# Official Journal L 2/2021

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 2 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 646 January 2021 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 2

English edition

Legislation

Volume 646 January 2021

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| Contents | | II   Non-legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Council Decision (EU) 2021/1 of 17 December 2020 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community as regards agricultural subsidies | 1 |
| | * | Council Decision (EU) 2021/2 of 17 December 2020 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community as regards the adoption of a decision to amend the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland | 6 |

Contents

II   Non-legislative acts

page

DECISIONS

*

Council Decision (EU) 2021/1 of 17 December 2020 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community as regards agricultural subsidies

1

*

Council Decision (EU) 2021/2 of 17 December 2020 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community as regards the adoption of a decision to amend the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland

6

| 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

DECISIONS

| 6.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 2/1 |
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6.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 2/1

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COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2021/1

of 17 December 2020

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community as regards agricultural subsidies

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 50(2) thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 218(9) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | The Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (‘the Withdrawal Agreement’) was concluded by the Union by means of Council Decision (EU) 2020/135 (1) on 30 January 2020 and entered into force on 1 February 2020. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (‘the Withdrawal Agreement’) was concluded by the Union by means of Council Decision (EU) 2020/135 (1) on 30 January 2020 and entered into force on 1 February 2020.

| (2) | Article 166 of the Withdrawal Agreement empowers the Joint Committee established by Article 164 of the Withdrawal Agreement (‘the Joint Committee’) to adopt decisions in respect of all matters for which the Withdrawal Agreement so provides. The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (‘the Protocol’) forms an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Article 166 of the Withdrawal Agreement empowers the Joint Committee established by Article 164 of the Withdrawal Agreement (‘the Joint Committee’) to adopt decisions in respect of all matters for which the Withdrawal Agreement so provides. The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (‘the Protocol’) forms an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement.

| (3) | Article 10(1) of the Protocol subjects measures taken by the United Kingdom supporting the production of and trade in agricultural products, including support for fisheries and aquaculture products, in Northern Ireland to the Union’s State aid rules listed in Annex 5 to the Protocol where those measures affect that trade between Northern Ireland and the Union. At the same time, Article 10(2) of the Protocol provides for an exemption from the application of Union law up to a determined maximum overall annual level of support, provided that a determined minimum percentage of the exempted support complies with the provisions of Annex 2 to the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Article 10(1) of the Protocol subjects measures taken by the United Kingdom supporting the production of and trade in agricultural products, including support for fisheries and aquaculture products, in Northern Ireland to the Union’s State aid rules listed in Annex 5 to the Protocol where those measures affect that trade between Northern Ireland and the Union. At the same time, Article 10(2) of the Protocol provides for an exemption from the application of Union law up to a determined maximum overall annual level of support, provided that a determined minimum percentage of the exempted support complies with the provisions of Annex 2 to the WTO Agreement on Agriculture.

| (4) | The maximum overall annual level of support and the minimum percentage should be determined taking into account the considerations set out in Annex 6 to the Protocol. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The maximum overall annual level of support and the minimum percentage should be determined taking into account the considerations set out in Annex 6 to the Protocol.

| (5) | For the purpose of calculating the maximum overall annual level of support for agricultural products other than fisheries and aquaculture products, account has been taken of the average expenditure incurred and foreseen in Northern Ireland under the common agricultural policy (CAP) as part of the current multiannual financial framework (‘MFF 2014–2020’). |
| --- | --- |

(5)

For the purpose of calculating the maximum overall annual level of support for agricultural products other than fisheries and aquaculture products, account has been taken of the average expenditure incurred and foreseen in Northern Ireland under the common agricultural policy (CAP) as part of the current multiannual financial framework (‘MFF 2014–2020’).

| (6) | For the purpose of setting the minimum percentage, account has been taken of the average rate of Union support which is compliant with the provisions of Annex 2 to the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, as per the Union’s total support notifications to the WTO during the past five years, which is the period during which notifications have been made to the WTO within the MFF 2014–2020. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

For the purpose of setting the minimum percentage, account has been taken of the average rate of Union support which is compliant with the provisions of Annex 2 to the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, as per the Union’s total support notifications to the WTO during the past five years, which is the period during which notifications have been made to the WTO within the MFF 2014–2020.

| (7) | The maximum overall annual level of support should therefore be set at EUR 429 million for subsidies in the agricultural sector. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The maximum overall annual level of support should therefore be set at EUR 429 million for subsidies in the agricultural sector.

| (8) | For fisheries and aquaculture products, the maximum level of support, informed by the average spending under the MFF 2014–2020, should be set at EUR 19,5 million over a period of five years, with a cap of EUR 4,5 million in any given year. |
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(8)

For fisheries and aquaculture products, the maximum level of support, informed by the average spending under the MFF 2014–2020, should be set at EUR 19,5 million over a period of five years, with a cap of EUR 4,5 million in any given year.

| (9) | In order to avoid situations in which the exempted support is used to finance operations which are otherwise ineligible for support in the fisheries sector, the Joint Committee Decision should reflect the ineligibility of certain operations as provided for in Union law. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

In order to avoid situations in which the exempted support is used to finance operations which are otherwise ineligible for support in the fisheries sector, the Joint Committee Decision should reflect the ineligibility of certain operations as provided for in Union law.

| (10) | It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Joint Committee, |
| --- | --- |

(10)

It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Joint Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the Joint Committee established by Article 164 of the Withdrawal Agreement as regards agricultural subsidies shall be based on the draft Decision of the Joint Committee attached to this Decision.

Article 2

The Decision of the Joint Committee shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 17 December 2020.

For the Council

The President

S. SCHULZE

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(1)  Council Decision (EU) 2020/135 of 30 January 2020 on the conclusion of the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 29, 31.1.2020, p. 1).

1

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DRAFT

DECISION No .../2020 OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE AGREEMENT ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY

of ...

determining the initial maximum exempted overall annual level of support and the initial minimum percentage referred to in Article 10(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community

THE JOINT COMMITTEE

Having regard to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 10(2) thereof and Annex 6 thereto,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Overall annual level of support for agricultural products other than fisheries and aquaculture products

1.   The initial maximum exempted overall annual level of support referred to in Article 10(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland for agricultural products other than fisheries and aquaculture products shall be GBP 382,2 million (1).

2.   The United Kingdom may increase the maximum exempted overall annual level of support referred to in paragraph 1, up to an additional amount of GBP 25,03 million in a given year by the part of the amount of the maximum exempted overall annual level of support that has not been spent in the preceding calendar year.

3.   The maximum exempted overall annual level of support referred to in paragraph 1 shall be increased by an amount of GBP 6,8 million for a given year:

| (a) | where during that year the European Union has taken measures, covering the Republic of Ireland, under Part II, Title I, Chapter I or Articles 219, 220 or 221 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (2); or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

where during that year the European Union has taken measures, covering the Republic of Ireland, under Part II, Title I, Chapter I or Articles 219, 220 or 221 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (2); or

| (b) | on account of:






  (i) | an animal disease; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

on account of:

(i)

an animal disease;

| (ii) | an event or circumstance significantly disturbing or threatening to disturb the market, where that situation, or the effects of that situation on the market, is likely to continue or deteriorate; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

an event or circumstance significantly disturbing or threatening to disturb the market, where that situation, or the effects of that situation on the market, is likely to continue or deteriorate;

| (iii) | a situation of serious market disturbance directly attributable to a loss in consumer confidence due to public, animal or plant health and disease risks; or |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

a situation of serious market disturbance directly attributable to a loss in consumer confidence due to public, animal or plant health and disease risks; or

| (iv) | a natural disaster, which affects the territory of Northern Ireland and does not equally affect the whole island of Ireland. |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

a natural disaster, which affects the territory of Northern Ireland and does not equally affect the whole island of Ireland.

Point (b) only applies where the United Kingdom has informed the European Union at least 10 days prior to making use of the increased overall annual level of support.

Article 2

Overall annual level of support for fisheries and aquaculture products

1.   The initial maximum exempted overall level of support referred to in Article 10(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland for fisheries and aquaculture products shall be GBP 16,93 million during the first five years after the entry into force of this Decision as well as during any subsequent period of five years. However, the exempted overall annual level of support for these products must not exceed GBP 4,01 million in any given year.

2.   The following operations shall not be eligible for funding from the amounts referred to in paragraph 1:

| (a) | operations increasing the fishing capacity of a vessel or equipment increasing the ability of a vessel to find fish; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

operations increasing the fishing capacity of a vessel or equipment increasing the ability of a vessel to find fish;

| (b) | the construction of new fishing vessels or the importation of fishing vessels; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the construction of new fishing vessels or the importation of fishing vessels;

| (c) | the permanent cessation of fishing activities; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the permanent cessation of fishing activities;

| (d) | the temporary cessation of fishing activities, unless related to any of the following:






  (i) | emergency measures introduced by the authorities of the United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, for a maximum period of six months, to alleviate a serious threat to marine biological resources or the marine ecosystem; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

the temporary cessation of fishing activities, unless related to any of the following:

(i)

emergency measures introduced by the authorities of the United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, for a maximum period of six months, to alleviate a serious threat to marine biological resources or the marine ecosystem;

| (ii) | the non-renewal of an international fisheries agreement or protocols thereto; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the non-renewal of an international fisheries agreement or protocols thereto;

| (iii) | a fisheries management plan published under legislation in the United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, that sets out policies designed to restore one or more stocks of fish to sustainable levels, or maintain such stocks at sustainable levels; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

a fisheries management plan published under legislation in the United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, that sets out policies designed to restore one or more stocks of fish to sustainable levels, or maintain such stocks at sustainable levels;

| (iv) | emergency measures introduced by the authorities of the United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, in response to a public health or other emergency that has a serious impact on the fishing or aquaculture sectors; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

emergency measures introduced by the authorities of the United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, in response to a public health or other emergency that has a serious impact on the fishing or aquaculture sectors;

| (e) | exploratory fishing; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

exploratory fishing;

| (f) | the transfer of ownership of a business; and |
| --- | --- |

(f)

the transfer of ownership of a business; and

| (g) | direct restocking, unless provided for in measures by the authorities of the United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, to conserve fish stocks or the marine ecosystem, or in the case of experimental restocking.
  The exceptions provided for in point (d) are subject to the condition that the fishing activities carried out by the fishing vessel or by the fisher concerned are effectively suspended and that the funding is granted for a maximum duration of six months per vessel. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

direct restocking, unless provided for in measures by the authorities of the United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, to conserve fish stocks or the marine ecosystem, or in the case of experimental restocking.

The exceptions provided for in point (d) are subject to the condition that the fishing activities carried out by the fishing vessel or by the fisher concerned are effectively suspended and that the funding is granted for a maximum duration of six months per vessel.

Article 3

Minimum percentage

The initial minimum percentage referred to in Article 10(2) of the Protocol shall be 83 % and shall apply to the amounts of the exempted overall annual level of support referred to in Article 1.

Article 4

Review

The Joint Committee shall regularly review this Decision and its implementation.

Article 5

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2021.

Done at ...,

For the Joint Committee

The Co-chairs

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(1)  For the purpose of all calculations and amounts, set out in GBP in this Decision, in EUR, the 2019 Direct Payments exchange rate (€1 = £0,89092) is to be used.

1

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

2

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| 6.1.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 2/6 |
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6.1.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 2/6

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COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2021/2

of 17 December 2020

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community as regards the adoption of a decision to amend the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 50(2) thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 218(9) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | The Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (‘the Withdrawal Agreement’) was concluded by the Union by means of Council Decision (EU) 2020/135 (1) on 30 January 2020 and entered into force on 1 February 2020. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (‘the Withdrawal Agreement’) was concluded by the Union by means of Council Decision (EU) 2020/135 (1) on 30 January 2020 and entered into force on 1 February 2020.

| (2) | Point (d) of Article 164(5) of the Withdrawal Agreement empowers the Joint Committee established by Article 164 of the Withdrawal Agreement (‘the Joint Committee’) to adopt decisions amending the Withdrawal Agreement, provided that such amendments are necessary to correct errors, to address omissions or other deficiencies, or to address situations unforeseen when the Agreement was signed, and provided that such decisions do not amend the essential elements of the Withdrawal Agreement. Pursuant to Article 166(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement, the decisions adopted by the Joint Committee are binding on the Union and the United Kingdom. The Union and the United Kingdom are to implement those decisions, which are to have the same legal effect as the Withdrawal Agreement. The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (‘the Protocol’) forms an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Point (d) of Article 164(5) of the Withdrawal Agreement empowers the Joint Committee established by Article 164 of the Withdrawal Agreement (‘the Joint Committee’) to adopt decisions amending the Withdrawal Agreement, provided that such amendments are necessary to correct errors, to address omissions or other deficiencies, or to address situations unforeseen when the Agreement was signed, and provided that such decisions do not amend the essential elements of the Withdrawal Agreement. Pursuant to Article 166(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement, the decisions adopted by the Joint Committee are binding on the Union and the United Kingdom. The Union and the United Kingdom are to implement those decisions, which are to have the same legal effect as the Withdrawal Agreement. The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (‘the Protocol’) forms an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement.

| (3) | On 10 June 2020 the Council adopted Decision 2020/769 (2), which established the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Joint Committee as regards certain amendments to the Withdrawal Agreement. It remains necessary for seven acts which are essential for the application of the rules of the internal market for goods to Northern Ireland to be listed in Annex 2 to the Protocol. It is also necessary to insert three notes in order to further define the scope of application of certain specific acts listed in Annex 2 to the Protocol. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 10 June 2020 the Council adopted Decision 2020/769 (2), which established the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Joint Committee as regards certain amendments to the Withdrawal Agreement. It remains necessary for seven acts which are essential for the application of the rules of the internal market for goods to Northern Ireland to be listed in Annex 2 to the Protocol. It is also necessary to insert three notes in order to further define the scope of application of certain specific acts listed in Annex 2 to the Protocol.

| (4) | Two legal acts on the CO2 emission performance of new cars and vans registered in the Union have been mistakenly listed in point 9 of Annex 2 to the Protocol. Unlike other legislation listed in Annex 2 to the Protocol and made applicable by Article 5(4) of the Protocol, those two acts do not relate to the placing on the market of goods in the Union. They should therefore be removed from that Annex. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Two legal acts on the CO2 emission performance of new cars and vans registered in the Union have been mistakenly listed in point 9 of Annex 2 to the Protocol. Unlike other legislation listed in Annex 2 to the Protocol and made applicable by Article 5(4) of the Protocol, those two acts do not relate to the placing on the market of goods in the Union. They should therefore be removed from that Annex.

| (5) | One legal act on single-use plastics relates to the placing on the market of such goods and to the free movement of goods, albeit only partially. Only those provisions that are essential for the application of the rules of the internal market in respect of Northern Ireland should be included in Annex 2 to the Protocol. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

One legal act on single-use plastics relates to the placing on the market of such goods and to the free movement of goods, albeit only partially. Only those provisions that are essential for the application of the rules of the internal market in respect of Northern Ireland should be included in Annex 2 to the Protocol.

| (6) | The Joint Committee should adopt a decision pursuant to point (d) of Article 164(5) of the Withdrawal Agreement to address those errors. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The Joint Committee should adopt a decision pursuant to point (d) of Article 164(5) of the Withdrawal Agreement to address those errors.

| (7) | It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Joint Committee, |
| --- | --- |

(7)

It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Joint Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the Joint Committee established by Article 164 of the Withdrawal Agreement as regards the amendment of the Protocol shall be based on the draft Decision of the Joint Committee attached to this Decision.

Article 2

The Decision of the Joint Committee shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 17 December 2020.

For the Council

The President

S. SCHULZE

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(1)  Council Decision (EU) 2020/135 of 30 January 2020 on the conclusion of the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 29, 31.1.2020, p. 1).

1

(2)  Council Decision (EU) 2020/769 of 10 June 2020 establishing the position to be adopted on behalf of the European Union in the Joint Committee established by the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community as regards the amendment of the Agreement (OJ L 187, 12.6.2020, p. 12).

2

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DRAFT

DECISION NO .../2020 OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE AGREEMENT ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY

of ...

amending the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community

THE JOINT COMMITTEE,

Having regard to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (‘the Withdrawal Agreement’), and in particular point (d) of Article 164(5) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Point (d) of Article 164(5) of the Withdrawal Agreement enables the Joint Committee established under Article 164(1) thereof (‘the Joint Committee’) to adopt decisions amending the Withdrawal Agreement, provided that such amendments are necessary to correct errors, to address omissions or other deficiencies, or to address situations unforeseen when the Agreement was signed, and provided that such decisions do not amend essential elements of that Agreement. Pursuant to Article 166(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement, the decisions adopted by the Joint Committee are binding on the Union and the United Kingdom. The Union and the United Kingdom must implement such decisions, which have the same legal effect as the Withdrawal Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Point (d) of Article 164(5) of the Withdrawal Agreement enables the Joint Committee established under Article 164(1) thereof (‘the Joint Committee’) to adopt decisions amending the Withdrawal Agreement, provided that such amendments are necessary to correct errors, to address omissions or other deficiencies, or to address situations unforeseen when the Agreement was signed, and provided that such decisions do not amend essential elements of that Agreement. Pursuant to Article 166(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement, the decisions adopted by the Joint Committee are binding on the Union and the United Kingdom. The Union and the United Kingdom must implement such decisions, which have the same legal effect as the Withdrawal Agreement.

| (2) | Under Article 182 of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (‘the Protocol’) forms an integral part of that Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Under Article 182 of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (‘the Protocol’) forms an integral part of that Agreement.

| (3) | Two legal acts on the CO2 emission performance of new cars and vans registered in the Union which are listed under heading 9 of Annex 2 to the Protocol and made applicable to and in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland by Article 5(4) of that Protocol, do not relate to the placing on the market of such vehicles in the Union. They should therefore be removed from Annex 2 to the Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Two legal acts on the CO2 emission performance of new cars and vans registered in the Union which are listed under heading 9 of Annex 2 to the Protocol and made applicable to and in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland by Article 5(4) of that Protocol, do not relate to the placing on the market of such vehicles in the Union. They should therefore be removed from Annex 2 to the Protocol;

| (4) | Eight legal acts which are essential for the application of the rules of the internal market for goods in respect of Northern Ireland and which were omitted at the time of adoption, should be added to Annex 2 to the Protocol. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Eight legal acts which are essential for the application of the rules of the internal market for goods in respect of Northern Ireland and which were omitted at the time of adoption, should be added to Annex 2 to the Protocol.

| (5) | In order to clarify the scope of application of certain acts already listed in Annex 2 to the Protocol, three notes should be added to that Annex, |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In order to clarify the scope of application of certain acts already listed in Annex 2 to the Protocol, three notes should be added to that Annex,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION

Article 1

Annex 2 to the Protocol shall be amended as follows:

| 1. | under the heading ‘9. Motor vehicles, including agricultural and forestry tractors’, the following entries shall be deleted:






  ‘– | Regulation (EC) No 443/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 setting emissions performance standards for new passenger cars as part of the Community’s integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

under the heading ‘9. Motor vehicles, including agricultural and forestry tractors’, the following entries shall be deleted:

‘–

Regulation (EC) No 443/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 setting emissions performance standards for new passenger cars as part of the Community’s integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles

| – | Regulation (EU) No 510/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2011 setting emission performance standards for new light commercial vehicles as part of the Union’s integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles’; |
| --- | --- |

–

Regulation (EU) No 510/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2011 setting emission performance standards for new light commercial vehicles as part of the Union’s integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles’;

| 2. | under the heading ‘6. Regulations on bilateral safeguards’, the following entry shall be added:






  ‘– | Regulation (EU) 2019/287 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 February 2019 implementing bilateral safeguard clauses and other mechanisms allowing for the temporary withdrawal of preferences in certain trade agreements concluded between the European Union and third countries (1)’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

under the heading ‘6. Regulations on bilateral safeguards’, the following entry shall be added:

‘–

Regulation (EU) 2019/287 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 February 2019 implementing bilateral safeguard clauses and other mechanisms allowing for the temporary withdrawal of preferences in certain trade agreements concluded between the European Union and third countries (1)’;

| 3. | under the heading ‘23. Chemicals and related’, the following entry shall be added:






  ‘– | Council Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 laying down rules for the monitoring of trade between the Union and third countries in drug precursors (2)’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

under the heading ‘23. Chemicals and related’, the following entry shall be added:

‘–

Council Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 laying down rules for the monitoring of trade between the Union and third countries in drug precursors (2)’;

| 4. | under the heading ‘25. Waste’, the following entry shall be added:






  ‘– | Articles 2 to 7, Articles 14 and 17 and Parts A, B, C, D and F of the Annex to Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (3)’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

under the heading ‘25. Waste’, the following entry shall be added:

‘–

Articles 2 to 7, Articles 14 and 17 and Parts A, B, C, D and F of the Annex to Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (3)’;

| 5. | under the heading ‘29. Food – general’, the following entry shall be added:






  ‘– | Directive 2011/91/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on indications or marks identifying the lot to which a foodstuff belongs (4)’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

under the heading ‘29. Food – general’, the following entry shall be added:

‘–

Directive 2011/91/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on indications or marks identifying the lot to which a foodstuff belongs (4)’;

| 6. | under the heading ‘42. Plant reproductive material’, the following entries shall be added:






  ‘– | Council Directive 66/401/EEC of 14 June 1966 on the marketing of fodder plant seed (5) |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

under the heading ‘42. Plant reproductive material’, the following entries shall be added:

‘–

Council Directive 66/401/EEC of 14 June 1966 on the marketing of fodder plant seed (5)

| – | Council Directive 98/56/EC of 20 July 1998 on the marketing of propagating material of ornamental plants (6) |
| --- | --- |

–

Council Directive 98/56/EC of 20 July 1998 on the marketing of propagating material of ornamental plants (6)

| – | Council Directive 2008/72/EC of 15 July 2008 on the marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material, other than seed (7)’; |
| --- | --- |

–

Council Directive 2008/72/EC of 15 July 2008 on the marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material, other than seed (7)’;

| 7. | under the heading ‘47. Other’, the following entry shall be added:






  ‘– | Regulation (EU) 2019/880 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the introduction and the import of cultural goods’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

7.

under the heading ‘47. Other’, the following entry shall be added:

‘–

Regulation (EU) 2019/880 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the introduction and the import of cultural goods’;

| 8. | under the heading ‘4. General trade related aspects’, following the entry for ‘Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008’, the following note shall be inserted:

  ‘Without prejudice to the fact that the tariff preferences for eligible countries pursuant to the Union’s General Scheme of Preferences shall be applicable in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland:






  — | the references to “Member State” in Article 9(1)(c)(ii) and Chapter VI [Safeguards and surveillance provisions] of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 shall not be read as including the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, |
| --- | --- | --- |

8.

under the heading ‘4. General trade related aspects’, following the entry for ‘Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008’, the following note shall be inserted:

‘Without prejudice to the fact that the tariff preferences for eligible countries pursuant to the Union’s General Scheme of Preferences shall be applicable in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland:

—

the references to “Member State” in Article 9(1)(c)(ii) and Chapter VI [Safeguards and surveillance provisions] of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 shall not be read as including the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland,

| — | the references to “Union market” in Article 2(k) and Chapter VI [Safeguards and surveillance provisions] of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 shall not be read as including the market of United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, and |
| --- | --- |

—

the references to “Union market” in Article 2(k) and Chapter VI [Safeguards and surveillance provisions] of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 shall not be read as including the market of United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, and

| — | the references to “Union producers” and to “Union industry” in Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 shall not be read as including the producers or industry of the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland.’; |
| --- | --- |

—

the references to “Union producers” and to “Union industry” in Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 shall not be read as including the producers or industry of the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland.’;

| 9. | under the heading ‘5. Trade defence instruments’, directly under the heading, the following note shall be inserted:

  ‘Without prejudice to the fact that the Union’s trade defence measures shall be applicable in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, the references to “Member States” or “Union” in Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, Regulation (EU) 2016/1037, Regulation (EU) 2015/478 and Regulation (EU) 2015/755 shall not be read as including the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland. In addition, importers that paid Union anti-dumping or countervailing duties on the importation of goods that were customs cleared in Northern Ireland may only ask for a refund of such duties pursuant to Article 11(8) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 or Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1037, respectively.’; |
| --- | --- |

9.

under the heading ‘5. Trade defence instruments’, directly under the heading, the following note shall be inserted:

‘Without prejudice to the fact that the Union’s trade defence measures shall be applicable in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, the references to “Member States” or “Union” in Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, Regulation (EU) 2016/1037, Regulation (EU) 2015/478 and Regulation (EU) 2015/755 shall not be read as including the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland. In addition, importers that paid Union anti-dumping or countervailing duties on the importation of goods that were customs cleared in Northern Ireland may only ask for a refund of such duties pursuant to Article 11(8) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 or Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1037, respectively.’;

| 10. | under the heading ‘6. Regulations on bilateral safeguards’, directly under the heading, the following note shall be inserted:

  ‘Without prejudice to the fact that the Union’s bilateral safeguard measures shall be applicable in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, the references to “Member States” or “Union” in the regulations listed below shall not be read as including the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland.’; |
| --- | --- |

10.

under the heading ‘6. Regulations on bilateral safeguards’, directly under the heading, the following note shall be inserted:

‘Without prejudice to the fact that the Union’s bilateral safeguard measures shall be applicable in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, the references to “Member States” or “Union” in the regulations listed below shall not be read as including the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland.’;

| 11. | under the heading ‘25. Waste’, following the entry for ‘Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment’, the following note shall be inserted:

  ‘In relation to the application of those Articles and Parts to and in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, any reference to “
  3 July 2021
  ” in Articles 4 (1), 14 and 17 (1) is to be read as “
  1 January 2022
  ”. Articles 2, 3, 14 and 17, and Part F of the Annex, shall only apply insofar as they relate to Articles 4 to 7.’. |
| --- | --- |

11.

under the heading ‘25. Waste’, following the entry for ‘Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment’, the following note shall be inserted:

‘In relation to the application of those Articles and Parts to and in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, any reference to “
  3 July 2021
  ” in Articles 4 (1), 14 and 17 (1) is to be read as “
  1 January 2022
  ”. Articles 2, 3, 14 and 17, and Part F of the Annex, shall only apply insofar as they relate to Articles 4 to 7.’.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following the date of its adoption.

Done at ...,

For the Joint Committee

The Co-chairs

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(1)  
  OJ L 53, 22.2.2019, p. 1.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 22, 26.1.2005, p. 1.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 155, 12.6.2019, p. 1.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 334, 16.12.2011, p. 1.

4

(5)  
  OJ 125, 11.7.1966, p. 2298.

5

(6)  
  OJ L 226, 13.8.1998, p. 16.

6

(7)  
  OJ L 205, 1.8.2008, p. 28.

7

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