report of the department of enterprise, trade and

1

Report of the

Department of Enterprise, Trade and

Employment to the Oireachtas

Under Section 2 (5) of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act

2002

for the period from July to December 2020

January 2021

www.enterprise.gov.ie

2

Table of Contents

Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3

Part I – Developments in the EU ............................................................................................ 3

1. Competitiveness Council (Internal Market, Industry, Research and Space)......... 3

1.1. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) ..... 4

1.1.1. Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video

Conference, 18 September 2020 .................................................................................. 4

1.1.2 Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video

Conference, 23 October 2020 ...................................................................................... 4

1.1.3 Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video

Conference, 19 November 2020 .................................................................................. 5

1.2. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) ............. 6

1.2.1 Competitiveness Council (Research) - Video Conferece – 21 July 2020 ........ 6

1.2.2. Formal Competitiveness Council (Research & Innovation) – Brussels, 29

September 2020 ............................................................................................................ 6

1.2.3. Competitiveness Council (Research) – Video Confernce – 27 November

2020................................................................................................................................ 7

1.2.4. Competitiveness Council (Space) -Video Conference - 20 November 2020

2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) ................................................................................. 8

2.1. Meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)................................................... 8

2.1.1. Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) –21 September 2020 ............... 8

2.1.2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) - Videoconference – 9 November 2020 . 8

3. Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU (January – June 2021) ............... 9

3.1. Schedule of Meetings during the Portuguese Presidency ...................................... 9

3.2. Overview of key issues likely to arise in relevant Councils during the

Portuguese Presidency ................................................................................................... 10

Part II - Oireachtas Scrutiny Proposals July – December 2020 ........................................ 13

3

Introduction

Under the terms of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002, Ministers submit Reports to the

Oireachtas every six months on developments at European Union level in their area of

responsibility. This Report summarises the key legislative and policy developments within

the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment during the six-month

period July to December 2020 during which time Germany held the Presidency of the

Council of the European Union.

This report has two parts. The first part sets out the principal developments in the policy areas

which fall within the responsibility of this Department at EU level and provides an overview

of the incoming Portuguese Presidency. The second part provides an update on the EU

legislative proposals for which information notes were submitted to the Oireachtas Joint

Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the European Union (Scrutiny) Act

2002.

Part I – Developments in the EU The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy and on travel dominated the

German Presidency which had practical consequences for the holding of Council meetings

and the content of their agendas.

The policy areas which fall within the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade

and Employment at EU level are in the main dealt with by the Competitiveness Council

under the formations of Internal Market and Industry, Research and Space, the Foreign

Affairs Council under the Trade formation and the Employment, Social Policy, Health and

Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) under its Employment formation.

The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council under the heading of

Employment transferred from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with effect from 14 October 2020.

The Department of Social Protection will report on EU developments during the six month

report period in its Report to the Oireachtas. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and

Employment will report on EPSCO in its Employment formation in the next report onwards.

In relation to the Research formation of the Competitiveness Council, policy responsibility

for Research transferred from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the

Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on 1 January

2021 and therefore EU developments from 1 January 2021 onwards will feature in that

Department’s Report to the Oireachtas. Competitiveness Council in its Space formation

remains within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

1. Competitiveness Council (Internal Market, Industry, Research and

Space)

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on meetings and travel, all the Competitiveness Councils

during the German Presidency were held by video conference. Debates in those Councils

were focussed on how best to deploy industrial and internal market policy instruments to both

address the public health crisis and drive economic recovery. As the meetings were not in

person, they were not considered formal decision making Councils. In that situation,

decisions and Council Conclusions arising from those discussions may be taken and adopted

4

subsequently by written procedure, by Ambassadors in COREPER, or at another Council

formation, meeting in person in Brussels.

1.1. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) The Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) met on three occasions during

the period July to December 2020.

- Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 18 September 2020

- Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 23 October 2020

- Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 19 November 2020

1.1.1. Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) - Video Conference,

18 September 2020

Ireland was represented at the September Council by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise,

Trade and Employment, Mr Leo Varadkar, T.D. Council was chaired by Mr Peter Altmaier,

German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The Commission was represented by Ms

Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and by

the Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Mr Thierry

Breton.

On the basis of a Presidency paper with the theme of “Deepening Single Market for a strong

recovery and a competitive, sustainable Europe”, Ministers debated which components of the

Commission’s ‘March 2020 package’ and its Action Plan for better implementation and

enforcement of Single Market rules, were particularly adequate to effectively strengthen the

Single Market, and to be prioritised in order to handle the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and

support the speedy recovery of the economy. Ministers agreed on Council Conclusions on

deepening the EU Single Market, which were later adopted by Council on 21 September.

There was broad acknowledgment of the need to restore swiftly the integrity of the Single

Market by removing all temporary derogations put in place by individual Member States

during the COVID-19 crisis. The Single Market Enforcement Task-force (SMET) was

mentioned as the main tool for identifying unnecessary barriers to the cross-border free

circulation of goods and services.

1.1.2 Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video Conference,

23 October 2020

This Council meeting was planned as the Presidency’s Informal Council so there was no

change to its status as a result of moving to VC format.

Ireland was represented by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company

Regulation, Mr Robert Troy, T.D. Council was chaired by Mr Peter Altmaier, German

Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The Commission was represented by Ms

Margrethe Vestager, Executive VP for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and by the

Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Mr Thierry Breton.

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The focus of the meeting was on EU Industrial Policy and began with keynote addresses by

Joe Kaeser CEO Siemens and by Dr Markus Steilmann, CEO Covestro.

On the basis of a Presidency Paper focussing on “EU industry as an engine for economic

growth and recovery in the EU: delivering on innovation for the green & digital transition

and gaining from a level playing field”, Ministers were invited to exchange views on how EU

industrial policy can create the right framework conditions for innovation in Europe so that

industrial competitiveness can be secured in the long term.

There was widespread agreement that the Single Market plays a key role in the success of

Industrial Policy and that Industrial Policy must be a driver in advancing the twin transitions

to green and digital.

Ministers also addressed the Commission’s White Paper on foreign subsidies. The majority

of Member States agreed that action is warranted to address the effect of foreign subsidies in

the Single Market and favoured building a more resilient, self-sufficient Europe. Others,

including Ireland, favoured a less protectionist type approach that would ensure a Europe that

is more open to international trade, to multilateral relationships and to building global supply

chains that play a part in ensuring that the EU has access to raw materials, the most efficient

inputs and to markets where it can sell its own goods and services.

1.1.3 Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video Conference,

19 November 2020

Ireland was represented by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company

Regulation, Mr Robert Troy, T.D. Council was chaired by Mr Peter Altmaier, German

Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The Commission was represented by the


Reflecting the Presidency paper “Making the most of recovery: A more dynamic, resilient

and competitive European industry through investments in the green transformation

#cleanindustry” the main item on the agenda was an informal policy debate on the role of the

green elements of EU Industrial Policy in the context of Europe’s recovery. The discussions

focussed on Council Conclusions on ‘A recovery advancing the transition towards a more

dynamic, resilient and competitive European industry’, which were adopted in advance

through a written procedure (16 November 2020). There was general agreement that it is

appropriate to review the EU’s Industrial Strategy, which was published in March 2020,

particularly in light of the lessons of the public health crisis. Ministers shared the view that

the reviewed Strategy must be devised to support both the green and digital transitions.

Under the Any Other Business agenda item, the Commission presented the 2020 Annual

Report of the SME Envoy Network, and the New Consumer Agenda. The incoming

Presidency presented the main priorities of its upcoming presidency in the field of the internal

market and industry.

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1.2. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Research and Space)

Research Ministers met on three occasions during the period July to December 2020:

• Competitiveness Council (Research) by Video conference – 21 July 2020

• Formal Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) – 29 September 2020 –

Brussels

• Competitiveness Council (Research) by Videoconference – 27 November 2020

1.2.1 Competitiveness Council (Research) -Video Conference– 21 July 2020

Ireland was represented at this Council meeting by Mr Eugene Lennon, Principal Officer,

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The meeting was chaired by Ms Anja

Karliczek, German Federal Minister for Education and Research. The Commission was

represented by the, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth,

Ms Mariya Gabriel.

The meeting provided the first opportunity for Ministers to provide political guidance on the

future direction of European research and innovation policy and the priorities for the

European Research Area (ERA). The main priorities identified include the need for greater,

more effective coordination and collaboration on research and innovation issues across

Member States, an increased focus on shared European values and principles, an improved

innovation performance, closer links with education and a more inclusive ERA with benefits

for all.

Ministers were also invited to consider the German Presidency’s proposals for three

initiatives, which are designed to enable research and innovation to play an active role in

supporting Europe’s recovery. The proposed initiatives, which received broad support from

Member States, are:

• a pan-European communications campaign to engage the public in science – Plastic

Pirates;

• a proposal to strengthen Europe’s resilience and improve its preparedness for future

pandemics; and

• a research and innovation driven initiative on green hydrogen.

1.2.2. Formal Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) – Brussels, 29

September 2020

Ireland was represented at this Formal Council meeting by Deputy Permanent Representative,

Ms Maeve Collins. The meeting was chaired by Ms Anja Karliczek, German Federal

Minister for Education and Research. The Commission was represented by the Commissioner

for Innovation, Research, Culture, Educations and Youth, Ms Mariya Gabriel. The Council

adopted the General Approach on the Horizon Europe, Regulation and Specific Programme.

Horizon Europe is the next EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme. The

General Approach provides a mandate for the negotiations on Horizon Europe with the

European Parliament.

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Political agreement between the European institutions was reached in December 2020, thus

paving the way for the rollout of the first Horizon Europe Work Programme in spring 2021.

The budget for Horizon Europe is €95.5 billion over the seven year period 2021-2027.

1.2.3. Competitiveness Council (Research) – Video Conference – 27 November 2020

Ireland was represented at this Council by the Minister for Further and Higher Education,

Research, Innovation and Science, Mr Simon Harris, T.D. The meeting was chaired by Ms

Anja Karliczek, German Federal Minister for Education and Research. The Commission was

represented by the Executive Vice-President for Europe fit for a Digital Age, Ms Margrethe

Vestager, and the Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Educations and Youth,

Ms Mariya Gabriel.

Ministers exchanged views on the new research and innovation investment targets proposed

by the Commission. There was broad agreement that significant and sustained investment in

research and innovation can make a significant contribution to addressing the wider

challenges Europe faces – in particular, accelerating the recovery from the pandemic while

delivering on the green and digital transitions. Some called for careful consideration of the

proposed new targets and highlighted the need to strike the right balance between setting

ambitious targets and being realistic in terms of what can be achieved. The proposed targets

would be very challenging for Ireland.

1.2.4. Competitiveness Council (Space) Video Conference – 20 November 2020

Ireland was represented by Mr Damien English T.D., Minister of State for Business,

Employment and Retail. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Peter Altemier, German Federal

Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The Commission was represented by the


The morning session on space was divided into three parts. The first session, in

Competitiveness Council format, commenced with a policy debate on Europe’s role in the

global space economy. In the second session, the European Space Agency (ESA) Council

adopted a Resolution on Orientations on the European contribution in establishing key

principles for the global space economy. The EU side adopted the same document as

Council Conclusions ahead of the Council meeting.

The final session was the EU-ESA Space Council during which Ministers exchanged views

on actions that Europe can take to build a globally competitive European space economy,

fostering European space autonomy, security and resilience and enhancing European space

cooperation.

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2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)

2.1. Meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)

The Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) met on two occasions during the period July to

December 2020:

- Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) Berlin (in person) – 21 September 2020

- Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) by Videoconference – 9 November 2020

2.1.1. Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) –21 September 2020

The Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) meeting took place in Berlin and was attended

by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D.

The meeting was chaired by German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy,

Peter Altmaier. The Commission was represented by the Executive Vice President for An

Economy that Works for People, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis and the Commissioner for Internal

Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Mr Thierry Breton.

At the meeting Ministers also held an exchange of views on the EU Trade Policy Review. The

discussion involved input from Prof. Felbermayr, of the Kiel Institute on “Resilience of Global

Value Chains”. Ministers also exchanged views on the situation of the European Steel industry,

as an example of current challenges that EU energy intensive industries are facing. This

discussion also involved input from Eurofer President Geert Van Poelvoorde.

During their working lunch, Ministers also discussed the selection process for the new Director

General of the WTO.

2.1.2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) Videoconference – 9 November 2020

This meeting of Trade Ministers took place by videoconference on 9 November. Ireland was

represented by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Leo

Varadkar T.D. The meeting was chaired by German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs

and Energy, Mr Peter Altmaier. The Commission was represented by the Executive Vice

President for An Economy that Works for People, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis.

The most pressing issue for Ministers was EU-US trade relations post U.S. elections, which

included a comprehensive discussion of bilateral trade relations, including WTO cases

relating to aircraft subsidies and existing steel tariffs and EU safeguard measures.

Ministers also discussed the Trade Policy Review and the outlook for the WTO, where WTO

reform and the trade and sustainability agenda, including the environment and gender, were

notable themes. Also discussed was the WTO work programme and EU’s priorities over next

twelve months. Finally, Ministers also discussed EU trade relations with China and, in

particular, the ongoing negotiations on a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment.

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3. Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU (January – June

2021) Portugal assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2021.

The priorities of Portugal’s Presidency are driven by its motto: “Time to deliver: a fair, green

and digital recovery”. Portugal is putting the focus of its Presidency on bringing the EU

through the COVID-19 pandemic and will promote a vision of the EU that is innovative,

looks to the future and is based on common values of solidarity, convergence and cohesion.

The Presidency programme focuses on five main areas, which are in line with the goals of the

EU’s strategic agenda: 

• strengthen Europe’s resilience

• promote confidence in the European social model

• promote a sustainable recovery

• speed up a fair and inclusive digital transition

• reaffirm the EU’s role in the world, ensuring that this is based on openness and

multilateralism.

One of the main priorities of the Portuguese Presidency is to implement the EU’s multiannual

financial framework (MFF) for the period from 2021 to 2027 and of the EU Next Generation

Instrument (Next Generation EU), in particular the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

3.1. Schedule of Meetings during the Portuguese Presidency

This schedule and the location of meetings is subject to change due to the impact of COVID-

19.

Scheduled European Council meetings (EU Heads of State or Government)

• European Council – 21 January

• European Council – 25/26 March

• Informal European Council – 8 May

• European Council – 24/25 June

Scheduled Competitiveness Council meetings

• Informal Meeting of Research Ministers – 3 February – Virtual

• Formal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council – 25 February

• Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) – 26 February

• Informal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council – 22/23 March

• Formal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council – 27 May

• Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) – 28 May

• Formal Competitiveness (Space) – 28 May

Responsibility for Competitiveness Council in its Research and Innovation formation now lies with the

Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

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Scheduled Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) meetings

• Formal Council – 2 March

• Formal Council – 20 May

• Formal Council – 20 June

Scheduled Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs meetings

• Informal Council VC – 22/23 February

• Formal (Employment and Social Policy) Council – 15 March

• Formal (Employment and Social Policy) Council – 14 June

3.2. Overview of key issues likely to arise in relevant Councils during the

Portuguese Presidency

Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry)

COVID-19 has demonstrated even more strongly the importance of the single market and of a

robust European Industrial Strategy. In order to increase European competitiveness, it is

essential to strengthen the single market in all its dimensions, with a special focus on SMEs.

The Portuguese Presidency will continue to focus on restoring and improving the Single

Market post crisis. The Presidency also intends to prioritise initiatives that will deliver a

future-proof digital framework, through the Digital Services Act and Digital Market Act.

The Presidency will prioritise the forthcoming review of the 2020 European industrial

strategy, contributing to strong and environmentally sustainable European industries, based

on innovation, added value, investment and reducing dependence on third countries, in

particular with regard to critical goods and technologies. The Portuguese Presidency intends

to follow up on the White Paper on Foreign Subsidies.

SMEs will also be the focus of the Presidency, notably in the debate on adapting the

regulatory framework for SMEs to today’s reality, which should stimulate digitalisation, the

uptake of advanced technologies and new, more efficient business models, as well as

participation in global value chains and human resources development.

Competitiveness Council (Space)

The Portuguese Presidency will focus on two blocks of work:

- Finalising regulatory aspects of the work programme including adoption of the Space

Regulation agreed in December 2020; and

- Adopting Council Conclusions on “European New Space for People”, which will

promote action to support the realisation of opportunities that the New Space

economy presents to Europe.

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Competitiveness Council (Research)

It falls to the Portuguese Presidency to conclude negotiations on Horizon Europe and other

research and innovation related programmes with the European Parliament.

The Presidency plans to get agreement at the Council meeting in May on the Commission’s

proposals for a package of European research and innovation partnerships. It also plans to

start negotiations on agreements with countries that want to associate to Horizon Europe.

The Presidency will also prepare Council Conclusions on promoting attractive research

careers for adoption at the May Council meeting.

Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)

EU trade policy will play a crucial role in overcoming the health and economic consequences

of the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end the conclusion to the EU’s Trade Policy Review

which we anticipate under the Portuguese Presidency can serve to set a framework to build a

stronger EU, based on reaping the benefits of openness for our businesses, workers and

consumers, while protecting them from unfair practices and building up EU resilience to be

better equipped for future challenges. It must be primarily concerned with economic growth

and good jobs, particularly as we strive for growth in the post pandemic period.

Given the very substantial challenges faced by the WTO and the global economy in the

COVID-19, the Portuguese Presidency will work to progress European leadership in

consolidating an open, rules-based system of international trade, promoting a strong and fair

trade agenda, with the WTO at its core. The strengthening of dialogue with the new

Administration of the United States, a strategic partner in all fields, is identified as a key

priority, with a view to developing the full potential of transatlantic relations. Under the

Portuguese Presidency the EU will take an active part in preparing the 6th EU-African Union

Summit, with a view to consolidating a mutually fruitful partnership. Dialogue and

cooperation with India in the political, economic and commercial fields will be a priority,

including the hosting of the EU-India Summit involving a meeting of European Leaders with

the Indian Prime Minister, in May, in Porto. The Portuguese Presidency will also continue

work on existing EU FTAs, as well as the trade and sustainable development agenda and on

the future partnership between the EU and the United Kingdom, respecting the interests of

the Union and the Member States.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs

Employment & Social Policy Matters:

The Portuguese Presidency has signalled a very extensive and ambitious programme in the

EPSCO area, with a Social Summit on 7-8 May in Porto set to take centre stage and a

highlight of their Presidency. The implementation of the Pillar of Social Rights on foot to the

Commission Action Plan for the Pillar will be the central focus of the Summit, with particular

attention being paid to the areas of employment, qualifications and social protection.

The Presidency will prioritise the proposal for a Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages in

the EU and hopes to achieve a Council General Approach on the file by June. In respect of

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protecting and supporting workers for upcoming transition, Presidency will reflect on the

Future of Work, and present Council Conclusion on this topic.

The Presidency will also prioritise the new European Strategy on Safety and Health at Work,

which is a topic of paramount importance in the context of the response to the pandemic and

will continue to progress the proposal for a Directive on Carcinogens and Mutagens at work

(4th batch) with a view to getting political agreement on the file by June.

The Portuguese Presidency will also prioritise the adoption of a Recommendation on a Child

Guarantee - which aims to ensure that all children in Europe who are at risk of poverty, social

exclusion and are deprived have access to essential and quality services. It hopes to reach

political agreement on this file in June.

Other priorities include Council Conclusions on Mainstreaming ageing in public policies -

aimed at protecting older people, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of COVID-19

on senior citizens; establishing a European Platform on Homelessness and the planned

introduction of a New European Disability Strategy, designed to empower people with

disabilities to exercise their rights.

for the Digital Age

13

Part II - Oireachtas Scrutiny Proposals July – December 2020

14

COM

Number

Subject Section Date

Examined by

Committee

Current Update on Proposal

COM (20) 253 White Paper on levelling the playing field

as regards foreign subsidies

EU Affairs

Not examined The Commission’s next steps in relation to foreign

subsidies are being informed by submissions

received during the public consultation that

accompanied the White Paper. These submissions

are currently being considered by the Commission

and legislative proposal are expected during the

first half of 2021

COM (20) 254 Proposal for a Council Decision on the

conclusion of the agreement amending the

Interim Partnership Agreement between the

European Community, of the one part, and

the Pacific States, of the other part, to take

account of the accession of the Independent

State of Samoa and of future accessions of

other Pacific Island States

Trade Policy

01/12/2020

Agreed – no

further

scrutiny

required

All Member State delegations agreed, via a written

procedure (initiated by CM 4580/20) which

concluded on the 18th November 2020, to forward

the draft Council Decision set out in documents ST

11657/20 INIT and ST 11669/20 INIT to the

European Parliament for its consent.


position to be taken on behalf of the

European Union in the Joint Committee

established by the Agreement between the


the Government of Denmark and the Home

Government of the Faroe Islands, of the

other part, as regards the adoption of the

amendments to Protocols 1 and 4 to the

Agreement

Trade Policy

01/12/2020

Agreed – no

further

scrutiny

required

Adopted by Council on 24/07/2020 and published

in the Official Journal of the European Union on

29/07/2020.

Council Decision (EU) 2020/1115 of 24 July 2020,

OJ L 244 page 16

15


position to be taken, on behalf of the

European Union, in the Trade Committee

established under the Interim Partnership

Agreement between the European

Community, of the one part, and the Pacific

States, of the other part, as regards the

amendment to be made to the Agreement to

take account of the accession of the

Independent State of Samoa

Trade Policy

Unit

01/12/2020

Agreed- no

further

scrutiny

required

Adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on the 7th

December 2020.

Council Decision (EU) 2020/2060 of 7 December

2020.

OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 23–24.

No transposition required.

COM (20) 319 Proposal for a Council Decision Amending

Decision 2003/76/EC establishing the

measures necessary for the implementation

of the Protocol, annexed to the Treaty

establishing the European Community, on

the financial consequences of the expiry of

the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund

for Coal and Steel

Innovation,

Research and

Development

Policy

Not examined The proposed Council Decision has not yet been

adopted. It is under consideration by the Council

preparatory body – the Research Working Party.

COM (20) 320 Proposal for a Council Decision amending

Decision 2008/376/EC on the adoption of

the Research Programme of the Research

Fund for Coal and Steel and on the

multiannual technical guidelines for this

programme

Innovation,

Research and

Development

Policy




COM (20) 321 Proposal for a Council Decision amending

Decision 2003/77/EC laying down

multiannual financial guidelines for

managing the assets of the ECSC in

liquidation and, on completion of the

liquidation, the Assets of the Research

Fund for Coal and Steel

Innovation,

Research and

Development

Policy




16


AIEM tax applicable in the Canary Islands

State Aid

Not examined Council Decision adopted 16th November 2020

COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2020/1792 of 16th

November 2020

OJ L 402 p. 13-20

No transposition required



European Union in the Trade Committee



Community, of the one part, and the Pacific

States, of the other part, as regards the

amendment of certain provisions of

Protocol II concerning the definition of the

concept of 'originating products' and

methods of administrative cooperation

Trade Policy

01/12/2020

Agreed - no

further

scrutiny

required

Adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 7th

December 2020.


2020.

OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 21–22.

No transposition required


position to be adopted, on behalf of the

European Union, in the Trade Committee



Community, on the one part, and the

Pacific States, on the other part, as regard

the establishment of the Rules of Procedure

of the Trade Committee and the Rules of

Procedure of the Special Committees

Trade Policy

01/12/2020

Agreed - no

further

scrutiny

required

Adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 7th

December 2020.


2020.

OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 25–26.


17



European Union as regards the

amendments to the Annexes of the

European Agreement concerning the

International Carriage of Dangerous Goods

by Road (ADR) and to the Annexed

Regulations to the European Agreement

concerning the International Carriage of

Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways

(ADN)

Safety Health

and Chemical

Policy

08/12/2020

Agreed - no

further

scrutiny

required

This is now Directive (EU) 2020/1833, dated of2

October 2020 with a transposition date of 30 June

2021

COM (20) 496 Proposal for a Regulation of the European

Parliament and of the Council on the

elimination of customs duties on certain

products

Trade Policy

08/12/2020

Agreed – no

further

scrutiny

required

Adopted by Council and European Parliament on

16 December 2020 and published in the Official

Journal of the European Union on 18th December

2020.

Regulation (EU) 2020/2131 of The European

Parliament and of The Council of 16th December

2020. OJ L 430, 18.12.2020, p. 1–4

No transposition Required

COM (20) 569 Proposal for a Council Regulation on

establishing the European High

Performance Computing Joint Undertaking

Innovation

Research and

Development

Policy

Not examined The proposal has not yet been adopted. It is under

consideration by the Council preparatory body – the

Research Working Party.

18

COM (20) 571 Proposal for a Directive of the European

Parliament and of the Council amending

Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of

workers from the risks related to exposure

to carcinogens or mutagens at work.

Safety Health

and Chemical

Policy

03/11/2020

Agreed - no

further

scrutiny

required

The proposal which has not yet been adopted, is due

to be an AOB item at the EPSCO in March –

Information from the Presidency.


signing, on behalf of the European Union,

and provisional application of the

Agreement amending the Interim

Partnership Agreement between the


the Pacific States, of the other part, as

regards the accessions of the Independent

State of Samoa and the Solomon Islands,

and of future accessions of other Pacific

Island States

Trade Policy

08/12/2020

Agreed – no

further

scrutiny

required

All Member State delegations agreed, via a written

procedure (initiated by CM 4580/20) which

concluded on the 18th November 2020, to the

adoption of the Council Decision as set out in

documents ST 11656/20 INIT and ST 11669 INIT.

Not yet published in the Official Journal of the

European Union.



position to be taken, on behalf of the EU, in

the Joint Council established under the

Economic Partnership Agreement between

the European Union and its Member States,

of the one part, and the SADC EPA States,

of the other part, as regards the adjustment

of certain reference quantities contained in

Annex IV of the EPA

Trade Policy

08/12/2020

Agreed – no

further

scrutiny

required

Adopted by the European Council on 30 November

2020 (via written procedure initiated by CM

4939/20.

Council Decision (EU) 2020/1831 of 30 November

2020.

OJ L 409, 4.12.2020, p. 36–37.


19



European Union in the Joint Committee

established under the Agreement between

the European Union and Japan for an

Economic Partnership regarding the

amendment of Appendices 2-C-1 and 2-C-

2 to Annex 2-C on Motor Vehicles and

Parts

Trade Policy

08/12/2020

Agreed-no

further

scrutiny

required

Adopted on 20th November 2020 by written

procedure as Council Decision (EU) 2020/1747.

The Council Decision approves the position to be

taken by the EU at the Joint Committee established

under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership. The

Joint Committee meets annually and has not met

since the Council decision was adopted.

COM (20) 682 Proposal for a Directive of the European

Parliament and of the Council on adequate

minimum wages in the European Union

Labour

Market &

Skills

15/12/2020

Agreed - no

further

scrutiny

required

The proposal is still being considered by the Social

Questions Working Party. At this early stage of

negotiations it is not yet known when the proposal

may be adopted.

20

COM (20) 692 Proposal for a Regulation of the European

Parliament and of the Council amending

Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 by

granting a Union General Export

Authorisation for the export of certain

dual-use items from the Union to the

United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland

Trade

Licensing

08/12/2020

Agreed - no

further

scrutiny

required

Regulation (EU) 2020/2171 of the European

Parliament and of the Council was adopted on 16

December 2020. As an EU Regulation, 2020/2171

has direct effect in all Member States.



European Union within the General

Council of the World Trade Organisation

as regards the adoption of a decision

exempting certain purchases of foodstuffs

from application of export prohibitions or

restrictions

Trade Policy

Has yet to be

examined

Adopted by Council on 04/12/2020 and published

in the Official Journal of the European Union on

11/12/2020.


2020, OJ L 419 page 16

COM (20) 708 Proposal for a Council Regulation

amending Regulation (EU) No 1388/2013

opening and providing for the management

of autonomous tariff quotas of the Union

for certain agricultural and industrial

products

Inward

Investment

Not examined No further scrutiny required. Regulation came into

effect EU-wide on 1st January 2021. This

regulation is updated twice a year – January and

July - to include new suspensions and delete old

ones and operates in tandem with 1388/2013.

21

COM (2020)

737

Proposal for a Council Regulation

amending Regulation (EU) No 1387/2013

suspending the autonomous Common

Customs Tariff duties on certain

agricultural and industrial products

Inward

Investment

Not examined No further scrutiny required. Regulation came into

effect EU-wide on 1st January 2021. This

regulation is updated twice a year – January and

July - to include new quotas and delete old ones and

operates in tandem with 1387/2013.

report of the department of enterprise, trade and

Documents