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1
Report of the
Department of Enterprise, Trade and
Employment to the Oireachtas
Under Section 2 (5) of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act
2002
for the period from July to December 2020
January 2021
www.enterprise.gov.ie
2
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3
Part I – Developments in the EU ............................................................................................ 3
1. Competitiveness Council (Internal Market, Industry, Research and Space)......... 3
1.1. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) ..... 4
1.1.1. Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video
Conference, 18 September 2020 .................................................................................. 4
1.1.2 Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video
Conference, 23 October 2020 ...................................................................................... 4
1.1.3 Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video
Conference, 19 November 2020 .................................................................................. 5
1.2. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) ............. 6
1.2.1 Competitiveness Council (Research) - Video Conferece – 21 July 2020 ........ 6
1.2.2. Formal Competitiveness Council (Research & Innovation) – Brussels, 29
September 2020 ............................................................................................................ 6
1.2.3. Competitiveness Council (Research) – Video Confernce – 27 November
2020................................................................................................................................ 7
1.2.4. Competitiveness Council (Space) -Video Conference - 20 November 2020
2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) ................................................................................. 8
2.1. Meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)................................................... 8
2.1.1. Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) –21 September 2020 ............... 8
2.1.2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) - Videoconference – 9 November 2020 . 8
3. Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU (January – June 2021) ............... 9
3.1. Schedule of Meetings during the Portuguese Presidency ...................................... 9
3.2. Overview of key issues likely to arise in relevant Councils during the
Portuguese Presidency ................................................................................................... 10
Part II - Oireachtas Scrutiny Proposals July – December 2020 ........................................ 13
3
Introduction
Under the terms of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002, Ministers submit Reports to the
Oireachtas every six months on developments at European Union level in their area of
responsibility. This Report summarises the key legislative and policy developments within
the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment during the six-month
period July to December 2020 during which time Germany held the Presidency of the
Council of the European Union.
This report has two parts. The first part sets out the principal developments in the policy areas
which fall within the responsibility of this Department at EU level and provides an overview
of the incoming Portuguese Presidency. The second part provides an update on the EU
legislative proposals for which information notes were submitted to the Oireachtas Joint
Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the European Union (Scrutiny) Act
2002.
Part I – Developments in the EU The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy and on travel dominated the
German Presidency which had practical consequences for the holding of Council meetings
and the content of their agendas.
The policy areas which fall within the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade
and Employment at EU level are in the main dealt with by the Competitiveness Council
under the formations of Internal Market and Industry, Research and Space, the Foreign
Affairs Council under the Trade formation and the Employment, Social Policy, Health and
Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) under its Employment formation.
The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council under the heading of
Employment transferred from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with effect from 14 October 2020.
The Department of Social Protection will report on EU developments during the six month
report period in its Report to the Oireachtas. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and
Employment will report on EPSCO in its Employment formation in the next report onwards.
In relation to the Research formation of the Competitiveness Council, policy responsibility
for Research transferred from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on 1 January
2021 and therefore EU developments from 1 January 2021 onwards will feature in that
Department’s Report to the Oireachtas. Competitiveness Council in its Space formation
remains within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
1. Competitiveness Council (Internal Market, Industry, Research and
Space)
Due to COVID-19 restrictions on meetings and travel, all the Competitiveness Councils
during the German Presidency were held by video conference. Debates in those Councils
were focussed on how best to deploy industrial and internal market policy instruments to both
address the public health crisis and drive economic recovery. As the meetings were not in
person, they were not considered formal decision making Councils. In that situation,
decisions and Council Conclusions arising from those discussions may be taken and adopted
4
subsequently by written procedure, by Ambassadors in COREPER, or at another Council
formation, meeting in person in Brussels.
1.1. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) The Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) met on three occasions during
the period July to December 2020.
- Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 18 September 2020
- Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 23 October 2020
- Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 19 November 2020
1.1.1. Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) - Video Conference,
18 September 2020
Ireland was represented at the September Council by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise,
Trade and Employment, Mr Leo Varadkar, T.D. Council was chaired by Mr Peter Altmaier,
German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The Commission was represented by Ms
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and by
the Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Mr Thierry
Breton.
On the basis of a Presidency paper with the theme of “Deepening Single Market for a strong
recovery and a competitive, sustainable Europe”, Ministers debated which components of the
Commission’s ‘March 2020 package’ and its Action Plan for better implementation and
enforcement of Single Market rules, were particularly adequate to effectively strengthen the
Single Market, and to be prioritised in order to handle the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and
support the speedy recovery of the economy. Ministers agreed on Council Conclusions on
deepening the EU Single Market, which were later adopted by Council on 21 September.
There was broad acknowledgment of the need to restore swiftly the integrity of the Single
Market by removing all temporary derogations put in place by individual Member States
during the COVID-19 crisis. The Single Market Enforcement Task-force (SMET) was
mentioned as the main tool for identifying unnecessary barriers to the cross-border free
circulation of goods and services.
1.1.2 Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video Conference,
23 October 2020
This Council meeting was planned as the Presidency’s Informal Council so there was no
change to its status as a result of moving to VC format.
Ireland was represented by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company
Regulation, Mr Robert Troy, T.D. Council was chaired by Mr Peter Altmaier, German
Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The Commission was represented by Ms
Margrethe Vestager, Executive VP for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and by the
Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Mr Thierry Breton.
5
The focus of the meeting was on EU Industrial Policy and began with keynote addresses by
Joe Kaeser CEO Siemens and by Dr Markus Steilmann, CEO Covestro.
On the basis of a Presidency Paper focussing on “EU industry as an engine for economic
growth and recovery in the EU: delivering on innovation for the green & digital transition
and gaining from a level playing field”, Ministers were invited to exchange views on how EU
industrial policy can create the right framework conditions for innovation in Europe so that
industrial competitiveness can be secured in the long term.
There was widespread agreement that the Single Market plays a key role in the success of
Industrial Policy and that Industrial Policy must be a driver in advancing the twin transitions
to green and digital.
Ministers also addressed the Commission’s White Paper on foreign subsidies. The majority
of Member States agreed that action is warranted to address the effect of foreign subsidies in
the Single Market and favoured building a more resilient, self-sufficient Europe. Others,
including Ireland, favoured a less protectionist type approach that would ensure a Europe that
is more open to international trade, to multilateral relationships and to building global supply
chains that play a part in ensuring that the EU has access to raw materials, the most efficient
inputs and to markets where it can sell its own goods and services.
1.1.3 Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video Conference,
19 November 2020
Ireland was represented by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company
Regulation, Mr Robert Troy, T.D. Council was chaired by Mr Peter Altmaier, German
Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The Commission was represented by the
Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Mr Thierry Breton.
Reflecting the Presidency paper “Making the most of recovery: A more dynamic, resilient
and competitive European industry through investments in the green transformation
#cleanindustry” the main item on the agenda was an informal policy debate on the role of the
green elements of EU Industrial Policy in the context of Europe’s recovery. The discussions
focussed on Council Conclusions on ‘A recovery advancing the transition towards a more
dynamic, resilient and competitive European industry’, which were adopted in advance
through a written procedure (16 November 2020). There was general agreement that it is
appropriate to review the EU’s Industrial Strategy, which was published in March 2020,
particularly in light of the lessons of the public health crisis. Ministers shared the view that
the reviewed Strategy must be devised to support both the green and digital transitions.
Under the Any Other Business agenda item, the Commission presented the 2020 Annual
Report of the SME Envoy Network, and the New Consumer Agenda. The incoming
Presidency presented the main priorities of its upcoming presidency in the field of the internal
market and industry.
6
1.2. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Research and Space)
Research Ministers met on three occasions during the period July to December 2020:
• Competitiveness Council (Research) by Video conference – 21 July 2020
• Formal Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) – 29 September 2020 –
Brussels
• Competitiveness Council (Research) by Videoconference – 27 November 2020
1.2.1 Competitiveness Council (Research) -Video Conference– 21 July 2020
Ireland was represented at this Council meeting by Mr Eugene Lennon, Principal Officer,
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The meeting was chaired by Ms Anja
Karliczek, German Federal Minister for Education and Research. The Commission was
represented by the, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth,
Ms Mariya Gabriel.
The meeting provided the first opportunity for Ministers to provide political guidance on the
future direction of European research and innovation policy and the priorities for the
European Research Area (ERA). The main priorities identified include the need for greater,
more effective coordination and collaboration on research and innovation issues across
Member States, an increased focus on shared European values and principles, an improved
innovation performance, closer links with education and a more inclusive ERA with benefits
for all.
Ministers were also invited to consider the German Presidency’s proposals for three
initiatives, which are designed to enable research and innovation to play an active role in
supporting Europe’s recovery. The proposed initiatives, which received broad support from
Member States, are:
• a pan-European communications campaign to engage the public in science – Plastic
Pirates;
• a proposal to strengthen Europe’s resilience and improve its preparedness for future
pandemics; and
• a research and innovation driven initiative on green hydrogen.
1.2.2. Formal Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) – Brussels, 29
September 2020
Ireland was represented at this Formal Council meeting by Deputy Permanent Representative,
Ms Maeve Collins. The meeting was chaired by Ms Anja Karliczek, German Federal
Minister for Education and Research. The Commission was represented by the Commissioner
for Innovation, Research, Culture, Educations and Youth, Ms Mariya Gabriel. The Council
adopted the General Approach on the Horizon Europe, Regulation and Specific Programme.
Horizon Europe is the next EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme. The
General Approach provides a mandate for the negotiations on Horizon Europe with the
European Parliament.
7
Political agreement between the European institutions was reached in December 2020, thus
paving the way for the rollout of the first Horizon Europe Work Programme in spring 2021.
The budget for Horizon Europe is €95.5 billion over the seven year period 2021-2027.
1.2.3. Competitiveness Council (Research) – Video Conference – 27 November 2020
Ireland was represented at this Council by the Minister for Further and Higher Education,
Research, Innovation and Science, Mr Simon Harris, T.D. The meeting was chaired by Ms
Anja Karliczek, German Federal Minister for Education and Research. The Commission was
represented by the Executive Vice-President for Europe fit for a Digital Age, Ms Margrethe
Vestager, and the Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Educations and Youth,
Ms Mariya Gabriel.
Ministers exchanged views on the new research and innovation investment targets proposed
by the Commission. There was broad agreement that significant and sustained investment in
research and innovation can make a significant contribution to addressing the wider
challenges Europe faces – in particular, accelerating the recovery from the pandemic while
delivering on the green and digital transitions. Some called for careful consideration of the
proposed new targets and highlighted the need to strike the right balance between setting
ambitious targets and being realistic in terms of what can be achieved. The proposed targets
would be very challenging for Ireland.
1.2.4. Competitiveness Council (Space) Video Conference – 20 November 2020
Ireland was represented by Mr Damien English T.D., Minister of State for Business,
Employment and Retail. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Peter Altemier, German Federal
Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The Commission was represented by the
Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Mr Thierry Breton.
The morning session on space was divided into three parts. The first session, in
Competitiveness Council format, commenced with a policy debate on Europe’s role in the
global space economy. In the second session, the European Space Agency (ESA) Council
adopted a Resolution on Orientations on the European contribution in establishing key
principles for the global space economy. The EU side adopted the same document as
Council Conclusions ahead of the Council meeting.
The final session was the EU-ESA Space Council during which Ministers exchanged views
on actions that Europe can take to build a globally competitive European space economy,
fostering European space autonomy, security and resilience and enhancing European space
cooperation.
8
2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)
2.1. Meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)
The Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) met on two occasions during the period July to
December 2020:
- Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) Berlin (in person) – 21 September 2020
- Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) by Videoconference – 9 November 2020
2.1.1. Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) –21 September 2020
The Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) meeting took place in Berlin and was attended
by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D.
The meeting was chaired by German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy,
Peter Altmaier. The Commission was represented by the Executive Vice President for An
Economy that Works for People, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis and the Commissioner for Internal
Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Mr Thierry Breton.
At the meeting Ministers also held an exchange of views on the EU Trade Policy Review. The
discussion involved input from Prof. Felbermayr, of the Kiel Institute on “Resilience of Global
Value Chains”. Ministers also exchanged views on the situation of the European Steel industry,
as an example of current challenges that EU energy intensive industries are facing. This
discussion also involved input from Eurofer President Geert Van Poelvoorde.
During their working lunch, Ministers also discussed the selection process for the new Director
General of the WTO.
2.1.2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) Videoconference – 9 November 2020
This meeting of Trade Ministers took place by videoconference on 9 November. Ireland was
represented by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Leo
Varadkar T.D. The meeting was chaired by German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs
and Energy, Mr Peter Altmaier. The Commission was represented by the Executive Vice
President for An Economy that Works for People, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis.
The most pressing issue for Ministers was EU-US trade relations post U.S. elections, which
included a comprehensive discussion of bilateral trade relations, including WTO cases
relating to aircraft subsidies and existing steel tariffs and EU safeguard measures.
Ministers also discussed the Trade Policy Review and the outlook for the WTO, where WTO
reform and the trade and sustainability agenda, including the environment and gender, were
notable themes. Also discussed was the WTO work programme and EU’s priorities over next
twelve months. Finally, Ministers also discussed EU trade relations with China and, in
particular, the ongoing negotiations on a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment.
9
3. Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU (January – June
2021) Portugal assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2021.
The priorities of Portugal’s Presidency are driven by its motto: “Time to deliver: a fair, green
and digital recovery”. Portugal is putting the focus of its Presidency on bringing the EU
through the COVID-19 pandemic and will promote a vision of the EU that is innovative,
looks to the future and is based on common values of solidarity, convergence and cohesion.
The Presidency programme focuses on five main areas, which are in line with the goals of the
EU’s strategic agenda:
• strengthen Europe’s resilience
• promote confidence in the European social model
• promote a sustainable recovery
• speed up a fair and inclusive digital transition
• reaffirm the EU’s role in the world, ensuring that this is based on openness and
multilateralism.
One of the main priorities of the Portuguese Presidency is to implement the EU’s multiannual
financial framework (MFF) for the period from 2021 to 2027 and of the EU Next Generation
Instrument (Next Generation EU), in particular the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
3.1. Schedule of Meetings during the Portuguese Presidency
This schedule and the location of meetings is subject to change due to the impact of COVID-
19.
Scheduled European Council meetings (EU Heads of State or Government)
• European Council – 21 January
• European Council – 25/26 March
• Informal European Council – 8 May
• European Council – 24/25 June
Scheduled Competitiveness Council meetings
• Informal Meeting of Research Ministers – 3 February – Virtual
• Formal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council – 25 February
• Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) – 26 February
• Informal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council – 22/23 March
• Formal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council – 27 May
• Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) – 28 May
• Formal Competitiveness (Space) – 28 May
Responsibility for Competitiveness Council in its Research and Innovation formation now lies with the
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
10
Scheduled Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) meetings
• Formal Council – 2 March
• Formal Council – 20 May
• Formal Council – 20 June
Scheduled Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs meetings
• Informal Council VC – 22/23 February
• Formal (Employment and Social Policy) Council – 15 March
• Formal (Employment and Social Policy) Council – 14 June
3.2. Overview of key issues likely to arise in relevant Councils during the
Portuguese Presidency
Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry)
COVID-19 has demonstrated even more strongly the importance of the single market and of a
robust European Industrial Strategy. In order to increase European competitiveness, it is
essential to strengthen the single market in all its dimensions, with a special focus on SMEs.
The Portuguese Presidency will continue to focus on restoring and improving the Single
Market post crisis. The Presidency also intends to prioritise initiatives that will deliver a
future-proof digital framework, through the Digital Services Act and Digital Market Act.
The Presidency will prioritise the forthcoming review of the 2020 European industrial
strategy, contributing to strong and environmentally sustainable European industries, based
on innovation, added value, investment and reducing dependence on third countries, in
particular with regard to critical goods and technologies. The Portuguese Presidency intends
to follow up on the White Paper on Foreign Subsidies.
SMEs will also be the focus of the Presidency, notably in the debate on adapting the
regulatory framework for SMEs to today’s reality, which should stimulate digitalisation, the
uptake of advanced technologies and new, more efficient business models, as well as
participation in global value chains and human resources development.
Competitiveness Council (Space)
The Portuguese Presidency will focus on two blocks of work:
- Finalising regulatory aspects of the work programme including adoption of the Space
Regulation agreed in December 2020; and
- Adopting Council Conclusions on “European New Space for People”, which will
promote action to support the realisation of opportunities that the New Space
economy presents to Europe.
11
Competitiveness Council (Research)
It falls to the Portuguese Presidency to conclude negotiations on Horizon Europe and other
research and innovation related programmes with the European Parliament.
The Presidency plans to get agreement at the Council meeting in May on the Commission’s
proposals for a package of European research and innovation partnerships. It also plans to
start negotiations on agreements with countries that want to associate to Horizon Europe.
The Presidency will also prepare Council Conclusions on promoting attractive research
careers for adoption at the May Council meeting.
Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)
EU trade policy will play a crucial role in overcoming the health and economic consequences
of the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end the conclusion to the EU’s Trade Policy Review
which we anticipate under the Portuguese Presidency can serve to set a framework to build a
stronger EU, based on reaping the benefits of openness for our businesses, workers and
consumers, while protecting them from unfair practices and building up EU resilience to be
better equipped for future challenges. It must be primarily concerned with economic growth
and good jobs, particularly as we strive for growth in the post pandemic period.
Given the very substantial challenges faced by the WTO and the global economy in the
COVID-19, the Portuguese Presidency will work to progress European leadership in
consolidating an open, rules-based system of international trade, promoting a strong and fair
trade agenda, with the WTO at its core. The strengthening of dialogue with the new
Administration of the United States, a strategic partner in all fields, is identified as a key
priority, with a view to developing the full potential of transatlantic relations. Under the
Portuguese Presidency the EU will take an active part in preparing the 6th EU-African Union
Summit, with a view to consolidating a mutually fruitful partnership. Dialogue and
cooperation with India in the political, economic and commercial fields will be a priority,
including the hosting of the EU-India Summit involving a meeting of European Leaders with
the Indian Prime Minister, in May, in Porto. The Portuguese Presidency will also continue
work on existing EU FTAs, as well as the trade and sustainable development agenda and on
the future partnership between the EU and the United Kingdom, respecting the interests of
the Union and the Member States.
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs
Employment & Social Policy Matters:
The Portuguese Presidency has signalled a very extensive and ambitious programme in the
EPSCO area, with a Social Summit on 7-8 May in Porto set to take centre stage and a
highlight of their Presidency. The implementation of the Pillar of Social Rights on foot to the
Commission Action Plan for the Pillar will be the central focus of the Summit, with particular
attention being paid to the areas of employment, qualifications and social protection.
The Presidency will prioritise the proposal for a Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages in
the EU and hopes to achieve a Council General Approach on the file by June. In respect of
12
protecting and supporting workers for upcoming transition, Presidency will reflect on the
Future of Work, and present Council Conclusion on this topic.
The Presidency will also prioritise the new European Strategy on Safety and Health at Work,
which is a topic of paramount importance in the context of the response to the pandemic and
will continue to progress the proposal for a Directive on Carcinogens and Mutagens at work
(4th batch) with a view to getting political agreement on the file by June.
The Portuguese Presidency will also prioritise the adoption of a Recommendation on a Child
Guarantee - which aims to ensure that all children in Europe who are at risk of poverty, social
exclusion and are deprived have access to essential and quality services. It hopes to reach
political agreement on this file in June.
Other priorities include Council Conclusions on Mainstreaming ageing in public policies -
aimed at protecting older people, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of COVID-19
on senior citizens; establishing a European Platform on Homelessness and the planned
introduction of a New European Disability Strategy, designed to empower people with
disabilities to exercise their rights.
for the Digital Age
13
Part II - Oireachtas Scrutiny Proposals July – December 2020
14
COM
Number
Subject Section Date
Examined by
Committee
Current Update on Proposal
COM (20) 253 White Paper on levelling the playing field
as regards foreign subsidies
EU Affairs
Not examined The Commission’s next steps in relation to foreign
subsidies are being informed by submissions
received during the public consultation that
accompanied the White Paper. These submissions
are currently being considered by the Commission
and legislative proposal are expected during the
first half of 2021
COM (20) 254 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
conclusion of the agreement amending the
Interim Partnership Agreement between the
European Community, of the one part, and
the Pacific States, of the other part, to take
account of the accession of the Independent
State of Samoa and of future accessions of
other Pacific Island States
Trade Policy
01/12/2020
Agreed – no
further
scrutiny
required
All Member State delegations agreed, via a written
procedure (initiated by CM 4580/20) which
concluded on the 18th November 2020, to forward
the draft Council Decision set out in documents ST
11657/20 INIT and ST 11669/20 INIT to the
European Parliament for its consent.
COM (20) 267 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
position to be taken on behalf of the
European Union in the Joint Committee
established by the Agreement between the
European Community, of the one part, and
the Government of Denmark and the Home
Government of the Faroe Islands, of the
other part, as regards the adoption of the
amendments to Protocols 1 and 4 to the
Agreement
Trade Policy
01/12/2020
Agreed – no
further
scrutiny
required
Adopted by Council on 24/07/2020 and published
in the Official Journal of the European Union on
29/07/2020.
Council Decision (EU) 2020/1115 of 24 July 2020,
OJ L 244 page 16
15
COM (20) 273 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
position to be taken, on behalf of the
European Union, in the Trade Committee
established under the Interim Partnership
Agreement between the European
Community, of the one part, and the Pacific
States, of the other part, as regards the
amendment to be made to the Agreement to
take account of the accession of the
Independent State of Samoa
Trade Policy
Unit
01/12/2020
Agreed- no
further
scrutiny
required
Adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on the 7th
December 2020.
Council Decision (EU) 2020/2060 of 7 December
2020.
OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 23–24.
No transposition required.
COM (20) 319 Proposal for a Council Decision Amending
Decision 2003/76/EC establishing the
measures necessary for the implementation
of the Protocol, annexed to the Treaty
establishing the European Community, on
the financial consequences of the expiry of
the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund
for Coal and Steel
Innovation,
Research and
Development
Policy
Not examined The proposed Council Decision has not yet been
adopted. It is under consideration by the Council
preparatory body – the Research Working Party.
COM (20) 320 Proposal for a Council Decision amending
Decision 2008/376/EC on the adoption of
the Research Programme of the Research
Fund for Coal and Steel and on the
multiannual technical guidelines for this
programme
Innovation,
Research and
Development
Policy
Not examined The proposed Council Decision has not yet been
adopted. It is under consideration by the Council
preparatory body – the Research Working Party.
COM (20) 321 Proposal for a Council Decision amending
Decision 2003/77/EC laying down
multiannual financial guidelines for
managing the assets of the ECSC in
liquidation and, on completion of the
liquidation, the Assets of the Research
Fund for Coal and Steel
Innovation,
Research and
Development
Policy
Not examined The proposed Council Decision has not yet been
adopted. It is under consideration by the Council
preparatory body – the Research Working Party.
16
COM (20) 355 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
AIEM tax applicable in the Canary Islands
State Aid
Not examined Council Decision adopted 16th November 2020
COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2020/1792 of 16th
November 2020
OJ L 402 p. 13-20
No transposition required
COM (20) 295 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
position to be taken on behalf of the
European Union in the Trade Committee
established under the Interim Partnership
Agreement between the European
Community, of the one part, and the Pacific
States, of the other part, as regards the
amendment of certain provisions of
Protocol II concerning the definition of the
concept of 'originating products' and
methods of administrative cooperation
Trade Policy
01/12/2020
Agreed - no
further
scrutiny
required
Adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 7th
December 2020.
Council Decision (EU) 2020/2059 of 7 December
2020.
OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 21–22.
No transposition required
COM (20) 374 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
position to be adopted, on behalf of the
European Union, in the Trade Committee
established under the Interim Partnership
Agreement between the European
Community, on the one part, and the
Pacific States, on the other part, as regard
the establishment of the Rules of Procedure
of the Trade Committee and the Rules of
Procedure of the Special Committees
Trade Policy
01/12/2020
Agreed - no
further
scrutiny
required
Adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 7th
December 2020.
Council Decision (EU) 2020/2061 of 7 December
2020.
OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 25–26.
No transposition required.
17
COM (20) 472 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
position to be taken on behalf of the
European Union as regards the
amendments to the Annexes of the
European Agreement concerning the
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods
by Road (ADR) and to the Annexed
Regulations to the European Agreement
concerning the International Carriage of
Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways
(ADN)
Safety Health
and Chemical
Policy
08/12/2020
Agreed - no
further
scrutiny
required
This is now Directive (EU) 2020/1833, dated of2
October 2020 with a transposition date of 30 June
2021
COM (20) 496 Proposal for a Regulation of the European
Parliament and of the Council on the
elimination of customs duties on certain
products
Trade Policy
08/12/2020
Agreed – no
further
scrutiny
required
Adopted by Council and European Parliament on
16 December 2020 and published in the Official
Journal of the European Union on 18th December
2020.
Regulation (EU) 2020/2131 of The European
Parliament and of The Council of 16th December
2020. OJ L 430, 18.12.2020, p. 1–4
No transposition Required
COM (20) 569 Proposal for a Council Regulation on
establishing the European High
Performance Computing Joint Undertaking
Innovation
Research and
Development
Policy
Not examined The proposal has not yet been adopted. It is under
consideration by the Council preparatory body – the
Research Working Party.
18
COM (20) 571 Proposal for a Directive of the European
Parliament and of the Council amending
Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of
workers from the risks related to exposure
to carcinogens or mutagens at work.
Safety Health
and Chemical
Policy
03/11/2020
Agreed - no
further
scrutiny
required
The proposal which has not yet been adopted, is due
to be an AOB item at the EPSCO in March –
Information from the Presidency.
COM (20) 576 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
signing, on behalf of the European Union,
and provisional application of the
Agreement amending the Interim
Partnership Agreement between the
European Community, of the one part, and
the Pacific States, of the other part, as
regards the accessions of the Independent
State of Samoa and the Solomon Islands,
and of future accessions of other Pacific
Island States
Trade Policy
08/12/2020
Agreed – no
further
scrutiny
required
All Member State delegations agreed, via a written
procedure (initiated by CM 4580/20) which
concluded on the 18th November 2020, to the
adoption of the Council Decision as set out in
documents ST 11656/20 INIT and ST 11669 INIT.
Not yet published in the Official Journal of the
European Union.
No transposition required.
COM (20) 633 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
position to be taken, on behalf of the EU, in
the Joint Council established under the
Economic Partnership Agreement between
the European Union and its Member States,
of the one part, and the SADC EPA States,
of the other part, as regards the adjustment
of certain reference quantities contained in
Annex IV of the EPA
Trade Policy
08/12/2020
Agreed – no
further
scrutiny
required
Adopted by the European Council on 30 November
2020 (via written procedure initiated by CM
4939/20.
Council Decision (EU) 2020/1831 of 30 November
2020.
OJ L 409, 4.12.2020, p. 36–37.
No transposition required.
19
COM (20) 678 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
position to be taken on behalf of the
European Union in the Joint Committee
established under the Agreement between
the European Union and Japan for an
Economic Partnership regarding the
amendment of Appendices 2-C-1 and 2-C-
2 to Annex 2-C on Motor Vehicles and
Parts
Trade Policy
08/12/2020
Agreed-no
further
scrutiny
required
Adopted on 20th November 2020 by written
procedure as Council Decision (EU) 2020/1747.
The Council Decision approves the position to be
taken by the EU at the Joint Committee established
under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership. The
Joint Committee meets annually and has not met
since the Council decision was adopted.
COM (20) 682 Proposal for a Directive of the European
Parliament and of the Council on adequate
minimum wages in the European Union
Labour
Market &
Skills
15/12/2020
Agreed - no
further
scrutiny
required
The proposal is still being considered by the Social
Questions Working Party. At this early stage of
negotiations it is not yet known when the proposal
may be adopted.
20
COM (20) 692 Proposal for a Regulation of the European
Parliament and of the Council amending
Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 by
granting a Union General Export
Authorisation for the export of certain
dual-use items from the Union to the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland
Trade
Licensing
08/12/2020
Agreed - no
further
scrutiny
required
Regulation (EU) 2020/2171 of the European
Parliament and of the Council was adopted on 16
December 2020. As an EU Regulation, 2020/2171
has direct effect in all Member States.
COM (20) 729 Proposal for a Council Decision on the
position to be taken on behalf of the
European Union within the General
Council of the World Trade Organisation
as regards the adoption of a decision
exempting certain purchases of foodstuffs
from application of export prohibitions or
restrictions
Trade Policy
Has yet to be
examined
Adopted by Council on 04/12/2020 and published
in the Official Journal of the European Union on
11/12/2020.
Council Decision (EU) 2020/2026 of 4 December
2020, OJ L 419 page 16
COM (20) 708 Proposal for a Council Regulation
amending Regulation (EU) No 1388/2013
opening and providing for the management
of autonomous tariff quotas of the Union
for certain agricultural and industrial
products
Inward
Investment
Not examined No further scrutiny required. Regulation came into
effect EU-wide on 1st January 2021. This
regulation is updated twice a year – January and
July - to include new suspensions and delete old
ones and operates in tandem with 1388/2013.
21
COM (2020)
737
Proposal for a Council Regulation
amending Regulation (EU) No 1387/2013
suspending the autonomous Common
Customs Tariff duties on certain
agricultural and industrial products
Inward
Investment
Not examined No further scrutiny required. Regulation came into
effect EU-wide on 1st January 2021. This
regulation is updated twice a year – January and
July - to include new quotas and delete old ones and
operates in tandem with 1387/2013.