Article 1 Preferential arrangements
1. Subject to the special provisions laid down in Article 3, products originating in the customs territory of Kosovo, other than those of headings 0102, 0201, 0202, 0301, 0302, 0303, 0304, 0305, 1604, 1701, 1702 and 2204 of the Combined Nomenclature, shall be admitted for import into the Union without quantitative restrictions or measures having equivalent effect and with exemption from customs duties and charges having equivalent effect. 2. Products originating in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro or Serbia shall continue to benefit from the provisions of this Regulation where so indicated. Such products shall also benefit from any concession provided for in this Regulation which is more favourable than that provided for under bilateral agreements between the Union and those countries.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL The EU's policy towards the countries of the Western Balkans is defined within the Stabilisation and Association Process launched in May 1999 by the European Commission. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan countries should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 applies until 31 December 2015. Since the launch of the Stabilisation and Association Process, Stabilisation and Association Agreements have been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan countries, with the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.[1] Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognised as a potential candidate country for EU accession in 2003 and signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2008, agreeing to the EU’s conditions for membership. Since then, an Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters with Bosnia and Herzegovina applies, pending the finalisation of the ratification process of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2020, so as to give the beneficiaries of the exceptional trade measures and the European Union sufficient time to align, where appropriate, preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with those provided for under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements. Following the enlargement of the European Union on 1 July 2013, Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union do not find an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions, preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 should be suspended as of 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union have signed and applied provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, these preferences will be re-established. Article 21(1) of the EU Treaty provides that the Union's action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world, including democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for human dignity. The Union must respect and promote those principles also in its external action, including its common commercial policy. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law by its beneficiaries. It is appropriate to introduce such possibility, so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process. Finally, a technical adjustment regarding Montenegro's access to the additional global quota for wine imports is included.
Revised version (Article 1 Preferential arrangements):
1. Subject to the special provisions laid down in Article 3, products originating in the customs territory of Kosovo, other than those of headings 0102 , 0201 , 0202 , 0301 , 0302 , 0303 , 0304 , 0305 , 1604 , 1701 , 1702 and 2204 of the Combined Nomenclature, shall be admitted for import into the Union without quantitative restrictions or measures having equivalent effect and with exemption from customs duties and charges having equivalent effect. 2. Products originating in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina , the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro or Serbia shall continue to benefit from the provisions of this Regulation where so indicated. Such products shall also benefit from any concession provided for in this Regulation which is more favourable than that provided for under bilateral agreements between the Union and those countries.
Article 2 Conditions for entitlement to the preferential arrangements
1. Entitlement to benefit from the preferential arrangements introduced by Article 1 shall be subject to the following: (a) compliance with the definition of ‘originating products’ provided for in Part I, Title IV, Chapter 2, Section 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93; (b) the abstention of the countries and territories referred to in Article 1 from introducing new duties or charges having equivalent effect and new quantitative restrictions or measures having equivalent effect in respect of imports originating in the Community or from increasing existing levels of duties or charges or from introducing any other restrictions from 30 September 2000; and (c) the involvement of beneficiaries in effective administrative cooperation with the Community in order to prevent any risk of fraud. 2. Without prejudice to the conditions provided for in paragraph 1, entitlement to benefit from the preferential arrangements introduced by Article 1 shall be subject to the readiness of the beneficiary countries to engage in effective economic reforms and in regional cooperation with other countries concerned by the European Union’s Stabilisation and Association process, in particular through the establishment of free trade areas in conformity with Article XXIV of the GATT 1994 and other relevant WTO provisions. In the event of non-compliance in that respect, the Council may take the appropriate measures by a qualified majority vote, on the basis of a Commission proposal. 3. In the event of non-compliance by a country or territory with paragraphs 1 or 2, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, suspend, in whole or in part, the entitlement of the country or territory concerned to benefits under this Regulation. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8(4).
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL The EU's policy towards the countries of the Western Balkans is defined within the Stabilisation and Association Process launched in May 1999 by the European Commission. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan countries should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 applies until 31 December 2015. Since the launch of the Stabilisation and Association Process, Stabilisation and Association Agreements have been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan countries, with the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.[1] Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognised as a potential candidate country for EU accession in 2003 and signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2008, agreeing to the EU’s conditions for membership. Since then, an Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters with Bosnia and Herzegovina applies, pending the finalisation of the ratification process of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2020, so as to give the beneficiaries of the exceptional trade measures and the European Union sufficient time to align, where appropriate, preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with those provided for under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements. Following the enlargement of the European Union on 1 July 2013, Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union do not find an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions, preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 should be suspended as of 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union have signed and applied provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, these preferences will be re-established. Article 21(1) of the EU Treaty provides that the Union's action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world, including democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for human dignity. The Union must respect and promote those principles also in its external action, including its common commercial policy. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law by its beneficiaries. It is appropriate to introduce such possibility, so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process. Finally, a technical adjustment regarding Montenegro's access to the additional global quota for wine imports is included.
Revised version (Article 2 Conditions for entitlement to the preferential arrangements):
1. Entitlement to benefit from the preferential arrangements introduced by Article 1 shall be subject to the following: (a) compliance with the definition of ‘originating products’ provided for in Part I, Title IV, Chapter 2, Section 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93; (b) the abstention of the countries and territories referred to in Article 1 from introducing new duties or charges having equivalent effect and new quantitative restrictions or measures having equivalent effect in respect of imports originating in the Community or from increasing existing levels of duties or charges or from introducing any other restrictions from 30 September 2000; and (c) the involvement of beneficiaries in effective administrative cooperation with the Community in order to prevent any risk of fraud; and (d) the abstention of the countries and territories referred to in Article 1 from engaging in serious and systematic violations of human rights, including core labour rights, of fundamental principles of democracy and of the rule of law. 2. Without prejudice to the conditions provided for in paragraph 1, entitlement to benefit from the preferential arrangements introduced by Article 1 shall be subject to the readiness of the beneficiary countries to engage in effective economic reforms and in regional cooperation with other countries concerned by the European Union’s Stabilisation and Association process, in particular through the establishment of free trade areas in conformity with Article XXIV of the GATT 1994 and other relevant WTO provisions. In the event of non-compliance in that respect, the Council may take the appropriate measures by a qualified majority vote, on the basis of a Commission proposal. 3. In the event of non-compliance by a country or territory with point (a), (b) or (c) of paragraph 1 or with paragraph 2, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, suspend, in whole or in part, the entitlement of the country or territory concerned to benefits under this Regulation. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8(4).
Article 3 Agricultural products — tariff quotas
1. For certain fishery products and for wine, as listed in Annex I, originating in the countries and territories referred to in Article 1, the customs duties applicable to imports into the Community shall be suspended during the periods, at the levels, within the limits of the Community tariff quotas and under the conditions indicated for each product and origin set out in that Annex. 2. The customs duties applicable to imports into the Union of ‘baby-beef’ products defined in Annex II and originating in the customs territory of Kosovo, shall be 20 % of the ad valorem duty and 20 % of the specific duty as laid down in the Common Customs Tariff, within the limit of an annual tariff quota of 475 tonnes expressed in carcase weight. Any request for import within this quota shall be accompanied by an authenticity certificate issued by the competent authorities of the exporting territory and attesting that the goods originate in the territory concerned and correspond to the definition in Annex II to this Regulation. That certificate shall be drawn up by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8(4). 4. Notwithstanding other provisions of this Regulation, and in particular Article 10, given the particular sensitivity of the agricultural and fishery markets, where imports of agricultural and fishery products cause serious disturbance to Union markets and their regulatory mechanisms, the Commission may adopt appropriate measures by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8(4).
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The proposed autonomous trade measures (ATMs) are one of the instruments to implement the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans as defined within the Stabilisation and Association process launched by the European Commission in May 1999. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan parties should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process, with a validity period until 31 December 2020. Stabilisation and Association Agreements have now been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan parties; the last one with Kosovo 1 * entered into force on 1 April 2016. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 202 5. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area The proposal is consistent with the continued support of the EU towards the region’s gradual economic integration into the EU and the individual accession processes. Even though most of the trade preferences initially granted to the Western Balkans through the autonomous trade regime have now been integrated in their respective Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the Union, the limited preferences granted through this Regulation still provide a valuable support to the regional economy. These preferences allow for the suspension of the specific duties normally applied to fruits and vegetables and for the inclusion of a global wine quota available after exhaustion of the countries’ respective national wine quotas. The ATMs system contributed to the expansion of the total trade between the EU and the Western Balkans which exceeded EUR 54 billion in 2018. The EU is the leading trade partner accounting for over 72% of the region's total trade. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal is fully in line with the Sofia Declaration of 17 May 2018 where the EU committed to strengthening and intensifying its engagement at all levels to support the region’s political, economic and social transformation. It is also consistent with the political guidelines of the new Commission, which has reaffirmed the European perspective of the Western Balkans and its important role in the continued reform process across the region. The European Union aims to promote peace, stability and economic development in the region and open up the prospect of EU integration.

EUROPEAN COMMISSIONBrussels, 3.4.2020COM(2020) 135 final2020/0051(COD)Proposal for aREGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCILamending Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association processEXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1.CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL•Reasons for and objectives of the proposalThe proposed autonomous trade measures (ATMs) are one of the instruments to implement the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans as defined within the Stabilisation and Association process launched by the European Commission in May 1999.At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan parties should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process, with a validity period until31 December 2020.Stabilisationand Association Agreementshave nowbeen concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan parties; the last one with Kosovo1*entered into force on 1 April 2016.Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted underRegulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2025.
Revised version (Article 3 Agricultural products — tariff quotas):
1. For certain wine products, as listed in Annex I, originating in the beneficiary parties, the customs duties applicable to imports into the Union shall be suspended during the periods, at the levels, within the limits of the Union tariff quota and under the conditions indicated for each product and origin set out in that Annex. 4. Notwithstanding other provisions of this Regulation, and in particular Article 10, given the particular sensitivity of the agricultural and fishery markets, where imports of agricultural and fishery products cause serious disturbance to Union markets and their regulatory mechanisms, the Commission may adopt appropriate measures by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8(4).
Article 4 Implementation of tariff quota for ‘baby beef’
The detailed rules for implementing the tariff quota for ‘baby-beef’ products shall be determined by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8(4).
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The proposed autonomous trade measures (ATMs) are one of the instruments to implement the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans as defined within the Stabilisation and Association process launched by the European Commission in May 1999. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan parties should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process, with a validity period until 31 December 2020. Stabilisation and Association Agreements have now been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan parties; the last one with Kosovo 1 * entered into force on 1 April 2016. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 202 5. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area The proposal is consistent with the continued support of the EU towards the region’s gradual economic integration into the EU and the individual accession processes. Even though most of the trade preferences initially granted to the Western Balkans through the autonomous trade regime have now been integrated in their respective Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the Union, the limited preferences granted through this Regulation still provide a valuable support to the regional economy. These preferences allow for the suspension of the specific duties normally applied to fruits and vegetables and for the inclusion of a global wine quota available after exhaustion of the countries’ respective national wine quotas. The ATMs system contributed to the expansion of the total trade between the EU and the Western Balkans which exceeded EUR 54 billion in 2018. The EU is the leading trade partner accounting for over 72% of the region's total trade. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal is fully in line with the Sofia Declaration of 17 May 2018 where the EU committed to strengthening and intensifying its engagement at all levels to support the region’s political, economic and social transformation. It is also consistent with the political guidelines of the new Commission, which has reaffirmed the European perspective of the Western Balkans and its important role in the continued reform process across the region. The European Union aims to promote peace, stability and economic development in the region and open up the prospect of EU integration.

EUROPEAN COMMISSIONBrussels, 3.4.2020COM(2020) 135 final2020/0051(COD)Proposal for aREGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCILamending Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association processEXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1.CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL•Reasons for and objectives of the proposalThe proposed autonomous trade measures (ATMs) are one of the instruments to implement the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans as defined within the Stabilisation and Association process launched by the European Commission in May 1999.At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan parties should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process, with a validity period until31 December 2020.Stabilisationand Association Agreementshave nowbeen concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan parties; the last one with Kosovo1*entered into force on 1 April 2016.Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted underRegulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2025.
Article 5 Administration of tariff quotas
The tariff quotas referred to in Article 3(1) of this Regulation shall be administered by the Commission in accordance with Articles 308a, 308b and 308c of Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93. Communication for that purpose between the Member States and the Commission shall be effected, as far as possible, by telematic link.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The proposed autonomous trade measures (ATMs) are one of the instruments to implement the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans as defined within the Stabilisation and Association process launched by the European Commission in May 1999. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan parties should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process, with a validity period until 31 December 2020. Stabilisation and Association Agreements have now been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan parties; the last one with Kosovo 1 * entered into force on 1 April 2016. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 202 5. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area The proposal is consistent with the continued support of the EU towards the region’s gradual economic integration into the EU and the individual accession processes. Even though most of the trade preferences initially granted to the Western Balkans through the autonomous trade regime have now been integrated in their respective Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the Union, the limited preferences granted through this Regulation still provide a valuable support to the regional economy. These preferences allow for the suspension of the specific duties normally applied to fruits and vegetables and for the inclusion of a global wine quota available after exhaustion of the countries’ respective national wine quotas. The ATMs system contributed to the expansion of the total trade between the EU and the Western Balkans which exceeded EUR 54 billion in 2018. The EU is the leading trade partner accounting for over 72% of the region's total trade. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal is fully in line with the Sofia Declaration of 17 May 2018 where the EU committed to strengthening and intensifying its engagement at all levels to support the region’s political, economic and social transformation. It is also consistent with the political guidelines of the new Commission, which has reaffirmed the European perspective of the Western Balkans and its important role in the continued reform process across the region. The European Union aims to promote peace, stability and economic development in the region and open up the prospect of EU integration.

EUROPEAN COMMISSIONBrussels, 3.4.2020COM(2020) 135 final2020/0051(COD)Proposal for aREGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCILamending Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association processEXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1.CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL•Reasons for and objectives of the proposalThe proposed autonomous trade measures (ATMs) are one of the instruments to implement the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans as defined within the Stabilisation and Association process launched by the European Commission in May 1999.At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan parties should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process, with a validity period until31 December 2020.Stabilisationand Association Agreementshave nowbeen concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan parties; the last one with Kosovo1*entered into force on 1 April 2016.Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted underRegulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2025.
Revised version (Article 5 Administration of tariff quotas):
The tariff quotas referred to in Article 3(1) of this Regulation shall be administered by the Commission in accordance with Title II, Chapter 1, Section 1 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447. Communication for that purpose between the Member States and the Commission shall be effected, as far as possible, by telematic link.
Article 6 Access to tariff quotas
Each Member State shall ensure that importers have equal and uninterrupted access to the tariff quotas for as long as the balance of the relevant quota volume so permits.
Article 7 Conferral of powers
The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 7a concerning: (a) necessary amendments and technical adjustments to Annexes I and II following amendments to the Combined Nomenclature codes and to the TARIC subdivisions; (b) necessary adjustments following the granting of trade preferences under other arrangements between the Union and the countries and territories referred to in Article 1.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL The EU's policy towards the countries of the Western Balkans is defined within the Stabilisation and Association Process launched in May 1999 by the European Commission. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan countries should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 applies until 31 December 2015. Since the launch of the Stabilisation and Association Process, Stabilisation and Association Agreements have been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan countries, with the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.[1] Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognised as a potential candidate country for EU accession in 2003 and signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2008, agreeing to the EU’s conditions for membership. Since then, an Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters with Bosnia and Herzegovina applies, pending the finalisation of the ratification process of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2020, so as to give the beneficiaries of the exceptional trade measures and the European Union sufficient time to align, where appropriate, preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with those provided for under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements. Following the enlargement of the European Union on 1 July 2013, Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union do not find an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions, preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 should be suspended as of 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union have signed and applied provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, these preferences will be re-established. Article 21(1) of the EU Treaty provides that the Union's action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world, including democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for human dignity. The Union must respect and promote those principles also in its external action, including its common commercial policy. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law by its beneficiaries. It is appropriate to introduce such possibility, so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process. Finally, a technical adjustment regarding Montenegro's access to the additional global quota for wine imports is included.
Revised version (Article 7 Conferral of powers):
The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 7a concerning: (a) necessary amendments and technical adjustments to Annexes I and II following amendments to the Combined Nomenclature codes and to the TARIC subdivisions; (b) necessary adjustments following the granting of trade preferences under other arrangements between the Union and the countries and territories referred to in Article 1; (c) suspension, in whole or in part, of the entitlement of a country or territory concerned to benefits under this Regulation, in the event of non-compliance by that country or territory with the conditions set out in point (d) of Article 2(1).
Article 7a Exercise of the delegation
1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 7 shall be conferred on the Commission until the date of expiry of this Regulation. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than 9 months before that date. 3. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 7 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. 5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 7 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by 2 months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL The EU's policy towards the countries of the Western Balkans is defined within the Stabilisation and Association Process launched in May 1999 by the European Commission. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan countries should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 applies until 31 December 2015. Since the launch of the Stabilisation and Association Process, Stabilisation and Association Agreements have been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan countries, with the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.[1] Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognised as a potential candidate country for EU accession in 2003 and signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2008, agreeing to the EU’s conditions for membership. Since then, an Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters with Bosnia and Herzegovina applies, pending the finalisation of the ratification process of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2020, so as to give the beneficiaries of the exceptional trade measures and the European Union sufficient time to align, where appropriate, preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with those provided for under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements. Following the enlargement of the European Union on 1 July 2013, Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union do not find an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions, preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 should be suspended as of 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union have signed and applied provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, these preferences will be re-established. Article 21(1) of the EU Treaty provides that the Union's action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world, including democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for human dignity. The Union must respect and promote those principles also in its external action, including its common commercial policy. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law by its beneficiaries. It is appropriate to introduce such possibility, so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process. Finally, a technical adjustment regarding Montenegro's access to the additional global quota for wine imports is included.
Revised version (Article 7a Exercise of the delegation):
1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 7 shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 3 December 2013. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. 3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 7 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. 5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 7 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by 2 months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Article 8 Committee procedure
1. For the purposes of Articles 2 and 10, the Commission shall be assisted by the Western Balkans Implementation Committee. That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers ( 6 ). 2. For the purposes of Article 3(4), the Commission shall be assisted by the committee established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 of 26 February 2009 on the common rules for imports ( 7 ). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 3. For the purposes of Article 3(2) and Article 4, the Commission shall be assisted by the committee established by Article 195(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation) ( 8 ). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The proposed autonomous trade measures (ATMs) are one of the instruments to implement the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans as defined within the Stabilisation and Association process launched by the European Commission in May 1999. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan parties should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process, with a validity period until 31 December 2020. Stabilisation and Association Agreements have now been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan parties; the last one with Kosovo 1 * entered into force on 1 April 2016. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 202 5. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area The proposal is consistent with the continued support of the EU towards the region’s gradual economic integration into the EU and the individual accession processes. Even though most of the trade preferences initially granted to the Western Balkans through the autonomous trade regime have now been integrated in their respective Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the Union, the limited preferences granted through this Regulation still provide a valuable support to the regional economy. These preferences allow for the suspension of the specific duties normally applied to fruits and vegetables and for the inclusion of a global wine quota available after exhaustion of the countries’ respective national wine quotas. The ATMs system contributed to the expansion of the total trade between the EU and the Western Balkans which exceeded EUR 54 billion in 2018. The EU is the leading trade partner accounting for over 72% of the region's total trade. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal is fully in line with the Sofia Declaration of 17 May 2018 where the EU committed to strengthening and intensifying its engagement at all levels to support the region’s political, economic and social transformation. It is also consistent with the political guidelines of the new Commission, which has reaffirmed the European perspective of the Western Balkans and its important role in the continued reform process across the region. The European Union aims to promote peace, stability and economic development in the region and open up the prospect of EU integration.

EUROPEAN COMMISSIONBrussels, 3.4.2020COM(2020) 135 final2020/0051(COD)Proposal for aREGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCILamending Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association processEXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1.CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL•Reasons for and objectives of the proposalThe proposed autonomous trade measures (ATMs) are one of the instruments to implement the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans as defined within the Stabilisation and Association process launched by the European Commission in May 1999.At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan parties should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process, with a validity period until31 December 2020.Stabilisationand Association Agreementshave nowbeen concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan parties; the last one with Kosovo1*entered into force on 1 April 2016.Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted underRegulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2025.
Revised version (Article 8 Committee procedure):
1. For the purposes of Articles 2 and 10, the Commission shall be assisted by the Western Balkans Implementation Committee. That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers ( 4 ). 2. For the purposes of Article 3(4), the Commission shall be assisted by the committee established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 of 26 February 2009 on the common rules for imports ( 5 ). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.
Article 9 Cooperation
Member States and the Commission shall cooperate closely to ensure that this Regulation, and in particular the provisions set out in Article 10(1), are complied with.
Article 10 Temporary suspension
1. Where the Commission finds that there is sufficient evidence of fraud or failure to provide administrative cooperation as required for the verification of evidence of origin, or that there is a massive increase of exports into the Community above the level of normal production and export capacity or a failure of compliance with the provisions of Article 2(1) by countries and territories referred to in Article 1, it may take measures to suspend in whole or in part the arrangements provided for in this Regulation for a period of three months, provided that it has first: (a) informed the Western Balkans Implementation Committee; (b) called on the Member States to take such precautionary measures as are necessary in order to safeguard the Community’s financial interests and/or to secure compliance by the beneficiary countries and territories with Article 2(1); (c) published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union stating that there are grounds for reasonable doubts about the application of the preferential arrangements and/or compliance with Article 2(1) by the beneficiary country or territory concerned which may call into question its right to continue enjoying the benefits granted by this Regulation. The measures referred to in the first subparagraph shall be adopted by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8(4). 3. On conclusion of the period of suspension, the Commission shall decide either to terminate the provisional suspension measure or to extend the suspension measure in accordance with paragraph 1.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL The EU's policy towards the countries of the Western Balkans is defined within the Stabilisation and Association Process launched in May 1999 by the European Commission. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan countries should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 applies until 31 December 2015. Since the launch of the Stabilisation and Association Process, Stabilisation and Association Agreements have been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan countries, with the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.[1] Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognised as a potential candidate country for EU accession in 2003 and signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2008, agreeing to the EU’s conditions for membership. Since then, an Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters with Bosnia and Herzegovina applies, pending the finalisation of the ratification process of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2020, so as to give the beneficiaries of the exceptional trade measures and the European Union sufficient time to align, where appropriate, preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with those provided for under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements. Following the enlargement of the European Union on 1 July 2013, Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union do not find an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions, preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 should be suspended as of 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union have signed and applied provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, these preferences will be re-established. Article 21(1) of the EU Treaty provides that the Union's action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world, including democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for human dignity. The Union must respect and promote those principles also in its external action, including its common commercial policy. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law by its beneficiaries. It is appropriate to introduce such possibility, so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process. Finally, a technical adjustment regarding Montenegro's access to the additional global quota for wine imports is included.
Revised version (Article 10 Temporary suspension):
1. Where the Commission finds that there is sufficient evidence of fraud or failure to provide administrative cooperation as required for the verification of evidence of origin, or that there is a massive increase in exports into the Union above the level of normal production and export capacity, or a failure of compliance with the provisions of point (a), (b) or (c) of Article 2(1) by the countries and territories referred to in Article 1, it may take measures to suspend in whole or in part the arrangements provided for in this Regulation for a period of three months, provided that it has first: (a) informed the Western Balkans Implementation Committee; (b) called on the Member States to take such precautionary measures as are necessary in order to safeguard the Community’s financial interests and/or to secure compliance by the beneficiary countries and territories with Article 2(1); (c) published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union stating that there are grounds for reasonable doubts about the application of the preferential arrangements and/or compliance with Article 2(1) by the beneficiary country or territory concerned which may call into question its right to continue enjoying the benefits granted by this Regulation. The measures referred to in the first subparagraph shall be adopted by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8(4). 3. On conclusion of the period of suspension, the Commission shall decide either to terminate the provisional suspension measure or to extend the suspension measure in accordance with paragraph 1.
Article 11 Repeal
Regulation (EC) No 2007/2000 is repealed. References to the repealed Regulation shall be construed as references to this Regulation and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex IV.
Article 12 Entry into force and application
This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union . It shall apply until 31 December 2015. The preferences provided for in this Regulation shall cease to apply, in whole or in part, in the event that they would not be permitted by a waiver granted by the WTO. Such cessation shall apply from the day on which the waiver is no longer in effect. The Commission shall, sufficiently prior to that date, publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union to inform operators and the competent authorities thereof. The notice shall specify which preferences provided for in this Regulation are no longer in effect and the date on which they cease to apply. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL The EU's policy towards the countries of the Western Balkans is defined within the Stabilisation and Association Process launched in May 1999 by the European Commission. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan countries should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Asymmetrical trade liberalisation has been provided for by means of Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 applies until 31 December 2015. Since the launch of the Stabilisation and Association Process, Stabilisation and Association Agreements have been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan countries, with the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.[1] Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognised as a potential candidate country for EU accession in 2003 and signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2008, agreeing to the EU’s conditions for membership. Since then, an Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters with Bosnia and Herzegovina applies, pending the finalisation of the ratification process of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2020, so as to give the beneficiaries of the exceptional trade measures and the European Union sufficient time to align, where appropriate, preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with those provided for under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements. Following the enlargement of the European Union on 1 July 2013, Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union do not find an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions, preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 should be suspended as of 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union have signed and applied provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, these preferences will be re-established. Article 21(1) of the EU Treaty provides that the Union's action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world, including democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for human dignity. The Union must respect and promote those principles also in its external action, including its common commercial policy. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law by its beneficiaries. It is appropriate to introduce such possibility, so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process. Finally, a technical adjustment regarding Montenegro's access to the additional global quota for wine imports is included.
Revised version (Article 12 Entry into force and application):
This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union . It shall apply until 31 December 2020. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.