Greek Presidency’s boat sails already in full speed, even if its six-month journey has just begun.
Check out a comprehensive list of agreements achieved so far in close collaboration with all EU member states and EU institutions.
For citizens and enterprises
Political agreement with the European Parliament on a draft directive recasting rules on Deposit Guarantee Schemes
Important because…
The adoption of the agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on the recast Directive on Deposit Guarantee Schemes (DGS) constitutes an essential instrument for strengthening financial stability and confidence for credit institutions in the EU internal market. It preserves the coverage level of € 100,000 per depositor and per bank, harmonizing the framework for DGS across the European Union and ensuring a uniform, high level of protection for depositors in all member states.
Directive on mortgage credits
Important because...
The directive sets out to create an efficient and competitive single market for the benefit of consumers, creditors and credit intermediaries. It seeks to establish a high level of protection whilst addressing irresponsible lending and borrowing which has contributed to increased numbers of unaffordable loans, defaults and foreclosures throughout the EU. By ensuring that mortgage credit markets operate in a responsible manner, the text also seeks to promote financial stability.
Regulation creating a European Account Preservation Order
Important because…
In a tough economic climate, it is vital for member states economies to be able to provide citizens and businesses alike with a significant procedural tool that can help them recover their cross-border claims in a quick and efficient manner.
Enhancing cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES)
Important because...
The establishment of a PES network is a positive contribution to the ongoing efforts to make existing structures more effective in tackling the unemployment crisis at a time when it has reached high levels in most member states.
Political agreement with the European Parliament on updated rules for markets in financial instruments
Important because...
It constitutes an important step aimed at establishing a safer, sounder, more transparent and more responsible financial system, given that, with the revised rules, the EU acquires a significant tool to reduce systemic risk and to ensure financial markets stability as well as adequate investor protection.
Agreement on amending Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 ("Brussels I Regulation")
Important because…
It is a significant step forward in implementing the new EU patent law and the rules on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of the respective judgments.
Provisional agreement on a new directive on electronic invoicing in public procurement
Important because…
The directive will contribute to improving the functioning of the internal market by reducing the obstacles to entering the market, especially for SMEs, and by solving the problem of the compatibility of different e-invoicing systems in various member states.
Agreement on new framework for radio equipment
Important because...
The draft directive lays down harmonised rules for placing radio equipment on the internal market. The new rules aim to keep pace with the growing number and variety of radio equipment devices and ensure that they do not interfere with each other and respect essential health and safety requirements. Interoperability between radio equipment and accessories such as chargers should simplify the use of radio equipment and reduce unnecessary waste and costs.
Agreement for the safety of pressure equipment in the internal market
Important because…
The directive aims at reinforcing and simplifying the market surveillance for the free movement of pressure equipment in the internal market. The new directive is in line with the Single Market Act, which stressed the need to restore consumer confidence in the quality of products on the market and the importance of reinforcing market surveillance.
EU Trade policy
Agreement on the Trade Enforcement Regulation
Important because…
The EU shall soon possess the mechanism to take measures against third countries that violate obligations stemming from international multi- and bilateral trade agreements of which the EU is a signatory.
Fisheries industry
Provisional Agreement on the financing of the new Common Fisheries Policy
Important because…
The tentative agreement sets the ground for the timely adoption of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund regulation, which is a prerequisite for the smooth funding of policies and measures under the reformed Common Fisheries Policy and the planning of fisheries operational programmes for the 2014-2020 period.
Quality of life
Agreement on updated rules for the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports
Important because…
Noise is a significant issue for the people living in the vicinity of airports. It is important for the EU to have rules harmonizing the decision-making process on noise-restriction measures, across the Union.
Regulation for CO2 emissions reduction from new light commercial vehicles
Important because...
From 2020, a target of 147 g CO2/km is set for the average emissions of new light commercial vehicles registered in the Union. In view of the link between CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, reducing CO2 emissions from light commercial vehicles will also contribute to reducing fuel consumption and related costs for owners of such vehicles in a cost-effective manner.
Financing of EU policies
Unanimous political agreement within the Council on the legislative package of own resources
Important because…
With the unanimous political agreement, within the Council of EU, on the legislative package of own resources, related to the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2014 -20, the prompt and steady financing of the EU policies is assured.
Space policy
Agreement on protection of satellites and space infrastructures
Important because…
Space infrastructures are increasingly threatened by collision risks due to the growing
population of satellites and the amount of space debris. The EU has a strong interest
in building a space situational awareness capability to ensure the protection of space and ground infrastructure it owns and uses for the benefit of its member states.
Non-EU nationals
Agreement on list of non-EU countries exempt from the visa requirement
Important because…
The evolving nature of the EU's visa policy and the increased need to ensure more
coherence between visa policy and other EU policies justify that some additional criteria be taken into account when reviewing the lists of non-EU countries subject to or exempt from the visa requirement.
Seasonal workers directive
Important because...
The directive as agreed sets out fair and transparent rules for entry and stay of seasonal workers who are not EU citizens. It also lays down a common set of rights to which seasonal workers are entitled to during their stay in the EU in order to avoid their economic and social exploitation. At the same time, it provides for incentives and safeguards to prevent temporary stays from becoming permanent. Member states will keep the right to determine the volumes of admission and will have the possibility to reject applications if EU workers are available.
Culture
Agreement on establishing a Union Action for the European Capitals of Culture (2020-2033)
Important because…
To better promote mutual understanding between European citizens, to strengthen the feeling of European citizenship and forge a common identity, this agreement paves the way for the continuation of one of the most successful EU initiatives, highlighting the richness of European cultures, in both their diversity and shared features.
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