Review of EU Legal Acts
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/264
This regulation amends existing rules regarding applications for benchmark administrators. It seeks to ensure consistency in the information provided to ESMA and national authorities. The amendments specify details like the number of employees, require CVs for key personnel, demand self-declarations on the good repute of management, and detail operational separation, record-keeping, and complaint handling. It also covers the language of applications and data retention. The regulation also specifies information requirements for different types of benchmarks.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/246
This regulation formally registers ‘Miel de Málaga’ as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) within the EU. This grants exclusive rights to producers in the Málaga region who adhere to specific production standards. This move is to protect them from unfair competition and ensure that consumers receive an authentic product.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/220
This regulation establishes clear procedures for information exchange, consultation, and coordination within the Health Security Committee (HSC) when facing serious cross-border health threats. Emphasising the use of the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) for notifications. It sets specific timeframes for consultation, information exchange, and coordination of public health measures, streamlining response efforts at the EU level.
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/238
This regulation updates the list of individuals subject to restrictive measures related to the situation in Tunisia. It removes three individuals from the list and updates information on the rights of defense and effective judicial protection for 24 others, ensuring sanctions are targeted and based on accurate information.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/249
This regulation defines fishing opportunities for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028. It sets catch limits (TACs) and fishing effort limits for EU waters and for EU vessels in non-EU waters, aiming for sustainable fishing. It includes conditions for landing catches, quota exchange, specific measures for seabass, pollack and eel, and prohibits fishing for certain vulnerable species. It also defines fishing authorizations and requirements for data transmission. The specific TACs, quotas, and conditions are detailed in annexes.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/271
This regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2023/1529 regarding restrictive measures against Iran. It updates the list of items, specifically additional components used in UAVs and missiles, whose export, sale, transfer, or supply from the EU to Iran is prohibited. The updated Annex II lists these items and includes their descriptions and HS/CN codes.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/266
This regulation sets fishing opportunities for 2026 in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. It establishes catch limits, fishing effort restrictions, and management measures, to ensure the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. Key measures include closure periods for European eel and turbot, catch limits for red coral and sardine/anchovy, maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers and longliners and rules for compensation mechanisms.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/215
This regulation modifies the maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides in food and feed, specifically for dimoxystrobin, ethephon, and propamocarb. It removes dimoxystrobin MRLs, adjusts ethephon MRLs based on a revised acceptable daily intake (ADI) and lowers propamocarb MRLs in lettuce, reflecting updated scientific assessments.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/264 of 27 October 2025 amending the regulatory technical standards laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/1645 as regards the form and content of an application for recognition with the European Securities and Markets Authority and in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/1646 as regards the information to be provided in an application for authorisation and registration
This Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/264 amends existing regulatory technical standards concerning applications for recognition, authorization, and registration of benchmark administrators. The goal is to ensure consistent and uniform information is provided to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and national competent authorities.
The Regulation modifies Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/1645, which pertains to third-country benchmark administrators seeking recognition in the EU, and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/1646, which concerns benchmark administrators within the EU applying for authorization or registration. The amendments include specifying information on the number of employees, requiring curriculum vitae for key personnel, mandating self-declarations regarding the good repute of management and oversight bodies, and detailing operational separation, record-keeping processes, and complaint handling mechanisms. It also addresses the language of applications and the retention of personal data.
Key provisions include the requirement for applicants to provide detailed information about their organizational structure, governance, and measures to manage conflicts of interest. The Regulation also specifies the information required for different types of benchmarks, such as interest rate and commodity benchmarks. Furthermore, it sets a five-year limit for the retention of personal data related to the good repute of the applicant’s management body and relevant employees.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/246 of 23 January 2026 on the registration of the geographical indication ‘Miel de Málaga’ (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) 2026/246 officially registers ‘Miel de Málaga’ as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the Union’s register of geographical indications. This registration is based on an application from Spain 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 paved the way for this regulation.
The regulation consists of two articles. Article 1 formally enters the geographical indication ‘Miel de Málaga’ (PDO) into the Union register as defined in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Article 2 specifies that the regulation will take effect twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, ensuring its immediate and direct applicability across all Member States. This regulation repeals and replaces Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.
The most important provision is Article 1, which grants ‘Miel de Málaga’ legal protection as a PDO within the EU. This means that only honey produced in the Málaga region of Spain, adhering to specific production standards, can be marketed under that name, protecting producers from unfair competition and ensuring consumers receive an authentic product.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/220 of 29 January 2026 laying down the procedures necessary for the uniform implementation of the information exchange, consultation and coordination of response within the Health Security Committee and amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/253
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/220 establishes the procedures for information exchange, consultation, and coordination within the Health Security Committee (HSC) in response to serious cross-border health threats. It aims to ensure a uniform approach among Member States and the Commission when dealing with such threats, building upon the framework set by Regulation (EU) 2022/2371. The Regulation also amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/253 by deleting certain articles to avoid duplication and streamline the process.
The Regulation consists of 8 articles. It outlines the process for requesting consultation and coordination within the HSC, emphasizing the use of the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) for notifications and information exchange. It details how Member States and the Commission should assess the need for consultation, exchange relevant information, and coordinate their responses, including public health measures. The Regulation also addresses risk and crisis communication, ensuring coordinated messaging at the EU level, and supports the EU Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) arrangements by facilitating information exchange and coordination between the HSC and IPCR secretariats. Compared to previous versions, this regulation streamlines procedures and emphasizes the importance of timely information exchange and coordination.
Key provisions include the requirement for Member States and the Commission to promptly assess the need for consultation and coordination following an alert notification in the EWRS. It sets a 48-hour timeframe for the Commission to call for a consultation within the HSC after receiving a request, which can be adjusted based on the urgency or severity of the threat. Member States are required to inform, consult, and coordinate with each other and the Commission at least 14 days in advance of adopting or terminating public health measures, unless immediate action is necessary, in which case they must provide information within 24 hours.
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/238 of 29 January 2026 implementing Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia
This Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/238 amends Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011, which concerns restrictive measures against certain persons, entities, and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia. The implementing regulation updates the list of individuals subject to these restrictive measures. It removes three individuals from the list and modifies information related to the rights of defense and effective judicial protection for 24 other individuals.
The structure of the regulation is straightforward. It consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 states that Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 is amended according to the Annex of this regulation. Article 2 specifies that the regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, ensuring its immediate effect. The Annex details the specific amendments to Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 101/2011, including the deletion of entries for three individuals and the replacement of entries for 24 individuals under the section concerning the rights of defense and effective judicial protection.
The most important provisions for practical use are those listed in the Annex, which directly modifies the list of sanctioned individuals and updates the information regarding the respect of their rights of defense and judicial protection under Tunisian law. These changes are crucial for ensuring that the sanctions are targeted and based on accurate information, respecting the fundamental rights of the individuals involved.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/249 of 26 January 2026 fixing for 2026, 2027 and 2028 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) 2025/202
Here’s a breakdown of Council Regulation (EU) 2026/249:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation sets the fishing opportunities for various fish stocks in EU waters and for EU vessels in some non-EU waters for the years 2026, 2027 and 2028. It specifies catch limits (Total Allowable Catches or TACs) and fishing effort limits to ensure sustainable fishing practices. The regulation also amends a previous regulation (EU) 2025/202 to reflect updated fishing opportunities.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **General Provisions:** Defines the scope of the regulation, applying to EU and third-country fishing vessels, recreational fisheries, and commercial fisheries from shore. It also includes definitions of key terms and fishing zones.
* **Fishing Opportunities for Union Fishing Vessels:**
* Sets TACs and allocations for EU vessels in Union and certain non-Union waters, with conditions attached.
* Allows Member States to determine TACs for certain stocks, ensuring compliance with sustainability objectives.
* Establishes conditions for landing catches and by-catches.
* Creates a quota exchange mechanism for unavoidable by-catches.
* Imposes fishing effort limits in specific areas like the Western Channel.
* Includes specific measures for European seabass, pollack, and European eel fisheries.
* Prohibits fishing for certain species to protect vulnerable stocks.
* Addresses data transmission requirements.
* **Fishing Authorizations in Third-Country Waters:** Sets maximum numbers of fishing authorizations for EU vessels in third-country waters.
* **Fishing Opportunities Managed by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs):**
* Outlines procedures for quota transfers or exchanges within RFMOs.
* Implements measures adopted by various RFMOs, including ICCAT, CCAMLR, IOTC, SPRFMO, IATTC, SEAFO, WCPFC, and SIOFA, covering specific species and areas.
* **Fishing Opportunities for Third-Country Fishing Vessels in Union Waters:**
* Sets conditions for fishing by vessels from Norway, the Faroe Islands, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela in EU waters.
* Specifies the maximum number of fishing authorizations for third-country vessels.
* Prohibits fishing for certain species by third-country vessels.
* **Final Provisions:**
* Amends Regulation (EU) 2025/202.
* Includes committee procedures for implementing the regulation.
* Specifies the entry into force and application dates.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* **Annexes:** The annexes are crucial as they contain the specific TACs, quotas, fishing effort limitations, and other conditions for various fish stocks and regions.
* **Quota Exchange Mechanism:** The quota exchange mechanism for TACs for unavoidable by-catches is important for Member States to cover their unavoidable by-catches.
* **Specific Species Measures:** The measures for European seabass, pollack, and European eel fisheries are important for the protection of these species.
* **Prohibited Species:** The list of prohibited species is important for avoiding catches of vulnerable stocks.
* **Technical Measures:** The technical measures for the Celtic Sea, the Irish Sea, the Channel, and Northern prawn in the Skagerrak are important for ensuring sustainable fishing practices.
* **Data Transmission:** The data transmission requirements are important for monitoring catches and fishing effort.
* **Fishing Authorizations:** The fishing authorizations for third-country vessels are important for managing access to EU waters.
* **Flexibility Mechanisms:** The flexibility mechanisms for year-to-year management of TACs and quotas are important for adapting to changing conditions.
* **Remedial Measures:** The remedial measures for cod in the North Sea and common sole in the Skagerrak, Kattegat and western Baltic Sea are important for ensuring the recovery of these stocks.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/271 of 29 January 2026 amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1529 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region
Here’s a breakdown of the Council Regulation (EU) 2026/271:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2023/1529, which concerns restrictive measures against Iran in light of its military support to Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as its support to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. The key change involves updating the list of items whose export, sale, transfer, or supply from the EU to Iran is prohibited. This update specifically targets additional components used in the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Article 1:** This article states that Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2023/1529 is amended according to the Annex to this new regulation.
* **Article 2:** This article specifies that the regulation comes into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
* **Annex:** The core of the regulation is the replacement of Annex II of the original Regulation (EU) 2023/1529. This annex provides a detailed list of items subject to export restrictions, organized by category (Special materials and related equipment, Materials processing, Electronics, Computers, Telecommunications and information security, Sensors and lasers, Navigation and avionics, Aerospace and propulsion, Technology) and includes their descriptions and HS/CN codes. The annex includes also introductory notes, definitions of terms and technical notes.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* The most important aspect of this regulation is the updated **Annex II**, which lists specific items now subject to export restrictions. Businesses and individuals need to carefully review this list to ensure compliance.
* The Annex is structured by categories, making it easier to identify relevant items based on their nature and application.
* The inclusion of HS/CN codes is crucial for customs and trade compliance, as these codes are used to classify goods for import and export purposes.
* The regulation focuses on components used in UAVs and missiles, reflecting the EU’s concern about Iran’s military support activities.
* The regulation includes technical notes and definitions, which are important for the correct interpretation and application of the restrictions.
* The regulation is directly applicable in all EU member states, meaning it has immediate legal effect without needing to be transposed into national law.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/266 of 26 January 2026 fixing for 2026 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
Here’s a breakdown of Council Regulation (EU) 2026/266, designed to give you the key points:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/266 sets the fishing opportunities for 2026 for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. It establishes catch limits, fishing effort restrictions, and other management measures to ensure the sustainable exploitation of these marine resources. The regulation implements measures agreed upon by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and incorporates scientific advice to maintain stocks at maximum sustainable yield (MSY).
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Scope (Article 1):** Defines which fish stocks and sea areas the regulation applies to, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
* **Definitions (Article 2 & 3):** Clarifies terms like “total allowable catch” (TAC), “quota,” and specifies the geographical areas covered (GFCM GSAs).
* **Fishing Opportunities (Title II):** This section forms the core of the regulation, detailing specific measures for different regions and species:
* **Mediterranean Sea (Chapter I):**
* European Eel (Article 4): Maintains a six-month closure for commercial eel fishing and bans recreational fishing. Limits commercial glass eel fishing to two months under specific conditions.
* Red Coral (Article 5): Freezes fishing effort for red coral, expressed as a maximum number of fishing authorizations and harvest limits.
* Common Dolphinfish (Article 6): Continues fleet capacity ceilings, FAD limits, catch limits, and a temporal closure for recreational fisheries.
* **Western Mediterranean Sea (Chapter II):**
* Demersal Stocks (Article 7): Sets maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers and longliners. Establishes maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp and giant red shrimp.
* Compensation Mechanism (Article 8): Allows Member States to grant additional fishing days to vessels using selective fishing gear or participating in closure areas.
* Remedial Measures (Articles 9 & 10): Introduces catch limits for European hake caught with gillnets and trammel nets. Sets a minimum conservation reference size for Norway lobster.
* **Adriatic Sea (Chapter III):**
* Small Pelagic Stocks (Article 12): Sets maximum catch levels for sardine and anchovy and fleet capacity limits.
* Demersal Stocks (Article 13): Establishes maximum allowable fishing effort for key demersal stocks.
* **Strait of Sicily (Chapter IV):**
* European Hake and Deep-water Rose Shrimp (Article 15): Sets maximum allowable fishing effort for European hake and catch limits for deep-water rose shrimp.
* Deep-water Shrimps (Article 16): Sets catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp.
* **Ionian Sea and Levant Sea (Chapter V):**
* Deep-water Shrimps (Article 18): Sets catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp.
* **Alboran Sea (Chapter VI):**
* Blackspot Seabream (Article 19): Sets catch limits and limits the number of authorized longliners and handliners. Prohibits recreational fishing.
* **Black Sea (Chapter VII):**
* Sprat (Article 20): Sets an autonomous quota for sprat.
* Turbot (Articles 21-23): Sets TAC, quota allocations, and a closure period for turbot fishing.
* **Data Transmission (Various Articles):** Specifies the data Member States must record and transmit to the Commission regarding fishing effort and catches.
* **Final Provisions (Title III):** Sets the entry into force and application dates of the regulation.
**3. Main Provisions for Practical Use:**
* **Catch Limits and Effort Restrictions:** The specific catch limits and fishing effort restrictions outlined in the annexes are crucial for fishermen and national authorities to understand and comply with.
* **Closure Periods:** The timing and duration of closure periods for certain species (e.g., European eel, turbot) need to be carefully observed.
* **Compensation Mechanism:** Member States and vessel operators should pay close attention to the conditions for additional fishing days, as this can impact their fishing opportunities.
* **Data Reporting:** Accurate and timely data reporting using the specified codes is essential for monitoring and enforcement.
* **Remedial Measures:** The measures for European hake and Norway lobster, including catch limits and minimum conservation sizes, are important for stock recovery.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/215 of 29 January 2026 amending Annexes II and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for dimoxystrobin, ethephon and propamocarb in or on certain products
This Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/215 modifies Annexes II and V of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which concerns the maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides in or on food and feed. The changes address specific MRLs for dimoxystrobin, ethephon, and propamocarb, taking into account the latest scientific advice and regulatory decisions. The regulation aims to ensure a high level of consumer protection while considering the needs of trade and agriculture.
The regulation is structured to amend existing annexes of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. It removes dimoxystrobin MRLs, adjusts ethephon MRLs based on a revised acceptable daily intake (ADI) and a new residue definition for enforcement in cereals, and lowers propamocarb MRLs in lettuce. Compared to previous versions, this regulation reflects updated scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and incorporates feedback from the World Trade Organization.
Key provisions include the deletion of MRLs for dimoxystrobin, setting them at the product-specific limit of determination (LOD). For ethephon, the regulation introduces a new residue definition in cereals and adjusts MRLs for various products, maintaining some at existing levels while lowering others based on risk assessments. The MRL for propamocarb in lettuce is lowered due to potential risks identified by EFSA. The regulation also specifies that products placed on the market before August 19, 2026, are generally not affected, except for apples and blueberries containing ethephon, and lettuces containing propamocarb.
