Here’s a concise review of the legal acts:
Sudan Sanctions Update
The EU added two RSF Major Generals to the sanctions list for human rights violations in Sudan – Abdel Rahman Juma Barkalla and Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed, both responsible for attacks against civilians and human rights abuses in Darfur region.
DRC Sanctions Update
The EU updated information on four individuals under DRC sanctions: a FARDC Colonel, a Belgian businessman involved in illegal gold trade, and two FDLR/FOCA commanders. All were listed for human rights violations and illegal activities.
Baltic Sea Fishing Technical Regulations
Two related regulations establish detailed specifications for selective fishing devices in the Baltic Sea, introducing three types of gear modifications: square mesh codend (125mm), modified T90 codend, and NEMOS with ROOFLESS system. The measures aim to reduce cod bycatch by 55% when fishing for flatfish.
Dolphin Protection in Bay of Biscay
New measures include a fishing ban between January-February 2025 for vessels over 8 meters, mandatory acoustic deterrent devices, and enhanced monitoring requirements including logbook recording of cetacean catches.
Wine Production Rules
Updates to authorized oenological practices include modifications to heat treatments, cold treatments, filtration, and stabilization processes. The regulation also revises specifications for additives and processing aids in winemaking.
Poultry Import Restrictions
New restrictions on poultry imports from specific zones in Canada (3 zones) and the US (18 zones) due to avian influenza outbreaks, establishing 10-kilometer restriction zones around affected establishments.
Organic Certification Changes
Introduces transitional provisions for third-country organic certification until October 2025, allowing continued verification under old rules for pending certifications during the switch to the new compliance regime.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3114 of 9 December 2024 implementing Article 15(1) of Regulation (EU) No 747/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Sudan
This Council Implementing Regulation amends the EU’s restrictive measures concerning Sudan by adding two individuals to the sanctions list in response to UN Security Council decisions. The regulation is an implementation of existing sanctions framework established by Regulation (EU) No 747/2014.The regulation consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 introduces amendments to Annex I of the base regulation, while Article 2 establishes immediate entry into force upon publication. The annex contains detailed information about two new entries to the sanctions list.The regulation adds two Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Major Generals to the sanctions list:
- Abdel Rahman Juma Barkalla – RSF West Darfur Commander, responsible for attacks against civilians in West Darfur, including killings, violence, and human rights abuses
- Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed – Head of RSF Operations Department, involved in operational planning of attacks that resulted in civilian casualties, targeted violence, and human rights violations
Both individuals are listed with detailed personal information, including dates of birth, nationalities, and identification numbers. The reasons for their listing include specific incidents between May and November 2023, involving attacks on civilians, killings of human rights activists, and the death of the Governor of West Darfur. The listings detail their involvement in operations that resulted in mass graves and widespread human rights violations, including sexual violence against women and girls.
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3107 of 9 December 2024 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
This Council Implementing Regulation amends the existing restrictive measures concerning the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), specifically updating the list of persons subject to sanctions. The regulation modifies entries for four individuals in Annex Ia of Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005.The regulation’s structure is straightforward, containing two main articles: Article 1 implements the amendments to Annex Ia, and Article 2 establishes the entry into force. The detailed changes are specified in the Annex, which updates information about four individuals: Joseph Nganzo Olikwa Tipi, Alain François Viviane Goetz, Pierre Celestin Rurakabije, and Gustave Kubwayo.Key provisions in the Annex detail the following individuals and their listings:
- Joseph Nganzo Olikwa Tipi – a FARDC Colonel responsible for human rights violations, particularly attacks on civilians and rapes
- Alain François Viviane Goetz – a Belgian businessman involved in illicit gold trade from DRC mines controlled by armed groups
- Pierre Celestin Rurakabije – Deputy Commander of FDLR/FOCA’s CRAP unit, involved in serious human rights violations
- Gustave Kubwayo – Commander of FDLR/FOCA’s CRAP unit, responsible for various human rights abuses including rape, killings, and child soldier recruitment
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3094 of 27 November 2024 laying down detailed rules on certain selective devices to reduce incidental catches of cod in the Baltic Sea provided for in Annex VIII to Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council
This Regulation establishes detailed technical specifications for selective fishing devices aimed at reducing incidental catches of cod in the Baltic Sea. It provides specific requirements for three types of fishing gear modifications: square mesh codend, modified T90 codend, and NEMOS with ROOFLESS system.The act is structured in two main parts: the main regulation text and a detailed technical Annex. The Annex contains four sections: definitions, technical specifications for square mesh codend, specifications for modified T90 codend, and specifications for NEMOS and ROOFLESS devices. Each section provides precise measurements, materials requirements, and construction details.Key technical requirements include:
- Square mesh codend must have a minimum mesh size of 125 mm and be constructed of two square-mesh panels
- Modified T90 codend requires minimum 125 mm mesh size and specific lastridge rope attachments
- NEMOS device must be made of four panels of equal width with minimum length of 4.5 meters
- ROOFLESS escape window must be at least 175 cm long
- Specific requirements for materials, construction methods, and attachment techniques are provided for each device
The regulation includes detailed technical drawings and illustrations for each device type, ensuring precise implementation of the requirements. The provisions will become applicable from April 9, 2025, giving vessel owners time to adapt their equipment.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3093 of 13 October 2022 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards specific technical measures to reduce by-catches of cod in the Baltic Sea
This Regulation introduces specific technical measures to reduce by-catches of cod in the Baltic Sea by amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1241. The act aims to protect heavily depleted Baltic cod stocks by implementing new requirements for fishing gear and devices when directed cod fishing is prohibited. The regulation establishes a target of reducing incidental cod catches by at least 55% when fishing for flatfish.The Regulation introduces three main technical solutions:
- A Roofless selection device combined with baseline gears
- A modified T90 codend with increased mesh size (minimum 125 mm) and reinforced selvedges
- A square mesh codend with two panels and minimum mesh size of 125 mm
Key provisions include:
- Specific requirements for different ICES subdivisions (22-26) regarding allowed gear combinations
- Mandatory separate recording of catches made with new gear configurations
- Annual reporting requirements for Member States on scientific data and catch information
- Regular assessment of the measures’ effectiveness starting from the third year of application
- Possibility for Member States to propose modifications based on scientific information
The regulation will become applicable from April 9, 2025, providing a 120-day transition period for vessels to equip with new selectivity devices. The effectiveness of these measures will be monitored through mandatory data collection and annual assessments by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF).
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3089 of 30 September 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 as regards measures to reduce incidental catches of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and other small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay
This Regulation amends EU Regulation 2019/1241 to introduce new measures for protecting common dolphins and other small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay. The act aims to reduce incidental catches of these marine mammals through fishing restrictions and monitoring requirements.The Regulation introduces two main types of measures:
- A fishing prohibition in French waters of ICES Subarea 8 between January 22 and February 20, 2025 for vessels over 8 meters using specific fishing gear
- Mandatory use of acoustic deterrent devices for mid-water pelagic trawls and demersal twin trawls
- Enhanced monitoring requirements including logbook recording of cetacean catches and observer coverage
Key provisions include:
- Specific fishing gear restrictions during the closure period (pelagic trawls, demersal pair trawls, purse seines, gillnets, trammel nets)
- Mandatory recording of all incidental catches of dolphins and small cetaceans in fishing logbooks
- Minimum observer or electronic monitoring coverage requirements (1% year-round for certain gear types, increased to 5% January-March)
- Option for Member States to increase monitoring coverage for certain nets up to 5% during high-risk periods
- Requirements for data collection and sharing between Member States
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3085 of 30 September 2024 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/934 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards authorised oenological practices
This is a Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/934 regarding authorized oenological practices in wine production. The key aspects include:1. The regulation updates and clarifies the list of authorized oenological practices and processes that can be used in wine production in the EU, including heat treatments, cold treatments, filtration, stabilization etc.2. It modifies the conditions and specifications for using various additives, processing aids and substances in winemaking, such as:- Updating specifications for enzymes, tannins and other compounds- Clarifying supervision requirements for certain practices- Modifying maximum limits for substances like ascorbic acid- Adding new authorized substances like powdered cellulose3. The regulation makes technical amendments regarding:- Treatment of wines using membrane technology and adsorbents- Specifications for substances used in oenological practices- Requirements for liqueur wines, including alcohol content derogations- Lists of protected designation of origin wines that can benefit from certain derogationsThe regulation aims to align EU wine legislation with international standards, particularly those of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), while ensuring product quality and safety. It provides detailed technical specifications and conditions for the use of various practices and substances in winemaking.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3108 of 6 December 2024 amending Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 as regards the entries for Canada and the United States in the lists of third countries, territories or zones thereof authorised for the entry into the Union of consignments of poultry and germinal products of poultry, and of fresh meat of poultry and game birds
This Commission Implementing Regulation amends the existing rules regarding the import of poultry, poultry products, and game birds from Canada and the United States into the European Union. The changes are made in response to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in specific regions of these countries.The regulation modifies two key annexes of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404: Annex V concerning poultry and germinal products, and Annex XIV regarding fresh meat of poultry and game birds. The amendments establish new restricted zones in Canada (3 zones) and the United States (18 zones) where HPAI outbreaks were confirmed in November 2024.The main provisions include:
- Detailed geographical coordinates and descriptions of new restricted zones in British Columbia and Alberta (Canada), and in Arizona, California, Illinois, and Utah (United States)
- Suspension of entry into the EU for poultry and poultry products from these specific zones
- Implementation of 10-kilometer radius restriction zones around affected establishments
- Specific dates when restrictions take effect for each zone, ranging from November 12 to November 21, 2024
The regulation provides precise technical details about the restricted areas, including GPS coordinates and affected municipalities for each zone. It also specifies different categories of restricted products (BPP, BPR, DOC, DOR, POU, RAT, GBM) and the types of restrictions applied (N, P1) for each affected area.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3095 of 29 July 2024 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1698 as regards the certification of certain operators and groups of operators in third countries and the controls performed by control authorities and control bodies on their organic products
This Regulation amends the rules for certification of organic operators and products from third countries importing to the EU. It introduces transitional provisions for the period when the EU switches from the equivalence regime to the compliance regime in organic certification, addressing potential disruptions in organic trade with third countries.The act introduces a new Article 30a to Regulation (EU) 2021/1698, which establishes derogations for pending certifications of operators in third countries. The main change is allowing control authorities to continue verifying consignments against the old rules (Regulation 834/2007) until October 15, 2025, if certification under new rules is pending by December 31, 2024.Key provisions include:
– Documentary evidence issued before December 31, 2024, remains valid until its expiry date but not beyond October 15, 2025
– Control authorities can issue certificates of inspection based on verification against old rules during the transition period
– References to compliance with Regulation 2018/848 shall be understood as references to rules under Article 33(1) of Regulation 834/2007 for operators with pending certification
– The derogation applies only to operators whose certification under the compliance regime is pending on December 31, 2024
