the Commission services to come forward with

the draft acts and proposals indicated in the working document, and to continue working on the

various ongoing simplification projects, in particular through the Simplification Experts Group.

At the Council meeting on 24 April, several delegations jointly submitted a list of 39 concrete

suggestions for simplifying the CAP (9103/09).

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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FUTURE OF THE CAP: RURAL DEVELOPME T POLICY

The Council held a policy debate on the future of the CAP, with a particular focus on rural

development policy (15372/09). The Council debate on the future of rural development policy is the

continuation of previous discussions under the Czech

and French

Presidencies, which focused on

the first pillar of the CAP.

Member states were invited to reflect on the future challenges they consider to be most relevant for

European agriculture and rural areas and on what changes were needed in the rural development

programme in order to tackle these challenges, while respecting the principles of subsidiarity and

proportionality.

Several Ministers emphasised that although there is already quite a good existing policy, there is

still room for improvement because a central banner is needed, which in their view, could be Green

Growth. Some urged structural changes; the replacement of the axes-structure with a new clearer

one with more focused targets. Some others pointed out the need to redesign some of the individual

measures, and establish balance between targeting and simplification.

In its introductory words, the Commission representative highlighted that strengthening

competitiveness, protecting the environment and creating new jobs are the three most important

challenges we face when we talk about the future of rural development.

After the discussion, she estimated too early to mention any figures and invited Member States to

reflect on several issues that most delegates touched upon, such as the criteria to be defined for the

distribution of money intending to replace historical grounds.

The Swedish Presidency concluded that there is a need to keep rural development as part of the

common policy, in order to face several important challenges such as sustainable development,

climatic change, water management, and biodiversity.

See the Czech Presidency conclusions of 23 June 2009, on the future of the CAP after 2013

and especially direct payments (10713/09).

See the conclusions of the French Presidency of 28 November 2008, on the future of the

CAP after 2013 (16287/2/08

REV2).

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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The current regulation on rural development policy for the period 2007 to 2013 states that member

states and regions rural development funding shall aim at improving:

–

the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector;

the environment and the countryside;

the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of the rural economy.

A BETTER FU CTIO I G FOOD SUPPLY CHAI I EUROPE

The Council took note of the presentation by the Commission of the Communication "A better

functioning food supply chain in Europe", and of the Commission's commitment to report by the

end of 2010 on the advancement of the concrete proposals outlined therein.

The Council looks forward to discussing further work on this issue and has in particular taken note

of the Commission's commitment.

In the second half of 2007, agricultural commodity price increases accelerated and by early 2008

reached exceptional levels. The European Council of June 2008 asked the Commission to report

back on these issues by December 2008.

In response, the Commission proposed to better monitor developments in agricultural commodity

and food prices, to analyse the impact of speculation on agricultural commodity prices and to

investigate the functioning of the food supply chain.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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A Y OTHER BUSI ESS

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision

of food information to consumers

–

Information from the Presidency

The Council took note of a Presidency progress report (16594/09) outlining the state of

play in the negotiations on a Commission proposal for a regulation on the provision of

food information to consumers. The examination of the draft regulation should continue

during the incoming Spanish Presidency. The first reading opinion of the European

Parliament is expected in June 2010.

(b)

Negotiations with Russia in the veterinary and phytosanitary field

–

Information from the Commission

The Council took note of the information given by the Commission representative

regarding the veterinary and phytosanitary negotiations with the Russian Federation.

There is no formal veterinary or phytosanitary agreement between the EU and the Russian

Federation: the negotiations are based on arrangements such as export certificates and

Memoranda of Understanding. The negotiation is led by the Commission, based on several

mandates granted by the Council

See

10252/07 ADD1

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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(c)

International Conference on GMOs in European Agriculture and Food Production (The

Hague, 25-16 November 2009)

–

Information from the delegation of Netherlands

The Council took note of the information given by the delegation of the Netherlands

regarding the conclusions of the

Internal Conference on GMOs in European Agriculture

and Food Production policy in Europe (17129/09)

Some delegations warmly thanked Gerda Verburg, Minister for Agriculture, Nature and

Food Quality and her colleague, Jacqueline Cramer Minister for Housing, Spatial Planning

and the Environment who jointly organised the event.

The Austrian and Hungarian delegations welcomed the idea to have a Commission’s

proposal allowing individual Member States to adopt national measures leading to regulate

and/or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs on their own territory

Commissionner Vassiliou reminded ministers of President Barroso's political guidelines

regarding GMOs: "In an area like GMOs, for example, it should be possible to combine a

Community authorisation system, based on science, with freedom for Member States to

decide whether or not they wish to cultivate GM crops on their territory."

At the Agriculture Council in November 2009 (see press release

16290/09),

in the context

of an authorisation procedure for a GM product, the delegation of Netherlands favoured an

urgent change of the EU legislation in order to overcome the problem of the asynchronous

approvals of GMOs. In addition, the Dutch Minister seized this opportunity and invited

delegations to participate in the International Conference on GMOs which was to take

place in the Hague, upon her Ministry's initiative.

See Council conclusions of December 2008 (press release

16585/09)

and the exchange of

views of June 2009 on the same subject (press release

11259/09).

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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(e)

Abolition of production levy for sugar producers by repealing Article 51 of Council

Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007

–

Request from the Polish delegation

The Council took note of the request made by the Polish delegation, supported by the

Belgian, Czech, Danish, German, Lithuanian, Austrian, Romanian and Slovak delegations,

to abolish the production charge for sugar producers (16995/09) and of the comments

made by the Portuguese and United Kingdom delegations.

The Commission representative recalled that the production charge had been introduced

principally to ensure that the sugar reform remained neutral for the EU budget over the

period 2007-2013. The introduction by the reform of decoupled direct payments for beet

growers partially compensated for the price reduction.

Mariann Fischer Boel also emphasised that as a source of revenue for the EU budget, the

production charge could only be discussed in the appropriate forum.

(f)

Transitional Community aid for the sugar beet producers in the Member States applying

the single area payment scheme (SAPS)

–

Request from the Slovak delegation

The Council took note of the request made by the Slovak delegation, supported by the

Hungarian, Polish and Slovenian delegations, to exclude the transitional Community aid

scheme for sugar beet producers from the Single Area Payment Scheme (SAPS) envelope

in those Member States applying the SAPS (17370/09).

The Commission representative stated that there was a possibility of granting state aid to

sugar beet growers under the single CMO regulation.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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(g)

WTO - Agreement on Trade in Bananas

–

Information from the Commission

The Commission representative informed delegations about the successful outcome of the

negotiations on trade in bananas between the European Union, the Latin American MFN

banana suppliers, the ACP Countries, as well as the United States, which allowed the

"Geneva Agreement on Trade in Bananas" with the Latin American suppliers and the

settlement agreement with the United States to be initialled in Geneva on 15 December

2009.

Marian Fischer Boel also indicated the Commission's intention to submit to Council the

appropriate proposals for decision in due course.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FISHERIES

Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna -

Council conclusions

The Council adopted the conclusions set out in document

16936/09.

AGRICULTURE

European Union food aid for deprived persons -

Council conclusions

The Council adopted the conclusions set out in document

17150/1/09 REV 1.

Maximum levels for contaminants in food - committee procedure

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission's regulation concerning maximum

levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. The new regulation is aimed at amending regulation

1881/2006 as regards ochratoxin A in the light of a recent scientific opinion of the European Food

Safety Authority (EFSA).

Under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny, the Council can oppose an act which exceeds the

implementing powers of the Commission, is not compatible with the aim or content of the basic

instrument or does not respect subsidiarity or proportionality if the regulatory committee previously

supported the envisaged measures.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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GENERAL AFFAIRS

Implementation of Lisbon Treaty: Delegated acts

The Council adopted a declaration on the implementation of Article 290 of the Lisbon Treaty

concerning delegated acts. The Council underlines, in particular, the importance of the

Commission's commitment to, in the preparatory phase, systematically consult experts from the

national authorities of all the member states, which will be responsible for implementing the

delegated acts once they have been adopted.

Under Article 290 of the Lisbon Treaty the Council and the European Parliament may delegate to

the Commission the power to adopt non-legislative acts of general application to supplement or

amend certain non-essential elements of the legislative act.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

EU special representative for the crisis in Georgia - new financial reference amount

The Council adopted a decision amending Joint Action on the appointment of a special

representative for the crisis in Georgia in order to provide the financial reference amount covering

the expenditure related to the mandate of the special representative until 28 February 2010.

EU police mission for Palestine

The Council adopted a decision amending Joint Action on the EU police mission for Palestine as

regards the financial reference amounts intended to cover the expenditure for this mission in 2010

(16068/09).

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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14.-16.XII.2009

COMMON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY

Restrictive measures (Belarus - Iran - Uzbekistan)

- Belarus

The Council adopted a decision extending, until 31 October 2010, the restrictive measures against

certain officials of Belarus laid down in common position 2006/276/CFSP, due to the absence of

tangible progress in areas identified by the Council

(16366/09).

However, the suspension of the travel restrictions imposed on certain leading figures in Belarus,

with the exception of those involved in the disappearances which occurred in 1999 and 2000 and of

the president of the central electoral commission, are also extended until October 2010. At the end

of that period, the Council will review the restrictive measures in light of the situation in the

country. The Council may decide to reapply or lift travel restrictions at any time, in light of actions

by the Belarusian authorities in the sphere of democracy and human rights.

- Iran

The Council adopted a regulation

(16605/09)

amending regulation 423/2007 concerning restrictive

measures against Iran in order to:

–

correct certain references in the list of goods and technology that are banned for export;

update the list of controlled items in order to maintain its effectiveness; and

empower the Commission to maintain the lists of prohibited and controlled goods and

technology and to amend them on the basis of information provided by either the United

Nations security council or the sanctions committee, or by member states.

In line with common position 2007/140/CFSP, regulation 423/2007 prohibits the supply, sale or

transfer to Iran of goods and technology, in addition to those determined by the United Nations, that

could contribute to Iran's enrichment-related, reprocessing or heavy water-related activities, to the

development of nuclear weapon delivery systems or to the pursuit of activities related to other

topics about which the International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed concerns.

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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- Uzbekistan

The Council adopted a regulation repealing the restrictive measures which the EU imposed against

Uzbekistan on 14 November 2005 (16038/09).

These measures include the prohibition of sale, supply, transfer or export to Uzbekistan of

equipment which might be used for internal repression and the provision of certain financing,

financial assistance or technical assistance to any natural or legal person, entity or body in, or for

use in, Uzbekistan.

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

International accounting standards - committee procedure with scrutiny

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission's regulation concerning certain

international accounting standards. The new regulation is aimed at incorporating an amendment to

the International Accounting Standard 32 on financial instruments decided by the International

Accounting Standard Board in October 2009. It clarifies how to account for certain rights when the

issued instruments are denominated in a currency other that the functional currency of the issuer.

Under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny, the Council can oppose an act which exceeds the

implementing powers of the Commission, is not compatible with the aim or content of the basic

instrument or does not respect subsidiarity or proportionality if the regulatory committee previously

supported the measures envisaged.

Derogations from VAT directive for Estonia

The Council adopted decisions authorising Estonia to apply a measure derogating from the directive

on the common system of value added tax (VAT).

17488/09 (Presse 375)

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By way of derogation from article 167 of the VAT directive, Estonia is allowed to postpone the

right of deduction of VAT in respect of taxable persons until it has been paid to the supplier of

goods or of services. The taxable persons concerned must have opted for a scheme under which the

VAT on their supplies of goods and of services becomes chargeable on receipt of the payment.

Under the scheme, their annual turnover must not exceed a threshold which shall be set by Estonia

at up to the equivalent in national currency of EUR 200 000 (16131/09).

HEALTH

Radioisotopes -

Council conclusions

The Council adopted the conclusions set out in document

17025/09.

ENVIRONMENT

Future international climate agreement with Iceland -

Council conclusions

The Council adopted the conclusions set out in document

17343/09.

LIFE- ature projects -

Council conclusions

The Council adopted the conclusions set out in document

16634/1/09 REV 1.

17488/09 (Presse 375)