# Official Journal L 462/2021

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 462 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 6428 December 2021 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 462

English edition

Legislation

Volume 6428 December 2021

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| Contents | | I   Legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Decision (EU) 2021/2316 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2021 on a European Year of Youth (2022) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Contents

I   Legislative acts

page

DECISIONS

*

Decision (EU) 2021/2316 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2021 on a European Year of Youth (2022) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | | II   Non-legislative acts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2317 of 11 November 2021 on the allocation of fishing opportunities under the Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands | 10 |
| | * | Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/2318 of 21 December 2021 establishing a fisheries closure for herring in Norwegian waters north of 62° N and the fishery zone around Jan Mayen for vessels flying the flag of a Member State of the European Union | 12 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2319 of 21 December 2021 approving Union amendments to the specification for a Protected Designation of Origin or a Protected Geographical Indication (Terre Tollesi/Tullum (PDO)) | 15 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2021/2320 of 22 December 2021 amending the Council’s Rules of Procedure | 17 |

II   Non-legislative acts

REGULATIONS

*

Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2317 of 11 November 2021 on the allocation of fishing opportunities under the Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands

10

*

Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/2318 of 21 December 2021 establishing a fisheries closure for herring in Norwegian waters north of 62° N and the fishery zone around Jan Mayen for vessels flying the flag of a Member State of the European Union

12

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2319 of 21 December 2021 approving Union amendments to the specification for a Protected Designation of Origin or a Protected Geographical Indication (Terre Tollesi/Tullum (PDO))

15

DECISIONS

*

Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2021/2320 of 22 December 2021 amending the Council’s Rules of Procedure

17

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

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

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

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

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I Legislative acts

DECISIONS

| 28.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 462/1 |
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28.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 462/1

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DECISION (EU) 2021/2316 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 22 December 2021

on a European Year of Youth (2022)

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 165(4) and 166(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

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

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

After consulting the Committee of the Regions,

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

Whereas:

| (1) | Article 165(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) provides that Union action is to be aimed at, inter alia, encouraging the participation of young people in democratic life in Europe. |
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(1)

Article 165(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) provides that Union action is to be aimed at, inter alia, encouraging the participation of young people in democratic life in Europe.

| (2) | In the Bratislava Roadmap of 16 September 2016, the 27 Heads of State or Government committed to ‘provide better opportunities for youth’, in particular by means of Union support for Member States in fighting youth unemployment and enhanced Union programmes dedicated to youth. |
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(2)

In the Bratislava Roadmap of 16 September 2016, the 27 Heads of State or Government committed to ‘provide better opportunities for youth’, in particular by means of Union support for Member States in fighting youth unemployment and enhanced Union programmes dedicated to youth.

| (3) | In the Rome Declaration of 25 March 2017, the leaders of the 27 Member States and of the European Council, the European Parliament and the Commission pledged to work towards ‘a Union where young people receive the best education and training and can study and find jobs across the continent’. |
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(3)

In the Rome Declaration of 25 March 2017, the leaders of the 27 Member States and of the European Council, the European Parliament and the Commission pledged to work towards ‘a Union where young people receive the best education and training and can study and find jobs across the continent’.

| (4) | The 2019–2027 European Union Youth Strategy, based on the Council Resolution of 26 November 2018 (3), recognises that young people are the architects of their own lives, contribute to positive change in society and enrich the Union’s ambitions. It also recognises that youth policy can contribute to creating a space in which young people are able to seize opportunities and relate to Union values. Previous European Years, such as the 2021 European Year of Rail, the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage, the 2013–2014 European Year of Citizens and the 2011 European Year of Volunteering, offer valuable experience which should inform future efforts to engage and empower young people to shape their future and the future of Europe. |
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(4)

The 2019–2027 European Union Youth Strategy, based on the Council Resolution of 26 November 2018 (3), recognises that young people are the architects of their own lives, contribute to positive change in society and enrich the Union’s ambitions. It also recognises that youth policy can contribute to creating a space in which young people are able to seize opportunities and relate to Union values. Previous European Years, such as the 2021 European Year of Rail, the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage, the 2013–2014 European Year of Citizens and the 2011 European Year of Volunteering, offer valuable experience which should inform future efforts to engage and empower young people to shape their future and the future of Europe.

| (5) | NextGenerationEU, established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), ensures the acceleration of the green and digital transition and provides the possibility to collectively emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic. NextGenerationEU re-opens perspectives full of opportunities for young people, including quality jobs and adapting to social change. The Union aims for young people to be fully on board in the rollout of NextGenerationEU, enhancing their role in the green and digital transition. |
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(5)

NextGenerationEU, established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), ensures the acceleration of the green and digital transition and provides the possibility to collectively emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic. NextGenerationEU re-opens perspectives full of opportunities for young people, including quality jobs and adapting to social change. The Union aims for young people to be fully on board in the rollout of NextGenerationEU, enhancing their role in the green and digital transition.

| (6) | The President of the Commission announced in her State of the Union address of 15 September 2021 that the Commission would propose to make 2022 the European Year of Youth (the ‘European Year’). Highlighting the confidence that she draws for Europe’s future from the inspiration provided by Europe’s young people, the President of the Commission added that ‘if we are to shape our Union in their mould, young people must be able to shape Europe’s future’. Europe needs the vision, engagement and participation of all young people to build a better future, and Europe needs to give young people opportunities for the future, a future that is greener, more digital and more inclusive. This is why the President proposed ‘a year dedicated to empowering those who have dedicated so much to others’. |
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(6)

The President of the Commission announced in her State of the Union address of 15 September 2021 that the Commission would propose to make 2022 the European Year of Youth (the ‘European Year’). Highlighting the confidence that she draws for Europe’s future from the inspiration provided by Europe’s young people, the President of the Commission added that ‘if we are to shape our Union in their mould, young people must be able to shape Europe’s future’. Europe needs the vision, engagement and participation of all young people to build a better future, and Europe needs to give young people opportunities for the future, a future that is greener, more digital and more inclusive. This is why the President proposed ‘a year dedicated to empowering those who have dedicated so much to others’.

| (7) | The European Year should trigger a reflection process on the future of youth and their active participation in building the future of Europe. For that reason, youth policies should be mainstreamed through all relevant Union policies. |
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(7)

The European Year should trigger a reflection process on the future of youth and their active participation in building the future of Europe. For that reason, youth policies should be mainstreamed through all relevant Union policies.

| (8) | The active participation of young people in democratic processes is crucial for the present and the future of Europe and its democratic societies. In line with the Council conclusions of 1 December 2020 on fostering democratic awareness and democratic engagement among young people in Europe (5) and of 21 June 2021 on strengthening the multilevel governance when promoting the participation of young people in decision-making processes (6), the communication of the Commission of 3 December 2020 on the European democracy action plan and the resolution of the European Parliament of 11 November 2015 on the reform of the electoral law of the European Union (7), the European Year therefore aims to boost the active involvement of young people in Europe’s democratic life, including by supporting participation activities for young people from diverse backgrounds in processes such as the Conference on the Future of Europe, promoting civic engagement and volunteering initiatives, thereby raising awareness of Union values and fundamental rights and European history and culture, bringing together young people and decision-makers at local, regional, national and Union levels and contributing to the process of European integration. |
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(8)

The active participation of young people in democratic processes is crucial for the present and the future of Europe and its democratic societies. In line with the Council conclusions of 1 December 2020 on fostering democratic awareness and democratic engagement among young people in Europe (5) and of 21 June 2021 on strengthening the multilevel governance when promoting the participation of young people in decision-making processes (6), the communication of the Commission of 3 December 2020 on the European democracy action plan and the resolution of the European Parliament of 11 November 2015 on the reform of the electoral law of the European Union (7), the European Year therefore aims to boost the active involvement of young people in Europe’s democratic life, including by supporting participation activities for young people from diverse backgrounds in processes such as the Conference on the Future of Europe, promoting civic engagement and volunteering initiatives, thereby raising awareness of Union values and fundamental rights and European history and culture, bringing together young people and decision-makers at local, regional, national and Union levels and contributing to the process of European integration.

| (9) | The United Nations resolution of 25 September 2015 entitled ‘Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ (the ‘2030 Agenda’) recognised the essential role of young people as change makers on the international scene and stated that young people need to be supported ‘to channel their infinite capacities for activism into the creation of a better world’. The European Year is a concrete contribution to the 2030 Agenda, which highlights that ‘children and young women and men are critical agents of change’, and should provide further impetus for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the road to sustainable development, and the capacity of young people to shape the present and the future, not only of the Union, but also of Union partner countries and of our planet as a whole. |
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(9)

The United Nations resolution of 25 September 2015 entitled ‘Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ (the ‘2030 Agenda’) recognised the essential role of young people as change makers on the international scene and stated that young people need to be supported ‘to channel their infinite capacities for activism into the creation of a better world’. The European Year is a concrete contribution to the 2030 Agenda, which highlights that ‘children and young women and men are critical agents of change’, and should provide further impetus for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the road to sustainable development, and the capacity of young people to shape the present and the future, not only of the Union, but also of Union partner countries and of our planet as a whole.

| (10) | In line with the Council conclusions of 5 June 2020 on Youth in external action, stressing the contribution of young generations to building stronger, more legitimate, peaceful and democratic societies, the European Year should contribute to strengthening youth participation in the Union’s external action across all policies, to creating new opportunities for education, learning and exchanges, to developing partnerships and dialogue between young people from the Union and partner countries, including the Eastern Partnership, the Western Balkans and the Southern Neighbourhood, to capitalising on existing platforms for youth dialogue and partnerships such as the AU-EU Youth Cooperation Hub and the Union’s Youth Sounding Board and to increasing the role of youth engagement in strategic communication and public diplomacy action. |
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(10)

In line with the Council conclusions of 5 June 2020 on Youth in external action, stressing the contribution of young generations to building stronger, more legitimate, peaceful and democratic societies, the European Year should contribute to strengthening youth participation in the Union’s external action across all policies, to creating new opportunities for education, learning and exchanges, to developing partnerships and dialogue between young people from the Union and partner countries, including the Eastern Partnership, the Western Balkans and the Southern Neighbourhood, to capitalising on existing platforms for youth dialogue and partnerships such as the AU-EU Youth Cooperation Hub and the Union’s Youth Sounding Board and to increasing the role of youth engagement in strategic communication and public diplomacy action.

| (11) | The European Youth Goals, which are an integral part of the 2019–2027 European Union Youth Strategy and which have been developed by young people for the benefit of young people under the EU Youth Dialogue process, are a testament to the eagerness of many young Europeans to participate in defining the direction in which the development of the Union should go. |
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(11)

The European Youth Goals, which are an integral part of the 2019–2027 European Union Youth Strategy and which have been developed by young people for the benefit of young people under the EU Youth Dialogue process, are a testament to the eagerness of many young Europeans to participate in defining the direction in which the development of the Union should go.

| (12) | The European Year should boost the successful implementation of Principle 1 of the European Pillar of Social Rights (8), which highlights that ‘everyone has the right to quality and inclusive education, training and life-long learning’. In that respect, the European Year should help to make noticeable progress towards achieving, by 2025, the European Education Area, which aims to stimulate young people in their personal, social and professional fulfilment and foster citizenship education by creating a genuine European space of learning and removing barriers to the automatic mutual recognition of degrees, qualifications and periods of learning in the Union. The European Year should consider young people’s social situation and well-being. The European Year should contribute to the successful implementation of Principle 3 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which highlights that ‘everyone has the right to equal treatment and opportunities regarding employment, social protection, education, and access to goods and services available to the public’. |
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(12)

The European Year should boost the successful implementation of Principle 1 of the European Pillar of Social Rights (8), which highlights that ‘everyone has the right to quality and inclusive education, training and life-long learning’. In that respect, the European Year should help to make noticeable progress towards achieving, by 2025, the European Education Area, which aims to stimulate young people in their personal, social and professional fulfilment and foster citizenship education by creating a genuine European space of learning and removing barriers to the automatic mutual recognition of degrees, qualifications and periods of learning in the Union. The European Year should consider young people’s social situation and well-being. The European Year should contribute to the successful implementation of Principle 3 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which highlights that ‘everyone has the right to equal treatment and opportunities regarding employment, social protection, education, and access to goods and services available to the public’.

| (13) | The European Year should support the Union’s efforts to expand employment opportunities for young people as part of the recovery plan following the COVID-19 pandemic as stated in the resolution of the European Parliament of 8 October 2020 on the Youth Guarantee (9), which underlined that lockdown measures have caused a sudden disruption to young people’s formal and non-formal education, as well as to informal learning, traineeships, internships, apprenticeships and jobs, and have affected young people’s income, earning potential and well-being, including their health, and in particular their mental health. In both that resolution and its resolution of 17 December 2020 on a strong social Europe for Just Transitions (10), the European Parliament condemned the practice of unpaid internships when not related to the acquisition of educational qualifications as a form of exploitation of young workers and a violation of their rights. In its resolution of 17 December 2020, the European Parliament called on the Commission to put forward a legal framework for an effective and enforceable ban on such unpaid internships, traineeships and apprenticeships. |
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(13)

The European Year should support the Union’s efforts to expand employment opportunities for young people as part of the recovery plan following the COVID-19 pandemic as stated in the resolution of the European Parliament of 8 October 2020 on the Youth Guarantee (9), which underlined that lockdown measures have caused a sudden disruption to young people’s formal and non-formal education, as well as to informal learning, traineeships, internships, apprenticeships and jobs, and have affected young people’s income, earning potential and well-being, including their health, and in particular their mental health. In both that resolution and its resolution of 17 December 2020 on a strong social Europe for Just Transitions (10), the European Parliament condemned the practice of unpaid internships when not related to the acquisition of educational qualifications as a form of exploitation of young workers and a violation of their rights. In its resolution of 17 December 2020, the European Parliament called on the Commission to put forward a legal framework for an effective and enforceable ban on such unpaid internships, traineeships and apprenticeships.

| (14) | The European Year should provide further impetus for the creation of quality youth employment opportunities under the Youth Employment Support initiative, including through the Council Recommendation of 30 October 2020 on a reinforced Youth Guarantee (11) and the new Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve (ALMA) initiative proposed by the Commission to be implemented under the European Social Fund Plus established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council (12). The ALMA initiative should be a cross-border youth mobility scheme for disadvantaged people who are not in employment, education or training. |
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(14)

The European Year should provide further impetus for the creation of quality youth employment opportunities under the Youth Employment Support initiative, including through the Council Recommendation of 30 October 2020 on a reinforced Youth Guarantee (11) and the new Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve (ALMA) initiative proposed by the Commission to be implemented under the European Social Fund Plus established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council (12). The ALMA initiative should be a cross-border youth mobility scheme for disadvantaged people who are not in employment, education or training.

| (15) | The European Year should contribute to the recognition of youth work and to the objectives of the resolution of the Council of 1 December 2020 on the Framework for establishing a European Youth Work Agenda (13) (the ‘European Youth Work Agenda’) and the Bonn process, and thus contribute to strengthening youth work structures, in order to make them sustainable and more resilient in all parts of the Union, and cross-border cooperation. The European Year should also promote the validation of competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning, including through youth work, while recognising the high value of learning in youth work alongside formal education and the need to strengthen the partnership between youth work and formal education. |
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(15)

The European Year should contribute to the recognition of youth work and to the objectives of the resolution of the Council of 1 December 2020 on the Framework for establishing a European Youth Work Agenda (13) (the ‘European Youth Work Agenda’) and the Bonn process, and thus contribute to strengthening youth work structures, in order to make them sustainable and more resilient in all parts of the Union, and cross-border cooperation. The European Year should also promote the validation of competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning, including through youth work, while recognising the high value of learning in youth work alongside formal education and the need to strengthen the partnership between youth work and formal education.

| (16) | In its resolution of 10 February 2021 on the impact of COVID-19 on youth and on sport (14), the European Parliament underlined the particularly acute impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on young people not in education, employment, or training and highlighted the need to tackle the problems faced by young people from vulnerable groups, including young people with disabilities. It also noted that youth unemployment and poverty had risen steadily since the COVID-19 outbreak of the pandemic and urged the Commission and the Member States to take all the necessary measures to counter the disastrous effects on youth employment. It also recalled the role of volunteering in developing life and work skills for young people and considered that the European Solidarity Corps, established by Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and of the Council (15), could help young people to broaden their opportunities beyond their local realities. |
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(16)

In its resolution of 10 February 2021 on the impact of COVID-19 on youth and on sport (14), the European Parliament underlined the particularly acute impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on young people not in education, employment, or training and highlighted the need to tackle the problems faced by young people from vulnerable groups, including young people with disabilities. It also noted that youth unemployment and poverty had risen steadily since the COVID-19 outbreak of the pandemic and urged the Commission and the Member States to take all the necessary measures to counter the disastrous effects on youth employment. It also recalled the role of volunteering in developing life and work skills for young people and considered that the European Solidarity Corps, established by Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and of the Council (15), could help young people to broaden their opportunities beyond their local realities.

| (17) | The COVID-19 pandemic has had a deep social and economic impact on our society as a whole and has led to an unprecedented increase in mental health issues, particularly among young people. Therefore, the European Year should promote the discussion and development of sustainable solutions, including preventive measures, to help tackle those challenges. |
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(17)

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a deep social and economic impact on our society as a whole and has led to an unprecedented increase in mental health issues, particularly among young people. Therefore, the European Year should promote the discussion and development of sustainable solutions, including preventive measures, to help tackle those challenges.

| (18) | The European Year should support giving effect to the European Youth Work Agenda and the Council conclusions of 5 June 2019 on Young People and the Future of Work (16), of 10 December 2019 on digital youth work (17) and of 7 December 2017 on smart youth work (18). |
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(18)

The European Year should support giving effect to the European Youth Work Agenda and the Council conclusions of 5 June 2019 on Young People and the Future of Work (16), of 10 December 2019 on digital youth work (17) and of 7 December 2017 on smart youth work (18).

| (19) | Reflecting the importance of tackling climate and nature crises in accordance with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (19) (the ‘Paris Agreement’), and to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Consensus on Development, the European Year should contribute to mainstreaming climate- and nature-related actions and to the implementation of the objectives set out in the communication of the Commission of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’ in a fair and inclusive manner, Horizon Europe missions, as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council (20), and the Fit for 55 package set out in the communication of the Commission of 14 July 2021 entitled ‘“Fit for 55”: delivering the EU’s 2030 Climate Target on the way to climate neutrality’, in particular by encouraging young people to formulate their own initiatives and creative ideas on achieving the relevant targets, thereby recognising the creative and innovative potential and abilities of young people. |
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(19)

Reflecting the importance of tackling climate and nature crises in accordance with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (19) (the ‘Paris Agreement’), and to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Consensus on Development, the European Year should contribute to mainstreaming climate- and nature-related actions and to the implementation of the objectives set out in the communication of the Commission of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’ in a fair and inclusive manner, Horizon Europe missions, as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council (20), and the Fit for 55 package set out in the communication of the Commission of 14 July 2021 entitled ‘“Fit for 55”: delivering the EU’s 2030 Climate Target on the way to climate neutrality’, in particular by encouraging young people to formulate their own initiatives and creative ideas on achieving the relevant targets, thereby recognising the creative and innovative potential and abilities of young people.

| (20) | The European Year should provide further impetus to the resolution of the European Parliament of 15 September 2020 on effective measures to ‘green’ Erasmus+, Creative Europe and the European Solidarity Corps (21), which underlined that Erasmus+, through its support for formal and non-formal education, learning and training and for youth participation activities, is crucial for awareness-raising among Europeans, in particular young generations, to encourage them to have an active and informed position on sustainability and relevant policies and to become engaged and conscious future citizens. The European Parliament also highlighted, in that resolution, the major role played by youth and civil society organisations in that respect in sharing best practices and implementing projects raising younger generations’ awareness about sustainability. |
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(20)

The European Year should provide further impetus to the resolution of the European Parliament of 15 September 2020 on effective measures to ‘green’ Erasmus+, Creative Europe and the European Solidarity Corps (21), which underlined that Erasmus+, through its support for formal and non-formal education, learning and training and for youth participation activities, is crucial for awareness-raising among Europeans, in particular young generations, to encourage them to have an active and informed position on sustainability and relevant policies and to become engaged and conscious future citizens. The European Parliament also highlighted, in that resolution, the major role played by youth and civil society organisations in that respect in sharing best practices and implementing projects raising younger generations’ awareness about sustainability.

| (21) | The European Year should build on and seek synergies with European events and initiatives, such as the European Youth Event, the European Youth Week, the European Youth Capital, the European Capital of Culture, Europe Day and European Heritage Days, and the Council of Europe’s ‘Youth for Democracy, Democracy for Youth’ campaign. |
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(21)

The European Year should build on and seek synergies with European events and initiatives, such as the European Youth Event, the European Youth Week, the European Youth Capital, the European Capital of Culture, Europe Day and European Heritage Days, and the Council of Europe’s ‘Youth for Democracy, Democracy for Youth’ campaign.

| (22) | In her State of the Union address, the President of the Commission highlighted that ‘Europe needs all its youth’. In fulfilling its objectives, the European Year should be fully inclusive and should actively promote the participation of young people of diverse backgrounds, young people with fewer opportunities and young people from the outermost regions, in line with Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/1877 (22). |
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(22)

In her State of the Union address, the President of the Commission highlighted that ‘Europe needs all its youth’. In fulfilling its objectives, the European Year should be fully inclusive and should actively promote the participation of young people of diverse backgrounds, young people with fewer opportunities and young people from the outermost regions, in line with Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/1877 (22).

| (23) | It is important that the European Year contribute to increasing the interest and active participation of young people in democratic life and electoral processes, in particular at Union level. According to the European Parliament’s 2019 Post-Election Eurobarometer, during the 2019 European Parliament elections, voter turnout among young people was much higher (42 %) as compared to that during the 2014 European Parliament elections (28 %). Turnout among young people should be further encouraged. |
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(23)

It is important that the European Year contribute to increasing the interest and active participation of young people in democratic life and electoral processes, in particular at Union level. According to the European Parliament’s 2019 Post-Election Eurobarometer, during the 2019 European Parliament elections, voter turnout among young people was much higher (42 %) as compared to that during the 2014 European Parliament elections (28 %). Turnout among young people should be further encouraged.

| (24) | The European Year is firmly anchored in the principles recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the ‘Charter’). In particular, the European Year seeks, in its actions and activities, to ensure full gender equality and non-discrimination based on grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and to promote the application of the Charter. The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, set out in the communication of the Commission of 24 March 2021 entitled ‘EU strategy on the rights of the child’, and the European Child Guarantee, established by Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 (23), set a new standard for child and teen representation and recognise children and young people as active citizens and agents of change. |
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(24)

The European Year is firmly anchored in the principles recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the ‘Charter’). In particular, the European Year seeks, in its actions and activities, to ensure full gender equality and non-discrimination based on grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and to promote the application of the Charter. The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, set out in the communication of the Commission of 24 March 2021 entitled ‘EU strategy on the rights of the child’, and the European Child Guarantee, established by Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 (23), set a new standard for child and teen representation and recognise children and young people as active citizens and agents of change.

| (25) | In order to ensure that the European Year is efficiently and effectively implemented, the European Year should make maximum use of delivery mechanisms that are already in place. In order to optimise the added value of the European Year and produce an additional positive impact on young people, synergies and complementarity should be sought, in particular, between the European Year and Union programmes, including programmes with international outreach specifically dedicated to young people and programmes without a transnational or international character, in particular programmes relating to education and training, sport, culture and the media, youth and their health, including mental health, as well as to solidarity, volunteering, employment and social inclusion, research and innovation, industry and enterprise, digital policy, agriculture and rural development, where those programmes have a focus on young farmers, environment and climate, cohesion policy, migration, security and international cooperation and development. Synergies and complementarity should also be sought between the European Year and activities undertaken by the Member States. Synergies and complementarity should build upon such Union programmes and activities undertaken by the Member States. |
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(25)

In order to ensure that the European Year is efficiently and effectively implemented, the European Year should make maximum use of delivery mechanisms that are already in place. In order to optimise the added value of the European Year and produce an additional positive impact on young people, synergies and complementarity should be sought, in particular, between the European Year and Union programmes, including programmes with international outreach specifically dedicated to young people and programmes without a transnational or international character, in particular programmes relating to education and training, sport, culture and the media, youth and their health, including mental health, as well as to solidarity, volunteering, employment and social inclusion, research and innovation, industry and enterprise, digital policy, agriculture and rural development, where those programmes have a focus on young farmers, environment and climate, cohesion policy, migration, security and international cooperation and development. Synergies and complementarity should also be sought between the European Year and activities undertaken by the Member States. Synergies and complementarity should build upon such Union programmes and activities undertaken by the Member States.

| (26) | By creating an environment for promoting the objectives of the European Year simultaneously at Union, national, regional and local levels, a greater synergy and a better use of resources can be achieved. In that regard, the Commission should provide information in a timely manner to, and closely cooperate with, the European Parliament, the Council, the Member States, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee and bodies and associations active in the field of youth at Union level. In order to ensure that activities developed for the European Year have a European dimension, it is important to encourage Member States to collaborate with each other. |
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(26)

By creating an environment for promoting the objectives of the European Year simultaneously at Union, national, regional and local levels, a greater synergy and a better use of resources can be achieved. In that regard, the Commission should provide information in a timely manner to, and closely cooperate with, the European Parliament, the Council, the Member States, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee and bodies and associations active in the field of youth at Union level. In order to ensure that activities developed for the European Year have a European dimension, it is important to encourage Member States to collaborate with each other.

| (27) | The coordination of the European Year at Union level should allow for co-creation. The Commission should convene joint or separate meetings with stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies in the field of youth and national coordinators to assist in co-creating and implementing the European Year at Union level. The EU Youth Coordinator should have a key role in those meetings and in reaching out to the various stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies in the field of youth. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

The coordination of the European Year at Union level should allow for co-creation. The Commission should convene joint or separate meetings with stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies in the field of youth and national coordinators to assist in co-creating and implementing the European Year at Union level. The EU Youth Coordinator should have a key role in those meetings and in reaching out to the various stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies in the field of youth.

| (28) | The European Year should also focus on actions and activities which present potential European added value. The notion of ‘European added value’ is to be understood broadly and to be demonstrated in different ways, such as where actions or activities have a transnational character, particularly with regard to cooperation aimed at achieving a sustainable systemic impact or contributing to young people’s European identity, awareness and ownership of Union values and fundamental rights, including gender equality, and ability to take part in the Union’s representative and participative democracy. |
| --- | --- |

(28)

The European Year should also focus on actions and activities which present potential European added value. The notion of ‘European added value’ is to be understood broadly and to be demonstrated in different ways, such as where actions or activities have a transnational character, particularly with regard to cooperation aimed at achieving a sustainable systemic impact or contributing to young people’s European identity, awareness and ownership of Union values and fundamental rights, including gender equality, and ability to take part in the Union’s representative and participative democracy.

| (29) | The European Year should promote the dissemination of good practice, the undertaking of studies and research and the collection of data, statistics and other qualitative or quantitative information on the situation of young people in the Union, including on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, using sources such as the Youth Wiki, the EU Youth Report and the Youth Progress Index. |
| --- | --- |

(29)

The European Year should promote the dissemination of good practice, the undertaking of studies and research and the collection of data, statistics and other qualitative or quantitative information on the situation of young people in the Union, including on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, using sources such as the Youth Wiki, the EU Youth Report and the Youth Progress Index.

| (30) | At Union level, the necessary financial allocation for the implementation of this Decision should be identified within the 2021–2027 multiannual financial framework. The minimum operational budget for the implementation of this Decision should be EUR 8 million. Additional financial support to the European Year should be provided by relevant Union programmes and instruments, subject to the availability of funding, and in accordance with the applicable rules. The financing of the European Year should not be to the detriment of the financing of projects in current Union programmes and should aim at securing a long-lasting legacy for the European Year beyond 2022. Without prejudice to the powers of the budgetary authority and in accordance with Article 314 TFEU, funding for that legacy should be identified within the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework. |
| --- | --- |

(30)

At Union level, the necessary financial allocation for the implementation of this Decision should be identified within the 2021–2027 multiannual financial framework. The minimum operational budget for the implementation of this Decision should be EUR 8 million. Additional financial support to the European Year should be provided by relevant Union programmes and instruments, subject to the availability of funding, and in accordance with the applicable rules. The financing of the European Year should not be to the detriment of the financing of projects in current Union programmes and should aim at securing a long-lasting legacy for the European Year beyond 2022. Without prejudice to the powers of the budgetary authority and in accordance with Article 314 TFEU, funding for that legacy should be identified within the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework.

| (31) | Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the scale and effects of the proposed action, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. |
| --- | --- |

(31)

Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the scale and effects of the proposed action, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives.

| (32) | In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people and, consequently, the pressing need for the European Year’s objective of honouring, supporting and engaging with young people in a post-COVID-19 pandemic perspective, it is considered to be appropriate to provide for an exception to the eight-week period referred to in Article 4 of Protocol No 1 on the role of national Parliaments in the European Union, annexed to the TEU, to the TFEU and to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community. |
| --- | --- |

(32)

In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people and, consequently, the pressing need for the European Year’s objective of honouring, supporting and engaging with young people in a post-COVID-19 pandemic perspective, it is considered to be appropriate to provide for an exception to the eight-week period referred to in Article 4 of Protocol No 1 on the role of national Parliaments in the European Union, annexed to the TEU, to the TFEU and to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community.

| (33) | Following the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, timely application of this Decision is needed for the purpose of ensuring a swift implementation of the European Year. This Decision should enter into force as a matter of urgency on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and should apply from 1 January 2022, |
| --- | --- |

(33)

Following the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, timely application of this Decision is needed for the purpose of ensuring a swift implementation of the European Year. This Decision should enter into force as a matter of urgency on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and should apply from 1 January 2022,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Subject matter

The year 2022 shall be designated as the ‘European Year of Youth 2022’ (the ‘European Year’).

Article 2

Objectives

In line with the objectives of the 2019–2027 European Union Youth Strategy and the European Youth Goals, as defined in the 2019–2027 European Union Youth Strategy and Annex 3 thereto, which have a cross-sectoral approach aiming at ensuring that the interests and needs of young people are duly taken into account in political action at all levels, the overall objective of the European Year shall be to boost the efforts of the Union, the Member States and regional and local authorities, together with civil society actors, to empower, honour, support and engage with young people, including those with fewer opportunities, in a post-COVID-19 pandemic perspective with a view to having a long-term positive impact for young people. In particular, the European Year shall aim to:

| (a) | renew the positive perspectives for young people, with a particular focus on the negative effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on them, while highlighting how the green transition, the digital transition and other Union policies offer opportunities for young people and for society at large, drawing inspiration from the actions, vision and insights of young people to further strengthen and invigorate the common European project and listening to young people, taking into account their needs and concerns, and support young people in developing concrete, inclusive opportunities and deliverables, while making optimal use of Union instruments; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

renew the positive perspectives for young people, with a particular focus on the negative effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on them, while highlighting how the green transition, the digital transition and other Union policies offer opportunities for young people and for society at large, drawing inspiration from the actions, vision and insights of young people to further strengthen and invigorate the common European project and listening to young people, taking into account their needs and concerns, and support young people in developing concrete, inclusive opportunities and deliverables, while making optimal use of Union instruments;

| (b) | empower and support young people, including through youth work, especially young people with fewer opportunities, young people from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds, young people belonging to vulnerable and marginalised groups, young people from rural, remote, peripheral and less-developed areas and young people from outermost regions, to acquire relevant knowledge and competences and thus become active and engaged citizens and actors of change, inspired by a European sense of belonging, including additional efforts at building capacity for youth participation and civic engagement among young people and among all stakeholders that work to represent their interests and involving the contribution of young people from diverse backgrounds in key consultation processes, such as the Conference on the Future of Europe and the EU Youth Dialogue process; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

empower and support young people, including through youth work, especially young people with fewer opportunities, young people from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds, young people belonging to vulnerable and marginalised groups, young people from rural, remote, peripheral and less-developed areas and young people from outermost regions, to acquire relevant knowledge and competences and thus become active and engaged citizens and actors of change, inspired by a European sense of belonging, including additional efforts at building capacity for youth participation and civic engagement among young people and among all stakeholders that work to represent their interests and involving the contribution of young people from diverse backgrounds in key consultation processes, such as the Conference on the Future of Europe and the EU Youth Dialogue process;

| (c) | support young people to acquire a better understanding of, and actively promote the various opportunities available to them from, public policies at Union, national, regional and local level in order to support their personal, social, economic and professional development in a green, digital and inclusive world, while aiming to remove the remaining barriers thereto; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

support young people to acquire a better understanding of, and actively promote the various opportunities available to them from, public policies at Union, national, regional and local level in order to support their personal, social, economic and professional development in a green, digital and inclusive world, while aiming to remove the remaining barriers thereto;

| (d) | mainstream youth policy across all relevant Union policy fields in line with the 2019–2027 European Union Youth Strategy to encourage the bringing of a youth perspective into policymaking at all levels. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

mainstream youth policy across all relevant Union policy fields in line with the 2019–2027 European Union Youth Strategy to encourage the bringing of a youth perspective into policymaking at all levels.

Article 3

Types of measures

1.   The measures to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in Article 2 shall include the following activities at Union and, building on existing possibilities, national, regional or local level and, where relevant, in partner countries, linked to the objectives of the European Year:

| (a) | conferences, events, both cultural or otherwise, and policy initiatives targeting young people to promote an inclusive and accessible debate on challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, that young people, including those with fewer opportunities and belonging to vulnerable groups, face, such as their social situation, access to education and training, and working conditions, and on the course of action that stakeholders at different levels can take; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

conferences, events, both cultural or otherwise, and policy initiatives targeting young people to promote an inclusive and accessible debate on challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, that young people, including those with fewer opportunities and belonging to vulnerable groups, face, such as their social situation, access to education and training, and working conditions, and on the course of action that stakeholders at different levels can take;

| (b) | promoting youth participation and enhancing the use of existing and new innovative tools, channels and programmes that enable all young people to reach policymakers by identifying, collecting and sharing experiences and good practice and raising awareness among policymakers of those tools, channels and programmes; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

promoting youth participation and enhancing the use of existing and new innovative tools, channels and programmes that enable all young people to reach policymakers by identifying, collecting and sharing experiences and good practice and raising awareness among policymakers of those tools, channels and programmes;

| (c) | gathering ideas using participatory methods in an effort to co-create and co-implement the European Year; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

gathering ideas using participatory methods in an effort to co-create and co-implement the European Year;

| (d) | information, education and awareness-raising campaigns to convey values such as respect, equality, justice, solidarity, volunteering, a sense of belonging and safety and a feeling of being heard and respected in order to stimulate young people to actively contribute to building a society that is more inclusive, green and digital; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

information, education and awareness-raising campaigns to convey values such as respect, equality, justice, solidarity, volunteering, a sense of belonging and safety and a feeling of being heard and respected in order to stimulate young people to actively contribute to building a society that is more inclusive, green and digital;

| (e) | creating spaces and tools for exchanges on turning challenges into opportunities and ideas into actions in an entrepreneurial spirit, while fostering creativity, community and cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

creating spaces and tools for exchanges on turning challenges into opportunities and ideas into actions in an entrepreneurial spirit, while fostering creativity, community and cooperation;

| (f) | undertaking studies and research on the situation of young people in the Union, paying particular attention to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, producing and using harmonised European statistics and other relevant Union-level data, and promoting and disseminating those results at the European, national or regional level; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

undertaking studies and research on the situation of young people in the Union, paying particular attention to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, producing and using harmonised European statistics and other relevant Union-level data, and promoting and disseminating those results at the European, national or regional level;

| (g) | promoting programmes, funding opportunities, projects, actions and networks of relevance to young people, including through social media and online communities. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

promoting programmes, funding opportunities, projects, actions and networks of relevance to young people, including through social media and online communities.

2.   The Commission and the Member States may identify other activities which could contribute to the objectives of the European Year and allow references to the European Year to be used as label in promoting those activities in so far as they contribute to achieving those objectives. The institutions and bodies of the Union and Member States may also identify such other activities and suggest them to the Commission.

Article 4

Coordination at national level

Member States shall be responsible for organising participation in the European Year at national level. Member States shall appoint national coordinators for that purpose. National coordinators shall ensure that the relevant activities are coordinated at national level. They shall also ensure that young people, youth organisations and civil society organisations, including, where they exist, national youth councils, and other relevant stakeholders, are actively involved in and actively engage with co-creating, implementing and reviewing the implementation of the activities of the European Year at national level.

Article 5

Coordination at Union level

1.   The Commission shall convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall also serve as an opportunity to exchange information regarding the implementation of the European Year at Union and national level. Representatives of the European Parliament may participate as observers and contribute to these meetings.

2.   The coordination of the European Year at Union level shall have a transversal approach with a view to creating synergies between the various Union programmes and initiatives of relevance to young people and shall be duly taken into account at national level.

3.   The Commission shall convene meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies in the field of youth, including the European Youth Forum and other youth organisations, to assist in co-creating and implementing the European Year at Union level.

Article 6

Cooperation at international level

For the purpose of the European Year, the Commission, where necessary, shall cooperate with international partners and competent international organisations, while ensuring the visibility of the Union’s participation. The Commission shall, in particular, ensure the cooperation with the Council of Europe, including through the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership and by establishing strong links with the Council of Europe’s ‘Youth for Democracy, Democracy for Youth’ campaign and with international youth networks and organisations.

Article 7

Monitoring and evaluation

By 31 December 2023, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament, to the Council, to the European Economic and Social Committee and to the Committee of the Regions on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the measures provided for in this Decision. That report shall include ideas for further common endeavours in the field of youth in order to create a long-lasting legacy for the European Year.

Article 8

Entry into force

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

It shall apply from 1 January 2022.

Done at Brussels, 22 December 2021

For the European Parliament

The President

D.M. SASSOLI

For the Council

The President

A. LOGAR

---

(1)  Opinion of 8 December 2021 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  Position of the European Parliament of 14 December 2021 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 20 December 2021.

2

(3)  OJ C 456, 18.12.2018, p. 1.

3

(4)  Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).

4

(5)  OJ C 415, 1.12.2020, p. 16.

5

(6)  OJ C 241, 21.6.2021, p. 3.

6

(7)  OJ C 366, 27.10.2017, p. 7.

7

(8)  OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10.

8

(9)  OJ C 395, 29.9.2021, p. 101.

9

(10)  OJ C 445, 29.10.2021, p. 75.

10

(11)  Council Recommendation of 30 October 2020 on A Bridge to Jobs – Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee and replacing the Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (OJ C 372, 4.11.2020, p. 1).

11

(12)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

12

(13)  OJ C 415, 1.12.2020, p. 1.

13

(14)  OJ C 465, 17.11.2021, p. 82.

14

(15)  Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing the European Solidarity Corps Programme and repealing Regulations (EU) 2018/1475 and (EU) No 375/2014 (OJ L 202, 8.6.2021, p. 32).

15

(16)  OJ C 189, 5.6.2019, p. 28.

16

(17)  OJ C 414, 10.12.2019, p. 2.

17

(18)  OJ C 418, 7.12.2017, p. 2.

18

(19)  OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4.

19

(20)  Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1).

20

(21)  OJ C 385, 22.9.2021, p. 2.

21

(22)  Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/1877 of 22 October 2021 on the framework of inclusion measures of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programmes 2021-2027 (OJ L 378, 26.10.2021, p. 15).

22

(23)  Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 of 14 June 2021 establishing a European Child Guarantee (OJ L 223, 22.6.2021, p. 14).

23

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II Non-legislative acts

REGULATIONS

| 28.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 462/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 462/10

---

COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2021/2317

of 11 November 2021

on the allocation of fishing opportunities under the Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands (1) (‘the Agreement’) was concluded by Council Decision (EU) 2017/418 (2) and entered into force on 10 May 2017. The Protocol on the implementation of the Agreement (‘the current Protocol’) was provisionally applied since 14 October 2016 (3). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands (1) (‘the Agreement’) was concluded by Council Decision (EU) 2017/418 (2) and entered into force on 10 May 2017. The Protocol on the implementation of the Agreement (‘the current Protocol’) was provisionally applied since 14 October 2016 (3).

| (2) | The current Protocol was extended for one year (4), and is due to expire on 13 November 2021. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The current Protocol was extended for one year (4), and is due to expire on 13 November 2021.

| (3) | On 7 July 2020, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the Government of the Cook Islands for the conclusion of a new Protocol on the implementation of the Agreement (‘the Protocol’). |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 7 July 2020, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the Government of the Cook Islands for the conclusion of a new Protocol on the implementation of the Agreement (‘the Protocol’).

| (4) | As a result of those negotiations, the Protocol was initialled on 28 July 2021. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

As a result of those negotiations, the Protocol was initialled on 28 July 2021.

| (5) | On 11 November 2021, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2021/2317 (5) on the signing and provisional application of the Protocol. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

On 11 November 2021, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2021/2317 (5) on the signing and provisional application of the Protocol.

| (6) | The fishing opportunities set out in the Protocol should be allocated among the Member States for the entire period of its application. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The fishing opportunities set out in the Protocol should be allocated among the Member States for the entire period of its application.

| (7) | In view of the economic importance of the Union fishing activities in the Cook Islands’ fishing areas and in view of the need to avoid interrupting those activities upon the expiration of the current Protocol, this Regulation should enter into force as soon as possible. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

In view of the economic importance of the Union fishing activities in the Cook Islands’ fishing areas and in view of the need to avoid interrupting those activities upon the expiration of the current Protocol, this Regulation should enter into force as soon as possible.

| (8) | The Protocol will apply on a provisional basis as from the date of its signature, in order to allow for the fishing activities of Union vessels. This Regulation should therefore apply from the same date, |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The Protocol will apply on a provisional basis as from the date of its signature, in order to allow for the fishing activities of Union vessels. This Regulation should therefore apply from the same date,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The fishing opportunities set out in the Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands (‘the Protocol’) shall be allocated among the Member States as follows:

Tuna seiners:

| — | Spain: 3 vessels |
| --- | --- |

—

Spain: 3 vessels

| — | France: 1 vessel. |
| --- | --- |

—

France: 1 vessel.

Article 2

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

It shall apply from 17 December 2021.

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

Done at Brussels, 11 November 2021.

For the Council

The President

Z. POČIVALŠEK

---

(1)  OJ L 131, 20.5.2016, p. 3.

1

(2)  Council Decision (EU) 2017/418 of 28 February 2017 on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands and the Implementation Protocol thereto (OJ L 64, 10.3.2017, p. 1).

2

(3)  OJ L 289, 25.10.2016, p. 1.

3

(4)  OJ L 395, 25.11.2020, p. 1.

4

(5)  Council Decision (EU) 2021/2317 of 11 November 2021 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands (OJ L 463, 28.12.2021, p. 1).

5

---

| 28.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 462/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 462/12

---

COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2021/2318

of 21 December 2021

establishing a fisheries closure for herring in Norwegian waters north of 62° N and the fishery zone around Jan Mayen for vessels flying the flag of a Member State of the European Union

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Union control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy (1), and in particular Article 36(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Council Regulation (EU) 2021/92 (2) lays down quotas for 2021. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Council Regulation (EU) 2021/92 (2) lays down quotas for 2021.

| (2) | According to the information received by the Commission, catches of the stock of herring in Norwegian waters north of 62° N and the fishery zone around Jan Mayen by vessels flying the flag of or registered in a Member State of the European Union have exhausted the quota allocated for 2021. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

According to the information received by the Commission, catches of the stock of herring in Norwegian waters north of 62° N and the fishery zone around Jan Mayen by vessels flying the flag of or registered in a Member State of the European Union have exhausted the quota allocated for 2021.

| (3) | It is therefore necessary to prohibit certain fishing activities for that stock, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

It is therefore necessary to prohibit certain fishing activities for that stock,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Quota exhaustion

The fishing quota allocated to Member States of the European Union for the stock of herring in Norwegian waters north of 62° N and the fishery zone around Jan Mayen for 2021 referred to in the Annex shall be deemed to be exhausted from the date set out in that Annex.

Article 2

Prohibitions

Fishing activities for the stock referred to in Article 1 by vessels flying the flag of or registered in a Member State of the European Union shall be prohibited from the date set out in the Annex. In particular it shall be prohibited to retain on board, relocate, tranship or land fish from that stock caught by those vessels after that date.

Article 3

Entry into force

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

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

Done at Brussels, 21 December 2021.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

1

(2)  Council Regulation (EU) 2021/92 of 28 January 2021 fixing for 2021 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Union waters and, for Union fishing vessels, in certain non-Union waters (OJ L 31, 29.1.2021, p. 31).

2

---

ANNEX

| No | 20/TQ92 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | European Union (All Member States) |
| Stock | HER/*2AJMN |
| Species | Herring (Clupea harengus) |
| Zone | Norwegian waters north of 62° N and the fishery zone around Jan Mayen |
| Closing date | 30 November 2021 at 0.00 UTC |

No

20/TQ92

Member State

European Union (All Member States)

Stock

HER/*2AJMN

Species

Herring (Clupea harengus)

Zone

Norwegian waters north of 62° N and the fishery zone around Jan Mayen

Closing date

30 November 2021 at 0.00 UTC

---

| 28.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 462/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 462/15

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/2319

of 21 December 2021

approving Union amendments to the specification for a Protected Designation of Origin or a Protected Geographical Indication (‘Terre Tollesi’/‘Tullum’ (PDO))

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 of 17 October 2018 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards applications for protection of designations of origin, geographical indications and traditional terms in the wine sector, the objection procedure, restrictions of use, amendments to product specifications, cancellation of protection, and labelling and presentation (1), and in particular Article 15(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | The Commission has examined the application for the approval of Union amendments to the product specification for the Protected Designation of Origin ‘Terre Tollesi’/‘Tullum’, forwarded by Italy in accordance with Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) in conjunction with Article 15 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Commission has examined the application for the approval of Union amendments to the product specification for the Protected Designation of Origin ‘Terre Tollesi’/‘Tullum’, forwarded by Italy in accordance with Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) in conjunction with Article 15 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

| (2) | The Commission has published the application for the approval of the Union amendments to the product specification in the Official Journal of the European Union (3), as required by Article 97(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Commission has published the application for the approval of the Union amendments to the product specification in the Official Journal of the European Union (3), as required by Article 97(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.

| (3) | No statement of objection has been received by the Commission under Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

No statement of objection has been received by the Commission under Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.

| (4) | The Union amendments to the product specification should therefore be approved in accordance with Article 99 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 in conjunction with Article 15(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Union amendments to the product specification should therefore be approved in accordance with Article 99 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 in conjunction with Article 15(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The amendments to the product specification published in the Official Journal of the European Union regarding the name ‘Terre Tollesi’/‘Tullum’ (PDO) are hereby approved.

Article 2

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

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

Done at Brussels, 21 December 2021.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI

Member of the Commission

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

1

(2)  Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671).

2

(3)  OJ C 396, 30.9.2021, p. 15.

3

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DECISIONS

| 28.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 462/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 462/17

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COUNCIL DECISION (EU, Euratom) 2021/2320

of 22 December 2021

amending the Council’s Rules of Procedure

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 240(3) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | When an act is to be adopted by the Council acting by qualified majority, it has to be verified that the Member States constituting the qualified majority represent at least 65 % of the population of the Union. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

When an act is to be adopted by the Council acting by qualified majority, it has to be verified that the Member States constituting the qualified majority represent at least 65 % of the population of the Union.

| (2) | That percentage is calculated according to the population figures set out in Annex III to the Council’s Rules of Procedure (‘the Rules of Procedure’) (1). |
| --- | --- |

(2)

That percentage is calculated according to the population figures set out in Annex III to the Council’s Rules of Procedure (‘the Rules of Procedure’) (1).

| (3) | Article 11(6) of the Rules of Procedure provides that, with effect from 1 January each year, the Council is to amend the figures set out in that Annex, in accordance with the data available to the Statistical Office of the European Union on 30 September of the preceding year. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Article 11(6) of the Rules of Procedure provides that, with effect from 1 January each year, the Council is to amend the figures set out in that Annex, in accordance with the data available to the Statistical Office of the European Union on 30 September of the preceding year.

| (4) | The Rules of Procedure should therefore be amended accordingly for the year 2022. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Rules of Procedure should therefore be amended accordingly for the year 2022.

| (5) | In accordance with Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, Article 240 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union applies to the European Atomic Energy Community, |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In accordance with Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, Article 240 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union applies to the European Atomic Energy Community,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Annex III to the Rules of Procedure is replaced by the following:

‘ANNEX III

Figures concerning the population of the Union and the population of each Member State for implementing the provisions concerning qualified majority voting in the Council

| Member State | Population | Percentage of the population of the Union (%) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Germany | 83 120 520 | 18,57 |
| France | 67 439 614 | 15,07 |
| Italy | 59 862 348 | 13,38 |
| Spain | 47 394 223 | 10,59 |
| Poland | 37 840 001 | 8,45 |
| Romania | 19 186 201 | 4,29 |
| Netherlands | 17 617 840 | 3,94 |
| Belgium | 11 566 041 | 2,58 |
| Greece | 10 682 547 | 2,39 |
| Czechia | 10 574 153 | 2,36 |
| Sweden | 10 370 000 | 2,32 |
| Portugal | 10 298 252 | 2,30 |
| Hungary | 9 730 772 | 2,17 |
| Austria | 8 926 000 | 1,99 |
| Bulgaria | 6 916 548 | 1,55 |
| Denmark | 5 833 883 | 1,30 |
| Finland | 5 527 493 | 1,24 |
| Slovakia | 5 459 781 | 1,22 |
| Ireland | 5 006 324 | 1,12 |
| Croatia | 4 036 355 | 0,90 |
| Lithuania | 2 795 680 | 0,62 |
| Slovenia | 2 108 977 | 0,47 |
| Latvia | 1 893 223 | 0,42 |
| Estonia | 1 330 068 | 0,30 |
| Cyprus | 896 000 | 0,20 |
| Luxembourg | 633 347 | 0,14 |
| Malta | 516 100 | 0,12 ’ |
| EU-27 | 447 562 291 | |
| Threshold (65 %) | 290 915 489 | |

Member State

Population

Percentage of the population of the Union (%)

Germany

83 120 520

18,57

France

67 439 614

15,07

Italy

59 862 348

13,38

Spain

47 394 223

10,59

Poland

37 840 001

8,45

Romania

19 186 201

4,29

Netherlands

17 617 840

3,94

Belgium

11 566 041

2,58

Greece

10 682 547

2,39

Czechia

10 574 153

2,36

Sweden

10 370 000

2,32

Portugal

10 298 252

2,30

Hungary

9 730 772

2,17

Austria

8 926 000

1,99

Bulgaria

6 916 548

1,55

Denmark

5 833 883

1,30

Finland

5 527 493

1,24

Slovakia

5 459 781

1,22

Ireland

5 006 324

1,12

Croatia

4 036 355

0,90

Lithuania

2 795 680

0,62

Slovenia

2 108 977

0,47

Latvia

1 893 223

0,42

Estonia

1 330 068

0,30

Cyprus

896 000

0,20

Luxembourg

633 347

0,14

Malta

516 100

0,12 ’

EU-27

447 562 291

Threshold (65 %)

290 915 489

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 1 January 2022.

Done at Brussels, 22 December 2021.

For the Council

The President

G. DOVŽAN

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(1)  Council Decision 2009/937/EU of 1 December 2009 adopting the Council’s Rules of Procedure (OJ L 325, 11.12.2009, p. 35).

1

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