20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/1

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COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2016/1851

of 14 June 2016

adopting the programme of ad hoc modules, covering the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, for the labour force sample survey provided for by Council Regulation (EC) No 577/98

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 577/98 of 9 March 1998 on the organisation of a labour force sample survey in the Community (1), and in particular Article 7a(4) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)	In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 577/98, it is necessary to specify the elements of the programme of ad hoc modules covering the years 2019, 2020 and 2021.

(2)	There is a need for a comprehensive and comparable set of data on work organisation and working time arrangements, and a need for more detailed data on labour market participation, in order to monitor progress towards the common objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy.

(3)

In the context of the ongoing debate on flexicurity (2) and the expressed need for greater adaptability of both enterprises and workers in Europe, a key issue highlighted in the European employment strategy and the employment guidelines (3), it is necessary to collect data with a large-scale European survey on the extent of application of various forms of new practices in work organisation and working time arrangements and the experiences of workers with these.

(4)

In its communication on an EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2014-2020 (4), the Commission underlined the importance of improving statistical data collection on work-related accidents and diseases, occupational exposures and work-related ill-health. A new ad hoc module on accidents at work and work-related health problems should make it possible to compare data transmitted by Member States under the European statistics on accidents at work project with the situation of people on the labour market, and to collect data on work-related health problems. Moreover, it should provide information on occupational exposure to risk factors for physical health and mental well-being.

(5)

In its communication A European Agenda on Migration  (5), the Commission acknowledged the need to develop structural actions related to migration. Measures for the integration of migrants should be promoted, including initiatives to improve language and professional skills, and to ease qualifications recognition and access to the labour market. Moreover, one of the key domains targeted by Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 (6) focuses on removing barriers to labour market participation and reducing employment gaps for disadvantaged people, including the gap between Union citizens and non-Union citizens. In this context, detailed data on the labour situation of migrants are needed to provide a reliable evidence base for decision-making,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The programme of ad hoc modules for the labour force sample survey, covering the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, as set out in the Annex, is adopted.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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(1)  OJ L 77, 14.3.1998, p. 3.

(2)  Flexicurity is an integrated strategy for enhancing, at the same time, flexibility and security in the labour market. It attempts to reconcile employers' need for a flexible workforce with workers' need for security — confidence that they will not face long periods of unemployment.

(3)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/1848 of 5 October 2015 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States for 2015 (OJ L 268, 15.10.2015, p. 28).

(4)  COM(2014) 332 final of 6 June 2014.

(5)  COM(2015) 240 final of 13 May 2015.

(6)  Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 of 14 July 2015 on broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the European Union (OJ L 192, 18.7.2015, p. 27).

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/5

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2016/1852

of 19 October 2016

amending Regulation (EU) No 468/2010 establishing the EU list of vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 of 29 September 2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, amending Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1936/2001 and (EC) No 601/2004 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 1093/94 and (EC) No 1447/1999 (1), and in particular Article 30 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

Chapter V of Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 lays down procedures for the identification of fishing vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (‘IUU’) as well as procedures for establishing a Union list of such vessels (‘the Union list’). Article 37 of that Regulation provides for actions to be taken against fishing vessels included in that list.

(2)	The Union list was established by Commission Regulation (EU) No 468/2010 (2) and subsequently amended by Implementing Regulations (EU) No 724/2011 (3), (EU) No 1234/2012 (4), (EU) No 672/2013 (5), (EU) No 137/2014 (6), and (EU) 2015/1296 (7).

(3)	According to Article 30(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008, vessels included in the IUU vessel lists adopted by regional fisheries management organisations are to be included in the Union list.

(4)	All regional fishery management organisations provide for the establishment and regular up-date of IUU vessel lists in accordance with their respective rules (8).

(5)

According to Article 30 of Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008, upon the receipt from regional fisheries management organisations of the lists of fishing vessels presumed or confirmed to be involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the Commission is to update the Union list. Since the Commission has received new lists from the regional fisheries management organisations, the Union list should now be updated.

(6)

Considering that the same vessel might be listed under different names and/or flags depending on the time of its inclusion on the regional fisheries management organisations lists, the updated Union list should include the different names and/or flags as established by the relevant regional fisheries management organisations.

(7)	Regulation (EU) No 468/2010 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(8)	The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Part B of the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 468/2010 is replaced by the text in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the seventh day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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(1)  OJ L 286, 29.10.2008, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 131, 29.5.2010, p. 22.

(3)  OJ L 194, 26.7.2011, p. 14.

(4)  OJ L 350, 20.12.2012, p. 38.

(5)  OJ L 193, 16.7.2013, p. 6.

(6)  OJ L 43, 13.2.2014, p. 47.

(7)  OJ L 199, 29.7.2015, p. 12.

(8)  Last updates: CCAMLR: 2015/2016 IUU list as adopted at annual meeting CCAMLR- XXXIV, 19 October-30 October 2015; SEAFO: SEAFO IUU vessel list as adopted at 12th annual meeting of the Commission, 30 November-3 December 2015; ICCAT: 2015 IUU list as adopted at 24th regular meeting of the Commission, 10 November-17 November 2015; IATTC: 2015 list as adopted at 89th meeting of IATTC, 29 June-3 July 2015; NEAFC: IUU B list AM 2015-07 as adopted at 34th annual meeting, 9 November-13 November 2015; NAFO: 2015 list as adopted at 37th annual meeting, 21 September-25 September 2015; WCPFC: WCPFC IUU vessel list for 2016, effective from 7 February 2016 as adopted at 20th regular session of the Commission, 3 December-8 December 2015; IOTC: IOTC IUU vessels list, approved at 20th session of the IOTC, 23 May-27 May 2016; GFCM: 2016 IUU list as adopted at 40th session, 30 May-3 June 2016; SPRFMO: 2016 IUU vessel list as adopted at 4th Commission meeting, 25-29 January 2016.

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/15

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2016/1853

of 19 October 2016

establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1),

Having regard to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (2), and in particular Article 136(1) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto.

(2)

The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The standard import values referred to in Article 136 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 are fixed in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

(2)  OJ L 157, 15.6.2011, p. 1.

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/17

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2016/1854

of 19 October 2016

fixing the allocation coefficient to be applied to the quantities covered by the applications for import licences lodged from 1 to 7 October 2016 under the tariff quotas opened by Regulation (EC) No 341/2007 for garlic

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1), and in particular Article 188(1) and (3) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)	Commission Regulation (EC) No 341/2007 (2) opened annual tariff quotas for imports of garlic.

(2)

The quantities covered by the applications for ‘A’ import licences lodged in the first seven calendar days of October 2016, for the subperiod from 1 December 2016 to 28 February 2017, for certain quotas, exceed those available. The extent to which ‘A’ import licences may be issued should therefore be determined by establishing the allocation coefficient to be applied to the quantities requested, calculated in accordance with Article 7(2) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006 (3).

(3)	In order to ensure the efficient management of the measure, this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The quantities covered by the applications for ‘A’ import licences lodged under Regulation (EC) No 341/2007 for the subperiod from 1 December 2016 to 28 February 2017 shall be multiplied by the allocation coefficient set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

(2)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 341/2007 of 29 March 2007 opening and providing for the administration of tariff quotas and introducing a system of import licences and certificates of origin for garlic and certain other agricultural products imported from third countries (OJ L 90, 30.3.2007, p. 12).

(3)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006 of 31 August 2006 laying down common rules for the administration of import tariff quotas for agricultural products managed by a system of import licences (OJ L 238, 1.9.2006, p. 13).

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/19

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COMMISSION DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/1855

of 19 October 2016

amending Directive 2009/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States on extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Directive 2009/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States on extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients (1), and in particular point (a) of the first subparagraph of Article 4 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

Directive 2009/32/EC applies to extraction solvents used or intended for use in the production of foodstuffs or food ingredients. That Directive does not apply to extraction solvents used in the production of food additives, vitamins and other nutritional additives, unless such food additives, vitamins or nutritional additives are listed in its Annex I.

(2)

On 19 August 2014, an application was submitted by Akzo Nobel Industrial Chemicals BV requesting a change in the maximum residual limit (MRL) for dimethyl ether (DME) as an extraction solvent in defatted animal protein products, in particular collagen and collagen derivatives, from 0,009 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg, and a new use for the extraction of protein products to yield gelatine with a MRL of 0,009 mg/kg. That application was subsequently made available to the Member States.

(3)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) re-evaluated the safety of DME as an extraction solvent for the preparation of defatted animal protein products — collagen and gelatine — and issued its opinion on 14 July 2015 (2). The Authority concluded that the use of DME as an extraction solvent, under the intended conditions of use and with the proposed MRLs of 3 mg/kg in collagen and collagen derivatives and 0,009 mg/kg in gelatine, is of no safety concern.

(4)	Therefore, it is appropriate to authorise the use of dimethyl ether as an extraction solvent to remove fat from animal protein raw materials under the condition of maximum residual limits of dimethyl ether of 3 mg/kg in collagen and collagen derivatives and of 0,009 mg/kg in gelatine.

(5)	Directive 2009/32/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.

(6)	The measures provided for in this Directive are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

Article 1

Annex I to Directive 2009/32/EC is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Directive.

Article 2

1.   Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive not later than two years after the date of entry into force of this Directive. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions.

When Member States adopt those provisions, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or be accompanied by such a reference on the occasion of their official publication. Member States shall determine how such reference is to be made.

2.   Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.

Article 3

This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 4

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

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(1)  OJ L 141, 6.6.2009, p. 3.

(2)  EFSA CEF Panel (EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids), 2015. Scientific Opinion on the safety of use of dimethyl ether as an extraction solvent under the intended conditions of use and the proposed maximum residual limits. EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4174, 13 pp.

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/21

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DECISION (EU) 2016/1856 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 11 October 2016

on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Greece

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (1), and in particular Article 4(3) thereof,

Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (2), and in particular point 11 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)	The European Union Solidarity Fund (‘the Fund’) aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations in order to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by natural disasters.

(2)	The Fund is not to exceed a maximum annual amount of EUR 500 000 000 (2011 prices), as laid down in Article 10 of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 (3).

(3)	On 5 February 2016, Greece submitted an application to mobilise the Fund, following an earthquake that affected the Ionian Islands in November 2015.

(4)	The application by Greece meets the conditions for providing a financial contribution from the Fund, as laid down in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002.

(5)	The Fund should therefore be mobilised in order to provide a financial contribution to Greece.

(6)

By Decision (EU) 2016/252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4) the European Union Solidarity Fund was mobilised to provide the sum of EUR 50 million in commitment and payment appropriations for the payment of advances for the financial year 2016. Those appropriations have only been used to a very limited extent. Consequently, there is scope for financing the full amount for the present mobilisation through the reallocation of appropriations available for the payment of advances in the general budget of the Union for the financial year 2016.

(7)	In order to minimise the time taken to mobilise the Fund, this Decision should apply from the date of its adoption,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

For the general budget of the Union for the financial year 2016, the European Union Solidarity Fund shall be mobilised to provide the amount of EUR 1 651 834 to Greece, in commitment and payment appropriations.

The amount of the mobilisation referred to in the first paragraph shall be financed from the appropriations mobilised for the payment of advances in the Union budget for the financial year 2016. The appropriations available for the payment of advances shall be reduced accordingly.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 11 October 2016.

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(1)  OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3.

(2)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

(3)  Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).

(4)  Decision (EU) 2016/252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund for the payment of advances (OJ L 47, 24.2.2016, p. 5).

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/23

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DECISION (EU) 2016/1857 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 11 October 2016

on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (following an application from Finland — EGF/2016/001 FI/Microsoft)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (1), and in particular Article 15(4) thereof,

Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (2), and in particular point 13 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) aims to provide support for workers made redundant and self-employed persons whose activity has ceased as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, as a result of a continuation of the global financial and economic crisis, or as a result of a new global financial and economic crisis, and to assist them with their reintegration into the labour market.

(2)	The EGF is not to exceed a maximum annual amount of EUR 150 million (2011 prices), as laid down in Article 12 of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 (3).

(3)

On 11 March 2016 Finland submitted an application to mobilise the EGF, in respect of redundancies in Microsoft (Microsoft Mobile Oy) and 8 suppliers and downstream producers. It was supplemented by additional information provided in accordance with Article 8(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013. That application complies with the requirements for determining a financial contribution from the EGF as laid down in Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013.

(4)	The EGF should, therefore, be mobilised in order to provide a financial contribution of EUR 5 364 000 in respect of the application submitted by Finland.

(5)	In order to minimise the time taken to mobilise the EGF, this decision should apply from the date of its adoption,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

For the general budget of the Union for the financial year 2016, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund shall be mobilised to provide the amount of EUR 5 364 000 in commitment and payment appropriations.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 11 October 2016.

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(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 855.

(2)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

(3)  Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/25

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DECISION (EU) 2016/1858 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 11 October 2016

on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (following an application from Sweden — EGF/2016/002 SE/Ericsson)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (1), and in particular Article 15(4) thereof,

Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (2), and in particular point 13 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) aims to provide support for workers made redundant and self-employed persons whose activity has ceased as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, as a result of a continuation of the global financial and economic crisis, or as a result of a new global financial and economic crisis, and to assist them with their reintegration into the labour market.

(2)	The EGF is not to exceed a maximum annual amount of EUR 150 million (2011 prices), as laid down in Article 12 of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 (3).

(3)

On 31 March 2016, Sweden submitted an application to mobilise the EGF, in respect of redundancies in Ericsson (Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson) in Sweden. It was supplemented by additional information provided in accordance with Article 8(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013. That application complies with the requirements for determining a financial contribution from the EGF as laid down in Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013.

(4)	The EGF should, therefore, be mobilised in order to provide a financial contribution of EUR 3 957 918 in respect of the application submitted by Sweden.

(5)	In order to minimise the time taken to mobilise the EGF, this decision should apply from the date of its adoption,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

For the general budget of the Union for the financial year 2016, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund shall be mobilised to provide the amount of EUR 3 957 918 in commitment and payment appropriations.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 11 October 2016.

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(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 855.

(2)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

(3)  Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/27

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COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2016/1859

of 13 October 2016

on the Tripartite Social Summit for Growth and Employment and repealing Decision 2003/174/EC

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 352 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament,

Acting in accordance with a special legislative procedure,

Whereas:

(1)	Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) provides that one of the objectives of the Union is to work for a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress.

(2)

In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union is to take into account their social dimension, in particular the requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health, in accordance with Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

(3)

The Union recognises and promotes the role of the social partners at its level and facilitates dialogue between them while respecting their autonomy, in accordance with Article 152 TFEU. To promote a high-level concertation with the European social partners on the overall strategy set up by the Lisbon European Council of 23 and 24 March 2000, Council Decision 2003/174/EC (1) established a Tripartite Social Summit for Growth and Employment (‘the Summit’). The Summit is now recognised in Article 152 TFEU as an integral component of social dialogue at Union level.

(4)

The Union and its Member States are committed to cooperating within the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy, an integrated strategy designed to boost the Union's potential for growth and jobs over the period 2010-2020 (‘the Europe 2020 strategy’). The Europe 2020 strategy aims to increase coordination between national and Union policies. In addition, the Union has recognised the need to enhance the social partners' ownership of and involvement in that strategy, to enable the social partners to actively contribute to the implementation of that strategy's objectives.

(5)

Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) underlines that social partners shall be involved within the framework of the European Semester, on the main policy issues where appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the TFEU and national legal and political arrangements.

(6)

In its conclusions of 28 June 2013, the European Council noted that the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union should be strengthened, and highlighted in this context the key role of the social partners and social dialogue. Accordingly, the Commission in its Communication of 2 October 2013 entitled ‘Strengthening the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union’, addressed the issue of the promotion of social dialogue at national and Union level, and announced a proposal to review Decision 2003/174/EC, referring to the Summit as an opportunity to involve the social partners in the European Semester process.

(7)

Since its establishment pursuant to Decision 2003/174/EC, the Summit has fulfilled its key role to enable high-level concertation. It has contributed positively to the development of social dialogue at Union level under the Lisbon Strategy over the period 2000-2010, and under the Europe 2020 strategy.

(8)

In their joint Declaration on Social Partner Involvement in European Economic Governance of 24 October 2013, signed by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) on the workers' side, and by the Confederation of European Business (BUSINESSEUROPE), the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public services (CEEP) and the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME) on the employers' side, the European social partners called for a coherent process of consultation of the social partners in the context of the European Semester, and confirmed their support for the Summit.

(9)	The tasks and the membership of the Summit should be adapted in order to take into account the institutional changes introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon, in particular the creation of the function of President of the European Council, as laid down in Article 15 TEU.

(10)	This Decision is without prejudice to the organisation and operation of the national systems of industrial relations and social dialogue.

(11)	The TFEU does not provide, for the adoption of this Decision, powers other than those under Article 352 TFEU.

(12)	Decision 2003/174/EC should therefore be repealed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Task

The task of the Tripartite Social Summit for Growth and Employment shall be to ensure, in compliance with the TFEU and the TEU and with due regard for the powers of the institutions and bodies of the Union, that there is a continuous concertation between the European Council, the Council, the Commission and the social partners. The Summit shall enable the European social partners to contribute, in the context of their social dialogue, to the various components of the Union's strategy for growth and jobs. It shall facilitate synergies between the actions of the European Council, the Council, the Commission and the social partners aimed at the promotion of growth, a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion and a high level of education, training and protection of human health. For that purpose, it shall draw on the upstream work of and discussions between the Council, the Commission and the social partners in the different concertation forums on economic, social and employment matters.

Article 2

Membership

1.   The Summit shall consist of the Presidents of the European Council and the Commission, and, represented at the highest level, the current Council Presidency, the two subsequent Council Presidencies and the social partners. The ministers from the three Council Presidencies and the Commissioner responsible for employment and social affairs shall also participate in the Summit. Depending on the agenda, other ministers from the three Council Presidencies and other Commissioners may also be invited to participate in the Summit.

2.   The social partners' representatives shall be divided into two delegations of equal size, one comprising 10 workers' representatives and the other comprising 10 employers' representatives, taking into account the need to ensure gender balance.

3.   Both delegations shall consist of representatives of European cross-industry organisations, either representing general interests or more specific interests of supervisory and managerial staff and small and medium-sized businesses at European level.

Technical coordination shall be provided for the workers' delegation by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and for the employers' delegation by the Confederation of European Business (BUSINESSEUROPE). ETUC and BUSINESSEUROPE shall ensure that the views expressed by the specific and sectoral organisations are fully taken into account in their contributions and shall, where appropriate, include representatives from some of those organisations in their delegations.

Article 3

Preparation

1.   The agenda for the Summit shall be determined jointly by the Council, the Commission and the workers' and employers' cross-industry organisations taking part in the work of the Summit. To this end, preparatory meetings shall take place between the Council, the Commission, ETUC and BUSINESSEUROPE.

2.   The matters on the agenda shall be discussed by the Council meeting in its Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs configuration based, as appropriate, on a contribution of its preparatory bodies.

3.   The Commission shall provide the secretariat support to the Summit. In particular, the secretariat shall ensure that documents are distributed in adequate time. For the purposes of preparing and organising meetings, the Summit secretariat shall establish appropriate contacts with ETUC and BUSINESSEUROPE, both of which shall be responsible for coordinating their respective delegations.

Article 4

Operation

1.   The Summit shall meet at least twice a year. The meetings shall be held before the respective spring and autumn sessions of the European Council.

2.   The Summit shall be chaired jointly by the President of the European Council and the President of the Commission, with the participation of the current Council Presidency.

3.   The meetings of the Summit shall be convened by the joint chairpersons on their own initiative, in consultation with the social partners.

4.   The President of the European Council shall report on the discussions and the outcomes of the Summit to the European Council.

Article 5

Information

The joint chairpersons shall draw up a summary of the Summit's discussions, in order to inform the relevant Council configurations, the European Parliament and the general public of them.

Article 6

Repeal

Decision 2003/174/EC is hereby repealed with effect from 21 October 2016.

Article 7

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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(1)  Council Decision 2003/174/EC of 6 March 2003 establishing a Tripartite Social Summit for Growth and Employment (OJ L 70, 14.3.2003, p. 31).

(2)  Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 12).

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/31

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COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2016/1860

of 17 October 2016

appointing two members and an alternate member, proposed by the Italian Republic, of the Committee of the Regions

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 305 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal of the Italian Government,

Whereas:

(1)

On 26 January 2015, 5 February 2015 and 23 June 2015, the Council adopted Decisions (EU) 2015/116 (1), (EU) 2015/190 (2) and (EU) 2015/994 (3) appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020. On 16 December 2015, by Council Decision (EU) 2015/2361 (4), Mr Ignazio MARINO was replaced by Mr Antonio DECARO as a member and Mr Antonio DECARO was replaced by Mr Andrea BALLARÈ as an alternate member. On 21 April 2016, by Council Decision (EU) 2016/643 (5), Mr Mauro D'ATTIS was reappointed to the Committee of the Regions to take account of his new mandate. On 12 September 2016, by Council Decision (EU) 2016/1670 (6), Mr Andrea BALLARÈ was reappointed to the Committee of the Regions to take account of his new mandate.

(2)	Two members' seats on the Committee of the Regions have become vacant following the end of the terms of office of Mr Mauro D'ATTIS and Mr Antonio DECARO.

(3)	An alternate member's seat has become vacant following the appointment of Mr Andrea BALLARÈ as a member of the Committee of the Regions,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The following are hereby appointed to the Committee of the Regions for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2020:

(a)	as members: — Sig. Mauro D'ATTIS, Consigliere del Comune di Brindisi (BR) (change of mandate), — Sig. Andrea BALLARÈ, Consigliere del Comune di Novara (NO); and

(b)	as an alternate member: — Sig. Antonio DECARO, Sindaco del Comune di Bari (BA).

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

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(1)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/116 of 26 January 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020 (OJ L 20, 27.1.2015, p. 42).

(2)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/190 of 5 February 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020 (OJ L 31, 7.2.2015, p. 25).

(3)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/994 of 23 June 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020 (OJ L 159, 25.6.2015, p. 70).

(4)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/2361 of 16 December 2015 appointing an Italian member and an Italian alternate member of the Committee of the Regions (OJ L 331, 17.12.2015, p. 29).

(5)  Council Decision (EU) 2016/643 of 21 April 2016 appointing a member, proposed by the Italian Republic of the Committee of the Regions (OJ L 108, 23.4.2016, p. 35).

(6)  Council Decision (EU) 2016/1670 of 12 September 2016 appointing a member and two alternate members, proposed by the Italian Republic of the Committee of the Regions (OJ L 249, 16.9.2016, p. 37).

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/33

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2016/1861

of 14 October 2016

on amending Implementing Decision 2012/830/EU on an additional financial contribution towards Member States' fisheries control, inspection and surveillance programmes for 2012

(notified under document C(2016) 6477)

(Only the Bulgarian, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish texts are authentic)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2328/2003, (EC) No 861/2006, (EC) No 1198/2006 and (EC) No 791/2007 and Regulation (EU) No 1255/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), in particular Article 129(2) thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 861/2006 of 22 May 2006 establishing Community financial measures for the implementation of the common fisheries policy and in the area of the Law of the Sea (2), and in particular Article 21 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

Member States have submitted to the Commission, in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 861/2006, their fisheries control programmes for 2012 and the applications for a Union financial contribution towards the expenditure incurred in carrying out the projects contained in such programme.

(2)	The Commission fixed in its Implementing Decision 2012/830/EU (3) the maximum amount by project and the rate of the Union financial contribution within the limits set by Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 861/2006 and laid down the conditions under which such contribution may be granted.

(3)	Article 2 of Implementing Decision 2012/830/EU provides that all payments in respect of which a reimbursement is claimed are to be made by the Member State concerned by 30 June 2016 and that payments made after that deadline are not eligible for reimbursement.

(4)	Several Member States informed the Commission in the first half of 2016 that they encountered difficulties in respecting that deadline in the context of the financial crisis as well as of technical difficulties encountered.

(5)

In order to ensure that Member States are able to pursue the execution of these projects and do not abandon them further to the interruption of the reimbursements by the Commission from the second half of 2016, the deadline provided for in Article 2 of Implementing Decision 2012/830/EU should be extended until 31 March 2017 with retroactive effect from 1 July 2016.

(6)	Implementing Decision 2012/830/EU should therefore be amended accordingly.

(7)	The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In Article 2 of Implementing Decision 2012/830/EU, the first sentence is replaced by the following:

Article 2

This Decision shall apply from 1 July 2016.

Article 3

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Italian Republic, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Malta, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Poland, the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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(1)  OJ L 149, 20.5.2014, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 160, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

(3)  Commission Implementing Decision 2012/830/EU of 7 December 2012 on an additional financial contribution towards Member States' fisheries control, inspection and surveillance programmes for 2012 (OJ L 356, 22.12.2012, p. 78).

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/35

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EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 36/16/COL

of 9 February 2016

to partially repeal Decision No 227/04/COL as regards the status for Iceland for Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS) [2016/1862]

THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY,

Having regard to the Act referred to at point 5a of Part 4.1 of Chapter I of Annex I to the EEA Agreement (Council Directive 2006/88/EC of 24 October 2006 on animal health requirements for aquaculture animals and products thereof, and on the prevention and control of certain diseases in aquatic animals (1)), as adapted to the EEA Agreement by point 4(d) of Protocol 1 to the EEA Agreement and Article 1(2) and Article 3 of Protocol 1 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement,

Having regard to Decision No 494/13/COL of the EFTA Surveillance Authority (‘the Authority’) of 11 December 2013 empowering the College Member with special responsibility for veterinary and phytosanitary matters to take certain decisions in that field (Document No 683826),

Whereas:

By Decision No 227/04/COL, the Authority recognised the whole continental and coastal area of Iceland as free from Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis (IHN) and Viral Haemorraghic Septicaemia (VHS).

On 23 October 2015, Iceland notified through the Animal Disease Notification System an outbreak of VHS in lumpfish of wild origin used as brood fish in the Landnamsholf region. Further information regarding the measures taken were provided by letter of 13 November 2015 (Document No 780869, IS ref. ANR15110004/20.5).

In light of the above, the VHS-free status for Iceland, as recognised by Decision No 227/04/COL, should be withdrawn.

No changes have occurred as regards Iceland's status for IHN.

It is therefore appropriate to repeal Decision No 227/04/COL as regards Iceland's VHS-status only.

This Decision is in accordance with the opinion of the EFTA Veterinary and Phytosanitary Committee.

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

1.	Decision No 227/04/COL is repealed as regards Iceland's status for Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia.

2.	Decision No 227/04/COL remains in force as regards Iceland's status for Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis.

3.	This Decision is addressed to Iceland.

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(1)  OJ L 328, 24.11.2006, p. 14.

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20.10.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 284/37

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EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 58/16/COL-D

of 3 March 2016

to approve national measures by Norway limiting the impact of Gyrodactylus salaris and to repeal Decisions No 298/08/COL and No 299/08/COL [2016/1863]

THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY,

Having regard to the Act referred to at point 5a of Part 4.1 of Chapter I of Annex I to the EEA Agreement (Council Directive 2006/88/EC of 24 October 2006 on animal health requirements for aquaculture animals and products thereof, and on the prevention and control of certain diseases in aquatic animals (1)), as adapted to the EEA Agreement by point 4(d) of Protocol 1 to the EEA Agreement and Articles 1(2) and 3 of Protocol 1 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement.

Having regard to Decision No 494/13/COL of the EFTA Surveillance Authority (‘the Authority’) of 11 December 2013 empowering the College Member with special responsibility for veterinary and phytosanitary matters to take certain decisions and measures (Document No 683826),

Whereas:

(1)	EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision No 298/08/COL (2) established disease-free zones and additional guarantees for Gyrodactylus salaris for Norway pursuant to Article 13 of Council Directive 91/67/EEC (3) and Article 5 of Commission Decision 2004/453/EC (4).

(2)

Pursuant to Decision No 298/08/COL, Norway may require additional guarantees for consignments of live aquaculture fish of susceptible species intended for farming, which are to be introduced to the zones affected by the Decision. Those additional guarantees consist of the requirement that those consignments must originate from an area with equivalent health status as the place of destination.

(3)

Directive 2006/88/EC repealed and replaced Directive 91/67/EEC. Directive 2006/88/EC also provided that Decision 2004/453/EC was to continue to apply pending the adoption of the necessary provisions in accordance with that Directive. Such provisions were adopted by Commission Decision 2010/221/EU (5) which also definitely repealed Decision 2004/453/EC (6). It is therefore appropriate to repeal and replace Decision No 298/08/COL.

(4)

Article 43 of Directive 2006/88/EC provides that an EEA State may take measures to prevent the introduction of, or to control diseases not listed in Part II of Annex IV thereto which constitute a significant risk for the animal health situation of aquaculture animals or wild aquatic animals in that State. Those measures are not to exceed the limits of what is appropriate and necessary to prevent the introduction of, or control of, such diseases.

(5)

Norway was granted the right to require additional guarantees pursuant to Decision No 298/08/COL and have provided the Authority with information on the disease situation as regards Gyrodactylus salaris. By letter of 6 October 2015 (Document No 775798, NO ref. 2015/193600), Norway provided updated information about the national measures for Gyrodactylus salaris. The information provided demonstrates the appropriateness and necessity of continuing requiring national measures in the form of placing on the market, import and transit requirements, in accordance with Article 43 of Directive 2006/88/EC.

(6)

Consequently, as Norway was granted the right to require additional guarantees in accordance with Decision No 298/08/COL for the introduction of aquaculture animals of susceptible species into approved disease-free areas or areas with approved control or eradication programmes, Norway should be allowed to continue to apply these measures as national measures approved in accordance with Article 43 of Directive 2006/88/EC.

(7)	The national measures approved by this Decision should only be applied as long as they are appropriate and necessary. Therefore, Norway should send a yearly report to the Authority on the functioning of the national measures.

(8)

Any suspicion of the presence of Gyrodactylus salaris in Norway, with the exception of the areas listed in the Annex to this Decision, should be investigated and during the investigation movement restrictions should be applied to protect other EEA States with approved national measures as regards Gyrodactylus salaris. In addition, to facilitate the necessary reassessment of the approved national measures, any subsequent disease confirmation should be notified to the EFTA Surveillance Authority and to the other EEA States.

(9)	In the interest of clarity, Decision No 298/08/COL should be expressly repealed.

(10)

Moreover, EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision No 299/08/COL (7) approved the Norwegian control and eradication programme for bacterial kidney disease (BKD). By letter of 6 October 2015 (Document No 775798), Norway informed the Authority that the control and eradication programme for BKD had been discontinued. It is therefore appropriate to repeal Decision No 299/08/COL.

(11)	The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the EFTA Veterinary and Phytosanitary Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Approval of certain national measures for limiting the impact of certain diseases not listed in Part II of Annex IV to Directive 2006/88/EC

1.   Norway, with the exceptions of areas listed in the Annex to this Decision, shall be regarded as free of Gyrodactylus salaris.

2.   Norway may require that the following consignments introduced into a disease-free area comply with the requirements set out in points (a) and (b) with respect to those areas regarded free of Gyrodactylus salaris:

(a)

aquaculture animals intended for farming, relaying areas, put and take fisheries, open ornamental facilities and restocking must comply with: (i) the placing on the market requirements laid down in Article 8a of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008 (8); (ii) the import requirements laid down in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008; (iii) the transit and storage requirements laid down in Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008;

(b)	ornamental aquatic animals intended for closed ornamental facilities must comply with: (i) the import requirements laid down in Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008; (ii) the transit and storage requirements laid down in Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008.

Article 2

Reporting

1.   By 30 April each year at the latest, Norway shall submit a report to the EFTA Surveillance Authority on the approved national measures referred to in Article 1.

2.   The reports provided for in paragraph 1 shall conform to the requirements of Article 4 of Decision 2010/221/EU.

Article 3

Suspicion and detection of diseases in disease-free areas

1.   Where Norway suspects the presence of a disease in an area which is listed as a disease-free area for Gyrodactylus salaris, Norway shall take measures at least equivalent to those laid down in Article 28, Article 29(2), (3) and (4) and Article 30 of Directive 2006/88/EC.

2.   Where the epizootic investigation confirms the detection of the disease referred to in paragraph 1, Norway shall inform the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the other EEA States thereof, and of any measures taken to contain and control that disease.

Article 4

Repeal

Decisions No 298/08/COL and No 299/08/COL are repealed.

Article 5

Addressees

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Norway.

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(1)  OJ L 328, 24.11.2006, p. 14.

(2)  EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision No 298/08/COL of 21 May 2008 regarding disease-free zones and additional guarantees for Gyrodactylus salaris for Norway (OJ L 268, 9.10.2008, p. 37).

(3)  Council Directive 91/67/EEC of 28 January 1991 concerning the animal health conditions governing the placing on the market of aquaculture animals and products (OJ L 46, 19.2.1991, p. 1).

(4)  Commission Decision 2004/453/EC of 29 April 2004 implementing Council Directive 91/67/EEC as regards measures against certain diseases in aquaculture animals (OJ L 156, 30.4.2004, p. 5).

(5)  Commission Decision 2010/221/EU of 15 April 2010 approving national measures for limiting the impact of certain diseases in aquaculture animals and wild aquatic animals in accordance with Article 43 of Council Directive 2006/88/EC (OJ L 98, 20.4.2010, p. 7).

(6)  Act referred to at point 94 of Part 4.2 of Chapter I of Annex I to the EEA Agreement.

(7)  EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision No 299/08/COL of 21 May 2008 approving the control and eradication programme for Bacterial Kidney Disease submitted by Norway (OJ L 257, 25.9.2008, p. 16).

(8)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008 of 12 December 2008 implementing Council Directive 2006/88/EC as regards conditions and certification requirements for the placing on the market and the import into the Community of aquaculture animals and products thereof and laying down a list of vector species (OJ L 337, 16.12.2008, p. 41).

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