ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
(8)

The Commission mandated the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) to provide scientific input on elements to consider when developing a definition of the term ‘nanomaterial’ for regulatory purposes. The opinion ‘Scientific basis for the definition of the term “Nanomaterial” ’ was subject to a public consultation in 2010. In its opinion of 8 December 2010 (5), SCENIHR concluded that size is universally applicable to nanomaterials and the most suitable measurand. A defined size range would facilitate a uniform interpretation. The lower limit was proposed at 1 nm. An upper limit of 100 nm is commonly used by general consensus, but there is no scientific evidence to support the appropriateness of this value. The use of a single upper limit value might be too limiting for the classification of nanomaterials and a differentiated approach might be more appropriate. For regulatory purposes, the number size distribution should also be considered using the mean size and the standard deviation of the size to refine the definition. The size distribution of a material should be presented as size distribution based on the number concentration (i.e. the number of objects within a given size range divided by the number of objects in total) and not on the mass fraction of nanoscale particles in the nanomaterial as a small mass fraction may contain the largest number of particles. SCENIHR identified certain specific cases where the application of the definition can be facilitated by using the volume specific surface area as proxy to determine if a material falls within the defined nano size range.
(10)

Based on the assessment of the Stability Programme pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, the Council is of the opinion that the macroeconomic scenario underpinning the budgetary projections in the Stability Programme is optimistic when compared with the Commission services’ 2012 spring forecast. The objective of the budgetary strategy outlined in the Stability Programme is to bring the general government deficit below 3 % of GDP in 2013, which is the deadline set by the Council, and to pursue further deficit reduction thereafter so as to broadly achieve Slovenia’s medium-term budgetary objective (MTO) by 2015. The MTO is defined as a balanced position in structural terms, unchanged from the previous Stability Programme, but cannot be regarded as appropriate under the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact because, based on current policies and projections, it does not ensure sufficiently rapid progress towards long-term sustainability. There are risks that the deficit outcomes could be worse than targeted, due to (i) a lack of specification of the measures foreseen, in particular for the period 2014-15; (ii) a track record of primary current expenditure overruns; (iii) lower revenue given the relatively optimistic macroeconomic scenario and uncertainty about the impact of the recently decided tax measures; and (iv) possible additional capital support operations and calling of guarantees. Based on the (recalculated) structural balance (5), the average annual fiscal effort over the period 2010-13 is planned to be almost 1 % of GDP, slightly above the one recommended by the Council. However, the Commission services’ 2012 spring forecast implies that an additional effort will have to be made in 2013 to respect the recommendation over the entire correction period. After the planned correction of the excessive deficit, the annual pace of progress towards the MTO according to the Stability Programme is in line with the 0,5 % benchmark set in the Stability and Growth Pact in 2015 but below it in 2014, while the rate of growth of government expenditure, taking into account discretionary revenue measures, is in line with the expenditure benchmark of the Stability and Growth Pact in both years, so overall the Stability Programme plans a broadly appropriate adjustment path towards the MTO. Taking account of the risks mentioned above, the progress towards the MTO could be slower than appropriate in both years. From around 48 % of GDP in 2011, general government gross debt is projected in the Stability Programme to peak by 2013 at 53 % (thus remaining below the 60 % of GDP Treaty reference value) before falling slightly by the end of the programme period. The debt projections are subject to upward risks from the possibility of higher deficits mentioned above and higher stock-flow adjustments. Slovenia’s medium-term budgetary framework and expenditure rule remain insufficiently binding and insufficiently focussed on achieving the MTO and securing long-term sustainability.
EN Official Journal of the European Union L 55/34

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION

of 21 February 2012

concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (10th EDF) for the financial year 2010

(2012/129/EU)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (1) and amended by the Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (2),

Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing of Community aid under the multiannual financial framework for the period 2008 to 2013 in accordance with the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and on the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the EC Treaty applies (3) (the ‘Internal Agreement’) setting up, amongst others, the 10th European Development Fund (10th EDF), and in particular Article 11(8) thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 215/2008 of 18 February 2008 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the 10th European Development Fund (4), and in particular Articles 142 to 144 thereof,

Having examined the revenue and expenditure account and the balance sheet relating to the operations of the 10th EDF as at 31 December 2010 and the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on the activities funded by the 8th, 9th and 10th European Development Funds (EDFs) (5), concerning the financial year 2010, together with the Commission’s replies contained in that Annual Report,

Whereas:

(1) Pursuant to Article 11(8) of the Internal Agreement, the discharge for the financial management of the 10th EDF is to be given to the Commission by the European Parliament on the recommendation of the Council.

(2) The overall implementation by the Commission of the operations of the 10th EDF during the financial year 2010 has been satisfactory,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS that the European Parliament give the Commission a discharge in respect of the implementation of the operations of the 10th EDF for the financial year 2010.

Done at Brussels, 21 February 2012. For the Council The President M. VESTAGER

(1) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

(2) OJ L 287, 28.10.2005, p. 4.

(3) OJ L 247, 9.9.2006, p. 32.

(4) OJ L 78, 19.3.2008, p. 1.

(5) OJ C 326, 10.11.2011, p. 251.
(10)

Based on the assessment of the Stability Programme pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, the Council is of the opinion that the Netherlands implemented sizeable consolidation measures over 2011-2013, but that the fiscal effort is likely not to be sufficient to correct the excessive deficit by 2013, mainly in light of worse than expected economic developments. The macroeconomic scenario underpinning the budgetary projections in the Stability Programme is broadly plausible. For 2013 and 2014, the Stability Programme projects real economic growth of – 0,4 % and 1,1 %, respectively, which is fairly close to the Commission services 2013 spring forecast of – 0,8 % and 0,9 %. The stated objective of the Stability Programme is to reduce the headline deficit to below 3 % of GDP from 2014 in a sustainable manner. The Stability Programme does not contain an explicit reference to the medium-term objective (MTO), suggesting that the MTO of – 0,5 %, as communicated in last year’s Stability Programme, is confirmed. The MTO is in line with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. In addition, while in 2015 the Stability Programme plans a reduction in the structural balance of 0,5 % of GDP in structural terms, in line with the minimum annual structural requirement, in 2016 the structural balance is expected to deteriorate by 0,4 % of GDP and to improve by 0,1 % of GDP in 2017, thereby falling short from the appropriate adjustment path. Based on the Commission services 2013 spring forecast, the average annual fiscal effort of around 0,7 % of GDP over the period 2010-2013 is in line with the fiscal effort of ¾ % of GDP recommended by the Council. The budgetary adjustment in 2011 and 2012 was predominantly geared to the expenditure side, yet in 2013 relied largely on revenue measures. The planned headline deficit set by the Stability Programme is consistent with a correction of the excessive deficit by 2014, one year after the deadline set by the Council under the excessive deficit procedure (EDP) on 2 December 2009. The Council considers that the fiscal effort envisaged by the authorities is not compatible with an actual correction of the excessive deficit by 2014. Possible additional consolidation measures specified in the Stability Programme have been temporarily withdrawn and at any rate would not be sufficient. The Netherlands needs to define additional measures to bring the headline general government deficit below the 3 % of GDP threshold in 2014 in a sustainable manner. According to the Stability Programme, the debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to rise further to 74 % of GDP in 2013 and to increase slightly further to 75 % of GDP in 2014. The debt ratio is thus projected to remain well above the 60 % reference value. For 2015, the Stability Programme expects the debt ratio to decline to 71,4 % of GDP and to decline slightly thereafter, reaching 70,8 % in 2017. This decline in the debt ratio after 2014, however, is insufficiently underpinned by policy measures.
1.

Member States should, with the active involvement of feed and food business operators, perform monitoring for the presence of 2 and 3-MCPD, 2 and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters and glycidyl fatty acid esters in food, and particularly in: (a) vegetable oils and fats and derived products such as margarine and similar products, (b) foods for particular nutritional uses as defined in Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (5) and intended for infants and young children, including infant- and follow on formulae as defined in Commission Directive 2006/141/EC (6) and dietary foods for special medical purposes as defined in Commission Directive 1999/21/EC (7) intended for use by infants, (c) fine bakery wares, bread and rolls, (d) canned meat (smoked) and canned fish (smoked), (e) potato- or cereal-based snacks, other fried potato-based products, (f) vegetable oil containing foods and foods prepared/produced with vegetable oils. It is recognised that the analysis of 2 and 3-MCPD, 2 and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters and glycidyl fatty acid esters in foods mentioned in points (b) to (f) is very challenging and no methods of analysis, which have been validated by a collaborative study, are yet available. Therefore particular attention has to be paid when analysing foods mentioned in points (b) to (f) in order to ensure that the generated data are reliable. Therefore, Member States which intend to analyse the presence of 2 and 3-MCPD, 2 and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters and glycidyl fatty acid esters in foods mentioned in points (b) to (f) may request, if appropriate and needed, the technical assistance of the Commission's Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), Unit Standards for Food Bioscience.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 66/3

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION

of 17 February 2015

concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (10th EDF) for the financial year 2013

(2015/C 66/03)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (1) and amended by the Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (2),

Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing of Community aid under the multiannual financial framework for the period 2008 to 2013 in accordance with the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and on the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the EC Treaty applies (3) (the ‘Internal Agreement’) setting up, amongst others, the 10th European Development Fund (10th EDF), and in particular Article 11(8) thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 215/2008 of 18 February 2008 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the 10th European Development Fund (4), and in particular Articles 142 to 144 thereof,

Having examined the revenue and expenditure account and the balance sheet relating to the operations of the 10th EDF as at 31 December 2013 and the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on the activities funded by the eighth, ninth and 10th European Development Funds (EDFs) concerning the financial year 2013, together with the Commission’s replies contained in that Annual Report (5),

Whereas:

(1) Pursuant to Article 11(8) of the Internal Agreement, the discharge for the financial management of the 10th EDF is to be given to the Commission by the European Parliament on the recommendation of the Council.

(2) The overall implementation by the Commission of the operations of the 10th EDF during the financial year 2013 has been satisfactory,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS that the European Parliament give the Commission a discharge in respect of the implementation of the operations of the 10th EDF for the financial year 2013.

Done at Brussels, 17 February 2015. For the Council The President J. REIRS

(1) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

(2) OJ L 287, 28.10.2005, p. 4.

(3) OJ L 247, 9.9.2006, p. 32.

(4) OJ L 78, 19.3.2008, p. 1.

(5) OJ C 398, 12.11.2014, p. 289.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 58/3

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION

of 21 February 2017

concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (tenth EDF) for the financial year 2015

(2017/C 58/03)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (1) and amended by the Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (2),

Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing of Community aid under the multiannual financial framework for the period 2008 to 2013 in accordance with the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and on the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the EC Treaty applies (3) (the ‘Internal Agreement’) setting up, amongst others, the tenth European Development Fund (tenth EDF), and in particular Article 11(8) thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 215/2008 of 18 February 2008 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the 10th European Development Fund (4), and in particular Articles 142 to 144 thereof,

Having examined the revenue and expenditure account and the balance sheet relating to the operations of the tenth EDF as at 31 December 2015 and the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on the activities funded by the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th European Development Funds (EDFs) concerning the financial year 2015, together with the Commission’s replies (5) contained in that Annual Report,

Whereas:

(1) Pursuant to Article 11(8) of the Internal Agreement, the discharge for the financial management of the tenth EDF is to be given to the Commission by the European Parliament on the recommendation of the Council.

(2) The overall implementation by the Commission of the operations of the tenth EDF during the financial year 2015 has been satisfactory,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS that the European Parliament give the Commission a discharge in respect of the implementation of the operations of the tenth EDF for the financial year 2015.

Done at Brussels, 21 February 2017. For the Council The President E. SCICLUNA

(1) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

(2) OJ L 209, 11.8.2005, p. 27.

(3) OJ L 247, 9.9.2006, p. 32.

(4) OJ L 78, 19.3.2008, p. 1.

(5) OJ C 375, 13.10.2016, p. 287.
(13)

In the final plan Estonia should take into account interlinkages between the planned policies and measures, notably, by considering the implications of the energy efficiency first principle on the decarbonisation, energy security and internal energy market dimensions. The contribution of energy efficiency to reducing energy import dependency and offsetting the impact of the reduction of electricity generation from oil shale are important elements in this regard, also with a view to integrating increasing shares of renewables and ensuring future electricity system generation adequacy. The impact of climate change risks on energy supply is another relevant consideration. Estonia should pay particular attention to specifying the implementation status and impacts of policies and measures, as well as providing greenhouse gas projections split by policy sector (emission trading system, effort sharing sectors and land use, land use and forestry). Similarly, the objectives under the research, innovation and competitiveness dimension need to underpin the efforts planned for the other Energy Union dimensions.
(13)

Considering the overall good set-up of national targets in energy and climate policy outlined in the draft plan, the final plan could specify the main interactions between these targets both in terms of national ambition levels and in terms of provisional, planned, additional and existing policy instruments. Elaborating further on sector coupling and on the related incentive structure across different sectors of the economy would allow addressing the consistency of policies and measures within and between Energy Union dimensions more comprehensively. In that context, consideration could be given to identifying investment needs in all Energy Union dimensions, preventing sudden impacts of shifting prices by ensuring a gradual phase out of energy subsidies with long term visibility and to measures mitigating the impact on vulnerable consumers through energy poverty measures. A comprehensive impact assessment could help addressing policy interactions, e.g. by quantifying the impact on accounted emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry of a sustainable supply of biomass for energy purposes, including risks for energy security due to climate change. A quantitative overview in the final plan of the development of different sources of flexibility required to integrate the rising share of renewable energy in the electricity system could help to address additional interactions between Energy Union dimensions. Information on how the energy efficiency first principle is taken into account in national policies and measures across various Energy Union dimensions could be included more comprehensively.
(7)

The Commission 2020 winter forecast, extended with fiscal variables until 2022, projects the general government deficit to remain above the 3 % of GDP reference value for the entire forecast period. The Commission projects a general government deficit of 4 % of GDP in 2019, 4,9 % in 2020, 6,9 % in 2021 and 7,7 % in 2022 under a no-policy-change assumption. The structural deficit is projected to deteriorate by 1 % of GDP in 2020, by a further 1,9 % of GDP in 2021 and by a further 0,8 % in 2022. The increase in the deficit projected by the Commission is mostly driven by significant pension increases enacted in summer 2019. The higher spending on pensions would contribute 0,9 percentage points of GDP to the deficit increase in 2020, 1,7 percentage points of GDP in 2021 and 1,1 percentage points of GDP in 2022. The doubling of the child allowance, due to enter into force in August 2020, is estimated to have an annualised budgetary cost of 0,6 % of GDP. In its Fiscal Strategy, the government projects a general government deficit of 3,6 % of GDP in 2020, 3,4 % in 2021 and 2,8 % in 2022. Based on government estimates, this would lead to a structural adjustment of 0,3 % in 2020, 0,2 % in 2021 and 0,6 % in 2022. The adjustment to the Fiscal Strategy is mostly expenditure-based. In particular, the expenditures on compensation of employees, on goods and services and on non-EU-cofinanced capital spending are projected to decrease as a share of GDP. The lower deficit projection in the Fiscal Strategy, compared with the Commission’s forecast, stems from more optimistic underlying macroeconomic projections in the Fiscal Strategy and from the fact that the Fiscal Strategy does not take into account the fiscal impact of some enacted measures, while the planned moderation of current expenditures is not fully supported by enacted, or credibly announced, measures and could therefore not be taken fully into account in the Commission forecast.
(34)

The objective of the mechanism described in point 8 of Recommendation (EU) 2020/403 has been to ensure that essential PPE and medical devices are swiftly made available to healthcare workers. Bearing in mind the considerable demand for PPE and medical devices generated by the healthcare sector in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it cannot be excluded that over the past months certain healthcare facilities may have generated certain stocks of PPE products and medical devices, which have been granted with an approval decision on the basis of the mechanism described in point 8 of Recommendation (EU) 2020/403. It can reasonably be expected that the demand for essential PPE products and medical devices generated by the healthcare sector will remain strong for the total duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to avoid the risk of creating distortions in the supply of essential PPE and medical devices for the benefit of healthcare workers, it is appropriate to ensure that healthcare facilities and first responders can use up all the concerned PPE products and medical devices which have been proven to be compliant with the essential health and safety requirements laid down in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2016/425 or in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2017/745 or in Annex I to the repealed Directive 93/42/EEC, including those products assessed in accordance with the mechanism described in point 8 of Recommendation (EU) 2020/403.