Ulkoasiainministeriö E-KIRJE UM2014-01042 KEO-10 Malinen Anna(UM) 02.09.2014 JULKINEN VASTAANOTTAJA: Suuri valiokunta Ulkoasiainvaliokunta Asia E-kirje: Komission delegoidut säädökset neuvoston asetuksen (EY) no. 1528/2007 ja 527/2013 muuttamisesta (ns. markkinoillepääsyasetus) U/E/ UTP-tunnus EUTORI-tunnus Ohessa lähetetään perustuslain 97 :n mukaisesti selvitys komission ehdotuksesta delegoiduiksi säädöksiksi neuvoston asetuksen (EY) no. 1528/2007 ja 527/2013 muuttamisesta (ns. markkinoillepääsyasetus). Osastopäällikkö Pekka Puustinen LIITTEET Perusmuistio Viite
2(2) Asiasanat Hoitaa Tiedoksi ACP/LOME -maat, alueelliset kauppakysymykset, kauppa ja kehitys, vapaakauppasopimusneuvottelut, markkinoillepääsy UM EUE, LVM, MMM, OKM, OM, TEM, TULLI, VM, VNK, YM
Ulkoasiainministeriö PERUSMUISTIO UM2014-01043 KEO-10 Malinen Anna(UM) 20.08.2014 Asia E-kirje: Komission delegoidut säädökset neuvoston asetuksen (EY) no. 1528/2007 ja 527/2013 muuttamisesta (ns. markkinoillepääsyasetus) Kokous U/E/UTP-tunnus Käsittelyvaihe ja jatkokäsittelyn aikataulu Komissio on 28. heinäkuuta julkaissut delegoidut säädökset C(2014) 5210, C(2014) 5214 ja C(2014) 5274, joissa esitetään Länsi-Afrikan ja SADC- maiden (Ghana, Norsunluurannikko, Namibia, Botswana, Swazimaa) sekä Kamerunin ja Fidzhin liittämistä takaisin ns. markkinoillepääsyasetuksen (MAR) piiriin 1.10.2014 alkaen. Säädökset ovat neuvoston hiljaisessa menettelyssä 4. syyskuuta asti, jonka jälkeen ne menevät I/A kohtana Coreperiin 10.9. ja hyväksytään neuvostossa 25.9.2014. Tämän jälkeen Euroopan parlamentin tulee hyväksyä ne. Suomen kanta Suomi pitää tärkeänä, että neuvosto ja Euroopan parlamentti hyväksyvät ehdotetut delegoidut säädökset kirjallisessa menettelyssä ilman muutoksia mahdollisimman nopeasti, jotta AKT-maiden tulliton markkinoillepääsy jatkuisi mahdollisimman pienin häiriöin. Pääasiallinen sisältö EU- maiden entisinä siirtomaina Afrikan, Karibian ja Tyynenmeren (AKT-) maiden tuotteet ovat päässeet perinteisesti EU:n markkinoille alennetuin tullein tai tullitta. Järjestely on mahdollistettu WTO:n poikkeusluvilla. Viimeisin WTO:n poikkeuslupa umpeutui vuoden 2007 lopussa ja siihen mennessä EPA-neuvotteluryhmien olisi tullut neuvotella Maailman kauppajärjestön (WTO) sääntöjen mukaiset kauppaa vastavuoroisesti vapauttavat talouskumppanuussopimukset. Ainoastaan Karibian neuvotteluryhmän kanssa saatiin neuvoteltua alueelliselta ja sisällölliseltä kattavuudeltaan laaja talouskumppanuussopimus (EPA, Economic Partnership Agreement) aikarajaan mennessä. Jotta muiden AKT-maiden pääsy EU:n markkinoille ei olisi heikentynyt poikkeusluvan umpeuduttua, EU tarjosi niille vuoden 2007 lopussa väliaikaisratkaisuna ns. ensivaiheen EPA:aa, koskien tavarakaupan vastavuoroista vapauttamista. Yksipuolista markkinoillepääsyä EU-markkinoille jatkettiin
2(5) väliaikaisratkaisuna ns. markkinoillepääsyasetuksen( (EY) no. 1528/2007) turvin, ehdollistettuna sopimusten ratifioinnille kohtuullisen ajan kuluttua. Kun yli viisi vuotta markkinoillepääsyasetuksesta oli kulunut ja suuri osa AKT-maista ei kuitenkaan edennyt sopimusten ratifiointiprosessissa, tulkitsi EU kohtuullisen ajan kuluneen ja asetti neuvoston ja Euroopan parlamentin yhteispäätöksellä toukokuussa 2013 neuvotteluiden takarajaksi 1.10.2014 muuttamalla markkinoillepääsyasetusta niin, että maat jotka eivät ole ratifioineet EPA:aa tai ensivaiheen EPA:aa 1.10.2014 mennessä, eivät voi enää saada yksipuolista tullitonta pääsyä EU:n markkinoille. Tämä koski käytännössä 8 maata (Ghana, Norsunluurannikko, Botswana, Namibia, Swazimaa, Kamerun, Kenia ja Fidzhi), sillä LDC-maiden tulliton markkinoillepääsy jatkuu EU:n yleiseen tullietuusjärjestelmään (GSP, generalized system of preferences) sisältyvän EBA-kohtelun (Everything but Arms) turvin. MAR- asetus mahdollistaa maiden ottamisen takaisin asetuksen piiriin sitten, kun ne ovat toimeenpanneet riittäviä toimia sopimusten ratifioinniksi ja voimaansaattamiseksi. MARasetuksen artiklat 2 (2) ja 24a mahdollistavat delegoitujen säädösten käytön tällaisessa tilanteessa. EPA-neuvotteluissa on saavutettu huomattavia edistysaskeleita kevään ja kesän aikana. Neuvottelut on saatu päätökseen kahden neuvotteluryhmän kanssa. Länsi-Afrikka (ECOWAS) hyväksyi neuvottelutuloksen 10.7.2014 ja Eteläisen Afrikan (SADC) kanssa neuvottelut saatiin päätökseen 15.7.2014. Tämän lisäksi Kamerun ilmoitti ratifioivansa ns. ensivaiheen interim EPA-sopimuksen ja Fidzhi aloittavansa interim EPA-sopimuksen toimeenpanon. Viimeaikainen edistyminen EPA-neuvotteluissa tarkoittaa, että seitsemän edellä mainituista kahdeksasta maasta täyttävät nyt MAR- asetuksen vaatimukset ja ne tulisi liittää uudelleen asetuksen piiriin sopimusten ratifiointiprosessin ajaksi. Kenian kohdalla joudutaan vielä odottamaan EAC-ryhmän kanssa käytävien neuvottelujen etenemistä. Komissio on julkaissut delegoidut säädökset C(2014) 5210, C(2014) 5214 ja C(2014) 5274, joissa se esittää Länsi-Afrikan ja SADC- maiden (Ghana, Norsunluurannikko, Namibia, Botswana, Swazimaa) sekä Kamerunin ja Fidzhin liittämistä takaisin MARasetuksen piiriin 1.10.2014 alkaen. MAR- asetuksen artiklan 2 (3) asettamien ehtojen mukaisesti maiden tulee saattaa loppuun sopimuksen ratifiointiprosessit 1.10.2016 mennessä tai komissio tulee jälleen esittämään niiden poistamista MAR- asetuksen piiristä. Delegoidut säädökset ovat neuvoston hiljaisessa menettelyssä 4. syyskuuta asti, jonka jälkeen ne menevät I/A kohtana Coreperiin 10.9. ja hyväksytään neuvostossa 25.9.2014. Tämän jälkeen Euroopan parlamentin tulee hyväksyä ne. EU:n oikeuden mukainen oikeusperusta/päätöksentekomenettely Komissio ehdottaa asetuksen oikeusperustaksi SEUT 290, jonka mukaan komissiolle voidaan siirtää valta antaa muita kuin lainsäätämisjärjestyksessä hyväksyttäviä, soveltamisalaltaan yleisiä säädöksiä, joilla täydennetään tai muutetaan lainsäätämisjärjestyksessä hyväksytyn säädöksen tiettyjä, muita kuin sen keskeisiä osia. Säädösvallan siirron nojalla annettu säädös voi tulla voimaan ainoastaan, jos Euroopan parlamentti tai neuvosto ei vastusta sitä lainsäätämisjärjestyksessä hyväksyttävässä säädöksessä asetetun määräajan kuluessa.
3(5) Käsittely Euroopan parlamentissa Delegoitu säädös voi tulla voimaan ainoastaan, jos Euroopan parlamentti tai neuvosto ei vastusta sitä lainsäätämisjärjestyksessä hyväksyttävässä säädöksessä asetetun määräajan kuluessa. Euroopan parlamentti tekee ratkaisunsa jäsentensä enemmistöllä. Kansallinen valmistelu EU2- jaosto Ulkosuhdejaosto Eduskuntakäsittely Markkinoillepääsyasetuksen (EY) N:o 1528/2007 muutoksesta on tiedotettu eduskuntaa E-kirjeitse 25.5.2012 (E 58/2012 vp, jatkokirjelmä 1. UM 11.03.2013 vp). Alkuperäisestä markkinoillepääsyasetuksesta (EY) N:o 1528/2007 on annettu eduskunnalle selvitys E-kirjeitse 18.12.2007 (E 126/2007 vp). EPA-sopimuksista on annettu eduskunnalle U-kirjelmät 12.6.2008 (U 31/2008 vp), 16.10.2008 (U 51/2008 vp), 29.1.2009 (U 85/2008 vp) ja Karibian EPA-sopimuksesta hallituksen esitys 17.9.2010 (HE 142/2010 vp). GSP asetuksen uudistuksesta on annettu eduskunnalle U-kirjelmä 24.11.2011 (U 51/2011 vp), jota on täydennetty u-jatkokirjelmällä 4.9.2012. Kansallinen lainsäädäntö, ml. Ahvenanmaan asema Valtioneuvoston arvion mukaan delegoidut säädökset eivät sisällä lainsäädännön alaan kuuluvia määräyksiä, koska niillä muutettaisiin ainoastaan alkuperäisen markkinoillepääsyasetuksen liitettä, jossa luetellaan ne valtiot, jotka asetuksen mukaan pääsevät hyötymään tulli- ja kiintiövapaasta markkinoillepääsystä. Taloudelliset vaikutukset Mahdolliset taloudelliset vaikutukset kohdistuvat ensisijaisesti AKT-maiden EU-vientiin, mikäli EPA-sopimuksia ei ratifioida asetettavaan määräaikaan mennessä. Erityisesti ylemmän keskitulon maiden vientiedut EU:n markkinoille heikkenisivät, koska niistä peräisin olevasta tuonnista perittäisiin tullimaksut, mikäli ne eivät ratifioi EPAsopimusta. Muut asian käsittelyyn vaikuttavat tekijät Uusi yleistä tullietuusjärjestelmää (GSP) koskeva asetus julkaistiin 31.lokakuuta 2012. Uutta asetusta sovelletaan 1. tammikuuta 2014 alkaen. Yleisen GSP- menettelyn mukaisiin etuuksiin ovat jatkossa oikeutettuja kehitysmaat, joita Maailmanpankki ei ole
4(5) luokitellut korkean tulotason tai ylemmän keskitulotason maiksi, tai jotka eivät ole edunsaajina jossain muussa EU:n etuuskohteluun perustuvassa markkinoillepääsyjärjestelyssä, jonka tullietuudet ovat vähintään samantasoiset kuin GSP- järjestelmässä. Näin ollen mikäli Ghana, Norsunluurannikko, Botswana, Namibia, Swazimaa, Kamerun, ja Fidzhi eivät ratifioi EPA-sopimusta 1.10.2016 mennessä, niiltä perittäisiin normaalit tullit, jotka koskevat sellaisia maita, joilla ei ole mitään voimassa olevaa etuuskohtelua EU:n markkinoille (ns. Most Favoured Nation (MFN) -tulli) Kenian kohdalla MAR-asetuksen takaraja on tällä hetkellä 1.10.2014. Asiakirjat C(2014) 5274 final, C(2014) 5210 final, C(2014) 5214 final Laatijan ja muiden käsittelijöiden yhteystiedot Ulkoasiainministeriö / KEO-10 / Anna Malinen, p. 0295 351 603 Ulkoasiainministeriö / TUO-10 / Kent Wilska, p. 0295 351 522 EUTORI-tunnus Liitteet Viite
5(5) Asiasanat Hoitaa Tiedoksi
Council of the European Union Brussels, 28 July 2014 (OR. en) 12220/14 COVER NOTE From: date of receipt: 25 July 2014 To: No. Cion doc.: ACP 126 WTO 216 UD 185 DELACT 139 Secretary-General of the European Commission, signed by Mr Jordi AYET PUIGARNAU, Director Mr Uwe CORSEPIUS, Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union C(2014) 5210 final Subject: COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No /.. of 25.7.2014 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 38/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2014 amending certain regulations relating to the common commercial policy as regards the granting of delegated and implementing powers for the adoption of certain measures Delegations will find attached document C(2014) 5210 final. Encl.: C(2014) 5210 final 12220/14 BK/hp DG C 1 EN
EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 25.7.2014 C(2014) 5210 final COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No /.. of 25.7.2014 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 38/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2014 amending certain regulations relating to the common commercial policy as regards the granting of delegated and implementing powers for the adoption of certain measures EN EN
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 1. CONTEXT OF THE DELEGATED ACT Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 (Market Access Regulation) governs the EU duty-free quotafree import regime for 36 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that have negotiated Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU. The Market Access Regulation is a bridging solution for countries which have concluded negotiations on interim Economic Partnership Agreements but have not yet ratified them. In order to avoid a disruption in trade, the Regulation anticipates the duty-free quota-free access that the EU offers in these agreements while the countries concerned move towards ratification. To ensure that countries can swiftly be added into Annex I to the Market Access Regulation after they have concluded negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU, and pending entry into force thereof, the power to adopt delegated acts was delegated to the Commission in accordance with Articles 2(2) and 24a of the Market Access Regulation. Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'ivoire, Fiji, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Swaziland had not taken the necessary steps towards ratification of their respective Agreement. Consequently, in accordance with Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007, and in particular point (b) thereof, Annex I to that Regulation was amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Those countries ceased to be covered by the market access arrangement permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007, as from 1 October 2014. However, Botswana, Côte d'ivoire, Ghana, Namibia and Swaziland have now concluded negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU and meet, therefore, the condition of Article 2(2) of the Regulation. Consequently, Botswana, Côte d'ivoire, Ghana, Namibia and Swaziland shall be added to Annex I to the Market Access Regulation. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council. Following the date of application of the present Regulation, the addition of Botswana, Côte d'ivoire, Ghana, Namibia and Swaziland to Annex I to the Market Access Regulation will be subject to the conditions of Article 2(3) of the Regulation, in particular point (b) thereof. Therefore, the Commission will take appropriate action to remove from Annex I those countries which will not have ratified their agreement by 1 October 2016. 2. CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THE ACT In line with paragraph 4 of the Common Understanding on delegated acts between the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, appropriate and transparent consultations, including at expert level, have been carried out on this delegated act. EN 2 EN
3. LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE DELEGATED ACT Articles 2(2) and 24a of the Market Access Regulation empower the Commission to adopt a delegated act to amend Annex I to this Regulation so as to add states from the ACP Group of States which have concluded negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement. EN 3 EN
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No /.. of 25.7.2014 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 38/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2014 amending certain regulations relating to the common commercial policy as regards the granting of delegated and implementing powers for the adoption of certain measures THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 of 20 December 2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements 1, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 38/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2014 amending certain regulations relating to the common commercial policy as regards the granting of delegated and implementing powers for the adoption of certain measures, and in particular Article 2(2) thereof, Whereas: (1) The list of beneficiary countries of the EU duty-free quota-free import regime is established by Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 ("the Market Access Regulation"). (2) Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'ivoire, Fiji, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Swaziland had not taken the necessary steps towards ratification of their respective Agreement and will consequently, in accordance with Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007, and in particular point (b) thereof, cease to be covered by the market access arrangement permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007, as from 1 October 2014. This results from Regulation (EU) No 527/2013. (3) Côte d'ivoire and Ghana, and the European Union and its Member States, concluded negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement on 30.06.2014. (4) Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland, and the European Union and its Member States, concluded negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement on 15.07.2014. 1 OJ L 348 of 31.12.2007, p. 1 EN 4 EN
(5) The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 24a of Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 to amend Annex I to that Regulation so as to add regions or states from the ACP Group of States that have concluded negotiations on an agreement between the European Union and which meets the requirements of Article XXIV GATT 1994. (6) Following the date of application of this Regulation, the addition of Botswana, Côte d'ivoire, Ghana, Namibia and Swaziland to Annex I to the Market Access Regulation will be subject to the conditions of Article 2(3) of that Regulation and in particular point (b) thereof, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 Adding countries to Annex I In Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 the following countries are inserted: The Republic of Botswana; The Republic of Côte d'ivoire; The Republic of Ghana; The Republic of Namibia; The Kingdom of Swaziland. Article 2 Entry into force This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall apply from 1 October 2014. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Done at Brussels, 25.7.2014 For the Commission The President José Manuel BARROSO EN 5 EN
Council of the European Union Brussels, 28 July 2014 (OR. en) 12223/14 COVER NOTE From: date of receipt: 25 July 2014 To: No. Cion doc.: ACP 128 WTO 218 UD 187 DELACT 142 Secretary-General of the European Commission, signed by Mr Jordi AYET PUIGARNAU, Director Mr Uwe CORSEPIUS, Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union C(2014) 5214 final Subject: COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No /.. of 25.7.2014 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations Delegations will find attached document C(2014) 5214 final. Encl.: C(2014) 5214 final 12223/14 BK/hp DG C 1 EN
EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 25.7.2014 C(2014) 5214 final COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No /.. of 25.7.2014 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations EN EN
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 1. CONTEXT OF THE DELEGATED ACT Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 ( Market Access Regulation) governs the EU duty-free quotafree import regime for 36 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that concluded Economic Partnership Agreements in 2007. The Market Access Regulation was a bridging solution for the countries that had concluded Economic Partnership Agreements but not yet ratified them. In order to avoid a disruption in trade, the Regulation anticipated the duty-free quota-free access that the EU offered in these agreements while the 36 countries moved towards ratification. The Regulation was conceived as a temporary solution and not a permanent facility. More than five years of application had provided sufficient time for ratification or further negotiation. Therefore, Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 withdrew the Market Access Regulation for those countries that had not taken the necessary steps towards ratifying the Economic Partnership Agreements concluded with the EU by deleting them from Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007. To ensure that countries can swiftly be re-instated in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 after they have taken the necessary steps towards ratification of their respective Agreements, and pending entry into force thereof, the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union was delegated to the Commission. In this respect, the relevant Articles 2a and 2b of Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 will only apply from 1 October 2014 onwards. Fiji has now taken the necessary steps towards ratification of its Agreement and has notified the Council of the European Union accordingly. Consequently, Fiji shall be re-instated into Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council. 2. CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THE ACT In line with paragraph 4 of the Common Understanding on delegated acts between the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, appropriate and transparent consultations, including at expert level, have been carried out on this delegated act. 3. LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE DELEGATED ACT Articles 2a and 2b of the Market Access Regulation empower the Commission to adopt a delegated act to re-instate a signatory of an Economic Partnership Agreement into Annex I to this Regulation as soon as it has taken the necessary steps towards ratification of the Agreement. EN 2 EN
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No /.. of 25.7.2014 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 of 20 December 2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements 1, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations, and in particular Articles 2a and 2b thereof, Whereas: (1) The list of beneficiary countries of the EU duty-free quota-free import regime is established by Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 ("the Market Access Regulation"). (2) Negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreement ( the Agreement ) between the European Community, of the one part, and the Pacific States, of the other part, were concluded on 23 November 2007. (3) Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'ivoire, Fiji, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Swaziland had not taken the necessary steps towards ratification of their respective Agreement. Consequently, in accordance with Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007, and in particular point (b) thereof, Annex I to that Regulation was amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 2. Those countries ceased to be covered by the market access arrangement permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007, as from 1 October 2014. 1 2 OJ L 348 of 31.12.2007, p. 1. Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations (OJ L 165 of 18.6.2013, p. 59). EN 3 EN
(4) The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Articles 2a and 2b of Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 to amend Annex I to that Regulation by re-instating those countries which were removed pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 527/2013, as soon as those countries have taken the necessary steps towards ratification of their respective Agreements. (5) Fiji has taken the necessary steps towards ratification of its Agreement and informed the depository of the agreement of this fact on 17.07.2014, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 Re-instatement of a country into Annex I In Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 the following country is inserted: The Republic of the Fiji Islands. Article 2 This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall apply from 1 October 2014. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Done at Brussels, 25.7.2014 For the Commission The President José Manuel BARROSO EN 4 EN
Council of the European Union Brussels, 28 July 2014 (OR. en) 12275/14 COVER NOTE From: date of receipt: 25 July 2014 To: No. Cion doc.: ACP 130 WTO 220 UD 190 DELACT 144 Secretary-General of the European Commission, signed by Mr Jordi AYET PUIGARNAU, Director Mr Uwe CORSEPIUS, Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union C(2014) 5274 final Subject: COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No /.. of 25.7.2014 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations Delegations will find attached document C(2014) 5274 final. Encl.: C(2014) 5274 final 12275/14 BK/hp DG C 1 EN
EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 25.7.2014 C(2014) 5274 final COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No /.. of 25.7.2014 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations EN EN
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 1. CONTEXT OF THE DELEGATED ACT Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 ( Market Access Regulation) governs the EU duty-free quotafree import regime for 36 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that concluded Economic Partnership Agreements in 2007. The Market Access Regulation was a bridging solution for the countries that had concluded Economic Partnership Agreements but not yet ratified them. In order to avoid a disruption in trade, the Regulation anticipated the duty-free quota-free access that the EU offered in these agreements while the 36 countries moved towards ratification. The Regulation was conceived as a temporary solution and not a permanent facility. More than five years of application had provided sufficient time for ratification or further negotiation. Therefore, Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 withdrew the Market Access Regulation for those countries that had not taken the necessary steps towards ratifying the Economic Partnership Agreements concluded with the EU by deleting them from Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007. To ensure that countries can swiftly be re-instated in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 after they have taken the necessary steps towards ratification of their respective Agreements, and pending entry into force thereof, the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union was delegated to the Commission. In this respect, the relevant Articles 2a and 2b of Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 will only apply from 1 October 2014 onwards. Cameroon has now taken the necessary steps towards ratification of its Agreement and has notified the Council of the European Union accordingly. Consequently, Cameroon shall be reinstated into Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council. 2. CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THE ACT In line with paragraph 4 of the Common Understanding on delegated acts between the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, appropriate and transparent consultations, including at expert level, have been carried out on this delegated act. 3. LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE DELEGATED ACT Articles 2a and 2b of the Market Access Regulation empower the Commission to adopt a delegated act to re-instate a signatory of an Economic Partnership Agreement into Annex I to this Regulation as soon as it has taken the necessary steps towards ratification of the Agreement. EN 2 EN
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No /.. of 25.7.2014 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 of 20 December 2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements 1, as amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations, and in particular Articles 2a and 2b thereof, Whereas: (1) The list of beneficiary countries of the EU duty-free quota-free import regime is established by Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 ("the Market Access Regulation"). (2) Negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreement ( the Agreement ) between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Central Africa Party, of the other part, were concluded on 17 December 2007. (3) Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'ivoire, Fiji, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Swaziland had not taken the necessary steps towards ratification of their respective Agreement. Consequently, in accordance with Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007, and in particular point (b) thereof, Annex I to that Regulation was amended by Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 2. Those countries ceased to be covered by the market access arrangement permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007, as from 1 October 2014. 1 2 OJ L 348 of 31.12.2007, p. 1. Regulation (EU) No 527/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations (OJ L 165 of 18.6.2013, p. 59). EN 3 EN
(4) The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Articles 2a and 2b of Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 to amend Annex I to that Regulation by re-instating those countries which were removed pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 527/2013, as soon as those countries have taken the necessary steps towards ratification of their respective Agreements. (5) Cameroon has taken the necessary steps towards ratification of its Agreement and informed the depository of the agreement of this fact on 22.07.2014, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 Re-instatement of a country into Annex I In Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 the following country is inserted: The Republic of Cameroon. Article 2 This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall apply from 1 October 2014. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Done at Brussels, 25.7.2014 For the Commission The President José Manuel BARROSO EN 4 EN