Review of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1048
Reform and Growth Facility Scoreboard: Setting the Stage for Transparency
This regulation lays out the blueprint for a public scoreboard that will track the progress of the Reform Agendas in the Western Balkans. Think of it as a dashboard that will display the percentage of completed reforms, financial disbursements, and investments approved under the Western Balkans Investment Framework. Most importantly, the scoreboard will provide links to beneficiaries’ websites, offering a direct view of where the money is going. The scoreboard will be updated twice a year, ensuring continuous oversight.
Review of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/955
‘Savolainen mustikkakukko’ Gets EU Protection
This regulation officially recognizes ‘Savolainen mustikkakukko’, a Finnish blueberry pastry, as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This means that only pastries made in the Savolainen region of Finland, following specific standards, can be sold under that name. This protection prevents misuse and imitation, safeguarding the product’s reputation and origin.
Review of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/956
‘Sal de Rio Maior / Flor de Sal de Rio Maior’ Receives Protected Designation of Origin
This regulation grants ‘Sal de Rio Maior / Flor de Sal de Rio Maior’, salt from Portugal, Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This protection ensures that only salt harvested and produced in the Rio Maior region, according to specific production methods, can bear this name. Consumers can trust the origin and quality, while local producers gain exclusive rights to the protected name.
Review of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1093
EU Establishes Deforestation Risk List: Ukraine Classified as Low Risk
This regulation classifies countries as having a low or high risk of producing commodities linked to deforestation. This list is crucial because it determines the level of due diligence required for companies importing these commodities into the EU. Ukraine has been classified as a low-risk country. This means that companies sourcing commodities from Ukraine will face simplified due diligence procedures compared to those sourcing from countries with a standard or high-risk classification.
Review of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1072
African Swine Fever: EU Updates Restricted Zones, Impacting Animal Movement
This regulation modifies the restricted zones in several EU member states (Germany, Latvia, Poland, and Slovakia) due to the evolving African Swine Fever (ASF) situation. The new regulation adjusts the geographical areas, and has implications for Ukraine, as African Swine Fever can affect international trade and the movement of animals and products. Ukrainians involved in the pig farming industry or related trade with the EU should be aware of these restrictions, as they may impact import/export activities and disease control measures.
Review of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/975
Insecticide Product Family ‘Transfluthrin emanators UA BPF’ Authorized for EU Market
This regulation grants EU-wide authorization for the biocidal product family ‘Transfluthrin emanators UA BPF’, containing transfluthrin. This insecticide can be used to control moths, mosquitoes, and flies. The regulation specifies how the product can be sold and used, outlining safety measures and directions for use. Detailed information, including hazard warnings and safe use guidelines, is provided in the annexes.
Review of Decision No. 1/2024
EU and Switzerland Enhance Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Link
This Decision aims to transition from a provisional solution to a permanent registry link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS. This permanent link seeks to enhance market liquidity and facilitate seamless transactions between the two systems, effectively creating a unified market environment for participants.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1048 of 28 March 2025 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans by setting out the elements of the scoreboard for the Reform and Growth Facility
This Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1048 supplements Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 by detailing the elements of the scoreboard for the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. The regulation specifies how the progress of the Reform Agendas of the beneficiaries will be measured and displayed. It ensures transparency and public access to information regarding the implementation and financial aspects of the Facility. The scoreboard will be a key tool for monitoring and evaluating the Facility’s impact.
The regulation consists of two articles. Article 1 outlines the content of the Facility scoreboard, focusing on the progress in implementing Reform Agendas, measured by the fulfilment of steps and the disbursement of financial support. It also includes displaying the Reform Agendas, approved Western Balkans Investment Framework investments, and links to beneficiaries’ webpages with data on final recipients of funding. Article 2 stipulates that the regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. There are no changes compared to previous versions, as this is the initial act specifying the elements of the scoreboard.
The most important provisions for practical use are those in Article 1, which detail what information must be included in the scoreboard. This includes the percentage of fulfilled steps in the Reform Agendas, progress in disbursing financial support, the Reform Agendas themselves, a list of approved investments, and links to beneficiaries’ websites for detailed funding information. The requirement to update the scoreboard twice a year and keep it available online ensures ongoing transparency and accountability.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/955 of 22 May 2025 on the registration of the geographical indication Savolainen mustikkakukko (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 (EU) 2025/955 officially registers ‘Savolainen mustikkakukko’ as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the Union’s register. This registration is based on an application from Finland and follows the procedures outlined in Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which governs geographical indications for various agricultural products. The absence of any opposition to the registration led to the enactment of this regulation.
The structure of the act is straightforward, containing a preamble that explains the legal basis and the reasons for the registration, followed by two articles. Article 1 formally registers ‘Savolainen mustikkakukko’ as a PGI. Article 2 specifies that the regulation will take effect twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This regulation implements the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which repealed and replaced Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.
The most important provision is Article 1, which grants ‘Savolainen mustikkakukko’ the status of a Protected Geographical Indication within the EU. This means that the name is protected against misuse or imitation and that the product must originate from the specified geographical area (Savolainen) and adhere to specific production standards.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/956 of 22 May 2025 on the registration of the geographical indication Sal de Rio Maior / Flor de Sal de Rio Maior (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 (EU) 2025/956 registers ‘Sal de Rio Maior / Flor de Sal de Rio Maior’ as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the Union register of geographical indications. This means that the product name is protected against misuse and imitation within the EU, and only products produced in the specified geographical area according to specific production standards can use the name. The registration is based on an application from Portugal and follows the procedures outlined in Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
The structure of the act is very simple. It consists of a preamble that cites the relevant regulations and explains the reasons for the registration, followed by two articles. Article 1 formally registers the geographical indication, and Article 2 specifies the date of entry into force of the regulation. This regulation implements the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which itself repealed Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. The new regulation streamlines the process for registering and protecting geographical indications.
The most important provision is Article 1, which grants PDO status to ‘Sal de Rio Maior / Flor de Sal de Rio Maior’. This legal protection ensures that consumers can trust the origin and quality of the product, and that producers in the Rio Maior region of Portugal have exclusive rights to use the name for salt produced according to the defined specifications.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1093 of 22 May 2025 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards a list of countries that present a low or high risk of producing relevant commodities for which the relevant products do not comply with Article 3, point (a)
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1093 establishes a list of countries that present either a low or high risk of producing commodities associated with deforestation, specifically concerning whether products comply with the deforestation-free requirements outlined in Article 3(a) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115. It aims to facilitate the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 by categorizing countries based on their risk levels, which in turn affects the due diligence obligations of operators and traders placing relevant commodities on the EU market or exporting them from the EU. The regulation assigns a risk level to countries based on deforestation-related criteria.
The structure of the act is straightforward. It consists of two articles and one annex. Article 1 specifies that the countries presenting low or high risks are those listed in the Annex, while a standard risk level applies to all countries not listed. Article 2 states the regulation’s entry into force. The Annex provides the list of countries classified as either low risk or high risk. This regulation is a direct implementation of Article 29(2) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, which mandates the Commission to assess and classify countries based on their risk of producing commodities linked to deforestation. It does not repeal any previous legislation but rather builds upon and specifies the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115.
The most important provision is the Annex, which lists countries classified as low or high risk. This classification directly impacts the due diligence obligations of operators and traders under Regulation (EU) 2023/1115. Those sourcing from low-risk countries are subject to simplified due diligence, while those dealing with countries not listed (and thus considered standard risk) or high-risk countries must adhere to more stringent due diligence requirements.
**** Ukraine is listed as low risk country.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1072 of 22 May 2025 amending Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 laying down special disease control measures for African swine fever
Here’s a breakdown of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1072:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation amends Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, which outlines special disease control measures for African swine fever (ASF). The changes involve updating the lists of restricted zones (I, II, and III) in various Member States (Germany, Latvia, Poland, and Slovakia) based on recent ASF outbreaks and improvements in the epidemiological situation. The goal is to proactively manage and combat the spread of ASF within the Union.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Article 1:** This article is the core of the regulation. It states that Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 is replaced entirely by the text provided in the Annex to this new regulation. This means all previous zoning designations are superseded.
* **Article 2:** Specifies that the regulation comes into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, ensuring immediate action.
* **Annex:** This is the most substantial part. It provides the updated list of restricted zones I, II, and III for each affected Member State. The lists detail specific geographical areas (municipalities, districts, regions, etc.) within each zone.
**Changes Compared to Previous Versions:**
The regulation reflects the evolving ASF situation. It includes:
* **Delisting:** Removal of certain areas from restricted zone I in Germany and Poland due to the absence of ASF outbreaks for a specified period.
* **Reclassification:** Changing the classification of zones from I to II or II to I based on the current risk level.
* **New Listings:** Addition of new areas to restricted zones I, II, and III in Germany, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia following new outbreaks.
* **Boundary Redefinitions:** Adjustments to the geographical boundaries of existing restricted zones to accurately reflect the epidemiological situation.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* **Geographical Specificity:** The Annex provides very detailed lists of affected areas within each Member State. It’s crucial for anyone involved in the movement of live pigs or pork products to carefully consult these lists to determine if their activities are impacted.
* **Zoning Implications:** The designation of an area as a restricted zone (I, II, or III) triggers specific disease control measures as outlined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. Businesses and individuals need to be aware of these measures and comply with them.
* **Dynamic Nature:** The regulation acknowledges that the ASF situation is constantly evolving. This implies that the restricted zones are subject to change, and stakeholders need to stay informed about the latest updates.
****
This regulation has implications for Ukraine, as African Swine Fever can affect international trade and the movement of animals and products. Ukrainians involved in the pig farming industry or related trade with the EU should be aware of these restrictions, as they may impact import/export activities and disease control measures.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/975 of 16 May 2025 granting a Union authorisation for the biocidal product family Transfluthrin emanators UA BPF in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/975 grants a Union authorisation for the biocidal product family ‘Transfluthrin emanators UA BPF’. The product family, containing transfluthrin as the active substance, is used as an insecticide to control moths, mosquitoes and flies. The authorisation is valid from 12 June 2025 to 31 May 2035 and applies to product type 18, which includes insecticides, acaricides, and products to control other arthropods. The regulation specifies the terms and conditions for making the product available on the market and its use, as well as the summary of the biocidal product characteristics.
The structure of the act includes the main body of the regulation with two articles and two annexes. Article 1 grants the Union authorisation and specifies the validity period. Article 2 states the date of entry into force of the regulation. Annex I outlines the terms and conditions of the authorisation, including the requirement for the authorisation holder to conduct a long-term storage stability test. Annex II provides a detailed summary of the product characteristics, including administrative information, product family composition, hazard and precautionary statements, authorised uses, directions for use, and other relevant information. The summary of product characteristics is divided into two meta SPCs (Specific Product Characteristics): Meta SPC 1 for passive evaporation and Meta SPC 2 for electric devices.
The most important provisions for the use of this act are in Annex II, which details the specific conditions for each Meta SPC. For Meta SPC 1 (passive evaporation), it specifies the use as an anti-moth product in wardrobes, the application method, and the required risk mitigation measures, such as keeping the product out of reach of children. For Meta SPC 2 (electric devices), it outlines the use as an anti-mosquito and anti-fly product with electrical evaporation, the application rates, and specific instructions for use, including precautions related to the presence of cats and other animals. Additionally, the requirement in Annex I for the authorisation holder to submit the results of a long-term storage stability test by 12 September 2025 is crucial for ensuring the product’s shelf-life and effectiveness.
Decision No 1/2024 of the Joint Committee established by the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems of 4 December 2024 as regards the amendment of Annex II to the Agreement and of the Common Operational Procedures and the Linking Technical Standards [2025/908]
This is a description of Decision No. 1/2024 of the Joint Committee established by the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.
This Decision aims to amend Annex II to the Agreement between the EU and Switzerland on linking their emissions trading systems (ETS), as well as the Common Operational Procedures (COP) and Linking Technical Standards (LTS). The core objective is to transition from a provisional solution to a permanent registry link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS. This permanent link seeks to enhance market liquidity and facilitate seamless transactions between the two systems, effectively creating a unified market environment for participants.
The Decision consists of two articles and three annexes. Article 1 stipulates that Annex II to the Agreement is replaced by the text in Annex I of this Decision. It also replaces the Common Operational Procedures and the Linking Technical Standards with the texts set out in Annex II and III respectively. Article 2 states that the decision enters into force on the day of its adoption. Annex I replaces the previous Annex II of the Agreement, detailing the Linking Technical Standards (LTS) required for the permanent link between the EU and Swiss registries, focusing on aspects like communication architecture, data transfer security, and operational arrangements. Annex II outlines the Common Operational Procedures (COP) for the permanent registry link, covering incident, problem, change, release, security incident, and information security management. Annex III presents the Linking Technical Standards (LTS) for the permanent registry link, specifying standards for communication, data transfer security, functions, data logging, and security measures.
The most important provisions for practical use are those related to the establishment and maintenance of a secure and reliable communication link between the EU and Swiss registries. These include the technical specifications for data transfer security (encryption, VPN), incident and security incident management procedures, and the requirements for continuous monitoring and testing of the link.
