# Official Journal L 119/2020

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 119 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 6317 April 2020 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 119

English edition

Legislation

Volume 6317 April 2020

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| Contents | | II   Non-legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/531 of 16 April 2020 derogating in respect of the year 2020 from the third subparagraph of Article 75(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the level of advance payments for direct payments and area-related and animal-related rural development measures and from the first subparagraph of Article 75(2) of that Regulation as regards direct payments | 1 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/532 of 16 April 2020 derogating in respect of the year 2020 from Implementing Regulations (EU) No 809/2014, (EU) No 180/2014, (EU) No 181/2014, (EU) 2017/892, (EU) 2016/1150, (EU) 2018/274, (EU) 2017/39, (EU) 2015/1368 and (EU) 2016/1240 as regards certain administrative and on-the-spot checks applicable within the common agricultural policy | 3 |
| | * | Regulation (EU) 2020/533 of the European Central Bank of 15 April 2020 on the extension of deadlines for the reporting of statistical information (ECB/2020/23) | 15 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/534 of 16 April 2020 suspending the examination of applications for membership of existing European Reference Networks (
  1
  ) | 18 |

Contents

II   Non-legislative acts

page

REGULATIONS

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/531 of 16 April 2020 derogating in respect of the year 2020 from the third subparagraph of Article 75(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the level of advance payments for direct payments and area-related and animal-related rural development measures and from the first subparagraph of Article 75(2) of that Regulation as regards direct payments

1

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/532 of 16 April 2020 derogating in respect of the year 2020 from Implementing Regulations (EU) No 809/2014, (EU) No 180/2014, (EU) No 181/2014, (EU) 2017/892, (EU) 2016/1150, (EU) 2018/274, (EU) 2017/39, (EU) 2015/1368 and (EU) 2016/1240 as regards certain administrative and on-the-spot checks applicable within the common agricultural policy

3

*

Regulation (EU) 2020/533 of the European Central Bank of 15 April 2020 on the extension of deadlines for the reporting of statistical information (ECB/2020/23)

(ECB/2020/23)

15

DECISIONS

*

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/534 of 16 April 2020 suspending the examination of applications for membership of existing European Reference Networks (
  1
  )

1

18

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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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II Non-legislative acts

REGULATIONS

| 17.4.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 119/1 |
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17.4.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 119/1

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2020/531

of 16 April 2020

derogating in respect of the year 2020 from the third subparagraph of Article 75(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the level of advance payments for direct payments and area-related and animal-related rural development measures and from the first subparagraph of Article 75(2) of that Regulation as regards direct payments

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 352/78, (EC) No 165/94, (EC) No 2799/98, (EC) No 814/2000, (EC) No 1290/2005 and (EC) No 485/2008 (1), and in particular Article 75(3) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Pursuant to the third subparagraph of Article 75(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, from 16 October to 30 November Member States may pay advances of up to 50 % for direct payments under Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) and up to 75 % for area-related and animal-related support measures under Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council (3). |
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(1)

Pursuant to the third subparagraph of Article 75(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, from 16 October to 30 November Member States may pay advances of up to 50 % for direct payments under Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) and up to 75 % for area-related and animal-related support measures under Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council (3).

| (2) | Article 75(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 provides that payments referred to in paragraph 1 of that Article, including advances for direct payments, shall not be made before the administrative and on-the-spot checks to be carried out pursuant to Article 74 of that Regulation have been finalised. However, as regards area-related and animal-related support measures under rural development, Article 75(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 allows advances to be paid after the administrative checks pursuant to Article 59(1) of that Regulation have been finalised. |
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(2)

Article 75(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 provides that payments referred to in paragraph 1 of that Article, including advances for direct payments, shall not be made before the administrative and on-the-spot checks to be carried out pursuant to Article 74 of that Regulation have been finalised. However, as regards area-related and animal-related support measures under rural development, Article 75(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 allows advances to be paid after the administrative checks pursuant to Article 59(1) of that Regulation have been finalised.

| (3) | Due to the current situation resulting from the pandemic caused by COVID-19 and the extensive movement restrictions put in place in the Member States, exceptional administrative difficulties have been encountered in all Member States. Those difficulties risk delaying the performance of checks and the ensuing payment of aid. At the same time, farmers are vulnerable to the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic and experience financial difficulties and cash-flow problems. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Due to the current situation resulting from the pandemic caused by COVID-19 and the extensive movement restrictions put in place in the Member States, exceptional administrative difficulties have been encountered in all Member States. Those difficulties risk delaying the performance of checks and the ensuing payment of aid. At the same time, farmers are vulnerable to the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic and experience financial difficulties and cash-flow problems.

| (4) | In view of the exceptional nature of those circumstances, it is necessary to alleviate those difficulties by derogating from the third subparagraph of Article 75(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 in order to allow Member States to pay a higher level of advances to beneficiaries for the year 2020. |
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(4)

In view of the exceptional nature of those circumstances, it is necessary to alleviate those difficulties by derogating from the third subparagraph of Article 75(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 in order to allow Member States to pay a higher level of advances to beneficiaries for the year 2020.

| (5) | In addition, in view of the unprecedented exceptional circumstances it is necessary to derogate from the first subparagraph of Article 75(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 in order to allow advances for direct payments to be made after the administrative checks as specified in Articles 28 and 29 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 (4) are completed. It is however imperative that such a derogation does not impede the sound financial management and the requirement of a sufficient level of assurance. Accordingly, Member States making use of that derogation are responsible for taking all necessary measures to ensure that overpayments are avoided and that any undue amounts are quickly and actually recovered. Moreover, the use of that derogation should be covered by the management declaration referred to in point (b) of the first subparagraph of Article 7(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for financial year 2021. |
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(5)

In addition, in view of the unprecedented exceptional circumstances it is necessary to derogate from the first subparagraph of Article 75(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 in order to allow advances for direct payments to be made after the administrative checks as specified in Articles 28 and 29 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 (4) are completed. It is however imperative that such a derogation does not impede the sound financial management and the requirement of a sufficient level of assurance. Accordingly, Member States making use of that derogation are responsible for taking all necessary measures to ensure that overpayments are avoided and that any undue amounts are quickly and actually recovered. Moreover, the use of that derogation should be covered by the management declaration referred to in point (b) of the first subparagraph of Article 7(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for financial year 2021.

| (6) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on the Agricultural Funds, the Committee for Direct Payments and the Rural Development Committee, |
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(6)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on the Agricultural Funds, the Committee for Direct Payments and the Rural Development Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

By way of derogation from the third subparagraph of Article 75(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, in respect of claim year 2020 Member States may pay advances of up to 70 % for the direct payments listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 and of up to 85 % for the support granted under rural development as referred to in Article 67(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013.

Article 2

By way of derogation from the first subparagraph of Article 75(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, in respect of claim year 2020 Member States may pay advances for the direct payments listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 after the administrative checks as referred to in Article 74 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 have been finalised.

Article 3

For Member States applying Article 2 of this Regulation the management declaration to be drawn up pursuant to point (b) of the first subparagraph of Article 7(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 shall include for financial year 2021 a confirmation that overpayments to beneficiaries were prevented and undue amounts have been quickly and actually recovered based on the verification of all necessary information.

Article 4

This Regulation shall enter into force on the third 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, 16 April 2020.

For the Commission

The President

Ursula VON DER LEYEN

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(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 549.

1

(2)  Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 637/2008 and Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 608).

2

(3)  Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 487).

3

(4)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 of 17 July 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the integrated administration and control system, rural development measures and cross compliance (OJ L 227, 31.7.2014, p. 69).

4

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| 17.4.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 119/3 |
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17.4.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 119/3

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2020/532

of 16 April 2020

derogating in respect of the year 2020 from Implementing Regulations (EU) No 809/2014, (EU) No 180/2014, (EU) No 181/2014, (EU) 2017/892, (EU) 2016/1150, (EU) 2018/274, (EU) 2017/39, (EU) 2015/1368 and (EU) 2016/1240 as regards certain administrative and on-the-spot checks applicable within the common agricultural policy

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 352/78, (EC) No 165/94, (EC) No 2799/98, (EC) No 814/2000, (EC) No 1290/2005 and (EC) No 485/2008 (1), and in particular Article 62(2) thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 March 2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 247/2006 (2), and in particular Article 8 and the second subparagraph of Article 18(1) thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 229/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 March 2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in favour of the smaller Aegean islands and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1405/2006 (3), and in particular Article 7, Article 11(3) and the second subparagraph of Article 14(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Due to the current pandemic of COVID-19 and the extensive movement restrictions put in place in the Member States, exceptional administrative difficulties have been encountered in all Member States with the planning and execution of timely on-the-spot checks to the required number. Those difficulties risk delaying the performance of the checks and the ensuing payment of aid. At the same time, farmers are vulnerable to the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic and experience financial difficulties and cash-flow problems. |
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(1)

Due to the current pandemic of COVID-19 and the extensive movement restrictions put in place in the Member States, exceptional administrative difficulties have been encountered in all Member States with the planning and execution of timely on-the-spot checks to the required number. Those difficulties risk delaying the performance of the checks and the ensuing payment of aid. At the same time, farmers are vulnerable to the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic and experience financial difficulties and cash-flow problems.

| (2) | In view of the unprecedented nature of those circumstances, it is necessary to alleviate those difficulties by derogating from different Implementing Regulations applicable in the area of the common agricultural policy as regards certain administrative and on-the-spot checks. |
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(2)

In view of the unprecedented nature of those circumstances, it is necessary to alleviate those difficulties by derogating from different Implementing Regulations applicable in the area of the common agricultural policy as regards certain administrative and on-the-spot checks.

| (3) | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 (4) lays down rules on, inter alia, time limits for the notification of control data and control statistics covering the previous calendar year, the timing of the on-the-spot checks, the control rates of certain on-the-spot checks within the integrated system, including for area-related aid schemes other than the payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and environment, for the greening payment, for rural development measures, for animal aid schemes, and the increase or reduction of the control rate as regards certain schemes. In addition, Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 contains rules on on-the-spot checks relating to the eligibility criteria, commitments and other obligations in respect of livestock aid applications and payment claims under animal-related support measures, control rates for non-area-related and non-animal-related rural development measures and minimum control rates relating to cross-compliance. |
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(3)

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 (4) lays down rules on, inter alia, time limits for the notification of control data and control statistics covering the previous calendar year, the timing of the on-the-spot checks, the control rates of certain on-the-spot checks within the integrated system, including for area-related aid schemes other than the payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and environment, for the greening payment, for rural development measures, for animal aid schemes, and the increase or reduction of the control rate as regards certain schemes. In addition, Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 contains rules on on-the-spot checks relating to the eligibility criteria, commitments and other obligations in respect of livestock aid applications and payment claims under animal-related support measures, control rates for non-area-related and non-animal-related rural development measures and minimum control rates relating to cross-compliance.

| (4) | Article 9 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 requires Member States to notify the Commission by 15 July of each year of the control data and control statistics covering the previous calendar year for all direct payment schemes, rural development measures and technical assistance and support schemes in the wine sector, of subsequent modifications to the report in respect of the options chosen for the control of the cross-compliance requirements and the competent control bodies responsible for the checks of the cross-compliance requirements and standards and of the report in respect of the measures taken for the administration and the control of the voluntary coupled support concerning the previous calendar year. In view of the current situation, it is appropriate to extend that deadline this year to 15 September 2020. |
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(4)

Article 9 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 requires Member States to notify the Commission by 15 July of each year of the control data and control statistics covering the previous calendar year for all direct payment schemes, rural development measures and technical assistance and support schemes in the wine sector, of subsequent modifications to the report in respect of the options chosen for the control of the cross-compliance requirements and the competent control bodies responsible for the checks of the cross-compliance requirements and standards and of the report in respect of the measures taken for the administration and the control of the voluntary coupled support concerning the previous calendar year. In view of the current situation, it is appropriate to extend that deadline this year to 15 September 2020.

| (5) | Article 24(4) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 requires the competent authority to carry out physical inspections in the field whenever photo-interpretation of satellite or aerial images does not provide conclusive results on compliance with eligibility criteria or the correct size of the area that is the subject of administrative or on-the-spot checks. In view of the current unprecedented circumstances, it is appropriate to encourage the performance of checks with remote sensing and the use of new technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems, geo-tagged photographs, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers combined with the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) and Galileo, data captured by the Copernicus Sentinels satellites and other relevant documentary evidence to be used for checking compliance with eligibility criteria, commitments or other obligations for the aid scheme or support measure concerned, as well as compliance with the requirements and standards relevant for cross-compliance. |
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(5)

Article 24(4) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 requires the competent authority to carry out physical inspections in the field whenever photo-interpretation of satellite or aerial images does not provide conclusive results on compliance with eligibility criteria or the correct size of the area that is the subject of administrative or on-the-spot checks. In view of the current unprecedented circumstances, it is appropriate to encourage the performance of checks with remote sensing and the use of new technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems, geo-tagged photographs, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers combined with the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) and Galileo, data captured by the Copernicus Sentinels satellites and other relevant documentary evidence to be used for checking compliance with eligibility criteria, commitments or other obligations for the aid scheme or support measure concerned, as well as compliance with the requirements and standards relevant for cross-compliance.

| (6) | Several obligations pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 in relation to cross-compliance and Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5) in relation to greening rely on specific and differentiated time frames for their fulfilment and consequently require the on-the-spot checks to be carried out within those frameworks. The measures Member States put in place in 2020 to address the current pandemic of COVID-19 affect the feasibility of performing the required on-the-spot-checks accurately and within the time limit corresponding to those obligations. It is therefore necessary, in relation to certain checks to be carried out in 2020, to derogate from Articles 30 to 33a and Article 68(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 and to reduce the minimum rate of the on-the-spot checks compared to the normal control rates for greening and cross-compliance obligations, respectively. Considering the nature of the obligations and the proportionality of the control efforts in the circumstances of the pandemic, the control population should be limited in accordance with the obligations applicable to beneficiaries and the relevant land use. |
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(6)

Several obligations pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 in relation to cross-compliance and Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5) in relation to greening rely on specific and differentiated time frames for their fulfilment and consequently require the on-the-spot checks to be carried out within those frameworks. The measures Member States put in place in 2020 to address the current pandemic of COVID-19 affect the feasibility of performing the required on-the-spot-checks accurately and within the time limit corresponding to those obligations. It is therefore necessary, in relation to certain checks to be carried out in 2020, to derogate from Articles 30 to 33a and Article 68(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 and to reduce the minimum rate of the on-the-spot checks compared to the normal control rates for greening and cross-compliance obligations, respectively. Considering the nature of the obligations and the proportionality of the control efforts in the circumstances of the pandemic, the control population should be limited in accordance with the obligations applicable to beneficiaries and the relevant land use.

| (7) | Article 42(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 contains rules on on-the-spot checks to verify that all eligibility criteria, commitments and other obligations are fulfilled covering all animals for which aid applications or payment claims have been submitted under the animal aid schemes or animal-related support measures to be checked. In view of the current situation, it is appropriate to provide that where Member States are not in a position to carry out those on-the-spot checks as required by that provision, Member States may decide to carry out those checks in respect of claim year 2020 at any time of the year, in so far that they still allow the checking of the eligibility conditions. |
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(7)

Article 42(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 contains rules on on-the-spot checks to verify that all eligibility criteria, commitments and other obligations are fulfilled covering all animals for which aid applications or payment claims have been submitted under the animal aid schemes or animal-related support measures to be checked. In view of the current situation, it is appropriate to provide that where Member States are not in a position to carry out those on-the-spot checks as required by that provision, Member States may decide to carry out those checks in respect of claim year 2020 at any time of the year, in so far that they still allow the checking of the eligibility conditions.

| (8) | For non-area-related and non-animal-related rural development measures Article 48(5) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 provides that administrative checks on investment operations are to include at least one visit to the operation supported or the investment site to verify the realisation of the investment. In view of the current circumstances, it is appropriate to provide that where Member States are not in a position to carry out any visits before granting the final payments, Member States may decide to substitute such visits, as long as the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 apply, by any relevant documentary evidence. |
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(8)

For non-area-related and non-animal-related rural development measures Article 48(5) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 provides that administrative checks on investment operations are to include at least one visit to the operation supported or the investment site to verify the realisation of the investment. In view of the current circumstances, it is appropriate to provide that where Member States are not in a position to carry out any visits before granting the final payments, Member States may decide to substitute such visits, as long as the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 apply, by any relevant documentary evidence.

| (9) | Articles 50(1), 60(2) and 52(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 contain rules for on-the-spot checks and ex-post checks for non-area-related and non-animal-related rural development measures. In view of the current circumstances, Member States should be allowed to reduce the number of those checks or substitute on-the-spot checks by relevant documentary evidence. |
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(9)

Articles 50(1), 60(2) and 52(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 contain rules for on-the-spot checks and ex-post checks for non-area-related and non-animal-related rural development measures. In view of the current circumstances, Member States should be allowed to reduce the number of those checks or substitute on-the-spot checks by relevant documentary evidence.

| (10) | The confinement rules decided in certain Member States for the purpose of protecting public health provided for extensive movement restrictions and thus prevented the actual execution of on-the-spot checks in cases where inspectors were subject to constraints making it impossible to visit beneficiaries or physically reach the farms. Considering the unprecedented nature of these circumstances, it should exceptionally be accepted, in relation to the year 2019, that a lower rate of checks was executed in those Member States. In order to ensure transparency and equal treatment, the acceptance of the lower rate of checks for claim year 2019 and, in the case of the non-area and non-animal related rural development measures for calendar year 2019, should be limited to cases where large scale movement restrictions were in place, in particular with a clear date on which the confinement started to apply, and which prevented the completion of the relevant checks. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The confinement rules decided in certain Member States for the purpose of protecting public health provided for extensive movement restrictions and thus prevented the actual execution of on-the-spot checks in cases where inspectors were subject to constraints making it impossible to visit beneficiaries or physically reach the farms. Considering the unprecedented nature of these circumstances, it should exceptionally be accepted, in relation to the year 2019, that a lower rate of checks was executed in those Member States. In order to ensure transparency and equal treatment, the acceptance of the lower rate of checks for claim year 2019 and, in the case of the non-area and non-animal related rural development measures for calendar year 2019, should be limited to cases where large scale movement restrictions were in place, in particular with a clear date on which the confinement started to apply, and which prevented the completion of the relevant checks.

| (11) | The derogations from Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 provided for in this Regulation should enable Member States to avoid delays in the control measures and processing of aid applications, and thus avoid delays of payments to beneficiaries for the year 2020. Member States using those derogations should endeavour to use alternative sources of evidence, which may include the use of documentary checks, the use of new technologies or reliable evidence provided by the beneficiary, to replace the information normally obtained from the checks that would have been carried out under normal circumstances. It is however imperative that those derogations do not impede the sound financial management and the requirement of a sufficient level of assurance. Accordingly, Member States making use of those derogations are responsible for taking all necessary measures to ensure that overpayments are avoided and that the recovery of undue amounts is instigated. Moreover, the use of these derogations should be covered by the management declaration referred to in point (b) of the first subparagraph of Article 7(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for financial years 2020 and 2021. |
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(11)

The derogations from Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 provided for in this Regulation should enable Member States to avoid delays in the control measures and processing of aid applications, and thus avoid delays of payments to beneficiaries for the year 2020. Member States using those derogations should endeavour to use alternative sources of evidence, which may include the use of documentary checks, the use of new technologies or reliable evidence provided by the beneficiary, to replace the information normally obtained from the checks that would have been carried out under normal circumstances. It is however imperative that those derogations do not impede the sound financial management and the requirement of a sufficient level of assurance. Accordingly, Member States making use of those derogations are responsible for taking all necessary measures to ensure that overpayments are avoided and that the recovery of undue amounts is instigated. Moreover, the use of these derogations should be covered by the management declaration referred to in point (b) of the first subparagraph of Article 7(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for financial years 2020 and 2021.

| (12) | Commission Implementing Regulations (EU) No 180/2014 (6) and (EU) No 181/2014 (7) provide for control rates for checks of specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union and the smaller Aegean islands. Due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 that affect as well the outermost regions of the Union and the smaller Aegean islands, it is appropriate to derogate from those Regulations by adapting control rates of on-spot-checks for the year 2020. |
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(12)

Commission Implementing Regulations (EU) No 180/2014 (6) and (EU) No 181/2014 (7) provide for control rates for checks of specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union and the smaller Aegean islands. Due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 that affect as well the outermost regions of the Union and the smaller Aegean islands, it is appropriate to derogate from those Regulations by adapting control rates of on-spot-checks for the year 2020.

| (13) | Article 27(2) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892 (8) fixes sample for annual on-the-spot checks at least 30 % of the total aid applied for and provides that each producer organisation or association of producer organisations implementing an operational programme is to be visited at least once every 3 years. Article 27(7) of that Regulation provides that actions implemented on individual holdings of members of producer organisations covered by the sample referred to in Article 27(2) of that Regulation are to be subject of at least one visit to verify their execution. Due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19, Member States may not be able to meet these requirements and should therefore be allowed to carry out a lower percentage of those checks in the year 2020 and should not be subjected in the year 2020 to the requirements on frequency of visits in producer organisations. |
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(13)

Article 27(2) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892 (8) fixes sample for annual on-the-spot checks at least 30 % of the total aid applied for and provides that each producer organisation or association of producer organisations implementing an operational programme is to be visited at least once every 3 years. Article 27(7) of that Regulation provides that actions implemented on individual holdings of members of producer organisations covered by the sample referred to in Article 27(2) of that Regulation are to be subject of at least one visit to verify their execution. Due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19, Member States may not be able to meet these requirements and should therefore be allowed to carry out a lower percentage of those checks in the year 2020 and should not be subjected in the year 2020 to the requirements on frequency of visits in producer organisations.

| (14) | Article 29(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892 provides that the first-level checks on withdrawal operations is to cover 100 % of the quantity of the products withdrawn from the market, with the exception of products intended for free distribution, for which pursuant to Article 29(3) of that Regulation Member States could check a smaller percentage, but not less than 10 % of the quantities concerned during the marketing year of any given producer organisation. Due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19, Member States may not be able to meet this requirement and should be allowed in the year 2020 to check a smaller percentage, but not less than 10 % of the quantities concerned during the marketing year of any given producer organisation also for all other withdrawn products, irrespective of their intended destination. |
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(14)

Article 29(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892 provides that the first-level checks on withdrawal operations is to cover 100 % of the quantity of the products withdrawn from the market, with the exception of products intended for free distribution, for which pursuant to Article 29(3) of that Regulation Member States could check a smaller percentage, but not less than 10 % of the quantities concerned during the marketing year of any given producer organisation. Due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19, Member States may not be able to meet this requirement and should be allowed in the year 2020 to check a smaller percentage, but not less than 10 % of the quantities concerned during the marketing year of any given producer organisation also for all other withdrawn products, irrespective of their intended destination.

| (15) | Article 30(3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892 provides that each check is to include a sample representing at least 5 % of the quantities withdrawn by the producer organisation during the marketing year. Due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19, Member States may not be able to meet this requirement and should be allowed in the year 2020 to use samples representing at least 3 % of the quantities withdrawn by the producer organisation during the marketing year 2019. |
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(15)

Article 30(3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892 provides that each check is to include a sample representing at least 5 % of the quantities withdrawn by the producer organisation during the marketing year. Due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19, Member States may not be able to meet this requirement and should be allowed in the year 2020 to use samples representing at least 3 % of the quantities withdrawn by the producer organisation during the marketing year 2019.

| (16) | Due to the crisis caused by the pandemic of COVID-19, it is going to be materially impossible for Member States to carry out in 2020 systematic and sample based on-the-spot checks for operations supported under Articles 45 to 52 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9). Therefore, a derogation from Article 32(1) and 42(3) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1150 (10) should be introduced in respect of financial year 2019-2020 to allow Member States to define controls that are equivalent to systematic on-the-spot checks, such as dated photographs, dated drone surveillance reports, administrative checks or videoconferences with the beneficiaries, and guarantee that the rules of the legislation relating to the support programmes in the wine sector are respected before payments are made. This derogation should apply irrespective of whether Member States have put into place measures to address the pandemic of COVID-19. |
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(16)

Due to the crisis caused by the pandemic of COVID-19, it is going to be materially impossible for Member States to carry out in 2020 systematic and sample based on-the-spot checks for operations supported under Articles 45 to 52 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9). Therefore, a derogation from Article 32(1) and 42(3) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1150 (10) should be introduced in respect of financial year 2019-2020 to allow Member States to define controls that are equivalent to systematic on-the-spot checks, such as dated photographs, dated drone surveillance reports, administrative checks or videoconferences with the beneficiaries, and guarantee that the rules of the legislation relating to the support programmes in the wine sector are respected before payments are made. This derogation should apply irrespective of whether Member States have put into place measures to address the pandemic of COVID-19.

| (17) | For the same reason, it is also going to be materially impossible for Member States to carry out in respect of financial year 2019-2020, within the deadline set by Article 43(3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1150, systematic on-the-spot checks for green harvesting operations supported under Article 47 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. Therefore, a derogation should be introduced to postpone the completion of the checks until 15 September 2020. |
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(17)

For the same reason, it is also going to be materially impossible for Member States to carry out in respect of financial year 2019-2020, within the deadline set by Article 43(3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1150, systematic on-the-spot checks for green harvesting operations supported under Article 47 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. Therefore, a derogation should be introduced to postpone the completion of the checks until 15 September 2020.

| (18) | Article 27(3) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/274 (11) fixes the number of samples of fresh grapes to be taken from vineyards during the period when the plot in question is harvested for the establishment of the analytical databank of isotopic data referred to in Article 39 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/273 (12). In cases where the crisis due to the pandemic of COVID-19 prevent Member States from carrying out such checks, Member States should be allowed to derogate from the minimum number of samples, irrespective of whether they have put in place measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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(18)

Article 27(3) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/274 (11) fixes the number of samples of fresh grapes to be taken from vineyards during the period when the plot in question is harvested for the establishment of the analytical databank of isotopic data referred to in Article 39 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/273 (12). In cases where the crisis due to the pandemic of COVID-19 prevent Member States from carrying out such checks, Member States should be allowed to derogate from the minimum number of samples, irrespective of whether they have put in place measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

| (19) | Article 31(2)(b) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/274 provides that Member States are to carry out yearly on-the-spot checks on at least 5 % of all wine growers identified in the vineyard register. In cases where the crisis due to the pandemic of COVID-19 prevents such checks in several wine producing Member States over a long period of time, this percentage should be reduced for the year 2020. This derogation should apply irrespective of whether Member States have put into place measures to address the pandemic of COVID-19. For the same reason, Member States should be allowed to temporarily suspend the systematic on-the-spot checks referred to in Article 31(2)(c) of that Regulation which are to be carried out in areas planted with vines which are not included in any wine grower file in the year 2020. |
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(19)

Article 31(2)(b) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/274 provides that Member States are to carry out yearly on-the-spot checks on at least 5 % of all wine growers identified in the vineyard register. In cases where the crisis due to the pandemic of COVID-19 prevents such checks in several wine producing Member States over a long period of time, this percentage should be reduced for the year 2020. This derogation should apply irrespective of whether Member States have put into place measures to address the pandemic of COVID-19. For the same reason, Member States should be allowed to temporarily suspend the systematic on-the-spot checks referred to in Article 31(2)(c) of that Regulation which are to be carried out in areas planted with vines which are not included in any wine grower file in the year 2020.

| (20) | Article 10 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/39 (13) lays down the scope, content, timing and reporting of the on-the-spot checks carried out by the Member States in the framework of the scheme referred to under Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (the ‘school scheme’). The measures put in place by the Member States to address the pandemic of COVID-19 may have prevented them from complying, by the deadline laid down in Article 10(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/39, with the requirements laid down in Article 10(3) of that Regulation on the number of on-the-spot checks with regard to school year 2018/2019. It is therefore appropriate to grant flexibility to the Member States by extending the period for carrying out those on-the-spot checks with regard to school year 2018/2019. |
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(20)

Article 10 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/39 (13) lays down the scope, content, timing and reporting of the on-the-spot checks carried out by the Member States in the framework of the scheme referred to under Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (the ‘school scheme’). The measures put in place by the Member States to address the pandemic of COVID-19 may have prevented them from complying, by the deadline laid down in Article 10(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/39, with the requirements laid down in Article 10(3) of that Regulation on the number of on-the-spot checks with regard to school year 2018/2019. It is therefore appropriate to grant flexibility to the Member States by extending the period for carrying out those on-the-spot checks with regard to school year 2018/2019.

| (21) | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1368 (14) with regard to aid in the apiculture sector contains rules on the monitoring and checks in relation to the correct implementation of the national apiculture programmes, the actual expenditure incurred and the correct number of beehives reported by beekeepers. According to Article 8(3) of that Regulation, Member States shall ensure that at least 5 % of the applicants for aid within the framework of their apiculture programmes are subject to on-the-spot checks. The measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 may lead to difficulties in carrying out the number of on-the-spot checks needed to fulfil that threshold. It is therefore appropriate to provide flexibility to the Member States by allowing for a derogation from that requirement. Such derogation should however not result in an increase of the risk for undue payments. Therefore, any lowering of the number of on-the-spot checks should be replaced as much as possible by alternative controls. |
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(21)

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1368 (14) with regard to aid in the apiculture sector contains rules on the monitoring and checks in relation to the correct implementation of the national apiculture programmes, the actual expenditure incurred and the correct number of beehives reported by beekeepers. According to Article 8(3) of that Regulation, Member States shall ensure that at least 5 % of the applicants for aid within the framework of their apiculture programmes are subject to on-the-spot checks. The measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 may lead to difficulties in carrying out the number of on-the-spot checks needed to fulfil that threshold. It is therefore appropriate to provide flexibility to the Member States by allowing for a derogation from that requirement. Such derogation should however not result in an increase of the risk for undue payments. Therefore, any lowering of the number of on-the-spot checks should be replaced as much as possible by alternative controls.

| (22) | Paying agencies in Member States are currently carrying out checks for the products stored pursuant to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1882 (15). The measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 may affect compliance with the requirements for on-the-spot checks concerning public intervention and aid for private storage pursuant to Article 60 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1240 (16). It is appropriate to provide flexibility to the Member States by prolonging the period for carrying out those checks or by substituting them by the use of other relevant evidence. It is therefore appropriate to derogate from certain provisions of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1240 for the products stored pursuant to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1882. |
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(22)

Paying agencies in Member States are currently carrying out checks for the products stored pursuant to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1882 (15). The measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 may affect compliance with the requirements for on-the-spot checks concerning public intervention and aid for private storage pursuant to Article 60 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1240 (16). It is appropriate to provide flexibility to the Member States by prolonging the period for carrying out those checks or by substituting them by the use of other relevant evidence. It is therefore appropriate to derogate from certain provisions of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1240 for the products stored pursuant to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1882.

| (23) | The Committee on the Agricultural Funds, the Committee for Direct Payments, the Rural Development Committee and the Committee for the Common Organisation of the Agricultural Markets have not delivered an opinion within the time limit laid down by the chair, |
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(23)

The Committee on the Agricultural Funds, the Committee for Direct Payments, the Rural Development Committee and the Committee for the Common Organisation of the Agricultural Markets have not delivered an opinion within the time limit laid down by the chair,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

CHAPTER I

DEROGATIONS FROM IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 809/2014

Article 1

By way of derogation from Article 9(1), (2) and (3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, for the year 2020 Member States shall notify the Commission of the control data and control statistics covering the previous calendar year, of subsequent modifications to the report in respect of the options chosen for the control of the cross-compliance requirements and the competent control bodies responsible for the checks of the cross-compliance requirements and standards and of the report in respect of the measures taken for the administration and the control of the voluntary coupled support concerning the previous calendar year 2019 by 15 September 2020.

Article 2

By way of derogation from Article 24(4) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19, for checks to be carried out in respect of claim year 2020 in relation to area-related aid schemes, Member States may decide to fully substitute the physical inspections to be carried out under that Regulation, in particular field visits and on-the-spot checks, by the use of photo-interpretation of satellite or aerial ortho-images or other relevant evidence including evidence provided by the beneficiary at the request of the competent authority, such as geotagged photos, which could permit definitive conclusions to be drawn to the satisfaction of the competent authority.

Article 3

By way of derogation from Article 26(4) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out on-the-spot checks in relation to measures under the integrated administration and control system to ensure an effective verification of certain eligibility criteria, commitments and other obligations that can only be checked during a specific time period, Member States may decide to carry out those checks in respect of claim year 2020 by the use of new technologies, including geotagged photos, or other relevant evidence, in complement to the possibility to use remote sensing.

Article 4

1.   By way of derogation from Articles 30 to 33 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out on-the-spot checks in accordance with the rules set out in those Articles, Member States may decide to organise those checks in respect of claim year 2020 in accordance with the rules set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article.

2.   The control samples for on-the-spot checks in respect of claim year 2020 shall cover at least:

| (a) | 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the basic payment scheme or the single area payment scheme; |
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(a)

3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the basic payment scheme or the single area payment scheme;

| (b) | 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the redistributive payment; |
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(b)

3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the redistributive payment;

| (c) | 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the payment for areas with natural constraints; |
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(c)

3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the payment for areas with natural constraints;

| (d) | 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the payment for young farmers; |
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(d)

3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the payment for young farmers;

| (e) | 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for area-related payments under voluntary coupled support; |
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(e)

3 % of all beneficiaries applying for area-related payments under voluntary coupled support;

| (f) | 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the payment under the small farmer scheme; |
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(f)

3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the payment under the small farmer scheme;

| (g) | 10 % of the areas declared for the production of hemp; |
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(g)

10 % of the areas declared for the production of hemp;

| (h) | 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the crop specific payment for cotton; |
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(h)

3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the crop specific payment for cotton;

| (i) | 3 % of all beneficiaries required to observe the agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment; |
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(i)

3 % of all beneficiaries required to observe the agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment;

| (j) | 3 % of all beneficiaries required to observe the greening practices and using national or regional environmental certification schemes as referred to in Article 43(3)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013; |
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(j)

3 % of all beneficiaries required to observe the greening practices and using national or regional environmental certification schemes as referred to in Article 43(3)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013;

| (k) | 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for rural development measures; |
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(k)

3 % of all beneficiaries applying for rural development measures;

| (l) | 3 % of all collectives submitting a collective claim; |
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(l)

3 % of all collectives submitting a collective claim;

| (m) | 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for animal aid schemes and cover at least 3 % of the animals. |
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(m)

3 % of all beneficiaries applying for animal aid schemes and cover at least 3 % of the animals.

The sample referred to in point (i) of the first subparagraph shall, at the same time, cover at least 3 % of all beneficiaries having areas covered with permanent grasslands that are environmentally sensitive in areas covered by Council Directive 92/43/EEC (17) or Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (18) and further sensitive areas referred to in Article 45(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013.

As regards point (k) of the first subparagraph, for the measures provided for in Articles 28 and 29 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (19), the control rate of 3 % shall be achieved at the level of the individual measure.

3.   Member States that have already decided to reduce the control rates for certain schemes to 3 % in accordance with Article 36 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, may further reduce the percentages set out for those schemes in paragraph 2 of this Article to 1 %.

4.   The results of the checks carried out in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall not be taken into account in respect of the following claim year for the purposes of Articles 35 and 36 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. However, the increase in control rates that should have been applied in claim year 2020 in accordance with Article 35 of that Regulation, shall be applied by means of a corresponding increase in claim year 2021.

5.   For the purpose of applying the control rates set out in points (a), (e), (i) and (j) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2, Member States shall give priority to areas other than those of permanent grassland and/or permanent crops.

Areas not covered by checks in respect of claim year 2020 as a result of the application of paragraphs 2 and 3 shall be prioritised in the update of the identification system for agricultural parcels in subsequent years.

6.   In the year 2020, Article 33a of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 shall not apply.

Article 5

By way of derogation from Article 42(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out on-the-spot checks in respect of animals as required by that provision, Member States may decide to carry those checks in respect of claim year 2020 at any time of the year, in so far that they still allow the checking of the eligibility conditions.

Article 6

By way of derogation from Article 48(5) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out any visit to the operation supported or the investment site before granting the final payments, Member States may decide to substitute such visits, as long as those measures apply, by any relevant documentary evidence, including geotagged photos, to be provided by the beneficiary.

If those visits cannot be substituted by relevant documentary evidence, Member States shall carry out those visits after the final payment is effected.

Article 7

By way of derogation from Article 50(1) and the third subparagraph of Article 60(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out on-the-spot checks as required by those provisions, the following rules shall apply:

| (a) | Member States may decide to substitute the on-the-spot checks by any relevant documentary evidence, including geotagged photos, to be provided by the beneficiary and which would permit definitive conclusions to be drawn to the satisfaction of the competent authority concerning the realisation of the operation; |
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(a)

Member States may decide to substitute the on-the-spot checks by any relevant documentary evidence, including geotagged photos, to be provided by the beneficiary and which would permit definitive conclusions to be drawn to the satisfaction of the competent authority concerning the realisation of the operation;

| (b) | in calendar year 2020, the control sample for on-the-spot checks shall cover at least 3 % of the expenditure referred to in Article 46 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 and co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) which is claimed to the paying agency and which does not concern operations for which only advance payments have been claimed. |
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(b)

in calendar year 2020, the control sample for on-the-spot checks shall cover at least 3 % of the expenditure referred to in Article 46 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 and co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) which is claimed to the paying agency and which does not concern operations for which only advance payments have been claimed.

The results of the checks carried out in accordance with point (b) of the first paragraph shall not be taken into account in respect of the following calendar year for the purposes of Article 50(5) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. However, the increase in control rate that should have been applied in calendar year 2020 in accordance with Article 50(5) of that Regulation, shall be applied by means of a corresponding increase in calendar year 2021.

Article 8

By way of derogation from Article 52(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out ex-post checks as required by that provision, the control sample for the ex-post checks in calendar year 2020 shall cover at least 0,6 % of EAFRD expenditure for investment operations to verify the respect of commitments pursuant to Article 71 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (20) or detailed in the rural development programme.

Article 9

By way of derogation from the first subparagraph of Article 68(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out on-the-spot checks in accordance with that provision, Member States may decide to carry out those checks in respect of claim year 2020 on at least 0,5 % of the total number of the beneficiaries referred to in Article 92 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 and for which the competent control authority in question is responsible.

The results of the checks carried out in accordance with the first paragraph shall not be taken into account in respect of the following claim year for the purposes of Article 68(4) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. However, the increase in control rates that should have been applied in claim year 2020 in accordance with Article 68(4) of that Regulation, shall be applied by means of a corresponding increase in claim year 2021.

Article 10

Where due to the confinement rules put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 a Member State is not in a position to complete certain on-the-spot checks required by Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 in respect of claim year 2019 for the measures under the integrated administration and control system or for calendar year 2019 in the case of the non-area and non-animal related rural development measures, and cannot obtain the alternative evidence referred to in Article 2, the rate of on-the-spot checks attained at the first day of entry into force of the relevant confinement rules shall be considered acceptable.

Article 11

1.   Member States making use of the derogations provided for in Articles 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9, and in particular changing the timing of checks or reducing their number, shall, to the extent possible, set procedures to use alternative evidence in order to maintain the appropriate level of assurance on the legality and regularity of expenditure and compliance with the requirements and standards of cross-compliance.

2.   For Member States applying Articles 2 to 9, the management declaration to be drawn up pursuant to point (b) of the first subparagraph of Article 7(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 shall include for financial years 2020 and 2021 a confirmation that overpayments to beneficiaries were prevented and the recovery of undue amounts has been instigated based on the verification of all necessary information.

CHAPTER II

DEROGATIONS FROM THE SPECIFIC MEASURES IN FAVOUR OF THE OUTERMOST REGIONS OF THE UNION AND THE SMALLER AEGEAN ISLANDS

SECTION 1

Derogations from Implementing Regulation (EU) No 180/2014

Article 12

1.   By way of derogation from Article 16(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 180/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out physical checks in the outermost regions in accordance with the rules set out in that provision, in the year 2020 Member States may decide to organise physical checks in accordance with the rules set out in paragraph 2 of this Article.

2.   The physical checks carried out in the outermost region concerned on the import, entry, export and dispatch of agricultural products shall involve a representative sample amounting to at least 3 % of the licences and certificates presented in accordance with Article 9 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 180/2014.

3.   By way of derogation from Article 22 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 180/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out on-the-spot checks in the outermost regions in accordance with the rules set out in that Article, in the year 2020 Member States may decide to organise on-the-spot checks in accordance with the rules set out in paragraph 4 of this Article.

4.   On the basis of a risk analysis carried out in accordance with Article 24(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 180/2014, the competent authorities shall perform on-the-spot checks by sampling at least 3 % of aid applications. The sample shall also represent at least 3 % of the amounts covered by the aid for each action.

SECTION 2

Derogations from Implementing Regulation (EU) No 181/2014

Article 13

1.   By way of derogation from Article 13(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 181/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Greece is not in a position to carry out physical checks in accordance with the rules set out in that provision, in the year 2020 Greece may decide to organise physical checks in accordance with the rules set out in paragraph 2 of this Article.

2.   The physical checks carried out in the smaller Aegean islands on the entry of agricultural products shall involve a representative sample amounting to at least 3 % of the certificates presented in accordance with Article 7 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 181/2014.

The physical checks carried out in the smaller Aegean islands on the export or dispatch provided for in Section 3 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 181/2014 shall involve a representative sample of at least 3 % of the operations, based on the risk profiles established by Greece.

3.   By way of derogation from Article 20 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 181/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Greece is not in a position to carry out on-the-spot checks in accordance with the rules set out in that Article, in the year 2020 Greece may decide to organise on-the-spot checks in accordance with the rules set out in paragraph 4 of this Article.

4.   On the basis of a risk analysis in accordance with Article 22(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 181/2014, the competent authorities shall perform on-the-spot checks by sampling, for each action, at least 3 % of aid applications. The sample shall also represent at least 3 % of the amounts covered by the aid for each action.

CHAPTER III

DEROGATIONS FROM RULES IMPLEMENTING THE COMMON ORGANISATION OF THE MARKETS

SECTION 1

Derogation from Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892

Article 14

1.   By way of derogation from Article 27(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892:

| (a) | in the year 2020, the on-the-spot checks referred to in Article 27 of that Regulation shall relate to a sample representing at least 10 % of the total aid applied for the year 2019; |
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(a)

in the year 2020, the on-the-spot checks referred to in Article 27 of that Regulation shall relate to a sample representing at least 10 % of the total aid applied for the year 2019;

| (b) | the rule that each producer organisation or association of producer organisations implementing an operational programme shall be visited at least once every 3 years shall not apply for the on-the-spot-checks conducted in the year 2020. |
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(b)

the rule that each producer organisation or association of producer organisations implementing an operational programme shall be visited at least once every 3 years shall not apply for the on-the-spot-checks conducted in the year 2020.

2.   By way of derogation from Article 27(7) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892, the rule that actions on individual holdings of members of producer organisations covered by the sample referred to in Article 27(2) of that Regulation shall be subject of at least one visit to the place where the action is implemented to verify its execution shall not apply for the on-the-spot-checks conducted in the year 2020.

3.   By way of derogation from Article 29(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892, in the year 2020, Member States may check for all withdrawn products, irrespective of their intended destination, a smaller percentage than that laid down in that provision, provided it is not less than 10 % of the quantities concerned during the marketing year of any given producer organisation. The check may take place at the premises of the producer organisation or at the sites of the recipients of the products. In the event that the checks reveal irregularities, Member States shall carry out additional checks.

4.   By way of derogation from Article 30(3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892, in the year 2020, each check shall include a sample representing at least 3 % of the quantities withdrawn by the producer organisation during the marketing year 2019.

SECTION 2

Derogations from Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1150

Article 15

1.   By way of derogation from Articles 32(1) and 42(3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1150, during the financial year 2019-2020, where the crisis due to the pandemic of COVID-19 prevents Member States from carrying out on–the-spot checks in accordance with those provisions, such checks may be replaced by other types of controls to be defined by Member States, such as dated photographs, dated drone surveillance reports, administrative checks or videoconferences with the beneficiaries, guaranteeing that the rules relating to the support programmes in the wine sector are respected.

2.   By way of derogation from Article 43(3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1150, during the financial year 2019-2020, where the crisis due to the pandemic of COVID-19 prevents Member States from carrying out on–the-spot checks in accordance with that provision, such checks on green harvesting operations shall take place by 15 September 2020.

SECTION 3

Derogations from Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/274

Article 16

1.   By way of derogation from Article 27(3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/274, where the crisis due to the pandemic of COVID-19 prevents Member States during the period of the grape harvest in the year 2020 from collecting and processing fresh grapes to the extent of the number of samples set out in Part II of Annex III to that Regulation, Member States may derogate from that number of samples.

2.   By way of derogation from point (b) of Article 31(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/274, where the crisis due to the pandemic of COVID-19 prevents Member States from carrying out on-the-spot checks in the year 2020 in accordance with that provision, Member States shall carry out such checks on at least 3 % of all wine growers identified in the vineyard register.

3.   By way of derogation from point (c) of Article 31(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/274, Member States may in the year 2020 temporarily suspend systematic on-the-spot checks carried out in areas planted with vines which are not included in any wine grower file in cases where the crisis due to the pandemic of COVID-19 prevents Member States from carrying out such checks.

SECTION 4

Derogation from Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/39

Article 17

By way of derogation from the first subparagraph of Article 10(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/39, with regard to school year 2018/2019, Member States may continue to carry out on-the-spot checks until 15 October 2020.

SECTION 5

Derogations from Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1368

Article 18

By way of derogation from Article 8(3) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1368, during apiculture year 2020 Member States may decide to deviate from the 5 % threshold regarding on-the-spot checks of applicants for aid within the framework of their apiculture programme provided that they replace the planned on-the-spot checks by alternative checks via requesting photographs, via video conversations or through any other means that could serve as support when verifying the correct implementation of the measures included in the apiculture programme.

SECTION 6

Derogations from Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1240

Article 19

1.   By way of derogation from Article 60(1) and (2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1240, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 the paying agency is not in a position to carry out in due time the on-the-spot and physical checks referred to in Article 60(1) and (2) of that Regulation, for the products stored pursuant to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1882, the Member State concerned may decide to extend the period to carry out the checks by up to 30 days after the end of those measures or to fully substitute on-the-spot checks during the period when those measures are in place by the use of relevant evidence, including geotagged photos or other evidence in electronic format.

2.   By way of derogation from Article 60(5) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1240, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19, the paying agency is not in a position to verify on-the-spot the presence and integrity of the seals, for the products stored pursuant to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1882, the Member State concerned may decide to fully substitute on-the-spot verification during the period when those measures are in place by the use of relevant evidence, including geotagged photos or other evidence in electronic format.

CHAPTER IV

FINAL PROVISION

Article 20

This Regulation shall enter into force on the third 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, 16 April 2020.

For the Commission

The President

Ursula VON DER LEYEN

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(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 549.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 78, 20.3.2013, p. 23.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 78, 20.3.2013, p. 41.

3

(4)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 of 17 July 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the integrated administration and control system, rural development measures and cross compliance (OJ L 227, 31.7.2014, p. 69).

4

(5)  Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 637/2008 and Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 608).

5

(6)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 180/2014 of 20 February 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union (OJ L 63, 4.3.2014, p. 13).

6

(7)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 181/2014 of 20 February 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 229/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific measures for agriculture in favour of the smaller Aegean islands (OJ L 63, 4.3.2014, p. 53).

7

(8)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/892 of 13 March 2017 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (OJ L 138, 25.5.2017, p. 57).

8

(9)  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).

9

(10)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1150 of 15 April 2016 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the national support programmes in the wine sector (OJ L 190, 15.7.2016, p. 23).

10

(11)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/274 of 11 December 2017 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the scheme of authorisations for vine plantings, certification, the inward and outward register, compulsory declarations and notifications, and of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the relevant checks, and repealing Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/561 (OJ L 58, 28.2.2018, p. 60).

11

(12)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/273 of 11 December 2017 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the scheme of authorisations for vine plantings, the vineyard register, accompanying documents and certification, the inward and outward register, compulsory declarations, notifications and publication of notified information, and supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the relevant checks and penalties, amending Commission Regulations (EC) No 555/2008, (EC) No 606/2009 and (EC) No 607/2009 and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 436/2009 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/560 (OJ L 58, 28.2.2018, p. 1).

12

(13)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/39 of 3 November 2016 on rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to Union aid for the supply of fruit and vegetables, bananas and milk in educational establishments (OJ L 5, 10.1.2017, p. 1).

13

(14)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1368 of 6 August 2015 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to aid in the apiculture sector (OJ L 211, 8.8.2015, p. 9).

14

(15)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1882 of 8 November 2019 opening tendering procedures for the amount of aid for private storage of olive oil (OJ L 290, 11.11.2019, p. 12).

15

(16)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1240 of 18 May 2016 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to public intervention and aid for private storage (OJ L 206, 30.7.2016, p. 71).

16

(17)  Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7).

17

(18)  Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7).

18

(19)  Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 487).

19

(20)  Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320).

20

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| 17.4.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 119/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.4.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 119/15

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REGULATION (EU) 2020/533 OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 15 April 2020

on the extension of deadlines for the reporting of statistical information (ECB/2020/23)

THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,

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

Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular Articles 5.1 and 12.1 thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2533/98 of 23 November 1998 concerning the collection of statistical information by the European Central Bank (1), and in particular Article 5(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | The statistical reporting obligations stipulated in the relevant Regulations of the European Central Bank (ECB) reflect the statistical data needs of the Eurosystem, however the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may pose a significant challenge for statistical reporting agents. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The statistical reporting obligations stipulated in the relevant Regulations of the European Central Bank (ECB) reflect the statistical data needs of the Eurosystem, however the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may pose a significant challenge for statistical reporting agents.

| (2) | Accordingly, there may be a need to allow for an extension of the deadlines for certain reporting of statistical information for a fixed period of time. The decision to do so should be taken swiftly and efficiently in order to be effective. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Accordingly, there may be a need to allow for an extension of the deadlines for certain reporting of statistical information for a fixed period of time. The decision to do so should be taken swiftly and efficiently in order to be effective.

| (3) | To react promptly to the current pandemic situation, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

To react promptly to the current pandemic situation, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Delegation of the power to extend deadlines for statistical reporting

1.   The Governing Council hereby delegates to the Executive Board the power to extend the deadlines for the reporting of statistical information required pursuant to the European Central Bank (ECB) Regulations listed in the Annex to this Regulation.

2.   When taking a decision to extend a deadline for the reporting of statistical information, the Executive Board shall take into account:

| (a) | the reporting frequency under each ECB Regulation listed in the Annex to this Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the reporting frequency under each ECB Regulation listed in the Annex to this Regulation;

| (b) | the impact of the spread of COVID-19 on the reporting and data quality assurance capacities of the reporting agents and on the capacity of national central banks of the Member States whose currency is the euro (hereinafter the ‘NCBs’) and of the ECB to carry out the necessary verification of statistical information; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the impact of the spread of COVID-19 on the reporting and data quality assurance capacities of the reporting agents and on the capacity of national central banks of the Member States whose currency is the euro (hereinafter the ‘NCBs’) and of the ECB to carry out the necessary verification of statistical information;

| (c) | the urgency of the data collection in question for the exercise by the ECB and the NCBs of the tasks of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the urgency of the data collection in question for the exercise by the ECB and the NCBs of the tasks of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB);

| (d) | the need to focus ECB and NCB resources on those data collections that are most urgently required for the exercise by the ECB and the NCBs of the tasks of the ESCB. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the need to focus ECB and NCB resources on those data collections that are most urgently required for the exercise by the ECB and the NCBs of the tasks of the ESCB.

3.   Any decision taken by the Executive Board pursuant to paragraph 1 shall take into account the advice of the ESCB’s Statistics Committee (STC) in its standard composition. For the purpose of providing its advice to the Executive Board, the STC shall take into consideration the needs of the data users.

4.   An extension of the deadlines for the reporting of statistical information may only relate to reporting that falls due on or before 31 December 2020.

5.   Deadlines for the reporting of statistical information may not be extended beyond 30 June 2021.

6.   The Governing Council shall be notified on a regular quarterly basis of any decision taken by the Executive Board pursuant to paragraph 1.

7.   The concerned reporting agents shall be informed of any decision taken by the Executive Board pursuant to paragraph 1.

8.   The Governing Council hereby also delegates to the Executive Board the power to extend the deadlines for transmitting the statistical information referred to in paragraph 1 by the NCBs to the ECB. Any decision taken by the Executive Board under this paragraph shall accord with the relevant decision taken by it pursuant to paragraph 1.

Article 2

Final provision

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

Official Journal of the European Union

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in the Member States in accordance with the Treaties.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 15 April 2020.

For the Governing Council of the ECB

The President of the ECB

Christine LAGARDE

---

(1)  
  OJ L 318, 27.11.1998, p. 8.

1

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ANNEX

List of ECB Regulations

1.

Regulation (EU) No 1409/2013 of the European Central Bank of 28 November 2013 on payments statistics (ECB/2013/43) (OJ L 352, 24.12.2013, p. 18).

2.

Regulation (EU) 2018/231 of the European Central Bank of 26 January 2018 on statistical reporting requirements for pension funds (ECB/2018/2) (OJ L 45, 17.2.2018, p. 3).

3.

Regulation (EU) No 1374/2014 of the European Central Bank of 28 November 2014 on statistical reporting requirements for insurance corporations (ECB/2014/50) (OJ L 366, 20.12.2014, p. 36).

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DECISIONS

| 17.4.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 119/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.4.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 119/18

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2020/534

of 16 April 2020

suspending the examination of applications for membership of existing European Reference Networks

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare (1), and in particular Article 12(4)(b) and (c) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Commission Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU (2) sets out criteria for establishing and evaluating European Reference Networks (‘Networks’) and their Members and for facilitating the exchange of information and expertise on establishing and evaluating those Networks. Article 6 of that Decision invited Member States to set up a Board of Member States with a view to deciding whether or not to approve proposals for Networks, their membership and termination. The Member States set up the Board of Member States, which subsequently approved 23 Networks in December 2016 and one in February 2017. All Networks commenced activities in 2017. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Commission Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU (2) sets out criteria for establishing and evaluating European Reference Networks (‘Networks’) and their Members and for facilitating the exchange of information and expertise on establishing and evaluating those Networks. Article 6 of that Decision invited Member States to set up a Board of Member States with a view to deciding whether or not to approve proposals for Networks, their membership and termination. The Member States set up the Board of Member States, which subsequently approved 23 Networks in December 2016 and one in February 2017. All Networks commenced activities in 2017.

| (2) | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1269 (3) amended Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU and introduced, among other things, the concept of a board for each individual Network, as well as time limits for those boards to issue their draft opinion and final opinion on membership applications. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1269 (3) amended Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU and introduced, among other things, the concept of a board for each individual Network, as well as time limits for those boards to issue their draft opinion and final opinion on membership applications.

| (3) | Article 8 of Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU thus sets the procedure for applications for membership of existing Networks, including specific time limits to be complied with by the boards of the Networks and by applicant health care providers. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Article 8 of Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU thus sets the procedure for applications for membership of existing Networks, including specific time limits to be complied with by the boards of the Networks and by applicant health care providers.

| (4) | Call for membership of the existing Networks was opened in 2019 and the assessment of the applications received is ongoing. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Call for membership of the existing Networks was opened in 2019 and the assessment of the applications received is ongoing.

| (5) | Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts of healthcare providers and health professionals in the Union are fully devoted to addressing the ongoing public health crisis. It was brought to the Commission’s attention through a number of requests from different boards of the Networks that these exceptional circumstances make it impossible for them and for the applicants to meet the time limits set out in Article 8 of Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts of healthcare providers and health professionals in the Union are fully devoted to addressing the ongoing public health crisis. It was brought to the Commission’s attention through a number of requests from different boards of the Networks that these exceptional circumstances make it impossible for them and for the applicants to meet the time limits set out in Article 8 of Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU.

| (6) | In order to allow for the assessment procedure to duly continue once the exceptional circumstances related to this public health emergency cease to exist, the examination of applications for membership of existing Networks which were ongoing on 31 March 2020 should be suspended from 1 April 2020 until 31 August 2020. In order to ensure full transparency, the Commission services should inform all boards of the Networks, the applicants and the Member States of the suspension and the reasons thereof. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

In order to allow for the assessment procedure to duly continue once the exceptional circumstances related to this public health emergency cease to exist, the examination of applications for membership of existing Networks which were ongoing on 31 March 2020 should be suspended from 1 April 2020 until 31 August 2020. In order to ensure full transparency, the Commission services should inform all boards of the Networks, the applicants and the Member States of the suspension and the reasons thereof.

| (7) | In order to dissipate the uncertainty around pending applications during the pandemic, this Decision should enter into force on the day following that of its publication. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

In order to dissipate the uncertainty around pending applications during the pandemic, this Decision should enter into force on the day following that of its publication.

| (8) | For reasons of legal certainty, it should apply retroactively from 1 April 2020. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

For reasons of legal certainty, it should apply retroactively from 1 April 2020.

| (9) | The measure provided for in this Decision is in accordance with the opinion of the Committee set up under Article 16 of Directive 2011/24/EU, |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The measure provided for in this Decision is in accordance with the opinion of the Committee set up under Article 16 of Directive 2011/24/EU,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The examination of applications for membership of existing European Reference Networks that were ongoing on 31 March 2020, shall be suspended from 1 April 2020 until 31 August 2020.

Article 2

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 April 2020.

Done at Brussels, 16 April 2020.

For the Commission

The President

Ursula VON DER LEYEN

---

(1)  
  OJ L 88, 4.4.2011, p. 45.

1

(2)  Commission Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU of 10 March 2014 setting out criteria for establishing and evaluating European Reference Networks and their Members and for facilitating the exchange of information and expertise on establishing and evaluating such Networks (OJ L 147, 17.5.2014, p. 79).

2

(3)  Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1269 of 26 July 2019 amending Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU setting out criteria for establishing and evaluating European Reference Networks and their Members and for facilitating the exchange of information and expertise on establishing and evaluating such Networks (OJ L 200, 29.7.2019, p. 35).

3

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