Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1242: African Swine Fever Control Measures
This regulation updates the zones where special controls are in place to fight African swine fever (ASF). It amends Annexes I and II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, modifying the list of restricted zones in Croatia, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Poland, based on the latest information about ASF outbreaks. In certain regions, the risk has decreased, leading to a downgrading or removal of zone classifications, while new outbreaks in other areas have resulted in stricter classifications. Additionally, it identifies a new infected zone in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia. Understanding the exact boundaries and classifications is key for those involved in the pig farming and trade sectors.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1206: Suspension of GSP+ Tariff Preferences for Ethanol from Pakistan
This regulation suspends the special tariff benefits that ethanol from Pakistan received under the EU’s GSP+ scheme, but only for NON-fuel use ethanol. This action increases the cost of importing non-fuel ethanol from Pakistan by applying standard tariffs. The suspension is for two years, but fuel-use ethanol is exempt. Shipments already on their way to the EU when the regulation took effect will still receive the preferential treatment, as long as their destination can’t be changed.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1202: Extension of Anti-Dumping Duty on Graphite Electrode Systems
This regulation extends the 74.9% anti-dumping duty on graphite electrode systems from China to include artificial graphite in blocks or cylinders, also from China. This is because some companies have been using artificial graphite to get around the anti-dumping measures on GES. There’s an exception for JAP INDUSTRIES s.r.o., as they’re not involved in this practice, but they must follow strict rules. The regulation mandates adherence to rules, ensuring assembly or re-export and establishes mechanisms to request duty exemption.
Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1208: Enhanced Security Standards for Identity Cards and Residence Documents
This regulation sets higher security standards for national identity cards and residence documents issued by EU countries. New cards must follow the ID-1 format, include a machine-readable zone (MRZ), and contain biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) stored securely. The goal is to reduce fraud and forgery. Older cards that don’t meet these standards must be phased out by certain deadlines. These standards apply to biometric data, card formats and data protection.
Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1227: Increased Customs Duties on Goods from Russia and Belarus
This regulation increases customs duties on specific goods originating from or exported from Russia and Belarus. It covers a range of agricultural products and fertilizers, with different tariff increases applied to each. For agricultural products, an additional 50% duty is imposed. For fertilizers, the duties will increase over time until July 2028. The regulation aims to reduce the EU’s economic reliance on Russia and Belarus and protect the EU’s food security. The new customs duties applies to all goods exported or originated in Russia and Belarus. Ukrainian businesses have a chance to increase their market share as their goods will be more competititve.
Council Decision (EU) 2025/1241: Interpretation of EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on Fisheries
This decision clarifies how the EU and the UK should interpret part of their Trade and Cooperation Agreement related to fishing rights. Specifically, it confirms that the Specialised Committee on Fisheries has the power to make decisions about allowing long-term full access to each other’s fishing waters. This decision will provide a basis for the Committee to adopt decisions on extending full access to fishing waters beyond the initial adjustment period.
Joint Declaration 1/2025: EU-UK Commitment to Full Implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
This declaration is a joint commitment from the EU and the UK to fully implement their Trade and Cooperation Agreement. It focuses on extending Title VIII of the Agreement, which deals with energy and raw materials. The aim is to boost trade and investment, ensure a reliable supply of resources, and promote sustainability in the energy sector. This will be done through future decisions under Article 331(2) of the Agreement. This aims at facilitating trade and investment, ensure security of supply, and promote environmental sustainability.
Partnership Council Decision No 2/2025: Continuation of Energy Cooperation between the EU and the UK
This decision ensures that the energy-related cooperation between the EU and the UK, as outlined in Title VIII of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, continues without interruption. It extends the application of Title VIII until March 31, 2027, to maintain a stable framework for energy trade and investment.
Specialised Committee on Fisheries Decision 1/2025: Arrangements for Fishing Access between the EU and the UK
This decision sets out the rules for fishing access between the EU and the UK from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2038. It ensures that vessels from both sides can continue to fish in each other’s waters, based on agreed catch limits. These access depends on the Exclusive Economic Zone as well as waters between six and twelve nautical miles.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/1223 of 10 April 2025 amending Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the minimum training requirements for the profession of veterinary surgeon
This Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/1223 updates the minimum training requirements for veterinary surgeons as outlined in Directive 2005/36/EC. The directive aims to modernize these requirements to reflect scientific and technical advancements in the field. It ensures that veterinary training programs across the EU are aligned with current practices and knowledge.
The directive amends Article 38 and Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC. Article 1 replaces paragraph 3 of Article 38, updating the knowledge and skills required for veterinary surgeons. It also modifies Annex V by replacing point 5.4.1, which details the study program for veterinary surgeons. The updated annex includes additional subjects and areas of focus, such as the One Health concept, sustainability, digital technologies, and advanced diagnostic tools.
The most important provisions of this directive include the updated list of knowledge and skills that veterinary surgeons must acquire during their training, such as the One Health concept, data management, and digital technologies. The revised study program in Annex V ensures that veterinary education covers contemporary advancements in veterinary medicine, public health, and animal welfare. Member States must transpose these changes into their national laws by April 10, 2027.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1222 of 2 April 2025 amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the harmonised classification and labelling of certain substances
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2025/1222 amends Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP Regulation) by updating the list of harmonised classifications and labelling for certain hazardous substances. This update is based on opinions issued by the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) regarding several substances. The regulation aims to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment by providing updated hazard information for these substances.
The regulation consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 states that Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 is amended as set out in the Annex to this Regulation. Article 2 specifies the entry into force and application dates of the regulation. The Annex contains amendments to Part 3, Table 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, which lists the harmonised classification and labelling of hazardous substances. These amendments include the insertion of new entries for substances such as 2-ethylhexanoic acid, monoester with propane-1,2-diol, N-1-naphthylaniline, tetrairon tris(pyrophosphate), ozone, dinitrogen oxide, barium chromate, and others. It also includes the replacement of existing entries for substances like 2-phenylpropene, pethoxamid, tetraphosphorus trisulphide, 1,1-dichloroethylene, and others, with updated classifications and labelling information.
The most important provisions for users of this regulation are the updated classifications and labelling requirements for the listed substances. Suppliers must adapt the labelling and packaging of these substances and mixtures to comply with the new classifications. The regulation will apply from 1 February 2027, but suppliers have the option to voluntarily comply with the new requirements from the date the regulation enters into force. This ensures that suppliers have sufficient time to adapt to the changes while also allowing for early adoption to enhance safety.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1197 of 19 June 2025 imposing an International Procurement Instrument measure restricting the access of economic operators and medical devices originating in the People’s Republic of China to the European Union public procurement market for medical devices pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2022/1031 of the European Parliament and of the Council
This is a Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1197 that introduces a measure under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI) to restrict access to the EU public procurement market for medical devices for economic operators and medical devices originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This regulation is based on Regulation (EU) 2022/1031, which provides the framework for the IPI.
The regulation is structured as follows: It begins with recitals that outline the background, reasoning, and considerations that led to the implementation of the measure. These recitals cover the IPI investigation, consultations with the PRC, the investigation report, public consultations, information provided to Member States, and the determination of the IPI measure. The core of the regulation is in Articles 1 to 3. Article 1 defines the IPI measure, excluding tenders from Chinese economic operators for medical device procurement above EUR 5,000,000. Article 2 outlines compliance requirements for contracting authorities and tenderers, including determining the origin of operators and goods. Article 3 specifies the date of entry into force.
The most important provisions of this act are those which:
– Impose an exclusion of tenders from economic operators originating in the People’s Republic of China in public procurement procedures for medical devices above a certain value (Article 1).
– Define the scope of the IPI measure, specifying that it applies to all Union contracting authorities and entities (Article 1).
– Require Union contracting authorities and entities, as well as successful tenderers, to comply with the requirements laid down in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/1031 (Article 2).
– Oblige Union contracting authorities and entities to determine the origin of economic operators and medical devices and calculate the estimated values of contracts (Article 2).
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1203 of 19 June 2025 granting a Union authorisation for the biocidal product family REPELLENT AGAINST FLEAS, TICKS, AND MOSQUITOES in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1203 grants a Union authorisation for the biocidal product family named ‘REPELLENT AGAINST FLEAS, TICKS, AND MOSQUITOES’. The authorisation, granted to Agrobiothers Laboratoire, allows the making available on the market and use of these products within the European Union. The active substance in these products is margosa extract, derived from the cold-pressed oil of kernels of Azadirachta indica. The regulation specifies the conditions of use, the composition, and other relevant details for the biocidal product family.
The structure of the act is as follows:
* **Article 1:** Grants the Union authorisation for the biocidal product family ‘REPELLENT AGAINST FLEAS, TICKS, AND MOSQUITOES’ to Agrobiothers Laboratoire, specifying the authorisation number (EU-0032868-0000) and its validity period from 10 July 2025 to 30 June 2035.
* **Article 2:** States that the regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and confirms that the regulation is binding and directly applicable in all Member States.
* **Annex:** Provides a detailed summary of the biocidal product characteristics (SPC) for the ‘REPELLENT AGAINST FLEAS, TICKS, AND MOSQUITOES’ family, including administrative information, product family composition, hazard and precautionary statements, authorized uses, and general directions for use.
The Annex is divided into three parts:
* **Part I:** Contains first-level information, including administrative details such as the family name, product type, authorisation holder, manufacturers, and the qualitative and quantitative composition of the product family.
* **Part II:** Contains second-level information, detailing Meta SPCs (Specific Product Characteristics) for different formulations: REPELLENT SPRAY, REPELLENT FOAM, and Repellent spot-on. Each Meta SPC includes administrative information, composition, hazard and precautionary statements, authorized uses, and general directions for use.
* **Part III:** Contains third-level information, listing individual products within each Meta SPC, including trade names, authorisation numbers, and specific compositions.
Key provisions of the act that are most important for its use:
* **Authorisation Details:** The authorisation number (EU-0032868-0000) and the validity period (10 July 2025 to 30 June 2035) are crucial for verifying the legality of the product on the market.
* **Composition and Formulation:** The qualitative and quantitative information on the composition of the product family and each Meta SPC is essential for understanding the active and non-active substances and their concentrations.
* **Authorised Uses:** The detailed descriptions of authorised uses, including target organisms, application methods, application rates, frequency, and user categories, ensure the product is used correctly and effectively.
* **Hazard and Precautionary Statements:** These statements provide critical safety information for users, including measures to mitigate risks and instructions for first aid and emergency measures.
* **General Directions for Use:** These instructions cover the proper application of the product, including specific instructions for different formulations (spray, foam, spot-on), and precautions to be taken during and after application.
* **Storage and Disposal:** The conditions for storage and shelf-life, as well as instructions for safe disposal of the product and its packaging, are important for ensuring the product remains effective and does not pose environmental risks.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1242 of 19 June 2025 amending Annexes I and II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 laying down special disease control measures for African swine fever
Here is a description of the provisions of the act you provided:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2025/1242 amends Annexes I and II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594. This regulation adjusts the zoning of restricted areas within the European Union concerning African swine fever (ASF). The changes are based on recent outbreaks and improvements in the epidemiological situation in several Member States. The goal is to control and prevent the further spread of ASF among both wild and kept porcine animals.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Title:** COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2025/1242 of 19 June 2025 amending Annexes I and II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 laying down special disease control measures for African swine fever.
* **Legal Basis:** The regulation is based on the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law), specifically Article 71(3) and Article 259(2).
* **Amendments to Annex I:**
* **Restricted Zones I, II, and III:** Annex I lists regions within Member States categorized into restricted zones based on the risk of ASF. This regulation modifies these zones for several countries:
* **Croatia:** Some areas previously listed as restricted zones III are now listed as restricted zones I, and certain zones I and III are delisted altogether due to the absence of ASF outbreaks for the past twelve months.
* **Germany:** Updates to restricted zones I and II based on recent epidemiological developments.
* **Greece:** Areas with new outbreaks are reclassified from zones I and II to zone III to ensure territorial continuity.
* **Italy:** Areas are reclassified from zone I to zone II due to new outbreaks in wild porcine animals.
* **Poland:** Areas are reclassified from zone I to zone II due to new outbreaks in wild porcine animals.
* **Specific Geographic Demarcations:** The annex provides detailed descriptions of the boundaries of these restricted zones, often referencing specific municipalities, roads, and geographical features.
* **Amendments to Annex II:**
* **Infected Zones:** Annex II lists areas established as infected zones following outbreaks in previously disease-free regions.
* **Germany:** An infected zone is added for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia following an outbreak in a wild porcine animal.
* **Entry into Force:** The regulation enters into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* **Geographic Boundaries:** The detailed descriptions of the restricted zones in Annex I are crucial for determining which specific areas are subject to the special disease control measures.
* **Zoning Changes:** The reclassification of zones in Croatia, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Poland directly impacts the applicable disease control measures in those regions.
* **New Infected Zone in Germany:** The listing of an infected zone in North Rhine-Westphalia means that specific control measures will be applied in that area to prevent further spread of ASF.
**** This regulation has implications for Ukraine, as African Swine Fever is a concern in Eastern European countries. The measures outlined in this regulation may serve as a reference for Ukrainian authorities in managing and controlling ASF within their own territory. Additionally, Ukrainians involved in the trade of porcine animals and products within the EU should be aware of these restrictions to ensure compliance.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1206 of 19 June 2025 on the suspension of the GSP+ tariff preferences with regard to imports of ethanol originating in Pakistan
This is a Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1206 that suspends GSP+ tariff preferences for imports of ethanol originating in Pakistan. The regulation is a response to a request from several Member States who claimed that increased imports of ethanol from Pakistan were causing serious disturbance to the Union’s ethanol market. The regulation temporarily removes the preferential tariff treatment for certain ethanol products from Pakistan, making them subject to the standard Common Customs Tariff duties.
The regulation is structured as follows:
* **Recitals (1-35):** These provide the background, justification, and reasoning behind the decision to suspend the tariff preferences. They outline the procedure followed, the assessment of the market situation, and the analysis of causation factors.
* **Article 1:** This is the core provision, specifying that Common Customs Tariff duties will apply to imports of ethanol from Pakistan under CN codes ex 2207 10 and ex 2207 20, with specific exceptions for fuel-use ethanol falling within TARIC codes 2207 10 00 11 and 2207 20 00 11. The suspension is set for a period of two years from the regulation’s entry into force.
* **Article 2:** This provides a transitional arrangement, ensuring that ethanol shipments already en route to the EU on the date of entry into force will still benefit from the preferential treatment, provided their destination cannot be changed.
* **Article 3:** This specifies the entry into force of the regulation, which is the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The main provisions of the act are:
* **Suspension of Tariff Preferences:** The most important provision is the suspension of GSP+ tariff preferences for non-fuel ethanol originating in Pakistan for two years. This means that imports of these products will be subject to the standard Common Customs Tariff duties, increasing their cost.
* **Exemption for Fuel-Use Ethanol:** The regulation specifically excludes fuel-use ethanol from the suspension, ensuring that this type of ethanol continues to benefit from preferential tariff treatment.
* **Transitional Arrangement:** The regulation includes a provision to protect shipments already in transit, ensuring they still receive preferential treatment if their destination cannot be altered.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1202 of 19 June 2025 extending the definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/558 on imports of certain graphite electrode systems originating in the People’s Republic of China to imports of artificial graphite in blocks or cylinders originating in the People’s Republic of China
This is a Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1202 extending the existing anti-dumping duty on certain graphite electrode systems (GES) originating in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to imports of artificial graphite in blocks or cylinders also originating in the PRC. The regulation addresses the circumvention of anti-dumping measures by extending the duties to artificial graphite used in the production of GES. It establishes a definitive anti-dumping duty of 74.9% on imports of artificial graphite from China, with an exception for one company, JAP INDUSTRIES s.r.o., which was found not to be involved in circumvention practices.
The regulation consists of 5 articles. It details the extension of anti-dumping duties, specifies the duty rate, and provides an exemption for JAP INDUSTRIES s.r.o. Article 2 discontinues the registration of imports, while Article 3 outlines the conditions for exempted parts, requiring them to be used in assembly operations, destroyed, or re-exported, with a provision for revoking the exemption if these conditions are breached. Article 4 provides instructions for companies to request an exemption from the extended duty. The regulation builds upon Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/558, which initially imposed the anti-dumping duty on GES, and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2686, which initiated the investigation into possible circumvention.
The most important provisions of this act are:
– **Extension of Anti-Dumping Duty**: The key provision is the extension of the 74.9% anti-dumping duty to artificial graphite imports from China, targeting circumvention of the original measures on GES.
– **Exemption for JAP INDUSTRIES s.r.o.**: The exemption granted to JAP INDUSTRIES s.r.o. is notable, as it allows them to import artificial graphite without the extended duty, provided they adhere to specific conditions.
– **Conditions for Exempted Parts**: Article 3 sets clear rules for the use of imported parts by exempted parties, ensuring they are used in assembly operations, destroyed, or re-exported, with a threat of revocation for non-compliance.
Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1208 of 12 June 2025 on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement (Text with EEA relevance)
This Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1208 aims to bolster the security features and standards of identity cards issued by EU Member States to their citizens, as well as residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members who are exercising their right to free movement within the EU. The regulation seeks to reduce the risk of fraud and forgery associated with these documents, thereby enhancing internal security and facilitating smoother cross-border movement for citizens. It mandates specific security features, including biometric data, and sets deadlines for phasing out older, less secure documents.
The regulation is structured into five chapters, covering the subject matter, scope, and definitions; national identity cards; residence documents for Union citizens; residence cards for family members who are not nationals of a Member State; and common provisions.
**Key provisions and changes include:**
* **Standardized Format and Security Features:** The regulation mandates that identity cards be produced in the ID-1 format with a machine-readable zone (MRZ), adhering to ICAO Document 9303 specifications. It also requires the inclusion of a highly secure storage medium containing a facial image and two fingerprints of the cardholder.
* **Biometric Data:** A significant change is the mandatory inclusion of biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) on identity cards and residence cards for non-EU family members. This is intended to enhance identity verification and reduce fraud.
* **Phasing Out of Non-Compliant Documents:** The regulation sets deadlines for phasing out identity cards and residence cards that do not meet the new security standards. Older cards lacking essential security features or a functional MRZ must be replaced sooner.
* **Residence Documents for Union Citizens:** The regulation specifies minimum information requirements for residence documents issued to Union citizens, including a clear reference to Directive 2004/38/EC and the two-letter country code of the issuing Member State.
* **Residence Cards for Non-EU Family Members:** Residence cards issued to family members who are not EU nationals must now follow the uniform format established by Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, as amended, and include a standardized code indicating that the cardholder is a family member of an EU citizen.
* **Data Protection:** The regulation emphasizes the protection of personal data, particularly biometric data, and sets strict rules for access, storage, and processing of such data. It also requires Member States to ensure the security, integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality of the data collected.
**The most important provisions for practical use are:**
* **Article 3:** Specifies the security standards, format, and specifications for national identity cards, including the mandatory inclusion of biometric data and the two-letter country code.
* **Article 5:** Sets the deadlines for phasing out older identity cards that do not meet the new requirements, which is crucial for individuals and authorities to be aware of to ensure valid documentation.
* **Article 7:** Establishes the uniform format for residence cards for family members who are not nationals of a Member State, which is important for ensuring consistent recognition of these documents across the EU.
* **Article 11:** Outlines the provisions for the protection of personal data and liability, which is essential for ensuring that the collection, storage, and processing of biometric data are carried out in compliance with EU data protection law.
Regulation (EU) 2025/1227 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2025 on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus
Here’s a breakdown of Regulation (EU) 2025/1227:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation introduces increased customs duties on specific goods originating from or exported from Russia and Belarus. The goal is to reduce the EU’s economic dependence on these countries, safeguard the EU’s food security, and prevent market disruption. The regulation targets both agricultural products and fertilizers, applying different tariff increases and monitoring mechanisms to each category. It aims to diversify import sources and support the EU’s internal production.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Article 1:** This is the core of the regulation, outlining the new customs duties.
* Goods listed in Annex I (various agricultural products, animal products, etc.) will face an additional 50% ad valorem customs duty on top of existing tariffs.
* Goods in Annex II (nitrogenous and compound fertilizers) will have a phased increase in customs duties, combining a percentage-based tariff with a fixed amount per tonne, escalating annually from July 2025 to July 2028.
* It also sets thresholds for cumulative import volumes of fertilizers, which, if reached, will trigger an immediate increase to the highest duty level for the remaining period.
* **Article 2:** Mandates the Commission to monitor the prices of fertilizers within the EU for four years. If prices substantially exceed 2024 levels, the Commission will assess the situation and may propose temporary tariff suspensions for imports from countries other than Russia or Belarus.
* **Article 3:** Establishes the Customs Code Committee to assist the Commission in implementing the regulation.
* **Article 4:** Specifies the entry into force and application dates of the regulation.
**3. Main Provisions for Practical Use:**
* **** The key aspect is the differentiated tariff treatment based on the origin of goods. Businesses importing goods listed in Annex I and II need to be aware of the new, higher customs duties if those goods originate from or are exported from Russia or Belarus.
* The phased increase in duties for fertilizers (Annex II) provides a transitional period, but the potential for an immediate duty increase if import volume thresholds are met adds a layer of uncertainty.
* The Commission’s monitoring of fertilizer prices and potential for tariff suspensions on other countries could provide relief if prices spike, but this is contingent on the Commission’s assessment and action.
* **** The regulation explicitly states that goods originating from Russia or Belarus will not benefit from lower tariffs under the Union’s tariff rate quotas.
* **** For Ukrainian businesses exporting to the EU, this regulation might create opportunities to increase their market share, especially for agricultural goods and fertilizers, as the competitiveness of Russian and Belarusian products in the EU market is reduced.
* **** The regulation may affect Ukrainian citizens who are engaged in trade operations with the EU.
Decision No 1/2025 of the Partnership Council established by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part of 18 June 2025 issuing an interpretation of Article 508(2)(d) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part [2025/1229]
This decision clarifies the interpretation of Article 508(2)(d) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK, specifically concerning fisheries. It allows the Specialised Committee on Fisheries to make decisions regarding multiannual full access to fishing waters. This decision aims to provide a basis for the Committee to adopt decisions on extending full access to fishing waters beyond the initial adjustment period. The decision ensures continued cooperation on sustainable fisheries management between the EU and the UK.
The decision consists of a preamble outlining the context and reasoning behind the interpretation, followed by two articles. Article 1 provides the interpretation of Article 508(2)(d), stating that “cooperation on sustainable fisheries management” includes the ability of the Specialised Committee on Fisheries to decide on multiannual full access to waters for fishing. This decision will be considered the agreed outcome of annual consultations under Article 500(1) and (4). Article 2 states that the decision comes into force on the date of its adoption. This decision does not introduce new provisions but clarifies the scope of an existing article.
The most important aspect of this decision is the clarification that the Specialised Committee on Fisheries can decide on multiannual full access to fishing waters. This allows for a more extended period of full access beyond the initial adjustment period, providing stability and predictability for both EU and UK fishing vessels. This interpretation directly impacts how fisheries are managed between the EU and the UK, particularly concerning access to waters and the setting of TACs (Total Allowable Catches).
Joint Declaration 1/2025 of the Union and the United Kingdom in the Partnership Council established by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part of 19 June 2025
This Joint Declaration 1/2025 expresses the shared political understanding between the European Union and the United Kingdom to reaffirm their commitment to the full implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Specifically, it focuses on extending the application of Title VIII of the Agreement, which pertains to energy and raw materials. The aim is to facilitate trade and investment, ensure security of supply, and promote environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of climate change. This extension would be implemented through successive decisions made under Article 331(2) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
The declaration itself is concise, comprising a preamble and the core statement of political understanding. It does not introduce new legal obligations but rather sets the stage for future decisions to expand the scope of the existing Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The declaration references Part Two, Heading One, Title VIII of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, emphasizing the objectives related to energy and raw materials. It also mentions Article 331(2) of the same agreement, which outlines the procedure for future decisions to be made. There are no direct changes compared to previous versions, as this is a new declaration intended to guide future actions.
The most important aspect of this declaration is the commitment to extend the application of Title VIII of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This signals a continued effort to strengthen cooperation between the EU and the UK in the energy sector, with a focus on trade, security of supply, and environmental goals. Stakeholders in the energy and raw materials sectors should pay close attention to future decisions made under Article 331(2), as these will determine the specific ways in which Title VIII is expanded and implemented.
Decision No 2/2025 of the Partnership Council established by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part of 19 June 2025 issuing an interpretation of Article 331(2) and extending the application of Part Two, Heading One, Title VIII on energy, of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part [2025/1230]
This Partnership Council Decision No 2/2025 addresses the continuation of energy-related cooperation between the EU and the UK as defined in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The core of the decision is to ensure the uninterrupted application of Title VIII of the Agreement, which covers trade and investment in energy and raw materials. The decision clarifies the timing for extending this section of the agreement to avoid any legal gaps and to maintain a stable framework for energy stakeholders.
The decision consists of a preamble outlining the reasons for the decision and three articles. Article 1 provides an interpretation of Article 331(2) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, clarifying that the decision to extend Title VIII can be made before July 1, 2026, as long as it takes effect on July 1, 2026. Article 2 extends the application of Title VIII until March 31, 2027. Article 3 specifies the entry into force of the decision. This decision does not introduce new provisions but rather ensures the continuity of existing ones.
The most important provision is Article 2, which extends the application of Title VIII until March 31, 2027. This extension is crucial for businesses and stakeholders in the energy sector as it provides a stable and predictable legal framework for trade and investment between the EU and the UK. The interpretation provided in Article 1 ensures that there is no interruption in the application of these rules, which is vital for maintaining market stability and supporting ongoing cooperation on energy matters.
Decision No 1/2025 of the Specialised Committee on Fisheries established by Article 8(1)(q) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part of 19 June 2025 as regards the arrangements on the level and conditions of access granted by each Party to vessels of the other Party to fish in its waters from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2038 [2025/1231]
This decision, adopted by the Specialised Committee on Fisheries, establishes the arrangements for fishing access between the EU and the UK from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2038. It ensures reciprocal access for vessels of each party to fish in the other’s waters, specifying the conditions and levels of access based on agreed TACs (Total Allowable Catches) and historical fishing activity. The decision aims to provide stability and predictability for fishing activities during this period.
The decision consists of four articles. Article 1 defines the scope of the decision, linking it to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Article 2 outlines the core arrangements, granting full access to specific fish stocks and non-quota stocks, provided TACs are agreed upon. It also addresses situations where provisional TACs are set. Article 3 allows for the incorporation of these arrangements into the annual fisheries consultations’ records for transparency. Article 4 specifies the decision’s entry into force, application period, and potential for extension. This decision builds upon the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and a prior Common Understanding, setting the stage for continued fisheries cooperation.
The most important provisions of this decision are in Article 2. It grants full access to fish stocks listed in Annex 35 and tables A, B, and F of Annex 36 of the Agreement, as well as non-quota stocks, in each other’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and in waters between six and twelve nautical miles from the baselines in ICES divisions 4c and 7d-g. This access is contingent on agreed TACs and is reasonably commensurate with the parties’ respective shares. The article also ensures continued access even when provisional TACs are set, maintaining fishing opportunities in the absence of final agreements.
