Review of the EU legislation for 01/02/2025

Here’s a concise review of the key legal acts:

1. A comprehensive fishing regulation setting Total Allowable Catches and quotas for EU fishing vessels in EU and non-EU waters for 2025/2026, including detailed catch limits, fishing areas, gear restrictions, and reporting requirements across 11 annexes.
2. Two geographical indication registrations:
   – ‘Aglonas maizes veistūklis’ from Latvia as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
   – ‘Sussex’ from the UK as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
3. Two regulations on counter-terrorism measures:
   – An amendment extending humanitarian exemptions from 12 to 24 months for organizations with Humanitarian Partnership Certificates
   – An update to the EU’s sanctions list, covering 14 individuals and 22 groups/entities
4. A technical correction for Danish payment institutions’ identification numbers, specifying 8-digit CVR numbers for companies and 10-digit CPR numbers for natural persons.
5. A regulation adjusting unemployment fund contributions to 0.51% of basic salary for EU temporary and contract staff, with different standard allowance deductions.
6. Authorization of glucosyl hesperidin as a novel food with specific use conditions in soft drinks (525 mg/L maximum) and food supplements, including a five-year exclusive authorization to Nagase Viita Co.
7. An amendment to veterinary medicinal products regulation, updating requirements for variations not requiring assessment, covering administrative and technical changes.
8. Two feed additive authorizations:
   – Renewal for Limosilactobacillus fermentum for all animal species until 2035
   – Authorization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for non-dairy ruminants until 2035, with specific concentration requirements

Review of each of legal acts published today:

Council Regulation (EU) 2025/202 of 30 January 2025 fixing for 2025 and 2026 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks, applicable in Union waters and, for Union fishing vessels, in certain non-Union waters, and amending Regulation (EU) 2024/257 as regards fishing opportunities for 2025

This is a comprehensive regulation establishing fishing opportunities (catch quotas and effort limits) for EU fishing vessels in EU and non-EU waters, and for third-country vessels in EU waters for 2025 and in some cases 2026.The regulation sets Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for different fish stocks and fishing areas, covering both autonomous EU stocks and shared stocks with third countries. It implements decisions made in various Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and bilateral agreements with third countries.Key provisions include:

• Detailed TACs and quotas for different species and fishing areas in EU waters
• Fishing effort limitations and technical measures for certain fisheries
• Rules on quota exchanges between Member States
• Implementation of international commitments in RFMOs
• Conditions for third country vessels fishing in EU waters

The regulation contains extensive technical details on catch limits, fishing areas, gear restrictions, and reporting requirements organized across 11 annexes covering different regions and fisheries. It represents the main annual instrument for implementing the EU’s fisheries management system and international obligations.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/178 of 24 January 2025 on the registration of the geographical indication Aglonas maizes veistūklis (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 ‘Aglonas maizes veistūklis’ as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the European Union register of geographical indications. The regulation is based on an application submitted by Latvia under the EU’s quality schemes for agricultural products.The regulation consists of two main articles. Article 1 formally enters ‘Aglonas maizes veistūklis’ into the Union register of geographical indications as a PGI. Article 2 establishes that the regulation enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.The key aspects of this regulation include:

• The application was originally submitted under the previous Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 but was processed under the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1143
• No opposition was received during the prescribed period following the publication of the application
• The registration provides legal protection for ‘Aglonas maizes veistūklis’ as a geographical indication throughout the European Union

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/191 of 24 January 2025 on the registration of the geographical indication Sussex (PDO) in the Union register of geographical indications pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council

This Regulation implements the registration of ‘Sussex’ as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the EU register of geographical indications. The registration follows an application from the United Kingdom that was submitted before the entry into force of the new EU Regulation 2024/1143 on geographical indications.The Regulation consists of two articles: Article 1 formally registers ‘Sussex’ as a PDO in the Union register of geographical indications, while Article 2 sets the standard entry into force provision (twentieth day following publication). The structure is simple and straightforward, focusing solely on the registration action.The key provisions to note are:

• The application was processed under transitional provisions, as it was submitted before the new geographical indications regulation came into force
• No opposition was received during the opposition period under Article 17 of Regulation 2024/1143
• The registration is binding and directly applicable in all EU Member States
• The protection granted is under the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) category, which is the highest level of geographical indication protection in the EU system

Council Regulation (EU) 2025/205 of 30 January 2025 amending Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism

This Regulation amends the EU’s framework for implementing restrictive measures (sanctions) against persons and entities involved in terrorist activities, specifically focusing on humanitarian exemptions to asset freezes. The amendment extends the duration of previously established humanitarian exemptions and updates relevant deadlines.The Regulation consists of two main articles that modify Council Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001. The changes primarily affect Article 6 of the original regulation, extending the humanitarian exemption period from 12 to 24 months and pushing the deadline from February 2025 to February 2027.The key provisions of this amendment include:
– Extension of the humanitarian exemption period to 24 months for organizations with Humanitarian Partnership Certificates and recognized humanitarian agencies
– Prolongation of the review period for these exemptions until February 22, 2027
– Maintenance of the derogation mechanism for humanitarian organizations that don’t qualify for automatic exemptionsThe amendment ensures continuity in the EU’s approach to balancing counter-terrorism measures with humanitarian needs, allowing legitimate humanitarian organizations to continue their operations while maintaining restrictions on terrorist financing.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/206 of 30 January 2025 implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism, and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2055

This Council Implementing Regulation updates the EU’s list of persons and entities subject to specific restrictive measures in the context of combating terrorism. The act is a regular review and update of the existing sanctions list established under Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001.The regulation consists of three main articles and an extensive annex. Article 1 establishes a new list of sanctioned persons and entities, Article 2 repeals the previous implementing regulation (EU) 2024/2055, and Article 3 sets the entry into force provision. The Annex contains two parts: Part I listing 14 individuals and Part II listing 22 groups and entities.The key provisions of the act include:

• The Council has reviewed and verified that all listed persons and entities (except one removed person) have been involved in terrorist acts according to the competent authorities’ decisions
• The list includes detailed identification information for individuals, including aliases, dates of birth, places of birth, and passport numbers
• Among the listed organizations are various militant and terrorist groups from different regions, including Hamas, Hezbollah Military Wing, PKK, and others
• Each listed person and entity has been provided with statements of reasons for their inclusion, where practically possible
• The regulation maintains the restrictive measures against all listed subjects except for one person who has been removed from the previous list

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/212 of 13 September 2024 correcting Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/2055 supplementing Directive (EU) 2015/2366 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards for the cooperation and exchange of information between competent authorities relating to the exercise of the right of establishment and the freedom to provide services of payment institutions

This Regulation is a technical correction to the existing EU legislation regarding payment institutions’ identification numbers in Denmark. It modifies Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/2055, which deals with cooperation and information exchange between competent authorities concerning payment institutions’ right of establishment and freedom to provide services.The Regulation consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 introduces the correction to Annex I of the original Regulation, while Article 2 establishes the standard entry into force provision. The Annex contains the specific technical correction for Denmark’s identification numbers.The main change introduced by this Regulation is the correction of Denmark’s unique identification number format in Annex I. The new format specifies two types of identification numbers:

• For companies and sole proprietorships: an 8-digit CVR number (e.g., 12345678)
• For natural persons other than sole proprietorships: a 10-digit CPR number in the format 123456-7890

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/101 of 27 November 2024 adjusting the contributions for the financing of the Special Unemployment Fund set out under Articles 28a and 96 of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants

This Regulation adjusts the financial contributions to the Special Unemployment Fund for temporary staff, contract staff, and accredited parliamentary assistants of EU institutions. The act establishes new contribution rates for the unemployment insurance scheme that provides benefits to former staff members after their service termination.The Regulation consists of two main articles. Article 1 sets the new contribution rate at 0.51% of the basic salary for both temporary and contract staff, with different standard allowance deductions (EUR 1,585.45 for temporary staff and EUR 1,189.08 for contract staff). Article 2 establishes the entry into force provisions.The key changes in this Regulation include:

• Adjustment of the contribution rate to 0.51% for all categories of staff
• Specification of different standard allowance deductions for different staff categories
• Maintenance of the principle that correction coefficients are not taken into account in calculations

The most significant provisions for practical application are:

• The precise calculation method for contributions, based on basic salary minus standard allowance
• The exclusion of correction coefficients from the calculation
• The automatic application of these rates to all relevant staff categories without exceptions

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/167 of 30 January 2025 authorising the placing on the market of glucosyl hesperidin as a novel food and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470

This Commission Implementing Regulation authorizes the placing on the market of glucosyl hesperidin as a novel food in the European Union. The substance is a pale yellow to yellow-brown powder produced enzymatically from hesperidin, which is isolated from citrus fruits parts.The Regulation amends the Union list of novel foods by adding glucosyl hesperidin with specific conditions of use. The structure includes detailed specifications for the substance’s composition, characteristics, heavy metals content and microbiological criteria.The main provisions include:

• Authorization for use in soft drinks related to physical exercise and energy drinks with maximum level of 525 mg/L
• Permission for use in food supplements for general population (excluding infants) with specific daily dosages: 115 mg for children 3-10 years and 200 mg for those over 10 years
• Five-year exclusive authorization granted to Nagase Viita Co., Ltd. based on their proprietary scientific data
• Specific labeling requirements including mandatory designation as ‘Glucosyl hesperidin’ and warnings regarding consumption by infants and young children
• Detailed quality specifications including composition requirements, heavy metals limits and microbiological criteria

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/163 of 30 January 2025 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/17 establishing a list of variations not requiring assessment in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council

This Regulation amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/17 which establishes a list of variations not requiring assessment for veterinary medicinal products. It updates and clarifies the conditions under which certain changes to marketing authorizations can be made without requiring regulatory assessment.The Regulation introduces changes to both administrative aspects (like changes in names and addresses of various entities) and technical aspects (such as manufacturing processes, specifications, and testing procedures) of veterinary medicinal products. It also adds new provisions related to oral administration of medicines to food-producing animals.The main changes include:

• Updated requirements for changes in names and addresses of marketing authorization holders, manufacturers, and suppliers
• Modified provisions regarding batch sizes, specifications, and testing procedures
• New rules for changes in product composition and packaging
• Additional provisions for changes related to pharmacovigilance and risk management

The Regulation provides detailed technical requirements and documentation needed for each type of variation. It specifies conditions under which changes can be implemented without prior assessment, while maintaining product quality and safety standards. The changes are organized in different categories (Parts A-D) based on their nature and complexity.Key provisions focus on ensuring that any changes made without assessment do not compromise product quality, safety or efficacy. The Regulation maintains strict requirements for documentation and validation of changes, particularly for aspects affecting product specifications, manufacturing processes, and control methods.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/168 of 30 January 2025 concerning the renewal of the authorisation of a preparation of Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCIMB 30169 as a feed additive for all animal species and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 399/2014

This Commission Implementing Regulation concerns the renewal of authorization for Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCIMB 30169 as a feed additive for all animal species. The regulation extends the previous 10-year authorization period and updates safety requirements for the additive’s use. The preparation is classified as a technological additive in the functional group of silage additives.The regulation consists of four articles and an annex. Article 1 renews the authorization, Article 2 amends the previous regulation by deleting the old entry, Article 3 establishes transitional measures for existing stocks, and Article 4 sets the entry into force. The annex provides detailed technical specifications for the additive’s use.Key provisions include:

• The minimum concentration requirement of 2.5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g in the additive
• Specific storage conditions must be indicated in the directions for use
• A minimum dose of 1 × 10⁸ CFU/kg fresh material when used alone
• Mandatory safety measures for handlers, including personal protective equipment for skin, eye, and respiratory protection
• Authorization validity until February 20, 2035
• Transitional period allowing products produced and labeled before February 20, 2026, to be used until stocks are exhausted

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/169 of 30 January 2025 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBVPG 48 SF as a feed additive for ruminants other than dairy (holder of authorisation: Mazzoleni S.p.A.)

This Commission Implementing Regulation authorizes the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBVPG 48 SF (a specific yeast preparation) as a feed additive for ruminants other than dairy animals. The authorization is granted to Mazzoleni S.p.A. as the holder and will be valid until February 20, 2035. The additive is classified as a zootechnical additive in the functional group of ‘other zootechnical additives’.The regulation consists of two main articles and an annex. Article 1 establishes the authorization of the preparation, while Article 2 sets the entry into force. The detailed technical specifications, conditions of use, and safety requirements are laid out in the comprehensive annex. The regulation builds upon the previous authorization (EU) 2023/2734 which covered horses, dairy ruminants, and pigs.Key provisions include:

• The minimum concentration requirement of 1 × 109 CFU/g in the additive
• The minimum content requirement of 4 × 109 CFU/kg in feedingstuff
• Mandatory storage conditions and stability information in usage directions
• Safety measures requiring personal protective equipment for breathing and skin protection when risks cannot be eliminated through operational procedures
• Specific analytical methods for identification and enumeration of the substance