# Official Journal C 118/2021

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 118 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 647 April 2021 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 118

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 647 April 2021

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| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 118/01 | Commission Notice – Guidelines providing a common understanding of the term environmental damage as defined in Article 2 of Directive 2004/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage | 1 |
| 2021/C 118/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9744 — Mastercard/Nets) (
  1
  ) | 50 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 118/01

Commission Notice – Guidelines providing a common understanding of the term environmental damage as defined in Article 2 of Directive 2004/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage

1

2021/C 118/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9744 — Mastercard/Nets) (
  1
  )

1

50

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 118/03 | Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations: — 0,00 % on 1 April 2021 — Euro exchange rates | 51 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2021/C 118/04 | Information to be provided in accordance with Article 5(2) – Establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)
  (Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 ( OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19 )) | 52 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 118/03

Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations: — 0,00 % on 1 April 2021 — Euro exchange rates

51

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2021/C 118/04

Information to be provided in accordance with Article 5(2) – Establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)
  (Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 ( OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19 ))

(Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 ( OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19 ))

52

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Food Safety Authority |
| 2021/C 118/05 | Call for expressions of interest for the position of member of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority | 54 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 118/06 | Commission Notice concerning the reimbursement of anti-dumping duties | 59 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 118/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10214 — Clearlake/TA Associates/Precisely) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 72 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 118/08 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 | 74 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Food Safety Authority

2021/C 118/05

Call for expressions of interest for the position of member of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority

54

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

European Commission

2021/C 118/06

Commission Notice concerning the reimbursement of anti-dumping duties

59

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2021/C 118/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10214 — Clearlake/TA Associates/Precisely) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

72

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2021/C 118/08

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

74

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | |
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EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 7.4.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 118/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.4.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 118/1

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COMMISSION NOTICE

Guidelines providing a common understanding of the term ‘environmental damage’ as defined in Article 2 of Directive 2004/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage

(2021/C 118/01)

Table of contents

| 1. | Introduction | 1 |
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1.

| 2. | The legal and wider regulatory context | 2 |
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2.

| 3. | ‘Damage’ | 9 |
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3.

| 4. | Overview of ‘environmental damage’ | 10 |
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4.

| 5. | ‘Damage to protected species and natural habitats’ | 17 |
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5.

| 6. | ‘Water damage’ | 26 |
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6.

| 7. | ‘Land damage’ | 43 |
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7.

| 8. | Conclusions | 48 |
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8.

| ANNEX | 49 |
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| Court decisions cited | 49 |
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1.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | The purpose of Directive 2004/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage (1) (the ‘Environmental Liability Directive’ or the ‘Directive’) is to establish a framework of environmental liability based on the polluter pays principle, to prevent and remedy environmental damage (2). An amendment adopted in 2019 (3) requires the European Commission to develop guidelines providing a common understanding of the term ‘environmental damage’ as defined in Article 2 of the Directive (4). The present Notice sets out these Guidelines. |
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1.

| 2. | In the scheme of the Directive, the term ‘environmental damage’ is pivotal. It is used to define the Directive’s overall purpose (5). When environmental damage occurs or when there is a threat that it will occur, preventive or remedial action obligations are triggered for operators, as are associated obligations for competent authorities (6), with other persons being entitled to request that action be taken (7). In the case of transboundary damage affecting more than one Member State, duties of co-operation between Member States are triggered (8). In addition, the term carries consequences for financial operators who provide financial security to cover liabilities under the Directive (9). The term thus plays a potentially major role in environmental protection – helping to determine whether or not environmental harm is prevented and remedied. |
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2.

| 3. | The present Guidelines for the common understanding of environmental damage address a need identified in an evaluation of the Directive carried out by the Commission in 2016 (‘the evaluation’). (10) The evaluation concluded that the Directive’s implementation was hampered by significant lack of uniform application of key concepts, in particular concepts related to environmental damage (11). Hence the Commission engaged a contractor to prepare, together with the Environmental Liability Directive government experts group and the relevant Commission service, a Common Understanding Document based on research and consultations (12). Although it resulted in neither a Commission document nor a document agreed with the Member States, this ground-work has helped to prepare the way for these Guidelines. |
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3.

| 4. | Against this background, the Guidelines consider all aspects of the definition of ‘environmental damage’. The term is content-rich, referring to or embedding several other terms and concepts. The Guidelines encompass these, since they are necessary to the term’s understanding. With regard to structure, the Guidelines begin by looking at the legal and wider regulatory context in which the definition is relevant. They then look in turn at the definition of ‘damage’ and the complete text of the definition of ‘environmental damage’, before examining in detail the three separate categories of environmental damage comprised in it, i.e. ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’, ‘water damage’ and ‘land damage’. Overall conclusions are presented at the end. |
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4.

| 5. | Given that the objective of the Guidelines is to provide a common understanding of the definition, their content is analytical and detailed. While they are not exclusively intended for any specific readership, they are envisaged as being of use to the following in particular, all of whom have roles under the Directive: Member States, competent authorities, operators, natural and legal persons, and providers of financial security. The Guidelines seek to address as comprehensively as possible the difficulties of understanding that have already arisen or that might reasonably be expected to arise in the future. They do so by closely analysing all parts of the definition of ‘environmental damage’, drawing attention to detailed considerations that can be inferred from the wording and the legal and regulatory context, and referring to case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (‘the CJEU’ or ‘the Court’) which can help clarify different aspects of the definition either directly or by analogy. |
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5.

| 6. | The Guidelines have been prepared under the exclusive responsibility of the Commission. However, only the Court is competent to authoritatively interpret Union law. |
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6.

2.   THE LEGAL AND WIDER REGULATORY CONTEXT

| 7. | The Environmental Liability Directive is a general, cross-cutting environmental instrument, applying not to one environmental subject-area but to several. As such, it complements other Union instruments that aim to protect the environment. The definition of ‘environmental damage’ expressly refers to four of these: Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (13)
  [now Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds (14)] (‘the Birds Directive’); Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (15) (‘the Habitats Directive’); Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (16) (‘the Water Framework Directive’); and Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy (17) (‘the Marine Strategy Framework Directive’). Cross-references to, and an understanding of, legal provisions of these other instruments are necessary to an understanding of ‘environmental damage’. |
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7.

| 8. | The Environmental Liability Directive is based on, and is an expression of, the polluter pays principle (18). In addition, a common understanding of ‘environmental damage’ needs to draw on, as appropriate, other principles on which Union environmental policy is founded, namely the precautionary principle (19), and the principles that preventive action should be taken and that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source (20), these being relevant to its interpretation. General principles of Union law, such as the principle of proportionality, are also relevant to the Directive. |
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8.

| 9. | The Environmental Liability Directive addresses adverse effects on the environment arising from occupational activities. These activities are subject to legal requirements under other Union environmental laws (21). The laws concerned create a wider regulatory context which is relevant to the application of the Directive’s obligations concerning environmental damage. This is because the provisions of those laws usually also aim to prevent or limit many of the adverse effects on nature, water and land that come within the scope of the term ‘environmental damage’. |
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9.

Liability for environmental damage

| 10. | ‘Environmental damage’ needs to be understood in relation to those who may be legally liable for it under the Directive, the circumstances in which and the conditions under which their liability may arise, and the kinds of action that liability will require them to take. |
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10.

| 11. | Those who may be legally liable are referred to as ‘operators’ (22). They are only liable in respect of ‘occupational activities’ coming within the scope of the Directive (23). In Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV, the Court stated that the concept of ‘occupational activity’ is not limited solely to activities which are market-related or are competitive in nature, but encompasses all activities carried out in an occupational context, as opposed to a purely personal or domestic context, and, therefore, cover also activities carried out in the public interest pursuant to a statutory assignment of tasks (24). In the specific case, it confirmed that the Directive applied to a public body responsible for drainage of a wetland in the interests of agriculture. |
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11.

| 12. | The main relevant occupational activities (25) are those described in Annex III of the Directive. Operators of these may be liable for all three categories of environmental damage under the Directive. Moreover, the liability of operators covered by Annex III is strict, i.e. it is not dependent on their having acted or omitted action on the basis of fault (intent or negligence). For strict liability to apply, it is sufficient that a causal link is established between the environmental damage and the occupational activity. The eighth recital of the Directive sets out the rationale for bringing the occupational activities described in Annex III within its scope. It states that the Directive should apply to occupational activities which present a risk to human health orthe environment, adding: ‘Those activities should be identified, in principle, by reference to the relevant [Union] legislation which provides for regulatory requirements in relation to certain activities or practices considered as posing a potential or actual risk for human health or the environment’. |
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12.

| 13. | The occupational activities in Annex III are defined by reference to other pieces of Union environmental legislation many of which have been codified, amended or replaced since the Directive was adopted. However, the occupational activities in question continue to come within the scope of the Directive. The Common Understanding Document provided information on how the legislation concerned evolved (26). The occupational activities in Annex III cover, amongst other things, the operation of many industrial activities, including bigger or riskier industrial installations such as chemical factories; waste management operations; certain polluting discharges to water; water abstraction and impoundment; the manufacture, use, storage, processing, filling, release into the environment and onsite transport of certain substances, preparations and products, as well as transport of dangerous substances or goods by road, rail, inland waterways, sea or air. |
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13.

| 14. | For one category of ‘environmental damage’, namely damage to protected species and natural habitats, operators of occupational activities other than those listed in Annex III may also be liable where they are at fault or negligent (27). |
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14.

| 15. | Under other applicable Union environmental legislation, operators are often required to hold, and respect the conditions of an authorisation; or they may be bound to operate in accordance with general binding requirements. It cannot be excluded, however, that some operators will carry out occupational activities without the required authorisation, or without respecting all the applicable rules. This may be the case, for example, with persons who carry out illegal waste operations. Such illegal conduct does not take such operators outside the scope of the Directive. Were it to do so, the result would be inconsistent with the polluter pays principle. The Directive is an expression of this principle – and needs to be interpreted in the light of it (28). Further support for coverage of illegal operators is provided by Case C-494/01, Commission v Ireland, in which the Court found that a failure to respect inspection requirements linked to permit requirements could arise in respect of waste operations carried out without any permit (29). By analogy, it can be argued that liability requirements under the Directive can similarly apply in respect of occupational activities carried out in disregard of authorisation or other regulatory requirements. |
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15.

| 16. | In Cases C-378/08, Raffinerie Mediterranee (ERG I) SpA
  and others, and C-534/13, Fipa Group and others, the Court ruled that the environmental liability mechanism provided for by the Directive requires the establishment of a causal link between the activity of one or more identifiable operators and the environmental damage or the imminent threat of such damage (30). As for the causal link, the Court has ruled that, if the legislation of a Member State so provides, a presumption, based on plausible evidence, is sufficient in order to establish the link. (31) |
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16.

| 17. | The Directive does not define which occurrences will give rise to a causal link between the occupational activity and the environmental damage or imminent threat. At a number of places in the text of the Directive, there are references to ‘an emission, event or incident’. (32) However, with the exception of ‘emission’ (33), these terms are not defined, and, as Case C-529/15, Folk (34) and Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV show, the Directive covers the consequences of the normal operation of an Annex III occupational activity. In Case C-529/15, the normal operation involved a hydro-electric power-station; in case C-297/19, maintenance of drainage in a wetland. Liability should therefore not be assumed to only arise in respect of one-off accidents or incidents; it may also arise in respect of normal operations and relate to the sorts of circumstances described in paragraphs 18 and 19 below. For ease of reference, the present Guidelines will refer to the range of possible occurrences as ‘damaging occurrences’. |
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17.

| 18. | The nature of the factors causing adverse effects – what can be referred to as the ‘damage factors’ (35) – may also vary (36). Their nature may be additive – involving the deposit of waste on land, or use of inert materials to fill in a wetland, for instance, or the contamination of the receiving environment by pollutants. Or it may be subtractive or extractive – involving an impedance of river flow (37) or the removal of trees or minerals, for example. Or it may be purely destructive – as where land features are cleared or individuals of a protected species killed. |
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18.

| 19. | The manifestation of adverse effects may be sudden and accidental – as where an explosion in a chemical factory results in a fire, destruction of buildings and pollution of land and water through release of toxic substances or fire-fighting substances into water. Or it may be immediate – as where a protected woodland habitat is lost through a rapid logging operation. Or it may be gradual – as where a leak from a ruptured pipe leads to cumulative harm in the receiving environment that is detected only after some time. It is also possible that adverse effects from the same damaging occurrence may manifest themselves in both ways – as where a sudden and accidental release of a large quantity of toxic substances into a river results in an immediate fish-kill before causing a slower and more gradual deterioration of the structures of a protected aquatic habitat or of the habitat of a protected species. |
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19.

| 20. | Likewise, knowledge of both damaging occurrences and the adverse effects they cause may come to light at different times. If the damaging occurrence is a major accident, it will become known at once, but an unknown incident may not come to light for some time – for example, a rupture in an underground storage tank containing dangerous substances. (38) |
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20.

| 21. | The Directive provides for three main categories of obligation on operators:






  — | Where environmental damage has not yet occurred but there is an imminent threat of such damage occurring, operators are required to take the necessary preventive measures (39) without delay (40); |
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21.

—

Where environmental damage has not yet occurred but there is an imminent threat of such damage occurring, operators are required to take the necessary preventive measures (39) without delay (40);

| — | Where environmental damage has occurred, operators are required to take ‘all practicable steps to immediately control, contain, remove or otherwise manage the relevant contaminants and/or any other damage factors in order to limit or prevent further environmental damage and adverse effects on human health or further impairment of services’ (41). For ease of reference, the present Guidelines will refer to these steps as ‘immediate management of damage factors’; |
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—

Where environmental damage has occurred, operators are required to take ‘all practicable steps to immediately control, contain, remove or otherwise manage the relevant contaminants and/or any other damage factors in order to limit or prevent further environmental damage and adverse effects on human health or further impairment of services’ (41). For ease of reference, the present Guidelines will refer to these steps as ‘immediate management of damage factors’;

| — | Where environmental damage has occurred, operators are required to take remedial measures (42). They are to identify the appropriate remedial measures in accordance with Annex II of the Directive, and submit them for approval to the competent authority (43). |
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—

Where environmental damage has occurred, operators are required to take remedial measures (42). They are to identify the appropriate remedial measures in accordance with Annex II of the Directive, and submit them for approval to the competent authority (43).

| 22. | The references to ‘without delay’ and ‘immediately’ show that the first two categories of obligation are time-critical. This has implications for the common understanding of the term ‘environmental damage’. The operator’s duties to take preventive measures and to immediately manage damage factors under the Directive exist in parallel to similar obligations under other Union environmental legislation, for example Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) (44) (‘the Industrial Emissions Directive’). |
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22.

| 23. | Operators must also fulfil certain ancillary obligations. For example, where environmental damage has occurred, they must ‘without delay, inform the competent authority of all relevant aspects of the situation’ (45) and may be required to provide supplementary information. (46) They may be required to fulfil similar information obligations in respect of an imminent threat of environmental damage. (47) They may also be required to carry out their own assessment with regard to environmental damage and to supply any information and data necessary to the competent authority (48). Looking beyond the Environmental Liability Directive, operators may be required to provide relevant information to the authorities under other Union environmental legislation, for example the Industrial Emissions Directive (49) or Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directive 96/82/EC (the ‘Seveso Directive’) (50). |
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23.

| 24. | The Environmental Liability Directive contains provisions on its temporal applicability, setting limits on its application by reference to the date of 30 April 2007 and the passage of a period of thirty years (51). The temporal scope for the specific parts introduced by its amendments is, of course, different – for example, for damage to marine waters, the Directive is applicable as of 19 July 2015 (52). It is important to note that occupational activities governed by authorisations that pre-date 30 April 2007 are covered for liability purposes if and to the extent that the damaging activity is continuing after the 30 April 2007. In Case C-529/15, Folk, the Court held that the Directive ‘applies ratione temporis to the environmental damage that occurred after 30 April 2007 but which was caused by the operation of a facility authorised in accordance with the law governing matters relating to water and put into operation before that date.’ (53) |
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24.

| 25. | The Directive also contains provisions on exceptions, setting limits on its application by reference to a number of specified causes of environmental damage (54). Furthermore, it provides for a number of grounds that an operator can invoke to avoid bearing the cost of preventive and remedial actions (55). It also gives Member States the possibility to decide to relieve an operator of the cost of remedial actions, where the operator demonstrates that he was not at fault or negligent and fulfilled all conditions of an authorisation (56) or acted according to the state of the technical and scientific art. (57) However, there are limits to the last-mentioned possibilities, as is made clear by the Court judgment in Case C-529/15, Folk (58) concerning Article 8(4)(a) of the Directive. |
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25.

| 26. | The Directive allows Member States to maintain or adopt more stringent provisions in relation to environmental damage (59). This is in line with Article 193 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). However, the entitlement to have more stringent provisions is not the same as an entitlement to have different provisions which do not fulfil the Directive’s requirements; nor is it an entitlement to set aside the liability of operators for ‘environmental damage’ under the Directive. The requirements of the Directive must, as a minimum, be fulfilled in all respects. |
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26.

The role of the competent authorities and relevant wider roles of Member States

| 27. | While the operator is liable for environmental damage, competent authorities (60) have duties in relation to it. A common understanding of the term ‘environmental damage’ therefore requires some reference to their role. |
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27.

| 28. | Competent authorities must establish the operator who has caused environmental damage or the imminent threat of damage (61). By implication, the competent authorities must know about the existence of the environmental damage or the threat; otherwise the duty of establishing the operator has no meaning. |
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28.

| 29. | Competent authorities must also assess the significance of the environmental damage (62). Once again, the duty of assessing significance only makes sense if the authorities know about the existence of the damage or the threat. |
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29.

| 30. | Competent authorities must determine the remedial measures to be taken by the operator under Annex II of the Directive (63) on the basis of the identification of the potential remedial measures by the operator and with the cooperation of the relevant operator, as required. In Case C-379/08, Raffinerie Mediterranee (ERG) SpA and others, the Court affirmed the scope for competent authorities to alter the remedial measures, while also pointing to the need to give the operator an opportunity to be heard (64). |
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30.

| 31. | The duties to establish the liable operator, to assess the significance of environmental damage and to determine the remedial measures require the competent authorities to have and to apply relevant information about the damaging occurrence, the occupational activity, the environmental damage and the causal link between them, as well as the operator carrying out the activity. Paragraphs 32 to 37 below describe several potential kinds and sources of relevant information. It should be borne in mind, however, that complete information may not always be readily available and that the competent authorities may need to act swiftly. In such circumstances, the precautionary principle will justify competent authorities intervening on the basis of a reasonable belief that environmental damage has occurred or will imminently occur. |
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31.

| 32. | As noted at paragraph 23 above, operators have duties under the Directive to inform the competent authorities about damaging occurrences and related environmental damage. As also noted, operators may have separate duties to provide information about damaging occurrences to competent authorities under other Union environmental legislation. It cannot be excluded, however, that some operators will fail to report. Damaging occurrences and environmental damage causally linked to clandestine illegal activities or illegal or negligent acts or omissions within authorised activities, for example, are unlikely or less likely to be reported. |
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32.

| 33. | Recital 15 of the Directive indicates that public authorities should ensure the proper implementation and enforcement of the scheme provided for by the Directive, and the Directive contains provisions according to which the competent authorities may require more information and an increased level of engagement from the operator (65). It is nevertheless important that competent authorities have recourse to sources of information other than that provided by the operator under the Directive. |
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33.

| 34. | One potential source of information on damaging occurrences and environmental damage consists in requests for action made by the natural or legal persons entitled to make such requests. (66) Requests for action are required to be ‘accompanied by the relevant information and data supporting the observations submitted in relation to the environmental damage in question’. (67) |
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34.

| 35. | Another possible source of relevant information consists in the results of regulatory oversight under other applicable Union environmental legislation. An example would be routine inspections of industrial facilities under the Industrial Emissions Directive (68). While, for purposes of liability, not all damaging occurrences will coincide with regulatory infringements by an operator, regulatory infringements make damaging occurrences more likely. This is because the regulatory requirements concerned are aimed at controlling the potential or actual risks to human health and the environment associated with the occupational activities concerned. As a consequence, compliance with them should, in practice, reduce the likelihood that damaging occurrences will arise. By the same token, non-compliance with these requirements – including serious flouting of them – makes it more likely that damaging occurrences will arise. Provided that there are good systems for sharing information, monitoring of compliance with regulatory requirements should therefore help competent authorities under the Directive to know about environmental damage or the imminent threat of damage, establish the operator and characterise the damaging occurrence. It may also assist competent authorities in the assessment of environmental damage, furnishing information about the nature of polluting emissions, for example. |
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35.

| 36. | As will be clear from later sections of these Guidelines, the assessment of the significance of environmental damage generally requires information about the state of the receiving environment. Some state-of-the-environment information will be directly linked to the damaging occurrence – for example, records of fish mortality in a river recently adversely affected by a polluting emission. But other relevant state-of-the-environment information will consist of records and information gathered for other purposes – to determine the general conservation status of a protected species, for instance, or the condition of a protected nature site, such as a Natura 2000 site. Much relevant state-of-the-environment information will derive from state-of-the-environment monitoring carried out by national administrations. Of particular relevance will be information gathered and collated under the four directives mentioned in paragraph 7 above. This may be supplemented by other relevant information of acknowledged scientific value – for example, an environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) may provide extensive information through citizen science (69). |
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36.

| 37. | Closely related in potential importance to state-of-the-environment information is scientific and technical information on the subject-matter of the environmental damage – for example, scientific knowledge about the life cycle of a protected species adversely affected, or about the human health risks of exposure to certain contaminants. |
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37.

| 38. | As observed above, the occurrence of environmental damage or its imminent threat will often, although not always, coincide with an infringement of other Union environmental legislation. Such infringements may require or warrant separate action by Member State authorities, to secure the results required by other Union legislation (for example, the protection of nature sites under the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive), and to implement sanctions that are effective, proportionate and dissuasive. Thus, the same factual circumstances may give rise to both environmental liability and liability to sanctions, and in practice assessment of environmental damage under the Directive may take place in parallel with the assessment of breaches for other purposes. For example, conduct that Member States are required to criminalise under Directive 2008/99/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on the protection of the environment through criminal law (‘the Environmental Crime Directive’) (70) includes some (although not all) conduct likely to give rise to environmental liability. (71) In this context, in order to assess the significance of environmental damage, competent authorities may find themselves drawing on the same information sources as those authorities responsible for sanctions. It is to be stressed, however, that application of liability requirements under the Directive is separate to the application of sanctions. In this regard, the fact that authorities may be taking action to impose administrative or criminal sanctions is not a reason to set aside the duties that competent authorities have to ensure that environmental damage is assessed and prevented, damage factors immediately managed or damage remediated in accordance with the Directive (the reverse is also true: the pursuit of environmental liability is not a reason to disregard the role of sanctions). (72) |
| --- | --- |

38.

| 39. | A number of further points arise with regard to situations where liability under the Directive coincides with regulatory breaches under other relevant Union environmental legislation, in particular the other legislation referred to in the Directive itself. Firstly, if damage factors are not being controlled in accordance with the Directive or other legislation, the principle of effectiveness will require Member States and their authorities to act to ensure compliance with the relevant provisions of the Directive and the other legislation that are being contravened. Secondly, the Directive does not explicitly provide for secondary liability for public authorities to take preventive measures, measures to immediately manage damage factors, and remedial measures, but neither does it explicitly provide that all of these measures can be dispensed with if the operator fails to adopt them, or if the operator can justify not having to bear their cost. (73) The distinction that the Directive draws between the measures and the costs of those measures indicates that the measures are required irrespective of whether the operator can or should bear the cost (74). Thirdly, case-law shows how a Member State may be required to take further steps if a required result is not achieved despite the authorities having taken action against an operator. In Case C-104/15, Commission v Romania, which concerned the Extractive Waste Directive (75), the Court found that the Member State remained liable for failure to control toxic dust emissions from a mining waste facility, notwithstanding the fact that it had imposed sanctions on the operator (76) and that the operator had become insolvent (77). |
| --- | --- |

39.

3.   ‘DAMAGE’

| 40. | The definition of ‘environmental damage’ incorporates the term ‘damage’, which is separately defined. The term ‘damage’ is not self-standing (in the sense that the obligations of the Directive do not apply at the level of generality found in it). When it comes to applying the Directive to concrete situations, it is necessary to rely on the more precise formulations contained in the definition of ‘environmental damage’. This reservation notwithstanding, the definition of ‘damage’ is important not only because it is embedded in the definition of ‘environmental damage’ but because it presents four basic concepts which are refined in the more elaborate definition. The Guidelines therefore address ‘damage’ before addressing other elements of the definition of ‘environmental damage’.
  Box 1: Definition of ‘damage’ |
| --- | --- |

40.

Box 1: Definition of ‘damage’

| Article 2(2) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘damage’ means ‘measurable adverse change in a natural resource or measurable impairment of a natural resource service which may occur directly or indirectly.’ |
| --- |

Article 2(2) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘damage’ means ‘measurable adverse change in a natural resource or measurable impairment of a natural resource service which may occur directly or indirectly.’

| 41. | The four basic concepts found in the definition of ‘damage’ are:






  — | The material scope of what is affected, i.e. natural resources and natural resource services; |
| --- | --- | --- |

41.

—

The material scope of what is affected, i.e. natural resources and natural resource services;

| — | The concept of adverse effects, i.e. adverse changes and impairments; |
| --- | --- |

—

The concept of adverse effects, i.e. adverse changes and impairments;

| — | The scope of these adverse effects, i.e. measurable ones; |
| --- | --- |

—

The scope of these adverse effects, i.e. measurable ones;

| — | The ways in which these adverse effects can occur, i.e. directly or indirectly. |
| --- | --- |

—

The ways in which these adverse effects can occur, i.e. directly or indirectly.

Material scope of natural resources and natural resource services

Box 2: Definitions of ‘natural resource’ and ‘natural resource service’

| Article 2(12) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘natural resource’ means ‘protected species and natural habitats, water and land.’
  Article 2(13) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘services’ and ‘natural resource services’ mean ‘the functions performed by a natural resource for the benefit of another natural resource or the public’. |
| --- |

Article 2(12) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘natural resource’ means ‘protected species and natural habitats, water and land.’

Article 2(13) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘services’ and ‘natural resource services’ mean ‘the functions performed by a natural resource for the benefit of another natural resource or the public’.

| 42. | With regard to material scope, the definition of ‘damage’ refers to two concepts which are themselves also expressly defined in the Directive, namely ‘natural resource’ and ‘natural resource service’. ‘Natural resource’ is defined to mean three separate resource categories: protected species and natural habitats; water; and land. At the same time, the definition of ‘natural resource service’ highlights the inter-dependencies of these different categories by referring to the functions they perform for each other. The following are some non-exhaustive examples: a salt marsh (a type of natural habitat) may protect coastal land; surface water (a category of water) may support protected species of wild bird; land may filter out pollutants which might otherwise reach groundwater (a category of water). The definition of ‘natural resource service’ also refers to natural resource functions which benefit people. By way of non-exhaustive examples, some natural habitats such as peatlands serve as important carbon stores; some waters are a source of drinking water and some provide fish for recreational fishing; and land is necessary for food production and habitation. |
| --- | --- |

42.

Adverse effects

| 43. | With regard to adverse effects, the definition of ‘damage’ relates, firstly, to an ‘adverse change’ to a natural resource and, secondly, to ‘impairment’ of a natural resource service. More precision is found in the definition of ‘environmental damage’, but it is useful to keep in mind three general considerations:






  — | Both ‘adverse change’ and ‘impairment’ imply adverse effects; |
| --- | --- | --- |

43.

—

Both ‘adverse change’ and ‘impairment’ imply adverse effects;

| — | These adverse effects concern both the state of a natural resource and the beneficial functions performed by the natural resource for both other natural resources and people. Adverse effects therefore include not only adverse effects on the properties of a natural resource but also adverse effects on the interdependencies and dynamic relationships within and between natural resources and services, i.e. the functions that natural resources provide to each other as well as the public; |
| --- | --- |

—

These adverse effects concern both the state of a natural resource and the beneficial functions performed by the natural resource for both other natural resources and people. Adverse effects therefore include not only adverse effects on the properties of a natural resource but also adverse effects on the interdependencies and dynamic relationships within and between natural resources and services, i.e. the functions that natural resources provide to each other as well as the public;

| — | The notions of change and impairment imply a difference between the situation ‘before’ and the situation ‘after’ a damaging occurrence. |
| --- | --- |

—

The notions of change and impairment imply a difference between the situation ‘before’ and the situation ‘after’ a damaging occurrence.

Measurable

| 44. | For the definition of ‘damage’ to apply, adverse changes and impairment must be ‘measurable’. Measurable means that damage needs to be capable of quantification or estimation, and that the situation before and the situation after a damaging occurrence must be capable of being meaningfully compared. |
| --- | --- |

44.

Directly or indirectly

| 45. | Finally, the definition of ‘damage’ allows for the possibility that adverse changes or impairments may occur both directly and indirectly. ‘Directly or indirectly’ concerns the causal link between a damaging occurrence, on the one hand, and specific adverse effects, on the other. Sometimes the causal link will be direct, as where an operator’s act of deforestation destroys a protected natural woodland habitat. Sometimes it will be indirect, as where nutrient discharges to a water body lead to the deterioration of a distant protected aquatic habitat. For the chain of cause and effect, it is useful to refer to a source-pathway-receptor model. Damage factors associated with an occupational activity (i.e. source), may pass through air, water or land (i.e. pathway) before affecting a specific natural resource (i.e. receptor). In Case C-129/16, Túrkevei Tejtermelő Kft., the Court noted that, while air pollution as such does not constitute environmental damage, damage to natural resources may arise as a result of air pollution (78). A damaging occurrence may be separated from the adverse effects it causes in terms of time (e.g. the natural resource suffers a delayed reaction) or space (e.g. the natural resource suffers adverse effects at a location which is distant from where the damaging occurrence arose) or in terms of the natural resources involved (e.g. an act consisting of applying a toxic substance to land causes the death of a protected species). The notion that adverse effects can occur indirectly is also related to the functions that natural resources provide for each other. |
| --- | --- |

45.

4.   OVERVIEW OF ‘ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE’

| 46. | The definition of ‘environmental damage’ incorporates and refines the definition of ‘damage’. First of all, with regard to material and geographical scope, it disaggregates and compartmentalises the three categories of ‘natural resource’ that feature in the definition of ‘damage’, i.e. protected species and natural habitats; water; and land. Furthermore, for the first two natural resource categories, it includes certain details that help to determine the geographical scope of obligations under the Directive. Secondly, within each of the natural resource categories, relevant adverse effects are described in more detail by reference to certain concepts (which these Guidelines call ‘reference concepts’). Thirdly, a notion of significance is included to further define the scope of the adverse effects that need to be addressed. A fourth point to note is that the definition of environmental damage does not preclude the possibility that all three sub-categories of natural resource damage will be relevant at the same time.
  Box 3: Definition of ‘environmental damage’ |
| --- | --- |

46.

Box 3: Definition of ‘environmental damage’

| Article 2(1) of the Environmental Liability Directive (79) provides that ‘environmental damage’ means:






  ‘(a) | damage to protected species and natural habitats, which is any damage that has significant adverse effects on reaching or maintaining the favourable conservation status of such habitats or species. The significance of such effects is to be assessed with reference to the baseline condition, taking account of the criteria set out in Annex I;
  Damage to protected species and natural habitats does not include previously identified adverse effects which result from an act by an operator which was expressly authorised by the relevant authorities in accordance with provisions implementing Article 6(3) and (4) or Article 16 of Directive 92/43/EEC or Article 9 of Directive 79/409/EEC or, in the case of habitats and species not covered by Community law, in accordance with equivalent provisions of national law on nature conservation. |
| --- | --- |

Article 2(1) of the Environmental Liability Directive (79) provides that ‘environmental damage’ means:

‘(a)

damage to protected species and natural habitats, which is any damage that has significant adverse effects on reaching or maintaining the favourable conservation status of such habitats or species. The significance of such effects is to be assessed with reference to the baseline condition, taking account of the criteria set out in Annex I;

Damage to protected species and natural habitats does not include previously identified adverse effects which result from an act by an operator which was expressly authorised by the relevant authorities in accordance with provisions implementing Article 6(3) and (4) or Article 16 of Directive 92/43/EEC or Article 9 of Directive 79/409/EEC or, in the case of habitats and species not covered by Community law, in accordance with equivalent provisions of national law on nature conservation.

| (b) | water damage, which is any damage that significantly adversely affects:






  (i) | the ecological, chemical or quantitative status or the ecological potential, as defined in Directive 2000/60/EC, of the waters concerned, with the exception of adverse effects where Article 4(7) of that Directive applies; or |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

water damage, which is any damage that significantly adversely affects:

(i)

the ecological, chemical or quantitative status or the ecological potential, as defined in Directive 2000/60/EC, of the waters concerned, with the exception of adverse effects where Article 4(7) of that Directive applies; or

| (ii) | the environmental status of the marine waters concerned, as defined in Directive 2008/56/EC, in so far as particular aspects of the environmental status of the marine environment are not already addressed through Directive 2000/60/EC. (80) |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the environmental status of the marine waters concerned, as defined in Directive 2008/56/EC, in so far as particular aspects of the environmental status of the marine environment are not already addressed through Directive 2000/60/EC. (80)

| (c) | land damage, which is any land contamination that creates a significant risk of human health being adversely affected as a result of the direct or indirect introduction, in, on or under land, of substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms.’ |
| --- | --- |

(c)

land damage, which is any land contamination that creates a significant risk of human health being adversely affected as a result of the direct or indirect introduction, in, on or under land, of substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms.’

Material and geographical scope of each natural resource

| 47. | Because of the degree of compartmentalisation of the material scope, a common understanding of ‘environmental damage’ requires a close analysis of each category of natural resource. This includes the geographical scope of each resource category. Commentary on material and geographical scope is provided in the next sections of these Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

47.

Reference concepts for adverse effects

| 48. | For all three categories of natural resource, the definition of ‘environmental damage’ uses a reference concept to determine whether adverse effects are relevant. For protected species and natural habitats, the reference concept is the favourable conservation status of these species and habitats. For water, it is the ecological, chemical or quantitative status or the ecological potential of waters under the Water Framework Directive and the environmental status of marine waters under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which have different dimensions. For land, it is risks to human health. The function of these reference concepts is to provide parameters and criteria against which the relevance of adverse effects can be examined. The concepts provide elements in respect of which adverse effects are to be measured. The concepts are analysed in more detail in the sections of these Guidelines devoted to the specific categories of natural resource damage. |
| --- | --- |

48.

The assessment of significance

| 49. | The reference concepts qualify the kinds of adverse effects that are covered by the Directive. The definition of ‘environmental damage’ contains a further qualification: the words ‘significant’ or ‘significantly’ figure in relation to each natural resource category, and the Directive requires preventive measures, immediate management of damage factors or remedial measures only if the adverse effects are assessed as significant in terms of the reference concepts mentioned. |
| --- | --- |

49.

| 50. | Amongst Union environmental law instruments, a requirement to assess significance is not unique to the Environmental Liability Directive. Such a requirement also features in the Habitats Directive (81), for instance, and it is at the heart of Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (82) (the ‘Environmental Impact Assessment Directive’). Assessment of significance pursuant to the Environmental Liability Directive is, however, sui generis. |
| --- | --- |

50.

| 51. | In the context of the Environmental Liability Directive, a common understanding of the assessment of significance can benefit from a consideration of the following:






  — | The circumstances in which the need for assessment of significance arises; |
| --- | --- | --- |

51.

—

The circumstances in which the need for assessment of significance arises;

| — | The purposes of assessment of significance; |
| --- | --- |

—

The purposes of assessment of significance;

| — | Legal responsibilities with regard to carrying out of the assessment; |
| --- | --- |

—

Legal responsibilities with regard to carrying out of the assessment;

| — | The context or contexts in which the assessment is to be carried out; |
| --- | --- |

—

The context or contexts in which the assessment is to be carried out;

| — | The focus of the assessment; |
| --- | --- |

—

The focus of the assessment;

| — | The carrying out of the assessment; |
| --- | --- |

—

The carrying out of the assessment;

| — | The determination of significance. |
| --- | --- |

—

The determination of significance.

Circumstances

| 52. | As section 2 of these Guidelines indicates, damaging occurrences, damage factors, relevant occupational activities, operator conduct, and the nature of the causal link may all vary considerably. The assessment of significance will need to be adaptable to all of these variables. For instance, a one-off accident will present a different set of challenges to an ongoing operation such as that featuring in Case C-529/15, Folk. |
| --- | --- |

52.

Purposes

| 53. | The assessment of significance of adverse effects is not an end in itself. It is for the purposes of determining whether adverse effects require:






  — | Preventive measures; |
| --- | --- | --- |

53.

—

Preventive measures;

| — | Immediate management of damage factors, and/or |
| --- | --- |

—

Immediate management of damage factors, and/or

| — | Remedial measures. |
| --- | --- |

—

Remedial measures.

| 54. | These three purposes are distinguishable, and, depending on the circumstances, some may be relevant and others not. For example, in situations of imminent threat, the sole purpose of the assessment will be to prevent a damaging occurrence from taking place. In situations where a damaging occurrence has already taken place, it may or may not be necessary to immediately manage the damage factors. For example, such immediate management may no longer be possible where the damage factors have already created adverse effects and are exhausted. All three purposes may, of course, become sequentially relevant, as where an imminent threat of a damaging occurrence becomes an actual damaging occurrence that requires immediate management of damage factors as well as subsequent remedial measures. The assessment of significance will, therefore, need to be adapted to the purposes which are relevant to the specific circumstances that have arisen. |
| --- | --- |

54.

| 55. | The purposes of prevention and immediate management of damage factors relate to potential or actual damage factors. These purposes reflect the Treaty principles of prevention and rectification at source. As previously noted, they are time-critical. |
| --- | --- |

55.

| 56. | The purpose of identifying a need for remedial measures is closely related to the Directive’s specific requirements on remedial measures, which are described in detail in Annex II. In the case of damage to protected species and natural habitats, and water damage, remedial measures are aimed at restoring the environment to its baseline condition (see Box 4 below) by way of primary, complementary and compensatory remediation, all of which terms are defined. As can be seen, these requirements focus on the environment that has been adversely affected, rather than on the damage factors – although further management of damage factors cannot be excluded, as the Folk case indicates (83). In the case of land damage, remedial measures are aimed at further management of damage factors, if such factors remain a significant risk to human health even after fulfilment of the second purpose mentioned above.
  Box 4: Definition of ‘baseline condition’ |
| --- | --- |

56.

Box 4: Definition of ‘baseline condition’

| Article 2(14) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘baseline condition’ means ‘the condition at the time of the damage of the natural resources and services that would have existed had the environmental damage not occurred, estimated on the basis of the best information available.’ |
| --- |

Article 2(14) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘baseline condition’ means ‘the condition at the time of the damage of the natural resources and services that would have existed had the environmental damage not occurred, estimated on the basis of the best information available.’

Duties of those concerned

| 57. | As indicated in paragraph 29, the competent authority is responsible for the assessment of significance. Recital 24 of the Directive states: ‘Competent authorities should be in charge of specific tasks entailing appropriate administrative discretion, namely the duty to assess the significance of the damage and to determine which remedial measures should be taken’. |
| --- | --- |

57.

| 58. | It must be borne in mind, however, that operators bear the responsibility to prevent damaging occurrences without delay and to immediately manage damage factors. These responsibilities imply a need for operators to independently recognise damage factors linked to their occupational activities and to proactively respond to them. Furthermore, relevant provisions of the Directive indicate that the assessment of significance should take place against the backdrop of a dynamic relationship between the operator and the competent authority, with the former required to actively provide information and respect instructions given by the competent authority (84). These can include an instruction to the operator to carry out his own assessment and to supply any information and data necessary (85). This dynamic relationship is especially important where adverse effects have already occurred and it is necessary to take remedial measures. |
| --- | --- |

58.

| 59. | The assessment of significance may take place in situations where there are parties concerned other than the competent authority and the operator. In particular, the competent authority has to fulfil several legal duties in respect of a valid request for action (86). |
| --- | --- |

59.

| 60. | Where environmental damage affects or is likely to affect several Member States, the Member States concerned have duties to co-operate which are relevant to the assessment of significance (87). |
| --- | --- |

60.

Context

| 61. | The categories of natural resource that are relevant and the corresponding reference concepts will determine the elements to be assessed. For example, damage to protected species and natural habitats will require quite different elements to be considered compared to land damage. These specific elements are considered in more detail in the next sections of these Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

61.

Focus of the assessment

| 62. | The focus of the assessment will need to vary according to the relevant circumstances, purposes and context. |
| --- | --- |

62.

| 63. | The definition of ‘damage’ shows that adverse effects comprise changes and impairments that need to be measurable, and the definition of ‘environmental damage’ shows that these changes and impairments need to relate to the reference concepts. |
| --- | --- |

63.

| 64. | Measurement involves comparing the condition of natural resources and services before the damaging occurrence took place with their condition after the occurrence took place (obviously, so far as the condition after is concerned, this comparison will be notional in the case of an imminent threat, since the imminent threat will not yet have materialised as damage). The comparison involves two distinct forms of quantification or estimation, one focused on the situation before and the other on the situation after the damaging occurrence took place (88). It is important to stress that, although relevant to both preventive and remedial action, assessment will need to be treated differently depending on whether the action is time-critical. Where time-critical, the assessment will need to be done on the basis of rapid judgment drawing on existing and immediately accessible information – often of a general character. Support for such a differentiated approach can be found in Case C-378/08, Raffinerie Mediterranee (ERG) SpA
  and others. (89) |
| --- | --- |

64.

| 65. | With regard to measurement of the situation before, the concept of the baseline condition comes into play (see Box 4 above). While the baseline condition may be constant, it is likely that it may vary over time. For example, the condition may fluctuate regularly or predictably (as with a flood-plain or a seasonal lake such as a turlough, for instance (90)), or the area of habitat or population of a species affected may already be increasing or decreasing. |
| --- | --- |

65.

| 66. | As for the change or impairment, this will consist of the difference between the situation of the natural resource or service after the damaging occurrence took place and the baseline condition. The situation after the damaging occurrence must also, therefore, be known. |
| --- | --- |

66.

| 67. | The gap between the baseline condition and the situation after the damaging occurrence may be an unstable one, as where the damage factors are continuing to generate adverse effects, and the magnitude of these adverse effects is growing. From the purpose of immediately managing the damage factors, it can be inferred that an assessment of significance will also need to address the damage factors causing the adverse effects. |
| --- | --- |

67.

The carrying out of the assessment

| 68. | Depending on which purposes are relevant to the circumstances that present themselves, the assessment of significance of changes to the natural resource may involve different stages and a consideration of different types of information. (91) |
| --- | --- |

68.

| 69. | Where preventive measures are required in respect of an imminent threat, the operator – and, as necessary, the competent authority – will need to recognise the potential damage factors associated with the occupational activity, and without delay ensure that these do not cause significant adverse effects to the relevant natural resources or impair any natural resource services. |
| --- | --- |

69.

| 70. | Likewise, where damage factors require immediate management, the operator – and, as necessary, the competent authority – will need to recognise the damage factors associated with the occupational activity, and ensure rapid interventions to manage these so as to stop the chain of causation of significant adverse effects on the relevant natural resources or impairment of natural resource services. |
| --- | --- |

70.

| 71. | For purposes of preventive measures and immediate management of damage factors, the need for rapid assessment means that reliance will need to be placed on and conclusions reached on the basis of readily available information. General information about the nature of the damage factors and the exposure of a natural resource to their adverse effects will often be key, since there may be no time to wait for site-specific details to emerge. The application of the precautionary principle is necessary in such circumstances. (92) |
| --- | --- |

71.

| 72. | Where remedial measures are required, a more in-depth assessment is appropriate, and this should be less time-critical. It should, nevertheless, be timely, as time is also a relevant factor with respect to the remedial measures described in Annex II (93). |
| --- | --- |

72.

| 73. | Where remedial measures in particular are concerned, it cannot be excluded that, as paragraph 20 shows, there will be a time-lag between the damaging occurrence and the first opportunity to assess its significance. Subject to the Directive’s provisions on temporal scope (as mentioned in paragraph 24 above), the existence of a time-lag is not, however, a reason to refrain from assessment, particularly where the damaging occurrence has had enduring adverse effects. |
| --- | --- |

73.

| 74. | The circumstances giving rise to possible liability under the Directive may also require assessment to address a regulatory failure in respect of another environmental instrument, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive or the Habitats Directive (94). Assessment of significance under the Environmental Liability Directive should not, however, be conflated with – or made subject to – forms of assessment required to address a regulatory failure. Any joint procedure (such as an ex post environmental impact assessment) to correct both a regulatory failure (such as the failure to carry out a required prior environmental impact assessment) and an assessment of significance of changes to a natural resource under the Environmental Liability Directive must be consistent with the requirements of the latter. |
| --- | --- |

74.

Determination of significance

| 75. | Significance needs to be determined in the light of the purposes that require fulfilment. Having regard to the definition of ‘baseline condition’, it needs to be determined in relation to the actual physical area of land or water or (in the case of protected species) actual populations adversely affected or at risk of being affected, taking account of any pre-existing intrinsic characteristics or dynamic factors that may have been influencing the natural resources concerned independently of the damaging occurrence. |
| --- | --- |

75.

| 76. | As regards ‘significant’, in Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV , the Court stated: ‘It follows from the use of the adjective “significant” in the first subparagraph of Article 2(1)(a) of Directive 2004/35 that only damage of a certain seriousness, classified as ‘significant damage’ in Annex I to that directive, can be regarded as damage to protected species and natural habitats, which means that it is necessary in each specific case to assess the importance of the effects of the damage concerned.’ (95) This case indicates that what is ‘significant’ is ultimately a matter of Union law. With regard to ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’, Annex I of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘significant adverse changes to the baseline condition should be determined by means of measurable data such as’. The passage from Case C-297/19 quoted above therefore also indicates that, for this category of environmental damage, the determination of significance is a matter of objective, technical assessment based on measurable data. It can be inferred that the same holds true for the other categories of environmental damage under the Directive. |
| --- | --- |

76.

| 77. | It can also be inferred from the foregoing that the Directive’s application cannot be excluded on the basis of arbitrary, subjective opinions of what is significant or on the basis of any reliance on socio-economic considerations that are external to the Directive in order to assess and determine significance. Use can, however, where appropriate, be made of the range of exclusions, exemptions (96) and defences (97) provided for in the Directive to address socio-economic considerations or of the proportionality assessments inherent in the Directive (98). |
| --- | --- |

77.

| 78. | The significance of effects does not necessarily depend on their being present on a large scale. In Case C-392/96, Commission v Ireland, the Court noted in relation to the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, that ‘Even a small-scale project can have significant effects on the environment if it is in a location where the environmental factors set out in Article 3 of the Directive, such as fauna and flora, soil, water, climate or cultural heritage, are sensitive to the slightest alteration.’ Similar reasoning can be considered applicable in the context of the Environmental Liability Directive. |
| --- | --- |

78.

| 79. | With regard to the purpose of ensuring preventive measures, significance will relate to the avoidance of damage factors causing adverse effects on specific areas or populations. The same is true of the purpose of ensuring immediate management of damage factors. The adverse effects will be those referred to in paragraphs 82 and 83 below. The determination should turn on whether the damage factors are likely to result in some or all of these adverse effects arising. |
| --- | --- |

79.

| 80. | The Directive is subject to interpretation in accordance with the interpretation methods of the Court, and in the light of relevant legal principles, such as the precautionary principle (99) (see also paragraph 8 above). Under the precautionary principle, scientific certainty that measurable adverse effects will arise is not required. A reasonable belief is sufficient. Furthermore, if the operator or the competent authority decides not to take or require preventive measures or an immediate management of damage factors, its decision should be on the basis that there is no reasonable scientific doubt as to the absence of measurable adverse effects to a natural resource (100). |
| --- | --- |

80.

| 81. | If there is a determination of significance for purposes of preventive measures and immediate management of damage factors, the question arises as to what preventive measures and damage factor management will be necessary and appropriate. The measures and management should be aimed at stopping or breaking any chain of causation arising from the damage factors which could result in – or has already resulted in – the natural resource experiencing adverse effects of the kind mentioned in paragraphs 82 and 83 below. The Folk case shows that an existing authorisation in respect of the damage factors will not necessarily exempt the operator from the need to intervene. To the extent that the Directive allows reliance to be placed on an existing authorisation, relevant conditions must be fulfilled. Furthermore, a lack of fulfilment of relevant authorisation or other regulatory requirements is, of itself, likely to be a strong indication of the need to apply preventive measures and measures to manage damage factors under the Environmental Liability Directive. This is because it is likely to demonstrate that relevant damage factors have not been placed under the degree of control that fulfilment of regulatory requirements would ensure and are therefore more susceptible to cause adverse effects that come within the scope of the Directive. |
| --- | --- |

81.

| 82. | With regard to the purpose of identifying a need for remedial measures, the provisions of Annex II on damage to protected species and natural habitats, and water damage indicate how a determination of significance and findings on impairment of services should be made in respect of these natural resources. The following all need to be considered in the light of the relevant reference concepts and the notion of impairment of services: measurable permanent loss of an area, part of an area, population or part of a population (101); measurable deterioration of an area, part of an area, or life conditions of a population or part of a population, which is, however, capable of being restored (102); measurable loss of services provided by the areas or populations affected (103); and the measurable time-gap that would arise before the baseline condition could be restored if restoration is possible (104). The adverse effects on the resource will be significant if there is a measurable loss or deterioration in respect of an area or population. As for associated services, there needs to be a measurable loss of the services that these natural resources provide. |
| --- | --- |

82.

| 83. | So far as land damage is concerned, the provisions of Annex II indicate that the following should at least be considered: the presence, type and concentration of relevant contaminants, their risks and the possibility of their dispersion; the characteristics and function of the soil; and the current and approved future use of the contaminated land. The risk to human health will be significant if, in the specific local environment, there is a measurable change in the level of direct or indirect harmful exposure of human beings to contaminants that can be causally linked to an Annex III occupational activity. Indirect exposure may arise if the contaminated land provides services to other natural resources, for example if it filters pollutants that may reach water, or if there is dispersion of contaminants via the soil, air or water. |
| --- | --- |

83.

Combinations of different categories of environmental damage

| 84. | The fact that the definition of ‘environmental damage’ comprises three distinct sub-categories of natural resource damage does not mean that all categories need to feature in the adverse effects in order for liability to arise. Liability can arise where there is only one category of environmental damage. By the same token, where environmental damage features more than one category, all the categories concerned need to be addressed. The Directive does not give a discretion to limit its application to certain ones. |
| --- | --- |

84.

5.   ‘DAMAGE TO PROTECTED SPECIES AND NATURAL HABITATS’

| 85. | The definition of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ is closely linked to provisions of the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. These directives are collectively referred to in these Guidelines as the ‘Nature Directives’. In particular, the Environmental Liability Directive and the Nature Directives share several common concepts. As the fifth recital of the Environmental Liability Directive indicates, when a concept derives from other relevant Union legislation, the same definition should be used so that common criteria can be used and uniform application promoted. At the same time, account needs to be taken of a number of differences of coverage between the Nature Directives on the one hand and the Environmental Liability Directive on the other. |
| --- | --- |

85.

| 86. | The Guidelines draw attention to the following in particular:






  — | The material and geographical scope of the protected species and natural habitats concerned; |
| --- | --- | --- |

86.

—

The material and geographical scope of the protected species and natural habitats concerned;

| — | The reference concept for adverse effects, i.e. favourable conservation status; |
| --- | --- |

—

The reference concept for adverse effects, i.e. favourable conservation status;

| — | The assessment of significance; |
| --- | --- |

—

The assessment of significance;

| — | Exclusions. |
| --- | --- |

—

Exclusions.

Material and geographical scope of protected species and natural habitats

Box 5: Definition of ‘protected species and natural habitats’

| Article 2(3) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘protected species and natural habitats’ means:






  ‘(a) | the species mentioned in Article 4(2) of Directive 79/409/EEC or listed in Annex I thereto or listed in Annexes II and IV to Directive 92/43/EEC; |
| --- | --- |

Article 2(3) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘protected species and natural habitats’ means:

‘(a)

the species mentioned in Article 4(2) of Directive 79/409/EEC or listed in Annex I thereto or listed in Annexes II and IV to Directive 92/43/EEC;

| (b) | the habitats of species mentioned in Article 4(2) of Directive 79/409/EEC or listed in Annex I thereto or listed in Annex II to Directive 92/43/EEC, and the natural habitats listed in Annex I to Directive 92/43/EEC and the breeding sites or resting places of the species listed in Annex IV to Directive 92/43/EEC; and |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the habitats of species mentioned in Article 4(2) of Directive 79/409/EEC or listed in Annex I thereto or listed in Annex II to Directive 92/43/EEC, and the natural habitats listed in Annex I to Directive 92/43/EEC and the breeding sites or resting places of the species listed in Annex IV to Directive 92/43/EEC; and

| (c) | where a Member State so determines, any habitat or species, not listed in those Annexes which the Member State designates for equivalent purposes as those laid down in these two Directives.’ |
| --- | --- |

(c)

where a Member State so determines, any habitat or species, not listed in those Annexes which the Member State designates for equivalent purposes as those laid down in these two Directives.’

| 87. | ‘Protected species’ cover, firstly, certain species protected under the Nature Directives, and, secondly, any additional species that a Member State decides to include for liability purposes. The second species’ category is at the discretion of Member States, based on the option in Article 2(3)(c) of the Environmental Liability Directive. More than half of the Member States have availed of this option (105). With regard to the first category of species, there is not a perfect overlap between species covered by the Nature Directives on the one hand and the Environmental Liability Directive on the other. |
| --- | --- |

87.

| 88. | So far as bird species are concerned, the species covered by the definition presented in Box 5 above are those referred to in Article 4(2) or listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive. Article 4(2) of the Birds Directive refers to regularly occurring migratory species, and Annex I of the Birds Directive lists certain other bird species. Taken together, these represent a sub-set of the European avifauna (106). The ‘protected species’ definition does not apply to bird species which are absent from Annex I of the Birds Directive and which are not regularly occurring migratory species – unless they are added by a Member State. |
| --- | --- |

88.

| 89. | With regard to non-bird species, the definition covers animal and plant species listed in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive. It does not directly cover certain species which are only listed in Annex V of the Habitats Directive (107) – unless Member States specifically add them, or unless they represent typical species of a natural habitat listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (108). It should be noted, however, that Annex V includes fish species which may feature in ‘damage to water’ (see Section 6 below). |
| --- | --- |

89.

| 90. | The habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive will, in particular, be found in Natura 2000 sites identified for these habitats. However, the Environmental Liability Directive is not limited in its application to Annex I habitats found in Natura 2000. Under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, Member States report ‘distribution maps’ of Annex I habitats, which cover their entire territory (109). These should not, however, be treated as the only information on the presence of Annex I habitats. It is to be noted that natural habitats are comprised of different elements, including typical species, which are described in the Habitats Manual (110). |
| --- | --- |

90.

| 91. | The habitats of regularly occurring migratory bird species and of bird species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive will, in particular, include those found in special protection areas (SPAs) classified under Article 4 of the Birds Directive. However, while SPAs are likely to comprise the most important habitats, the wording of the Environmental Liability Directive does not restrict application of damage to habitats to bird species’ habitats within SPAs. Member States report to the Commission breeding distribution maps (10 km x 10 km) for all Annex I breeding species (including sedentary) and other migratory breeding species triggering SPA classification (111). |
| --- | --- |

91.

| 92. | The habitats of species listed in Annex II to the Habitats Directive will, in particular, be found in Natura 2000 sites identified for these species. However, the Environmental Liability Directive is not limited in its application to natural habitats found in Natura 2000. Under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, Member States report to the Commission ‘distribution maps’ of Annex II species, which cover their entire territory (112). |
| --- | --- |

92.

| 93. | With regard to the breeding and resting places of species listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive, the Commission has developed guidance which can be of assistance in identifying these (113). However, there is no obligation under the Nature Directives for Member States to report to the Commission on their location (for species only listed in Annex IV). |
| --- | --- |

93.

| 94. | As with species, Member States may include natural habitats designated for equivalent purposes at national level that are additional to those linked to the Nature Directives (114). |
| --- | --- |

94.

| 95. | As regards geographical scope, some protected species, for example cetaceans, and some natural habitats, for example reefs, are found off-shore. The Environmental Liability Directive applies to these in respect of the following: internal waters and the territorial sea; the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and/or to other areas where Member States are exercising equivalent sovereign rights; and, for species and habitats on or depending on the sea-bed, for example sea-turtles, the continental shelf (115). |
| --- | --- |

95.

Reference concept for adverse effects

| 96. | The reference concept for adverse effects on protected species and natural habitats, ‘favourable conservation status’, is expressly defined in both the Environmental Liability Directive and the Habitats Directive (116) and the definitions are similar.
  Box 6: Definition of ‘favourable conservation status’ in the Environmental Liability Directive |
| --- | --- |

96.

Box 6: Definition of ‘favourable conservation status’ in the Environmental Liability Directive

| Article 2(4) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘conservation status’ means:






  ‘(a) | in respect of a natural habitat, the sum of the influences acting on a natural habitat and its typical species that may affect its long-term natural distribution, structure and functions as well as the long-term survival of its typical species within, as the case may be, the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies or the territory of a Member State or the natural range of that habitat;
  The conservation status of a natural habitat will be taken as ‘favourable’ when:






  — | its natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing, |
| --- | --- | --- |

Article 2(4) of the Environmental Liability Directive provides that ‘conservation status’ means:

‘(a)

in respect of a natural habitat, the sum of the influences acting on a natural habitat and its typical species that may affect its long-term natural distribution, structure and functions as well as the long-term survival of its typical species within, as the case may be, the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies or the territory of a Member State or the natural range of that habitat;

The conservation status of a natural habitat will be taken as ‘favourable’ when:

—

its natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing,

| — | the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and |
| --- | --- |

—

the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and

| — | the conservation status of its typical species is favourable, as defined in (b); |
| --- | --- |

—

the conservation status of its typical species is favourable, as defined in (b);

| (b) | in respect of a species, the sum of the influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long-term distribution and abundance of its populations within, as the case may be, the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies or the territory of a Member State or the natural range of that species;
  The conservation status of a species will be taken as ‘favourable’ when:






  — | population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

in respect of a species, the sum of the influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long-term distribution and abundance of its populations within, as the case may be, the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies or the territory of a Member State or the natural range of that species;

The conservation status of a species will be taken as ‘favourable’ when:

—

population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats,

| — | the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and |
| --- | --- |

—

the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and

| — | there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.’ |
| --- | --- |

—

there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.’

| 97. | The reference to the ‘sum’ of influences in the definition presented in Box 6 indicates that different individual influences contribute to the overall conservation-status outcomes mentioned. Influences may be positive or negative, and create their effects directly or indirectly. The damaging occurrences that cause environmental damage will count amongst but not represent the entire sum of influences. |
| --- | --- |

97.

| 98. | The definition of ‘conservation status’ refers to a number of parameters when describing the conservation-status outcomes of the sum of influences. In the case of natural habitats, these parameters comprise the long-term natural distribution, structure and functions as well as the long-term survival of the typical species of the habitat within, as the case may be, the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies or the territory of a Member State or the natural range of that habitat. In the case of a species, the parameters consist of the long-term distribution and abundance of its populations within, as the case may be, the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies or the territory of a Member State or the natural range of that species. The geographical references to different scales are considered further in paragraph 118 below in relation to the assessment of significance. |
| --- | --- |

98.

| 99. | The above-mentioned parameters are further qualified in the precise descriptions of what constitutes ‘favourable’ conservation status. For example, in relation to natural habitats, the qualification corresponding to the parameter of long-term natural distribution reads as follows: ‘its natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing’. |
| --- | --- |

99.

| 100. | Individual influences – such as damaging occurrences that cause environmental damage – may relate to one or more of these parameters and qualifications. An individual influence does not necessarily need to affect all the different parameters and qualifications at the same time. Although a damaging occurrence may represent an individual influence, however, it cannot be excluded that some of the adverse effects it creates will arise in combination with other influences. For example, a damaging occurrence may consist of the poisoning of individuals belonging to a population of a protected species in a context where the population already suffers from other negative influences that then act in combination with the adverse effects of the poison. |
| --- | --- |

100.

| 101. | In the context of the nature directives, the Commission services have produced documentation clarifying concepts such as ‘natural range’ (117). |
| --- | --- |

101.

The assessment of significant adverse effects

Circumstances

| 102. | As is clear from paragraph 14 above, a wider range of operators and a wider range of occupational activities are relevant for purposes of damage to protected species and natural habitats than for purposes of water damage and land damage. The assessment of significance of adverse effects therefore relates to a potentially wider range of causes, liable persons and damage factors. |
| --- | --- |

102.

Context

| 103. | As can be seen from the text in Box 3, the concept of significance is expressed in terms of damage having ‘significant adverse effects on reaching or maintaining the favourable conservation status’ of protected species and natural habitats. |
| --- | --- |

103.

| 104. | As can be inferred from paragraphs 98 to 101 above, adverse effects may be significant where a damaging occurrence influences only one or some of the parameters and qualifications mentioned in the definition of ‘favourable conservation status’. For example, the killing of a rare bird of prey through illegal use of poison in a land management activity may adversely affect the bird’s population dynamics and range without reducing the available habitat (although the presence of poisons will, of course, impair the natural resource services that the habitat provides for the bird). |
| --- | --- |

104.

| 105. | The conservation status of protected species and natural habitats is a matter of fact and is not fixed and immutable. The Nature Directives aim to either maintain favourable conservation status where this is already attained, or to reach favourable conservation status where the current status is unfavourable. By referring to reaching or maintaining favourable conservation status, the text of the definition takes account of both possibilities. Thus, where the conservation status is already favourable, adverse effects might compromise the maintenance of a positive status quo; and, where the conservation status is unfavourable, the adverse effects might further deteriorate or jeopardise the needed improvement of a current negative status quo. This means that adverse effects on a protected species or natural habitat in unfavourable status cannot be treated as lying outside the scope of damage to a protected species or natural habitat on the sole ground that the species or habitat is already in a poor condition. Instead, the capacity of the species or habitat to reach favourable conservation status – and any set-back to that capacity – must be addressed. As noted at paragraph 118 below, assessment of the significance of adverse effects must be meaningful at the local level. |
| --- | --- |

105.

| 106. | In practice, many of the protected species and natural habitats falling within the scope of the Environmental Liability Directive and the Nature Directives are in unfavourable conservation status (118). |
| --- | --- |

106.

| 107. | Where a species or habitat listed in the Nature Directives has unfavourable conservation status, the Nature Directives require measures to restore it to favourable conservation status (119). In this context, adverse effects on restoration measures in place with a view to reaching favourable conservation status need to be taken into account. Such measures can take the form of habitat restoration measures or species reintroduction programmes, for instance. An example would be taking into account, in respect of a damaging occurrence involving fish mortality, any site-specific active conservation measures aimed at improving the conservation status of a fish species affected. This will relate to the aspect of population dynamics. Adverse effects on restoration potential should also be considered. For example, an affected site may host a species in a condition which is not favourable, but with a restoration potential reflecting its current presence. Adverse effects which have a negative impact on the species’ presence may also reduce the restoration potential. |
| --- | --- |

107.

The carrying out of the assessment

| 108. | The definition requires that significance is assessed ‘with reference to the baseline condition, taking account of the criteria set out in Annex I’.
  Box 7: Text of the criteria set out in Annex I of the Directive |
| --- | --- |

108.

Box 7: Text of the criteria set out in Annex I of the Directive

| ‘The significance of any damage that has adverse effects on reaching or maintaining the favourable conservation status of habitats or species has to be assessed by reference to the conservation status at the time of the damage, the services provided by the amenities they produce and their capacity for natural regeneration. Significant adverse changes to the baseline condition should be determined by means of measurable data such as:






  — | the number of individuals, their density or the area covered, |
| --- | --- |

‘The significance of any damage that has adverse effects on reaching or maintaining the favourable conservation status of habitats or species has to be assessed by reference to the conservation status at the time of the damage, the services provided by the amenities they produce and their capacity for natural regeneration. Significant adverse changes to the baseline condition should be determined by means of measurable data such as:

—

the number of individuals, their density or the area covered,

| — | the role of the particular individuals or of the damaged area in relation to the species or to the habitat conservation, the rarity of the species or habitat (assessed at local, regional and higher level including at Community level), |
| --- | --- |

—

the role of the particular individuals or of the damaged area in relation to the species or to the habitat conservation, the rarity of the species or habitat (assessed at local, regional and higher level including at Community level),

| — | the species’ capacity for propagation (according to the dynamics specific to that species or to that population), its viability or the habitat’s capacity for natural regeneration (according to the dynamics specific to its characteristic species or to their populations), |
| --- | --- |

—

the species’ capacity for propagation (according to the dynamics specific to that species or to that population), its viability or the habitat’s capacity for natural regeneration (according to the dynamics specific to its characteristic species or to their populations),

| — | the species’ or habitat’s capacity, after damage has occurred, to recover within a short time, without any intervention other than increased protection measures, to a condition which leads, solely by virtue of the dynamics of the species or habitat, to a condition deemed equivalent or superior to the baseline condition. |
| --- | --- |

—

the species’ or habitat’s capacity, after damage has occurred, to recover within a short time, without any intervention other than increased protection measures, to a condition which leads, solely by virtue of the dynamics of the species or habitat, to a condition deemed equivalent or superior to the baseline condition.

Damage with a proven effect on human health must be classified as significant damage.

The following does not have to be classified as significant damage:

| — | negative variations that are smaller than natural fluctuations regarded as normal for the species or habitat in question, |
| --- | --- |

—

negative variations that are smaller than natural fluctuations regarded as normal for the species or habitat in question,

| — | negative variations due to natural causes or resulting from intervention relating to the normal management of sites, as defined in habitat records or target documents or as carried on previously by owners or operators, |
| --- | --- |

—

negative variations due to natural causes or resulting from intervention relating to the normal management of sites, as defined in habitat records or target documents or as carried on previously by owners or operators,

| — | damage to species or habitats for which it is established that they will recover, within a short time and without intervention, either to the baseline condition or to a condition which leads, solely by virtue of the dynamics of the species or habitat, to a condition deemed equivalent or superior to the baseline condition.’ |
| --- | --- |

—

damage to species or habitats for which it is established that they will recover, within a short time and without intervention, either to the baseline condition or to a condition which leads, solely by virtue of the dynamics of the species or habitat, to a condition deemed equivalent or superior to the baseline condition.’

| 109. | The baseline condition relates to the specific area or the specific species population or populations concerned by the adverse effects. The best information available should be used to address these. |
| --- | --- |

109.

The baseline condition relates to the specific area or the specific species population or populations concerned by the adverse effects. The best information available should be used to address these.

| 110. | Allowing for the area-specific or population-specific nature of the assessment exercise, the baseline condition should relate to the parameters and qualifications mentioned above. For natural habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, for instance, this would involve looking at the habitats present on a particular site, the way they are structured and function, and their typical species. There may, for instance, be a mosaic of different natural habitats present – or a habitat may function in relationship to a water body (as where a salt-marsh functions according to the tidal movements in a coastal water). For Natura 2000 sites, the standard data form is likely to be an important source of information (120). |
| --- | --- |

110.

Allowing for the area-specific or population-specific nature of the assessment exercise, the baseline condition should relate to the parameters and qualifications mentioned above. For natural habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, for instance, this would involve looking at the habitats present on a particular site, the way they are structured and function, and their typical species. There may, for instance, be a mosaic of different natural habitats present – or a habitat may function in relationship to a water body (as where a salt-marsh functions according to the tidal movements in a coastal water). For Natura 2000 sites, the standard data form is likely to be an important source of information (120

| 111. | In determining these specificities, a number of possible practical challenges may arise: determining the best information available in the circumstances, and ensuring the reliability of the information. |
| --- | --- |

111.

In determining these specificities, a number of possible practical challenges may arise: determining the best information available in the circumstances, and ensuring the reliability of the information.

| 112. | Where damage has already occurred, the damage itself may be an impediment to estimating the baseline condition. Where a habitat has been damaged or destroyed, or species displaced from it, it may be very difficult to ascertain the baseline condition by means of information collected ex post. This may be especially evident in the sorts of circumstances illustrated by Cases C-529/15, Folk, and C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV, i.e. an occupational activity may have been creating adverse effects cumulatively over a much extended period of time, suppressing the manner in which a habitat would otherwise naturally function or suppressing the presence of a protected species. Exact quantification of what has been suppressed or lost is not, however, required, since the definition refers to ‘estimated’. Reference can also be made to Case C-374/98, Commission v France (121) in which the Court indicated that an advantage should not be derived from non-fulfilment of the requirements of the Birds Directive. In the context of the Directive, an operator who, through an unlawful act or omission, destroys or damages the basis on which data might be collected (by, for example, filling in a protected wetland for economic gain) should not derive a benefit from this as compared to an operator who acts lawfully. |
| --- | --- |

112.

Where damage has already occurred, the damage itself may be an impediment to estimating the baseline condition. Where a habitat has been damaged or destroyed, or species displaced from it, it may be very difficult to ascertain the baseline condition by means of information collected ex post.

Folk,

Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV,

Commission v France

121

| 113. | Also relevant is Case C-157/89, Commission v Italy, the Court considered the concept of best information available in the context of the Birds Directive, confirming the role of authoritative scientific literature of a general character in a context where more specific literature is unavailable (122). |
| --- | --- |

113.

Also relevant is Case C-157/89, Commission v Italy

122

| 114. | Even where a site has been seriously damaged, it may be possible to obtain information on the baseline condition using existing earth observation data. Furthermore, where information is limited, it may be appropriate to establish the baseline condition by using data from similar sites unaffected by a damaging occurrence (i.e. ‘reference sites’) or by using models. (123) |
| --- | --- |

114.

Even where a site has been seriously damaged, it may be possible to obtain information on the baseline condition using existing earth observation data. Furthermore, where information is limited, it may be appropriate to establish the baseline condition by using data from similar sites unaffected by a damaging occurrence (i.e. ‘reference sites’) or by using models. (123

| 115. | The Commission has published an Excel table entitled Biodiversity baseline condition (124). This refers to a very extensive range of information sources at Union level and at the level of all Member States, including site-specific information such as ‘Standard Data Forms’ of all Natura 2000 sites, and also provides methodological approaches at Union level and national levels to help determine the baseline condition of protected species and natural habitats (125). |
| --- | --- |

115.

The Commission has published an Excel table entitled Biodiversity baseline condition

124

125

| 116. | The concept of best information available also covers the quality of the information used to establish the baseline condition, and the inferences drawn from the information used. Care needs to be taken with the reliability and validity of information as well as the inferences drawn from it, in particular if an operator denies that adverse effects have arisen or will arise. In this context, reference may be made to Case C-209/02, Commission v Austria, in which the Court found that the competent authorities had not drawn the correct inferences from a scientific appraisal of the likely effects of a project in a Natura 2000 site (126). |
| --- | --- |

116.

The concept of best information available also covers the quality

Commission v Austria,

126

| 117. | With regard to the situation after the damaging occurrence, the first sentence of the first paragraph of Annex I helps to put the baseline condition in context, referring to conservation status, services provided by amenities, and capacity for natural regeneration. These represent general contextual criteria, i.e. what is generally known about the protected species or natural habitats exposed to adverse effects from the damaging occurrence (the above-mentioned Excel table entitled Biodiversity baseline condition is intended to help). The references in the definition of ‘conservation status’ to the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies, the territory of a Member State and natural range allow for this context to be established at different levels. A rare endemic and geographically confined habitat, for instance, will present a different picture to a habitat that is widely distributed both within and across Member States. |
| --- | --- |

117.

With regard to the situation after

Biodiversity baseline condition

| 118. | The second sentence of the first paragraph of Annex I refers to the determination of adverse changes by reference to measurable data, providing examples. This sentence serves to underline that adverse effects concern measurable adverse changes and impairments. The data relates to both the specific areas and populations affected and the species and habitat types concerned more generally. This implies a role for both site-specific and population-specific information and information of a more general character (such as that found in scientific literature, for instance):






  — | The first indent refers to ‘the number of individuals, their density or the area covered’. For protected species, this can encompass both the number of specimens killed or the number of specimens that have suffered harm or other detriment. For habitats, the area covered can encompass the habitats of protected species, breeding sites and resting places, and habitats listed in Annex I to the Habitats Directive, and can relate to habitat loss, habitat deterioration and impairment of the services these habitats provide; |
| --- | --- | --- |

118.

The second sentence of the first paragraph of Annex I refers to the determination of adverse changes by reference to measurable data, providing examples. This sentence serves to underline that adverse effects concern measurable adverse changes and impairments. The data relates to both the specific areas and populations affected and the species and habitat types concerned more generally. This implies a role for both site-specific and population-specific information and information of a more general character (such as that found in scientific literature, for instance):

—

The first indent refers to ‘the number of individuals, their density or the area covered’. For protected species, this can encompass both the number of specimens killed or the number of specimens that have suffered harm or other detriment. For habitats, the area covered can encompass the habitats of protected species, breeding sites and resting places, and habitats listed in Annex I to the Habitats Directive, and can relate to habitat loss, habitat deterioration and impairment of the services these habitats provide;

| — | The second indent has a comparative purpose and aims at relating the specimens and area affected with the wider conservation of the species and habitats concerned. The reference to assessment at local, regional and higher level resonates with the reference to European and Member State territories and natural range in the definition of ‘conservation status’. Assessment and determination of significance need to be meaningful at the local level. References to the national and European levels provide an additional orientation to enable specimens and habitats to be placed in different geographical contexts. It does not mean that adverse effects have to be demonstrated at the national and European levels; |
| --- | --- |

—

The second indent has a comparative purpose and aims at relating the specimens and area affected with the wider conservation of the species and habitats concerned. The reference to assessment at local, regional and higher level resonates with the reference to European and Member State territories and natural range in the definition of ‘conservation status’. Assessment and determination of significance need to be meaningful at the local level. References to the national and European levels provide an additional orientation to enable specimens and habitats to be placed in different geographical contexts. It does not mean that adverse effects have to be demonstrated at the national and European levels;

| — | The third indent focuses on the capacity for recovery of the species and habitats affected. Clearly, these may vary. Some habitats have abiotic features which cannot regenerate. An example is the limestone pavement which featured in Case C-258/11, Sweetman (127) and which was identified as threatened with permanent destruction in the context of an assessment process under the Habitats Directive. Such a situation of permanent loss could conceivably arise with regard to the Environmental Liability Directive; |
| --- | --- |

—

The third indent focuses on the capacity for recovery of the species and habitats affected. Clearly, these may vary. Some habitats have abiotic features which cannot regenerate. An example is the limestone pavement which featured in Case C-258/11, Sweetman (127) and which was identified as threatened with permanent destruction in the context of an assessment process under the Habitats Directive. Such a situation of permanent loss could conceivably arise with regard to the Environmental Liability Directive;

Sweetman

127

| — | The fourth indent focuses on a time factor, and is closely related to the third indent. The references to a ‘short time’ and to an absence of intervention allows for the possibility that a species or habitat may recover quickly of its own accord. It is to be stressed, however, that this is in relation to the baseline condition. The specifics of the area and population affected must therefore be taken into account. It cannot be excluded, for instance, that local factors may result in recovery taking longer than might be the case elsewhere. What constitutes a ‘short time’ is not defined, but the expression implies that the species or habitat must at least have the capacity for rapid recovery. Species with long reproduction cycles and habitats that are slow to form will not have such a capacity. |
| --- | --- |

—

The fourth indent focuses on a time factor, and is closely related to the third indent. The references to a ‘short time’ and to an absence of intervention allows for the possibility that a species or habitat may recover quickly of its own accord. It is to be stressed, however, that this is in relation to the baseline condition. The specifics of the area and population affected must therefore be taken into account. It cannot be excluded, for instance, that local factors may result in recovery taking longer than might be the case elsewhere. What constitutes a ‘short time’ is not defined, but the expression implies that the species or habitat must at least have the capacity for rapid recovery. Species with long reproduction cycles and habitats that are slow to form will not have such a capacity.

| 119. | As previously noted, the assessment process is not an end in itself, but for the purposes of identifying a need for preventive measures, immediate management of damage factors and remedial measures, as the case may be. The time-critical nature of the first and second purposes needs to be reflected in the assessment process. The text of the definition of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ refers to assessment ‘taking account’ of the criteria of Annex I. This should allow a focus on those aspects of Annex I that are necessary for a rapid determination of the need for preventive measures or immediate management of damage factors. For purposes of remedial measures, a more in-depth assessment is likely to be appropriate. |
| --- | --- |

119.

As previously noted, the assessment process is not an end in itself, but for the purposes of identifying a need for preventive measures, immediate management of damage factors and remedial measures, as the case may be. The time-critical nature of the first and second purposes needs to be reflected in the assessment process. The text of the definition of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ refers to assessment ‘taking account’ of the criteria of Annex I. This should allow a focus on those aspects of Annex I that are necessary for a rapid determination of the need for preventive measures or immediate management of damage factors. For purposes of remedial measures, a more in-depth assessment is likely to be appropriate.

The determination of significance

The determination of significance

| 120. | For purposes of preventive measures and measures to immediately manage damage factors, a determination of significance should be made if the assessment results – or ought to result – in a reasonable belief that, without such measures, adverse changes and impairments of the kind mentioned at paragraphs 121 and 122 below will result. |
| --- | --- |

120.

For purposes of preventive measures and measures to immediately manage damage factors, a determination of significance should be made if the assessment results – or ought to result – in a reasonable belief that, without such measures, adverse changes and impairments of the kind mentioned at paragraphs 121 and 122 below will result.

| 121. | Subject to the criteria on non-significance mentioned at paragraph 124 and 125 below, for purposes of remedial measures in respect of natural habitats, adverse changes will be significant and impairments will arise if, in respect of the area of natural habitat affected, they result in one or more of the following:






  — | A measurable permanent or interim loss of the area covered by the habitat; |
| --- | --- | --- |

121.

Subject to the criteria on non-significance mentioned at paragraph 124 and 125 below, for purposes of remedial measures in respect of natural habitats, adverse changes will be significant and impairments will arise if, in respect of the area of natural habitat affected, they result in one or more of the following:

—

A measurable permanent or interim loss of the area covered by the habitat;

| — | A measurable deterioration in respect of the structure or functioning of the habitat; |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable deterioration in respect of the structure or functioning of the habitat;

| — | A measurable permanent or interim reduction of the range of the habitat; |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable permanent or interim reduction of the range of the habitat;

| — | A measurable permanent or interim loss of typical species, or a reduction in their range or available habitats; |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable permanent or interim loss of typical species, or a reduction in their range or available habitats;

| — | A measurable permanent or interim impairment of natural services linked to the area, structure, and functions of the natural habitat and its typical species; |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable permanent or interim impairment of natural services linked to the area, structure, and functions of the natural habitat and its typical species;

| — | A measurable gap between the time when the adverse effects occur and the time when, for the area, structure, functions and typical species concerned, the baseline condition is restored. |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable gap between the time when the adverse effects occur and the time when, for the area, structure, functions and typical species concerned, the baseline condition is restored.

| 122. | Subject to the criteria on non-significance mentioned at paragraphs 124 and 125 below, for purposes of remedial measures in respect of a protected species, adverse changes will be significant and impairments will arise if, in respect of the population affected, they result in one or more of the following:






  — | A measurable permanent or interim population loss (including the loss of a specimen or specimens) or deterioration in the health of a population which affects population dynamics in the area where the adverse effects occur. Population loss may arise through mortalities causally linked to the damaging occurrence. A deterioration in the health of a population might involve, for example, forms of harm such as the bioaccumulation of toxins or deleterious genetic modifications following cross-fertilisation with genetically modified individuals that are deliberately released into the environment (128); |
| --- | --- | --- |

122.

Subject to the criteria on non-significance mentioned at paragraphs 124 and 125 below, for purposes of remedial measures in respect of a protected species, adverse changes will be significant and impairments will arise if, in respect of the population affected, they result in one or more of the following:

—

A measurable permanent or interim population loss (including the loss of a specimen or specimens) or deterioration in the health of a population which affects population dynamics in the area where the adverse effects occur. Population loss may arise through mortalities causally linked to the damaging occurrence. A deterioration in the health of a population might involve, for example, forms of harm such as the bioaccumulation of toxins or deleterious genetic modifications following cross-fertilisation with genetically modified individuals that are deliberately released into the environment (128);

128

| — | A measurable permanent or interim reduction in the range of the species concerned; |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable permanent or interim reduction in the range of the species concerned;

| — | A measurable permanent or interim reduction in habitats available to the species concerned for its long-term maintenance; |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable permanent or interim reduction in habitats available to the species concerned for its long-term maintenance;

| — | A measurable permanent or interim impairment of natural services linked to the population loss, range reduction or reduction in available habitats; |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable permanent or interim impairment of natural services linked to the population loss, range reduction or reduction in available habitats;

| — | A measurable gap between the time when the adverse effects occur and the time when, for the population, extent of range, and availability of habitats, the baseline condition is restored. |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable gap between the time when the adverse effects occur and the time when, for the population, extent of range, and availability of habitats, the baseline condition is restored.

| 123. | The second paragraph of Annex I provides that damage with a proven effect on human health must be classified as significant damage. It is possible that an adverse change in a protected species or a natural habitat could include effects which, because of the damage factors involved, have a parallel relevance for human health. For example, the contamination of a natural habitat by toxic substances might, at the same time, expose human beings to adverse health effects. |
| --- | --- |

123.

The second paragraph of Annex I provides that damage with a proven effect on human health must be classified as significant damage. It is possible that an adverse change in a protected species or a natural habitat could include effects which, because of the damage factors involved, have a parallel relevance for human health. For example, the contamination of a natural habitat by toxic substances might, at the same time, expose human beings to adverse health effects.

| 124. | The final paragraph of Annex I indicates what need not be considered as significant. In Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV, the Court stated that: ‘It is apparent from the use of the words ‘does not have to’ that it is open to the Member States when transposing the directive to regard such damage as significant or as not significant for the purposes of Annex I thereto.’ (129) The Court also found that the provisions of this paragraph must be interpreted strictly (130). |
| --- | --- |

124.

The final paragraph of Annex I indicates what need not be considered as significant. In Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV

129

130

| 125. | As regards the content of the final paragraph of Annex I:






  — | The first indent refers to negative variations that are smaller than normal natural fluctuations. This relates to the possible non-static nature of the baseline condition mentioned at paragraph 65 above. There is a focus on the size of the negative variations relative to natural variations. |
| --- | --- | --- |

125.

As regards the content of the final paragraph of Annex I:

—

The first indent refers to negative variations that are smaller than normal natural fluctuations. This relates to the possible non-static nature of the baseline condition mentioned at paragraph 65 above. There is a focus on the size of the negative variations relative to natural variations.

| — | The second indent refers to negative variations due to natural causes or normal site management. The Court considered this indent in detail in Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig Holstein e. V. The case concerned regular drainage of a Natura 2000 wetland carried out by a public body in order to serve agriculture. The drainage caused water levels to fall, with adverse effects on a protected bird species, the Black Tern, Chlidonias niger. The Court ruled that the term ‘normal management’ relates to both habitats records and target documents (which concern those management measures directed by competent authorities) as well as previous management by owners or operators (131). It found that ‘in order not to negate the effectiveness of the word ‘normal’ in the context of environmental protection, it should be added that management can be regarded as normal only if it is consistent with good practices such as, inter alia, good agricultural practices.’ (132) The Court also found that the management of a site covered by the Habitats and the Birds Directive can cover agricultural activities, including irrigation, but can be regarded as normal only if it complies with the objectives and obligations laid down in those directives (133). This ruling applies to all sites covered by the Nature Directives, not just Natura 2000 sites (134). So far as Natura 2000 sites are concerned, the importance of appropriate site conservation objectives deserves mention. |
| --- | --- |

—

The second indent refers to negative variations due to natural causes or normal site management. The Court considered this indent in detail in Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig Holstein e. V. The case concerned regular drainage of a Natura 2000 wetland carried out by a public body in order to serve agriculture. The drainage caused water levels to fall, with adverse effects on a protected bird species, the Black Tern, Chlidonias niger. The Court ruled that the term ‘normal management’ relates to both habitats records and target documents (which concern those management measures directed by competent authorities) as well as previous management by owners or operators (131). It found that ‘in order not to negate the effectiveness of the word ‘normal’ in the context of environmental protection, it should be added that management can be regarded as normal only if it is consistent with good practices such as, inter alia, good agricultural practices.’ (132) The Court also found that the management of a site covered by the Habitats and the Birds Directive can cover agricultural activities, including irrigation, but can be regarded as normal only if it complies with the objectives and obligations laid down in those directives (133). This ruling applies to all sites covered by the Nature Directives, not just Natura 2000 sites (134). So far as Natura 2000 sites are concerned, the importance of appropriate site conservation objectives deserves mention.

Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig Holstein e. V.

Chlidonias niger

131

132

133

134

| — | The third indent refers to short natural recovery times for habitats or species to a condition equivalent or superior to the baseline condition. |
| --- | --- |

—

The third indent refers to short natural recovery times for habitats or species to a condition equivalent or superior to the baseline condition.

Exclusions

Exclusions

| 126. | The definition of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ provides for exclusions by reference to Articles 6(3) and (4) and 16 of the Habitats Directive and Article 9 of the Birds Directive. In Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein, the Court held that these exclusions must be interpreted strictly (135). |
| --- | --- |

126.

The definition of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ provides for exclusions by reference to Articles 6(3) and (4) and 16 of the Habitats Directive and Article 9 of the Birds Directive. In Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein,

135

| 127. | A number of inferences can be drawn from the references to these provisions of the nature directives. |
| --- | --- |

127.

A number of inferences can be drawn from the references to these provisions of the nature directives.

| 128. | Firstly, the mere existence of an authorisation under one of the afore-mentioned provisions does not result in the blanket exclusion of adverse effects from the scope of damage to protected species and natural habitats. For the adverse effects to be excluded:






  — | They must have been previously identified; |
| --- | --- | --- |

128.

Firstly, the mere existence of an authorisation under one of the afore-mentioned provisions does not result in the blanket exclusion of adverse effects from the scope of damage to protected species and natural habitats. For the adverse effects to be excluded:

—

They must have been previously identified;

| — | The causal act must have been expressly authorised. If an operator exceeds the conditions set in an authorisation (by, for example, encroaching more on a habitat than an authorisation allows), liability may arise for adverse effects related to the non-compliance (136). |
| --- | --- |

—

The causal act must have been expressly authorised. If an operator exceeds the conditions set in an authorisation (by, for example, encroaching more on a habitat than an authorisation allows), liability may arise for adverse effects related to the non-compliance (136).

136

| 129. | Secondly, the wording of the exclusions indicate that liability under the Environmental Liability Directive may arise in respect of situations where there is no authorisation whatsoever, but the requirements of Articles 6(3) and 4 and 16 of the Habitats Directive and Article 9 of the Birds Directive are applicable. This will be the case, for example, where an operator ought to have obtained a derogation under Article 16 of the Habitats Directive in order to lawfully carry out an occupational activity but did not obtain one (137). |
| --- | --- |

129.

Secondly, the wording of the exclusions indicate that liability under the Environmental Liability Directive may

137

6.   ‘WATER DAMAGE’

‘WATER DAMAGE’

| 130. | As can be seen from Box 3 above, in terms of material scope, ‘water damage’ relates to two main categories of waters: the waters concerned under the Water Framework Directive; and marine waters within the scope of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The Guidelines consider these in turn. |
| --- | --- |

130.

As can be seen from Box 3 above, in terms of material scope, ‘water damage’ relates to two main categories of waters: the waters concerned under the Water Framework Directive; and marine waters within the scope of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The Guidelines consider these in turn.

(A)   WATERS CONCERNED UNDER THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE

Material and geographical scope of the waters concerned

Material and geographical scope of the waters concerned

| 131. | To understand the material scope of ‘water damage’, it is necessary to understand what is meant by the expression ‘waters concerned’. ‘Waters’ encompass all waters covered by the Water Framework Directive – see Box 8 below. The purpose of the Water Framework Directive is to ‘establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater’ (138). The waters referred to in this quotation are the waters covered by the Water Framework Directive. The Water Framework Directive applies to all of them, regardless of their size and characteristics (139). Further relevant definitions are set out in Box 9 below. The waters ‘concerned’ are those affected by damage.
  Box 8: Definition of ‘waters’ |
| --- | --- |

131.

To understand the material scope of ‘water damage’, it is necessary to understand what is meant by the expression ‘waters concerned’. ‘Waters’ encompass all waters covered by the Water Framework Directive – see Box 8 below. The purpose of the Water Framework Directive is to ‘establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater’ (138

139

Box 8: Definition of ‘waters’

| Article 2(5) of the Environmental Liability Directive defines ‘waters’ to mean ‘all waters covered by Directive 2000/60/EC.’ |
| --- |

Article 2(5) of the Environmental Liability Directive defines ‘waters’ to mean ‘all waters covered by Directive 2000/60/EC.’

Box 9: Definitions found in the Water Framework Directive relevant to ‘waters’.

| The Water Framework Directive expressly defines two basic classes of water, ‘surface water’ and ‘groundwater’.
  Article 2(1) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘surface water’ to mean ‘inland waters, except groundwater; transitional waters and coastal waters, except in respect of chemical status for which it shall also include territorial waters’.
  Article 2(2) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘groundwater’ to mean ‘all water which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil’.
  As can be seen, the definition of ‘surface water’ refers to four sub-classes of waters: ‘inland waters’, ‘transitional waters’, ‘coastal waters’ and ‘territorial waters’. The first three of these are themselves expressly defined.
  Article 2(3) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘inland water’ to mean ‘all standing or flowing water on the surface of the land, and all groundwater on the landward side of the baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is measured’.
  Article 2(6) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘transitional waters’ to mean ‘bodies of surface water in the vicinity of river mouths which are partly saline in character as a result of their proximity to coastal waters but which are substantially influenced by freshwater flows’.
  Article 2(7) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘coastal water’ to mean ‘surface water on the landward side of a line, every point of which is at a distance of one nautical mile on the seaward side from the nearest point of the baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is measured, extending where appropriate up to the outer limit of transitional waters’. |
| --- |

The Water Framework Directive expressly defines two basic classes of water, ‘surface water’ and ‘groundwater’.

Article 2(1) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘surface water’ to mean ‘inland waters, except groundwater; transitional waters and coastal waters, except in respect of chemical status for which it shall also include territorial waters’.

Article 2(2) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘groundwater’ to mean ‘all water which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil’.

As can be seen, the definition of ‘surface water’ refers to four sub-classes of waters: ‘inland waters’, ‘transitional waters’, ‘coastal waters’ and ‘territorial waters’. The first three of these are themselves expressly defined.

Article 2(3) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘inland water’ to mean ‘all standing or flowing water on the surface of the land, and all groundwater on the landward side of the baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is measured’.

Article 2(6) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘transitional waters’ to mean ‘bodies of surface water in the vicinity of river mouths which are partly saline in character as a result of their proximity to coastal waters but which are substantially influenced by freshwater flows’.

Article 2(7) of the Water Framework Directive defines ‘coastal water’ to mean ‘surface water on the landward side of a line, every point of which is at a distance of one nautical mile on the seaward side from the nearest point of the baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is measured, extending where appropriate up to the outer limit of transitional waters’.

| 132. | As can be seen from the definitions set out in Box 9, the geographical scope of surface water extends to coastal waters, and, with regard to chemical status, to territorial waters. Territorial waters extend up to twelve nautical miles into the sea from the baseline. Two additional points may be noted. Firstly, so far as surface water is concerned, there is some overlap with marine waters – as can be seen from Box 12 below. Where there is overlap, the Water Framework Directive takes precedence for purposes of the Environmental Liability Directive (see Box 12 and paragraph 175 below). Secondly, the Water Framework Directive includes further relevant sub-divisions of waters, as Box 10 below shows. Thirdly, when it comes to assessing the significance of adverse effects on the waters concerned under the Water Framework Directive, account needs to be taken of geographical limitations linked to the reference concepts for adverse effects. These are considered below.
  Box 10: Further relevant definitions of sub-divisions of ‘waters’ in the Water Framework Directive. |
| --- | --- |

132.

As can be seen from the definitions set out in Box 9, the geographical scope of surface water extends to coastal waters, and, with regard to chemical status, to territorial waters. Territorial waters extend up to twelve nautical miles into the sea from the baseline. Two additional points may be noted. Firstly, so far as surface water is concerned, there is some overlap with marine waters – as can be seen from Box 12 below. Where there is overlap, the Water Framework Directive takes precedence for purposes of the Environmental Liability Directive (see Box 12 and paragraph 175 below). Secondly, the Water Framework Directive includes further relevant sub-divisions of waters, as Box 10 below shows. Thirdly, when it comes to assessing the significance of adverse effects on the waters concerned under the Water Framework Directive, account needs to be taken of geographical limitations linked to the reference concepts for adverse effects. These are considered below.

Box 10: Further relevant definitions of sub-divisions of ‘waters’ in the Water Framework Directive.

| Article 2(4) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘river’ means ‘a body of inland water flowing for the most part on the surface of the land but which may flow underground for part of its course’.
  Article 2(5) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘lake’ means ‘a body of standing inland surface water’.
  Article 2(8) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘artificial water body’ means ‘a body of surface water created by human activity’.
  Article 2(9) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘heavily modified water body’ means ‘a body of surface water which as a result of physical alterations by human activity is substantially changed in character, as designated by the Member State in accordance with the provisions of Annex II’.
  Article 2(10) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘body of surface water’ means ‘a discrete and significant element of surface water such as a lake, a reservoir, a stream, river or canal, part of a stream, river or canal, a transitional water or a stretch of coastal water’.
  Article 2(12) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘body of groundwater’ means ‘a distinct volume of groundwater within an aquifer or aquifers’.
  Article 2(11) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘aquifer’ means ‘a subsurface layer or layers of rock or other geological strata of sufficient porosity and permeability to allow either a significant flow of groundwater or the abstraction of significant quantities of groundwater’. |
| --- |

Article 2(4) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘river’ means ‘a body of inland water flowing for the most part on the surface of the land but which may flow underground for part of its course’.

Article 2(5) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘lake’ means ‘a body of standing inland surface water’.

Article 2(8) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘artificial water body’ means ‘a body of surface water created by human activity’.

Article 2(9) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘heavily modified water body’ means ‘a body of surface water which as a result of physical alterations by human activity is substantially changed in character, as designated by the Member State in accordance with the provisions of Annex II’.

Article 2(10) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘body of surface water’ means ‘a discrete and significant element of surface water such as a lake, a reservoir, a stream, river or canal, part of a stream, river or canal, a transitional water or a stretch of coastal water’.

Article 2(12) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘body of groundwater’ means ‘a distinct volume of groundwater within an aquifer or aquifers’.

Article 2(11) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘aquifer’ means ‘a subsurface layer or layers of rock or other geological strata of sufficient porosity and permeability to allow either a significant flow of groundwater or the abstraction of significant quantities of groundwater’.

Reference concepts for adverse effects

Reference concepts for adverse effects

| 133. | The reference concepts for adverse effects comprise the ‘ecological [relevant for surface waters], chemical [relevant for both surface waters and groundwaters] and/or
  quantitative status [relevant for groundwater] and/or the ecological potential [relevant for heavily and artificially modified water bodies] as defined in Directive 2000/60/EC’ of the waters concerned. Taking account of the differences between chemical status for surface waters and groundwaters, this means that there are five separate kinds of status that may have to be considered, and that reference must be made to the Water Framework Directive for their definitions. As Box 11 below shows, there are express definitions of ‘ecological status’ and ‘quantitative status’; on the other hand, the definitions of ‘chemical status’ and ‘ecological potential’ must be inferred from definitions of ‘good chemical status’ and ‘good ecological potential’.
  Box 11: Reference concepts as defined in the Water Framework Directive. |
| --- | --- |

133.

The reference concepts for adverse effects comprise the ‘ecological

chemical

and/or

quantitative status

and/or the ecological potential

as defined in Directive 2000/60/EC’

Box 11: Reference concepts as defined in the Water Framework Directive.

| The Water Framework Directive contains precise definitions of ‘ecological status’ and ‘quantitative status’.
  Article 2(21) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘ecological status’ is ‘an expression of the quality of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems associated with surface waters, classified in accordance with Annex V’.
  Article 2(26) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘quantitative status’ is ‘an expression of the degree to which a body of groundwater is affected by direct and indirect abstractions’.
  While the Water Framework Directive contains express definitions of ‘ecological status’ and ‘quantitative status’, it does not contain express definition of ‘chemical status’. Instead, its Articles 2(24) and 2(25) define ‘good surface water chemical status’ and ‘good groundwater chemical status’ respectively (emphasis added).
  ‘Good surface water chemical status’ is defined to mean ‘the chemical status required to meet the environmental objectives for surface waters established in Article 4(1)(a), that is the chemical status achieved by a body of surface water in which concentrations of pollutants do not exceed the environmental quality standards established in Annex IX (140) and under Article 16(7), and under other relevant Community legislation setting environmental quality standards at Community level’.
  ‘Good groundwater chemical status’ is defined to mean ‘the chemical status of a body of groundwater, which meets all the conditions set out in table 2.3.2 of Annex V (141)‘.
  Likewise, the Water Framework Directive does not contain an express definition of ‘ecological potential’ but its Articles 2(23) defines ‘good ecological potential’ to mean ‘the status of a heavily modified or an artificial body of water, so classified in accordance with the relevant provisions of Annex V.’ |
| --- |

The Water Framework Directive contains precise definitions of ‘ecological status’ and ‘quantitative status’.

Article 2(21) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘ecological status’ is ‘an expression of the quality of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems associated with surface waters, classified in accordance with Annex V’.

Article 2(26) of the Water Framework Directive provides that ‘quantitative status’ is ‘an expression of the degree to which a body of groundwater is affected by direct and indirect abstractions’.

While the Water Framework Directive contains express definitions of ‘ecological status’ and ‘quantitative status’, it does not contain express definition of ‘chemical status’. Instead, its Articles 2(24) and 2(25) define ‘good surface water chemical status’ and ‘good groundwater chemical status’ respectively (emphasis added).

good

good

‘Good surface water chemical status’ is defined to mean ‘the chemical status required to meet the environmental objectives for surface waters established in Article 4(1)(a), that is the chemical status achieved by a body of surface water in which concentrations of pollutants do not exceed the environmental quality standards established in Annex IX (140) and under Article 16(7), and under other relevant Community legislation setting environmental quality standards at Community level’.

140

‘Good groundwater chemical status’ is defined to mean ‘the chemical status of a body of groundwater, which meets all the conditions set out in table 2.3.2 of Annex V (141)‘.

141

Likewise, the Water Framework Directive does not contain an express definition of ‘ecological potential’ but its Articles 2(23) defines ‘good ecological potential’ to mean ‘the status of a heavily modified or an artificial body of water, so classified in accordance with the relevant provisions of Annex V.’

good

| 134. | Under the Water Framework Directive, the five reference concepts are principally used in relation to water bodies delineated pursuant to that directive and assessed on the basis of monitoring programmes that leave a margin of discretion to Member States in terms of frequencies and monitoring sites. Within this legal framework, the concepts, and the concept of delineated water bodies, are principally used for the purpose of achieving long-term objectives, through appropriate river basin management and planning of measures. In this respect, Guidance document No.2 Identification of Water Bodies (142), a non-binding reference document developed under the Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive, notes that the concept of water bodies is used for reporting and assessing compliance with the Directive’s principal environmental objectives; however, the delineation of a water body is a tool and not an objective in itself. |
| --- | --- |

134.

Under the Water Framework Directive, the five reference concepts are principally used in relation to water bodies delineated pursuant to that directive and assessed on the basis of monitoring programmes that leave a margin of discretion to Member States in terms of frequencies and monitoring sites. Within this legal framework, the concepts, and the concept of delineated water bodies, are principally used for the purpose of achieving long-term objectives, through appropriate river basin management and planning of measures. In this respect, Guidance document No.2 Identification of Water Bodies

142

| 135. | In the context of the Environmental Liability Directive, the five reference concepts relate to the same waters concerned, i.e. those waters covered by the Water Framework Directive, but serve a different purpose, i.e. they are the benchmarks for assessing water damage, i.e. damage that significantly adversely affects the quality elements defining these reference concepts. |
| --- | --- |

135.

In the context of the Environmental Liability Directive, the five reference concepts relate to the same waters concerned, i.e. those waters covered by the Water Framework Directive, but serve a different purpose, i.e. they are the benchmarks for assessing water damage, i.e. damage that significantly adversely affects the quality elements defining these reference concepts.

| 136. | As will be further demonstrated below, the five reference concepts themselves refer to multiple further concepts in the Water Framework Directive. Depending on the waters adversely affected, these further concepts will need to be taken into account when implementing the definition of ‘water damage’. For purposes of the Environmental Liability Directive, the five concepts can be usefully divided between those that refer to surface water, namely ecological status, ecological potential and surface water chemical status, and those that refer to groundwater, namely groundwater chemical status and quantitative status. |
| --- | --- |

136.

As will be further demonstrated below, the five reference concepts themselves refer to multiple further concepts in the Water Framework Directive. Depending on the waters adversely affected, these further concepts will need to be taken into account when implementing the definition of ‘water damage’. For purposes of the Environmental Liability Directive, the five concepts can be usefully divided between those that refer to surface water, namely ecological status, ecological potential and surface water chemical status, and those that refer to groundwater, namely groundwater chemical status and quantitative status.

| 137. | The definition of ‘ecological status’ refers to the quality of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems associated with surface waters, classified in accordance with Annex V of the Water Framework Directive. Annex V refers to five sub-classes or divisions of surface water: rivers; lakes; transitional waters; coastal waters; artificial and heavily modified water bodies. Rivers, lakes and artificial and heavily modified water bodies are all, in fact, further divisions of the sub-class ‘inland water’ referred to in Box 9 above and all are expressly defined in the Water Framework Directive – see Box 10 above. ‘Ecological status’ relates to rivers, lakes, transitional waters and coastal waters. Annex V also sets out quality elements relevant to these different sub-classes and divisions of surface water: biological elements; hydromorphological elements supporting the biological elements; general physico-chemical elements supporting the biological elements; specific pollutants for which national environmental quality standards must be set. |
| --- | --- |

137.

The definition of ‘ecological status’ refers to the quality of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems associated with surface waters, classified in accordance with Annex V of the Water Framework Directive. Annex V refers to five sub-classes or divisions of surface water: rivers; lakes; transitional waters; coastal waters; artificial and heavily modified water bodies. Rivers, lakes and artificial and heavily modified water bodies are all, in fact, further divisions of the sub-class ‘inland water’ referred to in Box 9 above and all are expressly defined in the Water Framework Directive – see Box 10 above. ‘Ecological status’ relates to rivers, lakes, transitional waters and coastal waters. Annex V also sets out quality elements relevant to these different sub-classes and divisions of surface water: biological elements; hydromorphological elements supporting the biological elements; general physico-chemical elements supporting the biological elements; specific pollutants for which national environmental quality standards must be set.

| 138. | The definition of ‘good ecological potential’ also contains a reference to Annex V and refers to artificial or heavily modified water bodies. More specifically, Annex V, 1.2.5 defines the maximum, good and moderate ecological potential of artificial and heavily modified water bodies and does so by referring to the same quality elements that are used for ecological status for the closest other comparable surface waters figuring in Annex V, i.e. rivers, lakes, transitional waters and coastal waters. It reflects the values of these quality elements as far as possible, whilst also taking into account the unavoidable impact of the physical conditions which result from the artificial or heavily modified characteristics of the water body concerned – for example, a canal or port. All of this means that, as a reference concept, ‘ecological potential’ is very closely linked to ‘ecological status’. |
| --- | --- |

138.

The definition of ‘good ecological potential’ also contains a reference to Annex V and refers to artificial or heavily modified water bodies. More specifically, Annex V, 1.2.5 defines the maximum, good and moderate ecological potential of artificial and heavily modified water bodies and does so by referring to the same quality elements that are used for ecological status for the closest other comparable surface waters figuring in Annex V, i.e. rivers, lakes, transitional waters and coastal waters. It reflects the values of these quality elements as far as possible, whilst also taking into account the unavoidable impact of the physical conditions which result from the artificial or heavily modified characteristics of the water body concerned – for example, a canal or port. All of this means that, as a reference concept, ‘ecological potential’ is very closely linked to ‘ecological status’.

| 139. | From the definition of ‘good surface water chemical status’, it can be inferred that, for surface waters, ‘chemical status’ concerns concentrations of chemical pollutants. Since the Environmental Liability Directive was adopted, specific measures have been adopted which are relevant for surface water chemical status. More specifically, pursuant to Article 16 of the Water Framework Directive, Directive 2008/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directives 82/176/EEC, 83/513/EEC, 84/156/EEC, 84/491/EEC, 86/280/EEC and amending Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (143) (‘the Environmental Quality Standards Directive or EQSD’), as amended (144) has been adopted. Amongst other things, this provides for quality standards for priority (hazardous) substances (145) in surface water. |
| --- | --- |

139.

From the definition of ‘good surface water chemical status’, it can be inferred that, for surface waters, ‘chemical status’ concerns concentrations of chemical pollutants. Since the Environmental Liability Directive was adopted, specific measures have been adopted which are relevant for surface water chemical status. More specifically, pursuant to Article 16 of the Water Framework Directive, Directive 2008/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directives 82/176/EEC, 83/513/EEC, 84/156/EEC, 84/491/EEC, 86/280/EEC and amending Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (143

144

145

| 140. | The definitions of ‘good groundwater chemical status’ and ‘quantitative status’ both refer to ‘body of groundwater’, a term which is separately defined (see Box 10 above). |
| --- | --- |

140.

The definitions of ‘good groundwater chemical status’ and ‘quantitative status’ both refer to ‘body of groundwater’, a term which is separately defined (see Box 10 above).

| 141. | From the definition of ‘good groundwater chemical status’, it can be inferred that groundwater chemical status refers to concentrations of chemical pollutants as well as conductivity. Conductivity relates to saline or other intrusion (146). Pursuant to Article 17 of the Water Framework Directive, Directive 2006/118/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration (147) (‘the Groundwater Directive’) has been adopted. This, amongst other things, provides for Union standards for concentrations of nitrates and pesticides in groundwater (148), as well as for the obligation for Member States to adopt national thresholds for a series of other pollutants listed in its Annex. |
| --- | --- |

141.

From the definition of ‘good groundwater chemical status’, it can be inferred that groundwater chemical status refers to concentrations of chemical pollutants as well as conductivity. Conductivity relates to saline or other intrusion (146

147

148

Assessment of significant adverse effects

Assessment of significant adverse effects

Circumstances

Circumstances

| 142. | In contrast to damage to protected species and natural habitats, it follows from Article 3(1)(a) that the Environmental Liability Directive only applies to water damage caused by any of the occupational activities described in Annex III. Several of these occupational activities, such as abstraction and impoundment (149), and the discharge or injection of pollutants (150), are especially relevant to water. Several are regulated under the Water Framework Directive. |
| --- | --- |

142.

In contrast to damage to protected species and natural habitats, it follows from Article 3(1)(a) that the Environmental Liability Directive only applies to water damage caused by any of the occupational activities described in Annex III. Several of these occupational activities, such as abstraction and impoundment (149

150

Context

Context

| 143. | For the purposes of assessing the significance of damage by reference to the five reference concepts, the following classes and divisions of ‘waters’ all need to be distinguished:






  — | Groundwaters; |
| --- | --- | --- |

143.

For the purposes of assessing the significance of damage by reference to the five reference concepts, the following classes and divisions of ‘waters’ all need to be distinguished:

—

Groundwaters;

| — | Rivers; |
| --- | --- |

—

Rivers;

| — | Lakes; |
| --- | --- |

—

Lakes;

| — | Transitional waters; |
| --- | --- |

—

Transitional waters;

| — | Coastal waters; territorial waters; |
| --- | --- |

—

Coastal waters; territorial waters;

| — | Artificial and heavily modified water bodies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Artificial and heavily modified water bodies.

| 144. | As already noted, it is useful to make a basic distinction between damage that affects groundwaters and damage that affects surface waters, since the five reference concepts are aligned with this basic distinction. It is possible that adverse effects will affect both groundwater and surface water and more than one division of surface water, but, if so, the damage will need to be assessed with reference to each relevant water class or division. This is because reference concepts and relevant quality elements vary according to water class or division. For damage affecting surface waters, for instance, the reference concepts of ‘ecological status’ and ‘ecological potential’ make it necessary to refer to the different divisions of surface water mentioned in the last paragraph. |
| --- | --- |

144.

As already noted, it is useful to make a basic distinction between damage that affects groundwaters and damage that affects surface waters, since the five reference concepts are aligned with this basic distinction. It is possible that adverse effects will affect both groundwater and surface water and more than one division of surface water, but, if so, the damage will need to be assessed with reference to each relevant water class or division. This is because reference concepts and relevant quality elements vary according to water class or division. For damage affecting surface waters, for instance, the reference concepts of ‘ecological status’ and ‘ecological potential’ make it necessary to refer to the different divisions of surface water mentioned in the last paragraph.

| 145. | The connectedness of different water bodies also needs to be taken into account. Chemical pollution may pass between different classes and divisions of water, for instance – as where a chemical spillage in a river subsequently pollutes a lake. |
| --- | --- |

145.

The connectedness of different water bodies also needs to be taken into account. Chemical pollution may pass between different classes and divisions of water, for instance – as where a chemical spillage in a river subsequently pollutes a lake.

| 146. | The concept of ‘water damage’ refers to significant adverse effects on the status of waters as defined in the Water Framework Directive. However, it is important to bear in mind that the concept of ‘damage’ in Article 2(2) of the Environmental Liability Directive covers not only measurable adverse changes to water but also measurable impairment of the services that water provides. The adverse effects covered by the environmental damage category ‘water damage’ thus encompass not only measurable changes to water but measurable impairment of the services that water provides. This is confirmed by the text of Annex II.1 of the Environmental Liability Directive which refers to both natural resource and natural resource services when considering the remediation of damage to water, protected species and natural habitats. On the other hand, as mentioned before, the concept of ‘damage’ is not self-standing and needs to be read in the light of the definition of ‘environmental damage’ – and more specifically of ‘water damage’. The impairment of the services that water provides must, therefore, be accompanied by significant adverse effects on the status of the waters concerned. |
| --- | --- |

146.

The concept of ‘water damage’ refers to significant adverse effects on the status of waters as defined in the Water Framework Directive. However, it is important to bear in mind that the concept of ‘damage’ in Article 2(2) of the Environmental Liability Directive covers not only measurable adverse changes to water but also measurable impairment of the services that water provides. The adverse effects covered by the environmental damage category ‘water damage’ thus encompass not only measurable changes to water but measurable impairment of the services that water provides. This is confirmed by the text of Annex II.1 of the Environmental Liability Directive which refers to both natural resource and natural resource services when considering the remediation of damage to water, protected species and natural habitats. On the other hand, as mentioned before, the concept of ‘damage’ is not self-standing and needs to be read in the light of the definition of ‘environmental damage’ – and more specifically of ‘water damage’. The impairment of the services that water provides must, therefore, be accompanied by significant adverse effects on the status of the waters concerned.

| 147. | Water damage may involve a loss of services to protected species and natural habitats. For example, a protected species may depend on a river having particular hydro morphological conditions. |
| --- | --- |

147.

Water damage may involve a loss of services to protected species and natural habitats. For example, a protected species may depend on a river having particular hydro morphological conditions.

| 148. | Water damage may also involve a loss of services for the benefit of the public. The loss of services may concern large or small numbers of people, even individuals. |
| --- | --- |

148.

Water damage may also involve a loss of services for the benefit of the public. The loss of services may concern large or small numbers of people, even individuals.

| 149. | Some services, such as provision of drinking water and of clean bathing water, have an important health dimension. A damaging occurrence may contaminate a drinking water source, for example, rendering it unsafe to use for drinking water purposes. |
| --- | --- |

149.

Some services, such as provision of drinking water and of clean bathing water, have an important health dimension. A damaging occurrence may contaminate a drinking water source, for example, rendering it unsafe to use for drinking water purposes.

| 150. | The Water Framework Directive provides for a register of protected areas (151), which may be relevant for purposes of identifying certain relevant services and impairments. The protected areas comprise, amongst others, areas used for the abstraction of drinking water; areas designated for the protection of economically significant aquatic species; bodies of water designated as recreational waters, including areas designated as bathing waters; and areas designated for the protection of habitats or species where the maintenance or improvement of the status of water is an important factor in their protection, including relevant Natura 2000 sites designated under the Nature Directives. |
| --- | --- |

150.

The Water Framework Directive provides for a register of protected areas (151

| 151. | In the context of the Water Framework Directive, the five reference concepts relate to delineated water bodies and are used, in that framework, to determine whether the water bodies are in good status (or potential), or, for those not in good status, to assess the gap to good status and identify the appropriate measures to fill that gap. Under the Water Framework Directive, the status of water bodies is assessed on the basis of monitoring programmes, and revised every six years. In the context of the Environmental Liability Directive, it is important to take into account the specific content of the latter, and the need to enable a more short-term identification of a significant adverse effect on the status of the water bodies, as defined in the Water Framework Directive. In this regard, the expression ‘that significantly adversely affects ... the status’ is not to be conflated with a deterioration of status or change of status under the Water Framework Directive (although it can include these). The expression must be read in the light of the objective of the Environmental Liability Directive, and of the concept of ‘damage’, i.e. it is necessary to take into account the notions of (measurable) adverse changes to the waters and impairment of the services which the waters provide. Thus the specificities of the Environmental Liability Directive must be taken into account when interpreting and using the five reference concepts to assess and determine the significance of actual water damage:






  — | As noted above, the text of Article 2(1)(b) of the Environmental Liability Directive defines ‘waters’ to mean all waters covered by Directive 2000/60/EC; |
| --- | --- | --- |

151.

In the context of the Water Framework Directive, the five reference concepts relate to delineated water bodies and are used, in that framework, to determine whether the water bodies are in good status (or potential), or, for those not in good status, to assess the gap to good status and identify the appropriate measures to fill that gap. Under the Water Framework Directive, the status of water bodies is assessed on the basis of monitoring programmes, and revised every six years. In the context of the Environmental Liability Directive, it is important to take into account the specific content of the latter, and the need to enable a more short-term identification of a significant adverse effect on the status of the water bodies, as defined in the Water Framework Directive. In this regard, the expression ‘that significantly adversely affects ... the status’ is not to be conflated with a deterioration of status or change of status under the Water Framework Directive (although it can include these). The expression must be read in the light of the objective of the Environmental Liability Directive, and of the concept of ‘damage’, i.e. it is necessary to take into account the notions of (measurable) adverse changes to the waters and impairment of the services which the waters provide. Thus the specificities of the Environmental Liability Directive must be taken into account when interpreting and using the five reference concepts to assess and determine the significance of actual water damage:

—

As noted above, the text of Article 2(1)(b) of the Environmental Liability Directive defines ‘waters’ to mean all waters covered by Directive 2000/60/EC;

| — | The impairment of the natural resource services provided by water may relate to areas of water that are more limited than those comprised in the water bodies delineated under the Water Framework Directive. For example, there may be impairment of the provision of water for human consumption as a result of the contamination of a single abstraction point; |
| --- | --- |

—

The impairment of the natural resource services provided by water may relate to areas of water that are more limited than those comprised in the water bodies delineated under the Water Framework Directive. For example, there may be impairment of the provision of water for human consumption as a result of the contamination of a single abstraction point;

| — | As for adverse changes to the natural resource (as distinct from impairment of natural resource services), the actual area where adverse changes are experienced may not neatly fit within the boundaries of a single delineated water body, but may straddle several, or concern only part of a water body; |
| --- | --- |

—

As for adverse changes to the natural resource (as distinct from impairment of natural resource services), the actual area where adverse changes are experienced may not neatly fit within the boundaries of a single delineated water body, but may straddle several, or concern only part of a water body;

| — | In the context of the Water Framework Directive, effects on part of a water body were considered by the Court in Case C-535/18, IL and Others v Land Nordrhein-Westfalen, which concerned the risk of chemical pollution of groundwater caused by the construction of a highway. The Court noted that exceedance in only one monitoring point would imply deterioration of chemical status of a significant part of the water body, even though it would be possible to classify the groundwater body as a whole as having good chemical status on the basis of Art 4(2)(c) of Directive 2006/118/EC, i.e. taking into account, [inter alia] where appropriate, the extent of the body of groundwater which is affected. Further, the Court underlined that exceedance of any one threshold at any monitoring point would in any case constitute a deterioration of its chemical status in the sense of Article 4(1)(b)(i) of the Water Framework Directive (152), requiring action pursuant to the Groundwater Directive and the Water Framework Directive. This demonstrates that applying the Environmental Liability Directive at levels other than the entirety of a water body would not be at variance with the approach taken to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and Groundwater Directive themselves. |
| --- | --- |

—

In the context of the Water Framework Directive, effects on part of a water body were considered by the Court in Case C-535/18, IL and Others v Land Nordrhein-Westfalen, which concerned the risk of chemical pollution of groundwater caused by the construction of a highway. The Court noted that exceedance in only one monitoring point would imply deterioration of chemical status of a significant part of the water body, even though it would be possible to classify the groundwater body as a whole as having good chemical status on the basis of Art 4(2)(c) of Directive 2006/118/EC, i.e. taking into account, [inter alia] where appropriate, the extent of the body of groundwater which is affected. Further, the Court underlined that exceedance of any one threshold at any monitoring point would in any case constitute a deterioration of its chemical status in the sense of Article 4(1)(b)(i) of the Water Framework Directive (152), requiring action pursuant to the Groundwater Directive and the Water Framework Directive. This demonstrates that applying the Environmental Liability Directive at levels other than the entirety of a water body would not be at variance with the approach taken to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and Groundwater Directive themselves.

IL and Others v Land Nordrhein-Westfalen,

inter alia

152

| 152. | This being said, the circumstances of a specific damaging occurrence may make it appropriate to apply the Environmental Liability Directive at the level of an entire delineated water body. For example, a toxic spillage may affect the entirety of a single lake. Or a body of groundwater may function as a distinct hydrological unit for purposes of quantitative status and the status elements relevant to this status category may need to be assessed in respect of the entire body of groundwater. Furthermore, much existing knowledge about the waters concerned may lie at the level of delineated water bodies, given that monitoring under the Water Framework Directive is organised in relation to such bodies. |
| --- | --- |

152.

This being said, the circumstances of a specific damaging occurrence may make it appropriate to apply the Environmental Liability Directive at the level of an entire delineated water body. For example, a toxic spillage may affect the entirety of a single lake. Or a body of groundwater may function as a distinct hydrological unit for purposes of quantitative status and the status elements relevant to this status category may need to be assessed in respect of the entire body of groundwater. Furthermore, much existing knowledge about the waters concerned may lie at the level of delineated water bodies, given that monitoring under the Water Framework Directive is organised in relation to such bodies.

Focus and carrying out of the assessment

Focus and carrying out of the assessment

| 153. | As with damage to protected species and natural habitats, the significance of the adverse effects of water damage should be assessed with reference to the baseline condition. The expression ‘baseline condition’ is not specifically mentioned in the definition of water damage. However, as can be seen from Box 4 above, the definition of ‘baseline condition’ covers all natural resources and services. Furthermore, the baseline condition is mentioned in Annex II.1 in the context of both water damage and damage to protected species and natural habitats. |
| --- | --- |

153.

As with damage to protected species and natural habitats, the significance of the adverse effects of water damage should be assessed with reference to the baseline condition. The expression ‘baseline condition’ is not specifically mentioned in the definition of water damage. However, as can be seen from Box 4 above, the definition of ‘baseline condition’ covers all natural resources and services. Furthermore, the baseline condition is mentioned in Annex II.1 in the context of both water damage and damage to protected species and natural habitats.

| 154. | It follows from the definition of ‘baseline condition’ that the assessment of significance should relate to the area or areas of waters adversely affected, and that it should involve a comparison between the condition of that area or those areas before and after the damaging occurrence. |
| --- | --- |

154.

It follows from the definition of ‘baseline condition’ that the assessment of significance should relate to the area or areas of waters adversely affected, and that it should involve a comparison between the condition of that area or those areas before

after

| 155. | The Water Framework Directive requires surface and groundwater bodies to be classified in different status categories in accordance with Annex V of that directive. The classifications relate to the status elements that are to be the basis of both the estimation of the baseline condition and the measurement of adverse changes or possible adverse changes and impairments of services under the Environmental Liability Directive. Classifications already made under Annex V of the Water Framework Directive can therefore help to establish the condition of the area or areas of water adversely affected by a damaging occurrence. ‘The best information available’ is however not exclusively bound to information derived from the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. |
| --- | --- |

155.

The Water Framework Directive requires surface and groundwater bodies to be classified in different status categories in accordance with Annex V of that directive. The classifications relate to the status elements that are to be the basis of both the estimation of the baseline condition and the measurement of adverse changes or possible adverse changes and impairments of services under the Environmental Liability Directive. Classifications already made under Annex V of the Water Framework Directive can therefore help to establish the condition of the area or areas of water adversely affected by a damaging occurrence. ‘The best information available’ is however not exclusively bound to information derived from the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.

| 156. | To take one relevant division of surface waters, rivers, the status categories for ecological status are high, good, moderate, poor and bad (153). |
| --- | --- |

156.

To take one relevant division of surface waters, rivers, the status categories for ecological status are high, good, moderate, poor and bad (153

| 157. | For rivers classified as having high, good and moderate ecological status, the Water Framework Directive provides a detailed set of descriptions corresponding to several of the different status elements:






  — | For the biological quality elements, there are descriptions of the following elements: phytoplankton; macrophytes and phytobenthos; benthic invertebrate fauna; and fish fauna; |
| --- | --- | --- |

157.

For rivers classified as having high, good and moderate ecological status, the Water Framework Directive provides a detailed set of descriptions corresponding to several of the different status elements:

—

For the biological quality elements, there are descriptions of the following elements: phytoplankton; macrophytes and phytobenthos; benthic invertebrate fauna; and fish fauna;

| — | For hydromorphological quality elements, there are descriptions of the following elements: hydrological regime; river continuity; morphological conditions; |
| --- | --- |

—

For hydromorphological quality elements, there are descriptions of the following elements: hydrological regime; river continuity; morphological conditions;

| — | For physico-chemical quality elements, there are descriptions of the following elements: general conditions; specific synthetic pollutants; specific non-synthetic pollutants. |
| --- | --- |

—

For physico-chemical quality elements, there are descriptions of the following elements: general conditions; specific synthetic pollutants; specific non-synthetic pollutants.

| 158. | Turning to groundwaters, for the reference concept ‘quantitative status’ there is a single status element, namely ‘groundwater level’. The detailed description of this reads as follows: ‘The level of groundwater in the groundwater body is such that the available groundwater resource is not exceeded by the long-term annual average rate of abstraction. Accordingly, the level of groundwater is not subject to anthropogenic alterations such as would result in:






  — | failure to achieve the environmental objectives specified under Article 4 for associated surface waters, |
| --- | --- | --- |

158.

Turning to groundwaters, for the reference concept ‘quantitative status’ there is a single status element, namely ‘groundwater level’. The detailed description of this reads as follows: ‘The level of groundwater in the groundwater body is such that the available groundwater resource is not exceeded by the long-term annual average rate of abstraction. Accordingly, the level of groundwater is not subject to anthropogenic alterations such as would result in:

—

failure to achieve the environmental objectives specified under Article 4 for associated surface waters,

| — | any significant diminution in the status of such waters, |
| --- | --- |

—

any significant diminution in the status of such waters,

| — | any significant damage to terrestrial ecosystems which depend directly on the groundwater body, |
| --- | --- |

—

any significant damage to terrestrial ecosystems which depend directly on the groundwater body,

and alterations to flow direction resulting from level changes may occur temporarily, or continuously in a spatially limited area, but such reversals do not cause saltwater or other intrusion, and do not indicate a sustained and clearly identified anthropogenically induced trend in flow direction likely to result in such intrusions.’ (154)

154

| 159. | For the reference concept groundwater chemical status, there are two status elements, namely ‘general’ and ‘conductivity’, for which the Water Framework Directive provides detailed descriptions. The description reads as follows for the status element ‘general’: ‘The chemical composition of the groundwater body is such that the concentrations of pollutants:






  — | as specified below, do not exhibit the effects of saline or other intrusions |
| --- | --- | --- |

159.

For the reference concept groundwater chemical status, there are two status elements, namely ‘general’ and ‘conductivity’, for which the Water Framework Directive provides detailed descriptions. The description reads as follows for the status element ‘general’: ‘The chemical composition of the groundwater body is such that the concentrations of pollutants:

—

as specified below, do not exhibit the effects of saline or other intrusions

| — | do not exceed the quality standards applicable under other relevant [Union] legislation in accordance with Article 17 |
| --- | --- |

—

do not exceed the quality standards applicable under other relevant [Union] legislation in accordance with Article 17

| — | are not such as would result in failure to achieve the environmental objectives specified under Article 4 for associated surface waters nor any significant diminution of the ecological or chemical quality of such bodies nor in any significant damage to terrestrial ecosystems which depend directly on the groundwater body’. |
| --- | --- |

—

are not such as would result in failure to achieve the environmental objectives specified under Article 4 for associated surface waters nor any significant diminution of the ecological or chemical quality of such bodies nor in any significant damage to terrestrial ecosystems which depend directly on the groundwater body’.

| 160. | As can be seen from the status element ‘general’ in respect of the chemical status of groundwaters, there are further cross-references within the description of good chemical status. As has already been noted above, there is reference to quality standards under other legislation in accordance with Article 17 of the Water Framework Directive – and the Groundwater Directive has accordingly set standards for nitrates and pesticides, as well as an obligation for Member States to set national threshold values for a series of other pollutants listed in part A of its Annex II. |
| --- | --- |

160.

As can be seen from the status element ‘general’ in respect of the chemical status of groundwaters, there are further cross-references within the description of good chemical status. As has already been noted above, there is reference to quality standards under other legislation in accordance with Article 17 of the Water Framework Directive – and the Groundwater Directive has accordingly set standards for nitrates and pesticides, as well as an obligation for Member States to set national threshold values for a series of other pollutants listed in part A of its Annex II.

| 161. | All of the above-mentioned elements (and corresponding elements for other divisions of waters) are potentially relevant when estimating the baseline condition and measuring the adverse change. The nature of the damage factors – i.e. whether they are additive, subtractive, extractive or destructive, as mentioned in paragraph 18 above – should indicate what range of status elements are likely to be relevant. |
| --- | --- |

161.

All of the above-mentioned elements (and corresponding elements for other divisions of waters) are potentially relevant when estimating the baseline condition and measuring the adverse change. The nature of the damage factors – i.e. whether they are additive, subtractive, extractive or destructive, as mentioned in paragraph 18 above – should indicate what range of status elements are likely to be relevant.

| 162. | The varied nature of these status elements, as well as the possible varied services that a water body provides, implies a varied range of techniques and methodologies to estimate and measure both the baseline condition and adverse changes and impairments. They can include chemical analyses, habitat evaluation, toxicity measurements and bio-indices, for instance. Existing work done for purposes of classification and monitoring under the Water Framework Directive should be taken into account when estimating the baseline condition. Where no monitoring data exist for purposes of estimating the baseline condition of the areas of water adversely affected, it may be possible to extrapolate from data available for other similar areas of water, or from general reference sources. |
| --- | --- |

162.

The varied nature of these status elements, as well as the possible varied services that a water body provides, implies a varied range of techniques and methodologies to estimate and measure both the baseline condition and adverse changes and impairments. They can include chemical analyses, habitat evaluation, toxicity measurements and bio-indices, for instance. Existing work done for purposes of classification and monitoring under the Water Framework Directive should be taken into account when estimating the baseline condition. Where no monitoring data exist for purposes of estimating the baseline condition of the areas of water adversely affected, it may be possible to extrapolate from data available for other similar areas of water, or from general reference sources.

| 163. | With regard to impairment of natural resource services, account should be taken of such services where it is evident that a damaging occurrence has significantly adversely affected the status of a water body. Where, for example, a damaging occurrence contaminates a protected surface drinking water source in a lake and at the same time significantly adversely affects the ecological or chemical status of the lake, it will come within the scope of water damage under the Environmental Liability Directive. In such a case, provided the damaging occurrence is the same, there need not be an identity between the damage factors causing the impairment of the service and the damage factors significantly affecting the status. If the damaging occurrence consists of a waste-water spillage, for instance, the damage factors relevant for the impairment of the drinking water service may consist in the introduction of micro-organisms into the drinking water source, whereas the damage factors significantly affecting the status may consist in the introduction of nutrients. |
| --- | --- |

163.

With regard to impairment of natural resource services, account should be taken of such services where it is evident that a damaging occurrence has significantly adversely affected the status of a water body. Where, for example, a damaging occurrence contaminates a protected surface drinking water source in a lake and at the same time significantly adversely affects the ecological or chemical status of the lake, it will come within the scope of water damage under the Environmental Liability Directive. In such a case, provided the damaging occurrence is the same, there need not be an identity between the damage factors causing the impairment of the service and the damage factors significantly affecting the status. If the damaging occurrence consists of a waste-water spillage, for instance, the damage factors relevant for the impairment of the drinking water service may consist in the introduction of micro-organisms into the drinking water source, whereas the damage factors significantly affecting the status may consist in the introduction of nutrients.

| 164. | Furthermore, coverage of impairment of services may not depend on the definition of ‘damage’ alone. Specific objectives set for protected areas featuring in the register of protected areas under the Water Framework may be important. The definitions of good groundwater quantitative status and good groundwater chemical status under the Water Framework Directive include a clear reference to conditions aimed at avoiding failure to achieve the environmental objectives specified under Article 4 of that directive for associated surface waters. These objectives include objectives for protected areas under Article 4(1)(c) of the Water Framework Directive. For groundwater contamination possibly affecting the quality of drinking water, the Groundwater Directive furthermore sets an obligation to assess groundwater chemical status by taking into account the risk from pollutants to the quality of the water abstracted for human consumption (155). In addition, Article 7(3) of the Water Framework Directive provides that Member States shall ensure the necessary protection for the bodies of water used for the abstraction of drinking water, with the aim of avoiding deterioration in their quality in order to reduce the level of purification treatment required in the production of drinking water. In the light of this, taking into account the definition of ‘damage’ and the specific objectives and additional requirements set under the Water Framework Directive and Groundwater Directive for ensuring the good status of ground water bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water, it can be concluded that damaging occurrences resulting in the need for a higher level of purification to comply with the requirements of the Drinking Water Directive, may come within the scope of water damage under the Environmental Liability directive (156). |
| --- | --- |

164.

Furthermore, coverage of impairment of services may not depend on the definition of ‘damage’ alone. Specific objectives set for protected areas featuring in the register of protected areas under the Water Framework may be important. The definitions of good groundwater quantitative status and good groundwater chemical status under the Water Framework Directive include a clear reference to conditions aimed at avoiding failure to achieve the environmental objectives specified under Article 4 of that directive for associated surface waters. These objectives include objectives for protected areas under Article 4(1)(c) of the Water Framework Directive. For groundwater contamination possibly affecting the quality of drinking water, the Groundwater Directive furthermore sets an obligation to assess groundwater chemical status by taking into account the risk from pollutants to the quality of the water abstracted for human consumption (155

156

| 165. | There are nevertheless limits. It is possible, for example, that a damaging occurrence will introduce micro-organisms into an area of surface water. While this may result in the impairment of a drinking water service, the damaging occurrence will fall outside the scope of water damage unless it can be shown that it will also adversely affect a status element. Such introduction of micro-organisms may, however, sometimes come within the scope of land damage (see the section of the present Guidelines devoted to land damage). |
| --- | --- |

165.

There are nevertheless limits. It is possible, for example, that a damaging occurrence will introduce micro-organisms into an area of surface water. While this may result in the impairment of a drinking water service, the damaging occurrence will fall outside the scope of water damage unless it can be shown that it will also adversely affect a status element. Such introduction of micro-organisms may, however, sometimes come within the scope of land damage (see the section of the present Guidelines devoted to land damage).

| 166. | When estimating and measuring the baseline condition and any changes and impairments, it may be necessary to take account of damage factors that have been causing effects over a very long period. For example, the present-day operator of an occupational activity discharging pollutants into a water body may have been continuously doing so over a period that includes a period pre-dating the 30 April 2007 (see paragraph 24 above). As a result, some damage (in the form of polluted sediments in a river, for instance) may pre-date the implementation date of the Environmental Liability Directive. Subsequent damage will, however, potentially be covered; the operator may be in contravention of an authorisation requirement applicable after 30 April 2007, for instance. In such circumstances, it will be necessary to distinguish the subsequent damage and the earlier damage for purpose of estimating the baseline condition and measuring adverse changes and impairments. |
| --- | --- |

166.

When estimating and measuring the baseline condition and any changes and impairments, it may be necessary to take account of damage factors that have been causing effects over a very long period. For example, the present-day operator of an occupational activity discharging pollutants into a water body may have been continuously doing so over a period that includes a period pre-dating the 30 April 2007 (see paragraph 24 above). As a result, some damage (in the form of polluted sediments in a river, for instance) may pre-date the implementation date of the Environmental Liability Directive. Subsequent damage will, however, potentially be covered; the operator may be in contravention of an authorisation requirement applicable after 30 April 2007, for instance. In such circumstances, it will be necessary to distinguish the subsequent damage and the earlier damage for purpose of estimating the baseline condition and measuring adverse changes and impairments.

The determination of significance

The determination of significance

| 167. | For adverse effects to be significant, it is not necessary that they concern all of the status elements that are potentially relevant. It must, however, concern at least one (157). |
| --- | --- |

167.

For adverse effects to be significant, it is not necessary that they concern all of the status elements that are potentially relevant. It must, however, concern at least one (157

| 168. | For purposes of preventive measures and measures to immediately manage damage factors, a determination of significance should be made if the assessment results – or ought to result – in a reasonable belief that, without such measures, adverse changes and related impairments of the kind mentioned at paragraph 169 below will result. |
| --- | --- |

168.

For purposes of preventive measures and measures to immediately manage damage factors, a determination of significance should be made if the assessment results – or ought to result – in a reasonable belief that, without such measures, adverse changes and related impairments of the kind mentioned at paragraph 169 below will result.

| 169. | For purposes of remedial measures, adverse changes will be significant and related impairments will arise if, in respect of the area or areas of the water bodies affected, they result in:






  — | A measurable permanent or interim loss in respect of a status element such that, for that status element, the area of water affected no longer shows the status element characteristics that would have been present in that area before the adverse change or impairment took effect. To take one reference concept and one status element as an example, namely ecological status and fish fauna in respect of a river, adverse effects will be significant if a damaging occurrence such as a toxic spillage entirely wipes out a fish population in the area of water affected; |
| --- | --- | --- |

169.

For purposes of remedial measures, adverse changes will be significant and related impairments will arise if, in respect of the area or areas of the water bodies affected, they result in:

—

A measurable permanent or interim loss in respect of a status element such that, for that status element, the area of water affected no longer shows the status element characteristics that would have been present in that area before the adverse change or impairment took effect. To take one reference concept and one status element as an example, namely ecological status and fish fauna in respect of a river, adverse effects will be significant if a damaging occurrence such as a toxic spillage entirely wipes out a fish population in the area of water affected;

| — | A measurable deterioration in respect of a status element such that, for that status element, the area of water affected no longer shows the status element characteristics that would have been present in that area before the adverse change or impairment took effect. To take one reference concept and one status element as an example, namely ecological status and fish fauna in respect of a river, adverse effects will be significant if, in the area concerned, the damaging occurrence causes a level of fish mortality to measurably exceed normal levels of fish mortality (without entirely wiping out the fish population). To take the example of another reference concept, namely quantitative status, and another status element, namely the groundwater level in a body of groundwater, adverse effects will be significant if the groundwater level has been or is being measurably reduced to an extent that measurably exceeds the available groundwater resource; |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable deterioration in respect of a status element such that, for that status element, the area of water affected no longer shows the status element characteristics that would have been present in that area before the adverse change or impairment took effect. To take one reference concept and one status element as an example, namely ecological status and fish fauna in respect of a river, adverse effects will be significant if, in the area concerned, the damaging occurrence causes a level of fish mortality to measurably exceed normal levels of fish mortality (without entirely wiping out the fish population). To take the example of another reference concept, namely quantitative status, and another status element, namely the groundwater level in a body of groundwater, adverse effects will be significant if the groundwater level has been or is being measurably reduced to an extent that measurably exceeds the available groundwater resource;

| — | A measurable impairment of natural services linked to the status elements that have suffered loss or deterioration. To take the same example of fish fauna in a river mentioned above, if the river is protected for purposes of recreational fishing, an impairment will arise if the damaging occurrence causes the area of water to have a reduced availability of fish for recreational fishing; |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable impairment of natural services linked to the status elements that have suffered loss or deterioration. To take the same example of fish fauna in a river mentioned above, if the river is protected for purposes of recreational fishing, an impairment will arise if the damaging occurrence causes the area of water to have a reduced availability of fish for recreational fishing;

| — | A measurable gap between the time when the adverse effects occur and the time when, for the status elements concerned, the baseline condition is restored. To take the same example of fish fauna in a river, adverse effects will be significant if, notwithstanding the application of restoration measures, the adverse effects will result in a reduced fish population for a period that measurably exceeds periods corresponding to the natural rate of fluctuation of the fish population. Such a time-gap will represent an interim loss of a natural resource and any associated services and require compensatory remediation (158). Such compensatory remediation must be provided in respect of the entire recovery period. That period must therefore be calculated. |
| --- | --- |

—

A measurable gap between the time when the adverse effects occur and the time when, for the status elements concerned, the baseline condition is restored. To take the same example of fish fauna in a river, adverse effects will be significant if, notwithstanding the application of restoration measures, the adverse effects will result in a reduced fish population for a period that measurably exceeds periods corresponding to the natural rate of fluctuation of the fish population. Such a time-gap will represent an interim loss of a natural resource and any associated services and require compensatory remediation (158). Such compensatory remediation must be provided in respect of the entire recovery period. That period must therefore be calculated.

158

| 170. | As already noted, for adverse effects to be significant, it is not necessary that they result in a change of classification for purposes of the Water Framework Directive – although a change to a lower status classification would be an example of a significant adverse effect. By way of analogy, in Case C-461/13, Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland eV v Bundesrepublik Deutschland, which concerned the Water Framework Directive, the Court decided that the concept of ‘deterioration of the status’ of a body of surface water in Article 4(1)(a)(i) of the Water Framework Directive must be interpreted as meaning that there is deterioration as soon as the status of at least one of the quality elements, within the meaning of Annex V to the directive, falls by one class, even if that fall does not result in a fall in classification of the body of surface water as a whole (159). However, if the quality element concerned, within the meaning of that annex, is already in the lowest class, any deterioration of that element constitutes a ‘deterioration of the status’ of a body of surface water, within the meaning of Article 4(1)(a)(i). (160) |
| --- | --- |

170.

As already noted, for adverse effects to be significant, it is not necessary that they result in a change of classification for purposes of the Water Framework Directive – although a change to a lower status classification would be an example of a significant adverse effect. By way of analogy, in Case C-461/13, Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland eV v Bundesrepublik Deutschland

159

160

| 171. | For ‘water damage’, the Environmental Liability Directive does not provide an equivalent to the criteria of Annex I for assessing and determining the significance of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’. Nor does it set out the optional basis found in that annex for treating certain adverse effects as non-significant. However, Annex II.1.3.3. indicates that competent authorities have some margin of discretion when it comes to the extent of the remedial measures that an individual damaging occurrence will require. |
| --- | --- |

171.

For ‘water damage’, the Environmental Liability Directive does not provide an equivalent to the criteria of Annex I for assessing and determining the significance of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’. Nor does it set out the optional basis found in that annex for treating certain adverse effects as non-significant. However, Annex II.1.3.3. indicates that competent authorities have some margin of discretion when it comes to the extent of the remedial measures that an individual damaging occurrence will require.

Exclusion

Exclusion

| 172. | The definition of ‘water damage’ excludes form its scope adverse effects where Article 4(7) of the Water Framework Directive applies. Although the Water Framework Directive aims for all water bodies to achieve good status by 2015 (or 2027 in case time-limited exemptions are applied), and in addition prohibits all further deterioration of water bodies, Art 4(7) allows for new modifications/projects to deteriorate the status of the affected water body, subject to the observance of strict criteria set out therein. As deterioration is in such circumstances acceptable under the Water Framework Directive, the water damage resulting from it would not be covered by the Environmental Liability Directive. However, it can be inferred from Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein, that this exclusion must be interpreted strictly (161). |
| --- | --- |

172.

The definition of ‘water damage’ excludes form its scope adverse effects where Article 4(7) of the Water Framework Directive applies. Although the Water Framework Directive aims for all water bodies to achieve good status by 2015 (or 2027 in case time-limited exemptions are applied), and in addition prohibits all further deterioration of water bodies, Art 4(7) allows for new modifications/projects to deteriorate the status of the affected water body, subject to the observance of strict criteria set out therein. As deterioration is in such circumstances acceptable under the Water Framework Directive, the water damage resulting from it would not be covered by the Environmental Liability Directive. However, it can be inferred from Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein,

161

| 173. | Article 4(7) of the Water Framework Directive requires several conditions to be met, including the taking of all practical measures to mitigate the adverse impact on the status of the body of water (162). In order to benefit from the Article 4(7) exclusion under the Environmental Liability Directive, an economic operator must therefore comply with any mitigation conditions attaching to an Article 4(7) consent. In addition, even where an Article 4(7) consent is obtained, the Environmental Liability Directive will apply to water damage resulting from a failure to comply with such conditions (163). |
| --- | --- |

173.

Article 4(7) of the Water Framework Directive requires several conditions to be met, including the taking of all practical measures to mitigate the adverse impact on the status of the body of water (162

163

| 174. | In Case C-529/15 Folk, the Court considered the application of the Article 4(7) exclusion in the definition of ‘water damage’. It found that ‘in the event that an authorisation has been granted pursuant to national provisions without an examination whether the conditions laid down in Article 4(7)(a) to (d) of Directive 2000/60/EC ... have been complied with, a national court is not required to itself verify whether the conditions laid down in that article are satisfied in order to determine whether environmental damage within the meaning of Article 2(1)(b) of Directive 2004/35, as amended by Directive 2009/31, has arisen’. This case further underlines the need for a strict application of the exemption. A national judge will be entitled to deny the exemption if the authorising authority has not demonstrated full compliance with the strict criteria set out in Art 4(7). |
| --- | --- |

174.

In Case C-529/15 Folk

(B)   MARINE WATERS CONCERNED UNDER THE MARINE STRATEGY FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE

Material and geographical scope
  of marine waters

Material and geographical scope

of marine waters

Box 12: Definition of ‘marine waters’ in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

| Article 3(1) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides that ‘marine waters’ means:






  ‘(a) | waters, the seabed and subsoil on the seaward side of the baseline from which the extent of territorial waters is measured extending to the outmost reach of the area where a Member State has and/or exercises jurisdictional rights, in accordance with the Unclos, with the exception of waters adjacent to the countries and territories mentioned in Annex II to the Treaty and the French Overseas Departments and Collectivities; and |
| --- | --- |

Article 3(1) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides that ‘marine waters’ means:

‘(a)

waters, the seabed and subsoil on the seaward side of the baseline from which the extent of territorial waters is measured extending to the outmost reach of the area where a Member State has and/or exercises jurisdictional rights, in accordance with the Unclos, with the exception of waters adjacent to the countries and territories mentioned in Annex II to the Treaty and the French Overseas Departments and Collectivities; and

| (b) | coastal waters as defined by Directive 2000/60/EC, their seabed and their subsoil, in so far as particular aspects of the environmental status of the marine environment are not already addressed through that Directive or other Community legislation;’ |
| --- | --- |

(b)

coastal waters as defined by Directive 2000/60/EC, their seabed and their subsoil, in so far as particular aspects of the environmental status of the marine environment are not already addressed through that Directive or other Community legislation;’

| 175. | As can be seen, the definition of ‘marine waters’ in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive overlaps with the definition of ‘coastal waters’ in the Water Framework Directive, and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive applies to these in so far as particular aspects of the environmental status of the marine waters are not already addressed through the Water Framework Directive or other Union (164) legislation. Furthermore, there is an overlap with the coverage of ‘territorial waters’ as referred to in the Water Framework Directive. The latter instrument applies within territorial waters whenever the damage concerns chemical status. |
| --- | --- |

175.

As can be seen, the definition of ‘marine waters’ in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive overlaps with the definition of ‘coastal waters’ in the Water Framework Directive, and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive applies to these in so far as particular aspects of the environmental status of the marine waters are not already addressed through the Water Framework Directive or other Union (164

Reference concept for adverse effects

Reference concept for adverse effects

| 176. | The reference concept for adverse effects on ‘marine waters’ is their ‘environmental status’ as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive – see Box 13 below. As noted above, however, the definition of ‘marine waters’ excludes aspects of environmental status already addressed through the Water Framework Directive or other Union legislation. In terms of other Union legislation, the Nature Directives are especially relevant (see paragraph 95 above).
  Box 13: Definition of ‘environmental status’ |
| --- | --- |

176.

The reference concept for adverse effects on ‘marine waters’ is their ‘environmental status’ as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive – see Box 13 below. As noted above, however, the definition of ‘marine waters’ excludes aspects of environmental status already addressed through the Water Framework Directive or other Union legislation. In terms of other Union legislation, the Nature Directives are especially relevant (see paragraph 95 above).

Box 13: Definition of ‘environmental status’

| Article 3(4) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides that ‘environmental status’ means:

  ‘the overall state of the environment in marine waters, taking into account the structure, function and processes of the constituent marine ecosystems together with natural physiographic, geographic, biological, geological and climatic factors, as well as physical, acoustic and chemical conditions, including those resulting from human activities inside or outside the area concerned;’ |
| --- |

Article 3(4) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides that ‘environmental status’ means:

‘the overall state of the environment in marine waters, taking into account the structure, function and processes of the constituent marine ecosystems together with natural physiographic, geographic, biological, geological and climatic factors, as well as physical, acoustic and chemical conditions, including those resulting from human activities inside or outside the area concerned;’

| 177. | The Water Framework Directive already addresses the following in respect of coastal waters: concentrations of chemicals; biological elements; hydromorphological elements supporting the biological elements; chemical and physico-chemical elements supporting the biological elements; general elements; and specific pollutants. In addition, the Water Framework Directive addresses chemical concentrations within territorial waters. |
| --- | --- |

177.

The Water Framework Directive already addresses the following in respect of coastal waters: concentrations of chemicals; biological elements; hydromorphological elements supporting the biological elements; chemical and physico-chemical elements supporting the biological elements; general elements; and specific pollutants. In addition, the Water Framework Directive addresses chemical concentrations within territorial waters.

| 178. | The Nature Directives already address the marine habitats and marine-dwelling species that lie within their scope. Furthermore, they apply to the marine environment, including in the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf where a Member State exercises jurisdiction (see paragraph 95 above). |
| --- | --- |

178.

The Nature Directives already address the marine habitats and marine-dwelling species that lie within their scope. Furthermore, they apply to the marine environment, including in the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf where a Member State exercises jurisdiction (see paragraph 95 above).

The assessment of significant adverse effects

The assessment of significant adverse effects

Circumstances

Circumstances

| 179. | As with the waters concerned under the Water Framework Directive, adverse effects for the purpose of the Environmental Liability Directive will only be relevant if there is a causal link between these effects and the occupational activities described in Annex III of the Environmental Liability Directive. The nature of these activities should indicate the likely nature of the damage factors that might give rise to adverse effects in marine waters and related impairment of services. |
| --- | --- |

179.

As with the waters concerned under the Water Framework Directive, adverse effects for the purpose of the Environmental Liability Directive will only be relevant if there is a causal link between these effects and the occupational activities described in Annex III of the Environmental Liability Directive. The nature of these activities should indicate the likely nature of the damage factors that might give rise to adverse effects in marine waters and related impairment of services.

| 180. | The following activities under Annex III of the Environmental Liability Directive (165) are the ones most likely to be relevant for damage to marine waters:






  — | Industrial activities under Annex III.1, i.e. operation of installations subject to permit in pursuance of Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (166). For example, refining of mineral oil and gas in port areas may result in pollution of coastal waters; |
| --- | --- | --- |

180.

The following activities under Annex III of the Environmental Liability Directive (165

—

Industrial activities under Annex III.1, i.e. operation of installations subject to permit in pursuance of Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (166). For example, refining of mineral oil and gas in port areas may result in pollution of coastal waters;

166

| — | Waste management activities under Annex III.2, i.e. collection, transport, recovery and disposal of waste and hazardous waste subject to permit or registration in pursuance of Council Directive 75/442/EEC on waste and Council Directive 91/689/EEC on hazardous waste (167). For example, damage may result from intentional dumping of waste into the sea, or poor management of landfills along the shore (168); |
| --- | --- |

—

Waste management activities under Annex III.2, i.e. collection, transport, recovery and disposal of waste and hazardous waste subject to permit or registration in pursuance of Council Directive 75/442/EEC on waste and Council Directive 91/689/EEC on hazardous waste (167). For example, damage may result from intentional dumping of waste into the sea, or poor management of landfills along the shore (168);

167

168

| — | Manufacture, processing, filling, release into the environment under Annex III.7(a) of dangerous substances as defined in Article 2(2) of Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (169). For example, in marine waters under the jurisdiction of a Member State, there may be accidents and spillages into the sea caused by offshore oil and gas operations (i.e. exploration and exploitation activities). It is to be noted that Directive 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on the safety of offshore oil and gas operations and amending Directive 2004/35/EC (170) (‘the Offshore Safety Directive’) includes in addition some specific provisions and definitions, in particular in its Article 2 n. 5, n. 11, n. 15, n. 16 and Article 7. Thus, it is not the ‘operator’ but the ‘licensee’ of an offshore exploration or production activity causing environmental damage who is liable under the Environmental Liability Directive; |
| --- | --- |

—

Manufacture, processing, filling, release into the environment under Annex III.7(a) of dangerous substances as defined in Article 2(2) of Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (169). For example, in marine waters under the jurisdiction of a Member State, there may be accidents and spillages into the sea caused by offshore oil and gas operations (i.e. exploration and exploitation activities). It is to be noted that Directive 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on the safety of offshore oil and gas operations and amending Directive 2004/35/EC (170) (‘the Offshore Safety Directive’) includes in addition some specific provisions and definitions, in particular in its Article 2 n. 5, n. 11, n. 15, n. 16 and Article 7. Thus, it is not the ‘operator’ but the ‘licensee’ of an offshore exploration or production activity causing environmental damage who is liable under the Environmental Liability Directive;

169

170

| — | Shipping activities under Annex III.8, i.e. transport by sea concerning minimum requirements for vessels bound for or leaving Community ports and carrying dangerous or polluting goods, as defined in Council Directive 93/75/EEC. (171) Transport by sea may involve large quantities of goods being shipped in containers, and container loss at sea may constitute damaging occurrences; |
| --- | --- |

—

Shipping activities under Annex III.8, i.e. transport by sea concerning minimum requirements for vessels bound for or leaving Community ports and carrying dangerous or polluting goods, as defined in Council Directive 93/75/EEC. (171) Transport by sea may involve large quantities of goods being shipped in containers, and container loss at sea may constitute damaging occurrences;

171

| — | Transboundary shipment of waste within, into or out of the European Union under Annex III.12 (requiring an authorisation or prohibited within the meaning of Council Regulation (EEC) No 259/93 (172)). For example, waste may be lost at sea during the course of a waste shipment. |
| --- | --- |

—

Transboundary shipment of waste within, into or out of the European Union under Annex III.12 (requiring an authorisation or prohibited within the meaning of Council Regulation (EEC) No 259/93 (172)). For example, waste may be lost at sea during the course of a waste shipment.

172

| 181. | Table 2b ‘Uses and human activities in or affecting the marine environment’ in Commission Directive 2017/845/EU (173) contains relevant indications as to activities potentially causing marine water damage, although it is only those occupational activities which are also found in Annex III of the Environmental Liability Directive that will count for purposes of application of the Environmental Liability Directive. |
| --- | --- |

181.

Table 2b ‘Uses and human activities in or affecting the marine environment’ in Commission Directive 2017/845/EU (173

| 182. | When it comes to damage to marine waters, it is relevant to mention the exceptions set out in Article 4(2) and Article 4(3) of the Environmental Liability Directive. According to Article 4(2), the Environmental Liability Directive does not apply where an imminent threat of damage or actual damage to marine waters arises from an incident in respect of which liability or compensation falls within the scope of any of the international conventions listed in Annex IV (174). According to Article 4(3), the right of the operator to limit his liability in accordance with national legislation implementing certain international conventions (175) remains unaffected |
| --- | --- |

182.

When it comes to damage to marine waters, it is relevant to mention the exceptions set out in Article 4(2) and Article 4(3) of the Environmental Liability Directive. According to Article 4(2), the Environmental Liability Directive does not apply where an imminent threat of damage or actual damage to marine waters arises from an incident in respect of which liability or compensation falls within the scope of any of the international conventions listed in Annex IV (174

175

Carrying out of the assessment

Carrying out of the assessment

| 183. | As with damage to protected species and natural habitats, and damage to waters concerned under the Water Framework Directive, the significance of adverse effects should be assessed with reference to the baseline condition. As previously noted, the definition of ‘baseline condition’ covers all natural resources and services. Furthermore, the baseline condition is mentioned in Annex II.1 in the context of both water damage and damage to protected species and natural habitats. |
| --- | --- |

183.

As with damage to protected species and natural habitats, and damage to waters concerned under the Water Framework Directive, the significance of adverse effects should be assessed with reference to the baseline condition. As previously noted, the definition of ‘baseline condition’ covers all natural resources and services. Furthermore, the baseline condition is mentioned in Annex II.1 in the context of both water damage and damage to protected species and natural habitats.

| 184. | It follows from the definition of ‘baseline condition’ that the assessment of significant adverse effects should relate to the area or areas of marine waters adversely affected, and that it should involve a comparison between the condition of that area or those areas before and after the damaging occurrence. The best information available should be used to assess these. |
| --- | --- |

184.

It follows from the definition of ‘baseline condition’ that the assessment of significant adverse effects should relate to the area or areas of marine waters adversely affected, and that it should involve a comparison between the condition of that area or those areas before

after

| 185. | Adverse effects involve a negative change in marine waters. There may also be a related impairment of the services that these waters provide by reference to the baseline condition. So far as other natural resource categories are concerned, marine waters provide services to the natural habitats and protected species found in them, such as tidal flows, in the case of certain coastal habitats, or food sources in the case of marine mammals or seabirds. Such services are not confined to marine protected areas (MPAs) such as Natura 2000 sites designated under the Nature Directives, but are especially important for them, since such services play an important role in the fulfilment of site conservation objectives. The notion of services also extends to services to people. For example, marine waters provide fish and other food for the benefit of people. By way of another example, they also provide opportunities for recreational whale watching. |
| --- | --- |

185.

Adverse effects involve a negative change in marine waters. There may also be a related impairment of the services that these waters provide by reference to the baseline condition. So far as other natural resource categories are concerned, marine waters provide services to the natural habitats and protected species found in them, such as tidal flows, in the case of certain coastal habitats, or food sources in the case of marine mammals or seabirds. Such services are not confined to marine protected areas (MPAs) such as Natura 2000 sites designated under the Nature Directives, but are especially important for them, since such services play an important role in the fulfilment of site conservation objectives. The notion of services also extends to services to people. For example, marine waters provide fish and other food for the benefit of people. By way of another example, they also provide opportunities for recreational whale watching.

| 186. | Having regard to the reference concept ‘environmental status’, it is appropriate to take into account work provided for under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as a starting point for estimating the baseline condition and any relevant changes or related impairments. |
| --- | --- |

186.

Having regard to the reference concept ‘environmental status’, it is appropriate to take into account work provided for under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as a starting point for estimating the baseline condition and any relevant changes or related impairments.

| 187. | Article 8 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides for an initial assessment of marine waters by Member States for purposes of preparation of marine strategies under that directive. Article 17 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides for a review every six years of such initial assessments. For convenience, such assessments are referred to in these Guidelines as ‘Marine Strategy Framework Directive assessments’ – or ‘MSFD assessments’ – to distinguish them from the assessment of significant adverse effects under the Environmental Liability Directive. |
| --- | --- |

187.

Article 8 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides for an initial assessment of marine waters by Member States for purposes of preparation of marine strategies under that directive. Article 17 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides for a review every six years of such initial assessments. For convenience, such assessments are referred to in these Guidelines as ‘Marine Strategy Framework Directive assessments’ – or ‘MSFD assessments’ – to distinguish them from the assessment of significant adverse effects under the Environmental Liability Directive.

| 188. | The Marine Strategy Framework Directive uses a concept of ‘good environmental status’ – see Box 14 below.
  Box 14: Definition of ‘good environmental status’ in Article 3(5) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive: |
| --- | --- |

188.

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive uses a concept of ‘good environmental status’ – see Box 14 below.

Box 14: Definition of ‘good environmental status’ in Article 3(5) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive:

| ‘5. | ‘good environmental status’ means the environmental status of marine waters where these provide ecologically diverse and dynamic oceans and seas which are clean, healthy and productive within their intrinsic conditions, and the use of the marine environment is at a level that is sustainable, thus safeguarding the potential for uses and activities by current and future generations, i.e.:






  (a) | the structure, functions and processes of the constituent marine ecosystems, together with the associated physiographic, geographic, geological and climatic factors, allow those ecosystems to function fully and to maintain their resilience to human-induced environmental change. Marine species and habitats are protected, human-induced decline of biodiversity is prevented and diverse biological components function in balance; |
| --- | --- | --- |

‘5.

(a)

the structure, functions and processes of the constituent marine ecosystems, together with the associated physiographic, geographic, geological and climatic factors, allow those ecosystems to function fully and to maintain their resilience to human-induced environmental change. Marine species and habitats are protected, human-induced decline of biodiversity is prevented and diverse biological components function in balance;

| (b) | hydro-morphological, physical and chemical properties of the ecosystems, including those properties which result from human activities in the area concerned, support the ecosystems as described above. Anthropogenic inputs of substances and energy, including noise, into the marine environment do not cause pollution effects; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

hydro-morphological, physical and chemical properties of the ecosystems, including those properties which result from human activities in the area concerned, support the ecosystems as described above. Anthropogenic inputs of substances and energy, including noise, into the marine environment do not cause pollution effects;

Good environmental status shall be determined at the level of the marine region or subregion as referred to in Article 4, on the basis of the qualitative descriptors in Annex I. Adaptive management on the basis of the ecosystem approach shall be applied with the aim of attaining good environmental status;’

| 189. | By reference to the MSFD initial assessment, Article 9(1) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires Member States to determine, in respect of each marine region or sub-region, a set of characteristics for good environmental status, on the basis of the eleven qualitative descriptors listed in its Annex I. These descriptors are set out in Box 15 below. The marine regions (176) and sub-regions (177) referred to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive are defined in its Article 4(1) and (2).
  Box 15: Qualitative descriptors for determining good environmental status |
| --- | --- |

189.

By reference to the MSFD initial assessment, Article 9(1) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires Member States to determine, in respect of each marine region or sub-region, a set of characteristics for good environmental status, on the basis of the eleven qualitative descriptors listed in its Annex I. These descriptors are set out in Box 15 below. The marine regions (176

177

Box 15: Qualitative descriptors for determining good environmental status

| (1) | Biological diversity is maintained. The quality and occurrence of habitats and the distribution and abundance of species are in line with prevailing physiographic, geographic and climatic conditions. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Biological diversity is maintained. The quality and occurrence of habitats and the distribution and abundance of species are in line with prevailing physiographic, geographic and climatic conditions.

| (2) | Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystems. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystems.

| (3) | Populations of all commercially exploited fish and shellfish are within safe biological limits, exhibiting a population age and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Populations of all commercially exploited fish and shellfish are within safe biological limits, exhibiting a population age and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock.

| (4) | All elements of the marine food webs, to the extent that they are known, occur at normal abundance and diversity and levels capable of ensuring the long-term abundance of the species and the retention of their full reproductive capacity. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

All elements of the marine food webs, to the extent that they are known, occur at normal abundance and diversity and levels capable of ensuring the long-term abundance of the species and the retention of their full reproductive capacity.

| (5) | Human-induced eutrophication is minimised, especially adverse effects thereof, such as losses in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algae blooms and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Human-induced eutrophication is minimised, especially adverse effects thereof, such as losses in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algae blooms and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters.

| (6) | Sea-floor integrity is at a level that ensures that the structure and functions of the ecosystems are safeguarded and benthic ecosystems, in particular, are not adversely affected. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Sea-floor integrity is at a level that ensures that the structure and functions of the ecosystems are safeguarded and benthic ecosystems, in particular, are not adversely affected.

| (7) | Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems.

| (8) | Concentrations of contaminants are at levels not giving rise to pollution effects. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Concentrations of contaminants are at levels not giving rise to pollution effects.

| (9) | Contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption do not exceed levels established by Community legislation or other relevant standards. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption do not exceed levels established by Community legislation or other relevant standards.

| (10) | Properties and quantities of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Properties and quantities of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment.

| (11) | Introduction of energy, including underwater noise, is at levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Introduction of energy, including underwater noise, is at levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment.

| 190. | The Commission has adopted a decision (178) on criteria and methodological standards for each of the eleven descriptors for the determination of good environmental status by Member States (179). The following are all relevant to the determination and achievement of good environmental status: ‘criteria elements’ (180); threshold values (181) for each criterion (182); quality levels (183); the extent to which threshold values have been and are to be achieved (184); and indicative lists of characteristics, pressures and impacts (185). The interrelationship between these is also important (186). |
| --- | --- |

190.

The Commission has adopted a decision (178

179

180

181

182

183

184

185

186

| 191. | All of the foregoing creates a backdrop for the assessment of damage to marine waters under the Environmental Liability Directive. |
| --- | --- |

191.

All of the foregoing creates a backdrop for the assessment of damage to marine waters under the Environmental Liability Directive.

| 192. | Compared to MSFD assessments, the assessment of damage to marine waters under the Environmental Liability Directive requires a more specific procedure, determined by the need to establish the baseline condition of the area of marine waters affected by the damaging occurrence, as well as the changes to the environmental status of the area of marine waters affected and any impairment of the services provided by that area. This being said, MSFD assessments address the environmental status of the wider marine waters in which the marine waters affected by damage are located. In this way, MSFD assessments should provide information relevant for an estimation of the baseline condition. Furthermore, MSFD assessments and the criteria and methodological standards that the Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires to be used in order to determine the characteristics of good environmental status facilitate the assessment of adverse changes and impairments under the Environmental Liability Directive. This is because they enable a deeper understanding of the constituent elements of environmental status that are relevant for such assessment, as well as a deeper understanding of the changes and impairments that are likely to matter. |
| --- | --- |

192.

Compared to MSFD assessments, the assessment of damage to marine waters under the Environmental Liability Directive requires a more specific procedure, determined by the need to establish the baseline condition of the area of marine waters affected by the damaging occurrence, as well as the changes to the environmental status of the area of marine waters affected and any impairment of the services provided by that area. This being said, MSFD assessments address the environmental status of the wider marine waters in which the marine waters affected by damage are located. In this way, MSFD assessments should provide information relevant for an estimation of the baseline condition. Furthermore, MSFD assessments and the criteria and methodological standards that the Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires to be used in order to determine the characteristics of good environmental status facilitate the assessment of adverse changes and impairments under the Environmental Liability Directive. This is because they enable a deeper understanding of the constituent elements of environmental status that are relevant for such assessment, as well as a deeper understanding of the changes and impairments that are likely to matter.

| 193. | The assessment of an individual damaging occurrence in marine waters should thus draw on the definition of ‘good environmental status’ in Article 3(5) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the above-mentioned qualitative descriptors for determining good environmental status, the criteria and methodological standards to determine the good environmental status according to Decision (EU)2017/848, and the characteristics of good environmental status determined by Member States under Article 9(1) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and updated through Article 17 of the latter. The assessment under the Environmental Liability Directive should also draw on the indicative lists of characteristics, pressures and impacts in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. |
| --- | --- |

193.

The assessment of an individual damaging occurrence in marine waters should thus draw on the definition of ‘good environmental status’ in Article 3(5) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the above-mentioned qualitative descriptors for determining good environmental status, the criteria and methodological standards to determine the good environmental status according to Decision (EU)2017/848, and the characteristics of good environmental status determined by Member States under Article 9(1) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and updated through Article 17 of the latter. The assessment under the Environmental Liability Directive should also draw on the indicative lists of characteristics, pressures and impacts in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

| 194. | With reference to ‘environmental status’, all of the qualitative descriptors for determining good environmental status are potentially relevant when estimating the baseline condition and measuring the adverse change or impairment of natural services. Where qualitative descriptors are relevant, account should be taken of the considerations mentioned in previous paragraphs, i.e. criteria, methodological standards, determined good environmental status characteristics and indicative lists of characteristics, pressures and impacts. |
| --- | --- |

194.

With reference to ‘environmental status’, all of the qualitative descriptors for determining good environmental status are potentially relevant when estimating the baseline condition and measuring the adverse change or impairment of natural services. Where qualitative descriptors are relevant, account should be taken of the considerations mentioned in previous paragraphs, i.e. criteria, methodological standards, determined good environmental status characteristics and indicative lists of characteristics, pressures and impacts.

| 195. | Damage may need to be ascertained in terms of more than one qualitative descriptor (187). On the other hand, it is sufficient for the purpose of establishing marine water damage if only one of the qualitative descriptors in the area of the damage indicates an adverse effect. |
| --- | --- |

195.

Damage may need to be ascertained in terms of more than one qualitative descriptor (187

| 196. | In practice, not all of the descriptors are likely to be of equal relevance to an assessment of an instance of damage to marine waters under the Environmental Liability Directive. Having regard to the occupational activities in Annex III of the Environmental Liability Directive and the damage factors likely to be associated with damaging occurrences linked to these, the following descriptors enumerated in Box 15 above are likely to be more relevant than the others: (1), (5), (8), (10), and (11). |
| --- | --- |

196.

In practice, not all of the descriptors are likely to be of equal relevance to an assessment of an instance of damage to marine waters under the Environmental Liability Directive. Having regard to the occupational activities in Annex III of the Environmental Liability Directive and the damage factors likely to be associated with damaging occurrences linked to these, the following descriptors enumerated in Box 15 above are likely to be more relevant than the others: (1), (5), (8), (10), and (11).

Determination of significant adverse effects

Determination of significant adverse effects

| 197. | The scale of both the assessment and determination of significant adverse effects on marine waters under the Environmental Liability Directive needs to be distinguished from that of a MFSD assessment. The Environmental Liability Directive draws on the content of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and both directives use certain common terms and concepts and pursue comparable objectives. For example, Article 1(2)(a) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides that marine strategies shall be developed and implemented in order to protect and preserve the marine environment, prevent its deterioration or, where practicable, restore marine ecosystems in areas where they have been adversely affected. But the scale at which intervention is envisaged under each directive is not the same. In particular, the scale of the assessment and determination under the Environmental Liability Directive needs to be reduced in order to measure meaningfully the significant effects of a damaging occurrence with regard to the baseline condition, and in this way serve the objectives of the Environmental Liability Directive. |
| --- | --- |

197.

The scale of both the assessment and determination of significant adverse effects on marine waters under the Environmental Liability Directive needs to be distinguished from that of a MFSD assessment. The Environmental Liability Directive draws on the content of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and both directives use certain common terms and concepts and pursue comparable objectives. For example, Article 1(2)(a) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides that marine strategies shall be developed and implemented in order to protect and preserve the marine environment, prevent its deterioration or, where practicable, restore marine ecosystems in areas where they have been adversely affected. But the scale at which intervention is envisaged under each directive is not the same. In particular, the scale of the assessment and determination under the Environmental Liability Directive needs to be reduced in order to measure meaningfully the significant effects of a damaging occurrence with regard to the baseline condition, and in this way serve the objectives of the Environmental Liability Directive.

| 198. | Against this background, the significance of the adverse effects on the status of the marine environment is to be determined on the basis of the baseline condition and relevant measurable data on adverse changes and related impairments. For purposes of remedial measures, adverse changes will be significant if, in respect of the area or areas of marine water affected, they result in a measurable permanent or interim loss in respect of the status of a qualitative descriptor in conjunction with the indicative list of characteristics, pressures and impacts, by taking account of ‘criteria elements’ and ‘threshold value’, as provided for under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive such that the area of marine water affected no longer conforms to the environmental status that would have applied to that area before the adverse change took effect. A qualitative descriptor would be for example concentration of hydrocarbons spilled into an area of marine water due to an accident at an offshore oil well, adversely affecting a natural habitat in the area of water concerned. The example applies also to the measurable gap between the time when the adverse effects occur and the time when, for the qualitative descriptor concerned, the baseline condition is restored. |
| --- | --- |

198.

Against this background, the significance of the adverse effects on the status of the marine environment is to be determined on the basis of the baseline condition and relevant measurable data on adverse changes and related impairments. For purposes of remedial measures, adverse changes will be significant if, in respect of the area or areas of marine water affected, they result in a measurable permanent or interim loss in respect of the status of a qualitative descriptor in conjunction with the indicative list of characteristics, pressures and impacts, by taking account of ‘criteria elements’ and ‘threshold value’, as provided for under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive such that the area of marine water affected no longer conforms to the environmental status that would have applied to that area before the adverse change took effect. A qualitative descriptor would be for example concentration of hydrocarbons spilled into an area of marine water due to an accident at an offshore oil well, adversely affecting a natural habitat in the area of water concerned. The example applies also to the measurable gap between the time when the adverse effects occur and the time when, for the qualitative descriptor concerned, the baseline condition is restored.

| 199. | For adverse effects to be significant under the Environmental Liability Directive, it is, a fortiori, not necessary that they result in a change of the environmental status for purposes of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive – although a change from good environmental status to an environmental status that is not good would be an example of a significant adverse effect. Furthermore, marine waters, as assessed under a MSFD assessment, need not be in good environmental status: indeed, a MSFD assessment may show that they were already in a status that was not good when a damaging occurrence happened. A further deterioration of that status can also be considered as a significant adverse effect for the purpose of the Environmental Liability Directive. |
| --- | --- |

199.

For adverse effects to be significant under the Environmental Liability Directive, it is, a fortiori,

| 200. | Finally, any assessment and determination of significant adverse effects under the Environmental Liability Directive needs to take into account whether a damaging occurrence affects any marine protected areas (MPAs). This is because stricter biodiversity conservation requirements apply to MPAs than to other marine waters. |
| --- | --- |

200.

Finally, any assessment and determination of significant adverse effects under the Environmental Liability Directive needs to take into account whether a damaging occurrence affects any marine protected areas (MPAs). This is because stricter biodiversity conservation requirements apply to MPAs than to other marine waters.

7.   ‘LAND DAMAGE’

‘LAND DAMAGE’

| 201. | The definition of ‘land damage’ is more straight-forward than the definitions of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ and ‘water damage’. In contrast to the latter, it contains no express references to other Union environmental legislation, no cross-references to further definitions related to its material scope, and no specific exclusions referring to other legislation. There are therefore fewer elements to consider for purposes of developing a common understanding. |
| --- | --- |

201.

The definition of ‘land damage’ is more straight-forward than the definitions of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ and ‘water damage’. In contrast to the latter, it contains no express references to other Union environmental legislation, no cross-references to further definitions related to its material scope, and no specific exclusions referring to other legislation. There are therefore fewer elements to consider for purposes of developing a common understanding.

| 202. | However, the definition is restricted to ‘significant risk to human health being adversely affected’. It may be noted that some Member States use a broader definition, encompassing for example a risk to the environment or a risk of infringing limit values for certain pollutants. In such cases, the Member States concerned may maintain their more stringent soil protection legislation, but, as a minimum, they must also fulfil the requirements of the Directive with regard to land damage. |
| --- | --- |

202.

However, the definition is restricted to ‘significant risk to human health being adversely affected’. It may be noted that some Member States use a broader definition, encompassing for example a risk to the environment or a risk of infringing limit values for certain pollutants. In such cases, the Member States concerned may maintain their more stringent soil protection legislation, but, as a minimum, they must also fulfil the requirements of the Directive with regard to land damage.

Material and geographical scope of land

Material and geographical scope of land

| 203. | The Directive does not contain any definition of ‘land’. However, the references in the definition of ‘land damage’ to ‘in, on or under land’ means that the scope not only extends to the surface but the sub-surface of land. Soil is therefore included. This is confirmed by the reference to soil in the first paragraph of Annex II.2, which addresses the remediation of land damage. |
| --- | --- |

203.

The Directive does not contain any definition of ‘land’. However, the references in the definition of ‘land damage’ to ‘in, on or under land’ means that the scope not only extends to the surface but the sub-surface of land. Soil is therefore included. This is confirmed by the reference to soil in the first paragraph of Annex II.2, which addresses the remediation of land damage.

| 204. | One distinction of possible relevance concerns the definition of ‘groundwater’ referred to in Box 10 above. Land contamination and groundwater pollution may often coincide, and a damaging occurrence give rise to land damage and water damage at the same time. |
| --- | --- |

204.

One distinction of possible relevance concerns the definition of ‘groundwater’ referred to in Box 10 above. Land contamination and groundwater pollution may often coincide, and a damaging occurrence give rise to land damage and water damage at the same time.

| 205. | The terms of the Directive specifying what is meant by protected species, natural habitats and waters all involve geographical qualifications which affect the geographical application of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ and ‘water damage’. In contrast, there are no sub-categories of ‘land’ to consider. The scope of the definition is uniform for all land in the territory of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

205.

The terms of the Directive specifying what is meant by protected species, natural habitats and waters all involve geographical qualifications which affect the geographical application of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ and ‘water damage’. In contrast, there are no sub-categories of ‘land’ to consider. The scope of the definition is uniform for all land in the territory of the Member States.

Reference concept for adverse effects

Reference concept for adverse effects

| 206. | The reference concept for land damage is human health (and not damage to the environment, see, however, paragraph 202 above). Adverse effects are only covered when land contamination has the potential to harm human health. |
| --- | --- |

206.

The reference concept for land damage is human health (and not damage to the environment, see, however, paragraph 202 above). Adverse effects are only covered when land contamination has the potential to harm human health.

| 207. | ‘Human health’ is not defined in the Directive. The context indicates that it covers bodily well-being to the extent that this may be harmed by exposure to the contaminants comprised in the definition. These contaminants include toxins and pathogens. |
| --- | --- |

207.

‘Human health’ is not defined in the Directive. The context indicates that it covers bodily well-being to the extent that this may be harmed by exposure to the contaminants comprised in the definition. These contaminants include toxins and pathogens.

The assessment of significance

The assessment of significance

Circumstances

Circumstances

| 208. | The reference to ‘land contamination’ marks a distinction with the definitions of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ and ‘water damage’. Its inclusion limits the possible range of damage factors that will trigger liability for land damage. There is no similar limitation with regard to the other forms of natural resource damage. |
| --- | --- |

208.

The reference to ‘land contamination’ marks a distinction with the definitions of ‘damage to protected species and natural habitats’ and ‘water damage’. Its inclusion limits the possible range of damage factors that will trigger liability for land damage. There is no similar limitation with regard to the other forms of natural resource damage.

| 209. | ‘Land contamination’ is not expressly defined but is linked in the definition of ‘land damage’ to ‘the direct or indirect introduction, in, on or under land, of substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms’. |
| --- | --- |

209.

‘Land contamination’ is not expressly defined but is linked in the definition of ‘land damage’ to ‘the direct or indirect introduction, in, on or under land, of substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms’.

| 210. | Annex II.2 makes reference to ‘contaminants’. This, the use of the term ‘contamination’ itself, and the link to human health, indicates that, for land damage to arise, there must not only be a presence of ‘substances, preparations, organisms and micro-organisms’ which have intrinsic properties that may be directly or indirectly hazardous, but there must also be a significant risk for human health. The significance of the risk is assessed based on the known hazards and the level of human exposure to certain contaminants. Taking into account the list of occupational activities in Annex III of the Directive, the following may all be potentially relevant:






  — | Substances naturally present in nature, such as heavy metals and nutrients; |
| --- | --- | --- |

210.

Annex II.2 makes reference to ‘contaminants’. This, the use of the term ‘contamination’ itself, and the link to human health, indicates that, for land damage to arise, there must not only be a presence of ‘substances, preparations, organisms and micro-organisms’ which have intrinsic properties that may be directly or indirectly hazardous, but there must also be a significant risk for human health. The significance of the risk is assessed based on the known hazards and the level of human exposure to certain contaminants. Taking into account the list of occupational activities in Annex III of the Directive, the following may all be potentially relevant:

—

Substances naturally present in nature, such as heavy metals and nutrients;

| — | Substances naturally present in nature, but which may have undergone some form of processing, as will be the case with petroleum products; |
| --- | --- |

—

Substances naturally present in nature, but which may have undergone some form of processing, as will be the case with petroleum products;

| — | Purely man-made substances and preparations, such as manufactured chemicals; |
| --- | --- |

—

Purely man-made substances and preparations, such as manufactured chemicals;

| — | Organisms or micro-organisms naturally present in nature, including human pathogens such as Salmonella or E-coli; |
| --- | --- |

—

Organisms or micro-organisms naturally present in nature, including human pathogens such as Salmonella or E-coli;

| — | Genetically modified organisms. |
| --- | --- |

—

Genetically modified organisms.

| 211. | The nature of the occupational activities set out in Annex III can be of assistance in understanding the circumstances in which land contamination can arise. By way of a non-exhaustive set of examples, the activities indicate that contamination can arise during mining or extraction, processing or manufacture, livestock production, pesticide use, transport of waste and chemicals, and the treatment of waste. The contamination may arise after an occupational activity has moved beyond an economic or active phase and entered a phase of after-care. For example, the regulatory requirements attaching to the management of landfills and mining waste facilities extend to post-closure conditions. |
| --- | --- |

211.

The nature of the occupational activities set out in Annex III can be of assistance in understanding the circumstances in which land contamination can arise. By way of a non-exhaustive set of examples, the activities indicate that contamination can arise during mining or extraction, processing or manufacture, livestock production, pesticide use, transport of waste and chemicals, and the treatment of waste. The contamination may arise after

| 212. | As for the manner in which contamination arises, the reference to ‘the ... introduction, in, on or under land’, points to a wide range of possibilities, including the following:






  — | The contamination may arise from substances found in situ. This may be the case where a mining or extraction operation brings to the land surface heavy metals found under the surface and leaves them to rest there in an unsafe manner. |
| --- | --- | --- |

212.

As for the manner in which contamination arises, the reference to ‘the ... introduction, in, on or under land’, points to a wide range of possibilities, including the following:

—

The contamination may arise from substances found in situ. This may be the case where a mining or extraction operation brings to the land surface heavy metals found under the surface and leaves them to rest there in an unsafe manner.

in situ.

| — | The contamination may arise from a one-off accident or incident, for example linked to onsite transport of dangerous substances in pipelines or road transport of dangerous goods or polluting goods (188); |
| --- | --- |

—

The contamination may arise from a one-off accident or incident, for example linked to onsite transport of dangerous substances in pipelines or road transport of dangerous goods or polluting goods (188);

188

| — | The contamination may arise from a continuous known or unknown cause (for example, a ruptured pipe that continues to leak dangerous substances). |
| --- | --- |

—

The contamination may arise from a continuous known or unknown cause (for example, a ruptured pipe that continues to leak dangerous substances).

| 213. | The circumstances in which land damage arises may involve operators having to fulfil parallel obligations to prevent and remediate adverse effects under other Union legislation, and to inform the competent authorities. Provisions of the Industrial Emissions Directive are especially relevant (189). It is important, nevertheless, to ensure that such parallel obligations are not treated as a substitute for the obligations of the Environmental Liability Directive, since in scope, purpose and results they are not necessarily identical. |
| --- | --- |

213.

The circumstances in which land damage arises may involve operators having to fulfil parallel obligations to prevent and remediate adverse effects under other Union legislation, and to inform the competent authorities. Provisions of the Industrial Emissions Directive are especially relevant (189

Focus and carrying out of the assessment

Focus and carrying out of the assessment

| 214. | The assessment of the significance of land damage relates to the risk of human health being adversely affected. It is an assessment of whether that risk is significant. |
| --- | --- |

214.

The assessment of the significance of land damage relates to the risk of human health being adversely affected. It is an assessment of whether that risk is significant.

| 215. | While the definition of ‘land damage’ does not itself define how the risk is to be assessed, Annex II.2 of the Directive on the remediation of land damage gives clear indications of what the risk assessment needs to cover in situations where the land contamination has already arisen.
  Box 16: Text of Annex II.2 of the Directive on the remediation of land damage. |
| --- | --- |

215.

While the definition of ‘land damage’ does not itself define how the risk is to be assessed, Annex II.2 of the Directive on the remediation of land damage gives clear indications of what the risk assessment needs to cover in situations where the land contamination has already arisen.

Box 16: Text of Annex II.2 of the Directive on the remediation of land damage.

| ‘The necessary measures shall be taken to ensure, as a minimum, that the relevant contaminants are removed, controlled, contained or diminished so that the contaminated land, taking account of its current use or approved future use at the time of the damage, no longer poses any significant risk of adversely affecting human health. The presence of such risks shall be assessed through risk-assessment procedures taking into account the characteristic and function of the soil, the type and concentration of the harmful substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms, their risk and the possibility of their dispersion. Use shall be ascertained on the basis of the land use regulations, or other relevant regulations, in force, if any, when the damage occurred.
  If the use of the land is changed, all necessary measures shall be taken to prevent any adverse effects on human health.
  If land use regulations, or other relevant regulations, are lacking, the nature of the relevant area where the damage occurred, taking into account its expected development, shall determine the use of the specific area.
  A natural recovery option, that is to say an option in which no direct human intervention in the recovery process would be taken, shall be considered.’ |
| --- |

‘The necessary measures shall be taken to ensure, as a minimum, that the relevant contaminants are removed, controlled, contained or diminished so that the contaminated land, taking account of its current use or approved future use at the time of the damage, no longer poses any significant risk of adversely affecting human health. The presence of such risks shall be assessed through risk-assessment procedures taking into account the characteristic and function of the soil, the type and concentration of the harmful substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms, their risk and the possibility of their dispersion. Use shall be ascertained on the basis of the land use regulations, or other relevant regulations, in force, if any, when the damage occurred.

If the use of the land is changed, all necessary measures shall be taken to prevent any adverse effects on human health.

If land use regulations, or other relevant regulations, are lacking, the nature of the relevant area where the damage occurred, taking into account its expected development, shall determine the use of the specific area.

A natural recovery option, that is to say an option in which no direct human intervention in the recovery process would be taken, shall be considered.’

| 216. | While the definition of ‘baseline condition’ relates to all natural resources and their services, it provides limited assistance for the purpose of assessing the significance of the risk to human health. Where there is an imminent threat of land damage occurring, but land contamination has not yet actually occurred, the baseline condition may be relevant for purposes of measuring the risks to human health that could arise without preventive measures. Where contamination is in the process of occurring, the baseline condition may similarly be relevant for purposes of measuring the risks to human health that could arise if the factors causing the contamination are not immediately managed. When it comes to remediation of land damage, however, the purpose of the Directive is to remove any significant risk to human health rather than restore the land to the condition it was in before contamination. Such restoration may, of course, be appropriate or necessary in some situations in order to address the human-health risk. Contaminants can be removed, controlled, contained or diminished with remediation techniques like excavation, in-situ or ex-situ soil treatment or bioremediation, and control and containment measures like capping, construction of barriers or fencing. It may be noted that the Industrial Emissions Directive requires operators of permitted facilities to prepare a baseline report (190). Apart from its role under the Industrial Emissions Directive, this baseline report may provide valuable information for purposes of addressing land damage under the Environmental Liability Directive. |
| --- | --- |

216.

While the definition of ‘baseline condition’ relates to all natural resources and their services, it provides limited assistance for the purpose of assessing the significance of the risk to human health. Where there is an imminent threat of land damage occurring, but land contamination has not yet actually occurred, the baseline condition may be relevant for purposes of measuring the risks to human health that could arise without preventive measures. Where contamination is in the process of occurring, the baseline condition may similarly be relevant for purposes of measuring the risks to human health that could arise if the factors causing the contamination are not immediately managed. When it comes to remediation of land damage, however, the purpose of the Directive is to remove any significant risk to human health rather than restore the land to the condition it was in before contamination. Such restoration may, of course, be appropriate or necessary in some situations in order to address the human-health risk. Contaminants can be removed, controlled, contained or diminished with remediation techniques like excavation, in-situ or ex-situ soil treatment or bioremediation, and control and containment measures like capping, construction of barriers or fencing. It may be noted that the Industrial Emissions Directive requires operators of permitted facilities to prepare a baseline report (190

| 217. | As Annex II.2 of the Directive shows, a key consideration is the current or approved future use of the land concerned at the time of the damage, since this will affect likely human exposure to the relevant contaminants. The temporal dimension is important. For example, land damage may concern land not currently used for human habitation but approved for future habitation. The approved future land-use needs to be factored into the assessment of significance. Annex II.2 indicates that use is to be ascertained by reference to existing land use or other regulations where these exist. |
| --- | --- |

217.

As Annex II.2 of the Directive shows, a key consideration is the current or approved future use of the land concerned at the time of the damage, since this will affect likely human exposure to the relevant contaminants. The temporal dimension is important. For example, land damage may concern land not currently used for human habitation but approved for future habitation. The approved future land-use needs to be factored into the assessment of significance. Annex II.2 indicates that use is to be ascertained by reference to existing land use or other regulations where these exist.

| 218. | It is important to note the reference to land-use change in the second paragraph of Annex II.2. This is not time-bound. It continues to have relevance after the initial risk assessment takes place. It is possible, for example, that at the time of risk assessment, current and approved future land uses involve limited human exposure to the relevant contaminants, but that, at a subsequent point in time, the land-use changes in a manner that increases the level of human exposure and thus the risk for human health. Disused industrial land previously contaminated by an Annex III occupational activity may be approved for a residential development, for instance. In such circumstances, there is an obligation on Member States to take into account any adverse effects arising from the contamination in the decision to change the land-use in order to prevent any increase in exposure and risk for human health. An updating of the risk assessment cannot therefore be excluded in the context of the necessary remedial measures. (191) It is advisable that this is made known to authorities with competence to approve land-use changes in respect of contaminated land. |
| --- | --- |

218.

It is important to note the reference to land-use change in the second paragraph of Annex II.2. This is not time-bound. It continues to have relevance after the initial risk assessment takes place. It is possible, for example, that at the time of risk assessment, current and approved future land uses involve limited human exposure to the relevant contaminants, but that, at a subsequent point in time, the land-use changes in a manner that increases the level of human exposure and thus the risk for human health. Disused industrial land previously contaminated by an Annex III occupational activity may be approved for a residential development, for instance. In such circumstances, there is an obligation on Member States to take into account any adverse effects arising from the contamination in the decision to change the land-use in order to prevent any increase in exposure and risk for human health. An updating of the risk assessment cannot therefore be excluded in the context of the necessary remedial measures. (191

| 219. | Annex II.2 refers to the use of risk-assessment procedures, and refers to a number of matters to be taken into account with regard to the presence of the risk:






  — | The characteristics and function of the soil. Soil characteristics may have an influence on risk. For example, porous soils may be more likely to transfer pathogens present in waste-water to groundwater or surface water. The soil may serve or be intended to serve relevant functions. In the case of an individual appropriate system for treating waste-water, for instance, the soil may be intended to purify waste-water discharges – i.e. render the contaminants they contain harmless – before they reach a water body. In the case of a landfill or other waste disposal site, surface soil may serve to seal in waste materials underneath and reduce the risk of their dispersion; |
| --- | --- | --- |

219.

Annex II.2 refers to the use of risk-assessment procedures, and refers to a number of matters to be taken into account with regard to the presence

—

The characteristics and function of the soil. Soil characteristics may have an influence on risk. For example, porous soils may be more likely to transfer pathogens present in waste-water to groundwater or surface water. The soil may serve or be intended to serve relevant functions. In the case of an individual appropriate system for treating waste-water, for instance, the soil may be intended to purify waste-water discharges – i.e. render the contaminants they contain harmless – before they reach a water body. In the case of a landfill or other waste disposal site, surface soil may serve to seal in waste materials underneath and reduce the risk of their dispersion;

The characteristics and function of the soil.

| — | The type and concentration of the harmful substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms. This reference relates to the specific contaminants present in the contaminated land. It is necessary not only to know what these are, but also to know their specific risks. A toxicity risk associated with heavy metals will be quite distinct from an infectious disease risk associated with a pathogen. Furthermore, risk must be considered in terms of the possible different exposure routes – for example, dermal contact, ingestion via hand-to-mouth contact, and consumption of contaminated food or water. For food and water, there may be applicable standards that can be used to assess the risks – for example, the mandatory drinking water standards found in the Drinking Water Directive. (192) In addition, there are no excluded categories of persons: the exposure of workers on the contaminated land, neighbours and members of the public at large must all be considered; |
| --- | --- |

—

The type and concentration of the harmful substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms. This reference relates to the specific contaminants present in the contaminated land. It is necessary not only to know what these are, but also to know their specific risks. A toxicity risk associated with heavy metals will be quite distinct from an infectious disease risk associated with a pathogen. Furthermore, risk must be considered in terms of the possible different exposure routes – for example, dermal contact, ingestion via hand-to-mouth contact, and consumption of contaminated food or water. For food and water, there may be applicable standards that can be used to assess the risks – for example, the mandatory drinking water standards found in the Drinking Water Directive. (192) In addition, there are no excluded categories of persons: the exposure of workers on the contaminated land, neighbours and members of the public at large must all be considered;

The type and concentration of the harmful substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms.

192

| — | The risk and the possibility of their dispersion. Dispersion may occur through the soil itself, as where contaminants enter the food-chain through cultivation of plants or raising of livestock on the contaminated land. Dispersion may also involve another environmental medium, i.e. air or water. This will be the case, for example, where toxic dust blows from contaminated land, passes through the air, and is deposited on neighbouring human habitations, or on agricultural land (once again creating a possibility of human exposure through the food-chain). It will also be the case, for example, when pathogens present in a waste-water treatment system pass through the soil into groundwater to reach a well that is used to abstract water for human consumption. |
| --- | --- |

—

The risk and the possibility of their dispersion. Dispersion may occur through the soil itself, as where contaminants enter the food-chain through cultivation of plants or raising of livestock on the contaminated land. Dispersion may also involve another environmental medium, i.e. air or water. This will be the case, for example, where toxic dust blows from contaminated land, passes through the air, and is deposited on neighbouring human habitations, or on agricultural land (once again creating a possibility of human exposure through the food-chain). It will also be the case, for example, when pathogens present in a waste-water treatment system pass through the soil into groundwater to reach a well that is used to abstract water for human consumption.

The risk and the possibility of their dispersion.

| 220. | The UNEP Guidance on the management of sites contaminated by mercury (193) illustrates how, for one pollutant, risk assessments can be used, how risk assessments are generally carried out and decisions are made. (194) Different Member States use their own soil screening values and procedures, methodologies and models (195) for risk assessment, which deviate from each other, due to geographical, sociocultural, regulatory, political or scientific differences. (196) |
| --- | --- |

220.

The UNEP Guidance on the management of sites contaminated by mercury (193

194

195

196

The determination of significance

The determination of significance

| 221. | The focus of the determination is the human-health risk posed by the contaminated land – or, for purposes of preventive measures and measures to immediately manage damage factors, of land threatened with contamination or increased contamination. |
| --- | --- |

221.

The focus of the determination is the human-health risk posed by the contaminated land – or, for purposes of preventive measures and measures to immediately manage damage factors, of land threatened with contamination or increased contamination.

| 222. | For purposes of preventive measures and measures to immediately manage damage factors, the risk of human health being adversely affected will be significant if there is any reasonable doubt as to the absence of a measurable possibility that an imminent threat or damage factors may cause human beings to be directly or indirectly exposed to contaminants to an extent that is harmful to their health, taking account of the current or approved future use of the land. |
| --- | --- |

222.

For purposes of preventive measures and measures to immediately manage damage factors, the risk of human health being adversely affected will be significant if there is any reasonable doubt as to the absence of a measurable possibility that an imminent threat or damage factors may cause human beings to be directly or indirectly exposed to contaminants to an extent that is harmful to their health, taking account of the current or approved future use of the land.

| 223. | Similarly, for the purpose of remedial measures, the risk of human health being adversely affected will be significant if there is any reasonable doubt as to the absence of a measurable possibility of substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms directly or indirectly introduced in, on or under land causing human beings to be directly or indirectly exposed to the contaminants to an extent that is harmful to their health, taking account of the current or approved future use of the land. |
| --- | --- |

223.

Similarly, for the purpose of remedial measures, the risk of human health being adversely affected will be significant if there is any reasonable doubt as to the absence of a measurable possibility of substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms directly or indirectly introduced in, on or under land causing human beings to be directly or indirectly exposed to the contaminants to an extent that is harmful to their health, taking account of the current or approved future use of the land.

| 224. | The determination of significance does not require that the risk will have manifested itself in actual harm. Actual harm to human health does not need to be shown for the definition of land damage to apply; nor does it need to be shown that, through dispersion, the risk has already manifested itself in contamination of another environmental medium such as water. Thus, if an individual waste-water treatment system poses, by reason of defective design, location or operation, a measurable risk of human pathogens passing through the soil to reach an already contaminated drinking water source, the definition of land damage will apply without the need to prove that the deficient treatment system has caused the actual pollution of the well. |
| --- | --- |

224.

The determination of significance does not require that the risk will have manifested itself in actual harm. Actual harm to human health does not need to be shown for the definition of land damage to apply; nor does it need to be shown that, through dispersion, the risk has already manifested itself in contamination of another environmental medium such as water. Thus, if an individual waste-water treatment system poses, by reason of defective design, location or operation, a measurable risk of human pathogens passing through the soil to reach an already contaminated drinking water source, the definition of land damage will apply without the need to prove that the deficient treatment system has caused the actual pollution of the well.

8.   CONCLUSIONS

CONCLUSIONS

| 225. | These Guidelines draw attention to the range of adverse effects encompassed in the definition of environmental damage. This range, combined with the range of occupational activities and damage factors that may be linked to adverse effects, imply that competent authorities will often need to have access to specialist knowledge, including expert judgment, in order to assess the significance of adverse effects. To the extent that relevant specialist knowledge is distributed across different administrative authorities and knowledge centres (as is often the case), effective inter-agency co-operation is important. |
| --- | --- |

225.

These Guidelines draw attention to the range of adverse effects encompassed in the definition of environmental damage. This range, combined with the range of occupational activities and damage factors that may be linked to adverse effects, imply that competent authorities will often need to have access to specialist knowledge, including expert judgment, in order to assess the significance of adverse effects. To the extent that relevant specialist knowledge is distributed across different administrative authorities and knowledge centres (as is often the case), effective inter-agency co-operation is important.

| 226. | Furthermore, the Guidelines underscore the extent of the legal, technical and scientific considerations that may come into play when competent authorities are assessing the significance of adverse effects or otherwise ensuring fulfilment of duties to prevent adverse effects, immediately manage damage factors or take remedial measures. Means whereby competent authorities and stakeholders can address the associated challenges include appropriate professional training and sharing of best practices. To assist Member States, the Commission has made training materials available and it will keep these under review (https://ec.europa.eu/environment/legal/liability/eld_training.htmhttps://ec.europa.eu/environment/legal/liability/eld_training.htmhttps://curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/j_6/en/). To the same end, the Commission has supported work by the European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL) on practical aspects of the Directive’s implementation (https://www.impel.eu/projects/financial-provision-what-works-when/). |
| --- | --- |

226.

Furthermore, the Guidelines underscore the extent of the legal, technical and scientific considerations that may come into play when competent authorities are assessing the significance of adverse effects or otherwise ensuring fulfilment of duties to prevent adverse effects, immediately manage damage factors or take remedial measures. Means whereby competent authorities and stakeholders can address the associated challenges include appropriate professional training and sharing of best practices. To assist Member States, the Commission has made training materials available and it will keep these under review (https://ec.europa.eu/environment/legal/liability/eld_training.htmhttps://ec.europa.eu/environment/legal/liability/eld_training.htmhttps://curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/j_6/en/). To the same end, the Commission has supported work by the European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL) on practical aspects of the Directive’s implementation (https://www.impel.eu/projects/financial-provision-what-works-when/).

---

(1)  OJ L 143, 30.4.2004, p. 56.

1

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02004L0035-20190626&qid=1568193390794&from=EN

(2)  Article 1.

2

(3)  The Directive has been amended four times, by, respectively, Directive 2006/21/EC, OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 15, Directive 2009/31/EC, OJ L 140, 5.6.2009, p. 114, Directive 2013/30/EU, OJ L 178, 28.6.2013, p. 66, and Regulation (EU) 2019/1010 (OJ L 170, 25.6.2019, p. 115).

3

(4)  The effect of the amendment is to insert into Article 18(3) of the Directive the following text: ‘By 31 December 2020, the Commission shall develop guidelines providing a common understanding of the term ‘environmental damage’ as defined in Article 2.’

4

(5)  See Article 2.

5

(6)  See in particular Articles 5, 6 and 11 of the Directive.

6

(7)  Article 12 of the Directive. The right extends to ‘preventive action’ where a Member State did not decide in its national transposition of the Directive to avail of the possibility given in Article 12(5) to not apply that right to cases of imminent threat of damage.

7

(8)  Article 15(1) and 15(2) of the Directive.

8

(9)  Article 14 of the Directive.

9

(10)  REFIT Evaluation of the Environmental Liability Directive, SWD(2016) 121 final

10

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD:2016:121:FIN

(11)  REFIT Evaluation, page 60.

11

(12)  Common Understanding Document – ELD key terms and concepts. Specific Contract No 07.0203/2016/745366/SER/ENV.E4 https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/cafdbfbb-a3b9-42d8-b3c9-05e8f2c6a6fe/library/3112f0b5-0021-49ce-9dfc-9127a1e12a8b/details

12

(13)  OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1.

13

(14)  OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7.

14

(15)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

15

(16)  OJ L 32, 22.12.2000, p. 1.

16

(17)  OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19.

17

(18)  See in particular Article 1 of the Directive.

18

(19)  See Case C-129/16 Túrkevei Tejtermelő Kft and Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV where the Court expressly mentions the precautionary principle – at paragraph 52 of the former and at paragraph 31 of the latter.

19

Túrkevei Tejtermelő Kft

Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV

(20)  Article 191(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

20

(21)  Of particular relevance are the instruments referred to in Annex III, or the instruments that have succeeded them where these have been replaced.

21

(22)  Defined in Article 2(6) of the Directive.

22

(23)  Defined in Article 2(7) of the Directive. See also Article 3(1) of the Directive.

23

(24)  Paragraph 76 of the judgment.

24

(25)  See Article 3(1)(a) of the Directive.

25

(26)  See chapter 2.9 in the Common Understanding Document on ‘Legislation referred to in Annex III’, pp. 41-43.

26

(27)  Article 3(1)(b) of the Directive.

27

(28)  See, by analogy, Case C-15/19, AMA, paragraph 54.

28

AMA,

(29)  Paragraphs 190-194.

29

(30)  Paragraph 52 and paragraph 54, respectively.

30

(31)  See Case C-378/08, Raffinerie Mediterranee (ERG) SpA and others, in which the Court stated: ‘Directive 2004/35 does not preclude national legislation which allows the competent authority acting within the framework of the directive to operate on the presumption, also in cases involving diffuse pollution, that there is a causal link between operators and the pollution found on account of the fact that the operators’ installations are located close to the polluted area. However, in accordance with the ‘polluter pays’ principle, in order for such a causal link thus to be presumed, that authority must have plausible evidence capable of justifying its presumption, such as the fact that the operator’s installation is located close to the pollution found and that there is a correlation between the pollutants identified and the substances used by the operator in connection with his activities.’

31

Raffinerie Mediterranee (ERG) SpA and others

(32)  See for example Article 17.

32

(33)  See Article 2(8) of the Directive.

33

(34)  Paragraph 33.

34

(35)  See use of the expression Article 6(1)(a) of the Directive.

35

(36)  For land damage, however, the damage factors are limited to direct or indirect introduction, in, on or under land of substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms.

36

(37)  See the circumstances that featured in Case C-529/15, Folk.

37

Folk.

(38)  See also Annex VI.1 to the Directive, referring to ‘date of occurrence and/or discovery of the damage’.

38

(39)  There is also an incentive for operators to take precautionary measures – that is, measures aimed at avoiding the possibility of environmental damage. Such measures can involve carrying out risk assessments or establishing risk management systems and/or applying risk abatement/mitigating technologies. Although the Environmental Liability Directive does not directly require them, such measures can help to avoid damaging occurrences and may also make it easier for operators to obtain financial security. These measures need to be distinguished from ‘preventive measures’ proper, as prescribed by the Directive in its Article 5.

39

(40)  Article 5(1) of the Directive.

40

(41)  Article 6(1)(a) of the Directive.

41

(42)  Article 6(1)(b) of the Directive.

42

(43)  Article 7(1) of the Directive.

43

(44)  OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 17.

44

(45)  Article 6(1) of the Directive.

45

(46)  Article 6(2)(a) of the Directive.

46

(47)  Article 5(2) and 5(3) of the Directive.

47

(48)  Article 11(2), second sentence of the Directive.

48

(49)  See Article 7 and 8 of the Industrial Emissions Directive.

49

(50)  OJ L 197, 24.7.2012, p. 1

50

(51)  Article 17 of the Directive.

51

(52)  Article 38(2) of Directive 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on safety of offshore oil and gas operations and amending Directive 2004/35/EC (OJ L 178, 28.6.2013, p. 66).

52

(53)  See also Case C-378/08, ERG.

53

ERG.

(54)  Article 4 of the Directive.

54

(55)  Article 8(3) of the Directive.

55

(56)  Article 8(4)(a) of the Directive – often referred to as the ‘permit defence’.

56

(57)  Article 8(4)(b) of the Directive – often referred to as the ‘development risk defence’ or ‘state-of-the-art defence’.

57

(58)  At paragraph 34, the Court found that the Directive ‘must be interpreted as precluding a provision of national law which excludes, generally and automatically, that damage which has a significant adverse effect on the ecological, chemical or quantitative status or ecological potential of the water in question be categorised as ‘environmental damage’, due to the mere fact that it is covered by an authorisation granted under that law.’

58

(59)  Article 16 of the Directive. See Case C-129/16 for an example.

59

(60)  Designated under Article 11(1) of the Directive.

60

(61)  Article 11(2) of the Directive.

61

(62)  Ibid.

62

(63)  Article 7(2) and Article 11(2) of the Directive

63

(64)  See paragraphs 47 to 57 and paragraph 66.

64

(65)  See, for example, Article 5(3), 5(4), 6(2) and 6(3) of the Directive.

65

(66)  Article 12(1) of the Directive.

66

(67)  Article 12(2) of the Directive.

67

(68)  See Article 23 of the Industrial Emissions Directive.

68

(69)  In all Member States, ornithological NGOs play a very important role in collecting and collating records of bird distribution, for instance. The acknowledged scientific value of this information has been recognised by the Court of Justice, see Case C-3/96, Commission v Netherlands, paragraphs 68 to 70.

69

Commission v Netherlands

(70)  OJ L 328, 6.12.2008, p. 91.

70

(71)  See Article 3 of Directive 2008/99/EC.

71

(72)  For example, the eleventh recital of the Environmental Crime Directive states that it is without prejudice to other systems of liability for environmental damage under [Union] law or national law.

72

(73)  See Article 8.

73

(74)  See again Article 8.

74

(75)  Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive 2004/35/EC (OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 15.

75

(76)  See paragraph 96 of the judgment.

76

(77)  See paragraph 99 of the judgment.

77

(78)  See paragraphs 40-46. See also the fourth recital of the Directive.

78

(79)  The text here is a consolidated one, reflecting the addition of marine waters after the original adoption of the Directive.

79

(80)  Inserted by Directive 2013/30/EU (OJ L 178, 28.6.2013, p. 66).

80

(81)  Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive.

81

(82)  OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1.

82

(83)  The Folk case raised an issue of whether the functioning of a hydro-electric power-station could give rise to liability under the Directive.

83

Folk

(84)  Articles 5 and 6 of the Directive.

84

(85)  Article 11(2), second sentence of the Directive.

85

(86)  See in particular the provisions of Article 12(3) and (4) of the Directive.

86

(87)  Article 15 of the Directive.

87

(88)  More precisely for the purpose of complementary and compensatory remediation : the condition which would have existed had the environmental damage not occurred – taking account of interim developments for the better or the worse with regard to the damaged resources, estimated on the basis of the best information available on existing trends at the time of the damage.

88

(89)  See paragraphs 52-54.

89

(90)  Turloughs are disappearing lakes found in limestone areas in Ireland. They typically flood during the autumn before drying out over the summer months. They are a priority habitat type under the Habitats Directive.

90

(91)  The assessment of the significance of damage or the imminent threat of damage is to be distinguished from a non-obligatory risk assessment of the activity which the operator may be advised to do by way of a precautionary measure in order to minimise the risk of a damaging occurrence for which he might become liable.

91

(92)  In some situations, it is very difficult to assess the significance of environmental damage and in particular the imminent threat of it. This may be for different reasons – for example, there may be a lack of information in an emergency. In these situations, the precautionary principle can play a key role, by justifying intervention on the basis of a reasonable belief. It will enable the carrying out of the necessary preventive action and the launch of the corresponding administrative procedure.

92

(93)  The longer it takes to put in place primary remediation, the greater will be the need for compensatory remediation.

93

(94)  See Case C-411/17, at paragraphs 175 and 176.

94

(95)  Paragraph 34.

95

(96)  See in particular Article 4 of the Directive.

96

(97)  See Article 8(3) and (4) of the Directive.

97

(98)  See in particular Article 8(2) or Annex II. 1.3.3(b) to the Directive.

98

(99)  See Article 191(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

99

(100)  This is consistent with the reasoning of the Court in Case C-127/02, Waddenzee. In that case, the Court established a strict test for assessing plans or projects for purposes of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. It considered that an authority can allow a plan or project only if it has made certain that it will not adversely affect site integrity, adding that ‘that is the case where no reasonable scientific doubt remains as to the absence of such effects.’ The time-pressure to take preventive measures and immediately manage damage factors under the Environmental Liability Directive is an important differentiating circumstance, and means that an operator or competent authority may have limited information at their disposal. However, the precautionary principle means that any doubts should result in preventive measures and immediate management of damage factors being taken rather than result in inaction.

100

Waddenzee

(101)  This would correspond to the concept of complementary remediation.

101

(102)  This would correspond to the concept of primary remediation.

102

(103)  Services feature in the definitions of primary, complementary and compensatory remediation.

103

(104)  This would correspond to the concept of compensatory remediation.

104

(105)  Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

105

(106)  The list of bird species that are covered by Article 1 of the Birds Directive, i.e. bird species naturally occurring in the wild state in the European Territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies, is available here: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/eu_species/index_en.htmhttps://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/eu_species/index_en.htm‘Checklist for bird species’ (last updated: 5.7.2018) available at http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/help/birds_art12

106

(107)  See Annex II of the guidance document on species protection under the Habitats Directive, available here: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/guidance/pdf/guidance_en.pdf

107

(108)  For information on typical species see page 74 of the document ‘Reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive – Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for the period 2013–2018’ called ‘Reporting guidelines Article 17 (pdf) Addendum (last updated: 5.7.2018)’ at http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/help/habitats_art17

108

(109)  See p. 164 of the document ‘Reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive – Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for the period 2013–2018’ called ‘Reporting guidelines Article 17 (pdf) Addendum (last updated: 5.7.2018)’ at http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/help/habitats_art17

109

(110)  see https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/docs/Int_Manual_EU28.pdf

110

(111)  The maps consolidated for the EU are available for download at the EEA data service.

111

https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/article-12-database-birds-directive-2009-147-ec-1

(112)  See p. 121 of the document ‘Reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive – Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for the period 2013–2018’ Reporting guidelines Article 17 (pdf) (last updated: 5.7.2018) at http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/help/habitats_art17

112

(113)  https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/guidance/pdf/guidance_en.pdfhttps://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/guidance/pdf/guidance_en.pdf

113

(114)  See Article 2(3)(c) of the Environmental Liability Directive.

114

(115)  See Guidelines for the establishment of the Natura 2000 network in the marine environment, Application of the Habitats and Birds Directive, pages 18-25.

115

(116)  Article 1(e) and (i) in Habitats Directive.

116

(117)  See at page 11 species protection guidance already mentioned previously.

117

(118)  See for example results published by the European Environment Agency at https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/biodiversity/state-of-nature-in-the-eu/state-of-nature-2020

118

(119)  See Article 2(2) of the Habitats Directive.

119

(120)  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32011D0484&from=ENhttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32011D0484&from=EN‘Baseline Info Source Europe’ sheet, covering the ‘Natura 2000 network viewer’ (in line 5): https://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/

120

(121)  See paragraphs 51-52 of the judgment.

121

(122)  See paragraph15 of the judgment.

122

(123)  Environmental Liability Directive: ‘Training Handbook and Accompanying Slides. European Commission/Eftec/Stratus Consulting. February 2013’, p. 69.

123

(124)  https://ec.europa.eu/environment/legal/liability/

124

(125)  Biodiversity baseline condition.

125

(126)  See in particular paragraph 26 of the judgment.

126

(127)  See paragraph 11 of judgment.

127

(128)  Occupational activities covered by Annex III of the Environmental Liability Directive include activities involving genetically modified organisms as defined in Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing Council Directive 90/220/EEC.

128

(129)  Paragraph 36.

129

(130)  See paragraphs 44-45.

130

(131)  See paragraph 49.

131

(132)  See paragraph 52.

132

(133)  See paragraph 55.

133

(134)  This follows from the references in paragraph 54 of the judgment to management measures provided for in detail in Articles 6 and 12 to 16 of the Habitats Directive and Articles 3 to 9 of the Birds Directive.

134

(135)  See paragraphs 44-45.

135

(136)  This is also consistent with Article 8(4)(a) of the Environmental Liability Directive, which allows Member States to allow an operator not to bear the costs of remedial action – but only where certain conditions are met. These include full compliance with the conditions of an authorisation.

136

(137)  Case C-477/19, IE v Magistrat der Stadt Wien at paragraphs 11 and 12 illustrates how such circumstances might arise. Construction works, described as ‘harmful measures’ by the Court, adversely affected a breeding and resting place of a protected species, the European hamster, without a prior authorisation having been obtained.

137

IE v Magistrat der Stadt Wien

(138)  Article 1, Water Framework Directive.

138

(139)  See in this respect also the Guidance established under the Common Implementation Strategy under the Water Framework Directive, in particular guidance n° 2.

139

(140)  In 2012, the instruments set out in Annex IX of the Water Framework Directive have been repealed by the Environmental Quality Standards Directive, referred to in footnote 143. The environmental quality standards referred to in those instruments have been replaced by standards in the Environmental Quality Standards Directive.

140

(141)  The concentrations of pollutants do not exhibit the effects of saline or other intrusions, do not exceed the quality standards applicable under other relevant Community legislation in accordance with Article 17 and are not such as would result in failure to achieve the environmental objectives specified under Article 4 for associated surface waters nor any significant diminution of the ecological or chemical quality of such bodies nor in any significant damage to terrestrial ecosystems which depend directly on the groundwater body.

141

(142)  https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/655e3e31-3b5d-4053-be19-15bd22b15ba9/Guidance%20No%202%20-%20Identification%20of%20water%20bodies.pdf

142

(143)  OJ L 348, 24.12.2008, p. 84.

143

(144)  By Directive 2013/39/EC (OJ L 226, 24.8.2013, p. 1).

144

(145)  See Annex I of the EQSD.

145

(146)  See Annex V. 2.3 of the Water Framework Directive.

146

(147)  OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 19.

147

(148)  See Annex I of the Groundwater Directive.

148

(149)  See Annex III.6 of the Environmental Liability Directive.

149

(150)  See Annex III.5 of the Environmental Liability Directive.

150

(151)  See Article 6 of the Water Framework Directive.

151

(152)  See paragraphs 115 and 116.

152

(153)  See Annex V.1.2.1 of the Water Framework Directive.

153

(154)  See Annex V, 2.1.2 of the Water Framework Directive.

154

(155)  See Article 4(2)(c )(ii) and (iii) in conjunction with paragraph 4 of Annex III of the Groundwater Directive.

155

(156)  Article 4(1) of the Water Framework Directive refers to three categories of objectives. Article 4(1)(a) refers to surface water objectives; Article 4(1)(b) refers to groundwater objectives; and Article 4(1)(c) refers to protected areas. The objectives of the Water Framework Directive include preventing the deterioration of the status of, and achieving the good status of, surface waters and groundwaters; and achieving compliance with Union law with regard to protected areas (where water bodies are relevant to these). Status in the Water Framework Directive is defined by reference to quality elements for surface water and groundwater. The objectives of Article 4(1)(c) are not reflected in the status definition of surface waters: none of the elements refer to this provision. In contrast, however, the objectives of Article 4(1)(c) are implicit in the chemical [and quantitative] status definition for groundwaters. In particular, chemical status relates to compliance with Union and national standards for chemicals and to ensuring that pollution is not such as to hamper the achievement of [all] objectives of the Water Framework Directive for associated surface waters. The objectives of Article 4(1)(c) in relation to protected areas are thus addressed in the chemical status of groundwaters. Thus, although the Groundwater Directive does not directly address groundwater microbiological pollutants (there are no Union or national standards for these), microbiological pollution will be covered if it hampers the achievement of the objectives of Article 4(1)(c). In this context, protected areas for drinking water will be relevant. Protected areas for bathing may also be relevant.

156

and

(157)  This is consistent with the approach that the Court has taken with regard to the Water Framework Directive itself, see Case C-461/13.

157

(158)  Annex II, 1.1.3.

158

(159)  See paragraphs 69-70.

159

(160)  See also paragraph 151, final bullet.

160

(161)  See paragraphs 44-45.

161

(162)  See Article 4(7)(a) of the Water Framework Directive.

162

(163)  The previously mentioned Case C-461/13, Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland eV v Bundesrepublik Deutschland is also relevant to an understanding of Article 4(7) of the Water Framework Directive.

163

Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland eV v Bundesrepublik Deutschland

(164)  Previously Community legislation.

164

(165)  These activities are, as outlined above, normally all authorised activities.

165

(166)  Replaced by the Industrial Emissions Directive.

166

(167)  Merged and replaced by Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3).

167

(168)  See Case C-494/01, Commission v Ireland at paragraph 84 for an example of a damaging landfill on a coastal site.

168

Commission v Ireland

(169)  Replaced by Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1).

169

(170)  OJ L 178, 28.6.2013, p. 66.

170

(171)  Replaced by Directive 2002/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2002 establishing a Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system and repealing Council Directive 93/75/EEC (OJ L 208, 5.8.2002, p. 10).

171

(172)  Replaced by Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 on shipments of waste (OJ L 190, 12.7.2006, p. 1).

172

(173)  Commission Directive 2017/845/EU of 17 May 2017 amending Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the indicative lists of elements to be taken into account for the preparation of marine strategies (OJ L 125, 18.5.2017, p. 27).

173

(174)  The conventions concerned are as follows: International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992; International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation of Oil Pollution Damage, 1992; International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001; International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996/2010 (not yet in force).

174

(175)  Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC), 1976; Strasbourg Convention on Limitation of Liability in Inland Navigation (CLNI), 1988.

175

(176)  Baltic Sea; North-East Atlantic Ocean; Mediterranean Sea; Black Sea.

176

(177)  In the North-East Atlantic Ocean: the Greater North Sea, including the Kattegat, and the English Channel; the Celtic Seas; the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast; in the Atlantic Ocean the Macaronesian biogeographic region, being the waters surrounding the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands.

177

In the Mediterranean Sea: the Western Mediterranean Sea; the Adriatic Sea; the Ionian Sea and the Central Mediterranean Sea; The Aegean-Levantine Sea.

(178)  Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 of 17 May 2017 laying down criteria and methodological standards on good environmental status of marine waters and specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment, and repealing Decision 2010/477/EU (OJ L 125, 18.5.2017, p. 43).

178

(179)  The decision prescribes, for each descriptor, how the extent to which good environmental status has been achieved is to be expressed for each area, habitat or population See the methodological standards set out in the Annex to the decision.

179

(180)  These are defined in Article 2(4) of Decision (EU) 2017/848 as ‘constituent elements of an ecosystem, particularly its biological elements (species, habitats and their communities), or aspects of pressures on the marine environment (biological, physical, substances, litter and energy), which are assessed under each criterion’.

180

(181)  A ‘threshold value’ is defined in Article 2(5) of Decision (EU) 2017/848 as ‘a value or range of values that allows for an assessment of the quality level achieved for a particular criterion, thereby contributing to the assessment of the extent to which good environmental status is being achieved’.

181

(182)  See Article 4 of Decision (EU) 2017/848. Threshold values are to be developed at Union level or at regional or sub-regional level. For the time being, threshold values have not been established for all criteria, but they are under development. An example would be the number of certain items of litter per square meter. For contaminants, the threshold value is the environmental quality standard set under the Water Framework Directive, as far as in place.

182

(183)  Article 4(1)(c) of Decision (EU) 2017/848 provides that threshold values shall, where appropriate, distinguish the quality level that reflects the significance of an adverse effect for a criterion and be set in relation to a reference condition. In this regard, Recital 13 of the Decision inter alia states: ‘Threshold values should reflect, where appropriate, the quality level that reflects the significance of an adverse effect for a criterion and should be set in relation to a reference condition.’ It is to be noted that the term ‘adverse effect’ is used in Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 independently of the reference to ‘significantly adversely affects’ in the definition of ‘water damage’.

183

(184)  See Recitals 14 and 15 of Decision (EU) 2017/848. It is noted that, in accordance with Article 1(3) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the collective pressure of human activities needs to be kept within levels compatible with the achievement of good environmental status, ensuring that the capacity of marine ecosystems to respond to human-induced changes is not compromised; and that this may entail, where appropriate, the threshold values for certain pressures and their environmental impacts are not necessarily achieved in all areas of Member States’ marine waters, provided that this does not compromise the achievement of the objectives of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, while enabling the sustainable use of marine goods and services.

184

(185)  These are set out in Annex III to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

185

(186)  The inter-relationships of these different aspects of the determination of good environmental status are explained in a Commission staff working document. See SWD(2020) 62, Background document for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive on the determination of good environmental status and its links to assessments and the setting of environmental targets.

186

(187)  See also Article 8(1)(b)(ii) Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

187

(188)  See Annex III.7(a) and III.8.

188

(189)  By way of examples: Article 7 of the Industrial Emissions Directive obliges operators to inform the competent authorities of incidents and accidents and to take preventive measures; Article 8 of the same directive obliges operators to inform the authorities or non-compliance and to take preventive measures, while also providing for possible suspension of the operational activity.

189

(190)  Article 22, Industrial Emissions Directive. The Commission has prepared guidance on the preparation of the baseline report. See European Commission Guidance concerning baseline reports under Article 22(2) of Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions, 2014/C 136/03.

190

(191)  Article 6(1)(b) of the Directive.

191

(192)  Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (OJ L 330, 5.12.1998, p. 32).

192

(193)  UNEP/MC/COP.3/8/Rev.1

193

(194)  Risk assessment can be used to help define remediation or management objectives for a site, such as

194

| (a) | to reach the maximum acceptable limits established by national or local legislation or relevant authorities or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

to reach the maximum acceptable limits established by national or local legislation or relevant authorities or

| (b) | to reach specific risk-based limits set for the site on the basis of the assessment. In order to support justified risk-based decision-making and sustainable risk management, a site-specific assessment that relies on a well-defined CSM (i.e., source-pathway-receptor linkage) and takes into account local site conditions and background values could be regarded as a primary tool for determining the need for risk management actions. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

to reach specific risk-based limits set for the site on the basis of the assessment. In order to support justified risk-based decision-making and sustainable risk management, a site-specific assessment that relies on a well-defined CSM (i.e., source-pathway-receptor linkage) and takes into account local site conditions and background values could be regarded as a primary tool for determining the need for risk management actions.

Risk assessment is generally carried out in four clearly defined stages with specific objectives in order to identify hazards, dose and risk relationships, and to measure the magnitude of exposure to determine the risk level and estimated impact on the exposed receptors:

| (a) | Identification and characterization of the scope (e.g., extent of contamination, proximity to human populations, depth to groundwater, proximity to surface water or sensitive habitats): The risk assessment may target the effects on human health, terrestrial animals and aquatic biota of contaminants. Human health will often be the priority. The scope of a risk assessment is determined by site-specific needs. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Identification and characterization of the scope (e.g., extent of contamination, proximity to human populations, depth to groundwater, proximity to surface water or sensitive habitats): The risk assessment may target the effects on human health, terrestrial animals and aquatic biota of contaminants. Human health will often be the priority. The scope of a risk assessment is determined by site-specific needs.

| (b) | Analysis of the hazard level and toxicity: The hazards of some contaminants are well recognized, with extensive scientific information available on their effects. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Analysis of the hazard level and toxicity: The hazards of some contaminants are well recognized, with extensive scientific information available on their effects.

| (c) | Analysis of exposure: The goal is to estimate the rate of contact between the identified contaminants and humans or the environment. The analysis is based on a description of actual and possible exposure scenarios, as well as characterization of the nature and extent of the contamination. This may involve exposure measurements such as testing of water supplies, locally grown food, seafood, and human scalp hair and urine. Measurements of contaminant levels in sediments and fish and other biota can identify potential ecologic effects. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Analysis of exposure: The goal is to estimate the rate of contact between the identified contaminants and humans or the environment. The analysis is based on a description of actual and possible exposure scenarios, as well as characterization of the nature and extent of the contamination. This may involve exposure measurements such as testing of water supplies, locally grown food, seafood, and human scalp hair and urine. Measurements of contaminant levels in sediments and fish and other biota can identify potential ecologic effects.

| (d) | Analysis of risks: The results of the previous stages are combined to objectively estimate the probability of adverse effects on the protected elements under the specific conditions of the site. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Analysis of risks: The results of the previous stages are combined to objectively estimate the probability of adverse effects on the protected elements under the specific conditions of the site.

Following assessment of a contaminated site, decisions are made on the most appropriate means of managing the risks presented by the site. Such decisions can be taken at the national, regional or local level or, in certain circumstances, by landowners or other entities. The objective for managing the risks should be agreed in advance of action and should be consistent with the objective to protect human health and the environment from the anthropogenic emissions and releases of contaminants. The requirements for contaminated site management may be set out in national or local legislation and policies.

(195)  See, for example, the S-Risk model used in Flanders: www.s-risk.be

195

(196)  JRC (2007). Derivation methods of soil screening values in Europe. A review and evaluation of national procedures towards harmonization: https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ESDB_Archive/eusoils_docs/other/EUR22805.pdf

196

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ANNEX

List of decisions of the Court of Justice referred to in the Guidelines

Case C-157/89, Commission v Italy, EU:C:1990 :385

Case C-3/96, Commission v Netherlands, EU:C:1998 :238

Case C-392/96, Commission v Ireland, EU:C:1999 :431

Case C-374/98, Commission v France, EU:C:2000 :670

Case C-494/01, Commission v Ireland, EU:C:2005 :250

Case C-209/02, Commission v Austria, EU:C:2004 :61

C-378/08, Raffinerie Mediterranee (ERG) SpA
  and others, EU:C:2010 :126

Case C-258/11, Sweetman, EU:C:2013 :220

Case C-461/13 Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland eV v Bundesrepublik Deutschland, EU:C:2015 :433

Case C-534/13, Fipa Group and others, EU:C:2015 :140

Case C-104/15, Commission v Romania, EU:C:2016 :581

Case C-529/15, Folk, EU:C:2017 :419

Case C-129/16, Túrkevei Tejtermelö Kft, EU:C:2017 :547

C-411/17, Inter-environnement Wallonie, EU:C:2019 :622

C-535/18, IL and Others v Land Nordrhein-Westfalen, EU:C:2020 :391

Case C-15/19, AMA, EU:C:2020 :371

Case C-297/19, Naturschutzbund Deutschland — Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein eV, EU:C:2020 :533

Case C-477/19, IE v Magistrat der Stadt Wien, EU:C:2021 :517

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EN

Official Journal of the European Union

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9744 — Mastercard/Nets)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 118/02)

On 17 August 2020, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) in conjunction with Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No. 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9744. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9744. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 7.4.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 118/51 |
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7.4.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 118/51

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Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations (1):

0,00 % on 1 April 2021

Euro exchange rates (2)

6 April 2021

(2021/C 118/03)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1812 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 130,27 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4379 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,85358 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,2610 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,1070 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 149,50 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 10,0768 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 26,051 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 360,31 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,5914 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9175 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 9,6281 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5482 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4840 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,1860 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6814 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5840 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 323,16 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 17,1399 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,7390 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5700 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 17 133,31 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,8801 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 57,424 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 90,5074 |
| THB | Thai baht | 37,054 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 6,6644 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 23,9395 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 86,7000 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1812

JPY

Japanese yen

130,27

DKK

Danish krone

7,4379

GBP

Pound sterling

0,85358

SEK

Swedish krona

10,2610

CHF

Swiss franc

1,1070

ISK

Iceland króna

149,50

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,0768

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

26,051

HUF

Hungarian forint

360,31

PLN

Polish zloty

4,5914

RON

Romanian leu

4,9175

TRY

Turkish lira

9,6281

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5482

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4840

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,1860

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6814

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5840

KRW

South Korean won

1 323,16

ZAR

South African rand

17,1399

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,7390

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5700

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

17 133,31

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,8801

PHP

Philippine peso

57,424

RUB

Russian rouble

90,5074

THB

Thai baht

37,054

BRL

Brazilian real

6,6644

MXN

Mexican peso

23,9395

INR

Indian rupee

86,7000

---

(1)  Rate applied to the most recent operation carried out before the indicated day. In the case of a variable rate tender, the interest rate is the marginal rate.

(2)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 7.4.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 118/52 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.4.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 118/52

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Information to be provided in accordance with Article 5(2)

Establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)

(Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19))

(2021/C 118/04)

I.1)

Registered name: EGTC European Campus of Studies and Research

Registered office: Max-Breiherr-Straße 32, 84347 Pfarrkirchen, Germany

Contact point: Prof. Dr. Horst Kunhardt

Internet address of the Grouping:

I.2)

Duration of the Grouping: Unlimited

Date of registration:29.5.2020

Date of publication:15.6.2020

II.   OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVES

III.   ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON NAME OF THE GROUPING

ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON NAME OF THE GROUPING

Name in English: European Campus of Studies and Research

Name in English:

Name in French: Campus Européen d'Études et de Recherche

Name in French:

IV.   MEMBERS

MEMBERS

| IV.1) | Total number of members in the Grouping: 3 |
| --- | --- |

IV.1)

Total number of members in the Grouping:

| IV.2) | Nationalities of the members of the Grouping: Germany, Austria |
| --- | --- |

IV.2)

Nationalities of the members of the Grouping:

| IV.3) | Member information (1)


  Official name: FH Oberösterreich Management GesmbH

  Postal address: Roseggerstraße 15, 4600 Wels, Austria

  Internet address: www.fh-ooe.at

  Type of member: Body governed by public law

  Official name: European Academy of Sciences and Art

  Postal address: Eduard-Baumgartner-Straße 3, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

  Internet address: www.euro-acad.eu

  Type of member: Body governed by public law

  Additional information: Associate partner without voting rights

  Official name: Technische Hochschule Deggendorf, Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts – KdöR

  Postal address: Max-Breiherr-Straße 32, 84347 Pfarrkirchen, Germany

  Internet address: n/a

  Type of member: Body governed by public law |
| --- | --- |

IV.3)

Member information

1

Official name: FH Oberösterreich Management GesmbH

Official name:

Postal address: Roseggerstraße 15, 4600 Wels, Austria

Postal address:

Internet address: www.fh-ooe.at

Internet address:

Type of member: Body governed by public law

Type of member:

Official name: European Academy of Sciences and Art

Official name:

Postal address: Eduard-Baumgartner-Straße 3, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Postal address:

Internet address: www.euro-acad.eu

Internet address:

Type of member: Body governed by public law

Type of member:

Additional information: Associate partner without voting rights

Additional information:

Official name: Technische Hochschule Deggendorf, Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts – KdöR

Official name:

Postal address: Max-Breiherr-Straße 32, 84347 Pfarrkirchen, Germany

Postal address:

Internet address: n/a

Internet address:

Type of member: Body governed by public law

Type of member:

---

(1)  Please add for each member.

1

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Food Safety Authority

| 7.4.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 118/54 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.4.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 118/54

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Call for expressions of interest for the position of member of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority

(2021/C 118/05)

Applications are invited for one position out of 14 members of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority established by Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (1). The Authority is located in Parma, Italy.

The European Food Safety Authority

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of the European Union system of risk assessment for food and feed safety. The Authority was established to provide scientific advice and support for Union legislation and policies in all fields that may have a direct or indirect impact on food and feed safety, as well as closely associated questions in the field of animal health and welfare and plant health. It provides independent information on these matters and communicates on risks. Its mission also includes provision of scientific advice in many areas of food and feed law and whenever Union legislation so requires, including new food technologies such as GMOs. The Authority is widely recognised as the point of reference by virtue of its independence, the scientific quality of its opinions and public information, the transparency of its procedures and its diligence in performing its tasks. In addition to having its own specialist personnel, the Authority is supported by networks of competent organisations in the EU.

Legal background

In accordance with Article 25 of the abovementioned Regulation, ‘the members of the Board shall be appointed in such a way as to secure the highest standards of competence, a broad range of relevant expertise and, consistent with these, the broadest possible geographic distribution within the Union’. In addition, four of the members of the Management Board ‘shall have their background in organisations representing consumers and other interests in the food chain’.

Furthermore, recital 40 of the aforementioned Regulation stipulates that ‘cooperation with Member States is also indispensable’ and recital 41 states that:

‘the Management Board should be appointed in such a way as to secure the highest standard of competence, a broad range of relevant expertise, for instance in management and in public administration, and the broadest possible geographic distribution within the Union. This should be facilitated by a rotation of the different countries of origin of the members of the Management Board without any post being reserved for nationals of any specific Member State.’

Role and operation of the Management Board

Role and operation of the Management Board

The responsibilities of the Management Board include, in particular:

| — | general monitoring of the work of the Authority to ensure that it carries out its mission and performs the tasks assigned to it in accordance with its mandate and within a culture of independence and transparency; |
| --- | --- |

—

general monitoring of the work of the Authority to ensure that it carries out its mission and performs the tasks assigned to it in accordance with its mandate and within a culture of independence and transparency;

| — | the appointment of the Executive Director on the basis of a list of candidates drawn up by the Commission, and, if necessary, his or her dismissal; |
| --- | --- |

—

the appointment of the Executive Director on the basis of a list of candidates drawn up by the Commission, and, if necessary, his or her dismissal;

| — | the appointment of the members of the Scientific Committee and Panels, which are responsible for providing the scientific opinions of the Authority; |
| --- | --- |

—

the appointment of the members of the Scientific Committee and Panels, which are responsible for providing the scientific opinions of the Authority;

| — | the adoption of annual and multi-annual programmes of work of the Authority and the general report of annual activities; |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of annual and multi-annual programmes of work of the Authority and the general report of annual activities;

| — | the adoption of the budget of the Authority for the coming year and of the annual accounts for the previous year; |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of the budget of the Authority for the coming year and of the annual accounts for the previous year;

| — | the adoption of the Authority’s internal rules and financial regulation. |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of the Authority’s internal rules and financial regulation.

The Board operates by public meetings, private sessions, and correspondence. EFSA papers, Board correspondence and private sessions are in English. The Board meets four to six times per year, mainly in Parma.

Composition of the Management Board

Composition of the Management Board

The Management Board is composed of 14 members, plus a representative of the Commission, as stated in Article 25 (1) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002. Four of the members shall have their background in organisations representing consumers and other interests in the food chain.

Current membership of the Board can be viewed on EFSA’s website https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/people/mbmembers

The term of office of one member of the current Management Board expires on 30 June 2021, in accordance with Council Decision 2018/C 230/02 (2).

2

Furthermore, Regulation (EU) 2019/1381 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on the transparency and sustainability of the EU risk assessment in the food chain and amending Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 1829/2003, (EC) No 1831/2003, (EC) No 2065/2003, (EC) No 1935/2004, (EC) No 1331/2008, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) 2015/2283 and Directive 2001/18/EC (3), amending amongst others Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, introduced new provisions on the composition of the EFSA Management Board. According to the former Regulation (4), the term of office of the entire EFSA Management Board will end on 30 June 2022. A new Management Board will take office as from 1 July 2022, and will be composed according to the new provisions.

3

4

Consequently, the departure of the member whose term of office expires on 30 June 2021 will create an empty position to be filled in for the period from 1 July 2021 until 30 June 2022.

Furthermore, since that member has a background in organisations representing consumers or other interests in the food chain, the member that will replace him shall have such background as well. Therefore, only applications from candidates with confirmed background in organisations representing consumers or other interests in the food chain will be considered.

Qualifications for the position and selection criteria

Qualifications for the position and selection criteria

The members of the Management Board shall meet the highest standards of competence, encompassing a broad range of relevant expertise and a commitment to act independently.

To qualify for the position, the candidates shall be nationals of an EU Member State and shall demonstrate:

| 1. | that they have at least 15 years of experience in one or more of the 5 areas of competence listed below, including at least 5 years at a senior level:






  — | provision of independent scientific advice and scientific and technical support for the preparation of European Union legislation and policies in all fields which have a direct or indirect impact on food and feed safety; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

that they have at least 15 years of experience in one or more of the 5 areas of competence listed below, including at least 5 years at a senior level:

—

provision of independent scientific advice and scientific and technical support for the preparation of European Union legislation and policies in all fields which have a direct or indirect impact on food and feed safety;

| — | management and public administration (including human resources, legal and financial aspects); |
| --- | --- |

—

management and public administration (including human resources, legal and financial aspects);

| — | development of policies ensuring integrity, independence, transparency, ethical practices and high scientific quality advice while maintaining reliability for the stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

—

development of policies ensuring integrity, independence, transparency, ethical practices and high scientific quality advice while maintaining reliability for the stakeholders;

| — | effective communication and information to the public on scientific work; |
| --- | --- |

—

effective communication and information to the public on scientific work;

| — | ensuring necessary coherence between: risk assessment, risk management and risk communication functions; |
| --- | --- |

—

ensuring necessary coherence between: risk assessment, risk management and risk communication functions;

| 2. | that they have at least 5 years of experience gained from work in connection with food and feed safety, or other areas related to the Authority’s mission, notably in the field of animal health and welfare, protection of the environment, plant health and nutrition; |
| --- | --- |

2.

that they have at least 5 years of experience gained from work in connection with food and feed safety, or other areas related to the Authority’s mission, notably in the field of animal health and welfare, protection of the environment, plant health and nutrition;

| 3. | their ability to operate in a multilingual, multicultural and multidisciplinary environment; |
| --- | --- |

3.

their ability to operate in a multilingual, multicultural and multidisciplinary environment;

| 4. | their commitment to act independently:
  they are expected to observe the highest standard of ethical conduct, act honestly, independently, impartially, with discretion and without regard to self-interest, and avoid any situation liable to give rise to a personal conflict of interests. |
| --- | --- |

4.

their commitment to act independently:

they are expected to observe the highest standard of ethical conduct, act honestly, independently, impartially, with discretion and without regard to self-interest, and avoid any situation liable to give rise to a personal conflict of interests.

| 5. | that they have background in organisations representing consumers or other interests in the food chain. |
| --- | --- |

5.

that they have background in organisations representing consumers or other interests in the food chain.

The following criteria will apply for the evaluation of candidates, who will be assessed on the basis of comparative merits, and on their commitment to act independently:

| — | expertise and ability to contribute effectively to one or more of the areas of competence mentioned above; |
| --- | --- |

—

expertise and ability to contribute effectively to one or more of the areas of competence mentioned above;

| — | expertise in the field of food and feed safety, or other areas related to the Authority’s mission; |
| --- | --- |

—

expertise in the field of food and feed safety, or other areas related to the Authority’s mission;

| — | ability to operate in a multilingual, multicultural and multidisciplinary environment. |
| --- | --- |

—

ability to operate in a multilingual, multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

The short-list of candidates will also be analysed in view of the following requirements for the Board composition:

| — | well-balanced, collective expertise of the Management Board members; |
| --- | --- |

—

well-balanced, collective expertise of the Management Board members;

| — | broadest possible geographical distribution based on the rotation of the different nationalities of the Management Board members. |
| --- | --- |

—

broadest possible geographical distribution based on the rotation of the different nationalities of the Management Board members.

In addition, only applications from candidates having a background in organisations representing consumers or other interests in the food chain will be considered. The candidates must provide a justification of this claimed background. The justification should include details of their background in organisations representing consumers or other interests in the food chain. A reference letter from the given organisation has to be attached to the application.

Candidates can only submit one application.

Applicants are required to complete an online application form and a declaration of interest form that include specific commitments and declarations made on their honour.

The purpose of the declaration of interest form is to demonstrate the candidate's ability to exercise the function of member of EFSA's Management Board in line with EFSA's internal rules on independence (http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/values/independence.htm) and the Code of Conduct of EFSA's Management Board (Code of Conduct of the EFSA Management Board). These rules stipulate that Board members shall refrain from involvement in any activity that could result in a conflict of interest or is likely to provoke the perception of a conflict of interest in the general public.

Once appointed by the Council, members of the Board will have to make an annual written declaration of interests and to declare at each meeting of the Management Board any interest which might be considered as prejudicial to their independence in relation to the items on the agenda.

Participation in the Board meetings/Reimbursement and indemnities

Participation in the Board meetings/Reimbursement and indemnities

Members will need to make a high level of commitment to participate in the meetings of the Management Board. They are asked to confirm in the application form their availability to actively participate in the Management Board. It is estimated that the Management Board will meet four to six times per year. Members of the Board are not remunerated, and they will be reimbursed for their normal travel costs and be entitled to a daily allowance in accordance with implementing rules adopted by EFSA. Without prejudice to the possibility that the applicable rules may be amended during the mandate, accommodation costs are paid by EFSA directly. Management Board Members are also entitled to an indemnity of EUR 450 for each full day of meeting attendance to cover other costs derived from their contribution to and participation in the work of the Board. A half-day meeting or half-day attendance results in half of the indemnity being paid.

Appointment and term of office

Appointment and term of office

With the exception of the Commission representative, who is appointed by the Commission, members of the Management Board are appointed by the Council, in consultation with the European Parliament, from the list drawn up by the Commission on the basis of this call for expressions of interest.

As mentioned above, the term of office of the candidate appointed in this procedure will end on 30 June 2022, according to the provisions of the Regulation (EU) 2019/1381.

Applicants should note that the Commission’s list will be made public and that they have the right to object to publication of their names by contacting the Commission at the address indicated in the specific privacy statement for this Call (see also the section below entitled ‘Protection of personal data’). The exercise of this right will not prejudice the candidate's application.

Equal opportunities

Equal opportunities

Great care will be taken to avoid any form of discrimination and applications from women are encouraged.

Application procedure and closing date

Application procedure and closing date

Applications shall comply with the requirements set out below; otherwise they will not be taken into consideration:

| (1) | Interested persons are encouraged to apply via an online system by going to the website: https://ec.europa.eu/food/efsa/management-board_en |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Interested persons are encouraged to apply via an online system by going to the website: https://ec.europa.eu/food/efsa/management-board_en

The online application must include three attachments:

The online application must include three attachments:

| a) | the declaration of interest form with a handwritten signature, the form may be found at the following address: https://ec.europa.eu/food/efsa/management-board_en |
| --- | --- |

a)

the declaration of interest form with a handwritten signature, the form may be found at the following address: https://ec.europa.eu/food/efsa/management-board_en

| b) | a detailed CV, |
| --- | --- |

b)

a detailed CV,

| c) | a reference letter from organisation(s) representing consumers or other interests in the food chain. |
| --- | --- |

c)

a reference letter from organisation(s) representing consumers or other interests in the food chain.

| (2) | Upon successful submission of the online application, the online system will generate a registration number. If, however, no registration number is generated, the application has not been registered.
  In the event of any technical problems, please send an email to SANTE-CALL-AGENCIES@ec.europa.eu. It is not possible to monitor the progress of the application online. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Upon successful submission of the online application, the online system will generate a registration number. If, however, no registration number is generated, the application has not been registered.

In the event of any technical problems, please send an email to SANTE-CALL-AGENCIES@ec.europa.eu. It is not possible to monitor the progress of the application online.

| (3) | The application form, the declaration of interest form, the CV, and any supporting documents have to be written in an official language of the European Union. It would, however, be appreciated, without it being a requirement, if a summary of experience and other pertinent information could be provided in English in order to facilitate the selection procedure. Supporting documents must be submitted at a later stage, if requested. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The application form, the declaration of interest form, the CV, and any supporting documents have to be written in an official language of the European Union. It would, however, be appreciated, without it being a requirement, if a summary of experience and other pertinent information could be provided in English in order to facilitate the selection procedure. Supporting documents must be submitted at a later stage, if requested.

| (4) | If you wish to submit your application in an official language of the European Union other than English, you may fill in the application in that language or contact the call secretariat by email to SANTE-CALL-AGENCIES@ec.europa.eu and request an application form in given language. You will receive a word application form. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

If you wish to submit your application in an official language of the European Union other than English, you may fill in the application in that language or contact the call secretariat by email to SANTE-CALL-AGENCIES@ec.europa.eu and request an application form in given language. You will receive a word application form.

| (5) | All expressions of interest will be treated confidentially. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

All expressions of interest will be treated confidentially.

| (6) | The final deadline for submission of applications is 12.00 noon, Brussels time, 7 May 2021. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The final deadline for submission of applications is 12.00 noon, Brussels time, 7 May 2021.

12.00 noon, Brussels time, 7 May 2021.

| (7) | The application has to be completed and the deadline must be respected. We strongly advise applicants not to wait until the last few days before applying, since any fault of internet connection could result in a missed opportunity to submit the application before the deadline. Once the deadline for submission of application has passed, applications will not be accepted. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The application has to be completed and the deadline must be respected. We strongly advise applicants not to wait until the last few days before applying, since any fault of internet connection could result in a missed opportunity to submit the application before the deadline. Once the deadline for submission of application has passed, applications will not be accepted.

| (8) | Applications sent by email to SANTE-CALL-AGENCIES@ec.europa.eu and respecting the requirements set under point (3) will be accepted. Applications sent by post, fax or hand-delivered will not be accepted as a general rule, neither applications sent directly to the European Food Safety Authority. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Applications sent by email to SANTE-CALL-AGENCIES@ec.europa.eu and respecting the requirements set under point (3) will be accepted. Applications sent by post, fax or hand-delivered will not be accepted as a general rule, neither applications sent directly to the European Food Safety Authority.

| (9) | In submitting an application, applicants accept the procedures and conditions as described in this Call and in the documents to which it refers. In compiling their application, applicants may under no circumstances refer to any documents submitted in prior applications (example: photocopies of previous applications will not be accepted). Any misrepresentation in supplying the required information may lead to exclusion from the present Call. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

In submitting an application, applicants accept the procedures and conditions as described in this Call and in the documents to which it refers. In compiling their application, applicants may under no circumstances refer to any documents submitted in prior applications (example: photocopies of previous applications will not be accepted). Any misrepresentation in supplying the required information may lead to exclusion from the present Call.

| (10) | All candidates applying to this call for expressions of interest will be informed about the outcome of the selection process. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

All candidates applying to this call for expressions of interest will be informed about the outcome of the selection process.

Protection of personal data

Protection of personal data

The Commission will ensure that candidates’ personal data are processed as required by Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (5). This applies in particular to the confidentiality and security of such data. For more detailed information on the scope, purposes and means of the processing of their personal data in the context of this Call, candidates are invited to consult the specific privacy statement published on the Call webpage at the following address https://ec.europa.eu/food/efsa/management-board_en

5

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(1)  OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 230, 2.7.2018, p. 2.

2

(3)  OJ L 231, 6.9.2019, p. 1.

3

(4)  Article 10(2).

4

(5)  OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

5

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

European Commission

| 7.4.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 118/59 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.4.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 118/59

---

Commission Notice concerning the reimbursement of anti-dumping duties

(2021/C 118/06)

This Notice sets out the guidelines on how to apply for a refund of anti-dumping duties under Article 11(8) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) (the ‘basic Regulation’). These guidelines repeal and replace those published in 2014 (2). The purpose of the guidelines is to clarify for the different parties involved in a refund procedure the conditions to be fulfilled by an application and to give a comprehensive step-by-step explanation of the procedure that may lead to a reimbursement.

1.   Aim

The refund procedure is intended to reimburse anti-dumping duties paid where it is shown that the dumping margin, on the basis on which duties were established, has been eliminated or reduced. It involves an investigation into the exporting producer’s exports to the Union and a calculation of a new dumping margin.

2.   Basic principles governing a refund procedure

2.1.   What are the conditions to be fulfilled?

Applications for refund under Article 11(8) of the basic Regulation must demonstrate that the dumping margin, on the basis of which duties were established, has decreased or has been eliminated. In other circumstances, the provisions of Section 3 of Chapter 3 in Title III of the Union Customs Code concerning the repayment and remission of import duties may apply (3).

2.2.   Who is entitled to apply for a refund?

| (a) | Any importer who imported goods for which anti-dumping duties were established by customs authorities may apply for a refund. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Any importer who imported goods for which anti-dumping duties were established by customs authorities may apply for a refund.

| (b) | Where anti-dumping duties were imposed further to an investigation in which the Commission resorted to a sample of exporting producers to assess dumping pursuant to Article 17 of the basic Regulation, importers can request a refund regardless of whether the importers’ exporting producers were sampled or not. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Where anti-dumping duties were imposed further to an investigation in which the Commission resorted to a sample of exporting producers to assess dumping pursuant to Article 17 of the basic Regulation, importers can request a refund regardless of whether the importers’ exporting producers were sampled or not.

2.3.   What is the deadline to apply for a refund?

| (a) | Applications must be submitted within six months of the date when the amount of the anti-dumping duties was determined by the competent customs authorities, i.e. the date of notification of the customs debt by the customs authorities under Article 102 of the Union Customs Code. The submission must be done to the competent authority of the Member State (4) in which the goods were cleared for free circulation in the Union (see 3.2 and 3.3 below). |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Applications must be submitted within six months of the date when the amount of the anti-dumping duties was determined by the competent customs authorities, i.e. the date of notification of the customs debt by the customs authorities under Article 102 of the Union Customs Code. The submission must be done to the competent authority of the Member State (4) in which the goods were cleared for free circulation in the Union (see 3.2 and 3.3 below).

| (b) | Even if an importer is challenging the validity of anti-dumping duties applied to its imports under the provisions of the Customs legislation of the Union, whether this action suspends the payment of duties or not, the importer must nonetheless introduce an application for a refund within the six-month time limit from the determination of duties in order for the application to be admissible. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Even if an importer is challenging the validity of anti-dumping duties applied to its imports under the provisions of the Customs legislation of the Union, whether this action suspends the payment of duties or not, the importer must nonetheless introduce an application for a refund within the six-month time limit from the determination of duties in order for the application to be admissible.

| (c) | The Commission may in agreement with the applicant decide to suspend the refund investigation until the liability to the anti-dumping duties has been finally established. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

The Commission may in agreement with the applicant decide to suspend the refund investigation until the liability to the anti-dumping duties has been finally established.

2.4.   How is the revised dumping margin established?

| (a) | The Commission will establish, for a representative period, a dumping margin in respect of all the exports of the product concerned made by the exporting producer to all its importers in the Union and not only to the importer claiming a refund. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

The Commission will establish, for a representative period, a dumping margin in respect of all the exports of the product concerned made by the exporting producer to all its importers in the Union and not only to the importer claiming a refund.

| (b) | Consequently, the refund investigation will cover all product control numbers (5) falling under the product definition set out in the Regulation imposing the anti-dumping duties and not only those of the products imported by the applicant. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Consequently, the refund investigation will cover all product control numbers (5) falling under the product definition set out in the Regulation imposing the anti-dumping duties and not only those of the products imported by the applicant.

| (c) | Unless circumstances have changed, the same methodology as the one applied during the investigation that led to the duty will be followed. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Unless circumstances have changed, the same methodology as the one applied during the investigation that led to the duty will be followed.

2.5.   Whose cooperation is required?

Successful completion of a refund application is not only dependent upon the cooperation of the applicant but also on the cooperation of the exporting producer. The applicant has to ensure that the exporting producer submits the relevant information to the Commission. This implies completing a questionnaire covering a wide range of commercial data for a defined representative period in the past and accepting the examination of such information including a verification visit. An exporting producer cannot ‘partially cooperate’ by submitting only selective data. Any such approach would lead the Commission to the conclusion that it was not cooperating and to the rejection of the application.

2.6.   How is confidential information protected?

The rules of confidentiality as laid down in Article 19 of the basic Regulation apply to all information received in connection with the applications for a refund of anti-dumping duties.

2.7.   How much may be refunded?

If the admissibility and merits of the application are established, the investigation may result in:

| — | no refund of the anti-dumping duties paid when the dumping margin is found equal or higher to the anti-dumping duty collected;
  or |
| --- | --- |

—

no refund of the anti-dumping duties paid when the dumping margin is found equal or higher to the anti-dumping duty collected;

or

| — | the refund of a part of the anti-dumping duties paid when the dumping margin has decreased below the anti-dumping duty collected;
  or |
| --- | --- |

—

the refund of a part of the anti-dumping duties paid when the dumping margin has decreased below the anti-dumping duty collected;

or

| — | the refund of all of the anti-dumping duties paid when the dumping margin has been eliminated. |
| --- | --- |

—

the refund of all of the anti-dumping duties paid when the dumping margin has been eliminated.

2.8.   What is the deadline to finalise the refund investigation?

The Commission should normally decide on the refund within 12 months and in no circumstances within more than 18 months, from the date on which the application for refund is duly supported by evidence. Under Article 11(8) third paragraph of the basic Regulation, an application is duly supported by evidence where it contains precise information on the amount of refund of anti-dumping duty claimed, all customs documentation related to the determination and payment of such duties and information on normal values (see points 3.5 to 3.7 and 4(d) below) and export prices for the exporting producer to which the duty applies (see point 4 below).

Where a refund is granted, Member States authorities have 90 days from the date when the Commission Decision is notified to them to make the relevant payment.

3.   The application

3.1.   Form of the application

The application must be submitted in writing, in an official language of the Union and signed by a person empowered to represent the applicant. The application must be made on the form attached as Annex I to this notice.

The application must clearly indicate the total amount of anti-dumping duties for which a refund is sought and identify the specific import transactions on which that total is based.

The application must be based on a reduction or an elimination of the dumping margin. It must therefore include a statement that the dumping margin of the applicant’s exporting producer, on the basis of which the anti-dumping duties have been established, has decreased below the level of the duty applicable to the imports for which a refund is requested or has been eliminated.

3.2.   Submission of the application

The application must be submitted to the competent authorities of the Member State on whose territory the product concerned by the anti-dumping duties was released for free circulation (6). The list of the competent authorities is published on the website of DG Trade.

The Member State should immediately forward the application and all relevant documentation to the Commission. Without prejudice to any other forms of sending, this shall be done electronically.

3.3.   Time-limits for the submission of an application

| (a) | Six-month time-limit
  All applications for reimbursement must be submitted to the competent authorities of the appropriate Member State within the six-month time-limit (7) set out in Article 11(8) second paragraph of the basic Regulation.
  The deadline of six months must be respected even in cases where a Regulation imposing the duty in question is being challenged before the Courts of the European Union or where the application of the Regulation is being challenged before national administrative or judicial bodies (see point 2.3(b) above).
  Depending on each specific case, the six-month time-limit will be counted from: | the date of entry into force of a Regulation imposing a definitive duty and collecting amounts secured by way of a provisional duty, when provisional duties are being definitively collected;
  or |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

Six-month time-limit

All applications for reimbursement must be submitted to the competent authorities of the appropriate Member State within the six-month time-limit (7) set out in Article 11(8) second paragraph of the basic Regulation.

The deadline of six months must be respected even in cases where a Regulation imposing the duty in question is being challenged before the Courts of the European Union or where the application of the Regulation is being challenged before national administrative or judicial bodies (see point 2.3(b) above).

Depending on each specific case, the six-month time-limit will be counted from:

the date of entry into force of a Regulation imposing a definitive duty and collecting amounts secured by way of a provisional duty, when provisional duties are being definitively collected;

or

| | the date of determination of the definitive anti-dumping duty, i.e. the date of notification of the customs debt by the customs authorities under Article 102 of the Union Customs Code.
  or |
| --- | --- |

the date of determination of the definitive anti-dumping duty, i.e. the date of notification of the customs debt by the customs authorities under Article 102 of the Union Customs Code.

or

| | where the correct amount of duties is established pursuant to a post-clearance check, the latter date of determination of the duties payable applies. |
| --- | --- |

where the correct amount of duties is established pursuant to a post-clearance check, the latter date of determination of the duties payable applies.

| (b) | Date of submission of the application
  When forwarding the application to the Commission, the Member State must indicate the date of submission of the application, i.e. the date on which the Member State’s competent authority has effectively received the application.
  For their own benefit, applicants should obtain evidence of the receipt of their application at the offices of the appropriate Member State. For instance: | postal applications can be sent by registered mail accompanied by a form for acknowledgement of receipt; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

Date of submission of the application

When forwarding the application to the Commission, the Member State must indicate the date of submission of the application, i.e. the date on which the Member State’s competent authority has effectively received the application.

For their own benefit, applicants should obtain evidence of the receipt of their application at the offices of the appropriate Member State. For instance:

postal applications can be sent by registered mail accompanied by a form for acknowledgement of receipt;

| | the date of receipt of a fax by the Member State’s competent authority can be determined by reference to the date indicated on the successful transmission report and the fax journal; |
| --- | --- |

the date of receipt of a fax by the Member State’s competent authority can be determined by reference to the date indicated on the successful transmission report and the fax journal;

| | the date of a formal acknowledgement of receipt when the application is submitted by hand or electronically. |
| --- | --- |

the date of a formal acknowledgement of receipt when the application is submitted by hand or electronically.

3.4.   Evidence requested from the applicant

In order to enable the Commission to process the application, the applicant should enclose with its application submitted to the relevant Member State to the extent possible (8) the below evidence:

| (a) | all invoice(s) and other documents on which customs procedures were based; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

all invoice(s) and other documents on which customs procedures were based;

| (b) | all customs documents identifying the import transactions for which a refund is sought, showing specifically the basis for determining the amount of the duties to be levied (the type, quantity and value of the goods declared and the rate of anti-dumping duty applied), as well as the precise amount of the anti-dumping duties levied; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

all customs documents identifying the import transactions for which a refund is sought, showing specifically the basis for determining the amount of the duties to be levied (the type, quantity and value of the goods declared and the rate of anti-dumping duty applied), as well as the precise amount of the anti-dumping duties levied;

| (c) | declarations that:






  (i) | the duty collected has not been reimbursed by the exporting producer or by any third party; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

declarations that:

(i)

the duty collected has not been reimbursed by the exporting producer or by any third party;

| (ii) | the prices on which the application is based are genuine; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the prices on which the application is based are genuine;

| (iii) | there is no compensatory arrangement made before, since or simultaneously with the sale(s) under consideration; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

there is no compensatory arrangement made before, since or simultaneously with the sale(s) under consideration;

| (d) | information on normal values and on export prices that show that the dumping margin of the exporting producer has decreased under the level of the duty in force or has been eliminated. This is particularly important where the applicant is associated with the exporting producer.

  If the applicant is not associated with the exporting producer, and if the relevant information is not immediately available, the application should contain a statement from the exporting producer that the dumping margin has been reduced or eliminated and that it will provide to the Commission all the relevant supporting data. This is the data on normal values and on export prices for a representative period during which its goods were exported to the Union. This period will be later determined by the Commission (see 4.1(a)).

  If the exporting producer is based in certain countries that are not members of the WTO, the normal value will be determined under Article 2(7) of the basic Regulation (see 3.5 for more information on the procedure regarding certain countries that are not members of the WTO).

  If the exporting producer is located in a country where significant distortions within the meaning of Article 2(6a)(b) of the basic Regulation were found to exist as regards the applicable duty, the normal value will be determined under Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation (see 3.6 for more information on the procedure regarding countries with significant distortions).
  For information concerning the transition period for the determination of normal value, see 3.7. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

information on normal values and on export prices that show that the dumping margin of the exporting producer has decreased under the level of the duty in force or has been eliminated. This is particularly important where the applicant is associated with the exporting producer.

If the applicant is not associated with the exporting producer, and if the relevant information is not immediately available, the application should contain a statement from the exporting producer that the dumping margin has been reduced or eliminated and that it will provide to the Commission all the relevant supporting data. This is the data on normal values and on export prices for a representative period during which its goods were exported to the Union. This period will be later determined by the Commission (see 4.1(a)).

If the exporting producer is based in certain countries that are not members of the WTO, the normal value will be determined under Article 2(7) of the basic Regulation (see 3.5 for more information on the procedure regarding certain countries that are not members of the WTO).

If the exporting producer is located in a country where significant distortions within the meaning of Article 2(6a)(b) of the basic Regulation were found to exist as regards the applicable duty, the normal value will be determined under Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation (see 3.6 for more information on the procedure regarding countries with significant distortions).

For information concerning the transition period for the determination of normal value, see 3.7.

| (e) | corporate information relating to the applicant; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

corporate information relating to the applicant;

| (f) | power of attorney if the application is submitted by a third party; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

power of attorney if the application is submitted by a third party;

| (g) | a list of import transactions for which a refund is claimed (for the convenience of the applicant a pre-form with the requested information is attached to this notice as Annex II); |
| --- | --- |

(g)

a list of import transactions for which a refund is claimed (for the convenience of the applicant a pre-form with the requested information is attached to this notice as Annex II);

| (h) | proof of payment of anti-dumping duties for which a refund is claimed.
  Copies of originals of invoices, customs entry forms and other such documents must be provided with a declaration of their authenticity from the applicant or the exporting producer as the case may be. In addition, such documents, or their translations, should be in one of the official languages of the Union. |
| --- | --- |

(h)

proof of payment of anti-dumping duties for which a refund is claimed.

Copies of originals of invoices, customs entry forms and other such documents must be provided with a declaration of their authenticity from the applicant or the exporting producer as the case may be. In addition, such documents, or their translations, should be in one of the official languages of the Union.

The Commission will assess whether the application contains all of the information requested from the applicant. If need be, the Commission will notify the applicant of the information still to be submitted and will specify a deadline for the requested evidence to be submitted. The Commission reserves the right to ask for additional evidence that supports the application.

3.5.   Evidence of normal value in case of imports from certain countries which are not members of the WTO

If a refund is requested for duties on imports from a country which is not a member of the WTO and listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2015/755 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9), normal value will be established under Article 2(7) of the basic Regulation and in accordance with the methodology applied as regards the applicable duty to imports at issue.

In this case, the normal value is determined on the basis of the price or constructed value in an appropriate analogue country and the applicant should identify and seek the cooperation of a producer in an analogue country.

It should seek cooperation from the same companies that cooperated in the original investigation, unless it can demonstrate that the use of other producers in the same country or the data of another analogue country is more appropriate.

If the applicant cannot obtain any cooperation, it can propose any other method under Article 2(7) of the basic Regulation and provide the data necessary to calculate normal values on the basis of such other method. The applicant should provide satisfactory evidence that it has unsuccessfully sought cooperation from all the known producers of the product under investigation.

If the applicant fails to provide data for the calculation of normal values in line with Article 2(7) of the basic Regulation, within a reasonable period of time, the Commission shall reject the application due to lack of supporting evidence.

3.6.   Evidence of normal value in case of imports from a country with significant distortions

If a refund is requested for duties on imports from a country where it was determined in the original investigation or following an expiry review that significant distortions within the meaning of Article 2(6a)(b) of the basic Regulation exist as regards the applicable duty at issue, the normal value will normally be determined under Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation.

In this case, the normal value will be constructed exclusively on the basis of costs of production and sale reflecting undistorted prices or benchmarks.

For information on the transition period for the application of this methodology, see 3.7.

3.7.   Transition period for the methodology to determine normal value

In accordance with Article 11(4) of the basic Regulation, during a transition period, the methodology for non-market economy countries in force until 19 December 2017 will be applied to determine normal value if:

| — | The refund is requested for duties based on a normal value calculated according to the methodology for non-market economy countries as it was in force until 19 December 2017 |
| --- | --- |

—

The refund is requested for duties based on a normal value calculated according to the methodology for non-market economy countries as it was in force until 19 December 2017

| — | Until the date on which the first expiry review of these measures, after 19 December 2017, is initiated (10). |
| --- | --- |

—

Until the date on which the first expiry review of these measures, after 19 December 2017, is initiated (10).

For this purpose, the provisions of the basic Regulation in force until 19 December 2017 (‘the 2017 basic Regulation’) (11) apply. In such cases, the normal value will be determined under Article 2(7)(a) of the 2017 basic Regulation unless the exporting producer receives market economy treatment (‘MET’) under Article 2(7)(c) of the 2017 basic Regulation.

If MET is not applied, normal value will be determined under Article 2(7)(a) of the 2017 basic Regulation, on the basis of the price or constructed value in a market economy third country (‘analogue country’). The applicant should identify and seek the cooperation of a producer in an analogue country.

It should seek cooperation from the same companies that cooperated in the original investigation, unless it can demonstrate that the use of other producers in the same country or the data of another analogue country is more appropriate.

If the applicant cannot obtain any cooperation, it can propose any other method under Article 2(7)(a) of the 2017 basic Regulation and provide the data necessary to calculate normal values on the basis of such other method. The applicant should provide satisfactory evidence that it has unsuccessfully sought cooperation from all the known producers of the product under investigation.

If the applicant fails to provide data for the calculation of normal values in line with Article 2(7)(a) of the 2017 basic Regulation within a reasonable period of time, the Commission shall reject the application due to lack of supporting evidence.

3.8.   Recurring applications

As soon as the applicant is aware that it intends to submit more than one application for refund of anti-dumping duties levied on the product concerned, it should notify the Commission. This information is requested in order for the Commission to structure the investigation in the most efficient and effective way.

4.   Assessing the merits of an application

The Commission will contact the exporting producer and request information on its normal value and export prices for a given representative period. The application will only be considered duly supported by evidence (12) when all requested information and the completed questionnaires (including replies to any material deficiencies that may have been identified) have been received by the Commission.

| (a) | Representative period
  For the purpose of determining the revised dumping margin, the Commission will specify the representative period that will normally cover a minimum of six months and include a short period prior to the date of invoicing by the exporting producer of the first transaction for which a refund is sought. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Representative period

For the purpose of determining the revised dumping margin, the Commission will specify the representative period that will normally cover a minimum of six months and include a short period prior to the date of invoicing by the exporting producer of the first transaction for which a refund is sought.

| (b) | Dumping questionnaires
  Pursuant to Article 6(2) of the basic Regulation, the exporting producer of the applicant and, where appropriate, the related importer(s), will be asked to submit information concerning all their sales to the Union, and not only sales to the applicant, made during the representative period.
  The information will be sought by means of a questionnaire sent to the applicant’s exporting producer (and to any related importer in the Union) with replies due within 37 days.
  The exporting producer may send confidential information directly to the Commission and not via the applicant. A non-confidential version of the reply to the questionnaire and of any other confidential information submitted should be provided in accordance with Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation. Such non-confidential information will be made available for inspection by interested parties and can be accessed online via TRON.tdi (https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/TDI). |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Dumping questionnaires

Pursuant to Article 6(2) of the basic Regulation, the exporting producer of the applicant and, where appropriate, the related importer(s), will be asked to submit information concerning all their sales to the Union, and not only sales to the applicant, made during the representative period.

The information will be sought by means of a questionnaire sent to the applicant’s exporting producer (and to any related importer in the Union) with replies due within 37 days.

The exporting producer may send confidential information directly to the Commission and not via the applicant. A non-confidential version of the reply to the questionnaire and of any other confidential information submitted should be provided in accordance with Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation. Such non-confidential information will be made available for inspection by interested parties and can be accessed online via TRON.tdi (https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/TDI).

| (c) | Market Economy Treatment (‘MET’)
  If the transition period referred to in 3.7 applies, the exporting producer can apply for MET for the purposes of the refund investigation. In this case, it will have to submit all the requested information under Article 2(7)(c) of the 2017 basic Regulation.
  If MET is granted to the exporting producer, the normal value will be established on the basis of its own prices and costs under Article 2(1) - (6) of the 2017 basic Regulation.
  If MET is not granted, the normal value will be established under Article 2(7)(c) of the 2017 basic Regulation.
  The MET determination in a refund investigation will apply only for the purpose of determining the dumping margin during the refund representative period.
  The granting of MET for the purposes of the refund investigation is regardless whether the exporting producer has already been granted MET in the original investigation, or if it has cooperated in the original investigation. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Market Economy Treatment (‘MET’)

If the transition period referred to in 3.7 applies, the exporting producer can apply for MET for the purposes of the refund investigation. In this case, it will have to submit all the requested information under Article 2(7)(c) of the 2017 basic Regulation.

If MET is granted to the exporting producer, the normal value will be established on the basis of its own prices and costs under Article 2(1) - (6) of the 2017 basic Regulation.

If MET is not granted, the normal value will be established under Article 2(7)(c) of the 2017 basic Regulation.

The MET determination in a refund investigation will apply only for the purpose of determining the dumping margin during the refund representative period.

The granting of MET for the purposes of the refund investigation is regardless whether the exporting producer has already been granted MET in the original investigation, or if it has cooperated in the original investigation.

| (d) | Exports from certain countries which are not members of the WTO
  If a refund is requested for duties on exports from certain countries which are not members of the WTO, normal value shall be established under Article 2(7) of the basic Regulation (see point 3.5 for the necessary evidence to be provided by the applicant). |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Exports from certain countries which are not members of the WTO

If a refund is requested for duties on exports from certain countries which are not members of the WTO, normal value shall be established under Article 2(7) of the basic Regulation (see point 3.5 for the necessary evidence to be provided by the applicant).

| (e) | Exports from countries with significant distortions
  In addition to the procedure mentioned under (b) above, the exporting producer of the applicant will be asked to submit information concerning the factors of production used during the representative period.
  The information will be sought by means of a form sent to the applicant’s exporting producer with replies due within 15 days. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Exports from countries with significant distortions

In addition to the procedure mentioned under (b) above, the exporting producer of the applicant will be asked to submit information concerning the factors of production used during the representative period.

The information will be sought by means of a form sent to the applicant’s exporting producer with replies due within 15 days.

| (f) | Verification visits
  Parties submitting information should be aware that the Commission may verify the information received through a verification visit under Article 16 of the basic Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

Verification visits

Parties submitting information should be aware that the Commission may verify the information received through a verification visit under Article 16 of the basic Regulation.

4.1.   Analysis of merits

| (a) | General methodology
  The revised dumping margin will be established by comparing, for the representative period:






  — | the normal value(s), |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

General methodology

The revised dumping margin will be established by comparing, for the representative period:

—

the normal value(s),

| — | and the export price(s), |
| --- | --- |

—

and the export price(s),

for the exported product(s) in question, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Article 2 of the basic Regulation.

Article 11(9) of the basic Regulation provides for the use of ‘the same methodology as in the investigation which led to the duty, with due account being taken of Article 2 (Determination of dumping), and in particular paragraphs 11 and 12 thereof (Use of weighted averages in calculating the dumping margin), and of Article 17 (Sampling).’

The Commission may base the calculation of the revised dumping margin on a sample of the exporting producers, types of product or transactions concerned by the application(s), on the basis of Article 17 of the basic Regulation, in particular paragraph 3. The sampling will apply where the number of exporting producers, types of product or transactions concerned is so large that individual examinations would be unduly burdensome and prevent completion of the investigation in good time. This will be determined at the minimum over a period of 6 months counted from the date of lodging of the first request, or 12 months counted from the date of imposition of definitive measures, whichever is the later.

| (b) | Implementation of Article 11(10) of the basic Regulation
  Where the export price is constructed under Article 2(9) of the basic Regulation, the Commission shall calculate it with no deduction for the amount of anti-dumping duties paid when conclusive evidence is provided that the duty is duly reflected in resale prices and the subsequent selling prices in the Union. The Commission will examine whether an increase in selling prices to independent Union customers between the original and the refund investigation period incorporates the anti-dumping duties. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Implementation of Article 11(10) of the basic Regulation

Where the export price is constructed under Article 2(9) of the basic Regulation, the Commission shall calculate it with no deduction for the amount of anti-dumping duties paid when conclusive evidence is provided that the duty is duly reflected in resale prices and the subsequent selling prices in the Union. The Commission will examine whether an increase in selling prices to independent Union customers between the original and the refund investigation period incorporates the anti-dumping duties.

| (c) | Use of review findings
  When examining any application for refund, the Commission may decide at any time to initiate an interim review in accordance with Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation. The procedure regarding the application for refund will be suspended until the conclusion of the review.
  The findings of the review investigation may only be used to determine the merits of a refund application provided that the date of the transactions for which a refund is being claimed falls within the investigation period of the review. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Use of review findings

When examining any application for refund, the Commission may decide at any time to initiate an interim review in accordance with Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation. The procedure regarding the application for refund will be suspended until the conclusion of the review.

The findings of the review investigation may only be used to determine the merits of a refund application provided that the date of the transactions for which a refund is being claimed falls within the investigation period of the review.

| (d) | Extrapolation
  Notwithstanding point (c) above, for purposes of administrative efficiency, the dumping margin established in any investigation may be extrapolated for import transactions submitted for refund not occurring in that investigation period. This is subject to the following conditions: | extrapolation may only be implemented for a period immediately adjacent to a period which has been investigated; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

Extrapolation

Notwithstanding point (c) above, for purposes of administrative efficiency, the dumping margin established in any investigation may be extrapolated for import transactions submitted for refund not occurring in that investigation period. This is subject to the following conditions:

extrapolation may only be implemented for a period immediately adjacent to a period which has been investigated;

| | the maximum period for which investigation results might be extrapolated is six months; |
| --- | --- |

the maximum period for which investigation results might be extrapolated is six months;

| | extrapolation may only be applied when the dumping margin has been calculated and established on the basis of a completed investigation; |
| --- | --- |

extrapolation may only be applied when the dumping margin has been calculated and established on the basis of a completed investigation;

| | extrapolation will only be applied to a sum of duties that is relatively small in the context of the entire refund application. |
| --- | --- |

extrapolation will only be applied to a sum of duties that is relatively small in the context of the entire refund application.

4.2.   Non-cooperation

In cases in which the applicant, the exporting producer or the producer in an analogue country (where applicable):

| | supplies false or misleading information;
  or |
| --- | --- |

supplies false or misleading information;

or

| | refuses access to relevant information or does not provide it within a reasonable period of time;
  or |
| --- | --- |

refuses access to relevant information or does not provide it within a reasonable period of time;

or

| | significantly impedes the investigation, including impeding the verification of the information to the extent deemed necessary by the Commission
  the information will be disregarded and the Commission may conclude that the applicant did not meet its burden of proof obligations. This may lead to a rejection of the application, pursuant to Article 11(8) third paragraph of the basic Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

significantly impedes the investigation, including impeding the verification of the information to the extent deemed necessary by the Commission

the information will be disregarded and the Commission may conclude that the applicant did not meet its burden of proof obligations. This may lead to a rejection of the application, pursuant to Article 11(8) third paragraph of the basic Regulation.

4.3.   Disclosure

Once the investigation of the merits of the application is completed, the applicant will receive disclosure of the essential facts and considerations on the basis of which the Commission intends to adopt a decision on the refund application. The cooperating exporting producer(s) may only receive information on the treatment of their particular data, in particular the resulting calculations of normal value and export prices.

5.   Outcome

5.1.   Excess amount to be repaid

The excess amount to be reimbursed to the applicant will normally be calculated as the difference between the duty collected and the dumping margin established in the refund investigation, as an absolute sum.

5.2.   Payment

The reimbursement should normally be paid by the Member State where anti-dumping duties were determined and later collected within 90 days of the date of the notification of the refund decision.

Whether or not any payment made after 90 days give rise to the payment of interest remains subject to the national legislation of each Member State.

5.3.   Revocation of a decision to reimburse

Where it is subsequently found that a decision granting a refund has been adopted on the basis of false or incomplete information, such decision will be revoked retroactively. Indeed, the fact that a refund decision has been based on false or incomplete information amounts to the absence of an objective legal basis for this decision, which therefore deprives ab initio the applicant of the right to obtain a refund and justifies the revocation of the decision.

As a result of such revocation, the refunded amounts corresponding to the original anti-dumping duties will be re-collected.

Once the Commission has adopted a decision to revoke a refund, the Member State concerned ensures that this decision is correctly implemented, within its territory, by recovering the amounts unduly refunded under Article 11(8) of the basic Regulation.

The national authorities of the Member State concerned, when implementing such a decision, act in accordance with the procedural and substantive rules of their own national law. The application of the national law should not affect the scope and effectiveness of the Commission decision to revoke its former decision granting a refund.

5.4.   Transparency

The non-confidential version of Commission decisions under Article 11(8) of the basic Regulation, as well as the ongoing refund investigations, are published on the website of DG TRADE.

---

(1)  Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union (OJ L 176, 30.6.2016, p. 21).

(2)  Commission Notice concerning the reimbursement of anti-dumping duties (OJ C 164, 29.5.2014, p. 9).

(3)  Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (OJ L 269, 10.10.2013, p. 1).

(4)  The procedure described in this Notice applies mutatis mutandis to requests for refunds filed by importers that paid Union anti-dumping duties on the importation of goods that were customs cleared in Northern Ireland, in accordance with heading 5 of Annex II of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ CI 384, 12.11.2019, p. 1) as amended by Decision no 3/2020 of the Joint Committee established by the agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 443, 30.12.2020, p. 3).

(5)  Product control numbers are created for the purpose of calculating the dumping margin for each unique type and possible combination of product characteristics, for all products produced and exported to the European Union as well as for those sold domestically.

(6)  Refund applications for products brought to the continental shelf or exclusive economic zone of a Member State must be submitted to the authorities of the Member State that determined the customs debt in accordance with Article 4 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1131 of 2 July 2019 establishing a customs tool in order to implement Article 14a of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Article 24a of Regulation (EU) 2016/1037 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

(7)  For computation of the time-limit, see Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1182/71 of 3 June 1971 determining the rules applicable to periods, dates and time-limits (OJ L 124, 8.6.1971, p. 1).

(8)  Where information is not available at the moment of lodging the application, such information must be submitted directly to the Commission, after the lodging.

(9)  Regulation (EU) 2015/755 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 on common rules for imports from certain third countries (OJ L 123, 19.5.2015, p. 33).

(10)  See Article 11(3) fourth paragraph of the basic Regulation.

(11)  For the relevant provisions, please see Annex III.

(12)  See Article 11(8) fourth indent of the basic Regulation.

---

ANNEX I

REFUND APPLICATION FORM (1)

Image 1

Image 2

---

(1)  An electronic version of this form is available on European Commission, DG TRADE websitehttps://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2014/november/tradoc_152900.pdf

---

ANNEX II

IMPORT TRANSACTION TABLE

| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Transaction # | Purchase invoice # | Purchase invoice date | Name of supplier / exporter | Name of producer in country of origin | Country of origin | Product type (name) | Product type (reference or model n°) | Tariff / CN code | QTY purchased | Invoice value | Curr. | Unit price | Date of payment of invoice |
| 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 3 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 5 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 6 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

k

l

m

n

Transaction #

Purchase invoice #

Purchase invoice date

Name of supplier / exporter

Name of producer in country of origin

Country of origin

Product type (name)

Product type (reference or model n°)

Tariff / CN code

QTY purchased

Invoice value

Curr.

Unit price

Date of payment of invoice

1

2

3

4

5

6

Explanatory notes to the table:

| a | Transaction # | Each transaction should be marked with a sequential number which should also be put on the supporting documents (e.g. invoice) concerned |
| --- | --- | --- |
| h | Product type reference, or model no. | State the commercial reference number or code of the product. |
| s | Date of shipment | State the date on which the products were shipped by the supplier |
| w | Customs value (basis for duty) | This should be the customs value as shown on the customs records. Normally the customs value is based on the invoice value plus freight / insurance expenses. |
| v | Date duties duly established by customs | This is the date on which the duties are determined by customs, which is, in normal cases the date of acceptance of the customs entry. |
| aa | Date of payment of duties | This is the date on which the duties were actually paid to the customs. Thus, this should be the date on which the amount concerned was transferred from the company’s bank account to the customs' bank account. |
| | Payment reference | Provide a reference to the invoice payment records (e.g. bank statement number and date) |
| | Currency | Please use ISO codes. A list of ISO codes is available on Internet :http://www.cc.cec/inforecu/files.htm |

a

Transaction #

Each transaction should be marked with a sequential number which should also be put on the supporting documents (e.g. invoice) concerned

h

Product type reference, or model no.

State the commercial reference number or code of the product.

s

Date of shipment

State the date on which the products were shipped by the supplier

w

Customs value (basis for duty)

This should be the customs value as shown on the customs records. Normally the customs value is based on the invoice value plus freight / insurance expenses.

v

Date duties duly established by customs

This is the date on which the duties are determined by customs, which is, in normal cases the date of acceptance of the customs entry.

aa

Date of payment of duties

This is the date on which the duties were actually paid to the customs. Thus, this should be the date on which the amount concerned was transferred from the company’s bank account to the customs' bank account.

Payment reference

Provide a reference to the invoice payment records (e.g. bank statement number and date)

Currency

Please use ISO codes. A list of ISO codes is available on Internet :http://www.cc.cec/inforecu/files.htm

Determination of the admissibility of a refund application. Annex: Import transaction table

| o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | w | x | y | z | aa | ab |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Payment reference | Exchange rate | Invoice value in currency of importer | Incoterms | Date of shipment | Freight amount | Customs record (SAD #) | Date duties duly established by customs | Customs value (basis for duty) | Curr. | AD-duty rate (%) | AD-duty amount | Date of payment of duties | Payment reference |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

o

p

q

r

s

t

u

v

w

x

y

z

aa

ab

Payment reference

Exchange rate

Invoice value in currency of importer

Incoterms

Date of shipment

Freight amount

Customs record (SAD #)

Date duties duly established by customs

Customs value (basis for duty)

Curr.

AD-duty rate (%)

AD-duty amount

Date of payment of duties

Payment reference

Incoterms

| EXW | Ex works |
| --- | --- |
| FCA | Free carrier |
| FAS | Free alongside ship |
| FOB | Free on board |
| CFR | Cost and freight |
| CIF | Cost, insurance and freight |
| CPT | Carriage paid to |
| CIP | Carriage and insurance paid to |
| DAF | Delivered at frontier |
| DES | Delivered ex ship |
| DEQ | Delivered ex quay (duty paid) |
| DDU | Delivered duty unpaid |
| DDP | Delivered duty paid |

EXW

Ex works

FCA

Free carrier

FAS

Free alongside ship

FOB

Free on board

CFR

Cost and freight

CIF

Cost, insurance and freight

CPT

Carriage paid to

CIP

Carriage and insurance paid to

DAF

Delivered at frontier

DES

Delivered ex ship

DEQ

Delivered ex quay (duty paid)

DDU

Delivered duty unpaid

DDP

Delivered duty paid

---

ANNEX III

Extract of Article 2(7) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union, as it was in force until 19 December 2017

7.

(a)

| (a) | In the case of imports from non-market-economy countries (1), the normal value shall be determined on the basis of the price or constructed value in a market economy third country, or the price from such a third country to other countries, including the Union, or, where those are not possible, on any other reasonable basis, including the price actually paid or payable in the Union for the like product, duly adjusted if necessary to include a reasonable profit margin.
  An appropriate market-economy third country shall be selected in a not unreasonable manner, due account being taken of any reliable information made available at the time of selection. Account shall also be taken of time limits. Where appropriate, a market-economy third country that is subject to the same investigation shall be used.
  The parties to the investigation shall be informed shortly after its initiation of the market-economy third country envisaged and shall be given 10 days to comment. |
| --- | --- |

In the case of imports from non-market-economy countries (1), the normal value shall be determined on the basis of the price or constructed value in a market economy third country, or the price from such a third country to other countries, including the Union, or, where those are not possible, on any other reasonable basis, including the price actually paid or payable in the Union for the like product, duly adjusted if necessary to include a reasonable profit margin.

An appropriate market-economy third country shall be selected in a not unreasonable manner, due account being taken of any reliable information made available at the time of selection. Account shall also be taken of time limits. Where appropriate, a market-economy third country that is subject to the same investigation shall be used.

The parties to the investigation shall be informed shortly after its initiation of the market-economy third country envisaged and shall be given 10 days to comment.

| (b) | In anti-dumping investigations concerning imports from the People's Republic of China, Vietnam and Kazakhstan and any non-market-economy country which is a member of the WTO at the date of the initiation of the investigation, the normal value shall be determined in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 6, if it is shown, on the basis of properly substantiated claims by one or more producers subject to the investigation and in accordance with the criteria and procedures set out in point (c), that market-economy conditions prevail for this producer or producers in respect of the manufacture and sale of the like product concerned. When that is not the case, the rules set out under point (a) shall apply. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

In anti-dumping investigations concerning imports from the People's Republic of China, Vietnam and Kazakhstan and any non-market-economy country which is a member of the WTO at the date of the initiation of the investigation, the normal value shall be determined in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 6, if it is shown, on the basis of properly substantiated claims by one or more producers subject to the investigation and in accordance with the criteria and procedures set out in point (c), that market-economy conditions prevail for this producer or producers in respect of the manufacture and sale of the like product concerned. When that is not the case, the rules set out under point (a) shall apply.

| (c) | A claim under point (b) must be made in writing and contain sufficient evidence that the producer operates under market-economy conditions, that is if:






  — | decisions of firms regarding prices, costs and inputs, including for instance raw materials, cost of technology and labour, output, sales and investment, are made in response to market signals reflecting supply and demand, and without significant State interference in that regard, and costs of major inputs substantially reflect market values, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

A claim under point (b) must be made in writing and contain sufficient evidence that the producer operates under market-economy conditions, that is if:

—

decisions of firms regarding prices, costs and inputs, including for instance raw materials, cost of technology and labour, output, sales and investment, are made in response to market signals reflecting supply and demand, and without significant State interference in that regard, and costs of major inputs substantially reflect market values,

| — | firms have one clear set of basic accounting records which are independently audited in line with international accounting standards and are applied for all purposes, |
| --- | --- |

—

firms have one clear set of basic accounting records which are independently audited in line with international accounting standards and are applied for all purposes,

| — | the production costs and financial situation of firms are not subject to significant distortions carried over from the former non-market-economy system, in particular in relation to depreciation of assets, other write-offs, barter trade and payment via compensation of debts, |
| --- | --- |

—

the production costs and financial situation of firms are not subject to significant distortions carried over from the former non-market-economy system, in particular in relation to depreciation of assets, other write-offs, barter trade and payment via compensation of debts,

| — | the firms concerned are subject to bankruptcy and property laws which guarantee legal certainty and stability for the operation of firms, and |
| --- | --- |

—

the firms concerned are subject to bankruptcy and property laws which guarantee legal certainty and stability for the operation of firms, and

| — | exchange rate conversions are carried out at the market rate. |
| --- | --- |

—

exchange rate conversions are carried out at the market rate.

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(1)  Including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, North Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

1

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 7.4.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 118/72 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.4.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 118/72

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10214 — Clearlake/TA Associates/Precisely)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 118/07)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (‘Clearlake’, USA), |
| --- | --- |

—

Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (‘Clearlake’, USA),

| — | TA Associates Management, L.P. (‘TA Associates’, USA), |
| --- | --- |

—

TA Associates Management, L.P. (‘TA Associates’, USA),

| — | Starfish Parent, L.P. active under the brand Precisely (‘Precisely’, USA), controlled by Centerbridge Partners, L.P. (‘Centerbridge’ USA). |
| --- | --- |

—

Starfish Parent, L.P. active under the brand Precisely (‘Precisely’, USA), controlled by Centerbridge Partners, L.P. (‘Centerbridge’ USA).

Clearlake and TA Associates acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of Precisely.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | for Clearlake: private equity investment firm, with portfolio companies active in software and technology-enabled services, energy and industrials, and consumer products/services, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Clearlake: private equity investment firm, with portfolio companies active in software and technology-enabled services, energy and industrials, and consumer products/services,

| — | for TA Associates: private equity investment firm, with portfolio companies active in selected industries, including business services, consumer, financial services, healthcare and technologies, and |
| --- | --- |

—

for TA Associates: private equity investment firm, with portfolio companies active in selected industries, including business services, consumer, financial services, healthcare and technologies, and

| — | for Precisely: provider of data integrity software, in particular data integration and data quality tools, and customer engagement solutions. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Precisely: provider of data integrity software, in particular data integration and data quality tools, and customer engagement solutions.

3.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.10214 – Clearlake/TA Associates/Precisely

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 7.4.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 118/74 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.4.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 118/74

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Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2021/C 118/08)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATION OF STANDARD AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘TORO’

PDO-ES-A0886-AM04

Date of communication: 11.1.2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Amendment to the organoleptic characteristics by type of wine

DESCRIPTION

The organoleptic description of the protected wines has been amended.

This amendment concerns point 2(b) of the specification and point 4 of the Single Document.

Type of amendment: STANDARD (amendment concerns the Single Document). This amendment adapts the organoleptic properties so that they can be better assessed in sensory analysis. It does not entail a substantial amendment to the product, which retains the characteristics and profile that are described in the link and derive from the interplay between natural and human factors. It is thus considered that this amendment does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

REASONS

The Regulatory Board is in the process of being accredited to use the UNE-EN-ISO 17065 standard for its certification tasks. It is therefore necessary to amend the organoleptic description of the protected wines so that their properties can be linked to assessable descriptors using a tasting panel meeting the criteria laid down in the UNE-EN-ISO 17065 [sic] standard.

2.   Amendment to the wine production conditions (oenological practices: wine-making restrictions)

DESCRIPTION

The minimum percentages of the grape varieties in the red and white wines have been amended.

This amendment concerns point 3(c) of the specification and point 5.a. of the Single Document.

It is a STANDARD amendment (amending the Single Document) because the adjustment to the amounts of each variety does not change the essential characteristics of the TORO PDO product, which result from the convergence of natural and human factors. The amendment does not invalidate the link and it is therefore not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

REASONS

Amending the minimum percentages of the varieties in red and white wines is necessary in order to adapt them to new wine-making techniques and market tastes and in order to include the new secondary varieties introduced.

3.   Increase of maximum yields per hectare for the Tinta de Toro variety, from 6 000 to 7 500 kilograms per hectare

DESCRIPTION

The maximum yield per hectare for the Tinta de Toro variety has been increased.

This amendment concerns point 5 of the specification and point 5.b of the Single Document.

This amendment, which applies to the Single Document, is considered standard because it does not entail a substantial amendment to the protected product, which retains the characteristics and profile that are described in the link and derive from the interplay between natural and human factors. It is thus considered that this amendment does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

REASONS

The area covered by the ‘Toro’ PDO currently contains 5 226 ha of the Tinta de Toro variety. Of these vines, 1 543 ha, i.e. 29,5 %, are trained using supports. Some varieties, such as Tinta de Toro, have rather fertile basal buds, making it possible to achieve the desired yields using the double cordon system, which is the main support system used for ‘Toro’ PDO vines.

In addition, advances in modern winegrowing have led to higher production yields (kilograms/hectare) without damaging the quality of the raw material. In the specific case of the Tinta de Toro variety, the maximum yield stated up until now in the ‘Toro’ PDO specification was well below the average yields obtained in the area and in neighbouring areas. This was compromising the net margin of the wine growers and, consequently, the profitability of the vineyards. An increase of between 6 000 kg/ha and 7 500 kg/ha is therefore proposed.

4.   Establishment of maximum yields per hectare for the secondary varieties Albillo Real and Moscatel de Grano Menudo

DESCRIPTION

The ceiling for yields per hectare has been established for the new varieties added to the specification.

This amendment concerns point 5 of the specification and point 5.b of the Single Document.

This amendment, which applies to the Single Document, is considered standard because it does not entail a substantial amendment to the protected product which retains the characteristics and profile that are described in the link and derive from the interplay between natural and human factors. It is thus considered that this amendment does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

REASONS

The inclusion of the Albillo Real and Moscatel de Grano Menudo varieties as secondary wine grape varieties means that production ceilings must be established (maximum yield in kilograms per hectare and hectolitres per hectare). The ceilings set allow optimum quality to be obtained, in line with technical studies.

5.   Addition of secondary varieties: Albillo Real and Moscatel de Grano Menudo

DESCRIPTION

Two new varieties considered suitable for producing ‘Toro’ PDO wine have been added.

This amendment concerns points 6 and 7.a.2 of the specification. As they are introduced as secondary varieties, the Single Document remains unaltered.

It is to be considered a standard amendment that does not concern the Single Document because the addition of these two varieties does not change the distinctive character of the ‘Toro’ PDO wines but instead helps to bring out their full potential. The amendment does not entail a change to the link (only to the wording, as the new varieties are named among the human factors), therefore it is not considered to fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

REASONS

The two varieties are traditional to the area. The average age of the vineyards where the two varieties are grown in the area is over 50 years. The varieties were not previously included because of the care required (greater vulnerability to spring frosts and certain pests, lower yields, etc.), not because of the quality. This has led to a loss of varietal material. An analysis of the wines that include these varieties has shown that the distinctive character of the ‘Toro’ PDO wines is retained and that the wines possess quality characteristics that are noteworthy from an oenological point of view and must not be lost.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Toro

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

| 1. | Wine |
| --- | --- |

1.

4.   Description of the wine(s)

Wine – white and rosé wines

White wines:

| | Appearance: pale to golden yellow in colour, not cloudy. |
| --- | --- |

Appearance: pale to golden yellow in colour, not cloudy.

| | Aroma: bold with fruity and/or floral and/or grassy aromas and medium to medium-high intensity. |
| --- | --- |

Aroma: bold with fruity and/or floral and/or grassy aromas and medium to medium-high intensity.

| | Taste: light-bodied on the palate, medium to long finish, medium to medium-high acidity and a good balance of alcohol and acidity. |
| --- | --- |

Taste: light-bodied on the palate, medium to long finish, medium to medium-high acidity and a good balance of alcohol and acidity.

White wines fermented in the barrel:

| | Appearance: pale to golden yellow in colour, not cloudy. |
| --- | --- |

Appearance: pale to golden yellow in colour, not cloudy.

| | Aroma: bold with fruity and/or floral and/or grassy aromas and tertiary aromas typical of the barrel ageing process. Medium to medium-high intensity. |
| --- | --- |

Aroma: bold with fruity and/or floral and/or grassy aromas and tertiary aromas typical of the barrel ageing process. Medium to medium-high intensity.

| | Taste: medium to long finish, medium-high acidity and medium to full bodied on the palate. Balanced tertiary aromas of wood. |
| --- | --- |

Taste: medium to long finish, medium-high acidity and medium to full bodied on the palate. Balanced tertiary aromas of wood.

Rosé wines:

| | Appearance: pale to salmon pink in colour, not cloudy. |
| --- | --- |

Appearance: pale to salmon pink in colour, not cloudy.

| | Aroma: bold, with fresh (not overly ripe) red and/or black fruit aromas, medium to medium-high intensity. |
| --- | --- |

Aroma: bold, with fresh (not overly ripe) red and/or black fruit aromas, medium to medium-high intensity.

| | Taste: light-bodied on the palate, medium to long finish, medium to medium-high acidity and a good balance of alcohol and acidity. |
| --- | --- |

Taste: light-bodied on the palate, medium to long finish, medium to medium-high acidity and a good balance of alcohol and acidity.

| (*) | If the proportion of residual sugars in the wines is 5 grams/litre or more, the maximum amount of sulphur dioxide they can contain is 250 milligrams/litre. |
| --- | --- |

(*)

In any event, the physical and chemical parameters established in this section shall comply with the ceilings established in EU rules.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): | 11 |
| Minimum total acidity: | 3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): | 18 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre): | 200 |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):

11

Minimum total acidity:

3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):

18

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

200

Wine – red wines

Young red wine:

| | Appearance: cherry to ruby red in colour, not cloudy. |
| --- | --- |

Appearance: cherry to ruby red in colour, not cloudy.

| | Aroma: bold, with red and/or black fruit aromas and medium to medium-high intensity. |
| --- | --- |

Aroma: bold, with red and/or black fruit aromas and medium to medium-high intensity.

| | Taste: medium to full bodied on the palate, with a medium to medium-long finish and a good balance of alcohol and acidity. |
| --- | --- |

Taste: medium to full bodied on the palate, with a medium to medium-long finish and a good balance of alcohol and acidity.

Barrel-aged red wine (including with the references ‘Roble’ [Oak], ‘Crianza’, ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Reserva’):

| | Appearance: cherry red to terracotta in colour, not cloudy. |
| --- | --- |

Appearance: cherry red to terracotta in colour, not cloudy.

| | Aroma: bold, with red and/or black and/or ripe fruit aromas and medium intensity. Tertiary aromas typical of the barrel ageing process, with medium to medium-high intensity. |
| --- | --- |

Aroma: bold, with red and/or black and/or ripe fruit aromas and medium intensity. Tertiary aromas typical of the barrel ageing process, with medium to medium-high intensity.

| | Taste: medium to full bodied with a medium to long finish and well balanced. |
| --- | --- |

Taste: medium to full bodied with a medium to long finish and well balanced.

In any event, the physical and chemical parameters established in this section shall comply with the ceilings established in EU rules.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): | 12.5 |
| Minimum total acidity: | 3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): | 20 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre): | 150 |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):

12.5

Minimum total acidity:

3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):

20

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

150

5.   Wine-making practices

a.   Specific oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

| — | Minimum likely alcoholic strength of the grapes: 10,5 % volume |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum likely alcoholic strength of the grapes: 10,5 % volume

| — | Maximum extraction yield: 72 litres per 100 kilograms of grapes. |
| --- | --- |

—

Maximum extraction yield: 72 litres per 100 kilograms of grapes.

Restriction relating to wine-making

The white wines must be produced exclusively from white varieties (Malvasía Castellana, Verdejo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo and Albillo Real).

The rosé wines must be produced from authorised red and white varieties (main and secondary varieties).

The red wines must be produced exclusively from the Tinta de Toro and Garnacha Tinta varieties, with production limited to two types of reds: red wine made with at least 85 % Garnacha Tinta grapes and red wine made with at least 75 % Tinta de Toro grapes.

Cultivation method

| — | Minimum planting density: 500 vines/hectare |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum planting density: 500 vines/hectare

| — | The vine can be trained using the goblet or espalier methods. |
| --- | --- |

—

The vine can be trained using the goblet or espalier methods.

| — | Mixed plantations that do not allow separate harvests for each variety are not permitted. |
| --- | --- |

—

Mixed plantations that do not allow separate harvests for each variety are not permitted.

b.   Maximum yields

Garnacha Tinta, Malvasía Castellana (Doña Blanca), Verdejo, Albillo Real and Moscatel de Grano Menudo.

9 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

64,8 hectolitres per hectare

Tinta de Toro

7 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare

54 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The geographical area of ‘Toro’ PDO is located on the westernmost part of the Castile and Leon region, south-east of the province of Zamora, and includes part of the natural areas of Tierra del Vino, Valle del Guareña and Tierra de Toro. It borders with the plains of Tierra del Pan and Tierra de Campos, spanning 62 000 hectares of land.

It includes the following municipalities:

| | In the Province of Zamora:
  Argujillo, La Bóveda de Toro, Morales de Toro, El Pego, Peleagonzalo, El Piñero, San Miguel de la Ribera, Sanzoles, Toro, Valdefinjas, Venialbo and Villabuena del Puente. |
| --- | --- |

In the Province of Zamora:

Argujillo, La Bóveda de Toro, Morales de Toro, El Pego, Peleagonzalo, El Piñero, San Miguel de la Ribera, Sanzoles, Toro, Valdefinjas, Venialbo and Villabuena del Puente.

| | In the Province of Valladolid:
  San Román de Hornija, Villafranca del Duero, the wine-growing districts of Villaester de Arriba and Villaester de Abajo and the municipality of Pedrosa del Rey. |
| --- | --- |

In the Province of Valladolid:

San Román de Hornija, Villafranca del Duero, the wine-growing districts of Villaester de Arriba and Villaester de Abajo and the municipality of Pedrosa del Rey.

7.   Main wine grape variety(ies)

| | DOÑA BLANCA – MALVASÍA CASTELLANA |
| --- | --- |

DOÑA BLANCA – MALVASÍA CASTELLANA

| | TEMPRANILLO – TINTA DE TORO |
| --- | --- |

TEMPRANILLO – TINTA DE TORO

| | VERDEJO |
| --- | --- |

VERDEJO

8.   Description of the link(s)

Climate conditions are extremely cold in winter with many hours of sunshine and extreme temperatures, limiting the vine productivity. The different soil types (sandy loam) determine which of the varieties the wine-growers plant. These factors, the neutral pH, limited organic matter and soil improvers added by wine-growers determine the aroma, structure and alcoholic strength of the wines, which is high. In addition, the high iron content of the soil, combined with the use of the goblet vine training system and the considerable age of the vineyard, contribute to the striking amount of pigment in these wines.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Packaging within the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The wine-making process includes bottling and subsequent ageing of the wines. Thus, the organoleptic and physical and chemical characteristics described in this specification can only be guaranteed if all of the wine handling operations take place in the area of production. The bottling of wines covered by the ‘Toro’ PDO is one of the factors critical to attaining the characteristics set out in the specification. As a consequence, and with a view to ensuring quality and providing a guarantee as to origin and control, bottling shall take place in wineries located in bottling plants in the production area.

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The traditional term ‘DENOMINACIÓN DE ORIGEN’ [‘DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN’] may be used on the labelling instead of ‘DENOMINACIÓN DE ORIGEN PROTEGIDA’ [‘PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN’].

The wines may include the references ‘ROBLE’ [OAK] and ‘FERMENTADO EN BARRICA’ [BARREL FERMENTED] on their labelling. Red wines may use the traditional terms ‘CRIANZA’, ‘RESERVA’ and ‘GRAN RESERVA’, provided they comply with the conditions laid down in the legislation in force.

Link to the product specification

www.itacyl.es/documents/20143/342640/PPta+Mod+PCC+DO+TORO+Rev+3.docx/1f718e2c-e77b-c3dd-471c-38cb0bba6e49?

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

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