As we get closer to the end of the term of this Parliament, the legislative activity in the European institutions is becoming even more intense.
The Parliament, Commission and Council work relentlessly to finalise the still-open dossiers and dedicate a lot of effort to trialogue negotiations, as the 19 March deadline for agreement is fast approaching.
However, much work remains to be finalised. The jurist linguists are working hard on several key dossiers, notably in financial services, to ensure that texts can be voted at the final Plenary session in April.
Parliament’s Plenary Session in Strasbourg
Parliament met in Strasbourg and formally endorsed the agreement reached with the Council on the revised Tobacco Products Directive. The text strengthens existing legislation in order to make smoking less attractive, in particular to young people, and introduces new provisions on health warnings to be imposed on tobacco packs (covering 65% of the surface), regulates e-cigarettes, and bans flavouring cigarettes and specific additives.
Parliament also confirmed their first reading position on the 4th Railway package. Amendments to the original proposal include, amongst other things, the introduction of a list of efficiency and service quality criteria for public services contracts, harmonisation of safety certification rules for rail operators and requirement for decent employment and working conditions. The Council will now set out its position before negotiations starts.
A third key dossier came closer to conclusion as the Parliament adopted new rules designed to achieve CO2 emission reduction target of 95g/km for new cars by 2020. MEPs also agreed to allow “super-credits” from 2020 to 2022, but capped at 7.5g/km over that period. Entry into force is now pending to imminent Council approval.
UCITS Directive Agreement
Aside from the Strasbourg plenary, Parliament, Council and Commission reached an agreement on the UCITS Directive on the basis of a compromise drafted by the Greek Presidency. The final text, which is expected to be voted at the April Plenary session, tightens remuneration rules for fund managers, in particular in relation to bonus, and proposes a harmonised EU sanctions regime.
Commission Winter Forecast
The Commission presented its Winter Forecast, which was a sign of optimism as it foresees for most Member States as well as for the European Union as a whole, a continuation of the economic recovery. Also the most vulnerable countries show signs of improvement, and labour markets are slowly stabilising, despite significant differences between Member States. Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn confirmed that the worst crisis is now beyond the EU, but encouraged Member States not to become complacent.
.jpg "Karl Isaksson, Managing Partner, Kreab Gavin Anderson Brussels")
International discussions continue to be at the core of the preoccupations, with the EU-Brazil Summit taking place earlier this week. European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and Brazil President Dilma Roussef reaffirmed their close partnership in several areas, including promotion of science, technology and innovation, inclusive economic growth, coordinated approach to environmental challenges, and enhanced partnership on other global issues. They also expressed their determination to achieve a comprehensive trade agreement between Mercosur and the EU.
Karl Isaksson
Managing Partner, Kreab Gavin Anderson