Important legal notice

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52008DC0413

Recommendation from the Commission to the Council concerning proposals, on behalf of the European Community together with the Member States, for amendments to Annex I of the Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the UN-ECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution  /* COM/2008/0413 final */

	[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |Brussels, 1.7.2008COM(2008) 413 finalRECOMMENDATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCILConcerning proposals, on behalf of the European Community together with the Member States, for amendments to Annex I of the Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the UN-ECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air PollutionA. EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1. The Executive Body of the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Trans-boundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) adopted the Protocol on POPs in June 1998. The Protocol on POPs focuses currently on a list of 16 substances comprising eleven pesticides, two industrial chemicals and three unintentional by-products. The ultimate objective is to eliminate any discharge, emission and loss of these POP substances. The Protocol on POPs entered into force 23 October 2003. 29 Parties, including the Community and 21 Member States have ratified it[1].2. The Council adopted a Decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the Protocol on 19 February 2004[2]. The instrument for Community approval was deposited on 30 April 2004.3. According to Article 14 of the Protocol, any Party may propose amendments to the Protocol and its annexes. The Parties meeting within the Executive Body shall discuss the proposed amendments and adopt them by consensus of the Parties present at the meeting.4. Proposals to amend Annexes to the Protocol should only be done on behalf of the Community and its Member States, based on the obligation of co-operation and unity in the international representation of the community that flows from Article 10 of the EC Treaty.5. With a view to starting the procedures towards negotiations on possible amendments of the Annexes to the Protocol, the Commission, with respect to matters falling within Community competence, has submitted in 2005 to the Executive Body of the Protocol, the proposal, on behalf of the Community and together with Member States which are Parties to the Convention, to amend the relevant Annexes of the Protocol by adding the following substances: Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD); Commercial Octabromodiphenyl ether (c-OctaBDE); Pentachlorobenzene (PeCB); Polychlorinated napthalenes (PCNs); Short-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs); and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).6. According to available scientific information and review reports, endosulfan and trifluralin exhibit characteristics of POPs. The two substances have been evaluated under the Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plants protection products on the market[3]. As a result, plant protection products containing endosulfan have been totally and definitively withdrawn by December 2007[4] and plant protection products containing trifluralin should be totally and definitively withdrawn by December 2008[5]. Due to the potential for long-range environmental transport of these chemicals, the measures taken nationally or at Community level are not sufficient to safeguard a high level of protection of the environment and human health and wider international action is therefore necessary. The substances were nominated, by the Community and the Member States, to the Stockholm Convention on POPs in 2007. It is therefore appropriate that the Community and the Member States which are Parties to the Protocol, propose to amend the relevant Annexes to the Protocol by adding these two substances.B. RECOMMENDATIONIn the light of the above, the Commission recommends that:The Council authorises, with a view to starting the procedures towards negotiations on possible amendments of the Annexes to the UN-ECE Protocol on POPs, the Commission to submit to the Executive Body of the Protocol on POPs, in time for consideration by the next Meeting of the Executive Body in December 2008, the proposal, on behalf of the Community and together with Member States which are Parties to the Convention, to amend the relevant Annexes of the Protocol by adding the following substances to Annex I:- Endosulfan- TrifluralinThe Commission together with the Member States shall ensure that relevant information in support of the proposals is submitted to the Executive Body.Done at Brussels,For the Council, The President [1] According to the most recent update on 18 September 2007 by the POPs secretariat.[2] Council Decision 2004/259/EC of 19 February 2004 concerning the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants, OJ L81, 19.3.2004, p. 37.[3] OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2005/58/EC (OJ L 246, 22.9.2005, p. 17).[4] OJ L 317, 3.12.2005, p. 25.[5] Commission Decision of 20 September 2007 concerning the non-inclusion of trifluralin in Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC and the withdrawal of authorisations for plant protection products containing that substance. OJ L 255, 29.9.2007, p 42.


               19.2.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 65/162

         P7_TA(2013)0234
   Recommendation to the Council on the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly
   European Parliament recommendation to the Council of 11 June 2013 on the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (2013/2034(INI))
   (2016/C 065/23)

      The European Parliament,

               —

               having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Articles 21 and 34 thereof,

               —

               having regard to the proposal for a recommendation to the Council on the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, on behalf of the ALDE Group (B7-0083/2013),

               —

               having regard to Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP of 21 March 2011 on the International Criminal Court and repealing Common Position 2003/444/CFSP,

               —

               having regard to the EU’s priorities for the 67th Session of the UNGA, as adopted by the Council on 23 July 2012 (1),

               —

               having regard to the Commission communication of 10 September 2003 entitled ‘The European Union and the United Nations: the choice of multilateralism’ (COM(2003)0526),

               —

               having regard to the 67th Session of the UNGA, in particular that body’s resolutions on ‘The Arms Trade Treaty’ (2), ‘Quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system’ (3), ‘Freedom of religion or belief’ (4), ‘Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order’ (5), ‘Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights’ (6), ‘The rule of law at the national and international levels’ (7), and ‘Women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control’ (8),

               —

               having regard to the UNGA resolution of 3 May 2011 on the participation of the European Union in the work of the United Nations (9),

               —

               having regard to the UNGA resolution of 31 October 2003 which adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption (10),

               —

               having regard to the UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, adopted on 31 October 2000,

               —

               having regard to the resolution of the UN Human Rights Council of 5 July 2012 entitled ‘The promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet’, which recognises the importance of human rights protection and the free flow of information online,

               —

               having regard to its recommendation to the Council of 13 June 2012 on the 67th Session of the UNGA (11),

               —

               having regard to its recommendation to the Council of 18 April 2013 on the UN principle of the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P) (12),

               —

               having regard to its resolution of 11 May 2011 on the EU as a global actor: its role in multilateral organisations (13),

               —

               having regard to its resolution of 7 July 2011 on EU external policies in favour of democratisation (14),

               —

               having regard to its resolution of 7 February 2013 on the 22nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (15),

               —

               having regard to the report of the joint delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Subcommittee on Human Rights to the 67th session of the UN General Assembly, dated 28—29 October 2012,

               —

               having regard to Rules 121(3) and 97 of its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A7-0202/2013),

               A.

               whereas in view of the growing globalisation and interconnectedness of states and societies there is a growing need and opportunity for common rules and decision-making mechanisms in order to address emerging global challenges jointly;

               B.

               whereas the fragmentation of global policy-making, combined with a proliferation of international and transnational forums, is creating new complexities in international relations;

               C.

               whereas the EU is committed to effective multilateralism with a strong UN system at its core; whereas the UN is at the centre of global governance;

               D.

               whereas a solid and stable EU-UN partnership underpins and contributes to the work of the UN under all three pillars — peace and security, human rights and development — and whereas, in this way, the EU must meet its responsibility to play a part in devising joint approaches to global challenges;

               E.

               whereas respect for, and the promotion and safeguarding of, the universality and indivisibility of human rights are cornerstones of EU action on the international scene; whereas democracy and the rule of law are pillars of sustainable peace, guaranteeing human rights and fundamental freedoms;

               1.

               Addresses the following recommendations to the Council:

         The EU as a global actor

               (a)

               to ensure continuously the coherence and visibility of the EU as a global actor at the UN; to strengthen the ability of the EU to act in a coordinated, swift and comprehensive manner in the global arena and to deliver in a consistent and timely fashion; to ensure the full implementation of the UNGA resolution of 3 May 2011 on the EU’s participation in the work of the United Nations;

               (b)

               to advance effective multilateralism by enhancing the representativeness, transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness of the UN, with the aim of improving its delivery on the ground; to recall the need to strike a new institutional balance between the emerging role of the G-20, the UN and its agencies as well as the international financial institutions;

               (c)

               to engage more actively with strategic and other bilateral and multilateral partners in order to promote effective solutions to problems and, whenever possible, reach towards collective efforts striving for better results;

         The EU and global governance

               (d)

               to enhance cooperation with partners in making the UN a more effective and cohesive organisation for the 21st century;

               (e)

               to promote a comprehensive and consensual reform of the UNSC; to present a concrete proposal on how to achieve, as a central, long-term goal of the EU, a common EU seat in an enlarged UNSC; to take the initiative to develop a common position of the EU Member States to that end; to further promote transparency and better coordination of policies and positions amongst EU members of the UNSC; to ensure that those Member States holding a permanent seat at the UNSC shall promote the Union’s views and positions as the means for the EU to act in a coordinated fashion in the UNSC;

               (f)

               to pursue coordinated efforts to strengthen the role and authority of the UNGA and to increase its effectiveness and efficiency, including through the improvement of its working methods;

               (g)

               to foster a more institutionalised involvement of other stakeholders (civil society representatives, academia) in the work of the UNGA; to strengthen the UN system by broadening and deepening the pool of civilian expertise;

               (h)

               to promote the implementation of mandatory country-by-country disclosure of payments of transnational companies, namely in the banking and extractive sector, registered or listed on financial markets in partners’ national jurisdictions;

         Peace and security

               (i)

               to promote the incorporation of a peace-building perspective into peacekeeping operations and to enhance closer coordination between peacekeeping operations and UN Country Teams and development actors;

               (j)

               to cooperate in strengthening the role and capacity of regional organisations in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, civilian and military crisis management, and conflict resolution; to foster joint assessment missions and to strengthen cooperation between the EU and its partners (including the African Union and sub-regional organisations, NATO, OSCE, ASEAN, CELAC, Arab League, etc.) in preventing conflicts and in post-conflict countries;

               (k)

               upon request, to provide the United Nations with support from the EU battlegroups for peace enforcement missions and to ensure the full cooperation of the Member States in their use for missions which have been authorised by the UNSC or the UNGA;

               (l)

               to assure that the mandates of peacekeeping missions reflect the need to support electoral processes, including election observation missions;

               (m)

               to work towards establishing the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) as a new norm of international law, within the scope agreed to by UN member states in the 2005 World Summit;

               (n)

               to ensure full consistency and compliance with international humanitarian law of possible further developments and applications of the R2P principle, while working towards its universality as a tool for preventive diplomacy and a driver for human development;

               (o)

               to follow-up on proposals presented by Parliament in its recommendation to the Council on the UN principle of the R2P (16), and to work with partners to ensure that the concept of R2P focuses on prevention, protection and post-conflict reconstruction, involving situations of concern of genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes or crimes against humanity, but is never used as a pretext to advance particular or national interests, or those of international coalitions based on geostrategic or economic considerations with the aim of regime change; to assist states in building capacities to this effect;

               (p)

               to develop criteria to be followed when acting to implement R2P, in particular the third pillar, including military interventions, such as proportionality, ex-ante clarity about the policy objectives and the use of in-depth impact assessments;

               (q)

               to strengthen the EU’s role as a global political actor by playing an active role in preventive diplomacy;

               (r)

               to demand of all parties, whether state and non-state actors directly or indirectly involved in armed conflict, that they fully respect their obligations under international law, including securing humanitarian space and ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for those in need, with a particular focus on the protection of civilians, and that they advocate a peaceful and diplomatic solution to any kind of conflict;

               (s)

               to support UNSC Resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) on women, peace and security; to emphasise and ensure the participation of women in peace processes; to recognise the need to mainstream gender perspectives in conflict prevention, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and post-conflict reconstruction;

               (t)

               to cooperate with the UN to tackle global security threats such as nuclear weapons proliferation, organised crime and terrorism; to step up efforts to conclude the negotiations on a comprehensive convention on international terrorism;

               (u)

               to cooperate with multilateral and bilateral partners towards adding more robust and effective pressure in order to put an immediate end to the violation of human rights and violence in Syria; to explore with partners, especially the US, Turkey and the League of Arab States, all options with regard to the implementation of the principle of the R2P in order to assist the Syrian people and to halt the bloodshed; to put pressure on the Syrian government and all those involved in the crisis to fully respect international humanitarian law and to allow the swift provision of cross-border humanitarian assistance, basic public services as well as full access for humanitarian organisations; to call on international partners to meet their financial commitments as regards providing help to Syrian refugees, thereby allowing the UNHCR and other organisations to provide the necessary assistance; to explore with partners ways how to minimise the impact of the Syrian crisis on neighbouring countries;

               (v)

               to promote, in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions, the efforts of the region and the international community to find a political solution to the conflict in Mali and foster a democratic transition by consolidating the institutions of transition, promoting — inter alia through mediation — inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation, as well as free, fair and transparent elections; to support as well the initiatives for the territorial integrity of Mali and the security of the country’s population; to emphasise the importance of maintaining stability in the Sahel region and of preventing a negative impact on the stability of Mali’s neighbouring countries; to closely coordinate its actions with regional and international partners, including the African Union and ECOWAS; to provide support for, and to encourage EU Member States to participate in, a UN-led peace-keeping mission and a task to provide military training to Malian armed forces within EUTM Mali; to continue to provide assistance to MISMA (Mission Internationale de Soutien au Mali);

               (w)

               to welcome the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) adopted by the UNGA on 2 April 2013, which will apply to a wide range of arms, including ammunition; to actively promote the rapid signing, swift ratification and effective and universal implementation of the ATT by all UN member states, including the world’s major arms producing countries; to lead efforts aimed at setting the highest common standards, also with regard to the situation of human rights in recipient countries, for the regulation of the international trade in arms and the combating of illicit trafficking, thus preventing conflict, reducing human suffering and corruption, and contributing to international peace and security;

               (x)

               to increase its efforts for multilateral commitments to reduce the number of nuclear weapons;

         Human rights, democracy and the rule of law

               (y)

               to strengthen international efforts aimed at ensuring that all human rights agreed under UN conventions are considered universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and that their respect is being enforced; to oppose attempts to undermine humanitarian law in the fight against terrorism; to promote the mainstreaming of human rights, including digital freedoms, and basic freedoms in all aspects of the UN’s work;

               (z)

               to seek to strengthen the process of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by embedding recommendations in bilateral and multilateral dialogues with UN member states, particularly in its human rights dialogues; to facilitate an environment enabling NGOs to provide their input into the various stages of the UPR process;

               (aa)

               to combat intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatisation, discrimination and incitement to violence; to recognise with deep concern the rising violence against members of religious and other communities in various parts of the world;

               (ab)

               to address restrictions on freedom of the press and media worldwide; to combat violence against journalists and bloggers; to safeguard and promote freedom of expression, both online and offline;

               (ac)

               to advance universal support for the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and work towards a strengthening of the working capacities of the ICC in order to reduce impunity for crimes against humanity;

               (ad)

               to promote commitment to an international order based on the rule of law as being essential for the peaceful coexistence of states and for the building of more resilient states and sustainable peace; to recall in this regard that democracy support and respect for the rule of law are interlinked and should be promoted as such as an EU foreign policy objective;

               (ae)

               to strengthen support to states, upon their request, in the domestic implementation of their respective international obligations by means of enhanced technical assistance as well as institution- and capacity-building;

               (af)

               to follow up the recommendations of the political declaration adopted at the High-Level Meeting on the Rule of Law in September 2012; to support the establishment of the joint global focal point for the rule of law; to fully support the role of the Rule of Law Coordination and Resource Group in overall coordination and coherence, also in order to avoid fragmentation between services (Department for Political Affairs, UN Development Programme, etc.);

               (ag)

               to recall that corruption is a violation of human rights and that the European Union has claimed an exclusive competence for the signature of the UN Convention against Corruption; to request the VP/HR to present an EU Action Plan against corruption to effectively monitor the Convention recommendations, e.g. through an obligation on the part of the Member States to publish and disseminate information on corruption; to establish channels for reporting these violations, a legal framework for the protection of witnesses and means to ensure the participation of civil society;

         Sustainable development

               (ah)

               to contribute to enhancing policy coherence for development and to determined efforts to combat poverty, and to improving the effectiveness of development aid, since these remain key issues for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs);

               (ai)

               to incorporate into development strategies the assessment and managing of disaster risk reduction in order to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of populations;

               (aj)

               to improve the link between relief, rehabilitation, disaster risk reduction and development and to enhance coordination between humanitarian and development actors in order to guarantee the continuity of aid and build resilience, the need for which is highlighted by the recurring food crises in the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa;

               (ak)

               to work towards the full implementation of the outcome of the Rio+20 Conference, inter alia by promoting sustainable development as the guiding principle for long-term global development; to honour the international undertaking of the EU and the Member States, irrespective of the impact of the financial and economic crisis on the EU27, to earmark 0,7 % of GDP for development aid,;

               (al)

               to cooperate in making the High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development operational on schedule in order to coordinate the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of progress towards the stated goals;

               (am)

               to promote universal access to water and affordable and sustainable energy services, as these are key drivers for poverty eradication and inclusive growth;

               (an)

               to work towards the post-2015 MDG Agenda in a coherent and coordinated manner; to negotiate a single set of goals for sustainable development that have a global reach and are action-oriented, measurable, time-bound and easy to communicate; to aim for goals that incorporate sustainability, equity and governance;

               (ao)

               to support the UNGA President’s initiative to present civil society with a post-2015 development agenda by organising a special event on the achievement of MDGs, to be held during the 68th session of UNGA in 2013, as an important point of civil society consultation, as this event could serve to unite the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and post-2015 development process into a ‘common track’;

               (ap)

               to call for the new post-2015 framework for cooperation to be accompanied by a predictable and realistic funding agenda, in line with the objectives agreed on;

         Global cooperation between parliaments

               (aq)

               to promote interaction on global issues between governments and parliaments; to strengthen global governance and allow for greater public and parliamentary participation in the activities of the UN;

         General considerations

               (ar)

               to enhance the follow up to the recommendations adopted by Parliament, including by inviting the European External Action Service to report back to it every year on the outcome of the UNGA session;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council, the Vice-President of the European Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and, for information, to the Commission.

      (1)  Council of the European Union 9820/1/12.

      (2)  UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/67/234.

      (3)  UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/67/226.

      (4)  UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/67/179.

      (5)  UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/67/175.

      (6)  UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/67/169.

      (7)  UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/67/97.

      (8)  UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/67/48.

      (9)  UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/65/276.

      (10)  UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/58/4.

      (11)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0240.

      (12)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0180.

      (13)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0229.

      (14)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0334.

      (15)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0055.

      (16)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0180.


Avis juridique important

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31998H0287

98/287/EC: Commission Recommendation of 23 April 1998 concerning dual display of prices and other monetary amounts

Official Journal L 130 , 01/05/1998 P. 0026 - 0028

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION of 23 April 1998 concerning dual display of prices and other monetary amounts (98/287/EC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 155 thereof,1. Whereas according to the draft Council Regulation on the introduction of the euro (1), the euro will become the currency of the participating Member States as from 1 January 1999; whereas the euro will be substituted for the national currencies of the participating Member States at the conversion rates; whereas during a transitional period the euro will exist in different denominations; whereas the national currency units will be sub-units of the euro according to the conversion rates; whereas according to Article 4(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1103/97 (2) of 17 June 1997 on certain provisions relating to the introduction of the euro the conversion rates shall be used for conversions either way between the euro unit and the national currency units;2. Whereas the issue of dual display of prices and other monetary amounts was discussed at the first Round Table of May 1997 on the practical aspects of the introduction of the euro; whereas as a follow-up to this Round Table, expert consultative groups were set up by the Commission to examine the issues of dual display and of adjustment to new prices and values in euro; whereas the reports of these expert consultative groups have been published (3), and the conclusions, together with the preliminary conclusions of the Commission presented in the Commission communication 'Update on the practical aspects of the introduction of the euro` adopted on 11 February 1998 (4); whereas this approach was discussed at the Round Table of 26 February 1998;3. Whereas on the basis of those conclusions the Commission is of the view that the use of dual displays will greatly facilitate the transition to the euro for consumers, retailers and providers of services, and that in particular dual displays will be an important instrument of consumer education and protection; whereas dual displays are nevertheless one of the many communication instruments that could be used as part of an overall communications strategy to facilitate the switchover to the euro;4. Whereas the Commission considers that legislation at Community level on the provision of dual displays would not be the best way of ensuring that dual displays respond to the needs of consumers and at the same time minimise the costs of the transition to the euro; whereas the Commission has concluded nevertheless that where dual displays are provided, adherence to a standard of good practice would improve certainty and clarity for all parties concerned; whereas this standard of good practice should cover the following: clear indication by retailers on whether they are prepared to accept payment in the euro unit during the transitional period; a clear distinction between, on the one hand, the unit in which the price is set and in which amounts to be paid are to be calculated and, on the other hand, the counter-value which is displayed for information purposes only; where appropriate, agreements on common formats or designs for dual displays; and the avoidance of excessive amounts of information, which may be confusing;5. Whereas Articles 4 and 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1103/97 provide rules for the adoption and use of the conversion rates; whereas the conversion rates and rounding rules should be used when calculating the counter-values in dual displays; whereas a dual display should not place an obligation on a retailer to accept payments in euro during the transitional period;6. Whereas there is a series of provisions concerning consumer protection and information to consumers; whereas Article 4 of Directive 98/6/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 on consumer protection in the indication of the prices of products offered to consumers (5) states that price displays (sale price and price per unit) should be unambiguous, easily identifiable and clearly legible; whereas the aforesaid Article 4, in the light of recital 13 of the Directive, states that, in the interests of transparency, Member States can limit the number of prices which would have to be displayed in the national currency unit and in the euro unit; whereas recital 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1103/97 states that measures other than those contained in that Regulation and in the Regulation to be adopted under the third sentence of Article 109l(4) of the Treaty should be examined to ensure a balanced changeover, in particular for consumers;7. Whereas for reasons of clarity and completeness the legal requirements as interpreted by the Commission as well as the standard of good practice proposed by the Commission are presented together in this Recommendation; whereas this standard of good practice could serve as a minimum basis for negotiations between professionals and consumers with the objective of agreeing on standards of transparency and information provision; whereas such negotiations have already begun at national and Community level;8. Whereas it would be desirable for dual displays on 'benchmark indicators` such as bank statements and bills from utility companies to begin early in the transitional period; whereas the introduction of dual displays in the retail sector should be progressive depending on several factors: the pace at which customers wish to make the changeover, the need to educate consumers, on the nature of the retail outlet and on the types of product being sold, and on the technical implications and cost of modifying existing price and financial display systems;9. Whereas Recommendation 98/286/EC on dialogue, monitoring and information to facilitate the transition to the euro (6) cover measures for the monitoring and evaluation of good practices relating to the introduction of the euro; whereas the Commission would consider legislation to ensure the respect of good practices in the case of dual display should these measures prove ineffective,HEREBY RECOMMENDS:Article 1 Definitions For the purpose of this Recommendation, the following definitions apply:(a) a 'dual display` of a price or other monetary amount is the simultaneous display of an amount in the national currency unit and in the euro unit;(b) 'participating Member States` are those Member States which adopt the single currency in accordance with the Treaty;(c) 'national currency unit` is the unit of the currency of a participating Member State, as that unit is defined on the day before the start of the third stage of economic and monetary union;(d) 'euro unit` is the currency unit of the euro as referred to in the second sentence of Article 2 of the draft Council Regulation on the introduction of the euro;(e) 'transitional period` is the period beginning on 1 January 1999 and ending on 31 December 2001;(f) 'conversion rate` is the irrevocably fixed rate adopted for the currency of each participating Member State by the Council according to the first sentence of Article 109l(4) of the Treaty.Article 2 Standard of good practice 1. Where a dual display of prices or of other monetary amounts is provided, the following provisions must be complied with pursuant to existing legislation:(a) the conversion rates must be used for calculating the counter-values in dual displays;(b) rounding to the nearest cent must be adhered to as a minimum standard of accuracy for prices or other monetary amounts which have been converted from a national currency unit into the euro unit;(c) dual displays of prices and of other monetary amounts must be unambiguous, easily identifiable and clearly legible.2. The following basic provisions should also be adhered to.(a) With particular regard to the clarity of dual displays:(i) it should be possible to distinguish between, on the one hand, the unit in which the price is set and in which amounts to be paid are to be calculated and, on the other hand, the counter-value which is displayed for information purposes only;(ii) dual displays of prices and other monetary amounts should not be overloaded with excessive numbers of figures. As a general rule, dual displays of prices on individual products may be limited to the final price which consumers have to pay. As a general rule, dual displays on receipts from retail outlets and on other financial statements may be limited to the total amount.(b) Retailers should indicate clearly whether they are prepared to accept payment in the euro unit during the transitional period.Article 3 Implementation 1. Dual displays should form part of an overall communications strategy designed to facilitate the switchover of consumers and employees to the euro.2. Dual displays on benchmark indicators such as bank statements and bills from utility companies should begin early in the transitional period.3. The introduction of dual displays in the retail sector should be progressive, and will depend on the need to facilitate the changeover of clients and consumers and the pace at which they wish to make the changeover. It will also depend on the nature of the retail outlet, on the types of product being sold, and on the technical implications and cost of modifying existing price and financial display systems.4. Professional associations should consider the possibility of establishing common formats or designs for dual displays. They are also invited to provide small retailers with assistance in developing dual display capabilities and other communication activities.Article 4 Final provision Member States are invited to support the implementation of this Recommendation.Article 5 Addressees This Recommendation is addressed to the Member States and to all economic agents who may provide a dual display of prices or other monetary amounts.Done at Brussels, 23 April 1998.For the CommissionYves-Thibault DE SILGUYMember of the Commission(1) OJ C 236, 2. 8. 1997, p. 8.(2) OJ L 162, 19. 6. 1997, p. 1.(3) Report of the expert group on the technical and cost aspects of dual displays, Euro Paper No 13; report of the expert group on acceptance of new prices and scales of value in euro, Euro Paper No 18.(4) COM(1998) 61 final.(5) OJ L 80, 18. 3. 1998, p. 27.(6) See page 22 of this Official Journal.


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		52013DC0367

			Recommendation for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on Hungary’s 2013 national reform programme and delivering a Council opinion on Hungary's convergence programme for 2012-2016 /* COM/2013/0367 final */

			   	Recommendation for a
COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
on Hungary’s 2013 national reform
programme
and delivering a Council opinion on Hungary's convergence programme for
2012-2016

Recommendation for a
COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
on Hungary’s 2013 national reform
programme
and delivering a Council opinion on Hungary's convergence programme for 2012-2016
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the
Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 121(2) and 148(4)
thereof,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No
1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary
positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies[1], and in particular Article 9(2)
thereof,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) No
1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on
the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances[2], and in particular Article 6(1)
thereof,
Having regard to the recommendation of the
European Commission[3],
Having regard to the resolutions of the
European Parliament[4],
Having regard to the conclusions of the
European Council,
Having regard to the opinion of the
Employment Committee,
After consulting the Economic and Financial
Committee,
Whereas:
(1)       On 26 March 2010, the
European Council agreed to the Commission’s proposal to launch a new strategy
for growth and jobs, Europe 2020, based on enhanced coordination of economic
policies, which will focus on the key areas where action is needed to boost Europe’s potential for sustainable growth and competitiveness.
(2)       On 13 July 2010, on the
basis of the Commission's proposals, the Council adopted a recommendation on
the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and the
Union (2010 to 2014) and, on 21 October 2010, adopted a decision on guidelines
for the employment policies of the Member States[5],
which together form the ‘integrated guidelines’. Member States were invited to
take the integrated guidelines into account in their national economic and
employment policies.
(3)       On 29 June 2012, the Heads
of State and Government decided on a Compact for Growth and Jobs, providing a
coherent framework for action at national, EU and euro area levels using all
possible levers, instruments and policies. They decided on action to be taken
at the level of the Member States, in particular expressing full commitment to
achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy and to implementing the
country-specific recommendations.
(4)       On 6 July 2012, the
Council adopted a recommendation on Hungary’s national reform programme for 2012
and delivered its opinion on Hungary’s updated convergence programme for 2011-2015.
(5)       On 28 November 2012, the
Commission adopted the Annual Growth Survey[6],
marking the start of the 2013 European Semester of economic policy
coordination. Also on 28 November 2012, the Commission, on the basis of
Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011, adopted the Alert Mechanism Report[7], in which it identified Hungary as one of the Member States for which an in-depth review would be carried out.
(6)       On 14 March 2013, the
European Council endorsed the priorities for ensuring financial stability,
fiscal consolidation and action to foster growth. It underscored the need to
pursue differentiated, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, to restore normal
lending conditions to the economy, to promote growth and competitiveness, to
tackle unemployment and the social consequences of the crisis, and to modernise
public administration.
(7)       On 10 April 2013, the
Commission published the results of its in-depth review[8] for Hungary, under Article 5 of
Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011. The Commission’s analysis leads it to conclude
that Hungary is experiencing macroeconomic imbalances, which deserve monitoring
and require decisive policy action. In particular, the ongoing adjustment of
the highly negative net international investment position, largely driven by
private sector deleveraging in a context of high general government debt and a
weak business environment continues to deserve very close attention so as to
reduce the important risks of adverse effects on the functioning of the
economy.
(8)       On 24 April 2013, Hungary
submitted its 2013 convergence programme covering the period 2012-2016 and, on 22
April 2013, its 2013 national reform programme. In order to take account of
their interlinkages, the two programmes have been assessed at the same time.
(9)       Based on the assessment of
the 2013 convergence programme (the programme) pursuant to Council Regulation
(EC) No 1466/97, the Council is of the opinion that the macroeconomic scenario
underpinning the budgetary projections in the Programme is somewhat optimistic.
The Hungarian authorities’ growth projections for 2013 and 2014 of 0.7% and
1.9% are higher by around half a percentage point compared to the Commission
2013 spring forecast. The objective of the budgetary strategy outlined in the programme
is to ensure the sustainable correction of the excessive deficit by the 2012
deadline and the continued respect of the medium-term objective (MTO).
Hungary has undertaken significant fiscal efforts in 2012 and with a budget
deficit outcome of 1.9% of GDP overachieved the deficit target of 2.5% of GDP recommended
by the Council, partly on account of additional one-off revenues of 0.2% of GDP
on top of those which were acknowledged already at the time of the Council
recommendation. However, the corrective measures for 2012 and beyond, notably
those announced in the autumn of 2012 were mainly concentrated on the revenue
side, primarily focusing on selected sectors, raising questions about the
sustainability of the consolidation efforts. According to the Commission 2013 spring
forecast further efforts are needed for both 2013 and 2014 in order to correct
the excessive deficit in a sustainable manner. Following the publication of the
spring forecast the government adopted a new corrective package, and based on the
updated assessment of the Commission, the deficit is projected to remain below
the 3% of GDP threshold with the new measures in both 2013 and 2014. The
programme has changed the MTO from a structural balance of -1.5% to -1.7% of
GDP. The new MTO is in line with the requirements of the Stability and Growth
Pact. Hungary recorded a structural balance of -0.7% of GDP in 2012, i.e. well above
its revised MTO, and the Commission 2013 spring forecast foresees the
structural balance to stay in line with the MTO over the forecast horizon and
to stand at -1.1% in 2013 and -1.8% in 2014. Based on the measures adopted
after the Commission 2013 spring forecast the structural balance could remain above
the MTO in 2014 as well. The growth rate of government expenditure in 2013 and 2014,
net of discretionary revenue measures, will be broadly in line with the
reference medium-term rate of potential GDP growth, but is expected to significantly
exceed it in 2015 and 2016. Thus, the expenditure benchmark will not be met in
these two years. According to government plans, the public debt-to-GDP ratio
will continuously decrease throughout the programme period from 79.2% in 2012
to 77.2% in 2014 and further to 73.4% in 2016, i.e. it will remain above the
60% of GDP reference value. In contrast, the Commission 2013 spring forecast,
taking account of risks to the consolidation plans, expected only a marginal
decrease to 78.9% of GDP in 2014 which should be around 0.5 pps lower with the
new corrective measures. Hungary will be in a transition period from 2013
regarding compliance with the debt criterion, and according to the Commission
2013 spring forecast it is making sufficient progress towards compliance with
the debt criterion in 2013 and 2014.
(10)     The medium-term budgetary
framework is still merely indicative so the horizon of fiscal planning is
focusing only on the actual budget year. In addition, despite some recent
improvements, the mandatory tasks and the analytical resources of the Fiscal
Council are still not commensurate with its unprecedented veto power and the
need for the systematic ex-post assessment of compliance with numerical fiscal
rules. Strengthening the medium-term budgetary framework and widening the
mandatory remit of the Fiscal Council would help to improve the solidity and
credibility of the recently revamped fiscal governance framework.
(11)     The Hungarian financial
sector is deleveraging at a very quick pace, partly due to some policy measures
that have had a strong negative impact on the profitability of banks and
contribute to tight credit conditions. Managing the deteriorating portfolio
quality represents one of the biggest challenges for the financial sector,
associated with an increasing number of non-performing loans. In the last
years, the government adopted several measures to help foreign currency
borrowers, in several cases without a consultation of stakeholders in the
banking sector. However, these measures were not always targeted toward
distressed borrowers. The adoption of a series of measures in a short time
might increase moral hazard among borrowers due to the continuous expectation
of further government help. The global financial crisis demonstrated to which
extent the existing banking system may force national authorities to act to
safeguard financial stability. The first financial assistance programme to Hungary advocated the need for a state-of-the-art supervision including effective emergency
powers to the financial supervisor and the establishment of a resolution
mechanism. While over the past three years the powers of the Hungarian
Financial Supervisory Authority have been substantially increased, the
legislator has not equipped it with sufficient monitoring powers.
(12)     Hungary has not followed
the 2012 recommendation to establish a non-distortive and stable framework for the
taxation of corporations and has increased the tax burden on selected corporate
sectors by introducing further permanent sectoral surtaxes. While the new small
business tax introduced as part of the Job Protection Act has a favourable
design, the existence of several different tax rates across corporate sectors
hampers effective allocation of resources and affects investment and lending.
The introduction of reduced social security contribution rates under the Job
Protection Act is a step in the right direction to reduce the tax wedge on
labour. However, the tax wedge on low wage earners is still high and a refining
of the system to better target this group would be desirable. Hungary also plans to tackle tax non-compliance with several measures, such as the
compulsory connection of all cash registers with tax authorities. Regarding
energy taxation, measures taken do not provide incentives to reduce energy
consumption and have distortionary effects.
(13)     The low employment rate is
associated with a very low rate of labour-market participation. Youth
unemployment has increased from 11% in 2001 to 28.1% in 2012. The Public Work
Scheme uses the bulk of budgetary resources to provide the long-term unemployed
with work-related income instead of social benefits, while its long-term
benefits on employability are yet to be proven. Hungary has strengthened active
labour market policies but some disadvantaged people should have more access to
them and adult participation in lifelong learning is still one of the lowest in
the EU. In the last five years, the employment rate of women remained
approximately at the same low level. In order to encourage women to participate
in the labour market, the government expanded child-care facilities and
promoted flexible working arrangements. The social situation continues to
worsen: 31 % of the population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion
and a high percentage of people face severe material deprivation. Poverty
continues to disproportionately affect disadvantaged territories and communities,
in particular the Roma
(14)     The business environment in
  Hungary has constantly deteriorated in the last three years due to a series
of measures including restrictions on investors and an unstable regulatory
framework, in particular in the services sector. Recent restrictions which affect
disproportionately foreign investors are focussed mainly on the services sector,
including retail. The Simple State programme included 114 measures to reduce
the administrative burden on businesses by approximately HUF 500 billion but
its implementation has been somewhat delayed. Low levels of competition in public
procurement persist, although a new law entered into force on 1 January 2012.
The anti-corruption programme is a central element to the Magyary Programme.
However, the programme does not tackle either the issue of insufficient
law-enforcement in this area or the stricter checks on party financing, a key
area of concern. Moreover, most of the announced steps have not yet been
undertaken. Lack of monitoring of implemented measures also remains
problematic. The developments in Hungary in 2012 and 2013 have increased
concerns about the judiciary's independence. The Innovation Union Scoreboard
ranks Hungary as a moderate innovator. Business R&D investments are driven
primarily by foreign-owned enterprises.
(15)     Hungary succeeded in
reducing the number of early school leavers. Since there are still major
regional differences, the new elements of the centralised public-education
system, if not implemented carefully, might have a negative impact and increase
social inequalities and segregation. Although the number of students entering
higher education has grown significantly in recent years, further work is
needed to reach the EU average and the national Europe 2020 target. It is
doubtful whether the ongoing higher-education reform can improve access for
disadvantaged pupils.
(16)     Implementation of the
measures included in the Szell Kalman Plan, which is aimed at improving the
cost-efficiency and performance of public transport, is prone to considerable
delays and the lack of a comprehensive transport strategy hinders the financial
sustainability of the transport system. While Hungary has adequately increased power
grid interconnections with its neighbours as recommended in 2012, the lack of
independence of the energy regulator in setting energy tariffs and the high
share of regulated energy prices still raise concerns.
(17)     In the context of the
European Semester, the Commission has carried out a comprehensive analysis of Hungary’s economic policy. It has assessed the convergence programme and national reform
programme and presented an in-depth review. It has taken into account not only
their relevance for sustainable fiscal and socio-economic policy in Hungary but
also their compliance with EU rules and guidance, given the need to reinforce
the overall economic governance of the European Union by providing EU-level
input into future national decisions. Its recommendations under
the European Semester are reflected in recommendations (1) to (7) below.
(18)     In the light of this
assessment, the Council has examined Hungary’s convergence programme, and its
opinion[9]
is reflected in particular in recommendation (1) below.
(19)     In the light of the
Commission’s in-depth review and this assessment, the Council has examined the
national reform programme and the convergence programme. Its recommendations
under Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 are reflected in
recommendations (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (7) below,
HEREBY RECOMMENDS that Hungary should take action within the period 2013-2014 to:
1.           Implement a credible and
growth friendly fiscal strategy by specifying the necessary measures focusing
on expenditure savings and preserve a sound fiscal position in compliance with
the medium-term objective over the programme horizon. Building on the above
steps, put the general government debt ratio on a firm downward path, also with
a view to mitigating the accumulated macroeconomic imbalances. Enhance the
medium-term budgetary framework by making it more binding and by closely
linking it to numerical rules. Broaden the mandatory remit of the Fiscal
Council, including through systematic ex-post monitoring of compliance with
numerical fiscal rules as well as the preparation of regular macro-fiscal
forecasts and budgetary impact assessments of major policy proposals.
2.           Help restore normal
lending to the economy primarily by improving the capacity for capital
accumulation in the financial sector, inter alia by lowering the extra burden
currently imposed on it. Improve portfolio quality by removing bad assets from
banks' balance sheets, closely consult stakeholders on new policy initiatives
and make sure that new policy measures do not increase moral hazard among
borrowers. Enhance financial regulation and supervision, notably by giving more
effective emergency powers to the Hungarian Financial Supervisory Authority and
by establishing a bank resolution regime.
3.           Ensure a stable, more
balanced and predictable corporate tax system. Streamline corporate taxation
and minimise distortions of resource allocation created by sector-specific taxes,
so as to foster growth and employment. Continue making taxation of labour more
employment-friendly by alleviating the tax burden on low-wage earners, inter
alia by refining the eligibility criteria for the Job Protection Act, and by shifting
taxation away to environmental taxes. Fully implement and step up the already
announced measures to improve tax compliance and reduce the cost of tax
compliance.
4.           Address youth
unemployment, for example through a Youth Guarantee. Strengthen active labour
market policy measures and enhance the client profiling system of the Public
Employment Service. Reduce the dominance of the public works scheme within
employment measures and strengthen its activation elements. Reinforce training
programmes to boost participation in lifelong learning. Continue to expand
child-care facilities to encourage women's participation. Ensure that the
objective of the National Social Inclusion Strategy is mainstreamed in all
policy fields in order to reduce poverty, particularly among children and Roma.
5.           Create a supportive
business environment, in particular restore an attractive environment for
foreign direct investors, by making the regulatory framework more stable and by
fostering market competition. Ensure the prompt implementation of measures
envisaged to reduce the administrative burden, improve competition in public
procurement and take adequate measures to tackle corruption. Address concerns
about the independence of the judiciary. Remove recently introduced barriers in
the services sector, including in retail services. Provide targeted incentives
to support innovative enterprises.
6.           Implement a national
strategy on early school-leaving and ensure that the education system provides
all young people with labour-market-relevant skills, competences and
qualifications. Improve access to inclusive mainstream education, in particular
for Roma. Support the transition between different stages of education and
towards the labour market. Implement a higher-education reform that enables
greater tertiary attainment, particularly by disadvantaged students.
7.           Gradually
abolish regulated energy prices while ensuring the effective protection of
economically vulnerable consumers. Take further steps to ensure the
independence of the national regulator. Ensure the financial sustainability of state
owned enterprises in the transport sector by reducing operational costs and
increasing revenues.
Done at Brussels,
                                                                       For
the Council
                                                                       The
President
[1]               OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1.
[2]               OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25.
[3]               COM(2013) 367 final .
[4]               P7_TA(2013)0052 and P7_TA(2013)0053.
[5]               Council Decision2013/208/EU of 22 April 2013.
[6]               COM(2012) 750 final.
[7]               COM(2012) 751 final.
[8]               SWD(2013) 119 final.
[9]               Under Article 9(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No
1466/97.


title: Council recommendation of 15 February 2016 on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market

text:
               20.2.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 67/1

         COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
   of 15 February 2016
   on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market
   (2016/C 67/01)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 292, in conjunction with Article 148(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The unemployment rate in the Union increased to a historically high level following the 2008-2009 financial and economic crisis. It is currently decreasing, but long-term unemployment remains very high. Long-term unemployment affects each Member State to a different extent, particularly as the impact of the crisis has been uneven and the macroeconomic situation, economic structure and functioning of the labour market vary from one Member State to another.

               (2)

               After years of subdued growth and low job-creation, in 2014 long-term unemployment, defined by Eurostat as the number of people who are out of work and have been actively seeking employment for at least a year, affected more than 12 million workers, or 5 % of the active Union population, 62 % of whom had been jobless for at least two consecutive years.

               (3)

               Long-term unemployment is affecting the persons concerned, lowering the potential growth of Union economies, increasing the risk of social exclusion, poverty and inequality, and adding to the costs of social services and public finances. Long-term unemployment leads to a loss of income, an erosion of skills, a higher incidence of health problems and increased household poverty.

               (4)

               Among the most vulnerable to long-term unemployment are people with low skills or qualifications, third-country nationals, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged minorities such as the Roma. A person's previous occupation also plays an important role, as in some countries sectoral and cyclical aspects are key in explaining the persistence of long-term unemployment.

               (5)

               Every year, close to a fifth of the long-term unemployed persons in the Union become discouraged and fall into inactivity as a result of unsuccessful job-search efforts. As the barriers to labour-market integration are diverse and often cumulate, labour-market integration requires a tailor-made, individualised approach and coordinated service provision.

               (6)

               The long-term unemployed make up half of the total number of unemployed persons in the Union but account for less than a fifth of participants in active labour market measures. Correspondingly, a low proportion of the long-term unemployed (on average 24 %) are covered by unemployment benefits.

               (7)

               Investment in human capital should be improved and made more efficient with the aim of equipping more people with good and relevant skills and competences, addressing skill shortages and laying the foundation for a smooth transition from learning to work and for continued employability. Improving the performance and relevance of education and training systems will help to reduce the number of newly unemployed persons. To this end, the modernisation of education and training systems should be pursued in line with the European Semester, the Council Conclusions of 12 May 2009 on a Strategic Framework for European Cooperation in Education and Training (ET 2020) (1) and Recommendation 2006/962/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (2).

               (8)

               With a view to developing a coordinated strategy for employment, the 2015 Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (3) call for long-term and structural unemployment to be significantly reduced by means of comprehensive and mutually reinforcing strategies that include individualised active support for a return to the labour market.

               (9)

               While Member States remain competent to choose the labour-market measures best suited to their individual situation, the guidelines call on Member States to promote employability by investing in human capital through effective and efficient education and training systems that raise the skill level of the workforce. The guidelines also specifically call on Member States to encourage work-based learning systems such as dual learning and to upgrade professional training. The guidelines more generally request Member States to take into account flexicurity principles and to strengthen active labour market measures by increasing their effectiveness, targeting, outreach, coverage and interplay with income-support and social-service provision.

               (10)

               The actions proposed in this recommendation should be fully compatible with the country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester, and their implementation should take place in full compliance with the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact.

               (11)

               Commission Recommendation 2008/867/EC of 3 October 2008 on the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market (4) sets out an integrated, comprehensive strategy for the active inclusion of those excluded from the labour market, combining adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality services. It aims to facilitate the integration into sustainable, quality employment of those able to work and to provide them with resources which are sufficient to live with dignity.

               (12)

               The European Social Fund is the Union's main financial instrument for tackling long-term unemployment. For the period 2014-2020, Member States have allocated substantial funding to support the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market. Other funds, such as the European Regional Development Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, may also complement the measures financed by the European Social Fund in accordance with the allocations for the relevant investment priorities for 2014-2020, namely by supporting job-creation, the modernisation of public employment services and vocational education, training for skills and lifelong learning. In this framework, future relevant discussions should consider how to further strengthen the integration in the labour market of the long-term unemployed.

               (13)

               The Council recommendation of 20 December 2012 on the validation of non-formal and informal learning (5) calls for action to offer individuals the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned outside formal education and training.

               (14)

               The European Council Conclusions of 14-15 March 2013 emphasised that addressing unemployment is the most important social challenge and that reducing long-term unemployment and ensuring full participation of older workers is crucial.

               (15)

               Long-term unemployment has been identified by the European Parliament as a major impediment to growth.

               (16)

               Intensified labour-market integration efforts for those most severely affected by long-term unemployment should be developed taking into account national practices. This should go hand in hand with improved registration with employment services and other competent agencies in order to tackle the lack of coverage of support measures. Countries with large numbers of registered long-term unemployed persons may prioritise in their efforts those who are already registered.

               (17)

               A preventive approach would be favourable in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Prevention and activation measures mainly focusing on the start of the unemployment period should be strengthened and, where necessary, complemented. Specific action for the registered long-term unemployed should be taken at the very latest when they reach 18 months of unemployment, as this is when support mechanisms and services for this particular group change in a large number of Member States.

               (18)

               Individualised approaches to support the long-term unemployed should address the barriers leading to persistent unemployment, updating and complementing the initial assessment made upon registration. This will guide long-term unemployed persons towards support services sufficiently tailored to individual needs, such as debt-counselling, rehabilitation, social support services, care services, migrant integration, housing and transport support, aimed at addressing barriers to work and empowering those persons to reach clear goals leading to employment.

               (19)

               Employer involvement in the integration of long-term unemployed persons is essential and should be supported through the provision of dedicated services by employment services, accompanied by well-targeted financial incentives and the involvement of social partners. Stronger employer engagement, complemented by measures to reinforce job-creation in the economy, may further increase the effectiveness of integration measures.

               (20)

               Recent policy initiatives such as the Council recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (6) call for working in partnership as a new method for the implementation of social and employment policy. Coordinated service provision is crucial, particularly in Member States where responsibilities for supporting the long-term unemployed are divided between the public employment services, social welfare agencies and local government.

               (21)

               Drafted to reflect the individual situation of a long-term unemployed person, a job-integration agreement should detail a package of individualised measures available at national level (such as those concerning the labour market, education, training and social support services) designed to support and empower a long-term unemployed person in overcoming specific obstacles to employment. Such agreements should define goals, timelines, the obligations of the long-term unemployed person and the service provider's or service providers' offer, and should indicate available integration measures.

               (22)

               The actions proposed in this recommendation should take into account the diversity of the Member States and their different starting points as regards the macroeconomic situation, the level of long-term unemployment as well as its fluctuation rate, the institutional set-up, regional differences and the capacity of the various labour-market players. Those actions should complement and reinforce the policy approach currently implemented by many Member States, in particular by introducing flexible components such as the individualised approach and coordinated service provision, and by involving employers.

               (23)

               This recommendation duly observes, reinforces and enhances fundamental rights, in particular as established by Article 29 and Article 34 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS THAT MEMBER STATES:
   Support the registration of jobseekers and a closer labour-market orientation of integration measures, inter alia, through a closer link with employers.
   Provide individual assessments to registered long-term unemployed persons.
   Make a specific offer of a job-integration agreement at the very latest when a long-term unemployed person has reached 18 months of unemployment. For the purposes of this recommendation, a ‘job-integration agreement’ is understood to be a written agreement between a registered long-term unemployed person and a single point of contact, having the objective of facilitating that person's transition into employment on the labour market.
   To that effect:

      Registration

               (1)

               Encourage the registration of jobseekers with an employment service, in particular through improved provision of information on the support available.

      Individual assessment and approach

   Employment services, together with other partners supporting labour-market integration, provide personalised guidance to those concerned.

               (2)

               Ensure that registered long-term unemployed persons are offered in-depth individual assessments and guidance at the very latest when they reach 18 months of unemployment. The assessment should cover their employability prospects, barriers to employment and previous job-search efforts.

               (3)

               Inform registered long-term unemployed persons about job offers and available support in different sectors of the economy and, where appropriate, in different regions and other Member States, in particular through the European Employment Services (EURES).

      Job-integration agreements

   Registered long-term unemployed persons not covered by the Youth Guarantee are offered a job-integration agreement at the very latest when they have reached 18 months of unemployment. This should comprise, as a minimum, an individual service offer aimed at finding a job and the identification of a single point of contact.

               (4)

               Target the specific needs of registered long-term unemployed persons by means of a job-integration agreement which combines relevant services and measures provided by different organisations.

                           (a)

                           The job-integration agreement should detail explicit goals, timelines and the obligations which the registered long-term unemployed person must meet, such as taking active steps to find a job, accepting offers of suitable work and attending and participating in education or training, re-qualification or employment measures.

                           (b)

                           The job-integration agreement should also detail the service provider's or service providers' offer to the long-term unemployed person. Depending on the availability in the Member States and based on the individual circumstances of the registered long-term unemployed person, the job-integration agreement could include: job-search assistance and in-work assistance; the validation of non-formal and informal learning; rehabilitation, counselling and guidance; education; vocational education and training; work experience; social support; early childhood education and care; health and long-term care services; debt-counselling; and housing and transport support.

                           (c)

                           The job-integration agreement should be regularly monitored in the light of changes in individual situation of the registered long-term unemployed person and, if necessary, it should be adapted to improve that person's transition into employment.

               (5)

               Put in place the necessary arrangements to ensure continuity and identify a single point of contact responsible for supporting registered long-term unemployed persons through a coordinated service offer involving available employment and social support services. This point of contact could be based on a framework of inter-institutional coordination and/or be identified within existing structures.
               Facilitate the smooth and secure transmission of relevant information concerning registered long-term unemployed persons' support history and individual assessments between relevant service providers, in compliance with data-protection legislation, thereby ensuring service continuity.
               Enable a better dissemination of relevant information on job vacancies and training opportunities to the service providers involved and ensure that this information reaches long-term unemployed persons.

      Closer links with employers

               (6)

               Encourage and develop partnerships between employers, social partners, employment services, government authorities, social services and education and training providers to provide services that better meet the needs of enterprises and registered long-term unemployed persons.

               (7)

               Develop services for employers such as the screening of job vacancies, placement support, workplace mentoring and training, and post-placement support to facilitate the professional reintegration of registered long-term unemployed persons.

               (8)

               Focus any financial incentives on schemes supporting integration into the labour market, such as recruitment subsidies and the reduction of social insurance contributions, in order to increase job opportunities for registered long-term unemployed persons.

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS THAT MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION:

      Assessment and monitoring

               (9)

               Monitor within the Employment Committee, in close cooperation with the Social Protection Committee with regard to the social services and income provision, the implementation of this recommendation through the multilateral surveillance within the framework of the European Semester and through the Joint Assessment Framework of indicators. The monitoring should follow up on the extent to which registered long-term unemployed persons have regained employment, whether their integration into the labour market is sustainable and the use of job-integration agreements. The European Network of Public Employment Services should contribute to this monitoring.

               (10)

               Encourage the assessment of public employment services' performance in relation to the labour-market integration of registered long-term unemployed persons, the sharing of experience and the exchange of good practices under the bench learning process of the European Network of Public Employment Services, established under Decision No 573/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on enhanced cooperation between public employment services (PES) (7).

               (11)

               Cooperate to make best use of the European structural and investment funds, in particular the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, in accordance with the relevant investment priorities for the 2014-2020 programmes.

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COMMISSION:

               (12)

               Support and coordinate voluntary initiatives and alliances of companies engaged in the sustainable integration of long-term unemployed persons into the labour market.

               (13)

               Support social innovation projects to integrate long-term unemployed persons into the labour market, in particular through the Progress section of the Union programme for employment and social innovation (EaSI).

               (14)

               Evaluate, in cooperation with the Member States and after consulting the stakeholders concerned, the action taken in response to this recommendation and report to the Council by 15 February 2019 on the results of that evaluation.

      Done at Brussels, 15 February 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         M.H.P. VAN DAM

      (1)  OJ C 119, 28.5.2009, p. 2.

      (2)  OJ L 394, 30.12.2006, p. 10.

      (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)  OJ L 307, 18.11.2008, p. 11.

      (5)  OJ C 398, 22.12.2012, p. 1.

      (6)  OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1.

      (7)  OJ L 159, 28.5.2014, p. 32.


title: Council Recommendation of 12 July 2016 on the 2016 National Reform Programme of Latvia and delivering a Council opinion on the 2016 Stability Programme of Latvia

text:
               18.8.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 299/83

         COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
   of 12 July 2016
   on the 2016 National Reform Programme of Latvia and delivering a Council opinion on the 2016 Stability Programme of Latvia
   (2016/C 299/20)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 121(2) and 148(4) thereof,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (1), and in particular Article 5(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the recommendation of the European Commission,
   Having regard to the resolutions of the European Parliament,
   Having regard to the conclusions of the European Council,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Employment Committee,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Financial Committee,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Social Protection Committee,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Economic Policy Committee,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 26 November 2015, the Commission adopted the Annual Growth Survey, marking the start of the 2016 European Semester for economic policy coordination. The priorities of the Annual Growth Survey were endorsed by the European Council on 17-18 March 2016. On 26 November 2015, on the basis of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), the Commission adopted the Alert Mechanism Report, in which it did not identify Latvia as one of the Member States for which an in-depth review would be carried out. On the same day, the Commission also adopted a recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area. This Recommendation was endorsed by the European Council on 18-19 February 2016 and adopted by the Council on 8 March 2016 (3). As a country whose currency is the euro and in view of the close interlinkages between the economies in the economic and monetary union, Latvia should ensure the full and timely implementation of the Recommendation.

               (2)

               The 2016 country report for Latvia was published on 26 February 2016. It assessed Latvia's progress in addressing the country-specific recommendations adopted by the Council on 14 July 2015 and Latvia's progress towards its national Europe 2020 targets.

               (3)

               On 14 April 2016, Latvia submitted its 2016 National Reform Programme and its 2016 Stability Programme. In order to take account of their interlinkages, the two programmes have been assessed at the same time.

               (4)

               Relevant country-specific recommendations have been addressed in the programming of the European Structural and Investment Funds for the 2014-2020 period. As foreseen in Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), where it is necessary to support the implementation of relevant Council recommendations, the Commission may request a Member State to review and propose amendments to its Partnership Agreement and relevant programmes. The Commission has provided further details on how it would make use of this provision in guidelines on the application of the measures linking the effectiveness of the European Structural and Investment Funds to sound economic governance.

               (5)

               In its 2016 Stability Programme, Latvia has requested a temporary deviation of 0,5 % of GDP from the required adjustment path towards the medium-term budgetary objective in 2017 to take account of major structural reforms with a positive impact on the long-term sustainability of public finances, in particular for the ongoing health sector reform based on the Health Strategy for 2014-2020. The details of the reform are summarised in the Stability Programme. The objective is to increase public financing for the health sector to 4 % of GDP by 2020 relative to 3 % of GDP in 2015. The full implementation of the reform is estimated to increase employment by 0,6 % and the GDP level by 2,2 % by 2023, which will have a positive impact on the sustainability of public finances in the long run. The positive impact on growth and the long-term sustainability of public finances is assessed to be plausible. Latvia can currently be assessed as qualifying for the requested temporary deviation in 2017, provided that it adequately implements the agreed reforms, which will be monitored under the European Semester. However, the amount of the allowed temporary deviation is conditional on the respect of the minimum benchmark (i.e. a structural deficit of 1,7 % of GDP). As a result, the Commission 2016 spring forecast indicates scope for an additional temporary deviation of 0,1 % of GDP in 2017.

               (6)

               Latvia is currently in the preventive arm of the Stability and Growth Pact. In its 2016 Stability Programme, the Government plans a gradual improvement in the headline balance to reach 0,5 % of GDP in 2019. The planned adjustment path towards the medium-term budgetary objective — a deficit of 1 % of GDP in structural terms — takes into account the requested deviations related to the systemic pension reform in 2017 and 2018 and for the major structural reform in the healthcare sector in the period 2017-2019. According to the Stability Programme, the government debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to rise to 40 % in 2016 before declining to 38 % in 2018. The macroeconomic scenario underpinning these budgetary projections is plausible. However, the measures needed to support the planned deficit targets from 2017 onwards have not been sufficiently specified. Based on the Commission 2016 spring forecast, the overall assessment points to a risk of some deviation in 2016 and, under unchanged policies, in 2016 and 2017 taken together. Based on its assessment of the Stability Programme and taking into account the Commission 2016 spring forecast, the Council is of the opinion that Latvia is expected to broadly comply with the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact. Nevertheless, further measures will be needed to ensure compliance in 2016.

               (7)

               The labour supply is constrained by a declining working age population and wage growth exceeds productivity, threatening cost-competitiveness. Measures to increase employability and improve human capital are therefore necessary to support competitiveness.

               (8)

               Latvia's at risk-of-poverty and social exclusion rate is among the highest in the EU. Preparatory work is on-going to introduce a minimum income level, but its implementation is uncertain and its universal application is being diluted, due to fiscal costs. Furthermore, the adequacy of social assistance benefits has not been improved since 2009, preventing effective poverty reduction. The minimum income level reform is expected to reduce the current fragmentation of social assistance and provide an incentive for employment.

               (9)

               The coverage of activation measures remains low, particularly for the long-term unemployed. In combination with poor health and insufficient social services, this hampers effective reintegration in the labour market. Increasing the take-up of activation measures would boost employment.

               (10)

               The low public financing of healthcare, inherent structural weaknesses, high out-of-pocket payments and suboptimal cost-effectiveness leave much of the population with unmet healthcare needs. While access to healthcare for critical medical cases has been given priority, financial constraints limit the supply of services in general.

               (11)

               While Latvia has made progress in reforming the higher education system, namely by providing incentives that reward quality and establishing an independent accreditation system, improvements of vocational education and training are necessary, particularly with respect to reforming curricula and setting up a regulatory framework for work-based learning in order to improve their quality and availability. Social partners can play a role in the development of apprenticeship-type schemes, as outlined in the Vocational Education Law.

               (12)

               Investments are being held back by innovation issues, shortcomings in the business environment and the shrinking size of the labour force. Poor innovation drive and a fragmented research base hamper Latvia's rapid and efficient transition towards higher value-added and more knowledge-intensive activities. Low protection for investors in the application of the insolvency system, coupled with inefficiencies in public administration, further inhibit investments.

               (13)

               The Government has taken steps to reduce the current fragmentation of the public research base, improve its quality and enhance the business sector's innovation capacity. Despite progress, both public and business investments in research and innovation remain very low compared with the EU average. The consolidation of the research base needs to be continued, along with increasing the number of reserchers and the quality of research. Full implementation of reforms based on the Smart Specialisation Strategy and the full use of all existing policy tools would incentivese private investments in innovation.

               (14)

               The insolvency regime is perceived by business as an obstacle to investment, given that assets recovery rates are low and insolvency administrators are subject to little supervision.

               (15)

               Latvia has introduced several successful initiatives to improve the efficiency and quality of the justice system. However, although it is comprehensive, the conflict of interest prevention regime for public officials is complex and rigid, prioritising formal compliance over the merits of individual cases. Moreover, the Corruption Combating and Prevention Bureau has been weakened by internal tensions, destabilising it and reducing public trust in its operations and its willingness to prioritise high profile cases.

               (16)

               General inefficiencies in public administration, due largely to relatively high staff turnover, delays in the public service reform and weak project management, are not conducive to a favourable investment environment. Public sector remuneration is not properly linked to responsibilities.

               (17)

               In the context of the European Semester, the Commission has carried out a comprehensive analysis of Latvia's economic policy and published it in the 2016 country report. It has also assessed the Stability Programme and the National Reform Programme and the follow-up given to the recommendations addressed to Latvia in previous years. It has taken into account not only their relevance for sustainable fiscal and socioeconomic policy in Latvia but also their compliance with EU rules and guidance, given the need to strengthen the EU's overall economic governance by providing EU level input into future national decisions. The recommendations under the European Semester are reflected in recommendations (1) to (3) below.

               (18)

               In the light of this assessment, the Council has examined the Stability Programme, and its opinion (5) is reflected in particular in recommendation (1) below,

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS that Latvia take action in 2016 and 2017 to:

               1.

               Ensure that the deviation from the adjustment path towards the medium-term budgetary objective in 2016 and 2017 is limited to the allowance linked to the systemic pension reform and the major structural reform in the healthcare sector. Reduce the tax wedge for low-income earners by exploiting a growth-friendly tax shift towards environmental and property taxes and improving tax compliance.

               2.

               Improve the adequacy of social assistance benefits and step up measures supporting recipients in finding and retaining work, including through increased coverage of activation measures. Speed up the curricula reform in vocational education, establish — with the involvement of social partners — a regulatory framework for work-based learning and increase their offer. Improve the accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of the healthcare system.

               3.

               Pursue the consolidation of research institutions and provide incentives for private investment in innovation. Strengthen the conflict of interest prevention regime and set up a common legal framework for all public employees. Increase the accountability and public oversight of insolvency administrators.

      Done at Brussels, 12 July 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         P. KAŽIMÍR

      (1)  OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1.

      (2)  Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25).

      (3)  OJ C 96, 11.3.2016, p. 1.

      (4)  Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320).

      (5)  Under Article 5(2) of l Regulation (EC) No 1466/97.


Avis juridique important

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31982K2086

Commission Recommendation No 2086/82/ECSC of 28 July 1982 amending Recommendation No 1104/82/ECSC imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on certain sheets and plates, of iron or steel, originating in Brazil and prolonging this provisional anti-dumping duty

Official Journal L 221 , 30/07/1982 P. 0017 - 0018

*****COMMISSION  RECOMMENDATION No 2086/82/ECSC  of 28 July 1982  amending recommendation No 1104/82/ECSC imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on certain sheets and plates, of iron or steel, originating in Brazil and prolonging this provisional anti-dumping duty  THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN  COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,  Having regard to Commission recommendation No 3018/79/ECSC of 21 December 1979 on protection against dumped or subsidized imports from countries not members of the European Coal and Steel Community (1), as amended by recommendation No 1995/82/ECSC (2), and in particular Article 11 thereof,  After consultations within the Advisory Committee provided for in Article 6 of recommendation No 3018/79/ECSC,  Whereas the Commission, by recommendation No 1104/82/ECSC (3) imposed a variable provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain sheets and plates, of iron or steel, originating in Brazil;  Whereas, during its preliminary investigation, the Commission found that while all the products concerned originating in Brazil were shipped directly to the Community a significant proportion of them were sold to the Community by way of trading companies situated in non-member countries; whereas it was also found that these trading companies are related to the Community importers concerned; whereas under these circumstances it is appropriate to supplement the variable duty by a specific duty in order to prevent circumvention of the provisional measures in force; whereas the amount of the specific duty has been determined, using the information verified at the premises of German importers, by comparing the lowest, most recent effective price (basic price plus extras) published by the Commission for these products with the export price for the products originating in Brazil, adjusted to the level free-at-German frontier, duty paid;  Whereas in view of the complexity of the investigations necessary the Commission notified the exporters known to be concerned of its intention to extend the provisional duty for a further period of two months; whereas the exporters representing the whole trade did not object,  MAKES THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:  Article 1  Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 1 of recommendation No 1104/82/ECSC are hereby replaced by the following:  '2. The amount of the duty shall be equal to:  - 50 ECU per 1 000 kg net, or  - the amount by which the effective price (basic price plus extras) established by conract, free-at-frontier, duty-paid, is lower than the most recent effective price (basic price plus extras) published by the Commission for these products,  whichever amount is higher.  3. (a) Where the products defined in paragraph 1 are not put into free circulation on the basis of the price to the first purchaser in the Community, the amount of duty shall be equal to:  - 50 ECU per 1 000 kg net, or  - the amount by which the effective price (basic price plus extras) established by contract, free-at-frontier, duty-paid is lower than the most recent effective price (basic price plus extras), published by the Commission for these products and increased by 15 %,  whichever amount is higher.  (b) However, where the declarant is able to give proof to the satisfaction of the customs authorities of the price paid by the first purchaser, paragraph 2 shall apply.'  Article 2  The provisional anti-dumping duty on certain sheets and plates, of iron or steel, originating in Brazil, imposed by recommendation No 1104/82/ECSC, is hereby extended for a period not exceeding two months.  Article 3  Subject to Articles 12 and 14 of recommendation No 3018/79/ECSC, this recommendation shall be applicable until the adoption by the Commission of definitive measures or, at the latest, until the expiry of a  period of two months beginning on 10 September 1982.  Article 4  This recommendation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.  Done at Brussels, 28 July 1982.  For the Commission  Karl-Heinz NARJES  Member of the Commission  (1) OJ No L 339, 31. 12. 1979, p. 15.  (2) OJ No L 215, 23. 7. 1982, p. 28.  (3) OJ No L 128, 11. 5. 1982, p. 9.