Council Directive (EU) 2025/1788: European Parliament Elections
This Directive updates the rules for EU citizens residing in a Member State where they aren’t nationals to vote and stand for election in European Parliament elections. It emphasizes equal treatment, ensuring these citizens have the same rights as nationals. The directive clarifies registration procedures, prevents double voting via information exchange between Member States, and mandates accessible electoral information, including for people with disabilities. Data protection measures are integrated, and the Commission is empowered to amend data requirements. The key articles define eligibility, prohibit multiple voting, detail registration requirements, mandate accessible information, establish information exchange mechanisms, and specify conditions for derogations.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1797: Advance Payments for Rural Development
This regulation allows Member States to increase advance payments for area-related and animal-related rural development measures to 85% for the 2025 claim year, up from 75%. This temporary measure addresses financial difficulties faced by agricultural producers due to adverse events, aiming to alleviate liquidity problems in the sector. Article 1 introduces this derogation, allowing higher advance payments to be disbursed earlier, providing immediate financial relief to struggling farmers.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1794: Technical Provisions and Basic Own Funds for Insurance and Reinsurance Undertakings
This regulation lays down the technical information for insurance and reinsurance firms to calculate their technical provisions and basic own funds. It specifies risk-free interest rates, fundamental spreads, and volatility adjustments for reports from June 30, 2025, to September 29, 2025, ensuring uniform standards across the EU. Annexes provide the specific numerical values for these key financial parameters, essential for compliance with Solvency II.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1776: Feed Additive for Dogs (*Bifidobacterium longum*)
This regulation authorizes the use of a *Bifidobacterium longum* preparation as a feed additive for dogs, allowing Nestlé Enterprises S.A. to use it as a zootechnical additive to stabilize dogs’ physiological condition. The regulation specifies the conditions of use, including the required concentration of 3,5 × 109 CFU/kg in complete feed, labeling specifications, and sets the authorization end date for 29 September 2035. Users should use the additive for at least 6 weeks and adhere to safety measures to avoid irritation.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1787: Feed Additive for All Animal Species (L-arginine)
This regulation authorises the use of L-arginine produced with *Corynebacterium glutamicum* KCCM 80387 as a feed additive for all animal species, functioning as both a nutritional additive and a sensory additive. The additive must be rumen-protected when fed to ruminants, and specific labelling is required to prevent amino acid imbalances. Feed businesses must establish safety procedures for users and provide appropriate protective equipment.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1796: Increased Advance Payments to Farmers
This regulation permits Member States to increase advance payments to farmers in 2025 due to an emergency situation caused by trade tensions, the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and extreme weather events. Member States can increase advance payments for direct payments up to 70% and for rural development interventions up to 85%. This change aims to provide immediate financial relief to farmers facing economic hardship, allowing them to manage cash flow more effectively.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1804: Import Duties on Husked Rice
This regulation adjusts the import duties for certain types of husked rice (CN code 1006 20, excluding basmati rice), setting a new duty of EUR 42.50 per tonne. It repeals Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/475 and reflects current market conditions. This duty is crucial for importers to calculate the cost of bringing husked rice into the EU, affecting its market competitiveness.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Council Directive (EU) 2025/1788 of 24 June 2025 laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals (recast)
Here’s a breakdown of the Council Directive (EU) 2025/1788:
This Directive lays down the rules for Union citizens who live in a Member State where they are not nationals to vote and stand for election in European Parliament elections. It aims to make sure these citizens can exercise their rights under the same conditions as the Member State’s own nationals. The Directive clarifies registration and participation conditions, ensures people only vote once, and promotes easy access to electoral rights. It also includes measures for information exchange between Member States to prevent double voting and sets out rules for data protection and statistical data collection.
**Structure and Key Provisions:**
* **Chapter I (General Provisions):** Defines the scope, subject matter, and key terms like “elections to the European Parliament,” “Member State of residence,” and “Union voter.” It sets out the conditions for the right to vote and stand as a candidate, emphasizing equal treatment with nationals and prohibiting multiple voting.
* **Chapter II (Exercise of the Right to Vote and the Right to Stand as a Candidate):** Details the procedures for registering on the electoral roll and as a candidate. This includes required declarations, supporting documents, and the right to legal remedies if registration is refused. It also mandates Member States to provide accessible information on electoral rights and procedures and establishes an information exchange mechanism to prevent multiple voting.
* **Chapter III (Derogations and Transitional Provisions):** Allows for derogations (exceptions) under specific circumstances, such as when the proportion of non-national Union citizens is very high. It also includes transitional provisions and reporting requirements for Member States.
* **Chapter IV (Final Provisions):** Covers reporting, evaluation, committee procedures, the exercise of delegated powers by the Commission, transposition deadlines for Member States, and the repeal of the previous Directive (93/109/EC).
**Main changes compared to previous versions:**
* **Clarification and Strengthening of Rules:** The Directive updates, clarifies, and strengthens the rules on the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate to ensure broad and inclusive participation of mobile Union citizens.
* **Equal Treatment:** It ensures equal treatment of Union citizens seeking to vote and stand as candidates, particularly regarding residency requirements and required documentation.
* **Information Exchange:** It enhances the information exchange between Member States to prevent multiple voting and sets out a framework for this exchange.
* **Accessibility of Information:** It emphasizes the accessibility of electoral information, including for persons with disabilities and those lacking digital skills.
* **Data Protection:** It includes provisions for the collection and processing of personal data in compliance with Regulations (EU) 2016/679 and (EU) 2018/1725.
* **Delegated Powers:** It grants the Commission the power to adopt delegated acts to amend the list of data required in formal declarations.
**Most Important Provisions for Use:**
* **Article 3:** Defines the conditions under which a Union citizen can vote and stand as a candidate in a Member State where they are not a national, emphasizing equal treatment with nationals.
* **Article 4:** Prohibits voting more than once or standing as a candidate in more than one Member State in the same election.
* **Article 9 and 10:** Detail the requirements for entry on the electoral roll and registration as a candidate, including the necessary declarations and supporting documents.
* **Article 12:** Requires Member States to provide accessible information on electoral rights and procedures to Union citizens.
* **Article 13:** Establishes an information exchange mechanism between Member States to prevent multiple voting.
* **Article 16:** Outlines the conditions under which Member States can derogate from certain provisions of the Directive.
* **Annexes I and II:** Provide templates for the formal declarations to be submitted by Union voters and Union citizens entitled to stand as candidates.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1797 of 8 September 2025 derogating in respect of the year 2025 from Article 75(1), third subparagraph, of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the level of advance payments for area-related and animal-related rural development measures
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1797 allows Member States to increase advance payments for area-related and animal-related rural development measures for the claim year 2025. This is a temporary measure to address the financial difficulties faced by agricultural producers due to a combination of adverse events. The regulation aims to alleviate liquidity problems in the agricultural sector across the Union.
The regulation consists of two articles. Article 1 introduces a derogation from Article 75(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, increasing the maximum permissible advance payment from 75% to 85% for area-related and animal-related support granted under rural development. Article 2 specifies that the regulation will come into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and confirms that the regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
The most important provision of this act is Article 1, which permits Member States to increase advance payments up to 85%. This change is significant because it provides immediate financial relief to farmers who are struggling with cash flow due to various crises. Member States can now disburse a higher percentage of the allocated funds earlier in the claim year, helping farmers manage their expenses and maintain their operations.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1794 of 8 September 2025 laying down technical information for the calculation of technical provisions and basic own funds for reporting with reference dates from 30 June 2025 until 29 September 2025 in accordance with Directive 2009/138/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the taking-up and pursuit of the business of Insurance and Reinsurance
This is COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2025/1794 of 8 September 2025 laying down technical information for the calculation of technical provisions and basic own funds for insurance and reinsurance undertakings. The Regulation specifies the risk-free interest rates, fundamental spreads, and volatility adjustments that these companies must use when reporting their financial positions. This ensures that all firms across the EU are using the same standards when calculating their financial reserves and capital. The regulation applies to reports with reference dates from June 30, 2025, until September 29, 2025.
The structure of the act is straightforward. It consists of 2 articles and 3 annexes.
Article 1 defines the scope of the regulation, specifying that insurance and reinsurance companies must use the technical information provided in the annexes when calculating technical provisions and basic own funds for reporting reference dates from June 30, 2025, to September 29, 2025. It also lists the specific technical information to be used, including risk-free interest rate term structures, fundamental spreads for calculating matching adjustments, and volatility adjustments for national insurance markets.
Article 2 defines the entry into force and the date of application.
Annex I provides the relevant risk-free interest rate term structures for various currencies.
Annex II sets out the fundamental spreads for calculating the matching adjustment.
Annex III lists the volatility adjustments for each relevant national insurance market.
The most important provisions of this act are those that provide specific numerical values for key financial parameters. Insurance and reinsurance companies need to refer to Annex I for risk-free interest rates, Annex II for fundamental spreads, and Annex III for volatility adjustments. These values are essential for ensuring compliance with Directive 2009/138/EC (Solvency II) when calculating technical provisions and basic own funds.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1776 of 8 September 2025 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642 as a feed additive for dogs (holder of authorisation: Nestlé Enterprises S.A. – Division Nestlé Purina Petcare Europe represented in the EU by Centres de Recherche et Développement Nestlé S.A.S)
This is a Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1776 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of *Bifidobacterium longum* CNCM I-5642 as a feed additive for dogs. It specifically allows Nestlé Enterprises S.A. to use this preparation in dog food as a zootechnical additive to stabilize the physiological condition of dogs. The regulation outlines the conditions of use, including the required concentration and labeling specifications, and sets an expiration date for the authorization.
The regulation consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 states the authorisation of the additive. Article 2 indicates the entry into force of the regulation. The Annex specifies that the additive belongs to the category of ‘zootechnical additives’ and the functional group of ‘physiological condition stabilisers’. It identifies the holder of authorisation, the composition of the additive, and the analytical method for identification and enumeration. It specifies that the additive is for dogs, sets a minimum content of 3,5 × 109 CFU/kg of complete feedingstuff, and includes other provisions related to usage directions, safety measures, and labeling requirements. The end of the authorisation period is set for 29 September 2035. There are no previous versions mentioned in the act.
The most important provisions for users are the specified concentration of 3,5 × 109 CFU/kg in complete feed, the recommendation to use the additive for at least 6 weeks, and the safety measures required when handling the additive and premixtures to avoid skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1787 of 8 September 2025 concerning the authorisation of L-arginine produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80387 as a feed additive for all animal species
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1787 authorises the use of L-arginine produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80387 as a feed additive for all animal species. The additive is classified both as a nutritional additive (amino acid source) and as a sensory additive (flavouring compound). The regulation specifies conditions for use, including requirements for ruminant protection, labelling, and user safety.
The regulation consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 states that the substance specified in the Annex is authorised as an additive in animal nutrition, subject to the conditions laid down in that Annex. Article 2 states that the regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. The Annex provides detailed information on the additive, including its composition, chemical formula, analytical methods, and specific conditions of use for both nutritional and sensory purposes. It outlines provisions for labelling, storage, and safety measures for users of the additive.
Key provisions include the requirement for L-arginine to be rumen-protected when fed to ruminants as a nutritional additive, and specific labelling requirements to avoid amino acid imbalances, especially when supplemented via drinking water. The regulation also mandates that feed business operators establish safety procedures and provide protective equipment for users of the additive to mitigate potential health risks. For its use as a flavouring compound, the regulation sets a recommended maximum content to be indicated on the label and specifies additional labelling requirements for premixtures if this level is exceeded.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1796 of 8 September 2025 derogating in respect of the year 2025 from Article 44(2), second subparagraph, of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the level of advance payments for interventions in the form of direct payments and area-based and animal-based rural development interventions
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1796 allows Member States to pay increased advance payments to farmers in 2025 due to an emergency situation. This emergency is caused by a combination of adverse events, including trade tensions, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and extreme weather events. The regulation aims to address the liquidity problems faced by agricultural producers due to the impact of these events on input and commodity prices.
The regulation consists of two articles. Article 1 provides derogations from Article 44(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 for the claim year 2025. It allows Member States to increase advance payments for direct payments up to 70% (previously 50%) and for rural development area-based and animal-based interventions up to 85% (previously 75%). Article 2 specifies that the regulation will enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
The most important provision of this act is Article 1, which allows Member States to increase the advance payments made to farmers. This change provides immediate financial relief to farmers facing economic hardship due to the various crises mentioned in the preamble. Member States can now provide a larger portion of the financial support earlier in the claim year, helping farmers manage their cash flow and maintain their operations.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1804 of 5 September 2025 fixing the import duties applicable to certain types of husked rice from 8 September 2025
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1804 adjusts the import duties applicable to certain types of husked rice, specifically those falling under CN code 1006 20, excluding basmati rice. The regulation sets a new import duty based on the volume of import licenses issued during the period from September 1, 2024, to August 29, 2025. It repeals the previous Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/475, which had set a different import duty for the same type of rice. The new duty is designed to reflect current market conditions and trade volumes.
The regulation consists of three articles. Article 1 establishes the new import duty for husked rice (excluding basmati) at EUR 42.50 per tonne. Article 2 repeals Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/475. Article 3 stipulates that the regulation comes into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This regulation amends the import duty based on the agreement between the European Union and the United States regarding the calculation of duties for husked rice, and in response to the volume of import licenses issued.
The main provision of this act is Article 1, which directly impacts importers of husked rice (excluding basmati) by setting the specific import duty they will be required to pay. This duty is crucial for determining the cost of importing this type of rice into the EU and affects its competitiveness within the European market. Importers need to be aware of this updated duty to accurately calculate their costs and pricing strategies.
