Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions – Creating an EU Blue Deal from an agriculture and rural development perspective across EU regions (own-initiative opinion)
Date: 2024-06-20
Institutions: Commission for Natural Resources, European Committee of the Regions
Subjects: adaptation to climate change, biodiversity, farming sector, innovation, research and development, rural development, water management, water management in agriculture, water protection, water resources








C_202405368EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2024/5368


17.9.2024






Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions – Creating an EU Blue Deal from an agriculture and rural development perspective across EU regions
(own-initiative opinion)
(C/2024/5368)














Rapporteur



:


Karl VANLOUWE (BE/EA), Member of a Regional Assembly: Flemish Parliament









POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS (CoR),

Introduction









1.


believes that water should be recognised as a strategic priority in the Multiannual Financial Programme 2028-2034 and calls for the creation of an EU Blue Deal with a specific focus on preserving biodiversity and supporting rural areas in agriculture and rural development, that is complementary to the EU Green Deal, in which water scarcity and droughts are already recognised as a priority. This is already reflected in several major European strategies (e.g. the 2021 EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030);












2.


points out that water, the source of life, is indispensable for sustaining all aspects of existence. Water is vital for human survival, health, food production, and ecosystem support, and also plays a crucial role in climate regulation. Despite its irreplaceable importance, water faces numerous challenges, including pollution from industrial chemicals, pesticides, nutrients and pharmaceuticals, and the overarching impact of climate change;












3.


recalls the UN’s emphasis on the crucial role of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment in upholding fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health, food and water, and acknowledges that the loss of key ecosystem services, such as drinking water and biodiversity, undermine those rights, for example by reducing agricultural and fisheries outputs, negatively affecting health, or removing natural filters in the water cycle;












4.


stresses that climate change and rising temperatures are certain to put further pressure on Europe’s water supply; acknowledges the importance of safeguarding the limited freshwater sources from pollution and of guaranteeing sustainable management of water, especially in the agriculture, industry and energy sectors. The protection of water and its rational use should be a priority for the EU;












5.


urges the Commission to effectively engage with local and regional authorities (LRAs), economic actors and civil society organisations in paving the way towards an ambitious and holistic European Water Strategy and calls upon the Member States to develop effective and sustainable drought management plans and to coordinate or integrate them with the Water Framework Directive (1) river basin management plans;












6.


believes that water is a fundamental resource for human health, for biodiversity, and for all kinds of economic activity (agriculture, industry, tourism, etc.). The EU should ensure that sufficient access to clean drinking water is guaranteed for all users, but research, innovation and information campaigns should also be undertaken within a European framework to promote water conservation and efficiency;












7.


believes that a long-term water resilience strategy is necessary in the EU to tackle water pollution, water scarcity, damaging floods and biodiversity loss. In this connection, attention should be paid to each Member State’s local and regional characteristics, in terms of both geography and climate, and industrial, economic and social characteristics. Local and regional authorities face water problems in different ways and it is therefore important that measures be tailored to local and regional characteristics;












8.


believes that there are numerous risks related to water: the risk of an excess of water, a shortage of water or pollution all disrupt freshwater systems, and thus all societal functions. To manage water-related risks, there is a need for policy coherence across sectors on water management, climate change adaptation, restoration of natural water cycles and reducing the risk of (water-related) disasters. Nature-based solutions, water reuse and new sustainable water extraction methods are essential elements of water management and need to be promoted in the future. At the same time, the need for technical and scientific progress to prevent the adverse impact of climate change on the environment and human and animal health must not be overlooked;












9.


points out that, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA), water scarcity affected 29 % of the EU territory during at least one season on 2019. When an area is under water stress, it compromises both individual domestic use and economic activities of all sectors;












10.


highlights that over the last five years, the European continent has suffered severe drought. Currently, more than a quarter of the EU territory is under drought warning, in particular the Iberian Peninsula, illustrating that the planetary boundary for freshwater has already surpassed safe limits, including the water available to plants;












11.


calls upon the European Commission 2024-2029 to come forward with a comprehensive and ambitious Water-Smart Strategy, which would become a competitive asset for our European autonomy alongside the energy and critical raw materials strategies;












12.


calls for the creation of a European platform on water where local and regional authorities and services within the same river basin can work together on water policy, for example via European territorial cooperation programmes. Regions should be able to coordinate and manage water infrastructure projects efficiently. In addition, this platform should also support innovative water projects and sharing of information; emphasises the need for active engagement of local and regional authorities, farmers and industry stakeholders in the decision-making process, to ensure that water policy and disaster management are effectively aligned with local needs and conditions;












13.


notes that, in addition to supporting innovation and water management, there is also a need to manage our water resources sustainably by applying nature-based solutions. By implementing measures such as restoring wetlands and creating buffer zones, we restore nature’s function as a natural sponge, which can mitigate the extreme effects of water-related disasters and partially prevent them;












14.


again, points out the Commission’s report on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2). The CoR reiterates the Commission’s intention to increase the resilience of water systems and the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems by strengthening policy coherence around the Water Framework Directive (WFD);





Coordinating and monitoring water management for a more efficient agriculture









15.


stresses that local and regional authorities within the same river basin are interdependent (3).Water infrastructure projects must be carried out in consultation with the regions and municipalities concerned in the same river basin and construction must take into account the ecological needs of the land and nature. There should be a European framework for regional and EU-wide consultation platforms such as the International Panel for Deltas and Coastal Areas (IPDC) where knowledge exchange and monitoring between different Member States and local and regional authorities is possible (4); It should be reiterated in this connection that, with increased extreme weather patterns (longer rain periods, longer drought periods), precipitation needs to be kept e.g. in reservoirs to be directly available for all purposes or to be able to replenish groundwater reserves. Reservoirs, collection systems and differently shaped surface structures (including in cities) should allow precipitation to seep slowly into the soil instead of flowing quickly into the sewage system. This will also help to avoid flooding in the worst case. Therefore, it is preferable to prioritise sustainable water management practices that preserve freshwater ecosystems and avoid reliance solely on reservoirs to enhance long-term water security. It is important to give strategic value to water management, while adjusting expectations and demands for the various types of water use;












16.


notes that the WFD – which requires Member States to draw up river basin management plans – is an important tool to address water problems and promote sustainable water use, but that its implementation is slow and insufficiently integrated into other policies and sectors. Member States and local and regional authorities should pay more attention within the WFD to promoting and facilitating cross-border cooperation between local stakeholders strategic and frequent consultation between actors in the same river basin, and coordination of local and regional actions to speed up the design of water projects and promote the implementation of water policy. Local and regional circumstances and characteristics need to be taken into account in order to set objectives and priorities, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity, and also paying particular attention to river basins lying within a single autonomous community. These elements should lead to a greater bottom-up integration of water policies that address the interface of water and agriculture, which has a major impact on the socio-economic structure of rural areas;












17.


stresses that it is also the lack of management and targeted coordination that is delaying water sustainability and the creation of water infrastructure, not just the lack of funding. The implementation of water policy and projects is as important as providing an appropriate and constant source of funding;












18.


calls for increasing financial support to LRAs, with a specific focus on sustainable funding mechanisms that support rural areas and farmers, emphasising the need for better coordination of regional funds and funding instruments, including LIFE Europe, Interreg, Horizon Europe, and the European Investment Bank financial toolbox, to address the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions and promote long-term water management solutions;












19.


notes that, despite the current common agricultural policy, water policies and management, as well as the use of water, are very different across the EU. Water use and existing techniques used to protect water resources and use them efficiently should be identified in all Member States. This should be included in each Member State’s water plan and coordinated with the plans for each basin. When implementing water policy the competent authorities should ensure that best practices and Interreg projects on water are systematically exchanged with stakeholders within the same river basin as well as with other stakeholders in the EU that experience the same problems and have similar characteristics;












20.


calls for the European water monitoring system to be developed through the European Drought Impact Database (5) and the European Drought Risk Atlas (6). Both can be extended into a European system that includes water management actions and can serve as a platform for sharing best practices. In addition, more risk analyses could be carried out on a regular basis, which would allow best practices in comparable areas to be proposed to stakeholders from other areas. In addition to water management, drought management must also be based on long-term strategies for proactive water management and must make the transition from crisis management to risk management;





Research and innovation









21.


calls for a dedicated Horizon Mission for a Water-Smart Europe in a water-resilient world in conjunction with the EU Water Resilience Initiative (7) and the Missions: Restore our Ocean and Waters, Adaptation to Climate Change (8) and Soil Deal (9), thus making more space for research and innovation in water management;












22.


considers it essential for proper water planning consistent with the sustainability of water bodies to continue investing in the modernisation of existing irrigation in order to save water flows and ensure that adequate irrigation resources are available in view of climate change, and always incorporating renewable energy sources. Also considers that the link between agricultural risk management systems and agricultural insurance for irrigation complements irrigation modernisation policies. Finally, considers it essential in Mediterranean climates and island regions to increase regulatory capacity and regulation in transit within large systems, as this is one of the keys to adapting and modernising existing irrigation systems;












23.


notes that the EU should have the ambition to become a global leader in water-efficient technologies. This technology can help us not only with using water more efficiently, but also with less energy-intensive reuse of water through purification;












24.


maintains that, through an innovative European platform on water technology and efficient use of European funds, essential investments can be made to play a prominent role in innovation for water management in agriculture and rural areas. It is important to support new technologies and innovation to make water use more sustainable, effective and efficient and to safeguard all forms of water use in the long term;












25.


draws attention to the potential of innovation and research on making water use more efficient and sustainable and encourages educational institutions to conduct research and training on new systems for rainwater management and use, for water storage, for the renovation of irrigation systems and the drinking water network, for the construction of new storm tanks, for water-efficient irrigation practices and technologies, for more water-efficient systems for agriculture, households and industry, and for water re-use, that increase both the quantity of drinking water available and the quality of drinking water; also emphasises that the availability of skilled and specialised workers is essential for effective implementation, innovation and resilience in addressing water issues;





Agriculture









26.


suggests that all common agricultural policy (CAP) plans should enhance sustainable and efficient water management, including optimising efficiency, reducing water losses, eliminating illegal water pumping and use and taking measures to ensure that the entire water system is sustainable. Long-term food security and resilience of food systems hinge on the availability of clean fresh water. The Commission must therefore adopt a water-efficiency principle that focuses on the re-use of reclaimed water using the best available techniques (Digital Land Models, DMT) and encourages both the public and private sectors to invest in efficient water use before investing in other more complex solutions;












27.


points out that smallholder farmers are especially at increased risk of water scarcity, as they may not have the financial means to introduce new adaptation technologies on their farms or, equally, to introduce climate mitigation measures. Approximately 84 % of the economic impact of drought falls on agriculture and farmers, which often results in smallholder farms having to close down or transition to growing more drought-resistant crops. Given the observed increase in extreme weather conditions, including droughts and floods, targeted policies are needed to support the unique challenges faced by rural areas and enhance their resilience. The River Basin Management Plans should allocate resources from reclaimed water to agricultural use as a priority, which will help reduce groundwater pumping while ensuring that the agricultural sector has access to water;












28.


calls for the CAP budgets to continue to allocate funds for water infrastructure and management to provide adequate compensation for farmers who actively support the development of green-blue infrastructure and to support a transition to more water-efficient farming techniques. However, it is important that cost-benefit analyses be carried out so that the financial compensation is allocated first and foremost to farmers active in areas threatened by drought and the risk of desertification. Compensation should go to investments to make water management more resilient and to limit, when possible, water use. When implementing the CAP, the specific circumstances of each EU region must be examined, in line with the WFD;












29.


welcomes the reform process within the CAP that promotes sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, soil protection and precision irrigation, and notes that there are innovative ways to reuse sewage and wastewater for agricultural purposes, which can reduce the need for fertilisers and reduce the pollution of our water resources. However, Member States and regions must be given flexibility to be able to adapt to the various soil and climate conditions of each territory. Sustainable agricultural practices must be further supported by adequate investment in innovative farming practices to eliminate negative effects on natural environments and climate change, while at the same time protecting biodiversity and boosting a sustainable EU-based production that ensures the competitiveness of farmers and agribusinesses and revitalises rural communities. At the same time, a 2021 European Court of Auditors special report ‘Sustainable water use in agriculture’ concludes that the common agricultural policy (CAP) is more inclined to encourage ‘greater rather than more efficient water use’. It is therefore necessary to continue to push for sustainable water use;












30.


believes that encouraging integrated, organic farming and promoting multiannual crops helps reduce fertilisers and chemical products, but also improves the water capacity of the soil, which is important in cases of both shortage and over-abundance of water. In addition, forest management practices in rural areas also help to alleviate drought vulnerability effectively by bolstering tree vitality, conserving soil moisture and ensuring clean water provision;












31.


points out that plans need to be developed for the use and optimisation of non-conventional water sources to preserve the environmental conditions of aquifers. Wastewater should be reused with caution: action needs to be taken to ensure compliance with sectoral regulations when reusing wastewater, in order to keep the values of hazardous substances under the thresholds laid down therein. Mechanisms should also be developed to protect against and detect future environmental problems due to emerging or unexpected hazardous substances, for example by using non-target and model-based toxicity analysis, taking into account the views of countries with proven experience in the reuse of wastewater;












32.


stresses that, like industry and tourism, agriculture must also continue to invest in minimising water consumption and optimise crop yields through the use of innovative and sustainable agricultural practices such as drip irrigation and precision farming. In times of water scarcity, all relevant authorities should have a comprehensive and balanced plan to ensure sustainable and fair water use, while at the same time minimising the economic damage to agriculture, industry, tourism and energy as sectors with high water consumption;












33.


reiterates the Commission’s position (Regulation (EU) 2020/741 (10)) that water management and the development of new technologies should focus on water reuse. Energy-intensive techniques such as desalination should be limited to areas where not enough fresh water is available, as the focus of an EU Blue Deal should be on the reuse and optimisation of available water. Desalination can be used to set up Power-to-X technologies, although electricity conversion is better used for more energy-efficient solutions such as water treatment and waste water recovery; calls on the EU Member States to implement the Water Reuse Act (Regulation (EU) 2020/741) promptly, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy; considers that the Member States should make use of the flexibility to extend the scope to include urban green spaces and industrial supply. The Water Reuse Regulation sets out uniform minimum requirements for reclaimed water and determines its areas of use. The Regulation sets out the framework conditions under which EU Member States can reuse treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation;












34.


reiterates the position of the European Economic and Social Committee (11) that good financial conditions must be created for the modernisation of existing irrigation systems in order to reduce water losses caused by leaks and evaporation in open channels and ponds in the Member States. The CAP should avoid supporting situations that run counter to the Water Framework Directive;












35.


regrets that Regulation (EU) 2020/741 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 2020 on minimum requirements for water reuse lays down disproportionately high requirements for agricultural reuse that do not apply to treated water, which loses its nature when discharged into the public watercourse;












36.


finds it unfortunate that the discharge of brine from desalination plants is hampered by the Water Framework Directive. It is only possible to construct Power-to-X plants if they can return seawater to the sea. However, in the context of non-conventional water sources such as desalination, the social and environmental costs should be taken into consideration alongside the economic costs in a cost-effectiveness analysis;












37.


believes that there is a need for cross-sectoral cooperation between farmers, businesses, public authorities and knowledge institutions to develop approaches to adapting the agricultural economy to climate change (mitigation) as well as adaptation measures to address existing water shortages and natural disasters;





Rural development









38.


welcomes the Commission’s recommendations on prioritising nature-based solutions such as restoring natural floodplains. In line with technological developments and for reasons of health and safety, solutions tailored to the characteristics of each region and municipality should be sought, based on a cost-effectiveness analysis;












39.


stresses that combating desertification is essential for sustaining a high-quality European habitat. To that end, it is essential to promote areas of native vegetation such as scrubland, coppice and forests, as well as dehesa, steppe and other landscapes. Preventive fire-fighting is crucial. In this regard, traditional livestock farming practices and the clean-up and proper upkeep of forests are essential, as is the restoration of abandoned or under-utilised land as the main cause of major environmental and socio-economic problems in rural areas;












40.


believes that more progress is needed in the use of natural ecosystem services (water, nutrients, aquifers, temperature regulation, biodiversity, wooded areas and vegetation, etc.), which could partly benefit rural municipalities in supporting the organisation and development of their local areas (12), and compensate for the constraints of rural areas where large freshwater reservoirs are located, making energy production and industrial development of neighbouring urban environments compatible with the comprehensive development of the rural communities containing these reservoirs;












41.


underlines the crucial link between farming practices and water quality, emphasising the urgent need for sustainable approaches to mitigate the impact on aquatic ecosystems; recalls that the overuse of agricultural chemicals, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers, contributing to the emergence of dead zones in the Baltic Sea, not only endangers water quality but also directly threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities in the region;












42.


hopes that financial consideration will be given to the fact that the ability to adapt to climate change, the preservation of biodiversity and the quality of forests depend primarily on the smart development of rural areas and points out the potential of decentralised water treatment in small municipalities to improve water retention in the landscape (13);












43.


underlines that forests, along with wetland restoration and other nature-based solutions, play a crucial role in water retention and influence the quantity and timing of water supplied to streams and groundwater. They enhance infiltration and storage capacity, absorb excess rainwater to prevent runoff, and mitigate flood-related damage; therefore promotes close-to-nature forest management practices which effectively alleviate drought vulnerability by bolstering tree vitality, conserving soil moisture, ensuring clean water provision, strengthening forest resilience and enabling forest owners to produce higher-value goods, ultimately enhancing the long-term profitability of the forest; this requires multifunctional forest management that, based on a cost-effectiveness analysis and technical solutions, makes it possible to protect nature, store rainwater and reduce the risk of fire and erosion;












44.


reiterates the call to include flood plains in flagship initiatives for resilient areas, given their contribution to increasing climate resilience, developing low-carbon agriculture and supporting flood protection and flood management. Many rivers and floodplains cross borders (which is a challenge) and are part of the greater water problem. International and interregional cooperation are therefore needed (14);












45.


calls on all levels of government to apply rural proofing. The European institutions should adopt a rural perspective when developing and implementing policies and measures in order to better identify the potential impacts and implications of water-related policies on rural areas;












46.


argues that, in line with the long-term vision for rural areas (15), water has many functions (tourism, industry, biodiversity, transport, individual use, etc.) and therefore there are many potential conflicts between stakeholders when deciding how to use water. An EU Blue Deal should ensure that local and regional characteristics are taken into account in the development of new policies by involving local stakeholders at an early stage;












47.


argues that agriculture and forest management are more vulnerable to storms, droughts and floods than urban activities. Rural areas are more expansive and sparsely populated. The provision of water services such as maintenance of water infrastructure is more challenging than in urban areas, which impedes additional local investments that are necessary to make these areas more resilient. European investments in green-blue infrastructure and water supply should primarily focus on rural development and nature-based solutions to provide clean and accessible water and ensure essential investments in resilience to water-related disasters in both rural and urban areas;












48.


welcomes the work of the Alpine Convention, the EU Alpine Strategy and the Working Community of the Pyrenees, which help coordinate policies including water policy (16);





Protecting civilians from water-related disasters









49.


stresses that civil protection should become a horizontal part of water management. Investments in resilience to water-related disasters play a key role in mitigating and minimising the extreme effects of drought and floods;












50.


maintains that past counter-productive measures such as straightening rivers, wetland removal and deforestation have led to increased water stress (17) and soil dehydration. In addition to climate change, human decisions also increase the risk and extreme impact of water-related disasters. Decisions that lead to additional dehydration should, as far as possible, be reversed in order to protect the population;












51.


welcomes, in this regard, that the scope of the revision of the directive on critical infrastructure 2008/114/EC has been extended to include waste water and drinking water. As resilience concerns all levels of governance, coordination and good multilevel cross-sector collaboration for disaster preparedness, risk reduction and reinforcing resilience is crucial;












52.


stresses that the preparation of the WFD should, in addition to identifying areas at risk, examine how Member States and relevant public authorities and services can share information to safeguard and facilitate water supply and protect citizens in the event of water-related disasters;












53.


calls for the challenges of water scarcity, droughts and floods to be linked in all enforcement, in both preventive and punitive measures. The WFD is a preventive measure to ensure the EU is resilient against water-related disasters, while the EU Civil Protection Mechanism provides a direct response to disasters such as forest fires and floods. Taking such a comprehensive approach to linking European legislation will help better protect European citizens;












54.


stresses the need for Member States to provide for the necessary investment to defend water supply networks and infrastructure in European regions and municipalities against possible attacks;





Protecting consumers









55.


points out that the UN General Assembly recognised the human right to water and sanitation as a separate right in 2010 (18). Member States and regions should commit to improving access to clean and affordable drinking water and sanitation for everyone in the EU by 2030;












56.


stresses that, in addition to sufficient water supply, the quality of our water must also be at the heart of our water policy. The treatment of polluted water and monitoring of the quality of our water should be stepped up by the competent authorities to meet the EU-wide quality standards laid down in the WFD; calls for the full implementation of the polluter-pays-principle;












57.


affirms that investments in water management are needed to achieve a blue transition in addition to the green transition. In addition to balancing the various sectors and stakeholders, particular attention should also be paid to the local population, which should not be disproportionately burdened by the costs of water management. Consumers should have equal access to water;












58.


maintains that nature-based solutions, such as restoring wetlands and building buffer zones, improve the quality of water in lakes and rivers. These measures should be included in the management plans of all river basins to better protect consumers;












59.


stresses the need for transparency in the pricing of water so as to identify price differences between rural and urban areas and to implement policies that stimulate efficiency and savings through calculable cost analyses. In this connection, the Member States must step up efforts to combat water poverty and implement effective instruments to address current and increasing water affordability problems;












60.


believes that, as consumer behaviour and choices also have a significant impact on water use at every level, joint EU campaigns and actions should be undertaken to promote public understanding of the value of water and to educate consumers about the value of water and water services. These awareness-raising campaigns should also be extended to other consumers such as those in agriculture, tourism and industry.






Brussels, 20 June 2024.


The President


of the European Committee of the Regions

Vasco ALVES CORDEIRO
               





(1)  Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water Policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1).

(2)  
            2021 report on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, the Environmental Quality Standards Directive and the Floods Directive.

(3)  IPCC report, Climate Change and Land, 2020.

(4)  
            https://www.deltares.nl/en/news/international-panel-on-deltas-coastal-areas-and-islands-officially-launched-at-un-2023-water-conference.

(5)  
            https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-publishes-new-tools-help-predict-and-adapt-sectoral-drought-impacts-2023-10-11_en


(6)  
            European Drought Risk Atlas.

(7)  
            https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/env/newsletter-archives/48628.

(8)  
            EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters.

(9)  
            EU Mission: A Soil Deal for Europe.

(10)  Regulation (EU) 2020/741 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 2020 on minimum requirements for water reuse (OJ L 177, 5.6.2020, p. 32).

(11)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Sustainable water management and climate emergency: circular and other solutions for the EU agri-food system in a future “Blue Deal”
            ’ (OJ C 349, 29.9.2023, p. 80).

(12)  Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions – A long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas (OJ C 270, 13.7.2022, p. 18).

(13)  Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions on targets and tools for a smart rural Europe (OJ C 188, 30.5.2023, p. 14).

(14)  Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions – A long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas (OJ C 270, 13.7.2022, p. 18).

(15)  
            eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0345.

(16)  
            Convention on the Protection of the Alps; The Alpine Convention.

(17)  Water stress is a general term combining drought, quantitative scarcity of water, lack of access to water and poor water quality.

(18)  
            Water for life decade - Human right to water (UN).


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/5368/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)