Review of the EU legislation for 31/12/2024

Let me analyze these legal acts for you:
1. Three regulations deal with fisheries reopening/closure:

• Spanish vessels can resume anchovy fishing in area 8 from October 25, 2024
• Portuguese vessels can resume red seabream fishing in zone 9 from November 6, 2024
• French vessels can resume Greenland halibut fishing in Norwegian waters from November 8, 2024
• Greek vessels must stop Bluefin tuna fishing in Atlantic/Mediterranean from November 7, 2024

2. A regulation changes the name of an Austrian wine PDO from ‘Süd-Oststeiermark’ to ‘Vulkanland Steiermark’.
3. A regulation modifies fisheries conservation measures:

• Reduces minimum size for short-necked clams to 32mm in Arcachon Basin
• Extends red seabream measures until December 2025

4. A major regulation on bisphenol A bans its use in food contact materials with very limited exceptions.
5. A regulation updates hazardous chemicals export/import lists, adding over 30 new substances.
6. A regulation modifies African swine fever control zones in several EU countries.
7. A regulation establishes new technical standards for financial institutions’ public disclosures.
8. A regulation updates the classification system for Purchasing Power Parities calculations.
9. A directive strengthens cross-border enforcement of road safety rules.
10. A regulation discontinues the European Online Dispute Resolution platform.
11. A regulation establishes rules for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism registry.
12. A fisheries protocol between EU and Greenland sets fishing quotas and €17.3M annual payment.
13. A Strategic Partnership Agreement between EU and Japan establishes comprehensive cooperation framework.

Review of each of legal acts published today:

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3247 of 20 December 2024 reopening the fishery for anchovy in area 8 by vessels flying the flag of Spain, by repealing Regulation (EU) 2024/2799

This Regulation deals with the reopening of anchovy fishing in area 8 for Spanish vessels, following a temporary closure. The act modifies the fishing regime by repealing the previous prohibition established by Regulation (EU) 2024/2799.The Regulation consists of two main articles and an annex. Article 1 establishes the reopening of anchovy fishing for Spanish vessels and repeals the previous prohibition. Article 2 sets the entry into force and retroactive application from October 25, 2024. The Annex provides specific technical details about the fishing reopening, including the species, zone, and relevant dates.Key provisions of the act include:
– The reopening is based on information from Spanish authorities indicating that fishing quota is still available
– The measure applies retroactively from October 25, 2024, to allow fishing the remaining quota before year’s end
– The reopening specifically concerns anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in area 8
– The original closure was effective from August 6, 2024, and is now being lifted
– The regulation applies to vessels flying the Spanish flag or registered in Spain

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3227 of 18 December 2024 on the approval of a Union amendment to the product specification of the protected designation of origin Süd-Oststeiermark pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council

This Regulation approves a change in the name of a protected designation of origin (PDO) for an Austrian wine region from ‘Süd-Oststeiermark’ to ‘Vulkanland Steiermark’. The amendment was requested by Austria under EU regulations governing geographical indications for wines and agricultural products.The act consists of two main articles: Article 1 approves the amendment to the product specification for the protected designation of origin, while Article 2 establishes the standard entry into force provision (twenty days after publication).The key provisions of this act are straightforward:

• The amendment was properly submitted by Austria before the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143
• No opposition to the name change was received during the statutory period
• The change only affects the name of the protected designation, from ‘Süd-Oststeiermark’ to ‘Vulkanland Steiermark’
• The amendment maintains all other aspects of the original product specification

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3204 of 11 October 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards short-necked clam and red seabream

This Regulation amends the EU’s technical measures for fisheries conservation, specifically focusing on two species: short-necked clam (Manila clam) and red seabream. The changes primarily concern minimum conservation reference sizes and fishing restrictions in specific geographical areas.The act introduces two main modifications to existing regulations:

• Reduces the minimum conservation reference size for short-necked clams to 32 mm in the Arcachon Basin
• Extends existing measures for red seabream until December 31, 2025, including specific size requirements and fishing restrictions in certain areas

Key provisions include:

• A minimum conservation reference size of 36 cm for red seabream, with 40 cm for recreational fishing in ICES subareas 6 and 7
• Prohibition of red seabream fishing from January 1 to June 30, 2025, for vessels flying the French flag in ICES subareas 6 and 7
• Reduction of minimum size for short-necked clams from 35 mm to 32 mm, supported by scientific evidence showing minimal impact on juvenile population
• After December 31, 2025, the minimum conservation reference size for red seabream will revert to 33 cm unless new rules are adopted

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 of 19 December 2024 on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives with harmonised classification for specific hazardous properties in certain materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2018/213

This Regulation establishes new rules on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in materials and articles intended for contact with food. It introduces a general prohibition on the use of BPA and its salts in food contact materials, with very limited exceptions.The Regulation’s structure includes 14 articles and 3 annexes covering definitions, prohibitions, authorization procedures, compliance verification, and transitional provisions. It amends existing Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and repeals Regulation (EU) 2018/213.Key provisions include:

• General prohibition of BPA use in food contact materials with limited derogations for specific applications like polysulfone filtration membranes and large capacity tanks over 1000 liters
• Prohibition of hazardous bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives unless specifically authorized
• New requirements for declarations of compliance and verification procedures
• Transitional periods of 18-36 months for different types of food contact materials to allow industry adaptation
• Special provisions for repeat-use articles and professional food production equipment
• Requirements for large businesses to report on development of alternatives to BPA

The Regulation introduces strict controls on bisphenols in food contact materials based on updated scientific evidence about their health impacts, particularly regarding BPA’s effects on the immune system. It aims to minimize consumer exposure while allowing time for industry transition to alternatives.

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/3199 of 15 October 2024 amending Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the listing of pesticides and industrial chemicals

This Commission Delegated Regulation amends Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 concerning the export and import of hazardous chemicals. The regulation updates lists of chemicals that are banned or severely restricted for use in the European Union, implementing decisions made under the Rotterdam Convention and Stockholm Convention.The regulation makes changes to Annexes I and V of Regulation 649/2012 by adding new chemicals to different parts of the annexes and modifying some existing entries. The main changes include adding over 30 new substances to Parts 1 and 2 of Annex I, adding terbufos to Part 3 of Annex I, and adding perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) to Part 1 of Annex V.The key provisions include:

• Adding substances that are no longer approved for use as pesticides or biocides in the EU to the lists of banned/restricted chemicals
• Adding industrial chemicals that are subject to authorization under REACH regulation
• Updating entries to align with Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
• Modifying the scope of certain existing entries to clarify coverage

The regulation will apply from March 1, 2025 to give stakeholders and Member States time to implement the necessary measures for compliance.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3248 of 20 December 2024 reopening the fishery for red seabream in Union and international waters of 9 by vessels flying the flag of Portugal, by repealing Regulation (EU) 2024/1949

This Commission Regulation reopens the fishery for red seabream in Union and international waters of zone 9 for Portuguese vessels. The act addresses a specific situation where Portugal initially closed this fishery in June 2024 but later received additional fishing quota through exchanges of fishing opportunities with other Member States. The regulation allows Portuguese vessels to resume fishing for red seabream from November 6, 2024.The regulation consists of two main articles and an annex. Article 1 establishes the reopening of the fishery and repeals the previous regulation that prohibited fishing. Article 2 sets the entry into force and application dates. The annex provides specific details about the fishing opportunity, including the species, zone, and relevant dates.Key provisions include:

• The reopening applies specifically to vessels flying the flag of Portugal
• The fishing is permitted in Union and international waters of zone 9
• The regulation has retroactive effect from November 6, 2024
• The species concerned is red seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo)
• The previous closure that was in effect from June 19, 2024, is repealed

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3245 of 19 December 2024 amending Annexes I and II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 laying down special control measures for African swine fever and repealing Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2976 concerning certain interim emergency measures relating to African swine fever in Germany

This is a Commission Implementing Regulation amending Annexes I and II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 regarding African swine fever control measures.The regulation updates the zoning and control measures for African swine fever in several EU member states, particularly modifying restricted zones I, II and III in response to changes in the epidemiological situation. The main changes include:1. Listing a new infected zone in Brandenburg, Germany following confirmation of an outbreak in a wild boar2. Modifying restricted zones in Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia based on recent outbreaks and improved situations in certain areas3. Updating the boundaries and classifications of restricted zones in various regions based on risk assessments and epidemiological developmentsThe regulation provides detailed geographical descriptions of the modified zones and updates the control measures that apply in each zone type. It aims to prevent further spread of African swine fever while adapting restrictions based on the evolving disease situation.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3249 of 20 December 2024 reopening the fishery for Greenland halibut in Norwegian waters of 1 and 2 by vessels flying the flag of France, by repealing Regulation (EU) 2024/2826

This Commission Regulation reopens the fishery for Greenland halibut in Norwegian waters for French vessels. The act addresses a specific situation where France initially closed its fishing activities for this species on July 26, 2024, but later received additional fishing quota through exchanges of fishing opportunities with other countries. The regulation allows French vessels to resume fishing for Greenland halibut from November 8, 2024.The regulation consists of two main articles and an annex. Article 1 establishes the reopening of the fishery and repeals the previous regulation that prohibited fishing. Article 2 sets the entry into force and retroactive application date. The annex provides specific technical details about the fishing reopening, including the species, zone, and relevant dates.Key provisions of the regulation include:
– The reopening applies specifically to vessels flying the flag of France
– The fishing is permitted in Norwegian waters of zones 1 and 2
– The reopening takes effect retroactively from November 8, 2024
– The regulation applies to Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides)
– The reopening follows an exchange of fishing opportunities under Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3250 of 20 December 2024 establishing a fisheries closure for Bluefin tuna in the Atlantic Ocean, east of 45° W, and Mediterranean for vessels flying the flag of Greece

This Regulation establishes a fisheries closure for Bluefin tuna in specific areas of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea for Greek vessels. The act is issued due to the exhaustion of Greece’s fishing quota for Bluefin tuna allocated for 2024. The closure affects the area east of 45° W in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.The Regulation consists of three main articles and an annex. Article 1 declares the exhaustion of the Greek fishing quota, Article 2 establishes specific prohibitions, and Article 3 deals with the entry into force. The annex provides technical details about the closure, including the specific stock code, species, and closing date.The key provisions of the Regulation include:
– Complete prohibition of fishing activities for Bluefin tuna by Greek vessels from November 7, 2024
– Ban on retaining on board, relocating, transhipping, or landing Bluefin tuna caught after the closing date
– The closure applies to the specific stock coded as BFT/AE45WM, including several special conditions
– The regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3172 of 29 November 2024 laying down implementing technical standards for the application of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to public disclosures by institutions of the information referred to in Part Eight, Titles II and III, of that Regulation, and repealing Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/637

This Regulation establishes new implementing technical standards for public disclosures by financial institutions regarding prudential requirements, risk management, and other key metrics. It implements changes introduced by Basel III standards into EU legislation.The Regulation replaces the previous Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/637 and introduces comprehensive disclosure requirements in areas like capital adequacy, liquidity, credit risk, market risk, operational risk, and ESG risks. It will apply from January 1, 2025.The main structure includes 28 articles covering different disclosure aspects and detailed annexes with specific templates and formats for disclosures. The key changes include new requirements for output floor disclosures, more granular risk weight treatments, revised market risk framework based on FRTB, and new approaches for operational risk.Key provisions include:

• Detailed requirements for disclosure of key metrics, risk management, own funds, and capital buffers
• New frameworks for credit risk, market risk and operational risk disclosures
• Enhanced ESG risk disclosure requirements
• Specific provisions for crypto-asset exposures
• Requirements for IT solutions and uniform disclosure formats

The Regulation aims to ensure uniform and comparable disclosures across EU institutions while maintaining consistency with international standards. It provides detailed technical specifications for the content, frequency and format of required disclosures.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3171 of 18 December 2024 amending Regulation (EC) No 1445/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the list of basic headings used for Purchasing Power Parities

This Regulation amends Regulation (EC) No 1445/2007 regarding the list of basic headings used for calculating Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs). The main purpose is to update the classification of individual consumption items to align with the new international COICOP 2018 standard.The Regulation consists of 2 articles and an extensive Annex that completely replaces Annex II of the original regulation. The new Annex provides a detailed classification system with 269 basic headings covering household consumption expenditure, non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH), government expenditure, and capital formation.The key changes include:

• Updated classification of individual consumption items according to COICOP 2018
• New detailed breakdown of categories like food, housing, transport, health, etc.
• Each basic heading is mapped to corresponding classification systems (COICOP, COPNI, COFOG, CPA)
• New structure with clear hierarchical organization of categories

The most important provisions include:

• Detailed classification of 269 basic headings for PPP calculations
• Clear mapping between different statistical classification systems
• Standardized structure for categorizing consumption expenditure
• Implementation date set for September 1, 2025

Directive (EU) 2024/3237 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Directive (EU) 2015/413 facilitating cross-border exchange of information on road-safety-related traffic offences (Text with EEA relevance)

This Directive amends Directive (EU) 2015/413 to strengthen cross-border enforcement of road safety rules and facilitate information exchange between EU member states regarding traffic offenses.The key changes include:

• Expanding the scope of covered traffic offenses to include new violations like dangerous overtaking, wrong-way driving, failing to keep safe distance, and hit-and-run incidents
• Establishing detailed requirements for traffic offense notices sent to non-resident drivers, including translation requirements and information about appeal rights
• Creating a mutual assistance system between member states for identifying offenders, serving documents, and enforcing penalties across borders
• Setting up an online portal (CBE Portal) with comprehensive information about road safety rules in different member states

The main provisions include:

• Mandatory use of the European Vehicle and Driving Licence Information System (EUCARIS) for secure data exchange between authorities
• Requirements for member states to maintain updated vehicle registration data and retain certain information for at least 12 months
• Prohibition on private entities conducting enforcement activities by July 2029
• New reporting obligations for member states on cross-border enforcement activities
• Enhanced data protection requirements aligned with EU privacy regulations

The Directive aims to improve road safety by reducing impunity of non-resident offenders while ensuring proper protection of fundamental rights and procedural safeguards. Member states must implement these changes by July 2027.

Regulation (EU) 2024/3228 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 repealing Regulation (EU) No 524/2013, and amending Regulations (EU) 2017/2394 and (EU) 2018/1724 with regard to the discontinuation of the European Online Dispute Resolution Platform (Text with EEA relevance)

This Regulation discontinues the European Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform, which was established to provide online dispute resolution for consumer disputes arising from online sales or service contracts. The platform served as a single point of entry for consumers and traders seeking out-of-court resolution of disputes.The Regulation consists of five articles that outline the repeal of the previous Regulation (EU) No 524/2013, set the timeline for the ODR platform’s discontinuation, and make necessary amendments to related regulations. The key dates include March 20, 2025, for stopping new complaint submissions, and July 20, 2025, for complete platform shutdown and data deletion.The main provisions include:
– Complete discontinuation of the ODR platform due to its ineffectiveness (only 200 cases per year across the EU)
– Requirement for the Commission to inform users with ongoing cases by March 20, 2025
– Obligation to assist users in retrieving their case-related data before deletion
– Deletion of all platform-related information, including personal data, by July 20, 2025
– Removal of references to the ODR platform from other EU regulations

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3210 of 18 December 2024 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2023/956 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the CBAM registry

This Regulation establishes detailed rules for the operation of the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) registry – a standardized electronic database for managing CBAM certificates, declarations, and registrations. The registry will serve as the central platform for all CBAM-related operations between the EU authorities and economic operators.The act consists of 4 chapters and 24 articles, covering the registry’s functions, access management, security measures, and data protection requirements. The key structural elements include provisions for different portal components (Declarants Portal, Operators Portal, National Authorities Portal, Commission Portal), interoperability with customs systems, and rules for user access management.The main provisions include:

• Establishment of a standardized electronic database containing CBAM accounts, declarations, applications and registrations
• Rules for interoperability with existing EU customs systems like EORI, TARIC, and Surveillance
• Detailed procedures for access management and authentication using the UUM&DS system
• Requirements for data protection, security measures and confidentiality of information
• Provisions for system maintenance, updates and business continuity in case of failures
• Rules on data retention (7-year maximum period) and processing of personal data

Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and the Government of Greenland and the Government of Denmark, of the other part (2025–2030)

This Protocol implements the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Greenland/Denmark for 2025-2030. Here are the key aspects:The Protocol establishes fishing opportunities for EU vessels in Greenlandic waters for various species including cod, redfish, Greenland halibut, northern prawn, and capelin. It sets indicative annual catch quotas and defines the process for determining actual fishing opportunities each year through a Joint Committee.The financial structure includes:

• Total EU contribution of €17.3 million annually
• €14.1 million for access to fishing zones
• €3.2 million to support Greenland’s fisheries policy

Key operational provisions include:

• Detailed requirements for vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and electronic reporting
• Rules on by-catch limits and discards
• Observer programs and inspection procedures
• Data protection standards for information exchange
• Process for experimental fisheries and new fishing opportunities

The Protocol contains extensive technical annexes covering licensing procedures, monitoring systems, data formats, and special arrangements for pelagic redfish fishing between Greenlandic and international waters. It represents a comprehensive framework for managed EU fishing access to Greenlandic waters with environmental and economic safeguards.

Notice concerning the entry into force of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Japan, of the other part

The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) between the EU and Japan represents a comprehensive framework for enhanced cooperation and strategic coordination between these major global powers. This legally binding agreement covers various areas of cooperation, including security, trade, environmental protection, and cultural exchange. The Agreement consists of several sections addressing political dialogue, global challenges, economic cooperation, justice and security cooperation, and various sectoral collaborations. It establishes mechanisms for regular consultations at various levels, from leadership summits to expert working groups, creating a structured approach to bilateral relations. Key provisions of the Agreement include:
– Enhanced political cooperation and regular dialogue on international issues
– Strengthened economic partnership beyond existing trade agreements
– Collaboration on global challenges such as climate change and cybersecurity
– Joint efforts in science, technology, and innovation
– Cooperation in crisis management and disaster response
– Cultural and people-to-people exchanges