Review of the EU legislation for 29/01/2025

Here’s a concise review of the most significant legal acts:
CITES Wildlife Trade Updates:
Three interconnected regulations update EU rules on endangered species trade, including new definitions for breeding stock, requirements for facilities breeding endangered species to register by 2026, and revised procedures for permits and certificates for musical instruments.
EU-Chile Trade Agreement:
Establishes new agricultural tariff quotas between EU and Chile, setting specific amounts for beef (5.2M kg), eggs (500K kg), pork (21.2M kg) and poultry meat (32.2-41.2M kg annually), with most import duties set at zero.
Gyroplane Regulations:
Two regulations introduce comprehensive rules for gyroplanes over 600kg, covering both operations and pilot licensing. Key requirements include 35 hours of flight instruction for pilots and specific equipment requirements. Implementation starts February 2026.
Maritime Fuel Verification:
Sets procedures for accrediting verifiers who assess shipping companies’ compliance with renewable fuel requirements, including detailed accreditation processes and competence standards for verifiers.
School Food Scheme:
Simplifies reporting requirements for EU’s school fruit, vegetable and milk program by removing non-essential information while maintaining core reporting on funds, participation rates and product quantities.
Geographical Indications:
Three separate regulations register new protected products: ‘Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ’ (Malta), ‘Trnavský slad’ (Slovakia), and approve amendments to ‘Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar’ (Spain) specifications.
Competition Law:
Court ruling establishes that EU law prohibits national laws from preventing the assignment of competition damages claims to legal service providers if no other effective collective enforcement mechanisms exist.

Review of each of legal acts published today:

Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/130 of 28 January 2025 amending Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 as regards developments in the framework of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the possibility to issue retrospective permits

This regulation amends Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 regarding developments in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the possibility to issue retrospective permits.The regulation updates various provisions to reflect decisions made at the 19th Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP19) and meetings of the CITES Standing Committee. Key changes include:

• Updates to definitions, codes and references for species nomenclature
• New requirements for registering operations that breed Appendix I animal species in captivity for commercial purposes
• Revised deadlines for submitting implementation reports
• Updates to various annexes containing species lists and taxonomic references

The main provisions include:

• New definition of ‘breeding stock’ and updates to purpose-of-transaction codes
• Requirements for facilities breeding Appendix I species to register with the CITES Secretariat by December 2026
• Allowing retrospective import permits for legally exported dead specimens in exceptional cases
• Updated taxonomic references and species lists in the annexes
• New reporting deadlines aligned with CITES requirements

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/184 of 28 January 2025 amending Implementing Regulations (EU) 2020/761 and (EU) 2020/1988 regarding the creation, modification and management of certain tariff quotas following the Interim Agreement on Trade between the European Union and the Republic of Chile

This Regulation amends existing EU regulations regarding tariff quotas following the Interim Agreement on Trade between the European Union and Chile. The key aspects are:The Regulation modifies rules for managing import and export tariff quotas for agricultural products between the EU and Chile, particularly focusing on beef, eggs, pork, poultry meat, and various other agricultural products.The document establishes new tariff quotas and modifies existing ones for various products including:

• Beef quota of 5.2 million kg annually
• Egg products quota of 500,000 kg annually
• Pork products quota of 21.2 million kg annually
• Poultry meat quota starting at 32.2 million kg and increasing to 41.2 million kg

The Regulation provides detailed specifications for each quota including:

• Exact product descriptions and CN codes
• Quota periods and sub-periods
• Rules for proof of origin
• Import duties (mostly set at EUR 0)
• Specific conditions for quota management

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/132 of 28 January 2025 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 as regards the inclusion of a reference to musical instruments certificates and explanations for the use of forms

This Commission Implementing Regulation amends Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 to align it with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) resolutions. The key focus is on updating provisions related to musical instruments certificates and clarifying the explanations for using various forms in wildlife trade documentation.The regulation consists of two main articles and an extensive annex. Article 1 introduces changes to the forms for continuation sheets related to personal ownership certificates, travelling exhibition certificates, and musical instrument certificates. The Annex provides detailed amendments to the instructions and explanations for various forms, particularly focusing on source codes and purpose codes for transactions.The most significant provisions include:

• Updated definitions for specimens of animal species bred in captivity and artificially propagated plants
• New explanations for transaction purposes, including educational, law enforcement, medical research, reintroduction to the wild, and zoo-related activities
• Revised instructions for completing forms related to import/export permits and certificates
• Clarified documentation requirements for musical instruments to facilitate their non-commercial cross-border movements

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/133 of 28 January 2025 amending Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 as regards non-commercial operations conducted in visual flight rules conditions with gyroplanes

This Regulation amends the existing EU aviation rules to include specific provisions for gyroplanes with a maximum take-off mass exceeding 600 kg. The act establishes safety requirements for non-commercial operations of gyroplanes conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. It introduces a definition of gyroplanes as rotorcraft supported by up to two freely rotating rotors on vertical axes.The Regulation modifies Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 by adding new provisions specifically for gyroplanes. The main changes include:

• Including gyroplanes in the scope of aviation regulations alongside other rotorcraft
• Setting specific operational requirements for non-commercial VFR flights with gyroplanes
• Establishing equipment requirements for gyroplanes, including safety equipment, communication devices, and emergency equipment
• Updating terminology throughout the regulation to include ‘rotorcraft’ instead of just ‘helicopters’

Key provisions include:

• Detailed requirements for minimum equipment during flights
• Specific rules for operating lights and safety equipment
• Requirements for emergency locator transmitters and safety equipment for flights over water
• Specific performance criteria for operating gyroplanes at low heights
• Requirements for radio communication equipment and crew safety briefings

The regulation will become applicable from February 18, 2026.

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/192 of 9 September 2024 on procedures for the accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, and amending Directive 2009/16/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

This Regulation establishes detailed procedures for the accreditation of verifiers who assess compliance with EU rules on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport. It sets standards for national accreditation bodies to evaluate and monitor verifiers who check shipping companies’ fuel usage reports and compliance with greenhouse gas intensity requirements.The Regulation consists of three main chapters covering: 1) Accreditation of verifiers, 2) Requirements for national accreditation bodies, and 3) Information exchange between relevant authorities. The act introduces new requirements compared to previous regulations by establishing specific criteria for verifier competence, assessment procedures, and information sharing.Key provisions include:

• Detailed requirements for verifier accreditation process, including application, assessment, surveillance and renewal procedures
• Standards for verifier competence and independence
• Administrative measures like suspension or withdrawal of accreditation
• Mandatory information exchange between national authorities
• Creation of public databases of accredited verifiers
• Requirements for annual work programs and management reports

The Regulation aims to ensure consistent and high-quality verification of maritime fuel usage across the EU through standardized accreditation procedures and oversight of verifiers. It establishes clear responsibilities for national accreditation bodies and creates transparency through mandatory reporting and information sharing requirements.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/134 of 28 January 2025 amending Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 as regards the introduction of a gyroplane pilot licence

This Regulation introduces new provisions for gyroplane pilot licensing in the European Union by amending Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011. It establishes requirements for obtaining and maintaining a gyroplane pilot licence (GPL), including training requirements, privileges, and medical certification standards.The Regulation’s structure includes amendments to several annexes of Regulation 1178/2011, particularly focusing on:- Definition and classification of gyroplanes- Training requirements for GPL (35 hours of flight instruction)- Privileges and limitations for GPL holders- Requirements for instructors and examiners- Medical certification requirementsKey provisions include:- Minimum age requirement of 17 years for GPL applicants- 35 hours of flight instruction including 20 hours dual instruction and 8 hours solo flight- Night rating requirements for night operations- Specific class and type ratings for different gyroplane categories- Recency requirements including 12 hours flight time in 2 years- Credit system for holders of other pilot licenses- Validity period of theoretical knowledge examinations of 24 monthsThe regulation introduces a comprehensive framework for non-commercial gyroplane operations, with provisions for training organizations, instructor qualifications, and examination standards. It will become applicable from February 18, 2026, allowing time for implementation and transition.

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/162 of 25 November 2024 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/40 as regards the monitoring of the implementation of the Union aid scheme for the supply of fruit and vegetables, bananas and milk in educational establishments

This Regulation amends the monitoring requirements for the EU school scheme that provides fruit, vegetables, bananas, and milk to educational establishments. The act simplifies reporting requirements for Member States by removing certain non-essential information from mandatory annual monitoring reports. It specifically modifies Article 9 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/40.The structure of the act is straightforward, containing two main articles. Article 1 replaces paragraph 3 of Article 9 in the original Regulation, while Article 2 establishes the entry into force provisions. The key change is the removal of requirements to report on average prices of portions and information about authorities and stakeholders involved, while simplifying reporting on delivery frequency.The main provisions that remain mandatory for Member States’ annual monitoring reports include:

• Information about funds used for supply and distribution of product groups
• Number of participating educational establishments and children
• Average portion size and number of delivered portions
• Quantities of products supplied by product groups
• Information about additional products included in educational measures
• Types of communication and accompanying measures implemented

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/135 of 21 January 2025 on the registration of the geographical indication Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ (PDO) in the Union register of geographical indications pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council

This Commission Implementing Regulation registers the geographical indication ‘Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ’ as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the EU register of geographical indications. The regulation implements Malta’s application for protecting this traditional product under the EU’s quality schemes for agricultural products.The regulation consists of two main articles. Article 1 formally enters ‘Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ’ into the Union register of geographical indications, while Article 2 establishes that the regulation becomes effective twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.The regulation follows standard EU procedures for geographical indication registration. It notes that Malta’s application was properly published in the Official Journal, and no opposition was received during the designated period. This registration provides legal protection for ‘Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ’ as a PDO throughout the European Union.Key aspects of the regulation include:

• The registration is made under the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which governs geographical indications for various products including agricultural products
• The application was originally submitted under the previous Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 but processed under the new regulation’s provisions
• The registration is binding and directly applicable in all EU Member States

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/127 of 27 January 2025 correcting certain language versions of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808 on the performance of analytical methods for residues of pharmacologically active substances used in food-producing animals and on the interpretation of results as well as on the methods to be used for sampling

This Regulation corrects errors in various language versions of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808, which deals with analytical methods for detecting residues of pharmacologically active substances in food-producing animals. The corrections are technical in nature and focus on specific definitions and calculations.The Regulation specifically addresses errors found in different language versions (Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Estonian, German, Irish, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, and Spanish) of the original document. The corrections mainly concern the definition of ‘decision limit for confirmation (CCα)’ and calculations related to detection capability for screening (CCβ).The main provisions requiring correction are:

• Article 2, second paragraph, point (14) – definition of ‘decision limit for confirmation (CCα)’
• Article 5(2) – provisions concerning CCα
• Points 2.6 and 2.7 of Annex I – calculations related to CCα and CCβ

These corrections are crucial for ensuring accurate analytical methods and proper interpretation of results when testing for pharmacologically active substances in food-producing animals. The English language version remains unchanged, as it was not affected by these errors.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/131 of 21 January 2025 on the registration of the geographical indication Trnavský slad (PGI) in the Union register of geographical indications pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council

This Commission Implementing Regulation registers the geographical indication ‘Trnavský slad’ (PGI – Protected Geographical Indication) in the EU register of geographical indications. The regulation implements Slovakia’s application for protecting this specific product name under the EU quality schemes system.The regulation consists of two main articles. Article 1 formally enters ‘Trnavský slad’ into the Union register of geographical indications, while Article 2 establishes that the regulation enters into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.The regulation follows a standard procedure for geographical indication registration: Slovakia submitted the application under the previous Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, it was published in the Official Journal, and no opposition was received during the designated period. The registration is made under the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which now governs geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks, agricultural products, and traditional specialties guaranteed.Key aspects of this regulation include:

• The successful completion of the application process without any opposition
• The transition from the old regulatory framework (Regulation 1151/2012) to the new one (Regulation 2024/1143)
• The binding nature of the regulation across all EU Member States

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/136 of 21 January 2025 approving a non-minor amendment to the product specification of the protected geographical indication Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council

This Regulation approves a non-minor amendment to the product specification for the protected geographical indication (PGI) ‘Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar’ (Huétor-Tájar Asparagus). The amendment was requested by Spain and processed under the new EU geographical indications framework.The Regulation consists of two main articles. Article 1 approves the amendment to the product specification that was previously published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Article 2 establishes that the Regulation enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication.The key aspects of this legal act include:

• The amendment application was originally submitted under the previous Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 but was processed under the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1143
• No opposition statements were received during the prescribed period
• The amendment is considered ‘non-minor’, which means it involves significant changes to the product specification
• The Regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all EU Member States

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/190 of 27 January 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/44 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Libya

This is a Council Implementing Regulation that modifies the existing EU sanctions regime concerning Libya. The act removes one specific person from the list of individuals subject to restrictive measures, following a decision by the UN Security Council Committee.The regulation consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 introduces amendments to Annex II of the base Regulation (EU) 2016/44, while Article 2 establishes the entry into force provision. The Annex specifically deletes entry number 20 concerning Abdelhafiz ZLITNI from Part A (‘Persons’) of Annex II to Regulation 2016/44.The key provision of this implementing regulation is the removal of one individual (Abdelhafiz ZLITNI) from the EU’s sanctions list related to Libya. This change aligns EU restrictive measures with the UN Security Council Committee’s decision of December 20, 2024, to delist this person from sanctions.

Judgment of the Court (Grand Chamber) of 28 January 2025.ASG 2 Ausgleichsgesellschaft für die Sägeindustrie Nordrhein-Westfalen GmbH v Land Nordrhein-Westfalen.Reference for a preliminary ruling – Competition – Article 101 TFEU – Directive 2014/104/EU – Actions for damages for infringements of competition law – Point 4 of Article 2 – Concept of ‘action for damages’ – Article 3(1) – Right to full compensation for harm suffered – Assignment of compensation claims to a provider of legal services – National law precluding recognition of the standing of such a provider with a view to group collection of those claims – Article 4 – Principle of effectiveness – First paragraph of Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union – Right to effective judicial protection.Case C-253/23.

This judgment concerns the interpretation of EU competition law and the right to compensation for harm caused by competition law infringements. Here are the key points:1. The case deals with whether EU law allows injured parties to assign their compensation claims to a legal services provider for collective enforcement, particularly in cases where individual claims would be impractical.2. The Court analyzed whether German law preventing such assignments in competition cases is compatible with EU law principles of effectiveness and the right to judicial protection. The key provisions examined were Article 101 TFEU, Directive 2014/104/EU on antitrust damages actions, and Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.3. The Court ruled that national laws preventing assignment of competition damages claims to legal service providers for collective enforcement are prohibited by EU law if:

• There are no other effective mechanisms for collective enforcement of claims
• Individual actions would be impossible or excessively difficult, depriving injured parties of effective judicial protection

The Court emphasized that national courts must assess all relevant circumstances to determine if these conditions are met. If national law cannot be interpreted in compliance with EU law requirements, the conflicting national provisions must be disapplied.