# Official Journal L 121/2016

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 121 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 5911 May 2016 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 121

English edition

Legislation

Volume 5911 May 2016

---

| Contents | | II   Non-legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/698 of 8 April 2016 correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards transitional rules for certain provisions of the Union Customs Code where the relevant electronic systems are not yet operational and amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 | 1 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/699 of 10 May 2016 establishing budgetary ceilings for 2016 applicable to certain direct support schemes provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council | 11 |
| | | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/700 of 10 May 2016 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables | 20 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/701 of 4 May 2016 amending Decision 2007/453/EC as regards the BSE status of France
  (notified under document C(2016) 2600)

   (
  1
  ) | 22 |
| | * | Decision (EU) 2016/702 of the European Central Bank of 18 April 2016 amending Decision (EU) 2015/774 on a secondary markets public sector asset purchase programme (ECB/2016/8) | 24 |

Contents

II   Non-legislative acts

page

REGULATIONS

*

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/698 of 8 April 2016 correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards transitional rules for certain provisions of the Union Customs Code where the relevant electronic systems are not yet operational and amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446

1

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/699 of 10 May 2016 establishing budgetary ceilings for 2016 applicable to certain direct support schemes provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

11

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/700 of 10 May 2016 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

20

DECISIONS

*

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/701 of 4 May 2016 amending Decision 2007/453/EC as regards the BSE status of France
  (notified under document C(2016) 2600)

   (
  1
  )

(notified under document C(2016) 2600)

1

22

*

Decision (EU) 2016/702 of the European Central Bank of 18 April 2016 amending Decision (EU) 2015/774 on a secondary markets public sector asset purchase programme (ECB/2016/8)

24

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (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. |
| --- | --- |

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

| 11.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 121/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.5.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 121/1

---

COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2016/698

of 8 April 2016

correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards transitional rules for certain provisions of the Union Customs Code where the relevant electronic systems are not yet operational and amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to to Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (1), and in particular Article 279 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Following the adoption of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 (2), in the part concerning simplifications of Annex 12 to that Delegated Regulation, certain inconsistencies with the systems set up by the Union Customs Code were detected in three of the forms, including references to procedures that have ceased to exist. Those inconsistencies affect legal clarity and should be corrected. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Following the adoption of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 (2), in the part concerning simplifications of Annex 12 to that Delegated Regulation, certain inconsistencies with the systems set up by the Union Customs Code were detected in three of the forms, including references to procedures that have ceased to exist. Those inconsistencies affect legal clarity and should be corrected.

| (2) | Furthermore, it was detected that, also in the part concerning simplifications of Annex 12 to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341, certain forms had been omitted by mistake. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Furthermore, it was detected that, also in the part concerning simplifications of Annex 12 to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341, certain forms had been omitted by mistake.

| (3) | Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 should therefore be corrected accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 should therefore be corrected accordingly.

| (4) | The provisions of this Regulation should apply from 1 May 2016 in order to enable the full application of the Union Customs Code, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The provisions of this Regulation should apply from 1 May 2016 in order to enable the full application of the Union Customs Code,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Corrections to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341

In Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341, Annex 12 is corrected as follows:

| (1) | the forms ‘Application for authorisation to use simplified declaration and entry in the declarant's records’, ‘Application for authorisation to use simplifications, Continuation form — IMPORT’ and ‘Explanatory notes to the different boxes of the application form’ are replaced by the forms set out in Annex I to this Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

(1)

the forms ‘Application for authorisation to use simplified declaration and entry in the declarant's records’, ‘Application for authorisation to use simplifications, Continuation form — IMPORT’ and ‘Explanatory notes to the different boxes of the application form’ are replaced by the forms set out in Annex I to this Regulation;

| (2) | the forms set out in Annex II to this Regulation are added. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

the forms set out in Annex II to this Regulation are added.

Article 2

Entry into force

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

Official Journal of the European Union

It shall apply from 1 May 2016.

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

Done at Brussels, 8 April 2016.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (OJ L 269, 10.10.2013, p. 1).

1

(2)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/341 of 17 December 2015 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards transitional rules for certain provisions of the Union Customs Code where the relevant electronic systems are not yet operational and amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 (OJ L 69, 15.3.2016, p. 1).

2

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ANNEX I

Image 1

Application for authorisation to use simplifications

Original

1. Applicant

Companies involved if different from the applicant

Reserved for customs purposes

1.a. Company's Identification number

1.b. Reference number

1.c. Contact information

1.d. Lodgement of the declarations

in own name and on own behalf

as direct representative

as indirect representative

2. Simplifications

a. Entry in the declarant's records

b. Simplified declaration

c. Centralised clearance

standard declaration

simplified declaration

EIDR

Import

free circulation

customs warehouse

inward processing

temporary admission

end use

Export

exportation

re-exportation

outward processing

Import

free circulation

customs warehouse

inward processing

temporary admission

end use

Export

exportation

re-exportation

outward processing

Import

free circulation

customs warehouse

inward processing

temporary admission

end use

Export

exportation

re-exportation

outward processing

3. Type of authorisation (to insert the code):

4.a. Authorised economic operator (AEO)

YES No.

NO

4.b. authorisation(s) for customs procedures for which simplifications will be used

5. Main accounts

5.a. Place where main accounts are held

5.b. Type of main account

6. Continuation forms

Type

Reference number

Expiry date

Image 2

Application for authorisation to use simplifications

Continuation form — IMPORT

Original

7. Records for the procedure

7.a. Place where the records are held

7.b. Type of records

7.c. Other relevant information

8. Type of goods

8.a. CN-Code

Description

8.b. Estimated total quantity

8.c. Estimated number of transactions

8.d. Estimated total customs value

8.e. Average of duty amount

9. Authorised locations of goods / Customs offices

a.

Locations

b.

Local/presentation customs offices

10. Customs office(s) for placing goods under a customs procedure

11. Supervising office (if applicable)

12. Type of simplified declaration

Single administrative document (SAD)

Electronic declaration

commercial or other administrative document

to be specified:

13. Additional information / conditions

14. I consent to the exchange of any information with the customs authorities of any other Member State involved.

Place and date

Signature and name

Explanatory notes to the different boxes of the application form

Explanatory notes to the different boxes of the application form

General remark:

General remark:

If necessary the requested information can be presented in a separate annex to the application form, referring to the box of the form concerned.

Member States may require additional information.

| 1. | Enter full name and EORI number of the applicant. The applicant is the person to whom the authorisation will be issued. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Enter full name and EORI number of the applicant. The applicant is the person to whom the authorisation will be issued.

| 1.a | Enter the company identification number. |
| --- | --- |

1.a

Enter the company identification number.

| 1.b | Enter, if applicable, any internal reference number, to refer to this application in the authorisation. |
| --- | --- |

1.b

Enter, if applicable, any internal reference number, to refer to this application in the authorisation.

| 1.c | Enter the relevant contact information (contact person, contact address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address) |
| --- | --- |

1.c

Enter the relevant contact information (contact person, contact address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address)

| 1.d | Indicate the type of representation for lodgement of a declaration by inserting an ‘X’ in the appropriate box. |
| --- | --- |

1.d

Indicate the type of representation for lodgement of a declaration by inserting an ‘X’ in the appropriate box.

| 2. | Indicate which type of simplification (entry in the records, simplified declaration or centralised clearance) and which customs procedure (for import and/or export) is applied for by inserting an ‘X’ in the appropriate box. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Indicate which type of simplification (entry in the records, simplified declaration or centralised clearance) and which customs procedure (for import and/or export) is applied for by inserting an ‘X’ in the appropriate box.

| 3. | Enter the relevant code:






  1 | first application for an authorisation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2 | application for modified or renewed authorisation (also indicate the appropriate authorisation number). |

3.

Enter the relevant code:

1

first application for an authorisation

2

application for modified or renewed authorisation (also indicate the appropriate authorisation number).

| 4.a | Indicate if the status of authorised economic operator is certified; if ‘YES’, enter the corresponding number. |
| --- | --- |

4.a

Indicate if the status of authorised economic operator is certified; if ‘YES’, enter the corresponding number.

| 4.b | Enter the type, reference and — if applicable — the expiry date of the relevant authorisation(s) for which the applied simplification(s) will be used; in case authorisation(s) is/are just applied for, enter the type of applied authorisation(s) and the date of application |
| --- | --- |

4.b

Enter the type, reference and — if applicable — the expiry date of the relevant authorisation(s) for which the applied simplification(s) will be used; in case authorisation(s) is/are just applied for, enter the type of applied authorisation(s) and the date of application

| 5. | Information on main accounts, commercial, fiscal or other accounting material. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Information on main accounts, commercial, fiscal or other accounting material.

| 5.a | Enter the full address of the location where the main accounts are held. |
| --- | --- |

5.a

Enter the full address of the location where the main accounts are held.

| 5.b | Enter the type of accounts (electronic or paper-based, and type of system and software in use). |
| --- | --- |

5.b

Enter the type of accounts (electronic or paper-based, and type of system and software in use).

| 6. | Enter the number of continuation forms attached to this application. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Enter the number of continuation forms attached to this application.

| 7. | Information on records (customs-related accounts). |
| --- | --- |

7.

Information on records (customs-related accounts).

| 7.a | Enter full address of the location where the records are held. |
| --- | --- |

7.a

Enter full address of the location where the records are held.

| 7.b | Enter the type of records (electronic or paper-based, and type of system and software in use). |
| --- | --- |

7.b

Enter the type of records (electronic or paper-based, and type of system and software in use).

| 7.c | Enter, if applicable, other relevant information regarding to the records. |
| --- | --- |

7.c

Enter, if applicable, other relevant information regarding to the records.

| 8. | Information about type of goods and transactions. |
| --- | --- |

8.

Information about type of goods and transactions.

| 8.a | Enter, if applicable, the relevant CN-Code otherwise enter at least the chapter of CN and the description of the goods. |
| --- | --- |

8.a

Enter, if applicable, the relevant CN-Code otherwise enter at least the chapter of CN and the description of the goods.

| 8.b | Enter the relevant information on a monthly basis. |
| --- | --- |

8.b

Enter the relevant information on a monthly basis.

| 8.c | Enter the relevant information on a monthly basis. |
| --- | --- |

8.c

Enter the relevant information on a monthly basis.

| 9. | Information on authorised locations of goods and responsible customs office. |
| --- | --- |

9.

Information on authorised locations of goods and responsible customs office.

| 9.a & b | Enter the full name, address and contact information. |
| --- | --- |

9.a & b

Enter the full name, address and contact information.

| 10. | Enter the full name, address and contact information of the relevant customs offices where the goods are placed under a customs procedure. |
| --- | --- |

10.

Enter the full name, address and contact information of the relevant customs offices where the goods are placed under a customs procedure.

| 11. | Enter, if applicable, the full name, address and contact information of the supervising office. |
| --- | --- |

11.

Enter, if applicable, the full name, address and contact information of the supervising office.

| 12. | Indicate, by inserting an ‘X’ in the appropriate box, the type of simplified declaration; in case of using commercial or other administrative documents, the type of documents in use must be specified. |
| --- | --- |

12.

Indicate, by inserting an ‘X’ in the appropriate box, the type of simplified declaration; in case of using commercial or other administrative documents, the type of documents in use must be specified.

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ANNEX II

Image 3

Application for authorisation to use simplifications

Continuation form — EXPORT

Original

7. Records for the procedure

7.a. Place where the records are held

7.b. Type of records

7.c. Other relevant information

8. Type of goods

8.a. CN-Code

Description

8.b. Estimated total quantity

8.c. Estimated number of transactions

8.d. Estimated total amount

9. Authorised locations of goods / Customs offices

a.

Locations

b.

Local/presentation customs offices

10. Customs office(s) for placing goods under a customs procedure

11. Supervising office (if applicable)

12. Type of simplified declaration

Single administrative document (SAD)

Electronic declaration

commercial or other administrative document

to be specified:

13. Additional information / conditions

14. I consent to the exchange of any information with the customs authorities of any other Member State involved.

Place and date

Signature and name

Image 4

Authorisation to use simplifications

Original

1. Holder of authorisation

No.:

Authorisation number

Issuing authority

1.a. This decision refers to your application of

Ref. no.:

1.b. The holder of this authorisation is acting

as direct representative

in own name and on own behalf

as indirect representative

2. Simplifications

a. Entry in the declarant's records

b. Simplified declaration

c. Centralised clearance

standard declaration

simplified declaration

EIDR

Import

free circulation

customs warehouse

inward processing

temporary admission

end use

Export

exportation

re-exportation

outward processing

Import

free circulation

customs warehouse

inward processing

temporary admission

end use

Export

exportation

re-exportation

outward processing

Import

free circulation

customs warehouse

inward processing

temporary admission

end use

Export

exportation

re-exportation

outward processing

3. Type of authorisation (to insert the code):

4. Type and reference of the authorisation(s) for which thesimplification(s) will be used

5. Main accounts

5.a. Place where main accounts are held

5.b. Type of main account

6. Continuation forms

Type

Reference no.

Image 5

Authorisation to use simplifications

Continuation form — IMPORT

Authorisation number

Original

7. Records for the procedure

7.a. Place where the records are held

7.b. Type of records

8. Type of goods

8.a. CN-Code

Description

8.b. Estimated total quantity

8.c. Estimated number of transactions

8.d. Estimated total customs value

8.e. Average of duty amount

9. Authorised location(s) of goods / Customs office(s)

a.

Locations

b.

Local/presentation customs offices

10. Customs office(s) for placing goods under a customs procedure

11. Supervising office

12. Type of simplified declaration

Single administrative document (SAD)

Electronic declaration

commercial or other administrative document

to be specified:

13. Additional information / conditions

14. Place and date

Signature and name

Stamp

Image 6

Authorisation to use simplifications

Continuation form — EXPORT

Authorisation number

Original

7. Records for the procedure

7.a. Place where the records are held

7.b. Type of records

8. Type of goods

8.a. CN-Code

Description

8.b. Estimated total quantity

8.c. Estimated number of transactions

8.d. Estimated total amount

9. Authorised location(s) of goods / Customs offices

a.

Locations

b.

Local/presentation customs offices

10. Customs office(s) for placing goods under a customs procedure

11. Supervising office

12. Type of simplified declaration

Single administrative document (SAD)

Electronic declaration

commercial or other administrative document

to be specified:

13. Additional information / conditions

14. Place and date

Signature and name

Stamp

---

| 11.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 121/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.5.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 121/11

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2016/699

of 10 May 2016

establishing budgetary ceilings for 2016 applicable to certain direct support schemes provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to 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 (1), and in particular Articles 22(1), 36(4), 42(2), 47(3), 49(2), 51(4) and 53(7) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | For each Member State implementing the basic payment scheme provided for in Chapter 1 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceiling referred to in Article 22(1) of that Regulation for 2016 has to be set by the Commission by deducting from the annual national ceiling set out in Annex II to that Regulation the ceilings fixed in accordance with Articles 42, 47, 49, 51 and 53 of that Regulation. In accordance with Article 22(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 any increases applied by Member States pursuant to that provision are to be taken into account. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

For each Member State implementing the basic payment scheme provided for in Chapter 1 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceiling referred to in Article 22(1) of that Regulation for 2016 has to be set by the Commission by deducting from the annual national ceiling set out in Annex II to that Regulation the ceilings fixed in accordance with Articles 42, 47, 49, 51 and 53 of that Regulation. In accordance with Article 22(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 any increases applied by Member States pursuant to that provision are to be taken into account.

| (2) | For each Member State implementing the single area payment scheme provided for in Chapter 1 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceiling referred to in Article 36(4) of that Regulation for 2016 has to be set by the Commission by deducting from the annual national ceiling set out in Annex II to that Regulation the ceilings fixed in accordance with Articles 42, 47, 49, 51 and 53 of that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

For each Member State implementing the single area payment scheme provided for in Chapter 1 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceiling referred to in Article 36(4) of that Regulation for 2016 has to be set by the Commission by deducting from the annual national ceiling set out in Annex II to that Regulation the ceilings fixed in accordance with Articles 42, 47, 49, 51 and 53 of that Regulation.

| (3) | For each Member State granting the redistributive payment provided for in Chapter 2 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceiling referred to in Article 42(2) of that Regulation for 2016 has to be set by the Commission on the basis of the percentage notified by those Member States pursuant to Article 42(1) of that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

For each Member State granting the redistributive payment provided for in Chapter 2 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceiling referred to in Article 42(2) of that Regulation for 2016 has to be set by the Commission on the basis of the percentage notified by those Member States pursuant to Article 42(1) of that Regulation.

| (4) | In relation to the payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment provided for in Chapter 3 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 in 2016, the annual national ceilings referred to in Article 47(3) of that Regulation for 2016 have to be calculated in accordance with Article 47(1) of that Regulation and amounting to 30 % of the national ceiling of the relevant Member State as set out in Annex II to that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In relation to the payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment provided for in Chapter 3 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 in 2016, the annual national ceilings referred to in Article 47(3) of that Regulation for 2016 have to be calculated in accordance with Article 47(1) of that Regulation and amounting to 30 % of the national ceiling of the relevant Member State as set out in Annex II to that Regulation.

| (5) | For Member States granting the payment for areas with natural constraints provided for in Chapter 4 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceilings referred to in Article 49(2) of that Regulation for 2016 have to be set by the Commission on the basis of the percentage notified by the relevant Member States pursuant to Article 49(1) of that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

For Member States granting the payment for areas with natural constraints provided for in Chapter 4 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceilings referred to in Article 49(2) of that Regulation for 2016 have to be set by the Commission on the basis of the percentage notified by the relevant Member States pursuant to Article 49(1) of that Regulation.

| (6) | In relation to the payment for young farmers provided for in Chapter 5 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceilings referred to in Article 51(4) of that Regulation for 2016 have to be set by the Commission on the basis of the percentage notified by Member States pursuant to Article 51(1) of that Regulation and shall not be higher than 2 % of the annual ceiling set out in Annex II. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

In relation to the payment for young farmers provided for in Chapter 5 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the annual national ceilings referred to in Article 51(4) of that Regulation for 2016 have to be set by the Commission on the basis of the percentage notified by Member States pursuant to Article 51(1) of that Regulation and shall not be higher than 2 % of the annual ceiling set out in Annex II.

| (7) | Where the total amount of the payment for young farmers applied for in 2016 in a Member State exceeds the ceiling set pursuant to Article 51(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 for that Member State, the difference has to be financed by the Member State in accordance with Article 51(2) of that Regulation whilst respecting the maximum amount laid down in Article 51(1) of that Regulation. For the sake of clarity, it is appropriate to set this maximum amount for each Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Where the total amount of the payment for young farmers applied for in 2016 in a Member State exceeds the ceiling set pursuant to Article 51(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 for that Member State, the difference has to be financed by the Member State in accordance with Article 51(2) of that Regulation whilst respecting the maximum amount laid down in Article 51(1) of that Regulation. For the sake of clarity, it is appropriate to set this maximum amount for each Member State.

| (8) | For each Member State granting voluntary coupled support provided for in Chapter 1 of Title IV of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 in 2016, the Commission has to set the annual national ceiling referred to in Article 53(7) of that Regulation for 2016 on the basis of the percentage notified by the relevant Member State pursuant to Article 54(1) of that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

For each Member State granting voluntary coupled support provided for in Chapter 1 of Title IV of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 in 2016, the Commission has to set the annual national ceiling referred to in Article 53(7) of that Regulation for 2016 on the basis of the percentage notified by the relevant Member State pursuant to Article 54(1) of that Regulation.

| (9) | Concerning the year 2016, the implementation of direct support schemes provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 started on 1 January 2016. For the sake of consistency between the applicability of that Regulation for the claim year 2016 and the applicability of the corresponding budgetary ceilings, this Regulation should apply from the same date. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Concerning the year 2016, the implementation of direct support schemes provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 started on 1 January 2016. For the sake of consistency between the applicability of that Regulation for the claim year 2016 and the applicability of the corresponding budgetary ceilings, this Regulation should apply from the same date.

| (10) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Direct Payments, |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Direct Payments,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

1.   The annual national ceilings for 2016 for the basic payment scheme referred to in Article 22(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 are set out in point I of the Annex to this Regulation.

2.   The annual national ceilings for 2016 for the single area payment scheme referred to in Article 36(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 are set out in point II of the Annex to this Regulation.

3.   The annual national ceilings for 2016 for the redistributive payment referred to in Article 42(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 are set out in point III of the Annex to this Regulation.

4.   The annual national ceilings for 2016 for the payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment referred to in Article 47(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 are set out in point IV of the Annex to this Regulation.

5.   The annual national ceilings for 2016 for the payment for areas with natural constraints referred to in Article 49(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 are set out in point V of the Annex to this Regulation.

6.   The annual national ceilings for 2016 for the payment for young farmers referred to in Article 51(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 are set out in point VI of the Annex to this Regulation.

7.   The maximum amounts for 2016 for the payment for young farmers referred to in Article 51(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 are set out in point VII of the Annex to this Regulation.

8.   The annual national ceilings for 2016 for voluntary coupled support referred to in Article 53(7) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 are set out in point VIII of the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

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

It shall apply from 1 January 2016.

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

Done at Brussels, 10 May 2016.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 608.

1

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ANNEX

I.   Budgetary ceilings for the basic payment scheme referred to in Article 22(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013

| (thousand EUR) |
| --- |
| Calendar year | 2016 |
| Belgium | 225 595 |
| Denmark | 564 769 |
| Germany | 3 042 977 |
| Ireland | 828 429 |
| Greece | 1 182 879 |
| Spain | 2 816 109 |
| France | 3 199 094 |
| Croatia | 87 941 |
| Italy | 2 314 333 |
| Luxembourg | 22 819 |
| Malta | 648 |
| Netherlands | 513 025 |
| Austria | 470 847 |
| Portugal | 284 807 |
| Slovenia | 73 581 |
| Finland | 269 562 |
| Sweden | 401 642 |
| United Kingdom | 2 091 382 |

(thousand EUR)

Calendar year

2016

Belgium

225 595

Denmark

564 769

Germany

3 042 977

Ireland

828 429

Greece

1 182 879

Spain

2 816 109

France

3 199 094

Croatia

87 941

Italy

2 314 333

Luxembourg

22 819

Malta

648

Netherlands

513 025

Austria

470 847

Portugal

284 807

Slovenia

73 581

Finland

269 562

Sweden

401 642

United Kingdom

2 091 382

II.   Budgetary ceilings for the single area payment scheme referred to in Article 36(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013

| (thousand EUR) |
| --- |
| Calendar year | 2016 |
| Bulgaria | 378 949 |
| Czech Republic | 462 535 |
| Estonia | 75 612 |
| Cyprus | 30 805 |
| Latvia | 109 970 |
| Lithuania | 171 472 |
| Hungary | 734 076 |
| Poland | 1 551 652 |
| Romania | 898 240 |
| Slovakia | 250 297 |

(thousand EUR)

Calendar year

2016

Bulgaria

378 949

Czech Republic

462 535

Estonia

75 612

Cyprus

30 805

Latvia

109 970

Lithuania

171 472

Hungary

734 076

Poland

1 551 652

Romania

898 240

Slovakia

250 297

III.   Budgetary ceilings for the redistributive payment referred to in Article 42(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013

| (thousand EUR) |
| --- |
| Calendar year | 2016 |
| Belgium | 48 186 |
| Bulgaria | 55 868 |
| Germany | 341 633 |
| France | 727 067 |
| Croatia | 20 287 |
| Lithuania | 66 377 |
| Poland | 281 810 |
| Romania | 94 709 |
| United Kingdom | 32 334 |

(thousand EUR)

Calendar year

2016

Belgium

48 186

Bulgaria

55 868

Germany

341 633

France

727 067

Croatia

20 287

Lithuania

66 377

Poland

281 810

Romania

94 709

United Kingdom

32 334

IV.   Budgetary ceilings for the payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment as referred to in Article 47(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013

| (thousand EUR) |
| --- |
| Calendar year | 2016 |
| Belgium | 152 932 |
| Bulgaria | 237 735 |
| Czech Republic | 253 212 |
| Denmark | 255 805 |
| Germany | 1 464 143 |
| Estonia | 34 369 |
| Ireland | 364 041 |
| Greece | 569 748 |
| Spain | 1 455 505 |
| France | 2 181 201 |
| Croatia | 60 860 |
| Italy | 1 155 242 |
| Cyprus | 15 068 |
| Latvia | 61 729 |
| Lithuania | 132 753 |
| Luxembourg | 10 064 |
| Hungary | 403 338 |
| Malta | 1 572 |
| Netherlands | 221 052 |
| Austria | 207 726 |
| Poland | 1 018 590 |
| Portugal | 172 186 |
| Romania | 531 741 |
| Slovenia | 41 099 |
| Slovakia | 132 443 |
| Finland | 157 027 |
| Sweden | 209 189 |
| United Kingdom | 953 964 |

(thousand EUR)

Calendar year

2016

Belgium

152 932

Bulgaria

237 735

Czech Republic

253 212

Denmark

255 805

Germany

1 464 143

Estonia

34 369

Ireland

364 041

Greece

569 748

Spain

1 455 505

France

2 181 201

Croatia

60 860

Italy

1 155 242

Cyprus

15 068

Latvia

61 729

Lithuania

132 753

Luxembourg

10 064

Hungary

403 338

Malta

1 572

Netherlands

221 052

Austria

207 726

Poland

1 018 590

Portugal

172 186

Romania

531 741

Slovenia

41 099

Slovakia

132 443

Finland

157 027

Sweden

209 189

United Kingdom

953 964

V.   Budgetary ceilings for payment for areas with natural constraints referred to in Article 49(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013

| (thousand EUR) |
| --- |
| Calendar year | 2016 |
| Denmark | 2 857 |

(thousand EUR)

Calendar year

2016

Denmark

2 857

VI.   Budgetary ceilings for the payment for young farmers referred to in Article 51(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013

| (thousand EUR) |
| --- |
| Calendar year | 2016 |
| Belgium | 8 495 |
| Bulgaria | 1 030 |
| Czech Republic | 1 688 |
| Denmark | 5 116 |
| Germany | 48 805 |
| Estonia | 344 |
| Ireland | 24 269 |
| Greece | 37 983 |
| Spain | 97 034 |
| France | 72 707 |
| Croatia | 4 057 |
| Italy | 38 508 |
| Cyprus | 352 |
| Latvia | 3 200 |
| Lithuania | 5 531 |
| Luxembourg | 503 |
| Hungary | 5 378 |
| Malta | 21 |
| Netherlands | 14 737 |
| Austria | 13 848 |
| Poland | 33 953 |
| Portugal | 11 479 |
| Romania | 15 000 |
| Slovenia | 2 055 |
| Slovakia | 1 348 |
| Finland | 5 234 |
| Sweden | 10 459 |
| United Kingdom | 49 491 |

(thousand EUR)

Calendar year

2016

Belgium

8 495

Bulgaria

1 030

Czech Republic

1 688

Denmark

5 116

Germany

48 805

Estonia

344

Ireland

24 269

Greece

37 983

Spain

97 034

France

72 707

Croatia

4 057

Italy

38 508

Cyprus

352

Latvia

3 200

Lithuania

5 531

Luxembourg

503

Hungary

5 378

Malta

21

Netherlands

14 737

Austria

13 848

Poland

33 953

Portugal

11 479

Romania

15 000

Slovenia

2 055

Slovakia

1 348

Finland

5 234

Sweden

10 459

United Kingdom

49 491

VII.   Maximum amounts for the payment for young farmers referred to in Article 51(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013

| (thousand EUR) |
| --- |
| Calendar year | 2016 |
| Belgium | 10 195 |
| Bulgaria | 15 849 |
| Czech Republic | 16 881 |
| Denmark | 17 054 |
| Germany | 97 610 |
| Estonia | 2 291 |
| Ireland | 24 269 |
| Greece | 37 983 |
| Spain | 97 034 |
| France | 145 413 |
| Croatia | 4 057 |
| Italy | 77 016 |
| Cyprus | 1 005 |
| Latvia | 4 115 |
| Lithuania | 8 850 |
| Luxembourg | 671 |
| Hungary | 26 889 |
| Malta | 105 |
| Netherlands | 14 737 |
| Austria | 13 848 |
| Poland | 67 906 |
| Portugal | 11 479 |
| Romania | 35 449 |
| Slovenia | 2 740 |
| Slovakia | 8 830 |
| Finland | 10 468 |
| Sweden | 13 946 |
| United Kingdom | 63 598 |

(thousand EUR)

Calendar year

2016

Belgium

10 195

Bulgaria

15 849

Czech Republic

16 881

Denmark

17 054

Germany

97 610

Estonia

2 291

Ireland

24 269

Greece

37 983

Spain

97 034

France

145 413

Croatia

4 057

Italy

77 016

Cyprus

1 005

Latvia

4 115

Lithuania

8 850

Luxembourg

671

Hungary

26 889

Malta

105

Netherlands

14 737

Austria

13 848

Poland

67 906

Portugal

11 479

Romania

35 449

Slovenia

2 740

Slovakia

8 830

Finland

10 468

Sweden

13 946

United Kingdom

63 598

VIII.   Budgetary ceilings for voluntary coupled support referred to in Article 53(7) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013

| (thousand EUR) |
| --- |
| Calendar year | 2016 |
| Belgium | 85 270 |
| Bulgaria | 118 867 |
| Czech Republic | 126 606 |
| Denmark | 24 135 |
| Estonia | 4 237 |
| Ireland | 3 000 |
| Greece | 148 432 |
| Spain | 584 919 |
| France | 1 090 601 |
| Croatia | 30 430 |
| Italy | 423 589 |
| Cyprus | 4 000 |
| Latvia | 30 865 |
| Lithuania | 66 377 |
| Luxembourg | 160 |
| Hungary | 201 669 |
| Malta | 3 000 |
| Netherlands | 3 500 |
| Austria | 14 541 |
| Poland | 509 295 |
| Portugal | 117 535 |
| Romania | 232 779 |
| Slovenia | 20 550 |
| Slovakia | 57 390 |
| Finland | 102 591 |
| Sweden | 90 648 |
| United Kingdom | 52 709 |

(thousand EUR)

Calendar year

2016

Belgium

85 270

Bulgaria

118 867

Czech Republic

126 606

Denmark

24 135

Estonia

4 237

Ireland

3 000

Greece

148 432

Spain

584 919

France

1 090 601

Croatia

30 430

Italy

423 589

Cyprus

4 000

Latvia

30 865

Lithuania

66 377

Luxembourg

160

Hungary

201 669

Malta

3 000

Netherlands

3 500

Austria

14 541

Poland

509 295

Portugal

117 535

Romania

232 779

Slovenia

20 550

Slovakia

57 390

Finland

102 591

Sweden

90 648

United Kingdom

52 709

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| 11.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 121/20 |
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L 121/20

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2016/700

of 10 May 2016

establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to 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 (1),

Having regard to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (2), and in particular Article 136(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto.

| (2) | The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The standard import values referred to in Article 136 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 are fixed in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day 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, 10 May 2016.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Jerzy PLEWA

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 157, 15.6.2011, p. 1.

2

---

ANNEX

Standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

| (EUR/100 kg) |
| --- |
| CN code | Third country code (1) | Standard import value |
| 0702 00 00 | MA | 82,4 |
| SN | 158,8 |
| TN | 71,5 |
| TR | 75,6 |
| ZZ | 97,1 |
| 0707 00 05 | TR | 95,4 |
| ZZ | 95,4 |
| 0709 93 10 | TR | 139,4 |
| ZZ | 139,4 |
| 0805 10 20 | EG | 49,7 |
| IL | 89,0 |
| MA | 54,5 |
| TR | 37,1 |
| ZZ | 57,6 |
| 0805 50 10 | MA | 119,8 |
| ZA | 180,7 |
| ZZ | 150,3 |
| 0808 10 80 | AR | 111,7 |
| BR | 101,3 |
| CL | 114,7 |
| CN | 116,3 |
| NZ | 146,5 |
| US | 168,4 |
| ZA | 92,3 |
| ZZ | 121,6 |

(EUR/100 kg)

CN code

Third country code (1)

Standard import value

0702 00 00

MA

82,4

SN

158,8

TN

71,5

TR

75,6

ZZ

97,1

0707 00 05

TR

95,4

ZZ

95,4

0709 93 10

TR

139,4

ZZ

139,4

0805 10 20

EG

49,7

IL

89,0

MA

54,5

TR

37,1

ZZ

57,6

0805 50 10

MA

119,8

ZA

180,7

ZZ

150,3

0808 10 80

AR

111,7

BR

101,3

CL

114,7

CN

116,3

NZ

146,5

US

168,4

ZA

92,3

ZZ

121,6

---

(1)  Nomenclature of countries laid down by Commission Regulation (EU) No 1106/2012 of 27 November 2012 implementing Regulation (EC) No 471/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries, as regards the update of the nomenclature of countries and territories (OJ L 328, 28.11.2012, p. 7). Code ‘ZZ’ stands for ‘of other origin’.

---

DECISIONS

| 11.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 121/22 |
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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2016/701

of 4 May 2016

amending Decision 2007/453/EC as regards the BSE status of France

(notified under document C(2016) 2600)

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (1), and in particular the third subparagraph of Article 5(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 provides that Member States, third countries or regions thereof (‘countries or regions’) are to be classified according to their bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) status into one of three categories: negligible BSE risk, controlled BSE risk and undetermined BSE risk. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 provides that Member States, third countries or regions thereof (‘countries or regions’) are to be classified according to their bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) status into one of three categories: negligible BSE risk, controlled BSE risk and undetermined BSE risk.

| (2) | The Annex to Commission Decision 2007/453/EC (2) lists countries or regions according to their BSE status. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Annex to Commission Decision 2007/453/EC (2) lists countries or regions according to their BSE status.

| (3) | The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) plays a leading role in the categorisation of countries or regions according to their BSE risk. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) plays a leading role in the categorisation of countries or regions according to their BSE risk.

| (4) | On 26 May 2015, the OIE General Assembly adopted Resolution No 21 on the Recognition of the BSE Risk Status of Member Countries (3), which recognised France as having a negligible BSE risk status. On 4 August 2015, Decision 2007/453/EC was amended by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1356 (4) to reflect the negligible BSE risk status of France, and other countries, in EU law. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

On 26 May 2015, the OIE General Assembly adopted Resolution No 21 on the Recognition of the BSE Risk Status of Member Countries (3), which recognised France as having a negligible BSE risk status. On 4 August 2015, Decision 2007/453/EC was amended by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1356 (4) to reflect the negligible BSE risk status of France, and other countries, in EU law.

| (5) | On 24 March 2016, France notified the Commission, the other Member States and the OIE of the detection of a case of classical BSE, in a bovine animal in France that was born in April 2011. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

On 24 March 2016, France notified the Commission, the other Member States and the OIE of the detection of a case of classical BSE, in a bovine animal in France that was born in April 2011.

| (6) | According to Article 11.4.3 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code (5), one of the conditions for granting and maintaining the negligible BSE risk status of a country is that, if there has been a classical BSE indigenous case in the country, every classical BSE indigenous cases was born more than 11 years ago. Therefore, following the notification by France confirming a case of classical BSE in a 5-year-old bovine animal, the OIE Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases suspended the negligible BSE risk status of France, as recognised by Resolution No 21, and reinstated France's previous status as a country with a controlled BSE risk, with effect from 25 March 2016. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

According to Article 11.4.3 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code (5), one of the conditions for granting and maintaining the negligible BSE risk status of a country is that, if there has been a classical BSE indigenous case in the country, every classical BSE indigenous cases was born more than 11 years ago. Therefore, following the notification by France confirming a case of classical BSE in a 5-year-old bovine animal, the OIE Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases suspended the negligible BSE risk status of France, as recognised by Resolution No 21, and reinstated France's previous status as a country with a controlled BSE risk, with effect from 25 March 2016.

| (7) | To reflect that decision, the list of countries in the Annex to Decision 2007/453/EC should therefore be amended. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

To reflect that decision, the list of countries in the Annex to Decision 2007/453/EC should therefore be amended.

| (8) | Decision 2007/453/EC should therefore be amended accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Decision 2007/453/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (9) | The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Annex to Decision 2007/453/EC is amended as follows:

| (1) | the entry ‘— France’ is deleted in Part ‘A. Countries or regions with a negligible BSE risk’; |
| --- | --- |

(1)

the entry ‘— France’ is deleted in Part ‘A. Countries or regions with a negligible BSE risk’;

| (2) | the entry ‘— France’ is inserted in Part ‘B. Countries or regions with a controlled BSE risk’, after ‘— Spain’ and before ‘— Lithuania’. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

the entry ‘— France’ is inserted in Part ‘B. Countries or regions with a controlled BSE risk’, after ‘— Spain’ and before ‘— Lithuania’.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 4 May 2016.

For the Commission

Vytenis ANDRIUKAITIS

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 147, 31.5.2001, p. 1.

1

(2)  Commission Decision 2007/453/EC of 29 June 2007 establishing the BSE status of Member States or third countries or regions thereof according to their BSE risk (OJ L 172, 30.6.2007, p. 84).

2

(3)  http://www.oie.int/fileadmin/Home/eng/Animal_Health_in_the_World/docs/pdf/2015_A_RESO_R21_BSE.pdf

3

(4)  Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1356 of 4 August 2015 amending Decision 2007/453/EC as regards the BSE status of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, France, Liechtenstein and Switzerland (OJ L 209, 6.8.2015, p. 5).

4

(5)  http://www.oie.int/international-standard-setting/terrestrial-code/access-online/

5

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| 11.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 121/24 |
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DECISION (EU) 2016/702 OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 18 April 2016

amending Decision (EU) 2015/774 on a secondary markets public sector asset purchase programme (ECB/2016/8)

THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the first indent of Article 127(2) thereof,

Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 12.1 in conjunction with the first indent of Article 3.1, and Article 18.1, thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Decision (EU) 2015/774 of the European Central Bank (ECB/2015/10) (1) established a secondary markets public sector asset purchase programme (hereinafter the ‘PSPP’), which expanded the Eurosystem's existing asset purchase programmes to include public sector securities. Alongside the third covered bond purchase programme, the asset-backed securities purchase programme and the forthcoming corporate sector purchase programme, the PSPP is part of the expanded asset purchase programme (APP). The APP aims to enhance the transmission of monetary policy, facilitate the provision of credit to the euro area economy, ease borrowing conditions for households and firms and contribute to returning inflation rates to levels that are below but close to 2 % over the medium term, consistent with the European Central Bank's primary objective of maintaining price stability. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Decision (EU) 2015/774 of the European Central Bank (ECB/2015/10) (1) established a secondary markets public sector asset purchase programme (hereinafter the ‘PSPP’), which expanded the Eurosystem's existing asset purchase programmes to include public sector securities. Alongside the third covered bond purchase programme, the asset-backed securities purchase programme and the forthcoming corporate sector purchase programme, the PSPP is part of the expanded asset purchase programme (APP). The APP aims to enhance the transmission of monetary policy, facilitate the provision of credit to the euro area economy, ease borrowing conditions for households and firms and contribute to returning inflation rates to levels that are below but close to 2 % over the medium term, consistent with the European Central Bank's primary objective of maintaining price stability.

| (2) | In line with the Governing Council's mandate to ensure price stability, certain features of the PSPP should be modified in order to ensure a sustained adjustment in the path of inflation towards levels that are below, but close to 2 %, over the medium term. The changes are in line with the Governing Council's monetary policy mandate and duly reflect risk management considerations. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In line with the Governing Council's mandate to ensure price stability, certain features of the PSPP should be modified in order to ensure a sustained adjustment in the path of inflation towards levels that are below, but close to 2 %, over the medium term. The changes are in line with the Governing Council's monetary policy mandate and duly reflect risk management considerations.

| (3) | More specifically, in order to achieve the PSPP's objectives, the liquidity provided to the market through the combined monthly purchases under the APP should be increased to EUR 80 billion. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

More specifically, in order to achieve the PSPP's objectives, the liquidity provided to the market through the combined monthly purchases under the APP should be increased to EUR 80 billion.

| (4) | In addition, the issuer and issue share limits for marketable securities issued by eligible international organisations and multilateral development banks should be increased. The new threshold was determined in order to ensure that the envisaged purchases will continue to be proportionate to the aims of the PSPP, also considering that the risk of obstructing orderly debt restructurings is limited. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In addition, the issuer and issue share limits for marketable securities issued by eligible international organisations and multilateral development banks should be increased. The new threshold was determined in order to ensure that the envisaged purchases will continue to be proportionate to the aims of the PSPP, also considering that the risk of obstructing orderly debt restructurings is limited.

| (5) | Starting in April 2016, the allocation between purchases of eligible marketable debt securities issued by international organisations and multilateral development banks and purchases of other eligible marketable debt securities under the PSPP should be modified in order to achieve the PSPP's objectives and ensure its smooth implementation for the duration of the PSPP and at its increased purchase volume. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Starting in April 2016, the allocation between purchases of eligible marketable debt securities issued by international organisations and multilateral development banks and purchases of other eligible marketable debt securities under the PSPP should be modified in order to achieve the PSPP's objectives and ensure its smooth implementation for the duration of the PSPP and at its increased purchase volume.

| (6) | Furthermore, for the purposes of the external credit assessment institution (ECAI) credit assessment of marketable debt securities, ECAI issue ratings should also be taken into account where neither the issuer nor the guarantor has an ECAI rating. However, the marketable security should nonetheless have the required issue rating to comply with the eligibility criteria for marketable assets for Eurosystem credit operations. Decision (EU) 2015/774 (ECB/2015/10) should take account of the fact that those eligibility criteria are now contained in Part Four of Guideline (EU) 2015/510 of the European Central Bank (ECB/2014/60) (2). |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Furthermore, for the purposes of the external credit assessment institution (ECAI) credit assessment of marketable debt securities, ECAI issue ratings should also be taken into account where neither the issuer nor the guarantor has an ECAI rating. However, the marketable security should nonetheless have the required issue rating to comply with the eligibility criteria for marketable assets for Eurosystem credit operations. Decision (EU) 2015/774 (ECB/2015/10) should take account of the fact that those eligibility criteria are now contained in Part Four of Guideline (EU) 2015/510 of the European Central Bank (ECB/2014/60) (2).

| (7) | Therefore, Decision (EU) 2015/774 (ECB/2015/10) should be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Therefore, Decision (EU) 2015/774 (ECB/2015/10) should be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Amendments

Decision (EU) 2015/774 (ECB/2015/10) is amended as follows:

| 1. | in Article 3, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

  ‘2.   In order to be eligible for purchase under the PSPP, marketable debt securities shall comply with the eligibility criteria for marketable assets for Eurosystem credit operations pursuant to Part Four of Guideline (EU) 2015/510 of the European Central Bank (ECB/2014/60) (*1), subject to the following requirements:






  (a) | the issuer or guarantor of the marketable debt securities shall have a credit quality assessment of at least Credit Quality Step 3 in the Eurosystem's harmonised rating scale expressed in the form of at least one public credit rating provided by an external credit assessment institution (ECAI) accepted within the Eurosystem credit assessment framework; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

in Article 3, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

‘2.   In order to be eligible for purchase under the PSPP, marketable debt securities shall comply with the eligibility criteria for marketable assets for Eurosystem credit operations pursuant to Part Four of Guideline (EU) 2015/510 of the European Central Bank (ECB/2014/60) (*1), subject to the following requirements:

(a)

the issuer or guarantor of the marketable debt securities shall have a credit quality assessment of at least Credit Quality Step 3 in the Eurosystem's harmonised rating scale expressed in the form of at least one public credit rating provided by an external credit assessment institution (ECAI) accepted within the Eurosystem credit assessment framework;

| (b) | if multiple ECAI issuer ratings or ECAI guarantor ratings are available, the first-best rule shall apply, i.e. the best available ECAI issuer rating or ECAI guarantor rating shall apply. If the fulfilment of the credit quality requirements is established based on an ECAI guarantor rating, the guarantee shall fulfil the features of an acceptable guarantee as laid down in Article 87 and Articles 113 to 115 of Guideline (EU) 2015/510 (ECB/2014/60); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

if multiple ECAI issuer ratings or ECAI guarantor ratings are available, the first-best rule shall apply, i.e. the best available ECAI issuer rating or ECAI guarantor rating shall apply. If the fulfilment of the credit quality requirements is established based on an ECAI guarantor rating, the guarantee shall fulfil the features of an acceptable guarantee as laid down in Article 87 and Articles 113 to 115 of Guideline (EU) 2015/510 (ECB/2014/60);

| (c) | in the absence of an ECAI issuer rating and an ECAI guarantor rating, a marketable debt security shall have at least one ECAI issue rating of at least Credit Quality Step 3 on the Eurosystem's harmonised rating scale; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

in the absence of an ECAI issuer rating and an ECAI guarantor rating, a marketable debt security shall have at least one ECAI issue rating of at least Credit Quality Step 3 on the Eurosystem's harmonised rating scale;

| (d) | if the credit assessment provided by an accepted ECAI for the issuer, guarantor or issue does not comply with at least Credit Quality Step 3 in the Eurosystem's harmonised rating scale, marketable debt securities shall be eligible only if they are issued or fully guaranteed by the central governments of euro area Member States under a financial assistance programme and in respect of which the application of the Eurosystem's credit quality threshold is suspended by the Governing Council pursuant to Article 8 of Guideline ECB/2014/31 (*2); |
| --- | --- |

(d)

if the credit assessment provided by an accepted ECAI for the issuer, guarantor or issue does not comply with at least Credit Quality Step 3 in the Eurosystem's harmonised rating scale, marketable debt securities shall be eligible only if they are issued or fully guaranteed by the central governments of euro area Member States under a financial assistance programme and in respect of which the application of the Eurosystem's credit quality threshold is suspended by the Governing Council pursuant to Article 8 of Guideline ECB/2014/31 (*2);

| (e) | in the event of a review of an ongoing financial assistance programme, eligibility for PSPP purchases shall be suspended and shall resume only in the event of a positive outcome of the review. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

in the event of a review of an ongoing financial assistance programme, eligibility for PSPP purchases shall be suspended and shall resume only in the event of a positive outcome of the review.

(*1)  Guideline (EU) 2015/510 of the European Central Bank of 19 December 2014 on the implementation of the Eurosystem monetary policy framework (ECB/2014/60) (OJ L 91, 2.4.2015, p. 3)."

*1

(*2)  Guideline ECB/2014/31 of the European Central Bank of 9 July 2014 on additional temporary measures relating to Eurosystem refinancing operations and eligibility of collateral and amending Guideline ECB/2007/9 (OJ L 240, 13.8.2014, p. 28).’;"

*2

| 2. | Article 5 is replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 5
  Purchase limits

  1.   Subject to Article 3, an issue share limit per international securities identification number (ISIN) shall apply under the PSPP to marketable debt securities fulfilling the criteria laid down in Article 3, after consolidating holdings in all of the portfolios of the Eurosystem central banks. The issue share limit shall be as follows:






  (a) | 50 % per ISIN for eligible marketable debt securities issued by eligible international organisations and multilateral development banks; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Article 5 is replaced by the following:

‘Article 5

Purchase limits

1.   Subject to Article 3, an issue share limit per international securities identification number (ISIN) shall apply under the PSPP to marketable debt securities fulfilling the criteria laid down in Article 3, after consolidating holdings in all of the portfolios of the Eurosystem central banks. The issue share limit shall be as follows:

(a)

50 % per ISIN for eligible marketable debt securities issued by eligible international organisations and multilateral development banks;

| (b) | 33 % per ISIN for other eligible marketable debt securities, with the exception of 25 % per ISIN for such eligible marketable debt securities containing a collective action clause (CAC) that differs from the euro area model CAC elaborated by the Economic and Financial Committee and implemented by the Member States in accordance with Article 12(3) of the Treaty establishing the European Stability Mechanism, but will be increased to 33 %, subject to verification on a case-by-case basis that a holding of 33 % per ISIN of those securities would not lead the Eurosystem central banks to reach blocking minority holdings in orderly debt restructurings. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

33 % per ISIN for other eligible marketable debt securities, with the exception of 25 % per ISIN for such eligible marketable debt securities containing a collective action clause (CAC) that differs from the euro area model CAC elaborated by the Economic and Financial Committee and implemented by the Member States in accordance with Article 12(3) of the Treaty establishing the European Stability Mechanism, but will be increased to 33 %, subject to verification on a case-by-case basis that a holding of 33 % per ISIN of those securities would not lead the Eurosystem central banks to reach blocking minority holdings in orderly debt restructurings.

2.   All marketable debt securities eligible for purchase under the PSPP and which have the remaining maturities specified in Article 3 shall be subject to an aggregate limit, after consolidating holdings in all of the portfolios of the Eurosystem central banks, of:

| (a) | 50 % of the outstanding securities of an issuer which is an eligible international organisation or a multilateral development bank; or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

50 % of the outstanding securities of an issuer which is an eligible international organisation or a multilateral development bank; or

| (b) | 33 % of the outstanding securities of an issuer other than an eligible international organisation or a multilateral development bank. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

33 % of the outstanding securities of an issuer other than an eligible international organisation or a multilateral development bank.

3.   With regard to the debt securities referred to in point (d) of Article 3(2), different issuer and issue share limits shall apply. These limits will be set by the Governing Council taking due account of risk management and market functioning considerations.’;

| 3. | in Article 6, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

  ‘1.   Of the book value of purchases of marketable debt securities eligible under the PSPP, 10 % shall be purchased in securities issued by eligible international organisations and multilateral development banks, and 90 % of that book value shall be purchased in securities issued by eligible central, regional or local governments and recognised agencies or, where applicable pursuant to Article 3(4) of this Decision, in securities issued by eligible public non-financial corporations. This allocation is subject to revision by the Governing Council. Purchases of debt securities issued by eligible international organisations, multilateral development banks and regional and local governments shall be made by NCBs only.’; |
| --- | --- |

3.

in Article 6, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

‘1.   Of the book value of purchases of marketable debt securities eligible under the PSPP, 10 % shall be purchased in securities issued by eligible international organisations and multilateral development banks, and 90 % of that book value shall be purchased in securities issued by eligible central, regional or local governments and recognised agencies or, where applicable pursuant to Article 3(4) of this Decision, in securities issued by eligible public non-financial corporations. This allocation is subject to revision by the Governing Council. Purchases of debt securities issued by eligible international organisations, multilateral development banks and regional and local governments shall be made by NCBs only.’;

| 4. | in Article 6, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

  ‘2.   The NCBs' share of the book value of purchases of marketable debt securities eligible under the PSPP shall be 90 %, and the remaining 10 % shall be purchased by the ECB. The distribution of purchases across jurisdictions shall be in accordance with the key for subscription of the ECB's capital as referred to in Article 29 of the Statute of the ESCB.’. |
| --- | --- |

4.

in Article 6, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

‘2.   The NCBs' share of the book value of purchases of marketable debt securities eligible under the PSPP shall be 90 %, and the remaining 10 % shall be purchased by the ECB. The distribution of purchases across jurisdictions shall be in accordance with the key for subscription of the ECB's capital as referred to in Article 29 of the Statute of the ESCB.’.

Article 2

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on 19 April 2016. It shall apply from 19 April 2016.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 18 April 2016.

The President of the ECB

Mario DRAGHI

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(1)  Decision (EU) 2015/774 of the European Central Bank of 4 March 2015 on a secondary markets public sector asset purchase programme (ECB/2015/10) (OJ L 121, 14.5.2015, p. 20).

1

(2)  Guideline (EU) 2015/510 of the European Central Bank of 19 December 2014 on the implementation of the Eurosystem monetary policy framework (ECB/2014/60) (OJ L 91, 2.4.2015, p. 3).

2

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