Persverklaring Raad van Concurrentievermogen na bijeenkomst 2 december (en)
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 517 PR CO 61
PRESS RELEASE
3276th Council meeting
Competitiveness (Internal Market, Industry, Research and Space)
Brussels, 2 December 2013
President Evaldas Gustas
Minister for Economy of Lithuania
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
Main results of the Council
The Council agreed on a general approach concerning a draft directive on electronic invoicing in the field of public procurement.
It also reached a general approach on a draft directive concerning actions for damages for breaches of antitrust law, which aims to facilitate damage claims by victims of antitrust violations and to allow them to receive full compensation.
The Council exchanged views on the European Semester 2014 for coordination of economic policies. In this context, it adopted conclusions on industrial policy, single market policy and smart regulation.
Ministers took note of the progress made in the EU's trade mark system with a view to its modernisation, which includes improved accessibility to EU companies, lower costs and increased speed and predictability.
The Council took note of the provisional agreement with the European Parliament regarding a draft directive on collective management of copyright and multi-territorial licensing of rights for online music.
A number of other legislative acts were formally adopted without discussion, including the regulation laying down the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020.
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
CONTTS1
PARTICIPANTS................................................................................................................................5
ITEMS DEBATED
INTERNAL MARKET and INDUSTRY............................................................................................7
Public procurement: electronic invoicing............................................................................................7
Antitrust law: actions for damages.......................................................................................................8
European Semester 2014 : industrial policy, single market and smart regulation...............................9
industrial policy.......................................................................................................................................................9
smart regulation.....................................................................................................................................................10
Review of the trade mark system.......................................................................................................11
ANY OTHER BUSINESS.................................................................................................................12
Defence industries.................................................................................................................................................12
Product safety and market surveillance package...................................................................................................13
Collective management of copyright and multi-territorial licensing for online music..........................................13
Unitary patent protection system...........................................................................................................................14
State aid: General block exemption regulation......................................................................................................14
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-Work programme of the upcoming Greek Presidency..........................................................................................14
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
GE&ERAL AFFAIRS
Multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 - adoption.................................................................................15
1 • 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
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•Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site (http://www.consilium.europa.eu)
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•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
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
ECO&OMIC A&D FI&A&CIAL AFFAIRS
Single Supervisory Mechanism: Memorandum of understanding.........................................................................15
RESEARCH
TRADE POLICY
Tariffs on imports of solar panels from China.......................................................................................................16
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-WTO agreement on government procurement......................................................................................................17
WTO: Moratoria on customs duties on electronic transmissions..........................................................................17
Yemen - WTO accession.......................................................................................................................................17
JUSTICE A&D HOME AFFAIRS
EMPLOYME&T
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - Finland, Denmark, Germany............................18
AGRICULTURE
FOOD LAW
Food supplements..................................................................................................................................................19
TRA&SPORT
Documents for international coach and bus services.............................................................................................19
TRA&SPARE&CY
PROVISIONAL VERSION
2 December 2013
PARTICIPANTS
Belgium:
Mr Johan VANDE LANOTTE
Mr Olivier i BELLE
Bulgaria:
Ms Aneliya KLISAROVA Ms Anna YANEVA
Czech Republic:
Mr Pavel ŠOLC Mr Tomas HRUDA Mr Jakub DURR
Denmark:
Mr Morten ØSTERGAARD Mr Ole TOFT
Germany:
Mr Stefan KAPFERER
Mr Guido PERUZZO
Estonia:
Mr Juhan PARTS Mr Clyde KULL
Ireland:
Mr John PERRY
Mr Seán SHERLOCK
Greece:
Mr Konstantinos HATZIDAKIS i Mr Symeon KEDIKOGLOU
Spain:
Mr Íñigo MÉNDEZ DE VIGO i Y MONTOJO Ms Carmen VELA OLMO Mr Luis VALERO
France:
Mr Arnaud MONTEBOURG Ms Geneviève FIORASO
Croatia:
Mr Gordan MARAS Mr Saša ZELIKA
Italy:
Mr Enzo MOAVERO MILANESI Ms Maria Chiara CARROZZA
Cyprus:
Mr Stelios D. HIMONAS
Mr Alecos MICHAELIDES
Ms Maria HADJITHEODOSIOU
Latvia:
Mr Vjačeslavs DOMBROVSKIS Mr Juris ŠTĀLMEISTARS
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy, Consumers and the North Sea Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Education and Science
Deputy Minister for the Economy and Energy
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Deputy Minister for Education Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Science, Innovation and Higher Education Deputy Permanent Representative
State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and
Technology
Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Economic Affairs and Communications Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister of State with responsibility for Small Business (Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation) Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Innovation (Departments of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Education and Skills)
Minister for Development and Competitiveness State Secretary for Education and Religious Affairs
State Secretary for the European Union
State Secretary for Research, Development and Innovation
Secretary General of Industry for Small and Medium
Enterprises
Minister for Economic Regeneration Minister for Higher Education and Research
Minister for Enterprise and Small Business Deputy Minister of Science, Education and Sports
Minister responsible for European Affairs Minister for Education, Universities and Research
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Commerce,
Industry and Tourism
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and
Works
Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Education and Science Deputy Permanent Representative
PROVISIONAL VERSION
2 December 2013
Lithuania:
Mr Evaldas GUSTAS Mr Dainius PAVALKIS
Luxembourg:
Mr Georges FRID
Hungary:
Mr Zoltán CSÉFALVAY
Malta:
Mr Stefan BUONTEMPO
Netherlands:
Mr Sander DEKKER Mr Wepke KINGMA
Austria:
Mr Harald GÜNTHER
Poland:
Ms Grażyna HCLEWSKA Mr Jacek GULIŃSKI
Portugal:
Mr António PIRES DE LIMA Mr Nuno CRATO
Romania:
Mr Andrei-Dominic GEREA Mr Mihnea Cosmin COSTOIU
Slovenia:
Ms Metka IPAVIC
Slovakia:
Mr Dušan ČAPLOVIČ Mr Alexander MICOVČIN
Finland:
Mr Lauri IHALAIN Ms Marja RISLAKKI
Sweden:
Mr Håkan EKGR
Mr Peter HONETH
United Kingdom:
Ms Shan MORGAN
Minister for the Economy Minister of Education and Science
Deputy Permanent Representative
State Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Economic Strategy, Ministry of the National Economy
Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport within the Ministry for Education and Employment
State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science Deputy Permanent Representative
Deputy Permanent Representative
Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of the Economy Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Science and Higher Education
Minister for the Economy Minister for Education and Science
Minister for the Economy
Minister with responsibility for Higher Education,
Scientific Research and Technological Development
Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Education, Science, Research and Sport Deputy Permanent Representative
Minister for Labour
State Secretary, Ministry of Employment and the
Economy
State Secretary (responsible for business development, competitiveness development and innovation) State Secretary responsible for higher education and research, Ministry of Education
Deputy Permanent Representative
Commission:
Vice-President
Vice-President
Member
Member
Member
Member
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
ITEMS DEBATED
INTERNAL MARKET and INDUSTRY
Public procurement: electronic invoicing
Following a public debate, the Council agreed on a general approach1 to develop e-invoicing in the field of public procurement ().
It invited the Presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the basis of the general approach with a view to reaching an agreement at first reading
The objective of the proposal is to introduce a European e-invoicing standard that would diminish market access barriers in cross-border public procurement, generated by insufficient interoperability of electronic technical standards
The EU is taking another step towards the digitization of the public procurement contracts by using e-invoicing in such processes. It will supplement the recent reform carried out following the adoption of the three new directives for the modernisation of public procurement
The adoption of e-invoicing in public procurement across the EU could generate savings of up to €2.3 billion a year. Currently, the uptake of e-invoicing across Europe is very low, accounting for only 4 to 15% of all invoices
E-invoicing in public procurement should improve the functioning of the internal market, reduce obstacles of market access, especially for SMEs, and solve the problem of the compatibility of different e-invoicing systems in various member states. The processes will become faster and less costly
Although most member states provide an environment for electronic publication of procurement, supply of tender conditions and offers of suppliers, these opportunities are still not fully used in practice. The business sector welcomed the initiative to uptake e-invoicing for public procurement and acknowledge that it will be significantly beneficial for them
It is a part of the ongoing modernization of the public administration sector and the development of the European digital agenda, which includes facilitating cross-border online trade. It will also be of great importance in the context of the establishment of a Single Euro Payments Area (SEP A)
Further information: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release MEMO-13-614 en.htm?locale=en
1 A general approach is an agreement on the essential elements of a legal act, pending the
opinion of the European Parliament
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
Antitrust law: actions for damages
Following a public debate, the Council agreed on a general approach on a draft directive concerning actions for damages for breaches of antitrust law. The agreement is based on a compromise proposal put forward by the Presidency ().
It invited the Presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the basis of the general approach with a view to reaching an agreement at first reading
The initiative aims to facilitate damage claims by victims of EU competition. It will harmonise and ensure the effective enforcement of antitrust damages rules within the EU, thereby allowing the victims of a cartel to receive full compensation for both the actual loss suffered and for lost profits
While the right to full compensation is guaranteed by the EU treaty, the practical exercise of this right is often rendered difficult or almost impossible because of the applicable different national rules and procedures. Despite recent improvements, to date most victims of infringements of EU competition rules in practice do not obtain compensation for the harm suffered
Efficiency of current leniency programmes, which comprise an important element of the enforcement of EU competition law, should be maintained after adoption of the directive
Infringements of EU competition law such as cartels or abuses of dominant market positions cause serious harm, not only to the economy as a whole, but also to businesses and consumers
Further information: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release MEMO-13-531 en.htm
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
European Semester 2014 : industrial policy, single market and smart regulation
Ministers for competitiveness held a debate on the European Semester 2014 for economic policy coordination, with a focus on the role of the internal market and the reforms to create growth and jobs. In this context, they approved three sets of conclusions on industrial policy, single market policy and smart regulation
The outcome of the debate and the conclusions will feed into forthcoming discussions of the European Council on the European Semester and on the implementation of the Growth Agenda
The debate followed a presentation by the Commission of the recent communication on the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) for 2014 (). The AGS launches the 2014 European Semester for economic policy coordination, which ensures that member states align their budgetary and economic policies with the Stability and Growth Pact and the Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs
The discussion was structured by means of policy questions put forward by the Presidency ()
Ministers highlighted the areas within the remit of Competitiveness Council where closer coordination of economic policies would produce positive effects on European competitiveness. These include the effective coordination of industrial policy, the promotion of innovation, to take account of the impact of other policy areas (such as energy, environment, trade or education) into the competitiveness of the economy, further deepen the single market, the development of the digital market, to facilitate businesses access to finance, especially to SMEs, and the creation of a favorable environment for EU companies
industrial policy
The Council adopted conclusions on industrial policy (). The conclusions put forward recommendations on a broad range of issues affecting industrial competitiveness such as innovation, measures to facilitate access to finance, improved market conditions (internal market, third country markets, energy markets, including a level playing-field vis-à-vis third country energy producers and access to raw materials) and human capital, in the run up to the February 2014 European Council
The conclusions integrate the results of discussions held at the last Competitiveness Council on 26 September (), the work carried out by national experts during the Lithuanian Presidency and the contributions by the Commission
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
– single market
The Council adopted conclusions addressing three main strands that will lead to a better functioning of the internal market: the governance of the single market; the steps to be taken to unlock the full potential of the services sector and the actions to promote the transition to electronic procurement ().
Furthermore, the Commission presented the second edition of the annual "Single Market integration" report ()
– smart regulation
The Council adopted conclusions addressing the need to ensure that EU regulation is transparent, simple and is achieved at minimum cost, while fostering competitiveness and job creation, and taking into account the protection of citizens
In particular, they cover aspects such as the revision of the stock of EU legislation and the development of systematic analysis, based on evaluation and fitness checks; the reduction of regulatory burden on SMEs and micro-enterprises; the quality of transposition and implementation of the EU directives into national law and transparency and ease of access to information
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
Review of the trade mark system
The Council took note of a report by the Presidency on the progress made in the ongoing reform of the Community trade mark system ()
The reform seeks to modernise the framework of trade marks in order to improve the conditions for business to innovate. It will thus make the Community trade mark system more accessible to SMEs and improve the efficiency of the trade mark protection. It will furthermore improve cooperation between the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), which is responsible for registering and administering Community trade marks, and the national offices
Along the years there has been a steady growth in the commercial value and number of trade marks. In 2012, a record number of Community trade mark applications were filed and OHIM received, in 2011, its millionth application since starting operations in 1996. This development has been accompanied by growing expectations on the part of stakeholders for more streamlined and high-quality trade mark registration systems, which are more consistent, publicly accessible and technologically up-to-date
The establishment of OHIM has been therefore a great success and has contributed substantially to strengthening the competitiveness of the EU. The OHIM is located in Alicante, Spain
The Community trade mark established a stand-alone system for the registration of unitary rights having equal effect throughout the EU. A trade mark serves to distinguish the goods and services of a company. It is the mark through which a business can attract and retain customer loyalty, and create value and growth. The mark works as an engine of innovation and has a favourable impact on employment. The system was designed to co-exist with the national trade mark systems which continued to be necessary for those undertakings which did not want their trade marks protected at EU level
Further information: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-291_en.htm?locale=en
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Defence industries
Over the informal working lunch, ministers exchanged views on the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) in the context of the preparatory discussions for the next European Council. The European Council of 19-20 December will be devoted to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
Ministers highlighted that a competitive EDTIB is a prerequisite for stimulating innovation, growth and jobs and securing up-to-date capabilities
A key element for strengthening both the EDTIB and the internal market for defence is to ensure security of supply between member states. Armed forces, as end users and customers, must be sure that their supplies will be delivered on time no matter whether their suppliers are established in their own or another member state
Many highlighted the essential role of SMEs in the defence supply chain, which normally access defence markets as sub-suppliers of larger prime contractors
Other important elements where outlined as a means to reinforce the EDTIB, especially when defence budgets are under constraint, such as to explore how to improve synergies between the civilian and military sectors both at the national and EU level
On 26 September 2013, the Competitiveness Council discussed the action plan proposed in the Commission communication “Towards a more competitive and efficient European defence and security sector”
On 25 November 2013 the Council adopted conclusions on CDSP1. Among other things, the conclusions called on the Commission to ensure full implementation of the two EU defence directives on procurement and intra-EU transfers
1 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms data/docs/pressdata//foraff/139719.pdf
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
– Product safety and market surveillance package
The Council took note of a Presidency report on the state of play regarding two proposals for regulations on market surveillance () and on consumer product safety () which are currently under discussion in the Council preparatory bodies ().
The report shows a high degree of overall convergence on the package. However, it also points out an outstanding political issue in the package which remains unsolved, which concerns the proposed provision for establishing mandatory country of origin marking for non-food products
A number of delegations considered that this provision would improve traceability of products and consumer information. Whereas other delegations argue that a mandatory country of origin provision is not justified and could be burdensome for economic operators. Some delegations pointed out the lack of an accurate economic analysis on the potential effects of this provision
The Internal Market committee of the European Parliament voted its reports on 17 October 2013
– Collective management of copyright and multi-territorial licensing for online music
The Council took note of the provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament on new rules for governing the collective management of copyright and the multi-territorial licensing of rights in musical works for online uses1
The agreement, which is the result of three rounds of negotiations concluded on 4 November, will be set in a directive that pursues two complementary objectives:
– to improve the functioning of copyright collecting societies in the internal market, and
– to facilitate cross-border licensing of authors’ rights in online music
See also press release .
1 http://www.eu2013.lt/en/news/pressreleases/lithuanian-presidency-successfully-concluded-
negotiations-with-european-parliament-on-collective-management-of-copyright-and-licencing-music-online-
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
– Unitary patent protection system
The Council took note of the progress made by the two committees in charge of preparations for the early establishment and coming into operation of the unitary patent protection system and of the Unified Patent Court ()
"Select committee": set up in the framework of the European Patent Organisation, consists of representatives of the 25 EU member states participating in the enhanced cooperation for the creation of unitary patent protection, and the Commission as an observer
"Preparatory committee" for the establishment of the Unified Patent Court: www.unified-patent-court.org
The work of both committees is closely connected in order to ensure a coherent approach
– State aid: General block exemption regulation
The Council took note of information from the Czech delegation concerning preparations to update the "General block exemption regulation" on state aid measures, which enables the Commission to declare certain categories of state aid compatible with internal market aid
Several delegations recalled the opportunity to improve the system of state aid that was offered while carrying out the general reform
The review of the regulation is part of the wider reform for the modernisation of state aid rules launched in 2012. It aims to ensure that member states and stakeholders have a clear set of rules as of 2014 as a reference point for the development of their policies and aid interventions
– Work programme of the upcoming Greek Presidency
The Greek delegation informed ministers about the Presidency's work programme on competitiveness for the first half of 2014
In the field of internal market and industry, the top priorities of the Greek Presidency will include the progress and finalisation of pending legislative initiatives contained in the Single Market Act I and II packages. It will also pay particular attention to industrial policy coordination and to ways for facilitating access to finance for SMEs
The work programme for competitiveness is in line with the 18-month programme jointly prepared by the trio of EU presidencies ()
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
GERAL AFFAIRS
Multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 - adoption
The Council adopted the regulation laying down the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2014-2020 (/13) enabling the European Union to spend up to EUR 959.99 billion in commitments and EUR 908.40 billion in payments over the next seven years. This follows the European Parliament's consent of 19 November
The Council also approved
the draft interinstitutional agreement (IIA) on budgetary discipline, cooperation in budgetary matters and sound financial management; this piece of paper is aimed at facilitating the annual budgetary procedure and to complement the provisions of the MFF regulation, notably on the special instruments outside the multiannual financial framework ();
the statements forming part of the political agreement reached on the MFF at the end of June (ADD 1).
The MFF regulation and the IIA set out in legal terms the political agreement reached between the Council and the European Parliament on 27 June 2013. The expenditure limits for the next seven years are the same as in the European Council's conclusions of 8 February 2013 (37/13 + COR 1; summary of the conclusions), and on four issues (flexibility, review/revision, unity of the budget and own resources) the texts address the European Parliament's wishes ().
For details see .
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
Single Supervisory Mechanism: Memorandum of understanding
The Council agreed to mandate the presidency to sign, on its behalf, a memorandum of understanding with the European Central Bank on the cooperation on procedures related to the single supervisory mechanism ().
The MOU covers the accountability and reporting obligation of the ECB towards the Council and the Euro Group under regulation (EU) No transferring supervisory tasks to the ECB
For more information on the SSM, see press release .
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
RESEARCH
Research infrastructures
The Council amended the European Research Infrastructures Consortium (ERIC) legal framework in order to facilitate associated countries to become members of an ERIC ().
The ERIC regulation was adopted in 2009 to facilitate the establishment and operation of European research infrastructures
See also: http://ec.europa.eu/research/infrastructures/index en.cfm?pg=eric
TRADE POLICY
Tariffs on imports of solar panels from China
The Council adopted anti-dumping and anti-subsidy regulations on tariffs on imports of solar panels from China ( and ). The regulations follow the amicable solution found between the European Commission and China on the solar panel case last August
The new tariffs on imports will be applicable for two years
On 6 June 2013, the Commission imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of solar panels from China
Subsequent to the adoption of the provisional anti-dumping measures, a group of cooperating exporting producers together with the China Chamber of Commerce, offered a joint price undertaking in accordance with the EU rules. The undertaking offer was also supported by the Chinese authorities and accepted by the Commission
See also press release: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release IP-13-1190 en.htm.
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
WTO agreement on government procurement
The Council adopted a decision approving, on behalf of the EU, a protocol amending the WTO agreement on government procurement ( + ). It also adopted a decision establishing the EU's position on decisions implementing certain provisions of the protocol ( + )
The negotiations on the revision of the 1994 agreement on government procurement were launched in January 1999. A political agreement at ministerial level was reached in December 2011
WTO: Moratoria on customs duties on electronic transmissions
The Council adopted a decision stating that the EU's position within the WTO ministerial conference should be to support the extension until the next ministerial conference of a moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions ("e-commerce moratorium") and of a moratorium on non-violation and situation complaints
Yemen - WTO accession
The Council and the representatives of the member states adopted a decision stating that the EU's position within the WTO ministerial conference should be to approve the accession of Yemen to the WTO
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
Mobility partnership - Azerbaijan
The Council confirmed the agreement on the Joint Declaration establishing a Mobility Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union and its member states, to be signed on 5 December 2013, in the margins of the Justice and Home Affairs Council
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
EMPLOYMT
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - Finland, Denmark, Germany
The Council adopted three decisions mobilising a total amount of EUR 18.5 million under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), providing support for workers made redundant in Finland, Denmark and Germany
An amount of EUR 9.8 million is allocated to 4 509 dismissed workers of the Finnish mobile phone producer Nokia, Nokia Siemens networks and its 30 subcontractors which due to major structural changes in the world trade patterns had to reduce its investments and staff in Europe. An amount of EUR 6.4 million is mobilised for 611 former workers of the Danish Vestas Group which operates in the sector of wind turbines. Due to a strong competition from Asian producers, and in particular from China, the Vestas Group lost important shares on the European market. Further EUR 2.3 million are made available for 1 244 workers made redundant in the German producer of solar modules, Solar Manufacturing GmbH. The company had to close its plants in Europe because the strong competition from Asian producers, and in particular from China, led to the collapse of prices
The EGF helps workers 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 to outside the EU. The help of the EGF constitutes in 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
AGRICULTURE
Sugar sector: levies paid in excess
The Council adopted a regulation fixing new production levies for the marketing years to , by virtue of which Member States will be able to determine and reimburse with interest the sums unduly paid by the sugar sector over the period 2001-2006 ().
See also press release .
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
Spirit drinks - Amendment of the list of geographical indications
The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission's amendments to annexes II and III to regulation on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks (; )
The amendment on annex II adjusts the definition of the categories of some spirit drinks such as gin or distilled gin. In addition the amendments on annex III add new spirit drinks to the list of products protected by a geographical indication (Fruit spirit from Hungary, Polish or Lithuanian flavoured vodka and Rum from Guatemala)
These Commission regulations are subject to the so called 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
FOOD LAW
Food supplements
The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission regulation authorising ChromoPrecise® chromium yeast for the manufacture of food supplements and chromium(III) lacdtate tri-hydrate to be added to foods, provided that certain conditions are met ().
The Commission regulation is subject to the so called regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt it, unless the European Parliament objects
TRANSPORT
Documents for international coach and bus services
The Council decided not to oppose adoption by the Commission of a regulation laying down detailed rules for the application of regulation as regards documents for the international carriage of passengers by coach and bus and repealing Commission regulation ().
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
PROVISIONAL VERSION 2 December 2013
TRANSPARCY
Public access to documents
On 2 December 2013, the Council approved:
the reply to confirmatory application No 22/c/02/13 (+ COR 1). the new reply to confirmatory application No 1/c/01/09 ().