COUNCILOF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest...

Cod plan: agreement between Council and Parliament



On 29 June 2016 the Council led by the Netherlands Presidency and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on a regulation amending the long-term plan for cod stocks from 2008, the so-called cod plan.

The agreed draft regulation discontinues the effort regime, recognising this is a main obstacle to introducing in full the landing obligation in the areas of the cod plan, and thereby granting more flexibility to fishermen. Furthermore in the agreed text therules on allowable catch limits (TACs) are largely simplified, while the co-legislators await the Commission's proposal of a reform-based multiannual plan for the North Sea, which is expected to contain a chapter on specific targets and safeguards in this respect. Finally as regards the landing obligation, the Council and European Parliament underlined the importance of maintaining selectivity and discard reduction measures that were developed under the cod plan. Maintaining or further developing these measures should facilitate the phasing-in of the landing obligation in demersal fisheries which started in 2016

Remarks by President Donald Tusk after the informal meeting of 27 EU heads of state or government



Good afternoon. Today 27 EU leaders discussed the consequences of the British referendum for Europe. It was a calm and serious discussion, as it is a serious moment in our common history. Certainly one issue is clear from our debate. Leaders are absolutely determined to remain united and work closely together as 27.

We reconfirmed that Britain's withdrawal from the European Union must be orderly and there will be no negotiations of any kind until the UK formally notifies its intention to withdraw. We hope to have the UK as a close partner in the future. It is up to the British government to notify the European Council of the UK intentions to withdraw from the EU. Leaders made it crystal clear today that access to the single market requires acceptance of all four freedoms, including the freedom of movement. There will be no single market "à la carte".

We also discussed the fact that too many people in Europe are unhappy with the current state of affairs and who expect us to do better. Many recalled that for decades Europe was bringing hope and that we have a responsibility to return to that.

As you know it was a first exchange of 27 leaders after the British referendum and so it would be too early to draw conclusions. This is why we have started a political reflection on the future of EU with 27 states and will meet on 16 September in Bratislava to continue talks. Thank you.

Occupational pension funds: Council confirms agreement with EP On 30 June 2016 the Permanent Representatives Committee approved, on behalf of the Council, an agreement with the European Parliament on institutions for occupational retirement provision (IORPs). The draft directive is aimed at facilitating the development of IORPs and betterprotecting pension scheme members and beneficiaries. The directive will improve the governance and transparency of IORPs and facilitate their cross-border activity. It revises directive 2003/41/EC on the activities and supervision of IORPs. Objectives IORPs manage collective schemes for employers that provide retirement benefits for their employees. The revision of directive 2003/41/EC will reinforce their role asinstitutional investors and help channel long-term savings to growth-enhancing investments. The directive has four objectives: clarifying cross-border activities of IORPs; ensuring good governance and risk management; providing clear and relevant information to members and beneficiaries; ensuring that supervisors have the necessary tools to effectively supervise IORPs. Next steps Member states will have two years to transpose the directive into their national laws and regulations. Provisional agreement with the European Parliament was reached on 15 June 2016. The directive is expected to be approved by the Parliament at first reading. It will then be submitted to the Council for adoption. Legal aid in criminal proceedings: Council and Parliament reach an agreement On 30 June, the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) confirmed, on behalf of the Council, the agreement with the European Parliament on the directive on the right to legal aid for citizens suspected or accused of a criminal offence and for those subject to a European arrest warrant. The proposed directive lays down minimum rules concerning the right to legal aid for suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings who are deprived of liberty, and in certain other situations. It also ensures that legal aid is made available in European arrest warrant proceedings, upon the arrest of the requested person in the executing State. Minister van der Steur from the Netherlands presidency said : "I am very pleased that a political agreement has been reached during our Presidency. Furthermore, I want to thank the rapporteur, Mr De Jong, for the excellent cooperation which was instrumental in achieving this compromise. The directive will contribute to mutual trust between Member States. And I firmly belief that this trust will in turn lead to improved European cooperation in criminal cases."