Commission Decision (EU) 2025/1969 of 1 October 2025 on relief from import duties granted for goods to be distributed or made available free of charge to victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte (France), an outermost territory of the Union (notified under document C(2025) 6567)

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1969 2.10.2025
(1) On 14 December 2024, Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte (France), an outermost territory of the Union. That cyclone constitutes a disaster within the meaning of Chapter XVII, Section C (Articles 74 to 80), of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009. There is, therefore, reason to authorise duty-free importation of goods which satisfy the requirements set out in Articles 74 to 80 of that Regulation.
(2) On 24 December 2024, the French authorities requested authorisation to apply relief from customs duties on imported goods destined for the victims of Cyclone Chido. On 8 January 2025, further information was requested from France. France sent such information on 14 February and complemented it with additional information on 29 April 2025.
(3) On the basis of the information submitted by France, it is appropriate to grant France relief from import duties chargeable on goods imported for the purposes referred to in Article 74 of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009.
(4) In order to monitor importations for which the relief of import duties is granted and to ensure the correct application of this Decision, France should communicate the nature and quantities of the goods admitted free of import duties with a view to being distributed or made available free of charge to victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte (France).
(5) In order to ensure compliance with the conditions laid down in this Decision, prevent irregularities and protect the financial interests of the Union and of the Member States, France is to report to the Commission, within the deadline established by this Decision, risk management and customs controls applied in accordance with Article 46 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council(2)with respect to the release for free circulation and use of goods for which the relief from customs duties is granted.
(6) Taking into consideration the extreme challenges that Mayotte (France) has faced because of Cyclone Chido, relief from import duties should be granted in respect of importations made into France from 16 December 2024 to 16 June 2025.
(7) On 27 June 2025, the Member States were consulted in accordance with Article 76, first paragraph, of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009,
(a) the goods are intended for one of the following uses:(i)for distribution free of charge by the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c); for the benefit of the victims of the cyclone which occurred in Mayotte (France) in December 2024 (‘Cyclone Chido’);(ii)to be made available free of charge to the victims of Cyclone Chido while remaining the property of the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c); (i) for distribution free of charge by the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c); for the benefit of the victims of the cyclone which occurred in Mayotte (France) in December 2024 (‘Cyclone Chido’); (ii) to be made available free of charge to the victims of Cyclone Chido while remaining the property of the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c);
(i) for distribution free of charge by the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c); for the benefit of the victims of the cyclone which occurred in Mayotte (France) in December 2024 (‘Cyclone Chido’);
(ii) to be made available free of charge to the victims of Cyclone Chido while remaining the property of the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c);
(i) for distribution free of charge by the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c); for the benefit of the victims of the cyclone which occurred in Mayotte (France) in December 2024 (‘Cyclone Chido’);
(ii) to be made available free of charge to the victims of Cyclone Chido while remaining the property of the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c);
(b) the goods satisfy the requirements laid down in Articles 75, 78, 79 and 80 of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009;
(c) the goods are imported for release for free circulation (in France, including Mayotte) by, or on behalf of, State organisations including State bodies, public bodies and other bodies governed by public law or by, or on behalf, other charitable or philantropic organisations approved by the competent authorities of France, provided the goods are intended to be used in Mayotte (France).
(a) in consolidated form, regarding the goods admitted free of import duties pursuant to Article 1:(i)customs declaration number;(ii)acceptance date of the customs declaration;(iii)Combined Nomenclature code;(iv)Integrated Tariff of the European Communities code (TARIC);(v)net mass;(vi)supplementary unit, if applicable;(vii)value of the goods;(viii)duty rate;(ix)amount of uncollected duties;(x)origin of the goods;(xi)the titles of the bodies and organisations referred to in Article 1(1), point (c); (i) customs declaration number; (ii) acceptance date of the customs declaration; (iii) Combined Nomenclature code; (iv) Integrated Tariff of the European Communities code (TARIC); (v) net mass; (vi) supplementary unit, if applicable; (vii) value of the goods; (viii) duty rate; (ix) amount of uncollected duties; (x) origin of the goods; (xi) the titles of the bodies and organisations referred to in Article 1(1), point (c);
(i) customs declaration number;
(ii) acceptance date of the customs declaration;
(iii) Combined Nomenclature code;
(iv) Integrated Tariff of the European Communities code (TARIC);
(v) net mass;
(vi) supplementary unit, if applicable;
(vii) value of the goods;
(viii) duty rate;
(ix) amount of uncollected duties;
(x) origin of the goods;
(xi) the titles of the bodies and organisations referred to in Article 1(1), point (c);
(i) customs declaration number;
(ii) acceptance date of the customs declaration;
(iii) Combined Nomenclature code;
(iv) Integrated Tariff of the European Communities code (TARIC);
(v) net mass;
(vi) supplementary unit, if applicable;
(vii) value of the goods;
(viii) duty rate;
(ix) amount of uncollected duties;
(x) origin of the goods;
(xi) the titles of the bodies and organisations referred to in Article 1(1), point (c);
(b) a list of approved State organisations in charge of distributing and making available goods benefitting from the relief from duties to victims of the cyclone;
(c) the measures taken to ensure compliance with Articles 78, 79 and 80 of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009;
(d) the risk management and, where appropriate, customs control measures undertaken by France pursuant to Article 46 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, with regard to goods admitted free of import duties pursuant to Article 1 of this Decision.
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009 of 16 November 2009 setting up a Community system of reliefs from customs duty (1), and in particular Article 76, first paragraph, thereof,
Whereas:
(1) On 14 December 2024, Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte (France), an outermost territory of the Union. That cyclone constitutes a disaster within the meaning of Chapter XVII, Section C (Articles 74 to 80), of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009. There is, therefore, reason to authorise duty-free importation of goods which satisfy the requirements set out in Articles 74 to 80 of that Regulation.
(2) On 24 December 2024, the French authorities requested authorisation to apply relief from customs duties on imported goods destined for the victims of Cyclone Chido. On 8 January 2025, further information was requested from France. France sent such information on 14 February and complemented it with additional information on 29 April 2025.
(3) On the basis of the information submitted by France, it is appropriate to grant France relief from import duties chargeable on goods imported for the purposes referred to in Article 74 of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009.
(4) In order to monitor importations for which the relief of import duties is granted and to ensure the correct application of this Decision, France should communicate the nature and quantities of the goods admitted free of import duties with a view to being distributed or made available free of charge to victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte (France).
(5) In order to ensure compliance with the conditions laid down in this Decision, prevent irregularities and protect the financial interests of the Union and of the Member States, France is to report to the Commission, within the deadline established by this Decision, risk management and customs controls applied in accordance with Article 46 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) with respect to the release for free circulation and use of goods for which the relief from customs duties is granted.
(6) Taking into consideration the extreme challenges that Mayotte (France) has faced because of Cyclone Chido, relief from import duties should be granted in respect of importations made into France from 16 December 2024 to 16 June 2025.
(7) On 27 June 2025, the Member States were consulted in accordance with Article 76, first paragraph, of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
1. From 16 December 2024 to 16 June 2025, goods shall be admitted free of import duties as defined in Article 2(1), point (a), of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009, to France, where the following conditions are fulfilled:
(a) the goods are intended for one of the following uses:
(i) for distribution free of charge by the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c); for the benefit of the victims of the cyclone which occurred in Mayotte (France) in December 2024 (‘Cyclone Chido’);
(ii) to be made available free of charge to the victims of Cyclone Chido while remaining the property of the bodies and organisations referred to in point (c);
(b) the goods satisfy the requirements laid down in Articles 75, 78, 79 and 80 of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009;
(c) the goods are imported for release for free circulation (in France, including Mayotte) by, or on behalf of, State organisations including State bodies, public bodies and other bodies governed by public law or by, or on behalf, other charitable or philantropic organisations approved by the competent authorities of France, provided the goods are intended to be used in Mayotte (France).

2. The goods shall be admitted free from import duties as defined in Article 2(1), point (a), of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009 under the conditions set out in paragraph 1 of this Article where they are imported for release for free circulation and intended to be used by disaster relief agencies in order to meet the needs of those agencies.

By 31 October 2025, France shall communicate to the Commission the following information:

(a) in consolidated form, regarding the goods admitted free of import duties pursuant to Article 1:
(i) customs declaration number;
(ii) acceptance date of the customs declaration;
(iii) Combined Nomenclature code;
(iv) Integrated Tariff of the European Communities code (TARIC);
(v) net mass;
(vi) supplementary unit, if applicable;
(vii) value of the goods;
(viii) duty rate;
(ix) amount of uncollected duties;
(x) origin of the goods;
(xi) the titles of the bodies and organisations referred to in Article 1(1), point (c);
(b) a list of approved State organisations in charge of distributing and making available goods benefitting from the relief from duties to victims of the cyclone;
(c) the measures taken to ensure compliance with Articles 78, 79 and 80 of Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009;
(d) the risk management and, where appropriate, customs control measures undertaken by France pursuant to Article 46 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, with regard to goods admitted free of import duties pursuant to Article 1 of this Decision.

This Decision is addressed to the French Republic.
It shall apply from 16 December 2024.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/1967 of 16 September 2025 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the extension of the deadline for accession of Kazakhstan to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1967 29.9.2025
(1) The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the ‘Convention’) was concluded by the Union by Council Decision (EU) 2023/1075(1)with regard to the institutions and public administration of the Union, and by Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076(2)with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement, and entered into force for the Union on 1 October 2023. There are currently 39 Parties to the Convention, including the Union and 22 Member States.
(2) The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (the ‘Committee of Ministers’) is the Council of Europe’s decision-making body. Each of the 46 members of the Council of Europe is entitled to one representative on the Committee of Ministers, and each representative is entitled to one vote. All Member States are members of the Council of Europe and thus represented in the Committee of Ministers.
(3) Pursuant to Article 76(1) of the Convention, the Committee of Ministers may, after consultation of the Parties to the Convention and obtaining their unanimous consent, decide to invite a non-member State of the Council of Europe to accede to the Convention. Such decision requires a two-thirds majority of the Committee of Ministers and unanimous vote of the representatives of the Parties to the Convention entitled to sit on the Committee of Ministers.
(4) On 22 April 2020, the Committee of Ministers decided to invite Kazakhstan to accede to the Convention. Pursuant to that decision, the invitation was valid for five years from its adoption, that is until 23 April 2025.
(5) By a letter dated 3 April 2025, Kazakhstan requested an extension of the deadline for the accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention of two years, that is until 23 April 2027, to be able to complete its internal procedures.
(6) The Committee of Ministers, at its meeting in September 2025, is expected to adopt a decision granting Kazakhstan a two-year extension of the deadline for accession to the Convention.
(7) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the Committee of Ministers with regard to the extension of the deadline for accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention, as such extension could have legal effects upon the Union. The effect of the extension would be renewal of the expired invitation to Kazakhstan to accede to the Convention, and therefore could lead to the establishment of treaty relations between the Union and Kazakhstan in the framework of the Convention. The effects of the extension could also influence the way in which decisions are taken within the Committee of the Parties of the Convention.
(8) The accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention would be beneficial for the Union, since it would extend the Convention’s ambitious standards to that country. The Union’s position should therefore be to grant Kazakhstan the two-year extension of the deadline for the accession to the Convention in order for Kazakhstan to complete its internal procedures.
(9) As the Union is not a member of the Council of Europe, but all Member States are, the Union’s position is to be expressed by the Member States, acting jointly.
(10) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and to the Treaty on the Functioning of European Union (TFEU), and without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, Ireland is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application
(11) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 78(2), Article 82(2) and Article 84, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the ‘Convention’) was concluded by the Union by Council Decision (EU) 2023/1075 (1) with regard to the institutions and public administration of the Union, and by Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 (2) with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement, and entered into force for the Union on 1 October 2023. There are currently 39 Parties to the Convention, including the Union and 22 Member States.
(2) The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (the ‘Committee of Ministers’) is the Council of Europe’s decision-making body. Each of the 46 members of the Council of Europe is entitled to one representative on the Committee of Ministers, and each representative is entitled to one vote. All Member States are members of the Council of Europe and thus represented in the Committee of Ministers.
(3) Pursuant to Article 76(1) of the Convention, the Committee of Ministers may, after consultation of the Parties to the Convention and obtaining their unanimous consent, decide to invite a non-member State of the Council of Europe to accede to the Convention. Such decision requires a two-thirds majority of the Committee of Ministers and unanimous vote of the representatives of the Parties to the Convention entitled to sit on the Committee of Ministers.
(4) On 22 April 2020, the Committee of Ministers decided to invite Kazakhstan to accede to the Convention. Pursuant to that decision, the invitation was valid for five years from its adoption, that is until 23 April 2025.
(5) By a letter dated 3 April 2025, Kazakhstan requested an extension of the deadline for the accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention of two years, that is until 23 April 2027, to be able to complete its internal procedures.
(6) The Committee of Ministers, at its meeting in September 2025, is expected to adopt a decision granting Kazakhstan a two-year extension of the deadline for accession to the Convention.
(7) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the Committee of Ministers with regard to the extension of the deadline for accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention, as such extension could have legal effects upon the Union. The effect of the extension would be renewal of the expired invitation to Kazakhstan to accede to the Convention, and therefore could lead to the establishment of treaty relations between the Union and Kazakhstan in the framework of the Convention. The effects of the extension could also influence the way in which decisions are taken within the Committee of the Parties of the Convention.
(8) The accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention would be beneficial for the Union, since it would extend the Convention’s ambitious standards to that country. The Union’s position should therefore be to grant Kazakhstan the two-year extension of the deadline for the accession to the Convention in order for Kazakhstan to complete its internal procedures.
(9) As the Union is not a member of the Council of Europe, but all Member States are, the Union’s position is to be expressed by the Member States, acting jointly.
(10) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and to the Treaty on the Functioning of European Union (TFEU), and without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, Ireland is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application
(11) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf at the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in September 2025, shall be to support the extension of the deadline for the accession of Kazakhstan to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence until 23 April 2027.
The position referred to in Article 1 shall be expressed by the Member States that are members of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, acting jointly.
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/1966 of 16 September 2025 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the extension of the deadline for accession of Kazakhstan to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, with regard to matters related to institutions and public administration of the Union

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1966 29.9.2025
(1) The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the ‘Convention’) was concluded by the Union by Council Decision (EU) 2023/1075(1)with regard to the institutions and public administration of the Union, and by Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076(2)with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement, and entered into force for the Union on 1 October 2023. There are currently 39 Parties to the Convention, including the Union and 22 Member States.
(2) The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (the ‘Committee of Ministers’) is the Council of Europe’s decision-making body. Each of the 46 members of the Council of Europe is entitled to one representative on the Committee of Ministers, and each representative is entitled to one vote. All Member States are members of the Council of Europe and thus represented in the Committee of Ministers.
(3) Pursuant to Article 76(1) of the Convention, the Committee of Ministers may, after consultation of the Parties to the Convention and obtaining their unanimous consent, decide to invite a non-member State of the Council of Europe to accede to the Convention. Such decision requires a two-thirds majority of the Committee of Ministers and unanimous vote of the representatives of the Parties to the Convention entitled to sit on the Committee of Ministers.
(4) On 22 April 2020, the Committee of Ministers decided to invite Kazakhstan to accede to the Convention. Pursuant to that decision, the invitation was valid for five years from its adoption, that is until 23 April 2025.
(5) By a letter dated 3 April 2025, Kazakhstan requested an extension of the deadline for the accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention of two years, that is until 23 April 2027, to be able to complete its internal procedures.
(6) The Committee of Ministers, at its meeting in September 2025, is expected to adopt a decision granting Kazakhstan a two-year extension of the deadline for accession to the Convention.
(7) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the Committee of Ministers with regard to the extension of the deadline for accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention, as such extension could have legal effects upon the Union. The effect of the extension would be renewal of the expired invitation to Kazakhstan to accede to the Convention and therefore could lead to the establishment of treaty relations between the Union and Kazakhstan in the framework of the Convention. The effects of the extension could also influence the way in which decisions are taken within the Committee of the Parties of the Convention.
(8) The accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention would be beneficial for the Union since it would extend the Convention’s ambitious standards to that country. The Union’s position should therefore be to grant Kazakhstan the two-year extension of the deadline for the accession to the Convention in order for Kazakhstan to complete its internal procedures.
(9) As the Union is not a member of the Council of Europe but all Member States are, the Union’s position is to be expressed by the Member States, acting jointly,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 336, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the ‘Convention’) was concluded by the Union by Council Decision (EU) 2023/1075 (1) with regard to the institutions and public administration of the Union, and by Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 (2) with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement, and entered into force for the Union on 1 October 2023. There are currently 39 Parties to the Convention, including the Union and 22 Member States.
(2) The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (the ‘Committee of Ministers’) is the Council of Europe’s decision-making body. Each of the 46 members of the Council of Europe is entitled to one representative on the Committee of Ministers, and each representative is entitled to one vote. All Member States are members of the Council of Europe and thus represented in the Committee of Ministers.
(3) Pursuant to Article 76(1) of the Convention, the Committee of Ministers may, after consultation of the Parties to the Convention and obtaining their unanimous consent, decide to invite a non-member State of the Council of Europe to accede to the Convention. Such decision requires a two-thirds majority of the Committee of Ministers and unanimous vote of the representatives of the Parties to the Convention entitled to sit on the Committee of Ministers.
(4) On 22 April 2020, the Committee of Ministers decided to invite Kazakhstan to accede to the Convention. Pursuant to that decision, the invitation was valid for five years from its adoption, that is until 23 April 2025.
(5) By a letter dated 3 April 2025, Kazakhstan requested an extension of the deadline for the accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention of two years, that is until 23 April 2027, to be able to complete its internal procedures.
(6) The Committee of Ministers, at its meeting in September 2025, is expected to adopt a decision granting Kazakhstan a two-year extension of the deadline for accession to the Convention.
(7) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the Committee of Ministers with regard to the extension of the deadline for accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention, as such extension could have legal effects upon the Union. The effect of the extension would be renewal of the expired invitation to Kazakhstan to accede to the Convention and therefore could lead to the establishment of treaty relations between the Union and Kazakhstan in the framework of the Convention. The effects of the extension could also influence the way in which decisions are taken within the Committee of the Parties of the Convention.
(8) The accession of Kazakhstan to the Convention would be beneficial for the Union since it would extend the Convention’s ambitious standards to that country. The Union’s position should therefore be to grant Kazakhstan the two-year extension of the deadline for the accession to the Convention in order for Kazakhstan to complete its internal procedures.
(9) As the Union is not a member of the Council of Europe but all Member States are, the Union’s position is to be expressed by the Member States, acting jointly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf at the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in September 2025, shall be to support the extension of the deadline for the accession of Kazakhstan to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence until 23 April 2027.
The position referred to in Article 1 shall be expressed by the Member States that are members of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, acting jointly.
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/1965 of 22 September 2025 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1965 25.9.2025
(1) On 4 March 2024, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Iceland for an agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (the ‘Agreement’). The negotiations were successfully concluded by the initialling of the Agreement on 9 April 2025.
(2) The Agreement provides for the transfer of PNR data by air carriers from the Union to Iceland in full respect of the rights provided in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular the right to respect for private and family life and the right to the protection of personal data, recognised in Articles 7 and 8, respectively, thereof. In particular, the Agreement includes appropriate safeguards for the protection of personal data transferred under it.
(3) The Agreement fosters police and judicial cooperation between the competent authorities of Iceland and those of the Member States as well as Europol and Eurojust, with the aim to enhance their capabilities to strengthen the external borders of the Union and of Iceland, as well as to effectively ensure internal security in the absence of internal border controls within the Schengen area.
(4) In accordance with Article 3 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Ireland has notified, by letter of 29 July 2025, its wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Decision.
(5) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application,
(6) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council(1)and delivered its Opinion 15/2025 on 24 July 2025(2).
(7) Therefore, the Agreement should be signed,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 16(2) and Article 87(2), point (a), in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) On 4 March 2024, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Iceland for an agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (the ‘Agreement’). The negotiations were successfully concluded by the initialling of the Agreement on 9 April 2025.
(2) The Agreement provides for the transfer of PNR data by air carriers from the Union to Iceland in full respect of the rights provided in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular the right to respect for private and family life and the right to the protection of personal data, recognised in Articles 7 and 8, respectively, thereof. In particular, the Agreement includes appropriate safeguards for the protection of personal data transferred under it.
(3) The Agreement fosters police and judicial cooperation between the competent authorities of Iceland and those of the Member States as well as Europol and Eurojust, with the aim to enhance their capabilities to strengthen the external borders of the Union and of Iceland, as well as to effectively ensure internal security in the absence of internal border controls within the Schengen area.
(4) In accordance with Article 3 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Ireland has notified, by letter of 29 July 2025, its wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Decision.
(5) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application,
(6) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) and delivered its Opinion 15/2025 on 24 July 2025 (2).
(7) Therefore, the Agreement should be signed,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The signing of the Agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime is hereby authorised on behalf of the Union, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement (3).
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/1964 of 22 September 2025 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1964 25.9.2025
(1) On 4 March 2024, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the Kingdom of Norway (‘Norway’) for an agreement between the European Union and Norway on the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (the ‘Agreement’). The negotiations were successfully concluded by the initialling of the Agreement on 9 April 2025.
(2) The Agreement provides for the transfer of PNR data by air carriers from the Union to Norway in full respect of the rights provided in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular the right to respect for private and family life and the right to the protection of personal data, recognised in Articles 7 and 8, respectively, thereof. In particular, the Agreement includes appropriate safeguards for the protection of personal data transferred under it.
(3) The Agreement fosters police and judicial cooperation between the competent authorities of Norway and those of the Member States as well as Europol and Eurojust, with the aim to enhance their capabilities to strengthen the external borders of the Union and of Norway, as well as to effectively ensure internal security in the absence of internal border controls within the Schengen area.
(4) In accordance with Article 3 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Ireland has notified by letter of 29 July 2025, its wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Decision.
(5) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.
(6) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council(1)and delivered its Opinion 16/2025 on 24 July 2025(2).
(7) Therefore, the Agreement should be signed,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 16(2) and Article 87(2), point (a), in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) On 4 March 2024, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the Kingdom of Norway (‘Norway’) for an agreement between the European Union and Norway on the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (the ‘Agreement’). The negotiations were successfully concluded by the initialling of the Agreement on 9 April 2025.
(2) The Agreement provides for the transfer of PNR data by air carriers from the Union to Norway in full respect of the rights provided in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular the right to respect for private and family life and the right to the protection of personal data, recognised in Articles 7 and 8, respectively, thereof. In particular, the Agreement includes appropriate safeguards for the protection of personal data transferred under it.
(3) The Agreement fosters police and judicial cooperation between the competent authorities of Norway and those of the Member States as well as Europol and Eurojust, with the aim to enhance their capabilities to strengthen the external borders of the Union and of Norway, as well as to effectively ensure internal security in the absence of internal border controls within the Schengen area.
(4) In accordance with Article 3 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Ireland has notified by letter of 29 July 2025, its wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Decision.
(5) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.
(6) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) and delivered its Opinion 16/2025 on 24 July 2025 (2).
(7) Therefore, the Agreement should be signed,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The signing of the Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime is hereby authorised on behalf of the Union, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement (3).
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/1959 of 18 September 2025 appointing an alternate member, proposed by the Portuguese Republic, of the Committee of the Regions

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1959 24.9.2025
(1) Pursuant to Article 300(3) of the Treaty, the Committee of the Regions is to consist of representatives of regional and local bodies who either hold a regional or local authority electoral mandate or are politically accountable to an elected assembly.
(2) On 10 December 2024, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2025/71(2), appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2025 to 25 January 2030.
(3) An alternate member’s seat on the Committee of the Regions has become vacant following the end of the national mandate on the basis of which Mr Rogério DE ANDRADE GOUVEIA was proposed for appointment.
(4) The Portuguese Government has proposed Mr Duarte Nuno Nunes de Freitas, representative of a regional body who holds a regional authority electoral mandate,Secretário Regional das Finanças do Governo Regional da Madeira(Regional Secretary of Finance of the Regional Government of Madeira), as an alternate member of the Committee of the Regions for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2030.
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 305 thereof,
Having regard to Council Decision (EU) 2019/852 of 21 May 2019 determining the composition of the Committee of the Regions (1),
Having regard to the proposal of the Portuguese Government,
Whereas:
(1) Pursuant to Article 300(3) of the Treaty, the Committee of the Regions is to consist of representatives of regional and local bodies who either hold a regional or local authority electoral mandate or are politically accountable to an elected assembly.
(2) On 10 December 2024, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2025/71 (2), appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2025 to 25 January 2030.
(3) An alternate member’s seat on the Committee of the Regions has become vacant following the end of the national mandate on the basis of which Mr Rogério DE ANDRADE GOUVEIA was proposed for appointment.
(4) The Portuguese Government has proposed Mr Duarte Nuno Nunes de Freitas, representative of a regional body who holds a regional authority electoral mandate, Secretário Regional das Finanças do Governo Regional da Madeira (Regional Secretary of Finance of the Regional Government of Madeira), as an alternate member of the Committee of the Regions for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2030.
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Mr Duarte Nuno Nunes de Freitas, representative of a regional body who holds a regional authority electoral mandate, Secretário Regional das Finanças do Governo Regional da Madeira (Regional Secretary of Finance of the Regional Government of Madeira), is hereby appointed as an alternate member of the Committee of the Regions for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2030.
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/1957 of 18 September 2025 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union in the Association Committee in Trade Configuration established by the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and their Member States of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part, as regards the reduction and elimination of customs duties

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1957 24.9.2025
(1) The Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and their Member States of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part(1)(‘the Agreement’) was concluded by the Union by Council Decision (EU) 2014/492(2)and entered into force on 1 July 2016.
(2) Under Article 147(4) and Article 438(3) and (4) of the Agreement, the Association Committee in Trade Configuration may adopt a decision on the reduction and elimination of a customs duty on a good which will supersede any duty rate or staging category determined pursuant to the Schedules of the Union or Moldova included in Annex XV to the Agreement for that good.
(3) Following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Union adopted unilateral trade liberalisation measures for Moldova through its autonomous trade measures (ATMs) of 18 July 2022(3), which were renewed in 2023(4)and 2024(5). Following the expiry of the ATMs on 24 July 2025, discussions between the parties have resulted in an agreement to broaden the scope of elimination of customs duties and support Moldova’s alignment to the Unionacquiswhich is an important part of Moldova’s accession negotiations with the Union.
(4) The Association Committee in Trade Configuration is to adopt a decision on the reduction and elimination of customs duties under Article 147(4) of the Agreement during the course of 2025.
(5) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Association Committee in Trade Configuration, as the decision of that Committee will be binding on the Union,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) The Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and their Member States of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part (1) (‘the Agreement’) was concluded by the Union by Council Decision (EU) 2014/492 (2) and entered into force on 1 July 2016.
(2) Under Article 147(4) and Article 438(3) and (4) of the Agreement, the Association Committee in Trade Configuration may adopt a decision on the reduction and elimination of a customs duty on a good which will supersede any duty rate or staging category determined pursuant to the Schedules of the Union or Moldova included in Annex XV to the Agreement for that good.
(3) Following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Union adopted unilateral trade liberalisation measures for Moldova through its autonomous trade measures (ATMs) of 18 July 2022 (3), which were renewed in 2023 (4) and 2024 (5). Following the expiry of the ATMs on 24 July 2025, discussions between the parties have resulted in an agreement to broaden the scope of elimination of customs duties and support Moldova’s alignment to the Union acquis which is an important part of Moldova’s accession negotiations with the Union.
(4) The Association Committee in Trade Configuration is to adopt a decision on the reduction and elimination of customs duties under Article 147(4) of the Agreement during the course of 2025.
(5) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Association Committee in Trade Configuration, as the decision of that Committee will be binding on the Union,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Association Committee in Trade Configuration established by the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and their Member States of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part shall be based on the draft decision of the Association Committee in Trade Configuration attached to this Decision.
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1954 of 22 September 2025 amending the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767 concerning certain emergency measures relating to sheep pox and goat pox in Romania (notified under document C(2025) 6527)

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1954 26.9.2025
(1) Sheep pox and goat pox is an infectious viral disease affecting caprine and ovine animals and can have a severe impact on the concerned animal population and the profitability of farming causing disturbance to movements of consignments of those animals and products thereof within the Union and exports to third countries.
(2) In the event of an outbreak of sheep pox and goat pox in caprine or ovine animals, there is a serious risk of the spread of that disease to other establishments of caprine or ovine animals.
(3) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687(2)supplements the rules for the control of the listed diseases referred to in Article 9(1), points (a), (b) and (c), of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, and defined as category A, B and C diseases in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882(3). In particular, Articles 21 and 22 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687 provide for the establishment of a restricted zone in the event of an outbreak of a category A disease, including sheep pox and goat pox, and for certain measures to be applied therein. In addition, Article 21(1) of that Delegated Regulation provides that the restricted zone is to comprise a protection zone, a surveillance zone, and, if necessary, further restricted zone around or adjacent to the protection and surveillance zones.
(4) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767(4)was adopted following outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in Romania, and it lays down emergency measures to be taken by that Member State. More particularly, Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767provides that the protection and surveillance zones to be established by Romania, in accordance with Article 21 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, are to comprise at least the areas listed in the Annex to that Implementing Decision. Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767 also provides that the measures required to be applied in the protection and surveillance zones are to be applied until the dates listed in the Annex thereto.
(5) Since the adoption of Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767, Romania has notified the Commission of two additional outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in establishments where ovine and caprine animals were kept, located in the county of Teleorman, one outside the already established restricted zone- listed in the Annex to that Implementing Decision.
(6) Therefore, the restricted zone, comprising protection and surveillance zones in Romania, set out in the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767should be adjusted, both spatially and temporally, in order to prevent the further spread of sheep pox and goat pox in the territory of Romania and to the rest of the Union.
(7) In addition, in order to minimise the risk of the further spread of the disease, it is also necessary to prolong the duration of the protection and surveillance zones set out in the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767.
(8) The size of the protection and surveillance zones, and the duration of the measures to be applied therein, is based on the criteria set out in Article 64(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, as well as on the rules laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. The criteria applied for the choice of the size of the protection and surveillance zones, as well as of the duration of the measures to be applied therein, include a consideration of not only the epidemiological situation as regards sheep pox and goat pox in the areas affected by that disease, but also of the overall epidemiological situation of sheep pox and goat pox in the entire territory of Romania, and of the level of risk for the further spread of the disease. For the determination of the duration of the measures the international standards of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health(5)have also been taken into account.
(9) Given the urgency of the epidemiological situation in the Union as regards the spread of sheep pox and goat pox, and the need to prevent that disease from spreading from the affected establishments in Romania to other parts of that Member State or to other Member States, the amendments to be made to Implementing Decision (EU)2025/1767, by this Decision should take effect as soon as possible.
(10) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,
Region and ADIS reference number of the outbreak Areas established as protection and surveillance zones, part of the restricted zone in Romania referred to in Article 1 Date until applicable
Teleorman countyRO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00014RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00015RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00016RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00017RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00018RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00019RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00020RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00021RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00022RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00023 Protection zone:Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 5 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 44.281899, Long. 24.870992 (2025/14), Lat. 44.27906, Long. 24.873868 (2025/15), Lat. 44.302455, Long. 24.96162 (2025/16), Lat. 44.255644, Long. 24.879311 (2025/17), Lat. 44.282747, Long. 24.936885 (2025/18), Lat. 44.281473, Long. 24.897365 (2025/19), Lat. 44.260135, Long. 24.883573 (2025/20), Lat. 44.295664, Long. 25.004148 (2025/21), Lat. 44.220815, Long. 24.845603 (2025/22), Lat. 44.16165, Long. 25.30878 (2025/23). 8.10.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 20 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates 44.281899, Long. 24.870992 (2025/14), Lat. 44.27906, Long. 24.873868 (2025/15), Lat. 44.302455, Long. 24.96162 (2025/16), Lat. 44.255644, Long. 24.879311 (2025/17), Lat. 44.282747, Long. 24.936885 (2025/18), Lat. 44.281473, Long. 24.897365 (2025/19), Lat. 44.260135, Long. 24.883573 (2025/20), Lat. 44.295664, Long. 25.004148 (2025/21), Lat. 44.220815, Long. 24.845603 (2025/22),Lat. 44.16165, Long. 25.30878 (2025/23) excluding the areas contained in the protection zone. 23.10.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 5 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates 44.281899, Long. 24.870992 (2025/14), Lat. 44.27906, Long. 24.873868 (2025/15), Lat. 44.302455, Long. 24.96162 (2025/16), Lat. 44.255644, Long. 24.879311 (2025/17), Lat. 44.282747, Long. 24.936885 (2025/18), Lat. 44.281473, Long. 24.897365 (2025/19), Lat. 44.260135, Long. 24.883573 (2025/20), Lat. 44.295664, Long. 25.004148 (2025/21), Lat. 44.220815, Long. 24.845603 (2025/22), Lat. 44.16165, Long. 25.30878 (2025/23). 9.10.2025 – 23.10.2025
Olt countyRO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00007RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00008RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00009RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00010RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00011RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00012RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00013 Protection zone:Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 5 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 44.33564, Long. 24.77224 (2025/7), Lat. 44.323172, Long. 24.78142 (2025/8), Lat. 44.380891, Long. 24.815991 (2025/9), Lat. 44.312664, Long. 24.748821 (2025/10), Lat. 44.365143, Long. 24.777882 (2025/11), Lat. 44.329438, Long. 24.775184 (2025/12), Lat. 44.362673, Long. 24.774821 (2025/13). 8.10.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 20 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 44.33564, Long. 24.77224 (2025/7), Lat. 44.323172, Long. 24.78142 (2025/8), Lat. 44.380891, Long. 24.815991 (2025/9), Lat. 44.312664, Long. 24.748821 (2025/10), Lat. 44.365143, Long. 24.777882 (2025/11), Lat. 44.329438, Long. 24.775184 (2025/12), Lat. 44.362673, Long. 24.774821 (2025/13), excluding the areas contained in the protection zone. 23.10.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 5 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 44.33564, Long. 24.77224 (2025/7), Lat. 44.323172, Long. 24.78142 (2025/8), Lat. 44.380891, Long. 24.815991 (2025/9), Lat. 44.312664, Long. 24.748821 (2025/10), Lat. 44.365143, Long. 24.777882 (2025/11), Lat. 44.329438, Long. 24.775184 (2025/12), Lat. 44.362673, Long. 24.774821 (2025/13). 8.10.2025 – 23.10.2025
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (1), and in particular Article 259(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Sheep pox and goat pox is an infectious viral disease affecting caprine and ovine animals and can have a severe impact on the concerned animal population and the profitability of farming causing disturbance to movements of consignments of those animals and products thereof within the Union and exports to third countries.
(2) In the event of an outbreak of sheep pox and goat pox in caprine or ovine animals, there is a serious risk of the spread of that disease to other establishments of caprine or ovine animals.
(3) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687 (2) supplements the rules for the control of the listed diseases referred to in Article 9(1), points (a), (b) and (c), of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, and defined as category A, B and C diseases in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882 (3). In particular, Articles 21 and 22 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687 provide for the establishment of a restricted zone in the event of an outbreak of a category A disease, including sheep pox and goat pox, and for certain measures to be applied therein. In addition, Article 21(1) of that Delegated Regulation provides that the restricted zone is to comprise a protection zone, a surveillance zone, and, if necessary, further restricted zone around or adjacent to the protection and surveillance zones.
(4) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767 (4) was adopted following outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in Romania, and it lays down emergency measures to be taken by that Member State. More particularly, Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767provides that the protection and surveillance zones to be established by Romania, in accordance with Article 21 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, are to comprise at least the areas listed in the Annex to that Implementing Decision. Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767 also provides that the measures required to be applied in the protection and surveillance zones are to be applied until the dates listed in the Annex thereto.
(5) Since the adoption of Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767, Romania has notified the Commission of two additional outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in establishments where ovine and caprine animals were kept, located in the county of Teleorman, one outside the already established restricted zone- listed in the Annex to that Implementing Decision.
(6) Therefore, the restricted zone, comprising protection and surveillance zones in Romania, set out in the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767should be adjusted, both spatially and temporally, in order to prevent the further spread of sheep pox and goat pox in the territory of Romania and to the rest of the Union.
(7) In addition, in order to minimise the risk of the further spread of the disease, it is also necessary to prolong the duration of the protection and surveillance zones set out in the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767.
(8) The size of the protection and surveillance zones, and the duration of the measures to be applied therein, is based on the criteria set out in Article 64(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, as well as on the rules laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. The criteria applied for the choice of the size of the protection and surveillance zones, as well as of the duration of the measures to be applied therein, include a consideration of not only the epidemiological situation as regards sheep pox and goat pox in the areas affected by that disease, but also of the overall epidemiological situation of sheep pox and goat pox in the entire territory of Romania, and of the level of risk for the further spread of the disease. For the determination of the duration of the measures the international standards of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (5) have also been taken into account.
(9) Given the urgency of the epidemiological situation in the Union as regards the spread of sheep pox and goat pox, and the need to prevent that disease from spreading from the affected establishments in Romania to other parts of that Member State or to other Member States, the amendments to be made to Implementing Decision (EU)2025/1767, by this Decision should take effect as soon as possible.
(10) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1767 is replaced by the text set out in the Annex to this Decision.
This Decision is addressed to Romania.

Region and ADIS reference number of the outbreak
Areas established as protection and surveillance zones, part of the restricted zone in Romania referred to in Article 1
Date until applicable
Teleorman county
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00014
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00015
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00016
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00017
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00018
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00019
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00020
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00021
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00022
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00023
Protection zone:
Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 5 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 44.281899, Long. 24.870992 (2025/14), Lat. 44.27906, Long. 24.873868 (2025/15), Lat. 44.302455, Long. 24.96162 (2025/16), Lat. 44.255644, Long. 24.879311 (2025/17), Lat. 44.282747, Long. 24.936885 (2025/18), Lat. 44.281473, Long. 24.897365 (2025/19), Lat. 44.260135, Long. 24.883573 (2025/20), Lat. 44.295664, Long. 25.004148 (2025/21), Lat. 44.220815, Long. 24.845603 (2025/22), Lat. 44.16165, Long. 25.30878 (2025/23).
8.10.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 20 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates 44.281899, Long. 24.870992 (2025/14), Lat. 44.27906, Long. 24.873868 (2025/15), Lat. 44.302455, Long. 24.96162 (2025/16), Lat. 44.255644, Long. 24.879311 (2025/17), Lat. 44.282747, Long. 24.936885 (2025/18), Lat. 44.281473, Long. 24.897365 (2025/19), Lat. 44.260135, Long. 24.883573 (2025/20), Lat. 44.295664, Long. 25.004148 (2025/21), Lat. 44.220815, Long. 24.845603 (2025/22),Lat. 44.16165, Long. 25.30878 (2025/23) excluding the areas contained in the protection zone.
23.10.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 5 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates 44.281899, Long. 24.870992 (2025/14), Lat. 44.27906, Long. 24.873868 (2025/15), Lat. 44.302455, Long. 24.96162 (2025/16), Lat. 44.255644, Long. 24.879311 (2025/17), Lat. 44.282747, Long. 24.936885 (2025/18), Lat. 44.281473, Long. 24.897365 (2025/19), Lat. 44.260135, Long. 24.883573 (2025/20), Lat. 44.295664, Long. 25.004148 (2025/21), Lat. 44.220815, Long. 24.845603 (2025/22), Lat. 44.16165, Long. 25.30878 (2025/23).
9.10.2025 – 23.10.2025
Olt county
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00007
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00008
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00009
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00010
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00011
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00012
RO-CAPRIPOX-2025-00013
Protection zone:
Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 5 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 44.33564, Long. 24.77224 (2025/7), Lat. 44.323172, Long. 24.78142 (2025/8), Lat. 44.380891, Long. 24.815991 (2025/9), Lat. 44.312664, Long. 24.748821 (2025/10), Lat. 44.365143, Long. 24.777882 (2025/11), Lat. 44.329438, Long. 24.775184 (2025/12), Lat. 44.362673, Long. 24.774821 (2025/13).
8.10.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 20 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 44.33564, Long. 24.77224 (2025/7), Lat. 44.323172, Long. 24.78142 (2025/8), Lat. 44.380891, Long. 24.815991 (2025/9), Lat. 44.312664, Long. 24.748821 (2025/10), Lat. 44.365143, Long. 24.777882 (2025/11), Lat. 44.329438, Long. 24.775184 (2025/12), Lat. 44.362673, Long. 24.774821 (2025/13), excluding the areas contained in the protection zone.
23.10.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of Teleorman, Olt and Argeș counties, contained within a circle of a radius of 5 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 44.33564, Long. 24.77224 (2025/7), Lat. 44.323172, Long. 24.78142 (2025/8), Lat. 44.380891, Long. 24.815991 (2025/9), Lat. 44.312664, Long. 24.748821 (2025/10), Lat. 44.365143, Long. 24.777882 (2025/11), Lat. 44.329438, Long. 24.775184 (2025/12), Lat. 44.362673, Long. 24.774821 (2025/13).
8.10.2025 – 23.10.2025

Council Decision (EU) 2025/1948 of 18 September 2025 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by the Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods and within the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by the Convention on a Common transit procedure as regards the adoption of decisions inviting the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro to accede to those Conventions and as regards the adoption of decisions amending the Convention on a common transit procedure following the Republic of Moldova’s and Montenegro’s accession to that Convention

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1948 24.9.2025
(1) The Convention of 20 May 1987 on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods(1)and the Convention of 20 May 1987 on a common transit procedure(2)(together, the ‘Conventions’), concluded between the European Economic Community, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation, entered into force on 1 January 1988.
(2) The Republic of Moldova and Montenegro have expressed their wish to accede to the Conventions once they have complied with the requirements for their accession.
(3) Pursuant to Article 11(3) of the Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods, the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by that Convention may, by decision, adopt invitations to third countries to accede to that Convention.
(4) Pursuant to Article 15(3), point (e), of the Convention on a common transit procedure, the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by that Convention may, by decision, adopt invitations to third countries to accede to that Convention.
(5) Pursuant to Article 15(3), point (a), of the Convention on a common transit procedure, the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by that Convention may, by decision, adopt amendments to the Appendices to that Convention. Upon the accessions of the Republic of Moldova and of Montenegro to the Convention on a common transit procedure, the respective adaptation of the guarantee documents and, as regards Montenegro, the insertion of certain technical terms in Montenegrin, will be required.
(6) In accordance with Article 11a(2) and (3) of the Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods and Article 15a(2) and (3) of the Convention on a common transit procedure, a third country invited to become a contracting party is to do so by lodging an instrument of accession and the accession is to become effective on the first day of the second month following the lodging of the instrument of accession.
(7) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the EU-CTC Joint Committees established by the Conventions (the ‘Joint Committee’), as the decisions to invite the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro to accede to the Conventions and to amend the Convention on a common transit procedure have legal effects.
(8) The Conventions will ensure efficient border crossing procedures between the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro and the parties to the Conventions.
(9) The position of the Union within the Joint Committee as regards the adoption of decisions to invite the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro to accede to the Conventions and to amend the Convention on a common transit procedure should be based on the attached draft decisions.
(10) As the Joint Committee’s decisions will amend the Convention on a common transit procedure, it is appropriate to publish them in theOfficial Journal of the European Unionafter their adoption.
(11) In the Joint Committee, the Union is to be represented by the Commission in accordance with Article 17(1) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU).
(12) In order to facilitate the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro’s timely accession to the Conventions, it is necessary to adopt this Decision without delay,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) The Convention of 20 May 1987 on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods (1) and the Convention of 20 May 1987 on a common transit procedure (2) (together, the ‘Conventions’), concluded between the European Economic Community, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation, entered into force on 1 January 1988.
(2) The Republic of Moldova and Montenegro have expressed their wish to accede to the Conventions once they have complied with the requirements for their accession.
(3) Pursuant to Article 11(3) of the Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods, the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by that Convention may, by decision, adopt invitations to third countries to accede to that Convention.
(4) Pursuant to Article 15(3), point (e), of the Convention on a common transit procedure, the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by that Convention may, by decision, adopt invitations to third countries to accede to that Convention.
(5) Pursuant to Article 15(3), point (a), of the Convention on a common transit procedure, the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by that Convention may, by decision, adopt amendments to the Appendices to that Convention. Upon the accessions of the Republic of Moldova and of Montenegro to the Convention on a common transit procedure, the respective adaptation of the guarantee documents and, as regards Montenegro, the insertion of certain technical terms in Montenegrin, will be required.
(6) In accordance with Article 11a(2) and (3) of the Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods and Article 15a(2) and (3) of the Convention on a common transit procedure, a third country invited to become a contracting party is to do so by lodging an instrument of accession and the accession is to become effective on the first day of the second month following the lodging of the instrument of accession.
(7) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the EU-CTC Joint Committees established by the Conventions (the ‘Joint Committee’), as the decisions to invite the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro to accede to the Conventions and to amend the Convention on a common transit procedure have legal effects.
(8) The Conventions will ensure efficient border crossing procedures between the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro and the parties to the Conventions.
(9) The position of the Union within the Joint Committee as regards the adoption of decisions to invite the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro to accede to the Conventions and to amend the Convention on a common transit procedure should be based on the attached draft decisions.
(10) As the Joint Committee’s decisions will amend the Convention on a common transit procedure, it is appropriate to publish them in the Official Journal of the European Union after their adoption.
(11) In the Joint Committee, the Union is to be represented by the Commission in accordance with Article 17(1) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU).
(12) In order to facilitate the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro’s timely accession to the Conventions, it is necessary to adopt this Decision without delay,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The position to be taken on behalf of the Union in the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by the Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods as regards the adoption of decisions inviting the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro to accede to that Convention shall be based on the draft decisions of that Joint Committee attached to this Decision.
The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by the Convention on a common transit procedure as regards the adoption of decisions inviting the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro to accede to that Convention and as regards the resulting technical amendments shall be based on the draft decisions of that Joint Committee attached to this Decision.
After their adoption, the decisions of the Joint Committees referred to in Articles 1 and 2 shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/1947 of 18 September 2025 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, with regard to a decision amending Protocol 4 to that Agreement concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/1947 24.9.2025
(1) The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part(1)(the ‘Agreement’) was concluded by the Union by means of Decision 2000/204/EC, ECSC of the Council and of the Commission(2). Protocol 4 concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation (‘Protocol 4’) forms part of the Agreement.
(2) Pursuant to Article 39 of Protocol 4, the Association Council established by Article 78 of the Agreement (the ‘Association Council’) can decide to amend the provisions of Protocol 4.
(3) At its next meeting or by an Exchange of Letters, the Association Council is to adopt a decision amending Protocol 4 to the Agreement.
(4) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the Association Council as the decision of the Association Council will have legal effects.
(5) The Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin(3)(the ‘Convention’) was concluded by the Union by means of Council Decision 2013/94/EU(4)and entered into force in relation to the Union on 1 May 2012. The Kingdom of Morocco (‘Morocco’) is also a Contracting Party to the Convention.
(6) The Convention lays down provisions on the origin of goods traded under relevant agreements concluded between the Contracting Parties to the Convention. The Convention applies without prejudice to the principles laid down in those relevant agreements.
(7) The Convention was amended by Decisions No 1/2023 of 7 December 2023(5), No 1/2024(6)and No 2/2024(7)of 12 December 2024 of the Joint Committee of the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin.
(8) Article 6 of the Convention provides that each Contracting Party is to take appropriate measures to ensure that the Convention is effectively applied. To that effect, the Association Council should adopt a decision introducing a dynamic reference to the Convention in Protocol 4, so as to ensure that the latest version of the Convention in force is always referred to.
(9) The Union and Morocco have agreed to apply a set of transitional rules of origin reflecting those of the amended Convention, which may be used bilaterally until 31 December 2027 or until the Convention, as last amended and published in theOfficial Journal of the European Union, is published in the Official Gazette of Morocco, whichever occurs first.
(10) Furthermore, following a request from Morocco concerning exports from the Union to Morocco, limited quantities of certain vegetable oils and tobacco products may benefit from preferential treatment under specific conditions for five years from the date of application of the decision of the Association Council amending Protocol 4.
(11) Protocol 4 should therefore be amended to include an alternative set of rules of origin and a quota system for certain vegetable oils and tobacco products.
(12) The position of the Union within the Association Council should therefore be based on the attached draft Decision,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part (1) (the ‘Agreement’) was concluded by the Union by means of Decision 2000/204/EC, ECSC of the Council and of the Commission (2). Protocol 4 concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation (‘Protocol 4’) forms part of the Agreement.
(2) Pursuant to Article 39 of Protocol 4, the Association Council established by Article 78 of the Agreement (the ‘Association Council’) can decide to amend the provisions of Protocol 4.
(3) At its next meeting or by an Exchange of Letters, the Association Council is to adopt a decision amending Protocol 4 to the Agreement.
(4) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the Association Council as the decision of the Association Council will have legal effects.
(5) The Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin (3) (the ‘Convention’) was concluded by the Union by means of Council Decision 2013/94/EU (4) and entered into force in relation to the Union on 1 May 2012. The Kingdom of Morocco (‘Morocco’) is also a Contracting Party to the Convention.
(6) The Convention lays down provisions on the origin of goods traded under relevant agreements concluded between the Contracting Parties to the Convention. The Convention applies without prejudice to the principles laid down in those relevant agreements.
(7) The Convention was amended by Decisions No 1/2023 of 7 December 2023 (5), No 1/2024 (6) and No 2/2024 (7) of 12 December 2024 of the Joint Committee of the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin.
(8) Article 6 of the Convention provides that each Contracting Party is to take appropriate measures to ensure that the Convention is effectively applied. To that effect, the Association Council should adopt a decision introducing a dynamic reference to the Convention in Protocol 4, so as to ensure that the latest version of the Convention in force is always referred to.
(9) The Union and Morocco have agreed to apply a set of transitional rules of origin reflecting those of the amended Convention, which may be used bilaterally until 31 December 2027 or until the Convention, as last amended and published in the Official Journal of the European Union, is published in the Official Gazette of Morocco, whichever occurs first.
(10) Furthermore, following a request from Morocco concerning exports from the Union to Morocco, limited quantities of certain vegetable oils and tobacco products may benefit from preferential treatment under specific conditions for five years from the date of application of the decision of the Association Council amending Protocol 4.
(11) Protocol 4 should therefore be amended to include an alternative set of rules of origin and a quota system for certain vegetable oils and tobacco products.
(12) The position of the Union within the Association Council should therefore be based on the attached draft Decision,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, as regards the amendment of Protocol 4 to that Agreement concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation shall be based on the draft Decision of the Association Council attached to this Decision.
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption and shall expire on 31 December 2026.