# Official Journal L 400/2020

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 400 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 6330 November 2020 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 400

English edition

Legislation

Volume 6330 November 2020

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| Contents | | I   Legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Regulation (EU) 2020/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2020 amending Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 as regards fishing capacity reduction in the Baltic Sea, and Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 as regards permanent cessation of fishing activities for fleets fishing for Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod and Western Baltic herring | 1 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Decision (EU) 2020/1782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2020 amending Decision No 573/2014/EU on enhanced cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES) (
  1
  ) | 7 |

Contents

I   Legislative acts

page

REGULATIONS

*

Regulation (EU) 2020/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2020 amending Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 as regards fishing capacity reduction in the Baltic Sea, and Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 as regards permanent cessation of fishing activities for fleets fishing for Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod and Western Baltic herring

1

DECISIONS

*

Decision (EU) 2020/1782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2020 amending Decision No 573/2014/EU on enhanced cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES) (
  1
  )

1

7

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
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EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

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I Legislative acts

REGULATIONS

| 30.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 400/1 |
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30.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 400/1

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REGULATION (EU) 2020/1781 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 25 November 2020

amending Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 as regards fishing capacity reduction in the Baltic Sea, and Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 as regards permanent cessation of fishing activities for fleets fishing for Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod and Western Baltic herring

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (2),

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) establishes a multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea (‘the Baltic Multiannual Plan’). The Baltic Multiannual Plan is to implement the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management in order to ensure that negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem are minimised. It is to be coherent with Union environmental legislation, in particular with the objective of achieving good environmental status in the marine environment by 2020 as set out in Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (4). |
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(1)

Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) establishes a multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea (‘the Baltic Multiannual Plan’). The Baltic Multiannual Plan is to implement the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management in order to ensure that negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem are minimised. It is to be coherent with Union environmental legislation, in particular with the objective of achieving good environmental status in the marine environment by 2020 as set out in Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (4).

| (2) | The provisions of the Baltic Multiannual Plan regarding the adoption of details for the implementation of the landing obligation provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5) in Union waters of the Baltic Sea should also apply to Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as regards the high survivability exemption. |
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(2)

The provisions of the Baltic Multiannual Plan regarding the adoption of details for the implementation of the landing obligation provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5) in Union waters of the Baltic Sea should also apply to Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as regards the high survivability exemption.

| (3) | According to scientific assessment carried out by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), many species and habitats of the Baltic Sea are not in good condition. Annual nutrient inputs still exceed regionally agreed goals in the central Baltic Sea, the Archipelago Sea and the Gulf of Finland. Nutrient concentrations remain relatively high, as does the extent of deep-water areas with poor or no oxygen. Contaminant levels remain elevated compared with most European seas. That overall environmental situation affects food web functionality, reduces resilience and resistance against further environmental changes, and diminishes prospects for socioeconomic benefits, including fishing opportunities. |
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(3)

According to scientific assessment carried out by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), many species and habitats of the Baltic Sea are not in good condition. Annual nutrient inputs still exceed regionally agreed goals in the central Baltic Sea, the Archipelago Sea and the Gulf of Finland. Nutrient concentrations remain relatively high, as does the extent of deep-water areas with poor or no oxygen. Contaminant levels remain elevated compared with most European seas. That overall environmental situation affects food web functionality, reduces resilience and resistance against further environmental changes, and diminishes prospects for socioeconomic benefits, including fishing opportunities.

| (4) | The declining condition of Eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) has been linked to that situation. According to ICES, the stock of Eastern Baltic cod suffers from an unsustainably low biomass due to a combination of declining recruitment, low availability of prey species, environmental factors and changes in the ecosystem – such as oxygen depletion, increased temperature or pollution – leading to a high natural mortality approximately three times the fishing mortality, and an excessive fishing mortality given the status of the stock. The biomass of commercial sized Eastern Baltic cod is currently at the lowest level observed since the 1950s. Moreover, ICES estimated that the Eastern Baltic cod spawning stock biomass will remain below the sustainability reference point in the medium-term (until 2024) even with no fishing at all, and therefore advised zero catches in its stock advice for 2020. |
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(4)

The declining condition of Eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) has been linked to that situation. According to ICES, the stock of Eastern Baltic cod suffers from an unsustainably low biomass due to a combination of declining recruitment, low availability of prey species, environmental factors and changes in the ecosystem – such as oxygen depletion, increased temperature or pollution – leading to a high natural mortality approximately three times the fishing mortality, and an excessive fishing mortality given the status of the stock. The biomass of commercial sized Eastern Baltic cod is currently at the lowest level observed since the 1950s. Moreover, ICES estimated that the Eastern Baltic cod spawning stock biomass will remain below the sustainability reference point in the medium-term (until 2024) even with no fishing at all, and therefore advised zero catches in its stock advice for 2020.

| (5) | The Baltic Multiannual Plan requires that, when scientific advice indicates that a stock is under threat, remedial measures are to be taken, including the reduction of fishing opportunities and specific conservation measures, and that those measures are to be supplemented by all other appropriate measures. Remedial measures may include suspending the targeted fishery for the stock and the adequate reduction of fishing opportunities. The choice of measures is to be made in accordance with the nature, seriousness, duration and repetition of the situation. |
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(5)

The Baltic Multiannual Plan requires that, when scientific advice indicates that a stock is under threat, remedial measures are to be taken, including the reduction of fishing opportunities and specific conservation measures, and that those measures are to be supplemented by all other appropriate measures. Remedial measures may include suspending the targeted fishery for the stock and the adequate reduction of fishing opportunities. The choice of measures is to be made in accordance with the nature, seriousness, duration and repetition of the situation.

| (6) | Based on the stock assessment for Eastern Baltic cod, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1248 (6), prohibiting Union fishing vessels from fishing for cod in ICES Subdivisions 24, 25 and 26 until 31 December 2019. That prohibition has had a significant impact on the Eastern Baltic region, especially on the small artisanal fishing sector. It has also had an impact on the Western Baltic fisheries. |
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(6)

Based on the stock assessment for Eastern Baltic cod, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1248 (6), prohibiting Union fishing vessels from fishing for cod in ICES Subdivisions 24, 25 and 26 until 31 December 2019. That prohibition has had a significant impact on the Eastern Baltic region, especially on the small artisanal fishing sector. It has also had an impact on the Western Baltic fisheries.

| (7) | Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1838 (7) provides for a necessary and unprecedented reduction of 92 % of fishing opportunities for 2020 compared to 2019 for Eastern Baltic cod, and limits the use of the total allowable catch (‘TAC’) to by-catches only. No targeted fishery for that stock is therefore to be allowed. Fishing operations conducted for the purpose of scientific investigations are allowed to follow the trends in stock biomass. Since in ICES Subdivision 24 mostly Eastern Baltic cod is present, the use of the Western Baltic cod TAC in ICES Subdivision 24 has also been limited to by-catches of cod. |
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(7)

Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1838 (7) provides for a necessary and unprecedented reduction of 92 % of fishing opportunities for 2020 compared to 2019 for Eastern Baltic cod, and limits the use of the total allowable catch (‘TAC’) to by-catches only. No targeted fishery for that stock is therefore to be allowed. Fishing operations conducted for the purpose of scientific investigations are allowed to follow the trends in stock biomass. Since in ICES Subdivision 24 mostly Eastern Baltic cod is present, the use of the Western Baltic cod TAC in ICES Subdivision 24 has also been limited to by-catches of cod.

| (8) | The fishing fleets currently dependent on Eastern Baltic cod do not have the possibility to fish for other stocks as an alternative. It is estimated that offsetting the economic losses caused by the Eastern Baltic cod closure would require additional catches of around 20 000 tonnes in alternative species. However, Regulation (EU) 2019/1838 provides for major reductions for other stocks for 2020, in particular in respect of Western Baltic cod, with a reduction of 60 %, and in respect of Western Baltic herring (Clupea harengus), with a reduction of 65 % for the western stock and of 27 % in the Gulf of Bothnia. |
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(8)

The fishing fleets currently dependent on Eastern Baltic cod do not have the possibility to fish for other stocks as an alternative. It is estimated that offsetting the economic losses caused by the Eastern Baltic cod closure would require additional catches of around 20 000 tonnes in alternative species. However, Regulation (EU) 2019/1838 provides for major reductions for other stocks for 2020, in particular in respect of Western Baltic cod, with a reduction of 60 %, and in respect of Western Baltic herring (Clupea harengus), with a reduction of 65 % for the western stock and of 27 % in the Gulf of Bothnia.

| (9) | Analysis shows that the fleet segments with the highest dependency on Eastern Baltic cod encompass more than 300 vessels, mainly trawlers and netters in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, and to a lesser extent, in Denmark and Germany. Those fleet segments are of significant socioeconomic importance, representing between approximately 20 % and 50 % of the respective national fleet in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, expressed in full-time equivalents. Only a minority of fleet segments seem resilient enough to survive a short-term, but not a medium or long-term, closure. The rest either already suffer from a poor situation that will be made worse by the closure or will see their profitability erode completely. Indeed, the quota uptake for Eastern Baltic cod has been below 60 % for many years already, dropping further to 40 % in 2018 and even lower in 2019; the quota uptake until the start of the Commission emergency measures in mid-July 2019 was 19 %, reflecting the biological problem with that fishery. Given that Eastern Baltic cod is not expected to recover to healthy levels even in the medium term, there will be a persistent structural imbalance for those fleet segments, thus justifying the restructuring of the fleet. |
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(9)

Analysis shows that the fleet segments with the highest dependency on Eastern Baltic cod encompass more than 300 vessels, mainly trawlers and netters in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, and to a lesser extent, in Denmark and Germany. Those fleet segments are of significant socioeconomic importance, representing between approximately 20 % and 50 % of the respective national fleet in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, expressed in full-time equivalents. Only a minority of fleet segments seem resilient enough to survive a short-term, but not a medium or long-term, closure. The rest either already suffer from a poor situation that will be made worse by the closure or will see their profitability erode completely. Indeed, the quota uptake for Eastern Baltic cod has been below 60 % for many years already, dropping further to 40 % in 2018 and even lower in 2019; the quota uptake until the start of the Commission emergency measures in mid-July 2019 was 19 %, reflecting the biological problem with that fishery. Given that Eastern Baltic cod is not expected to recover to healthy levels even in the medium term, there will be a persistent structural imbalance for those fleet segments, thus justifying the restructuring of the fleet.

| (10) | Restructuring of the fleets is to be carried out in line with Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, which requires Member States to put in place measures to adjust the fishing capacity of their fleets to their fishing opportunities over time, taking into account trends and based on the best available scientific advice, with the objective of achieving a stable and enduring balance between them. In order to achieve that objective, Member States are to send to the Commission, by 31 May each year, a report in which the balance between the fishing capacity of their fleets and their fishing opportunities is assessed. If the assessment clearly demonstrates that the fishing capacity is not effectively balanced with the fishing opportunities, the Member State concerned is to prepare and include in its report an action plan for the fleet segments with identified structural overcapacity. |
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(10)

Restructuring of the fleets is to be carried out in line with Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, which requires Member States to put in place measures to adjust the fishing capacity of their fleets to their fishing opportunities over time, taking into account trends and based on the best available scientific advice, with the objective of achieving a stable and enduring balance between them. In order to achieve that objective, Member States are to send to the Commission, by 31 May each year, a report in which the balance between the fishing capacity of their fleets and their fishing opportunities is assessed. If the assessment clearly demonstrates that the fishing capacity is not effectively balanced with the fishing opportunities, the Member State concerned is to prepare and include in its report an action plan for the fleet segments with identified structural overcapacity.

| (11) | In the political agreement of the Council of 15 October 2019 on 2020 catch limits in the Baltic Sea, the Member States concerned declared that, if they need to reduce the fishing capacity of the fleet to manage the adverse socioeconomic consequences of the decline of the fisheries, they will present an action plan to the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. On 17 October 2019, the Member States concerned also recognised that, in view of the need to reduce the fishing capacity of the fleet, it is important to avoid public aid for investments in additional fishing capacity. Member States should be allowed at any time to send to the Commission their annual reports on fishing capacity and fishing opportunities or amendments to those reports in order to introduce or amend such an action plan. |
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(11)

In the political agreement of the Council of 15 October 2019 on 2020 catch limits in the Baltic Sea, the Member States concerned declared that, if they need to reduce the fishing capacity of the fleet to manage the adverse socioeconomic consequences of the decline of the fisheries, they will present an action plan to the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. On 17 October 2019, the Member States concerned also recognised that, in view of the need to reduce the fishing capacity of the fleet, it is important to avoid public aid for investments in additional fishing capacity. Member States should be allowed at any time to send to the Commission their annual reports on fishing capacity and fishing opportunities or amendments to those reports in order to introduce or amend such an action plan.

| (12) | The fishing capacity levels of Member States implementing permanent cessation measures in fleet segments that have targeted Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring (‘the three stocks concerned’) should not exceed the average fishing capacity levels of vessels with fishing opportunities for the three stocks concerned in the years 2015 to 2019. Those fishing capacity levels should be reduced when vessels are withdrawn with public aid, with the aim of rebuilding the three stocks concerned. Those Member States should ensure that vessels from other fleet segments cannot be transferred to the fleet segments that fish for any of the three stocks concerned by not re-allocating fishing capacity to those vessel groups before five years following the date of withdrawal, or before the stock concerned has been above MSY Btrigger for a period of three years, whichever occurs earlier. In order to ensure that fishing capacity levels are not exceeded, Member States should inform the Commission about their initial fishing capacity level and any changes to it. |
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(12)

The fishing capacity levels of Member States implementing permanent cessation measures in fleet segments that have targeted Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring (‘the three stocks concerned’) should not exceed the average fishing capacity levels of vessels with fishing opportunities for the three stocks concerned in the years 2015 to 2019. Those fishing capacity levels should be reduced when vessels are withdrawn with public aid, with the aim of rebuilding the three stocks concerned. Those Member States should ensure that vessels from other fleet segments cannot be transferred to the fleet segments that fish for any of the three stocks concerned by not re-allocating fishing capacity to those vessel groups before five years following the date of withdrawal, or before the stock concerned has been above MSY Btrigger for a period of three years, whichever occurs earlier. In order to ensure that fishing capacity levels are not exceeded, Member States should inform the Commission about their initial fishing capacity level and any changes to it.

| (13) | Given the serious condition of the three stocks concerned, Member States should enhance monitoring and control of vessels with by-catch quota for Eastern Baltic cod or with fishing opportunities for Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring. Furthermore, the threshold quantity as of which a fishing vessel is required to send prior notification of landing and to land its catch in a specific place should be reduced to 250 kilograms for Eastern Baltic cod and Western Baltic cod. |
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(13)

Given the serious condition of the three stocks concerned, Member States should enhance monitoring and control of vessels with by-catch quota for Eastern Baltic cod or with fishing opportunities for Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring. Furthermore, the threshold quantity as of which a fishing vessel is required to send prior notification of landing and to land its catch in a specific place should be reduced to 250 kilograms for Eastern Baltic cod and Western Baltic cod.

| (14) | Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 should therefore be amended accordingly. |
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(14)

Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (15) | ICES issued an analytical assessment of the stock of Eastern Baltic cod, but could neither provide fishing mortality ranges nor various reference points because of a lack of required data. Therefore, data collection should be improved. |
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(15)

ICES issued an analytical assessment of the stock of Eastern Baltic cod, but could neither provide fishing mortality ranges nor various reference points because of a lack of required data. Therefore, data collection should be improved.

| (16) | The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (‘EMFF’) established by Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8) provided for permanent cessation of fishing activities until 31 December 2017 as a tool to reduce identified structural overcapacity. Where Member States identified a structural imbalance, the resulting action plan under Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 therefore allowed them to include permanent cessation of fishing activities as a way to meet the objectives of the action plan. |
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(16)

The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (‘EMFF’) established by Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8) provided for permanent cessation of fishing activities until 31 December 2017 as a tool to reduce identified structural overcapacity. Where Member States identified a structural imbalance, the resulting action plan under Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 therefore allowed them to include permanent cessation of fishing activities as a way to meet the objectives of the action plan.

| (17) | In order to mitigate the seriously harmful socioeconomic consequences for communities and businesses engaged in fishing caused by the persistent and negative environmental situation in the Baltic Sea and the resulting severe reductions in fishing opportunities, and in view of the specific measures provided for in the Baltic Multiannual Plan, public support for the permanent cessation of fishing activities through the scrapping of fishing vessels should be available to allow Member States to meet the objectives of their action plans under Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and reduce any structural imbalance identified in the fleet segments concerned. Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly to reintroduce support for permanent cessation for the vessels in the fleet segments concerned. |
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(17)

In order to mitigate the seriously harmful socioeconomic consequences for communities and businesses engaged in fishing caused by the persistent and negative environmental situation in the Baltic Sea and the resulting severe reductions in fishing opportunities, and in view of the specific measures provided for in the Baltic Multiannual Plan, public support for the permanent cessation of fishing activities through the scrapping of fishing vessels should be available to allow Member States to meet the objectives of their action plans under Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and reduce any structural imbalance identified in the fleet segments concerned. Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly to reintroduce support for permanent cessation for the vessels in the fleet segments concerned.

| (18) | In order to ensure the consistency of fleet structural adaptation in the Baltic Sea with the conservation objectives laid down in the Baltic Multiannual plan, support for the permanent cessation of fishing activities through the scrapping of fishing vessels in the fleet segments concerned should be strictly conditional upon compliance with Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and with the specific fishing capacity ceilings for the fleet segments concerned. |
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(18)

In order to ensure the consistency of fleet structural adaptation in the Baltic Sea with the conservation objectives laid down in the Baltic Multiannual plan, support for the permanent cessation of fishing activities through the scrapping of fishing vessels in the fleet segments concerned should be strictly conditional upon compliance with Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and with the specific fishing capacity ceilings for the fleet segments concerned.

| (19) | Given the fragile ecosystem in the Baltic Sea, support for the permanent cessation of fishing activities should not be granted for the retrofitting of fishing vessels for activities other than commercial fishing, such as recreational fishing, which could have a detrimental impact on the ecosystem. Therefore, the support should only be granted for the scrapping of fishing vessels. |
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(19)

Given the fragile ecosystem in the Baltic Sea, support for the permanent cessation of fishing activities should not be granted for the retrofitting of fishing vessels for activities other than commercial fishing, such as recreational fishing, which could have a detrimental impact on the ecosystem. Therefore, the support should only be granted for the scrapping of fishing vessels.

| (20) | Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 provides that the fishing capacity corresponding to the fishing vessels withdrawn with public aid is not to be replaced. Moreover, that Regulation provides that the entry into the fleet of new fishing capacity without public aid is to be compensated for by the prior withdrawal of fishing capacity without public aid of at least the same amount. |
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(20)

Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 provides that the fishing capacity corresponding to the fishing vessels withdrawn with public aid is not to be replaced. Moreover, that Regulation provides that the entry into the fleet of new fishing capacity without public aid is to be compensated for by the prior withdrawal of fishing capacity without public aid of at least the same amount.

| (21) | Since support under Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 may be provided until the end of 2023, the last annual report on the implementation of the operational programmes should be submitted by 31 May 2024. Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly. |
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(21)

Since support under Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 may be provided until the end of 2023, the last annual report on the implementation of the operational programmes should be submitted by 31 May 2024. Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (22) | In view of the bad economic situation of Union fishing vessels which are significantly dependent on the three stocks concerned and the need to ensure the availability of support under the EMFF for permanent cessation of fishing activities of those vessels in 2020, this Regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, |
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(22)

In view of the bad economic situation of Union fishing vessels which are significantly dependent on the three stocks concerned and the need to ensure the availability of support under the EMFF for permanent cessation of fishing activities of those vessels in 2020, this Regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Amendments to Regulation (EU) 2016/1139

Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 is amended as follows:

| (1) | in Article 1, the following paragraph is added:

  ‘3.   This Regulation also specifies details for the implementation of the landing obligation in the Union waters of the Baltic Sea for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in ICES Subdivisions 22-32.’; |
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(1)

in Article 1, the following paragraph is added:

‘3.   This Regulation also specifies details for the implementation of the landing obligation in the Union waters of the Baltic Sea for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in ICES Subdivisions 22-32.’;

| (2) | in Article 7(1), the following subparagraph is added:

  ‘However, in respect of Atlantic salmon, the delegated powers conferred upon the Commission under the first subparagraph shall be limited to the measures referred to in point (a) of that subparagraph.’; |
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(2)

in Article 7(1), the following subparagraph is added:

‘However, in respect of Atlantic salmon, the delegated powers conferred upon the Commission under the first subparagraph shall be limited to the measures referred to in point (a) of that subparagraph.’;

| (3) | the following Chapter is inserted:

  ‘CHAPTER VI A

  FISHING CAPACITY REDUCTION


  Article 8a
  Fishing capacity reduction for Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod and Western Baltic herring

  1.   Member States which have adopted an action plan in accordance with Article 22(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 for fleet segments which include fishing vessels that have targeted Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring (“the three stocks concerned”) may implement measures for the permanent cessation of fishing activities in accordance with Article 34 of Regulation (EU) No 508/2014.


  2.   Support for measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall be granted only if the action plan as referred to in paragraph 1 sets out specific fishing capacity reduction targets for fishing vessels with fishing opportunities for one or more of the three stocks concerned.


  3.   Member States may at any time send or amend their annual report referred to in Article 22(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 in order to introduce or amend their action plan.


  4.   The fishing capacity ceiling of a Member State implementing permanent cessation measures as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall decrease by an amount equal to the fishing capacity corresponding to the fishing vessels that are withdrawn with public aid in accordance with Article 22(6) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and Article 34(5) of Regulation (EU) No 508/2014.


  5.   Member States shall communicate to the Commission any decreases in the fishing capacity ceilings of Member States in the reports to be submitted in accordance with Article 22(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.


  6.   Member States implementing the permanent cessation measures as referred to in paragraph 1 shall communicate to the Commission the yearly average for the years 2015 to 2019 of the total fishing capacity of all fishing vessels with an allocation of fishing opportunities for any of the three stocks concerned. Moreover, Member States shall communicate to the Commission the total amount of fishing capacity withdrawn for fishing vessels with an allocation of fishing opportunities for any of the three stocks concerned.


  7.   Member States implementing the permanent cessation measures as referred to in paragraph 1 shall ensure that the fishing capacity of fishing vessels with an allocation of fishing opportunities for any of the three stocks concerned does not exceed the yearly average fishing capacity communicated to the Commission in accordance with paragraph 6 by not re-allocating fishing capacity to any of those vessel groups before five years following the date of withdrawal, or before the stock concerned has been above MSY Btrigger for a period of three years, whichever occurs earlier.’; |
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(3)

the following Chapter is inserted:

‘CHAPTER VI A

FISHING CAPACITY REDUCTION

FISHING CAPACITY REDUCTION

Article 8a

Fishing capacity reduction for Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod and Western Baltic herring

1.   Member States which have adopted an action plan in accordance with Article 22(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 for fleet segments which include fishing vessels that have targeted Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring (“the three stocks concerned”) may implement measures for the permanent cessation of fishing activities in accordance with Article 34 of Regulation (EU) No 508/2014.

2.   Support for measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall be granted only if the action plan as referred to in paragraph 1 sets out specific fishing capacity reduction targets for fishing vessels with fishing opportunities for one or more of the three stocks concerned.

3.   Member States may at any time send or amend their annual report referred to in Article 22(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 in order to introduce or amend their action plan.

4.   The fishing capacity ceiling of a Member State implementing permanent cessation measures as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall decrease by an amount equal to the fishing capacity corresponding to the fishing vessels that are withdrawn with public aid in accordance with Article 22(6) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and Article 34(5) of Regulation (EU) No 508/2014.

5.   Member States shall communicate to the Commission any decreases in the fishing capacity ceilings of Member States in the reports to be submitted in accordance with Article 22(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

6.   Member States implementing the permanent cessation measures as referred to in paragraph 1 shall communicate to the Commission the yearly average for the years 2015 to 2019 of the total fishing capacity of all fishing vessels with an allocation of fishing opportunities for any of the three stocks concerned. Moreover, Member States shall communicate to the Commission the total amount of fishing capacity withdrawn for fishing vessels with an allocation of fishing opportunities for any of the three stocks concerned.

7.   Member States implementing the permanent cessation measures as referred to in paragraph 1 shall ensure that the fishing capacity of fishing vessels with an allocation of fishing opportunities for any of the three stocks concerned does not exceed the yearly average fishing capacity communicated to the Commission in accordance with paragraph 6 by not re-allocating fishing capacity to any of those vessel groups before five years following the date of withdrawal, or before the stock concerned has been above MSY Btrigger for a period of three years, whichever occurs earlier.’;

| (4) | in Article 11, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

  ‘1.   By way of derogation from Article 17(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, the prior notification obligation laid down in that Article shall apply to masters of Union fishing vessels of an overall length of 8 metres or more retaining on board at least 250 kilograms of cod or 2 tonnes of pelagic stocks.’; |
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(4)

in Article 11, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

‘1.   By way of derogation from Article 17(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, the prior notification obligation laid down in that Article shall apply to masters of Union fishing vessels of an overall length of 8 metres or more retaining on board at least 250 kilograms of cod or 2 tonnes of pelagic stocks.’;

| (5) | in Article 14, point (a) is replaced by the following:






  ‘(a) | 250 kilograms of cod;’; |
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(5)

in Article 14, point (a) is replaced by the following:

‘(a)

250 kilograms of cod;’;

| (6) | the following Article is inserted:

  ‘Article 14a
  Control of catches of Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod and Western Baltic herring
  Member States shall enhance monitoring and control of vessels with by-catch quota for Eastern Baltic cod or with fishing opportunities for Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring.’. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

the following Article is inserted:

‘Article 14a

Control of catches of Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod and Western Baltic herring

Member States shall enhance monitoring and control of vessels with by-catch quota for Eastern Baltic cod or with fishing opportunities for Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring.’.

Article 2

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 508/2014

Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 is amended as follows:

| (1) | Article 34 is amended as follows:






  (a) | in paragraph 2, the following subparagraph is added:

  ‘However, in the case of Eastern Baltic cod as referred to in point (b) of Article 1(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 of the European Parliament and the Council (*1), the two calendar years referred to in points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be 2017 and 2018.

  (*1)  Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016 establishing a multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks, amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2187/2005 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007 (OJ L 191, 15.7.2016, p. 1).’;" |
| --- | --- | --- |

(1)

Article 34 is amended as follows:

(a)

in paragraph 2, the following subparagraph is added:

‘However, in the case of Eastern Baltic cod as referred to in point (b) of Article 1(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 of the European Parliament and the Council (*1), the two calendar years referred to in points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be 2017 and 2018.

*1

(*1)  Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016 establishing a multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks, amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2187/2005 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007 (OJ L 191, 15.7.2016, p. 1).’;"

*1

| (b) | paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:

  ‘4.   Support under this Article may be granted until 31 December 2017, unless permanent cessation measures are adopted in order to achieve the objectives of the following multiannual plans:






  (a) | the multiannual plan for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea, established by Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council (*2); |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:

‘4.   Support under this Article may be granted until 31 December 2017, unless permanent cessation measures are adopted in order to achieve the objectives of the following multiannual plans:

(a)

the multiannual plan for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea, established by Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council (*2);

| (b) | the multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks, established by Regulation (EU) 2016/1139, with regard to vessels that have targeted Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring as set out in Article 8a of Regulation (EU) 2016/1139. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks, established by Regulation (EU) 2016/1139, with regard to vessels that have targeted Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod or Western Baltic herring as set out in Article 8a of Regulation (EU) 2016/1139.

(*2)  Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 establishing a multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea and amending Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 1).’;"

*2

| (c) | paragraph 4a is replaced by the following:

  ‘4a.   Expenditure related to the permanent cessation measures adopted in order to achieve the objectives of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 shall be eligible for support under the EMFF from 16 July 2019.
  Expenditure related to the permanent cessation measures adopted in order to achieve the objectives of Regulation (EU) 2016/1139, in particular Article 8a thereof, shall be eligible for support under the EMFF from 1 December 2020.’; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

paragraph 4a is replaced by the following:

‘4a.   Expenditure related to the permanent cessation measures adopted in order to achieve the objectives of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 shall be eligible for support under the EMFF from 16 July 2019.

Expenditure related to the permanent cessation measures adopted in order to achieve the objectives of Regulation (EU) 2016/1139, in particular Article 8a thereof, shall be eligible for support under the EMFF from 1 December 2020.’;

| (d) | in paragraph 6, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:

  ‘6.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, support may be granted for the permanent cessation of fishing activities without scrapping provided that the vessels retrofit for activities other than commercial fishing. That derogation shall not apply to support granted under paragraph 4, point (b).’; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

in paragraph 6, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:

‘6.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1, support may be granted for the permanent cessation of fishing activities without scrapping provided that the vessels retrofit for activities other than commercial fishing. That derogation shall not apply to support granted under paragraph 4, point (b).’;

| (2) | in Article 114, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

  ‘1.   By 31 May 2016, and by 31 May of each subsequent year up to and including 2024, Member States shall submit to the Commission an annual report on the implementation of the operational programme in the previous calendar year. The report submitted in 2016 shall cover the calendar years 2014 and 2015.’. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

in Article 114, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

‘1.   By 31 May 2016, and by 31 May of each subsequent year up to and including 2024, Member States shall submit to the Commission an annual report on the implementation of the operational programme in the previous calendar year. The report submitted in 2016 shall cover the calendar years 2014 and 2015.’.

Article 3

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Official Journal of the European Union

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 25 November 2020.

For the European Parliament

The President

D. M. SASSOLI

For the Council

The President

M. ROTH

---

(1)  
  OJ C 106, 31.3.2020, p. 10.

1

(2)  Position of the European Parliament of 11 November 2020 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 18 November 2020.

2

(3)  Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016 establishing a multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks, amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2187/2005 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007 (OJ L 191, 15.7.2016, p. 1).

3

(4)  Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19).

4

(5)  Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council Decision 2004/585/EC (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 22).

5

(6)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1248 of 22 July 2019 establishing measures to alleviate a serious threat to the conservation of the Eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) stock (OJ L 195, 23.7.2019, p. 2).

6

Gadus morhua

(7)  Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1838 of 30 October 2019 fixing for 2020 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Baltic Sea and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/124 as regards certain fishing opportunities in other waters (OJ L 281, 31.10.2019, p. 1).

7

(8)  Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2328/2003, (EC) No 861/2006, (EC) No 1198/2006 and (EC) No 791/2007 and Regulation (EU) No 1255/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 149, 20.5.2014, p. 1).

8

---

DECISIONS

| 30.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 400/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 400/7

---

DECISION (EU) 2020/1782 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 25 November 2020

amending Decision No 573/2014/EU on enhanced cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES)

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 149 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

After consulting the Committee of the Regions,

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (2),

Whereas:

| (1) | Decision No 573/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) establishes the European network of public employment services (the ‘Network’) for the period from 17 June 2014 until 31 December 2020. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Decision No 573/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) establishes the European network of public employment services (the ‘Network’) for the period from 17 June 2014 until 31 December 2020.

| (2) | The Network aims to modernise and strengthen public employment services (PES), with a view to enhancing their capacity, the quality of their services, their effectiveness and their efficiency. This would be achieved through providing a platform for comparing their performance at Union level, identifying best practices and establishing a mutual learning system, with a view to contributing to decent work and inclusive and sustainable jobs. It also aims to give the PES more opportunities to help develop innovative, future-oriented and evidence-based policies in line with relevant Union policy initiatives and with the economic, social and employment objectives set out in Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Network aims to modernise and strengthen public employment services (PES), with a view to enhancing their capacity, the quality of their services, their effectiveness and their efficiency. This would be achieved through providing a platform for comparing their performance at Union level, identifying best practices and establishing a mutual learning system, with a view to contributing to decent work and inclusive and sustainable jobs. It also aims to give the PES more opportunities to help develop innovative, future-oriented and evidence-based policies in line with relevant Union policy initiatives and with the economic, social and employment objectives set out in Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union.

| (3) | The Network has been key in encouraging further cooperation between the Member States within the areas of PES responsibility as well as contributing to the modernisation and strengthening of the PES. An evaluation of the implementation of Decision No 573/2014/EU shows that the Network has had a positive impact and identifies lessons learned on the basis of the different activities and experiences. Moreover, the Network has increased its capacity and developed innovative evidence-based measures to implement employment policies. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Network has been key in encouraging further cooperation between the Member States within the areas of PES responsibility as well as contributing to the modernisation and strengthening of the PES. An evaluation of the implementation of Decision No 573/2014/EU shows that the Network has had a positive impact and identifies lessons learned on the basis of the different activities and experiences. Moreover, the Network has increased its capacity and developed innovative evidence-based measures to implement employment policies.

| (4) | In order to capitalise on the results achieved so far and further foster cooperation between PES, the period of establishment of the Network should be prolonged until 31 December 2027. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In order to capitalise on the results achieved so far and further foster cooperation between PES, the period of establishment of the Network should be prolonged until 31 December 2027.

| (5) | The Network should strengthen cooperation between its members and develop joint initiatives for the purpose of exchanging information and best practices in all PES operational areas, by providing comparative analyses and advice and promoting innovative job placement initiatives. In that context, and where appropriate, attention should be paid to PES cooperation to facilitate the integration of and assistance to persons who are covered by the Union rules on the coordination of social security systems. The work of the Network should allow an inclusive, evidence-based and performance-oriented comparison of all PES, in order that best practices in their areas of activity can be determined, contributing to the better design and delivery of employment services within their specific remits. Network initiatives should improve the effectiveness of the PES and contribute to a more efficient use of public funds. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Network should strengthen cooperation between its members and develop joint initiatives for the purpose of exchanging information and best practices in all PES operational areas, by providing comparative analyses and advice and promoting innovative job placement initiatives. In that context, and where appropriate, attention should be paid to PES cooperation to facilitate the integration of and assistance to persons who are covered by the Union rules on the coordination of social security systems. The work of the Network should allow an inclusive, evidence-based and performance-oriented comparison of all PES, in order that best practices in their areas of activity can be determined, contributing to the better design and delivery of employment services within their specific remits. Network initiatives should improve the effectiveness of the PES and contribute to a more efficient use of public funds.

| (6) | The Network should support the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which includes the provision of active support to employment among its principles. It should also contribute to a socially just transition towards a green economy and to the implementation of the relevant principles and objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, by enhancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth and employment as well as decent work for all. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The Network should support the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which includes the provision of active support to employment among its principles. It should also contribute to a socially just transition towards a green economy and to the implementation of the relevant principles and objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, by enhancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth and employment as well as decent work for all.

| (7) | The Network should continue to intensify and strengthen its systematic and structural cooperation with other relevant labour market stakeholders, including in particular Union agencies in the areas of employment, social policy, gender equality, education and training as well as the social partners, service providers in the fields of employment and social affairs, organisations representing vulnerable groups, and local and regional authorities, to promote synergies, exchange best practices and ensure a consistent policy framework where relevant. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The Network should continue to intensify and strengthen its systematic and structural cooperation with other relevant labour market stakeholders, including in particular Union agencies in the areas of employment, social policy, gender equality, education and training as well as the social partners, service providers in the fields of employment and social affairs, organisations representing vulnerable groups, and local and regional authorities, to promote synergies, exchange best practices and ensure a consistent policy framework where relevant.

| (8) | The role of the PES in providing more effective services to jobseekers and undertakings should be adequately supported at national and, where relevant, regional level, with sufficient human resources and financial support for staff training and equipment. The Member States should provide the PES with the necessary resources in order to allow the PES successfully to address the digitalisation of the economy, changing work patterns, including emerging platform economies, and societal and demographic developments. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The role of the PES in providing more effective services to jobseekers and undertakings should be adequately supported at national and, where relevant, regional level, with sufficient human resources and financial support for staff training and equipment. The Member States should provide the PES with the necessary resources in order to allow the PES successfully to address the digitalisation of the economy, changing work patterns, including emerging platform economies, and societal and demographic developments.

| (9) | Union financial support for the Network should be made available in accordance with the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Union financial support for the Network should be made available in accordance with the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027.

| (10) | The Network and its initiatives should be funded in accordance with the financial planning of the Union and within the appropriations set by the European Parliament and the Council. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The Network and its initiatives should be funded in accordance with the financial planning of the Union and within the appropriations set by the European Parliament and the Council.

| (11) | For projects developed by the Network or identified in the mutual learning activities and implemented in the individual PES, Member States should have access to funding from relevant Union programmes. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

For projects developed by the Network or identified in the mutual learning activities and implemented in the individual PES, Member States should have access to funding from relevant Union programmes.

| (12) | In order to ensure the seamless continuation of the activities of the Network, this Decision should apply from 1 January 2021. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

In order to ensure the seamless continuation of the activities of the Network, this Decision should apply from 1 January 2021.

| (13) | Decision No 573/2014/EU should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Decision No 573/2014/EU should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Decision No 573/2014/EU is hereby amended as follows:

| (1) | in Article 1, the first paragraph is replaced by the following:

  ‘A Union-wide network of Public Employment Services (PES) (the ‘Network’) is hereby established for the period from 1 January 2021 until 31 December 2027. The Network shall carry out the initiatives laid down in Article 4.’; |
| --- | --- |

(1)

in Article 1, the first paragraph is replaced by the following:

‘A Union-wide network of Public Employment Services (PES) (the ‘Network’) is hereby established for the period from 1 January 2021 until 31 December 2027. The Network shall carry out the initiatives laid down in Article 4.’;

| (2) | Article 3 is amended as follows:






  (a) | the introductory wording is replaced by the following:

  ‘The aim of this Decision is to encourage cooperation between Member States through the Network in the field of employment, within the areas of PES responsibility, in order to contribute to the implementation of the Union’s employment policies. This will also help implement the principles in the European Pillar of Social Rights, contribute to the European Green Deal objectives and pursue the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, thereby supporting:’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(2)

Article 3 is amended as follows:

(a)

the introductory wording is replaced by the following:

‘The aim of this Decision is to encourage cooperation between Member States through the Network in the field of employment, within the areas of PES responsibility, in order to contribute to the implementation of the Union’s employment policies. This will also help implement the principles in the European Pillar of Social Rights, contribute to the European Green Deal objectives and pursue the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, thereby supporting:’;

| (b) | point (a) is replaced by the following:






  ‘(a) | all vulnerable social groups with high unemployment rates, especially older workers and young persons not in employment, education or training (NEETs) as well as people with disabilities and people facing discrimination on multiple grounds;’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

point (a) is replaced by the following:

‘(a)

all vulnerable social groups with high unemployment rates, especially older workers and young persons not in employment, education or training (NEETs) as well as people with disabilities and people facing discrimination on multiple grounds;’;

| (c) | points (c) and (d) are replaced by the following:






  ‘(c) | the better functioning and inclusiveness of the labour markets; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

points (c) and (d) are replaced by the following:

‘(c)

the better functioning and inclusiveness of the labour markets;

| (ca) | gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

(ca)

gender equality;

| (d) | the identification of skills shortages and the provision of information on their extent and location, as well as the better matching of the skills of job-seekers with the needs of employers, including through the identification of needs for vocational training, as well as the employability of job-seekers and the prevention of unemployment, for example through career counselling and training;’; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the identification of skills shortages and the provision of information on their extent and location, as well as the better matching of the skills of job-seekers with the needs of employers, including through the identification of needs for vocational training, as well as the employability of job-seekers and the prevention of unemployment, for example through career counselling and training;’;

| (3) | Article 4(1) is amended as follows:






  (a) | in point (a), point (i) is replaced by the following:






  ‘(i) | contribution to reducing unemployment for all age, gender and vulnerable groups;’; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(3)

Article 4(1) is amended as follows:

(a)

in point (a), point (i) is replaced by the following:

‘(i)

contribution to reducing unemployment for all age, gender and vulnerable groups;’;

| (b) | point (c) is replaced by the following:






  ‘(c) | contribute to the modernisation and strengthening of PES in key areas, in view of the Union’s employment and social policies, and having in mind the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as challenges related to digitalisation, the changing world of work and work patterns as well as demographic changes;’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

point (c) is replaced by the following:

‘(c)

contribute to the modernisation and strengthening of PES in key areas, in view of the Union’s employment and social policies, and having in mind the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as challenges related to digitalisation, the changing world of work and work patterns as well as demographic changes;’;

| (c) | points (f) and (g) are replaced by the following:






  ‘(f) | the adoption and implementation of its annual work programme setting out its working methods, deliverables and the details related to the implementation of benchlearning as well as dissemination and cooperation strategies; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

points (f) and (g) are replaced by the following:

‘(f)

the adoption and implementation of its annual work programme setting out its working methods, deliverables and the details related to the implementation of benchlearning as well as dissemination and cooperation strategies;

| (g) | the promotion and sharing of best practices on the identification of NEETs, on the development of initiatives to ensure those young people gain the skills necessary to enter and remain in the labour market, and on the integration of the long-term unemployed and other vulnerable groups into the labour market.’; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

the promotion and sharing of best practices on the identification of NEETs, on the development of initiatives to ensure those young people gain the skills necessary to enter and remain in the labour market, and on the integration of the long-term unemployed and other vulnerable groups into the labour market.’;

| (4) | Article 5 is replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 5
  Cooperation
  The Network shall develop cooperation with relevant labour market stakeholders, including other providers of employment and social services and the social partners, and, where appropriate, Union agencies in the areas of employment, social policy, gender equality, and education and training, organisations representing unemployed persons or other vulnerable groups, equality bodies, vocational training organisations, NGOs working in the fields of employment and just transition, and regional and local authorities, by involving them in relevant activities and meetings of the Network and by exchanging information and data with them. Where appropriate, the Network may exchange best practices with relevant public employment services from third countries.’; |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Article 5 is replaced by the following:

‘Article 5

Cooperation

The Network shall develop cooperation with relevant labour market stakeholders, including other providers of employment and social services and the social partners, and, where appropriate, Union agencies in the areas of employment, social policy, gender equality, and education and training, organisations representing unemployed persons or other vulnerable groups, equality bodies, vocational training organisations, NGOs working in the fields of employment and just transition, and regional and local authorities, by involving them in relevant activities and meetings of the Network and by exchanging information and data with them. Where appropriate, the Network may exchange best practices with relevant public employment services from third countries.’;

| (5) | in Article 6, paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:

  ‘5.   The Board shall be assisted by a Secretariat provided by and based within the Commission. The Secretariat, in cooperation with the Chair and the Vice-Chairs, shall prepare the Board meetings, the annual work programme and the annual report of the Network. The Secretariat shall closely cooperate with the EMCO Secretariat, in order to coordinate initiatives and step up cooperation between the Network and EMCO.’; |
| --- | --- |

(5)

in Article 6, paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:

‘5.   The Board shall be assisted by a Secretariat provided by and based within the Commission. The Secretariat, in cooperation with the Chair and the Vice-Chairs, shall prepare the Board meetings, the annual work programme and the annual report of the Network. The Secretariat shall closely cooperate with the EMCO Secretariat, in order to coordinate initiatives and step up cooperation between the Network and EMCO.’;

| (6) | Article 7 is replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 7
  Financial support
  The global resources necessary for the implementation of this Decision shall be made available in accordance with the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027, the annual appropriations of which shall be authorised by the European Parliament and by the Council within the limits of the financial framework.’; |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Article 7 is replaced by the following:

‘Article 7

Financial support

The global resources necessary for the implementation of this Decision shall be made available in accordance with the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027, the annual appropriations of which shall be authorised by the European Parliament and by the Council within the limits of the financial framework.’;

| (7) | in Article 9, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

  ‘2.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 8 shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.’; |
| --- | --- |

(7)

in Article 9, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

‘2.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 8 shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.’;

| (8) | Article 10 is replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 10
  Review
  By 30 September 2026, the Commission shall submit an evaluation report on the application of this Decision to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. That report shall, inter alia, assess to what extent the Network has contributed to the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 3.’. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Article 10 is replaced by the following:

‘Article 10

Review

By 30 September 2026, the Commission shall submit an evaluation report on the application of this Decision to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. That report shall, inter alia, assess to what extent the Network has contributed to the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 3.’.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 1 January 2021.

Done at Brussels, 25 November 2020.

For the European Parliament

The President

D. M. SASSOLI

For the Council

The President

M. ROTH

---

(1)  Opinion of 30 October 2019 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  Position of the European Parliament of 11 November 2020 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 18 November 2020.

2

(3)  Decision No 573/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on enhanced cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES) (OJ L 159, 28.5.2014, p. 32).

3

---