Rådsmøde nr. 3378 (landbrug og fiskeri) den 16. marts 2015

Europaudvalget 2015-16
Rådsmøde 3378 - landbrug og fiskeri
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

7264/15

(OR. en)

PRESSE 23

PR CO 15

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3378th Council meeting

Agriculture and Fisheries

Brussels, 16 March 2015

President

Jānis Dūklavs

Minister for Agriculture of Latvia

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175 B – 1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 6319 / 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

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

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CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

AGRICULTURE ................................................................................................................................. 3

Organic farming ................................................................................................................................... 3

Milk market .......................................................................................................................................... 4

Implementation and simplification of the CAP ................................................................................... 5

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ................................................................................................................... 5

Greening controls ................................................................................................................................. 5

Animal welfare for angora rabbits and furred animals ........................................................................ 6

Xylella fastidiosa.................................................................................................................................. 6

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

AGRICULTURE

–

Detoxification of products for animal feed - definition of acceptability criteria ..................................................... 7

Pesticides - maximum residue levels ....................................................................................................................... 7

Animal health - specified risk material for spongiform encephalopathies .............................................................. 8

EMPLOYMENT

–

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Greece and Ireland .......................................... 8

ENVIRONMENT

–

Noise assessment methods ...................................................................................................................................... 9

Community eco-management and audit scheme ..................................................................................................... 9

Hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment ............................................................................... 10



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.

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ITEMS DEBATED

AGRICULTURE

Organic farming

The Council held an orientation debate on the proposal on organic production (6975/1/15

REV 1).

For the presence of non authorised substances in organic agricultural products (article 20 of the

proposal), members states broadly considered that an harmonised EU approach would be the best

option. However, they expressed diverging views on how to achieve this Some countries would

support imposing legal threshold limits as initially proposed by the Commission, while others

would prefer to rely instead on the existing system of control in the production process.

As regards the import system, most of the member states were in favour of a gradual shift from the

existing equivalence system to a compliance regime as proposed by the Presidency (article 31 of the

proposal). Third countries would then have to apply the EU standards but some derogations and an

appropriate transition period would allow a smooth adaptation.

Concerning the control system for organic agriculture, delegations were divided on the mechanism

governing the frequency of the controls. Many EU countries would like to keep mandatory annual

physical inspections but a risk-based approach could be used to set further controls if necessary.

However, others were in favour of setting the frequency of controls according only to a risk basis.

In addition, many delegations supported the Presidency to have all specific provisions on controls

included into the regulation on organic farming and not in the ongoing official control regulation

(currently under examination by the Council).

On the basis of this debate and the work in the Council's preparatory bodies, the Presidency expects

to reach a general approach on this issue at the Council in May before launching negotiations with

the European Parliament.

The proposal on organic farming aims to review the existing legislation on organic production and

labelling of organic products and amend the regulation on official controls (not yet adopted) with

the objective of removing obstacles to the development of organic production in the EU,

guaranteeing fair competition for farmers and operators and improving consumer confidence in

organic products.

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Milk market

The Commission briefed ministers on the dairy market situation and trends, and on current and

future EU measures in the context of the abolition of the milk quota system on first April (6774/15).

Many member states expressed concerns that the end of the milk quota system could trigger a crisis

in the milk sector, which is still impacted by the Russian ban, and that instruments available under

the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) could prove unsufficient. Others regarded that the

market-oriented approach currently pursued as an opportunity and considered that the sector should

be able to adapt to the change by using the available instruments within the framework of direct

payments and rural development.

Some countries pointed out that price volatility could have a significant effect on milk producers,

and that the Commission would therefore have to monitor the situation very closely through the

Milk Market Observatory (MMO) and put forward appropriate proposals to address the issue if

necessary.

Since 1984, the EU dairy sector has been governed by the milk quota system, which imposes

quantitative limits on EU milk production. The decision to abolish the quota system was taken by

the Council back in 2003, as part of the market-orientated approach.

The issues of increasing the resilience of the sector and of better preparing for the end of milk

quotas have been a matter of deep interest and debate in the Council and its preparatory bodies. A

series of discussions were held throughout 2014 and, more recently, in January, in relation to the

market effects of the Russian ban on EU food imports. On those occasions, delegations expressed

concerns about the further decline of dairy prices already subject to downward pressure.

The favourable market situation, with record high prices in the first half of 2014 due to a strong

global demand, led to a strong increase in milk production. A slowdown in global demand,

exacerbated by the Russian ban on food imports in August 2014, led to a decrease in prices, which

was particularly marked in certain member states and regions. At present, prices of dairy products

seem to be starting to bottom out. Raw milk prices in a handful of member states seem to be

stabilising, although in other member states they are still on a downward trend.

In order to improve the monitoring of market developments and to respond to the possible

worsening of market conditions, the Commission has recently taken a series of additional measures,

such as strengthening the activities of the MMO and adopting an implementing act allowing farmers

to pay the surplus-levy due under the milk quota regime in interest-free instalments over three

years.

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Implementation and simplification of the CAP

The Council held a policy debate on the implementation and the simplification of the Common

Agricultural Policy (CAP) (6809/15).

In the debate, ministers identified practices arising from the recent implementation of the recently

reformed CAP which could be shared with other member states.

The most important issues highlighted by member states as needing simplification in the area of

direct payments were the 'greening' measures and the controls. Also noted were requirements for

producer organisations in the fruit and vegetable sector, reporting requirements and, for rural

development, the programming, approval and state aid procedures.

The Commission indicated in January of this year that the simplification of the CAP would be one

of its priorities, and asked ministers to provide ideas and proposals on how to address the issue in

the coming months.

As implementation and simplification are also key issues for the Council, the presidency has asked

the member states to carry out two complementary tasks: to take stock of the implementation of the

reformed CAP on their territory and to complete a questionnaire on the main CAP regulations with

a view to listing member states' priorities for simplification.

On the basis of this debate, the Presidency will suggest to the member states that Council

conclusions on CAP simplification be adopted in May.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Greening controls

The Council took note of the Portuguese delegation's request regarding the greening controls under

crop diversification (7045/15).

In the framework of the reformed CAP, there is currently provision for a single monitoring period

to check crop diversification in the context of 'greening'. Several member states supported Portugal,

which argues that more than one monitoring period should be allowed in order to account for the

traditional cultivation of autumn/winter crops.

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Animal welfare for angora rabbits and furred animals

The Netherlands delegation briefed the Council on the mistreatment of angora rabbits and furred

animals in some third countries (6693/15) and called for concerted actions to prevent products

involving such mistreatment from entering the EU. Many member states supported the Netherlands

delegation's request.

Following a broadcast on Dutch television and the publication of a report by an animal rights

organisation, the Netherlands would like to address the issue at Council level to prevent products

involving animal welfare malpractices from entering the EU market.

Xylella fastidiosa

The Commission briefed the Council on an outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa affecting trees in the

south of Italy (6939/1/15

REV 1).

Xylella fastidiosa is a plant bacterium that can cause serious losses to EU agriculture and the entire

agri-food chain. In October 2013 Italy reported an outbreak of this disease in the Apulia region,

where olive trees were highly affected. This is still the only confirmed presence of this pest in the

EU. However a spread outside the demarcated area in Apulia cannot be excluded.

In this context, the Commission is currently reviewing the EU emergency measures in place.

Potential concerns may arise with respect to grapevine and citrus production. Italy has decided to

implement stronger sanitary measures. Many member states expressed concerns about the spread of

the disease and highlighted the need for strong prevention and control measures to be implemented.

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

AGRICULTURE

Detoxification of products for animal feed - definition of acceptability criteria

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission regulation defining acceptability

criteria for detoxification processes applied to products intended for animal feed as provided for in

directive 2002/32/EC (5668/15).

Directive 2002/32/EC provides that the use of products intended for animal feed which contain

levels of undesirable substances exceeding the maximum levels laid down in annex I to the

directive is prohibited. The same directive also obliges member states to take measures to guarantee

the correct application of any acceptable detoxification process to products intended for animal feed

and the conformity of the detoxified products with the provisions of annex I to the directive. EU

acceptability criteria for detoxification processes are established to ensure uniform assessment

across the European Union of the acceptability of detoxification processes.

The Commission regulation is subject to what is known as the regulatory procedure with scrutiny.

This means that now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt the

regulation, unless the European Parliament objects.

Pesticides - maximum residue levels

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a regulation amending annexes II, III and V to

regulation 396/2005 as regards maximum residue levels (MRLs) for 2-naphthyloxyacetic acid,

acetochlor, chloropicrin, diflufenican, flurprimidol, flutolanil and spinosad in or on certain products

(5686/15).

Regulation 396/2005 establishes the maximum quantities of pesticide residues or MRLs permitted

in products of animal or vegetable origin intended for human or animal consumption. These MRLs

include, on the one hand, levels which are specific to particular foodstuffs intended for human or

animal consumption and, on the other, a general limit which applies where no specific level has

been set. MRL applications are communicated to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA),

which issues a scientific opinion on each intended new MRL. Based on the EFSA's opinion, the

Commission proposes a regulation to establish a new MRL or to amend or remove an existing MRL

and modify the annexes to regulation 396/2005 accordingly.

The Commission regulation is subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that

now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt the regulation, unless the

European Parliament objects.

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Animal health - specified risk material for spongiform encephalopathies

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission regulation amending the

definition of specified risk material (SRM) set out in annex V to regulation 999/2001 laying down

rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform

encephalopathies (5625/15).

Regulation 999/2001 lays down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of transmissible

spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in bovine, ovine and caprine animals. It applies to the

production and placing on the market of live animals and products of animal origin and in certain

specific cases to exports. It also provides that SRM is to be removed and disposed of in accordance

with annex V to the regulation.

This amendment excludes parts of the bovine intestines (duodenum, colon and part of the small

intestine) from the list of SRM on the basis of a scientific opinion issued by the European Food

Safety Authority (EFSA).

The Commission regulation is subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that

now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt the regulation, unless the

European Parliament objects.

EMPLOYMENT

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Greece and Ireland

The Council adopted the following three decisions mobilising a total amount of €11.3 million under

the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), providing support for workers made redundant

in Greece and Ireland:

–

€5.05 million is to be paid out of the EGF following the dismissal of 928 workers in

16 enterprises operating in the Greek programming and broadcasting sector

an amount of €3.75 million is to be mobilised after 705 workers in 46 enterprises operating

in the Greek publishing activities sector were dismissed as a result of the continuing

economic crisis

€2.49 million is to be deployed following 424 redundancies in three enterprises operating

in Ireland that repair and install machinery and equipment

–

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The EGF helps workers to find new jobs and develop new skills when they have lost their jobs as a

result of changing global trade patterns, e.g. when a large company shuts down or a factory is

moved outside the EU, or as a result of the global financial and economic crisis. The help of the

EGF consists in co-financing measures such as job-search assistance, careers advice, tailor-made

training and re-training, mentoring and promoting entrepreneurship. It also provides one-off, time-

limited individual support, such as job-search allowances, mobility allowances and allowances for

participating in lifelong learning and training activities.

ENVIRONMENT

Noise assessment methods

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission directive establishing common

noise assessment methods (5159/15) according to Directive 2002/49/EC

The aim of the directive is to define a common approach intended to avoid, prevent or reduce the

harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environmental noise.

The Commission directive is subject to what is known as the regulatory procedure with scrutiny

This means that now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt the

directive, unless the European Parliament objects.

Community eco-management and audit scheme

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission decision on reference documents

on best environmental management practice, sector environmental performance indicators and

benchmarks of excellence for the retail trade sector (6557/15) under regulation 1221/2009 on the

voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme

(EMAS)

According to the regulation, the Commission has to develop sectoral reference documents in

consultation with member states and other stakeholders. These documents are necessary to help

organisations to focus better on the most important environmental aspects in a specific sector.

OJ L 189, 18.7.2002

Council decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise

of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23), as

amended by decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11)

OJ C 358, 8.12.2011

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The Commission decision is subject to what is known as the regulatory procedure with scrutiny

This means that now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt the

decision, unless the European Parliament objects.

Hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment

The Council confirmed that it had no intention of objecting to the following Commission delegated

acts amending, for the purposes of adapting to technical progress, Annex IV to directive

2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic

equipment

–

as regards an exemption for lead in polyvinyl chloride sensors in in-vitro diagnostic

medical devices (5848/15)

as regards an exemption for

mercury in intravascular ultrasound imaging systems

–

The Commission and the European Parliament will be informed of the Council's intention. This

implies that, unless the European Parliament objects, the delegated acts will be published and enter

into force on the 20th day following their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Council decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise

of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23), as

amended by decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11)

OJ L 174, 1.7.2011

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