Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/653 of 27 March 2025 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1696 on the operating rules of the selection panel provided for in Article 14(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’)

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/653 31.3.2025
(1) Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1696(2)established the operating rules of the selection panel for appointing the European Chief Prosecutor and the European Prosecutors.
(2) While neither Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 nor Rule VI of the operating rules of the selection panel specifies which authority is responsible for the drafting, the adoption and the publication in theOfficial Journal of the European Unionof the open call for candidates for the position of European Chief Prosecutor, the Commission was responsible for the drafting, the adoption and the publication of the first open call for candidates and provides the secretariat of the selection panel, which examines the applications.
(3) It is therefore necessary to clarify that the Commission is responsible for the drafting, the adoption and the publication of the open call for candidates for the position of European Chief Prosecutor, after consulting the European Parliament and the Council at the appropriate level.
(4) Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1696 should therefore be amended accordingly,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (1), and in particular Article 14(3) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1696 (2) established the operating rules of the selection panel for appointing the European Chief Prosecutor and the European Prosecutors.
(2) While neither Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 nor Rule VI of the operating rules of the selection panel specifies which authority is responsible for the drafting, the adoption and the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union of the open call for candidates for the position of European Chief Prosecutor, the Commission was responsible for the drafting, the adoption and the publication of the first open call for candidates and provides the secretariat of the selection panel, which examines the applications.
(3) It is therefore necessary to clarify that the Commission is responsible for the drafting, the adoption and the publication of the open call for candidates for the position of European Chief Prosecutor, after consulting the European Parliament and the Council at the appropriate level.
(4) Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1696 should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
In Rule VI.1 in the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1696, the first paragraph is replaced by the following:

‘The Commission shall be responsible for the drafting, the adoption and the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union of the open call for candidates in accordance with Article 14(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939. The Commission shall consult the European Parliament and the Council on the draft open call for candidates, before its adoption, at the appropriate level. Upon receipt of the candidates’ applications, the selection panel shall review the applications with regard to the requirements set out in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, as further specified by the Commission in the open call for candidates. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility requirements shall be excluded from the next steps of the procedure. The selection panel shall rank candidates who fulfil the requirements according to their qualifications and experience, on the basis of the documentation and information provided in the application or produced following a request pursuant to Rule V. A sufficient number of the highest-ranked candidates shall be heard by the selection panel to enable it to establish the shortlist referred to in Rule VII.1. The hearing shall take place in person or, upon a reasoned decision of the selection panel, either on its own initiative or at the request of the candidate, via videoconference. Before the selection panel decides on its own initiative to conduct a hearing via videoconference, it shall allow the candidate to state his or her views.’.

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/650 of 26 March 2025 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538 as regards the update of harmonised technical conditions for short-range devices within the 874-876 and 915-921 MHz frequency bands (notified under document C(2025) 1739)

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/650 1.4.2025
(1) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538(2)harmonises the technical conditions for the use of the 874-876 and 915-921 MHz frequency bands by technically advanced radio frequency identification (‘RFID’) solutions as well as ‘Internet of Things’ applications based on networked short-range devices in data networks. In those frequency bands, the sharing environment is different compared to that applicable under Commission Decision 2006/771/EC(3), therefore, a specific regulatory regime is required.
(2) While the 873-874,4 MHz and 918-919,4 MHz bands are not harmonised for use by the global system for mobile communications for railway (‘GSM-R’), by Union law or by a Decision of the European Communications Committee, those frequency bands may be used for this purpose on a national basis subject to a national decision in line with the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union. Therefore, where harmonised technical conditions would not be sufficient to protect the use of those bands for a national extension of GSM for Railways (‘E-GSM-R’), concerned Member States are allowed to subject the use of short-range devices to additional requirements without impacting the harmonised technical conditions for access to spectrum for short-range devices within the bands. Such restrictions, where needed in a particular Member State, should ensure that coordination between spectrum users takes place, enabling geographic sharing between E-GSM-R on the one hand and RFID devices and networked short-range devices on the other.
(3) The harmonised use for railway mobile radio of the paired frequency bands 874,4-880,0 MHz and 919,4-925,0 MHz, which are adjacent to the frequency bands 874-874,4 MHz and 916,1-919,4 MHz that are harmonised for short-range devices by Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538, is subject to Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/1730(4). The coexistence between the short-range devices operating in the 874-874,4 MHz and 917,4-919,4 MHz frequency bands and railway mobile radio operating in the adjacent frequency bands 874,4-880,0 MHz and 919,4-925,0 MHz was assessed in Report 74 of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (‘CEPT’).
(4) According to Article 1(4) of Decision No 676/2002/EC, Member States have the right to organise and use their radio spectrum for public order and public security purposes and defence. As a consequence, they remain free to protect the existing and future use of the 874-876 and 915-921 MHz frequency bands and of the adjacent bands for military and other public security and public order purposes when making available the harmonised frequency bands for networked short-range devices in accordance with Decision (EU) 2018/1538.
(5) On 8 March 2024, CEPT Report 85 was submitted to the Commission in response to the permanent mandate issued to the CEPT in 2006 in accordance with Article 4(2) of Decision No 676/2002/EC and to a guidance letter of the Commission for the ninth cycle of updates to implementing decisions on short-range devices. In Report 85, the CEPT proposed the extension of the harmonised frequency ranges applicable to wideband data transmission devices from 916,4 MHz to 919,4 MHz (band No 2) and to non-specific short-range devices from 916,1 MHz to 919,4 MHz (band No 5).
(6) On the basis of the work carried out by the CEPT and resulting in CEPT Report 85, it can be concluded that it is appropriate to extend the harmonised frequency ranges for wideband data transmission devices and to non-specific short-range devices in accordance with the proposals made by the CEPT.
(7) Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538 should therefore be amended accordingly.
(8) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Radio Spectrum Committee,
Band No Frequency band Category of short-range devices Transmit power limit/ field strength limit/power density limit Additional parameters (channelling and/or channel access and occupation rules) Other usage restrictions Implementation deadline
‘1 874-874,4 MHz Non-specific short-range devices(1) 500 mW e.r.p.Adaptive Power Control (APC) required, alternatively other mitigation techniques which achieve at least an equivalent level of spectrum compatibility Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in theOfficial Journal of the European Unionunder Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.Bandwidth ≤ 200 kHzDuty cycle ≤ 10 % for network access points(4)Duty cycle 2,5 % otherwise This set of usage conditions is only available for data networksAll nomadic and mobile devices within the data network shall be controlled by a master network access point(4),(5),(6),(7) 1 July 2022
2 916,4-919,4 MHz Wideband data transmission devices(3) 25 mW e.r.p Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in theOfficial Journal of the European Unionunder Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.Bandwidth: > 600 kHz and ≤ 1 MHzDuty cycle ≤ 10 % for network access points(4)Duty cycle ≤ 2,8 % otherwise This set of usage conditions is only available for wideband short-range devices in data networksAll nomadic and mobile devices within the data network shall be controlled by a master network access point(4),(5),(6) 1 October 2025
3 916,1-918,9 MHz(8) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices(2) Interrogator transmissions at 4 W e.r.p. only permitted at the centre frequencies 916,3 MHz, 917,5 MHz, 918,7 MHz Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in theOfficial Journal of the European Unionunder Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.Bandwidth ≤ 400 kHz (5),(6),(7) 1 July 2022
4 917,3-918,9 MHz Non-specific short-range devices(1) 500 mW e.r.p.Transmissions only permitted within the frequency ranges 917,3-917,7 MHz, 918,5-918,9 MHzAdaptive Power Control (APC) required, alternatively other mitigation techniques which achieve at least an equivalent level of spectrum compatibility Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in theOfficial Journal of the European Unionunder Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.Bandwidth ≤ 200 kHzDuty cycle ≤ 10 % for network access points(4)Duty cycle ≤ 2,5 % otherwise This set of usage conditions is only available for data networksAll nomadic and mobile devices within the data network shall be controlled by a master network access point(4),(5),(6),(7) 1 July 2022
5 916,1-919,4 MHz Non-specific short-range devices(1) 25 mW e.r.p. Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in theOfficial Journal of the European Unionunder Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.Bandwidth ≤ 600 kHzDuty cycle ≤ 1 % This set of usage conditions is only available for short-range device in data networksAll nomadic and mobile devices within the data network shall be controlled by a master network access point(4),(5),(6) 1 October 2025
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Decision No 676/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy in the European Community (1), and in particular Article 4(3) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538 (2) harmonises the technical conditions for the use of the 874-876 and 915-921 MHz frequency bands by technically advanced radio frequency identification (‘RFID’) solutions as well as ‘Internet of Things’ applications based on networked short-range devices in data networks. In those frequency bands, the sharing environment is different compared to that applicable under Commission Decision 2006/771/EC (3), therefore, a specific regulatory regime is required.
(2) While the 873-874,4 MHz and 918-919,4 MHz bands are not harmonised for use by the global system for mobile communications for railway (‘GSM-R’), by Union law or by a Decision of the European Communications Committee, those frequency bands may be used for this purpose on a national basis subject to a national decision in line with the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union. Therefore, where harmonised technical conditions would not be sufficient to protect the use of those bands for a national extension of GSM for Railways (‘E-GSM-R’), concerned Member States are allowed to subject the use of short-range devices to additional requirements without impacting the harmonised technical conditions for access to spectrum for short-range devices within the bands. Such restrictions, where needed in a particular Member State, should ensure that coordination between spectrum users takes place, enabling geographic sharing between E-GSM-R on the one hand and RFID devices and networked short-range devices on the other.
(3) The harmonised use for railway mobile radio of the paired frequency bands 874,4-880,0 MHz and 919,4-925,0 MHz, which are adjacent to the frequency bands 874-874,4 MHz and 916,1-919,4 MHz that are harmonised for short-range devices by Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538, is subject to Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/1730 (4). The coexistence between the short-range devices operating in the 874-874,4 MHz and 917,4-919,4 MHz frequency bands and railway mobile radio operating in the adjacent frequency bands 874,4-880,0 MHz and 919,4-925,0 MHz was assessed in Report 74 of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (‘CEPT’).
(4) According to Article 1(4) of Decision No 676/2002/EC, Member States have the right to organise and use their radio spectrum for public order and public security purposes and defence. As a consequence, they remain free to protect the existing and future use of the 874-876 and 915-921 MHz frequency bands and of the adjacent bands for military and other public security and public order purposes when making available the harmonised frequency bands for networked short-range devices in accordance with Decision (EU) 2018/1538.
(5) On 8 March 2024, CEPT Report 85 was submitted to the Commission in response to the permanent mandate issued to the CEPT in 2006 in accordance with Article 4(2) of Decision No 676/2002/EC and to a guidance letter of the Commission for the ninth cycle of updates to implementing decisions on short-range devices. In Report 85, the CEPT proposed the extension of the harmonised frequency ranges applicable to wideband data transmission devices from 916,4 MHz to 919,4 MHz (band No 2) and to non-specific short-range devices from 916,1 MHz to 919,4 MHz (band No 5).
(6) On the basis of the work carried out by the CEPT and resulting in CEPT Report 85, it can be concluded that it is appropriate to extend the harmonised frequency ranges for wideband data transmission devices and to non-specific short-range devices in accordance with the proposals made by the CEPT.
(7) Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538 should therefore be amended accordingly.
(8) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Radio Spectrum Committee,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538 is amended as set out in the Annex to this Decision.
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

In the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538, the table and the table notes are replaced by the following:

Band No
Frequency band
Category of short-range devices
Transmit power limit/ field strength limit/power density limit
Additional parameters (channelling and/or channel access and occupation rules)
Other usage restrictions
Implementation deadline
‘1
874-874,4 MHz
Non-specific short-range devices (1) 500 mW e.r.p.
Adaptive Power Control (APC) required, alternatively other mitigation techniques which achieve at least an equivalent level of spectrum compatibility
Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union under Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.
Bandwidth ≤ 200 kHz
Duty cycle ≤ 10 % for network access points (4) Duty cycle 2,5 % otherwise
This set of usage conditions is only available for data networks
All nomadic and mobile devices within the data network shall be controlled by a master network access point (4), (5), (6), (7) 1 July 2022
2
916,4-919,4 MHz
Wideband data transmission devices (3) 25 mW e.r.p
Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union under Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.
Bandwidth: > 600 kHz and ≤ 1 MHz
Duty cycle ≤ 10 % for network access points (4) Duty cycle ≤ 2,8 % otherwise
This set of usage conditions is only available for wideband short-range devices in data networks
All nomadic and mobile devices within the data network shall be controlled by a master network access point (4), (5), (6) 1 October 2025
3
916,1-918,9 MHz (8) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices (2) Interrogator transmissions at 4 W e.r.p. only permitted at the centre frequencies 916,3 MHz, 917,5 MHz, 918,7 MHz
Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union under Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.
Bandwidth ≤ 400 kHz
(5), (6), (7) 1 July 2022
4
917,3-918,9 MHz
Non-specific short-range devices (1) 500 mW e.r.p.
Transmissions only permitted within the frequency ranges 917,3-917,7 MHz, 918,5-918,9 MHz
Adaptive Power Control (APC) required, alternatively other mitigation techniques which achieve at least an equivalent level of spectrum compatibility
Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union under Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.
Bandwidth ≤ 200 kHz
Duty cycle ≤ 10 % for network access points (4) Duty cycle ≤ 2,5 % otherwise
This set of usage conditions is only available for data networks
All nomadic and mobile devices within the data network shall be controlled by a master network access point (4), (5), (6), (7) 1 July 2022
5
916,1-919,4 MHz
Non-specific short-range devices (1) 25 mW e.r.p.
Techniques to access spectrum and mitigate interference that provide an appropriate level of performance to comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU shall be used. If relevant techniques are described in harmonised standards or parts thereof the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union under Directive 2014/53/EU, performance at least equivalent to these techniques shall be ensured.
Bandwidth ≤ 600 kHz
Duty cycle ≤ 1 %
This set of usage conditions is only available for short-range device in data networks
All nomadic and mobile devices within the data network shall be controlled by a master network access point (4), (5), (6) 1 October 2025

(1) The non-specific short-range device category covers all kinds of radio devices, regardless of the application or the purpose, which fulfil the technical conditions as specified for a given frequency band. Typical uses include telemetry, telecommand, alarms, data transmissions in general and other applications.

(2) The radio frequency identification (RFID) device category covers tag/interrogator based radio communications systems, consisting of radio devices (tags) attached to animate or inanimate items and of transmitter/receiver units (interrogators) which activate the tags and receive data back. Typical uses include the tracking and identification of items, such as for electronic article surveillance (EAS), and collecting and transmitting data relating to the items to which tags are attached, which may be either battery-less, battery assisted or battery powered. The responses from a tag are validated by its interrogator and passed to its host system.

(3) The wideband data transmission device category covers radio devices that use wideband modulation techniques to access the spectrum. Typical uses include wireless access systems such as radio local area networks (WAS/RLANs) or wideband short-range devices in data networks.

(4) A network access point in a data network is a fixed terrestrial short range device that acts as a connection point for the other short range devices in the data network to service platforms located outside of that data network. The term data network refers to several short range devices, including the network access point, as network components and to the wireless connections between them.

(5) According to Article 3(1) the frequency bands shall be designated and made available on a non-exclusive and shared basis. The harmonised technical conditions shall make it possible for most short-range devices in most Member States to be operated subject to a general authorisation regime under national law. This is without prejudice to Articles 46 and 51 of Directive (EU) 2018/1972 and to Articles 3(2) and 7 of Directive 2014/53/EU. Member States may limit usage of this entry such that installation and operation are performed only by professional users and may consider individual authorisation, e.g. to administer geographical sharing and/or the application of mitigation techniques to ensure protection of radio services.

(6) In Member States where parts or all of this frequency range are used for public order and public security purposes and defence and coordination is not possible, Member States may decide not to implement this entry partially or entirely, in accordance with Article 1(4) of Decision 676/2002/EC and Article 3(2) of this Decision.

(7) National rules, such as local coordination, may also be needed in order to avoid interference to radio services operating in the adjacent bands, for example due to intermodulation or blocking.

(8) RFID tags respond at a very low power level (-10 dBm e.r.p.) in a frequency range around the RFID interrogator channels and must comply with the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU.’

Council Decision (EU) 2025/646 of 27 March 2025 in support of facilitating a successful outcome of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/646 28.3.2025
(1) On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted the European Union Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (the 2003 EU Strategy against WMD), which identifies support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a first priority for action at the international level, and calls for the preservation of the integrity and the universalisation of the NPT, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguard agreements, and the protocols attached to the NPT and the IAEA Safeguard agreements.
(2) In accordance with the 2016 Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy and the 2003 EU Strategy against WMD, the Union’s actions continue to be grounded in the conviction that a multilateral approach to security, including disarmament and non-proliferation, is the best way to maintain international order and to uphold, implement and strengthen the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements.
(3) Within the broader pledge to uphold, support and further advance the disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control framework, the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence adopted by the Council on 21 March 2022 reflects the shared commitment to continue to support the centrality of the NPT and stress the need to implement all obligations under it, as well as implementing commitments of previous Review Conferences of the Parties to the NPT, including the need for concrete progress towards the full implementation of Article VI of the NPT, with the ultimate goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons.
(4) The Union is actively engaging in the current NPT review cycle. The current cycle will conclude with the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT, to be held in New York in April and May 2026.
(5) The Union considers the NPT the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament in accordance with Article VI thereof, and an important element in the further development of the application of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. In this regard, the Council adopted Common Position 2005/329/PESC(1), Decision 2010/212/CFSP(2), Conclusions on the Ninth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons(3), and Conclusions on the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons(4).
(6) The Union has consistently advocated more inclusiveness, as well as further developing the regional approach adopted in the previous review cycle, in the context of discussions on further strengthening the NPT review process,
(a) to organise up to four regional meetings in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East;
(b) to organise two side events, one during the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee, and another during the 2026 NPT Review Conference, to inform on the results and conclusions of the abovementioned regional meetings; and
(c) to support and ensure participation in the 2026 NPT Review Conference, through sponsorship of one delegate from the capital, from as many States Parties as possible, with a minimum of three.
— Its legally binding nuclear disarmament obligations, including on the five nuclear-weapon States;
— Its verifiable non-proliferation safeguards, overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency;
— Its obligation to facilitate the peaceful benefits of nuclear science and technology, including the pursuit of sustainable development; and
— Its near universal membership, 191 States have joined the treaty, meaning its provisions are binding on the vast majority of the international community.
1. To gain insight and understanding about concerns and priorities for the 2026 NPT review cycle, across a diverse range of stakeholders within all States Parties, including through ensuring inclusivity and diversity of participation at the Review Conference.
2. To raise awareness about obstacles, but also potential areas for convergence based on the many benefits the NPT provides, including through the incorporation of a broader and more diverse array of voices, such as technical experts from regulatory agencies and scientific faculties, as well as decision-makers such as parliamentarians, with due consideration being given to ensuring gender balance of both experts and participants.
3. To build trust and confidence between States and the President-designate in order to develop the strong relationships required for the Review Conference that will facilitate a successful outcome.
4. To encourage flexibility and compromise from States in approaching the Review Conference, and to seek ideas for where to both achieve common ground and overcome divisions.
5. To develop inputs for a strategy to produce a successful outcome at the 2026 Review Conference, including consideration of innovative ideas for what a possible outcome could look like that ensures the strengthened implementation of the Treaty.
Countries from regions/sub-regions: Suggested venue:
Africa (2025) Addis Ababa
Latin America/Caribbean (2026) Mexico City
Asia-Pacific (2025) Bangkok
Middle East (2026) Amman
In consultation with the President-designate of the 2026 NPT Review Conference, the implementing agency will develop the substance of the regional meetings, and the agenda and selection of speakers / experts.
The implementing agency, together with host regional States, will implement the logistical arrangements (booking venues, organising catering, audio-visual equipment, travel arrangements for participants and experts, etc.) for the regional meetings.
In consultation with the President-designate, the implementing agency will develop the substance of the side events, as well as the agenda and selection of speakers / experts.
The implementing agency will implement the logistical arrangements (booking venues, organising catering, audio-visual equipment).
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 31(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1) On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted the European Union Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (the 2003 EU Strategy against WMD), which identifies support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a first priority for action at the international level, and calls for the preservation of the integrity and the universalisation of the NPT, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguard agreements, and the protocols attached to the NPT and the IAEA Safeguard agreements.
(2) In accordance with the 2016 Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy and the 2003 EU Strategy against WMD, the Union’s actions continue to be grounded in the conviction that a multilateral approach to security, including disarmament and non-proliferation, is the best way to maintain international order and to uphold, implement and strengthen the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements.
(3) Within the broader pledge to uphold, support and further advance the disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control framework, the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence adopted by the Council on 21 March 2022 reflects the shared commitment to continue to support the centrality of the NPT and stress the need to implement all obligations under it, as well as implementing commitments of previous Review Conferences of the Parties to the NPT, including the need for concrete progress towards the full implementation of Article VI of the NPT, with the ultimate goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons.
(4) The Union is actively engaging in the current NPT review cycle. The current cycle will conclude with the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT, to be held in New York in April and May 2026.
(5) The Union considers the NPT the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament in accordance with Article VI thereof, and an important element in the further development of the application of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. In this regard, the Council adopted Common Position 2005/329/PESC (1), Decision 2010/212/CFSP (2), Conclusions on the Ninth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (3), and Conclusions on the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (4).
(6) The Union has consistently advocated more inclusiveness, as well as further developing the regional approach adopted in the previous review cycle, in the context of discussions on further strengthening the NPT review process,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
1. The Union shall support activities aimed at facilitating a successful outcome of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) 2026 Review Conference through promoting greater inclusivity and the consolidation of the regional approach in the current review cycle, while upholding and preserving the integrity of the NPT through a balanced focus on its three equally important and mutually-reinforcing pillars: disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

2. In order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1, the Union shall support a project with regard to the 2026 Review Conference, with the following activities:
(a) to organise up to four regional meetings in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East;
(b) to organise two side events, one during the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee, and another during the 2026 NPT Review Conference, to inform on the results and conclusions of the abovementioned regional meetings; and
(c) to support and ensure participation in the 2026 NPT Review Conference, through sponsorship of one delegate from the capital, from as many States Parties as possible, with a minimum of three.
A description of this project is set out in the Annex.

1. The High Representative of the Union for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (the High Representative) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.

2. The implementation of the project referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).

1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 988 941,12.
2. The expenditure financed by the amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the Union budget.

3. The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the financial reference amount referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with UNODA. The financing agreement shall stipulate that UNODA is to ensure the visibility of the Union’s contribution, appropriate to its size.

4. The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this decision. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties relating to that process and of the date of conclusion of that financing agreement.

1. The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by UNODA. The reports shall form the basis for the evaluation to be carried out by the Council.

2. The Commission shall report on the financial aspects of the implementation of the project referred to in Article 1(2).

1. This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

2. This Decision shall expire 18 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire six months after the date of its entry into force if no financing agreement has been concluded within that period.

Background

The current challenges to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons are both well-known and serious. The current geostrategic environment has seen levels of risk rise, including the risk of nuclear weapons use and conflict. There are emerging signs of a possible new nuclear arms race. Geostrategic conditions are fueling nuclear proliferation drivers, and regional crises with nuclear implications could draw in nuclear-armed states with potentially catastrophic consequences.
However, the NPT’s value remains widely recognized and respected and there exists a shared awareness of the value of strengthening the Treaty and its review process. Success at the 2026 NPT Review Conference is realistic and achievable, but requires broad consultations and appreciation of the priorities of as wide a range of States Parties as possible, and a diverse range of stakeholders within States Parties, in particular those who may not have previously engaged deeply on the NPT.
Throughout its five-decade history, the NPT has proven itself robust and adaptable. It remains the most widely adhered-to multilateral disarmament agreement, for four key reasons:

—
Its legally binding nuclear disarmament obligations, including on the five nuclear-weapon States;

—
Its verifiable non-proliferation safeguards, overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency;

—
Its obligation to facilitate the peaceful benefits of nuclear science and technology, including the pursuit of sustainable development; and

—
Its near universal membership, 191 States have joined the treaty, meaning its provisions are binding on the vast majority of the international community.

Since the NPT’s indefinite extension in 1995, successive five-yearly Review Conferences have sought ways to strengthen implementation of the Treaty, including through practical steps and an action plan to ultimately achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. In 1995, 2000 and 2010, NPT Review Conferences adopted sets of commitments and obligations that strengthened the Treaty’s implementation across all three of its ‘pillars’ – disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses – and reinforced the grand bargain at its core.
However, the NPT Review Conferences in 2015 and 2022 failed to agree on a substantive outcome document. As a consequence, the NPT is at a crossroads.
Success at the 2026 Review Conference will reinforce the role of the Treaty as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament in accordance with its Article VI, and an important element in the development of nuclear energy applications for peaceful purposes. It will be critical in underscoring and reinforcing its enduring value; its role as the de facto multilateral negotiating body on all issues related to nuclear weapons; and its tangible security benefits.
A successful Review Conference will require a balanced approach to all three of the Treaty’s pillars. It will also require commencing preparations well in advance of the Conference and will benefit from a President with an understanding of the nuances of all States parties’ positions and who has earned their trust. Regular dialogue between States parties and the President-designate and his/her bureau, on how to overcome obstacles to success in 2026 is essential and was central to the drafting of the final outcome document in 2022 that was agreed by all States but one, notwithstanding a challenging international environment.
This can best be achieved through regional and on-the-ground engagement at the highest possible levels, as well as with experts in Geneva, New York and Vienna. Decision-makers in capitals, and across the range of government entities, have a clear interest in maintaining a strong NPT – whether they are parliamentarians, nuclear regulators or development agencies and ministries of defence. The critical step lies in understanding the positions of, and building support amongst, these diverse stakeholders.
Through the Tenth NPT Review Cycle, in the lead up to the 2022 Review Conference, the President-designate – thanks to the European Union’s generous support – undertook a series of regional consultations in Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America. These consultations were roundly welcomed by States of those regions as providing access to the Preparatory Committee chairs for capital-based experts, an opportunity for dialogue for States without the resources to maintain large delegations in New York, Geneva or Vienna, and important occasions for discussing key regional priorities. These consultations, in establishing a two-way conversation between the President-designate and regional governments, laid the ground for the support of all States parties except one for the draft outcome document in 2022.
Relatedly, a meaningful and successful outcome at the 2026 Review Conference will also require diverse and inclusive approaches, including on participation of delegations from as many States Parties as possible, in particular those from capitals, who previously may not have been able to participate. Starting from the premise that nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament negotiations are more successful and more durable when conversations allow for a diversity of States’ opinions and perspectives, the project proposes a sponsorship programme.
This net benefit for the Review Conference may be achieved through the sponsorship of travel, from their capitals, of delegates who would not otherwise be able to attend the Conference. In so doing, it would maintain the linkage between the on-the-ground outreach of the regional consultations through to the Review Conference floor in New York, and thereby the potential for more innovative and effective approaches to existing challenges.
1. Project objective and goals

The objective of the project is to help facilitate a successful 2026 Review Conference that strengthens the implementation of the NPT across all three of its pillars. The project seeks to achieve that goal through a series of consultations in regional capitals that will a) help raise awareness among capital-based stakeholders about key issues facing the Treaty and b) ensure the leadership of the 2026 Review Conference develops a granular understanding of the priorities and concerns of all States Parties. Such an approach would build on the largely successful regional approach undertaken during the last review cycle, albeit with a broader array of stakeholders.
Main goals:
1. To gain insight and understanding about concerns and priorities for the 2026 NPT review cycle, across a diverse range of stakeholders within all States Parties, including through ensuring inclusivity and diversity of participation at the Review Conference.

2. To raise awareness about obstacles, but also potential areas for convergence based on the many benefits the NPT provides, including through the incorporation of a broader and more diverse array of voices, such as technical experts from regulatory agencies and scientific faculties, as well as decision-makers such as parliamentarians, with due consideration being given to ensuring gender balance of both experts and participants.

3. To build trust and confidence between States and the President-designate in order to develop the strong relationships required for the Review Conference that will facilitate a successful outcome.

4. To encourage flexibility and compromise from States in approaching the Review Conference, and to seek ideas for where to both achieve common ground and overcome divisions.

5. To develop inputs for a strategy to produce a successful outcome at the 2026 Review Conference, including consideration of innovative ideas for what a possible outcome could look like that ensures the strengthened implementation of the Treaty.

2. Activities

2.1. Regional consultations

2.1.1. Aim

The aim of each regional meeting is to enhance understanding of the current state of play, discuss options for cooperative engagement, generate solutions and build relationships to facilitate a successful conclusion to the 2026 NPT Review Conference.
2.1.2. Topics

Regional meetings in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean, will cover all three of the NPT pillars and address the major issues affecting the NPT and its States parties, based on deliberations at the NPT Preparatory Committee sessions, and viewed through the lens of regional priorities and concerns. Issues will include but are not limited to: Implementation of commitments made in previous review cycles; bridging divides over how to achieve and maintain a world free of nuclear weapons; strengthening the non-proliferation regime; access to the benefits of peaceful uses of nuclear technology, including for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals; and strengthening the NPT review process.
The regional meeting of NPT States Parties in the Middle East would cover all three of the NPT pillars. Additionally, it would address the implementation of the 1995 NPT resolution on the creation of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. Recent events, such as recent developments in the region or the advent of the General Assembly-mandated Conference on the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and the challenges this issue could pose to a successful outcome in 2026, justify such an approach.
2.1.3. Format

The regional meetings will rely principally on interactive consultations. At each regional meeting, the President-designate will be given the opportunity to present the state of play on the review cycle. A series of questions will then be posed to States, with the aim of stimulating an interactive question-and-answer style engagement.
The meetings will also utilize panels of regional experts to generate discussion and ideas.
The same format would be used for additional meetings with non-governmental stakeholders.
Participation would be aimed at both expert and decision maker level.
2.1.4. Location

The regional meetings are designed to support interaction with governments from specific regions in preparing for the 2026 Review Conference. The following four regional meetings are suggested:

Countries from regions/sub-regions:
Suggested venue:
Africa (2025) Addis Ababa
Latin America/Caribbean (2026) Mexico City
Asia-Pacific (2025) Bangkok
Middle East (2026) Amman

2.1.5. Timing

The four regional meetings will be held in a ten-month period between June 2025 and March 2026. The exact timing and sequencing (i.e. the order of the regions covered) of the regional meetings will be determined by the implementing agency, in consultation with the President-designate of the Review Conference and the EU, taking into account the UN disarmament calendar. Each regional meeting will run for up to two days.
2.1.6. Responsibilities of the implementing agency

Substantive preparation:

In consultation with the President-designate of the 2026 NPT Review Conference, the implementing agency will develop the substance of the regional meetings, and the agenda and selection of speakers / experts.

Logistics and meeting support:

The implementing agency, together with host regional States, will implement the logistical arrangements (booking venues, organising catering, audio-visual equipment, travel arrangements for participants and experts, etc.) for the regional meetings.

2.2. Sponsorship

2.2.1. Aim

To support and ensure participation, through sponsorship of one person per delegation, from as many States Parties as possible, and a minimum of three, in the 2026 NPT Review Conference, including through ensuring the participation of delegates from capitals who had traditionally not been in a position to do so.
2.2.2. Approach / Criteria

Sponsored delegates would be selected from Least Developed Countries (LDC), Official Development assistance (ODA) recipient countries (based on Development Assistance Committee-List of ODA countries) or Small Island Developing States. Additional criteria for the sponsorship programme will be equitable regional representation and gender equity.
2.2.3. Responsibilities of the implementing agency

The implementing agency will provide the necessary arrangements for travel and daily subsistence allowance for selected delegates to attend.
2.3. Two side events

2.3.1. Aim

One side event is envisioned to take place during the First Committee (UNGA80), and one will take place in the margins of the 2026 Review Conference itself.
2.3.2. Topics

It is intended that the first side event, during the First Committee of UNGA80 will serve to provide an introduction and status review of the two regional consultations that will have taken place at that stage. This would include a briefing by the President-designate on the work undertaken to that point, including any preliminary results. The second side event, taking place during the Review Conference itself, would serve to share final results and conclusions. In order to increase the impact of the findings, this side event should take place early in the Review Conference, ideally during its first week.
2.3.3. Format

The President-designate will brief States parties on developments and findings, outlining challenges and opportunities and suggesting possible approaches. The event would entail interactive Q&A sessions between the President-designate and attendees, intended to include delegates from States Parties as well as civil society.
2.3.4. Location

UN Headquarters (NY)
2.3.5. Responsibilities of the implementing agency

Substantive preparation:

In consultation with the President-designate, the implementing agency will develop the substance of the side events, as well as the agenda and selection of speakers / experts.

Logistics and conference services:

The implementing agency will implement the logistical arrangements (booking venues, organising catering, audio-visual equipment).

3. EU visibility

The implementing agency shall take all appropriate measures to publicise that this project has been funded by the European Union. The Union’s support will be highlighted in public and closed presentations and briefings of the President-designate. The Union’s support will also be acknowledged in invitations and other written materials that are shared with the participants in the various activities. The implementing agency will ensure that the Union will be represented in all events that are supported within this project.
4. Implementing agency

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch).
5. Staffing – Project staff: Consultant at B/C level and part-time administrative support at G-5 level

In view of the limited staff capacity within UNODA’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch, it is envisioned that the support of a consultant at the B/C level (equivalent to a P3 staff member) and part-time at the G-5 level would be required to oversee the substantive and administrative/organizational aspects of the project. These will include developing the agendas and needed materials of the regional meetings, identifying and later collating the views of participants, preparing summaries of the meetings and providing inputs to the final report. Furthermore, the support staff will be responsible of the logistical arrangements, including venue booking and travel arrangements for participants and experts.
The staff members in question would report to the Chief of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch.

Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/644 of 24 March 2025 authorising France to apply a reduced rate of taxation to unleaded petrol used as motor fuel and consumed in Corsican departments in accordance with Directive 2003/96/EC

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/644 28.3.2025
(1) By means of Council Decision 2007/880/EC(2)and Council Implementing Decisions 2013/192/EU(3)and (EU) 2019/372(4), France was authorised to apply a reduced rate of taxation to unleaded petrol used as motor fuel and consumed in Corsican departments in accordance with Article 19 of Directive 2003/96/EC.
(2) By letter dated 31 October 2024, France requested authorisation to continue to apply a reduced rate of energy tax to unleaded petrol used as motor fuel. The reduction amounts to EUR 1 per hectolitre. The authorisation was requested for the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028. In Corsica, the cost of supplying unleaded petrol to the forecourt is appreciably higher than in mainland France, final prices being over EUR 0,10 per litre higher than on the mainland.
(3) By reducing the tax on unleaded petrol borne by consumers in Corsica, the consumers concerned will be placed on a more equal footing with those on the mainland. The measure therefore meets regional and cohesion policy objectives.
(4) The tax reduction is no larger than what is necessary to allow for the additional transport and distribution costs borne by consumers in Corsica.
(5) The final level of taxation complies with the minimum rates laid down in Directive 2003/96/EC, currently EUR 359 per 1 000 litres (or EUR 35,90 per hectolitre).
(6) In view of the remote and insular nature of the departments to which it will apply and the moderate reduction in the rate – which is, moreover, very high compared to the minimum level set out in Directive 2003/96/EC – the measure requested will not give rise to any movement specifically linked to the supplying of fuel.
(7) Consequently, the measure is acceptable in terms of the proper functioning of the internal market and of the need to ensure fair competition and is not incompatible with the health, environment, energy and transport policies of the Union.
(8) France should therefore be authorised, pursuant to Article 19(2) of Directive 2003/96/EC, to apply a reduced rate of taxation to unleaded petrol used as motor fuel and consumed in Corsica.
(9) In order to avoid any disruption, it should be ensured that France can apply the specific reduction to which this Decision relates from 1 January 2025, following seamlessly on from the prior arrangements under Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/372. The authorisation requested should therefore be granted with effect from 1 January 2025.
(10) In accordance with Article 19(2) of Directive 2003/96/EC, each authorisation granted under that provision is to be limited in time. In order to provide the departments concerned with a sufficient degree of certainty, the authorisation should be granted for a period of four years. However, in order not to undermine future general developments of the existing legal framework, it is appropriate to provide that, should the Council, acting on the basis of Article 113 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, introduce a general system for the taxation of energy products to which this authorisation would not be adapted, this Decision should expire on the day on which that system becomes applicable.
(11) This Decision is without prejudice to the application of the Union rules regarding State aid,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003 restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity (1), and in particular Article 19(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1) By means of Council Decision 2007/880/EC (2) and Council Implementing Decisions 2013/192/EU (3) and (EU) 2019/372 (4), France was authorised to apply a reduced rate of taxation to unleaded petrol used as motor fuel and consumed in Corsican departments in accordance with Article 19 of Directive 2003/96/EC.
(2) By letter dated 31 October 2024, France requested authorisation to continue to apply a reduced rate of energy tax to unleaded petrol used as motor fuel. The reduction amounts to EUR 1 per hectolitre. The authorisation was requested for the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028. In Corsica, the cost of supplying unleaded petrol to the forecourt is appreciably higher than in mainland France, final prices being over EUR 0,10 per litre higher than on the mainland.
(3) By reducing the tax on unleaded petrol borne by consumers in Corsica, the consumers concerned will be placed on a more equal footing with those on the mainland. The measure therefore meets regional and cohesion policy objectives.
(4) The tax reduction is no larger than what is necessary to allow for the additional transport and distribution costs borne by consumers in Corsica.
(5) The final level of taxation complies with the minimum rates laid down in Directive 2003/96/EC, currently EUR 359 per 1 000 litres (or EUR 35,90 per hectolitre).
(6) In view of the remote and insular nature of the departments to which it will apply and the moderate reduction in the rate – which is, moreover, very high compared to the minimum level set out in Directive 2003/96/EC – the measure requested will not give rise to any movement specifically linked to the supplying of fuel.
(7) Consequently, the measure is acceptable in terms of the proper functioning of the internal market and of the need to ensure fair competition and is not incompatible with the health, environment, energy and transport policies of the Union.
(8) France should therefore be authorised, pursuant to Article 19(2) of Directive 2003/96/EC, to apply a reduced rate of taxation to unleaded petrol used as motor fuel and consumed in Corsica.
(9) In order to avoid any disruption, it should be ensured that France can apply the specific reduction to which this Decision relates from 1 January 2025, following seamlessly on from the prior arrangements under Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/372. The authorisation requested should therefore be granted with effect from 1 January 2025.
(10) In accordance with Article 19(2) of Directive 2003/96/EC, each authorisation granted under that provision is to be limited in time. In order to provide the departments concerned with a sufficient degree of certainty, the authorisation should be granted for a period of four years. However, in order not to undermine future general developments of the existing legal framework, it is appropriate to provide that, should the Council, acting on the basis of Article 113 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, introduce a general system for the taxation of energy products to which this authorisation would not be adapted, this Decision should expire on the day on which that system becomes applicable.
(11) This Decision is without prejudice to the application of the Union rules regarding State aid,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
France is hereby authorised to apply a reduction in the rate of taxation not exceeding EUR 1 per hectolitre to unleaded petrol used as motor fuel and consumed in the Corsican departments. In order to avoid any overcompensation, the reduction shall not go beyond the additional costs of transport, storage and distribution borne in the Corsican departments compared to mainland France.
The reduced rate shall respect the minimum rates referred to in Article 7 of Directive 2003/96/EC.
This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2025 until 31 December 2028.
However, in the event that the Council, acting on the basis of Article 113 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, or any other relevant provision of the Treaty, introduces a modified general system for the taxation of energy products, with which system the authorisation granted in Article 1 of this Decision would not be compatible, this Decision shall cease to apply on the day on which that modified general system becomes applicable.
This Decision shall take effect on the date of its notification.
This Decision is addressed to the French Republic.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/643 of 24 March 2025 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/643 28.3.2025
(1) In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2024/2152(2), the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (‘the Protocol’) was signed on 23 July 2024, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
(2) The objectives of the Protocol are to allow Union vessels to fish in Cabo Verde’s fishing zone and to enable the Union and Cabo Verde to work closely together to further promote the development of a sustainable fisheries policy and the responsible exploitation of fishery resources in Cabo Verde’s fishing zone. That cooperation will also contribute to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.
(3) The Protocol should be approved on behalf of the Union.
(4) In accordance with the Treaties, the Commission should give the notification provided for in Article 18 of the Protocol.
(5) Article 9 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde(3)(the ‘Agreement’) establishes a Joint Committee responsible for monitoring the application of the Agreement and of the Protocol. This Joint Committee has the power to approve certain amendments to the Protocol. In order to facilitate the approval of such amendments, the Commission should be empowered, subject to substantive and procedural conditions, to approve them on behalf of the Union under a simplified procedure.
(6) The Union’s position on proposed amendments to the Protocol should be established by the Council. The proposed amendments should be approved unless a blocking minority of Member States objects to them, in accordance with Article 16(4) of the Treaty on European Union.
(7) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725(4)of the European Parliament and of the Council and delivered an opinion on 5 July 2024,
(1) The Commission shall ensure that the approval on behalf of the Union:(a)is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy;(b)is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of joint management by coastal states;(c)takes account of the most recent statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission. (a) is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy; (b) is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of joint management by coastal states; (c) takes account of the most recent statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission.
(a) is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy;
(b) is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of joint management by coastal states;
(c) takes account of the most recent statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission.
(a) is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy;
(b) is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of joint management by coastal states;
(c) takes account of the most recent statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission.
(2) Before approving the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union, the Commission shall submit them to the Council in sufficient time before the relevant Joint Committee meeting.
(3) The Council shall assess whether the proposed amendments comply with the criteria laid down in point 1.
(4) Unless a number of Member States equivalent to a blocking minority of the Council, in accordance with Article 16(4) of the Treaty on European Union, object to the proposed amendments, the Commission shall approve them on behalf of the Union. If there is such a blocking minority, the Commission shall reject the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union.
(5) If, in the course of subsequent meetings of the Joint Committee, including on the spot, it is impossible to reach an agreement, the matter shall be referred back to the Council, in accordance with the procedure set out in points 2 to 4, in order for the Union position to take account of new factors.
(6) The Commission is invited to take, in due time, any steps necessary to follow up on the decision of the Joint Committee, including, where appropriate, publishing the relevant decision in theOfficial Journal of the European Unionand submitting any proposal necessary for the implementation of that decision.
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43, in conjunction with Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), and Article 218(7) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament (1),
Whereas:
(1) In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2024/2152 (2), the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (‘the Protocol’) was signed on 23 July 2024, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
(2) The objectives of the Protocol are to allow Union vessels to fish in Cabo Verde’s fishing zone and to enable the Union and Cabo Verde to work closely together to further promote the development of a sustainable fisheries policy and the responsible exploitation of fishery resources in Cabo Verde’s fishing zone. That cooperation will also contribute to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.
(3) The Protocol should be approved on behalf of the Union.
(4) In accordance with the Treaties, the Commission should give the notification provided for in Article 18 of the Protocol.
(5) Article 9 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (3) (the ‘Agreement’) establishes a Joint Committee responsible for monitoring the application of the Agreement and of the Protocol. This Joint Committee has the power to approve certain amendments to the Protocol. In order to facilitate the approval of such amendments, the Commission should be empowered, subject to substantive and procedural conditions, to approve them on behalf of the Union under a simplified procedure.
(6) The Union’s position on proposed amendments to the Protocol should be established by the Council. The proposed amendments should be approved unless a blocking minority of Member States objects to them, in accordance with Article 16(4) of the Treaty on European Union.
(7) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (4) of the European Parliament and of the Council and delivered an opinion on 5 July 2024,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde is hereby approved on behalf of the European Union (5).
The Commission shall, on behalf of the Union, give the notification provided for in Article 18 of the Protocol, in order to express the consent of the Union to be bound by the Protocol (6).
In accordance with the provisions and conditions laid down in the Annex to this Decision, the Commission is empowered to approve, on behalf of the Union, amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee established under Article 9 of the Agreement.
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Where the Joint Committee is asked to adopt amendments to the Protocol under Article 9 of the Agreement and under Articles 6 and 9 of the Protocol, the Commission is authorised to approve the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union, under the following conditions:

(1) The Commission shall ensure that the approval on behalf of the Union:
(a) is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy;
(b) is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of joint management by coastal states;
(c) takes account of the most recent statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission.

(2) Before approving the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union, the Commission shall submit them to the Council in sufficient time before the relevant Joint Committee meeting.

(3) The Council shall assess whether the proposed amendments comply with the criteria laid down in point 1.

(4) Unless a number of Member States equivalent to a blocking minority of the Council, in accordance with Article 16(4) of the Treaty on European Union, object to the proposed amendments, the Commission shall approve them on behalf of the Union. If there is such a blocking minority, the Commission shall reject the proposed amendments on behalf of the Union.

(5) If, in the course of subsequent meetings of the Joint Committee, including on the spot, it is impossible to reach an agreement, the matter shall be referred back to the Council, in accordance with the procedure set out in points 2 to 4, in order for the Union position to take account of new factors.

(6) The Commission is invited to take, in due time, any steps necessary to follow up on the decision of the Joint Committee, including, where appropriate, publishing the relevant decision in the Official Journal of the European Union and submitting any proposal necessary for the implementation of that decision.

As regards other matters which do not concern amendments to the Protocol, in accordance with Article 9 of the Agreement and Articles 6 and 9 of the Protocol, the position to be adopted by the Union within the Joint Committee shall be determined in accordance with the Treaties and established working practices.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/642 of 24 March 2025 amending Decision 98/481/EC approving the external auditors of the European Central Bank

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/642 28.3.2025
(1) The accounts of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of the national central banks of the Member States whose currency is the euro are to be audited by independent external auditors recommended by the Governing Council of the ECB and approved by the Council of the European Union.
(2) The mandate of Baker Tilly GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft as the external auditor of the ECB ended following the audit for the financial year 2024. It is therefore necessary to appoint an external auditor from the financial year 2025 onwards.
(3) The ECB has selected Forvis Mazars GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft as its external auditor for the financial years 2025 to 2029, with an option to extend the mandate for up to two additional financial years, that is to 2030 or to 2031.
(4) The Governing Council of the ECB has therefore recommended to the Council that Forvis Mazars GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft be appointed as the external auditor of the ECB for the financial years 2025 to 2029, with an option to extend the mandate for up to two additional financial years, that is to 2030 or to 2031.
(5) Following the recommendation of the Governing Council of the ECB, Council Decision 98/481/EC(2)should be amended accordingly,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Protocol on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 27.1 thereof,
Having regard to Recommendation ECB/2025/6 of the European Central Bank of 12 February 2025 to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of the European Central Bank (1),
Whereas:
(1) The accounts of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of the national central banks of the Member States whose currency is the euro are to be audited by independent external auditors recommended by the Governing Council of the ECB and approved by the Council of the European Union.
(2) The mandate of Baker Tilly GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft as the external auditor of the ECB ended following the audit for the financial year 2024. It is therefore necessary to appoint an external auditor from the financial year 2025 onwards.
(3) The ECB has selected Forvis Mazars GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft as its external auditor for the financial years 2025 to 2029, with an option to extend the mandate for up to two additional financial years, that is to 2030 or to 2031.
(4) The Governing Council of the ECB has therefore recommended to the Council that Forvis Mazars GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft be appointed as the external auditor of the ECB for the financial years 2025 to 2029, with an option to extend the mandate for up to two additional financial years, that is to 2030 or to 2031.
(5) Following the recommendation of the Governing Council of the ECB, Council Decision 98/481/EC (2) should be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1 of Decision 98/481/EC is replaced by the following:

‘Article 1
Forvis Mazars GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft is hereby approved as the external auditor of the ECB for the financial years 2025 to 2029.’.

This Decision shall take effect on the day of its notification.
This Decision is addressed to the ECB.

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/640 of 25 March 2025 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207 concerning certain emergency measures relating to sheep pox and goat pox in Greece (notified under document C(2025) 1941)

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/640 28.3.2025
(1) Sheep pox and goat pox is an infectious viral disease affecting caprine and ovine animals and it 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. 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 zones around or adjacent to the protection and surveillance zones.
(4) In order to address outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece, notified in August 2024, the Commission adopted Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207(4), which lays down certain emergency measures relating to that disease in Greece. More particularly, it provides that the protection, surveillance, and further restricted zones to be established by that Member State, in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, are to comprise at least the areas listed in the Annex to that Implementing Decision.
(5) Since the last amendment of Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207, Greece has notified the Commission of six new outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in establishments where ovine and caprine animals were kept, in the regional units of Thessaloniki, Aetolia–Acarnania, and Phocis, as well as on the island of Samothrace in the regional unit of Evros.
(6) Therefore, the areas listed as protection, surveillance, and further restricted zones for Greece in the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207, as well as the duration of the measures applicable therein, should be adjusted in order to prevent the further spread of the disease in Greece and to the rest of the Union. Accordingly, it is necessary to amend the list of restricted zones, and the duration of the measures to be applied therein, set out in the Annex to that Implementing Decision.
(7) The size of the protection, surveillance, and further restricted 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 the rules laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. The criteria applied for the choice of the size of the protection, surveillance, and further restricted 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 the Member State concerned by that disease, as well as the level of risk for the further spread of the disease. The chosen duration of the measures has also taken into account the international standards of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health(5). In the current epidemiological situation, there is a high risk of the further spread of the disease, as an outbreak appeared in the regional unit of Thessaloniki, outside the limits of the restricted zone currently in place and outbreaks continue to be reported in the regional units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Phocis more than four months since the reports of the first outbreaks in those regional units, as well as on the island of Samothrace in the regional unit of Evros, more than two months since the report of the first outbreak on this island, a fact suggesting that the disease continues to circulate, in spite of the measures already put in place.
(8) In addition, in view of the occurrence of the six new outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece during the past two weeks, it is also necessary to prolong the prohibition on the movements of sheep and goats from the entire territory of Greece, to a destination located outside Greece until 31 May 2025, in order to avoid the spread of the disease to the rest of the Union and to third countries, as well as any unjustified barriers to trade being imposed by third countries.
(9) Taking into account the current epidemiological situation in the Union as regards sheep pox and goat pox, the period of application of Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207 should be prolonged until 15 December 2025.
(10) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,
(1) in Article 3, point (e), the date ‘15 May 2025’ is replaced by ‘31 July 2025’;
(2) in Article 4, the date ‘30 September 2025’ is replaced by ‘15 December 2025’;
(3) the Annex is replaced by the text set out in the Annex to this Decision.
Regional unit and ADIS reference number of the outbreaks Areas established as protection and surveillance zones, part of the restricted zone in Greece referred to in Article 2 Date until applicable
Regional unit of KavalaGR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00035GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00039GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00060GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00073GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00074GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00075GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00076GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00078GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00085GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00086GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00097GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00098GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00101GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00102GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00110GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00127GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00131GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00132GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00133GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00134GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00139GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00161GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00163GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00169GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00170GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00189GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00190GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00195GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00196GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00218GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00219GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00220GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00231GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00242GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00267GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00272GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00001GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00002GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00003GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00026GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00040GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00041 Protection zone:Those parts of the regional units of Kavala, Serres and Xanthi, contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.855895, Long. 24.176609 (2024/35),Lat. 40.884672, Long. 24.663783 (2024/39), Lat. 40.9007455, Long. 24.66838316 (2024/60), Lat. 40.86940957, Long. 24.71372915 (2024/73), Lat. 40.96307423, Long. 24.67115789 (2024/74), Lat. 40.87157597, Long. 24.71579265 (2024/75), Lat. 40.90818188, Long. 24.68586162 (2024/76), Lat. 40.87155993, Long. 24.71581822 (2024/78),Lat 40.930299 Long.24.69503165 (2024/85), Lat.40.87155993 Long. 24.71581822 (2024/86), Lat.40.90818486 Long. 24.6858706 (2024/97), Lat.40.91170567 Long. 24.6360924 (2024/98), Lat.40.91520227 Long. 24.74376312 (2024/101), Lat.40.9410113 Long. 24.62660181 (2024/102),Lat. 41.016819 Long. 24.657514 (2024/110), Lat. 40.960765, Long. 24.613769 (2024/127), Lat. 40.93703, Long. 24.715855 (2024/131), Lat. 40.964033, Long. 24.706643 (2024/132),Lat. 40.896498, Long. 24.750354 (2024/133),Lat. 40.878249, Long. 24.76182 (2024/134),Lat. 40.86637045, Long. 24.75824842 (2024/139), Lat. 40.9348, Long. 24.6261 (2024/161),Lat. 41.03082697, Long. 24.6954988 (2024/163), Lat. 40.81899, Long. 24.294374 (2024/169), Lat. 41.00912973Long. 24.3755478 (2024/170),Lat. 40.99736722, Long. 24.5118725 (2024/189),Lat. 40.972542, Long. 24.612325 (2024/190),Lat. 40.989605, Long. 24.614677 (2024/195), Lat. 40.98649515Long. 24.60459616 (2024/196), Lat. 40.98800435, Long. 24.6095147 (2024/218), Lat. 40.97951114, Long. 24.72373385 (2024/219), Lat. 40.99121997, Long. 24.66387638 (2024/220), Lat. 40.97255153, Long. 24.64240369 (2024/231), Lat. 40.96848422, Long. 24.57660864 (2024/242), Lat. 41.0585551, Long. 24.7100023 (2024/267), Lat. 40.9866379, Long. 24.60975027 (2024/272),Lat. 40.972058, Long. 24.491101 (2025/1), Lat. 41.020308, Long. 24.724732 (2025/2), Lat. 41.019616, Long. 24.705517 (2025/3),Lat. 40.964148, Long. 24.497477 (2025/26), Lat. 41.0286054,Long. 24.6614386 (2025/40), Lat. 41.022224,Long. 24.686526 (2025/41) 21.3.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the regional units of Kavala, Serres and Xanthi , contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.855895, Long. 24.176609 (2024/35), Lat. 40.884672, Long. 24.663783 (2024/39), Lat. 40.9007455, Long. 24.66838316 (2024/60), Lat. 40.86940957, Long. 24.71372915 (2024/73), Lat. 40.96307423, Long. 24.67115789 (2024/74), Lat. 40.87157597, Long. 24.71579265 (2024/75), Lat. 40.90818188, Long. 24.68586162 (2024/76), Lat. 40.87155993, Long. 24.71581822 (2024/78), Lat 40.930299 Long. 24.69503165 (2024/85), Lat. 40.87155993 Long. 24.71581822 (2024/86), Lat. 40.90818486 Long. 24.6858706 (2024/97), Lat. 40.91170567 Long. 24.6360924 (2024/98), Lat. 40.91520227 Long. 24.74376312 (2024/101), Lat. 40.9410113 Long. 24.62660181 (2024/102), Lat. 41.016819 Long. 24.657514 (2024/110), Lat. 40.960765, Long. 24.613769 (2024/127), Lat. 40.93703, Long. 24.715855 (2024/131), Lat. 40.964033, Long. 24.706643 (2024/132), Lat. 40.896498, Long. 24.750354 (2024/133), Lat. 40.878249, Long. 24.76182 (2024/134), Lat. 40.86637045, Long. 24.75824842 (2024/139), Lat. 40.9348, Long. 24.6261 (2024/161), Lat. 41.03082697, Long. 24.6954988 (2024/163), Lat. 40.81899, Long. 24.294374 (2024/169), Lat. 41.00912973 Long. 24.3755478 (2024/170), Lat. 40.99736722, Long. 24.5118725 (2024/189),Lat. 40.972542, Long. 24.612325 (2024/190), Lat. 40.989605, Long. 24.614677 (2024/195), Lat. 40.98649515, Long. 24.60459616 (2024/196), Lat. 40.98800435, Long. 24.6095147 (2024/218), Lat. 40.97951114, Long. 24.72373385 (2024/219), Lat. 40.99121997, Long. 24.66387638 (2024/220), Lat. 40.97255153, Long. 24.64240369 (2024/231),Lat. 40.96848422, Long. 24.57660864 (2024/242), Lat. 41.0585551, Long. 24.7100023 (2024/267), Lat. 40.9866379, Long. 24.60975027 (2024/272),Lat. 40.972058, Long. 24.491101 (2025/1), Lat. 41.020308, Long. 24.724732 (2025/2), Lat. 41.019616, Long. 24.705517 (2025/3), Lat. 40.964148, Long. 24.497477 (2025/26), Lat. 41.0286054,Long. 24.6614386 (2025/40), Lat. 41.022224,Long. 24.686526 (2025/41)excluding the areas contained in any protection zone 30.3.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the regional units of Kavala, Serres and Xanthi, contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.855895, Long. 24.176609 (2024/35),Lat. 40.884672, Long. 24.663783 (2024/39), Lat. 40.9007455, Long. 24.66838316 (2024/60), Lat. 40.86940957, Long. 24.71372915 (2024/73), Lat. 40.96307423, Long. 24.67115789 (2024/74), Lat. 40.87157597, Long. 24.71579265 (2024/75), Lat. 40.90818188, Long. 24.68586162 (2024/76), Lat. 40.87155993, Long. 24.71581822 (2024/78), Lat 40.930299, Long. 24.69503165 (2024/85), Lat.40.87155993, Long. 24.71581822 (2024/86), Lat.40.90818486, Long. 24.6858706 (2024/97), Lat.40.91170567, Long. 24.6360924 (2024/98), Lat.40.91520227, Long. 24.74376312 (2024/101), Lat.40.9410113, Long. 24.62660181 (2024/102),Lat. 41.016819, Long. 24.657514 (2024/110), Lat. 40.960765, Long. 24.613769 (2024/127), Lat. 40.93703, Long. 24.715855 (2024/131), Lat. 40.964033, Long. 24.706643 (2024/132), Lat. 40.896498, Long. 24.750354 (2024/133), Lat. 40.878249, Long. 24.76182 (2024/134), Lat. 40.86637045, Long. 24.75824842 (2024/139), Lat. 40.9348, Long. 24.6261 (2024/161), Lat. 41.03082697, Long. 24.6954988 (2024/163), Lat. 40.81899, Long. 24.294374 (2024/169), Lat. 41.00912973, Long. 24.3755478 (2024/170), Lat. 40.99736722, Long. 24.5118725 (2024/189),Lat. 40.972542, Long. 24.612325 (2024/190), Lat. 40.989605, Long. 24.614677 (2024/195), Lat. 40.98649515, Long. 24.60459616 (2024/196), Lat. 40.98800435, Long. 24.6095147 (2024/218), Lat. 40.97951114, Long. 24.72373385 (2024/219), Lat. 40.99121997, Long. 24.66387638 (2024/220), Lat. 40.97255153, Long. 24.64240369 (2024/231), Lat. 40.96848422, Long. 24.57660864 (2024/242), Lat. 41.0585551, Long. 24.7100023 (2024/267), Lat. 40.9866379, Long. 24.60975027 (2024/272),Lat. 40.972058, Long. 24.491101 (2025/1), Lat. 41.020308, Long. 24.724732 (2025/2), Lat. 41.019616, Long. 24.705517 (2025/3), Lat. 40.964148, Long. 24.497477 (2025/26), Lat. 41.0286054,Long. 24.6614386 (2025/40), Lat. 41.022224,Long. 24.686526 (2025/41) 22.3.2025 – 30.3.2025
Regional unit of PhocisGR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00135GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00236GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00301GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00009GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00037GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00039GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00042GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00043 Protection zone:Those parts of the regional units of Phocis and Aetolia-Acarnania, contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.38.408917, Long. 21.929083 (2024/135), Lat. 38.403889, Long. 21.891667 (2024/236), Lat. 38.398889, Long. 21.921111 (2024/301),Lat. 38.417222, Long. 21.941944 (2025/9), Lat. 38.413611, Long. 21.946388 (2025/37), Lat. 38.389722, Long. 21.906944 (2025/39), Lat. 38.405277, Long. 21.894166 (2025/42), Lat. 38.449167, Long. 21.9475 (2025/43) 4.4.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the regional units of Phocis and Aetolia-Acarnania, contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 Lat.38.408917, Long. 21.929083 (2024/135), Lat. 38.403889, Long. 21.891667 (2024/236),Lat. 38.398889, Long. 21.921111 (2024/301), Lat. 38.417222, Long. 21.941944 (2025/9), Lat. 38.413611, Long. 21.946388 (2025/37), Lat. 38.389722, Long. 21.906944 (2025/39), Lat. 38.405277, Long. 21.894166 (2025/42), Lat. 38.449167, Long. 21.9475 (2025/43)excluding the areas contained in any protection zone 13.4.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the regional units of Phocis, contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.38.408917, Long. 21.929083 (2024/135), Lat. 38.403889, Long. 21.891667 (2024/236), Lat. 38.398889, Long. 21.921111 (2024/301), Lat. 38.417222, Long. 21.941944 (2025/9), Lat. 38.413611, Long. 21.946388 (2025/37), Lat. 38.389722, Long. 21.906944 (2025/39), Lat. 38.405277, Long. 21.894166 (2025/42), Lat. 38.449167, Long. 21.9475 (2025/43) 5.4.2025 – 13.4.2025
Regional unit of ThessalonikiGR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00047 Protection zone:Those parts of the regional units of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinatesLat.40.661712, Long. 23.353014 (2025/00047) 4.4.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the regional units of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.40.661712, Long. 23.353014 (2025/00047) excluding the areas contained in any protection zone 13.4.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the regional units of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.40.661712, Long. 23.353014 (2025/00047) 5.4.2025 – 13.4.2025
Regional unit of Evros – Municipality of SamothraceGR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00044GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00046 Protection zone:Those parts of the municipality of Samothrace contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinatesLat.40.473287, Long. 25.667951 (2025/00044), Lat.40.480667, Long. 25.481976 (2025/00046) 4.4.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the municipality of Samothrace contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.473287, Long. 25.667951 (2025/00044), Lat. 40.480667, Long. 25.481976 (2025/00046)excluding the areas contained in any protection zone 13.4.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the municipality of Samothrace contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.473287, Long. 25.667951 (2025/00044), Lat. 40.480667, Long. 25.481976 (2025/00046) 5.4.2025 – 13.4.2025
Regional unit of Aetolia-AcarnaniaGR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00045 Protection zone:Those parts of the regional units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Phocis contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.38.391486, Long. 21.854056 (2025/00045) 4.4.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the regional units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Phocis contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinatesLat. 38.391486, Long. 21.854056 (2025/00045) excluding the areas contained in any protection zone 13.4.2025
Surveillance zone:Those parts of the regional units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Phocis contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 38.391486, Long. 21.854056 (2025/00045) 5.4.2025 – 13.4.2025
Further restricted zone Regional unit Areas included in the further restricted zones established in Greece as referred to in Article 2 Date until applicable
Further restricted zone No 1 Regional unit of Evros The regional unit of Evros excluding the municipality of Samothrace 20.4.2025
Further restricted zone No 2 Regional unit of Rhodopi The regional unit of Rhodopi 20.4.2025
Further restricted zone No 3 Regional unit of Kavala The regional unit of Kavala, including the municipality of Thasos, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 30.3.2025
The regional unit of Kavala including the municipality of Thasos 31.03.2025 – 29.4.2025
Regional unit of Drama The municipality of Doxato, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 30.3.2025
The municipality of Doxato 31.03.2025 – 29.4.2025
Regional unit of Xanthi The regional unit of Xanthi excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 30.3.2025
The regional unit of Xanthi 31.03.2025 – 29.4.2025
Further restricted zone No 4 Regional unit of Chalkidiki The municipalities of Aristotelis, and Polygyros, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 13.4.2025
Regional unit of Chalkidiki The municipalities of and Aristotelis, and Polygyros. 14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025
Further restricted zone No 8 Regional unit of Magnesia The regional unit of Magnesia, excluding the Sporades islands and the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 3.3.2025
The regional unit of Magnesia, excluding the Sporades islands 4.3.2025 – 2.4.2025
Regional unit of Phthiotis The municipality of Stylida, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 3.3.2025
The municipality of Stylida 4.3.2025 – 2.4.2025
Further restricted zone No 9 Regional unit of Phocis The municipality of Dorida, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 13.4.2025
The municipality of Dorida 14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025
Regional unit of Aetolia-Acarnania The municipalities of Nafpaktia and Messolonghi, excluding the the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 13.4.2025
The municipalities of Nafpaktia and Messolonghi 14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025
Further restricted zone No 9A Regional unit of Aetolia-Acarnania The municipalities of Agrinio and Xiromero and Thermo. 26.4.2025
Further restricted zone no 15 Regional unit of Heraklion The regional unit of Heraklion 13.3.2025 – 11.4.2025
Further restricted zone no 16 Municipality of Samothrace in the regional unit of Evros The municipality of Samothrace excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 13.4.2025
The municipality of Samothrace 14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025
Further restricted zone no 17 Municipality of Skyros in the regional unit of Euboea The municipality of Skyros 15.3.2025 – 13.4.2025
Further restricted zone no 18 Regional unit of Thessaloniki The municipalities of Volvi and Lagkadas, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone. 13.4.2025
Regional unit of Thessaloniki The municipalities of Volvi and Lagkadas. 14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025
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 it 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. 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 zones around or adjacent to the protection and surveillance zones.
(4) In order to address outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece, notified in August 2024, the Commission adopted Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207 (4), which lays down certain emergency measures relating to that disease in Greece. More particularly, it provides that the protection, surveillance, and further restricted zones to be established by that Member State, in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, are to comprise at least the areas listed in the Annex to that Implementing Decision.
(5) Since the last amendment of Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207, Greece has notified the Commission of six new outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in establishments where ovine and caprine animals were kept, in the regional units of Thessaloniki, Aetolia–Acarnania, and Phocis, as well as on the island of Samothrace in the regional unit of Evros.
(6) Therefore, the areas listed as protection, surveillance, and further restricted zones for Greece in the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207, as well as the duration of the measures applicable therein, should be adjusted in order to prevent the further spread of the disease in Greece and to the rest of the Union. Accordingly, it is necessary to amend the list of restricted zones, and the duration of the measures to be applied therein, set out in the Annex to that Implementing Decision.
(7) The size of the protection, surveillance, and further restricted 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 the rules laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. The criteria applied for the choice of the size of the protection, surveillance, and further restricted 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 the Member State concerned by that disease, as well as the level of risk for the further spread of the disease. The chosen duration of the measures has also taken into account the international standards of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (5). In the current epidemiological situation, there is a high risk of the further spread of the disease, as an outbreak appeared in the regional unit of Thessaloniki, outside the limits of the restricted zone currently in place and outbreaks continue to be reported in the regional units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Phocis more than four months since the reports of the first outbreaks in those regional units, as well as on the island of Samothrace in the regional unit of Evros, more than two months since the report of the first outbreak on this island, a fact suggesting that the disease continues to circulate, in spite of the measures already put in place.
(8) In addition, in view of the occurrence of the six new outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece during the past two weeks, it is also necessary to prolong the prohibition on the movements of sheep and goats from the entire territory of Greece, to a destination located outside Greece until 31 May 2025, in order to avoid the spread of the disease to the rest of the Union and to third countries, as well as any unjustified barriers to trade being imposed by third countries.
(9) Taking into account the current epidemiological situation in the Union as regards sheep pox and goat pox, the period of application of Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207 should be prolonged until 15 December 2025.
(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:

Amendments to Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207

Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207 is amended as follows:

(1) in Article 3, point (e), the date ‘15 May 2025’ is replaced by ‘31 July 2025’;
(2) in Article 4, the date ‘30 September 2025’ is replaced by ‘15 December 2025’;
(3) the Annex is replaced by the text set out in the Annex to this Decision.

Addressee

This Decision is addressed to the Hellenic Republic.

A.   Protection and surveillance zones established around the confirmed outbreaks

Regional unit and ADIS reference number of the outbreaks
Areas established as protection and surveillance zones, part of the restricted zone in Greece referred to in Article 2
Date until applicable
Regional unit of Kavala
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00035
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00039
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00060
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00073
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00074
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00075
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00076
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00078
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00085
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00086
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00097
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00098
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00101
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00102
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00110
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00127
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00131
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00132
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00133
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00134
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00139
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00161
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00163
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00169
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00170
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00189
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00190
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00195
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00196
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00218
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00219
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00220
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00231
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00242
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00267
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00272
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00001
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00002
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00003
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00026
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00040
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00041
Protection zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Kavala, Serres and Xanthi, contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.855895, Long. 24.176609 (2024/35),Lat. 40.884672, Long. 24.663783 (2024/39), Lat. 40.9007455, Long. 24.66838316 (2024/60), Lat. 40.86940957, Long. 24.71372915 (2024/73), Lat. 40.96307423, Long. 24.67115789 (2024/74), Lat. 40.87157597, Long. 24.71579265 (2024/75), Lat. 40.90818188, Long. 24.68586162 (2024/76), Lat. 40.87155993, Long. 24.71581822 (2024/78),Lat 40.930299 Long.24.69503165 (2024/85), Lat.40.87155993 Long. 24.71581822 (2024/86), Lat.40.90818486 Long. 24.6858706 (2024/97), Lat.40.91170567 Long. 24.6360924 (2024/98), Lat.40.91520227 Long. 24.74376312 (2024/101), Lat.40.9410113 Long. 24.62660181 (2024/102),Lat. 41.016819 Long. 24.657514 (2024/110), Lat. 40.960765, Long. 24.613769 (2024/127), Lat. 40.93703, Long. 24.715855 (2024/131), Lat. 40.964033, Long. 24.706643 (2024/132),Lat. 40.896498, Long. 24.750354 (2024/133),Lat. 40.878249, Long. 24.76182 (2024/134),Lat. 40.86637045, Long. 24.75824842 (2024/139), Lat. 40.9348, Long. 24.6261 (2024/161),Lat. 41.03082697, Long. 24.6954988 (2024/163), Lat. 40.81899, Long. 24.294374 (2024/169), Lat. 41.00912973Long. 24.3755478 (2024/170),Lat. 40.99736722, Long. 24.5118725 (2024/189),Lat. 40.972542, Long. 24.612325 (2024/190),Lat. 40.989605, Long. 24.614677 (2024/195), Lat. 40.98649515Long. 24.60459616 (2024/196), Lat. 40.98800435, Long. 24.6095147 (2024/218), Lat. 40.97951114, Long. 24.72373385 (2024/219), Lat. 40.99121997, Long. 24.66387638 (2024/220), Lat. 40.97255153, Long. 24.64240369 (2024/231), Lat. 40.96848422, Long. 24.57660864 (2024/242), Lat. 41.0585551, Long. 24.7100023 (2024/267), Lat. 40.9866379, Long. 24.60975027 (2024/272),Lat. 40.972058, Long. 24.491101 (2025/1), Lat. 41.020308, Long. 24.724732 (2025/2), Lat. 41.019616, Long. 24.705517 (2025/3),Lat. 40.964148, Long. 24.497477 (2025/26), Lat. 41.0286054,Long. 24.6614386 (2025/40), Lat. 41.022224,Long. 24.686526 (2025/41)
21.3.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Kavala, Serres and Xanthi , contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.855895, Long. 24.176609 (2024/35), Lat. 40.884672, Long. 24.663783 (2024/39), Lat. 40.9007455, Long. 24.66838316 (2024/60), Lat. 40.86940957, Long. 24.71372915 (2024/73), Lat. 40.96307423, Long. 24.67115789 (2024/74), Lat. 40.87157597, Long. 24.71579265 (2024/75), Lat. 40.90818188, Long. 24.68586162 (2024/76), Lat. 40.87155993, Long. 24.71581822 (2024/78), Lat 40.930299 Long. 24.69503165 (2024/85), Lat. 40.87155993 Long. 24.71581822 (2024/86), Lat. 40.90818486 Long. 24.6858706 (2024/97), Lat. 40.91170567 Long. 24.6360924 (2024/98), Lat. 40.91520227 Long. 24.74376312 (2024/101), Lat. 40.9410113 Long. 24.62660181 (2024/102), Lat. 41.016819 Long. 24.657514 (2024/110), Lat. 40.960765, Long. 24.613769 (2024/127), Lat. 40.93703, Long. 24.715855 (2024/131), Lat. 40.964033, Long. 24.706643 (2024/132), Lat. 40.896498, Long. 24.750354 (2024/133), Lat. 40.878249, Long. 24.76182 (2024/134), Lat. 40.86637045, Long. 24.75824842 (2024/139), Lat. 40.9348, Long. 24.6261 (2024/161), Lat. 41.03082697, Long. 24.6954988 (2024/163), Lat. 40.81899, Long. 24.294374 (2024/169), Lat. 41.00912973 Long. 24.3755478 (2024/170), Lat. 40.99736722, Long. 24.5118725 (2024/189),Lat. 40.972542, Long. 24.612325 (2024/190), Lat. 40.989605, Long. 24.614677 (2024/195), Lat. 40.98649515, Long. 24.60459616 (2024/196), Lat. 40.98800435, Long. 24.6095147 (2024/218), Lat. 40.97951114, Long. 24.72373385 (2024/219), Lat. 40.99121997, Long. 24.66387638 (2024/220), Lat. 40.97255153, Long. 24.64240369 (2024/231),Lat. 40.96848422, Long. 24.57660864 (2024/242), Lat. 41.0585551, Long. 24.7100023 (2024/267), Lat. 40.9866379, Long. 24.60975027 (2024/272),Lat. 40.972058, Long. 24.491101 (2025/1), Lat. 41.020308, Long. 24.724732 (2025/2), Lat. 41.019616, Long. 24.705517 (2025/3), Lat. 40.964148, Long. 24.497477 (2025/26), Lat. 41.0286054,Long. 24.6614386 (2025/40), Lat. 41.022224,Long. 24.686526 (2025/41)excluding the areas contained in any protection zone
30.3.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Kavala, Serres and Xanthi, contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.855895, Long. 24.176609 (2024/35),Lat. 40.884672, Long. 24.663783 (2024/39), Lat. 40.9007455, Long. 24.66838316 (2024/60), Lat. 40.86940957, Long. 24.71372915 (2024/73), Lat. 40.96307423, Long. 24.67115789 (2024/74), Lat. 40.87157597, Long. 24.71579265 (2024/75), Lat. 40.90818188, Long. 24.68586162 (2024/76), Lat. 40.87155993, Long. 24.71581822 (2024/78), Lat 40.930299, Long. 24.69503165 (2024/85), Lat.40.87155993, Long. 24.71581822 (2024/86), Lat.40.90818486, Long. 24.6858706 (2024/97), Lat.40.91170567, Long. 24.6360924 (2024/98), Lat.40.91520227, Long. 24.74376312 (2024/101), Lat.40.9410113, Long. 24.62660181 (2024/102),Lat. 41.016819, Long. 24.657514 (2024/110), Lat. 40.960765, Long. 24.613769 (2024/127), Lat. 40.93703, Long. 24.715855 (2024/131), Lat. 40.964033, Long. 24.706643 (2024/132), Lat. 40.896498, Long. 24.750354 (2024/133), Lat. 40.878249, Long. 24.76182 (2024/134), Lat. 40.86637045, Long. 24.75824842 (2024/139), Lat. 40.9348, Long. 24.6261 (2024/161), Lat. 41.03082697, Long. 24.6954988 (2024/163), Lat. 40.81899, Long. 24.294374 (2024/169), Lat. 41.00912973, Long. 24.3755478 (2024/170), Lat. 40.99736722, Long. 24.5118725 (2024/189),Lat. 40.972542, Long. 24.612325 (2024/190), Lat. 40.989605, Long. 24.614677 (2024/195), Lat. 40.98649515, Long. 24.60459616 (2024/196), Lat. 40.98800435, Long. 24.6095147 (2024/218), Lat. 40.97951114, Long. 24.72373385 (2024/219), Lat. 40.99121997, Long. 24.66387638 (2024/220), Lat. 40.97255153, Long. 24.64240369 (2024/231), Lat. 40.96848422, Long. 24.57660864 (2024/242), Lat. 41.0585551, Long. 24.7100023 (2024/267), Lat. 40.9866379, Long. 24.60975027 (2024/272),Lat. 40.972058, Long. 24.491101 (2025/1), Lat. 41.020308, Long. 24.724732 (2025/2), Lat. 41.019616, Long. 24.705517 (2025/3), Lat. 40.964148, Long. 24.497477 (2025/26), Lat. 41.0286054,Long. 24.6614386 (2025/40), Lat. 41.022224,Long. 24.686526 (2025/41)
22.3.2025 – 30.3.2025
Regional unit of Phocis
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00135
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00236
GR-CAPRIPOX-2024-00301
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00009
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00037
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00039
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00042
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00043
Protection zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Phocis and Aetolia-Acarnania, contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.38.408917, Long. 21.929083 (2024/135), Lat. 38.403889, Long. 21.891667 (2024/236), Lat. 38.398889, Long. 21.921111 (2024/301),Lat. 38.417222, Long. 21.941944 (2025/9), Lat. 38.413611, Long. 21.946388 (2025/37), Lat. 38.389722, Long. 21.906944 (2025/39), Lat. 38.405277, Long. 21.894166 (2025/42), Lat. 38.449167, Long. 21.9475 (2025/43)
4.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Phocis and Aetolia-Acarnania, contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 Lat.38.408917, Long. 21.929083 (2024/135), Lat. 38.403889, Long. 21.891667 (2024/236),Lat. 38.398889, Long. 21.921111 (2024/301), Lat. 38.417222, Long. 21.941944 (2025/9), Lat. 38.413611, Long. 21.946388 (2025/37), Lat. 38.389722, Long. 21.906944 (2025/39), Lat. 38.405277, Long. 21.894166 (2025/42), Lat. 38.449167, Long. 21.9475 (2025/43)excluding the areas contained in any protection zone
13.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Phocis, contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.38.408917, Long. 21.929083 (2024/135), Lat. 38.403889, Long. 21.891667 (2024/236), Lat. 38.398889, Long. 21.921111 (2024/301), Lat. 38.417222, Long. 21.941944 (2025/9), Lat. 38.413611, Long. 21.946388 (2025/37), Lat. 38.389722, Long. 21.906944 (2025/39), Lat. 38.405277, Long. 21.894166 (2025/42), Lat. 38.449167, Long. 21.9475 (2025/43)
5.4.2025 – 13.4.2025
Regional unit of Thessaloniki
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00047
Protection zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinatesLat.40.661712, Long. 23.353014 (2025/00047)
4.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.40.661712, Long. 23.353014 (2025/00047) excluding the areas contained in any protection zone
13.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.40.661712, Long. 23.353014 (2025/00047)
5.4.2025 – 13.4.2025
Regional unit of Evros – Municipality of Samothrace
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00044
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00046
Protection zone:
Those parts of the municipality of Samothrace contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinatesLat.40.473287, Long. 25.667951 (2025/00044), Lat.40.480667, Long. 25.481976 (2025/00046)
4.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the municipality of Samothrace contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.473287, Long. 25.667951 (2025/00044), Lat. 40.480667, Long. 25.481976 (2025/00046)excluding the areas contained in any protection zone
13.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the municipality of Samothrace contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 40.473287, Long. 25.667951 (2025/00044), Lat. 40.480667, Long. 25.481976 (2025/00046)
5.4.2025 – 13.4.2025
Regional unit of Aetolia-Acarnania
GR-CAPRIPOX-2025-00045
Protection zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Phocis contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat.38.391486, Long. 21.854056 (2025/00045)
4.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Phocis contained within a circle of a radius of 10 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinatesLat. 38.391486, Long. 21.854056 (2025/00045) excluding the areas contained in any protection zone
13.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
Those parts of the regional units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Phocis contained within a circle of a radius of 3 kilometres, centred on UTM 30, ETRS89 coordinates Lat. 38.391486, Long. 21.854056 (2025/00045)
5.4.2025 – 13.4.2025

B. Further restricted zones

Further restricted zone
Regional unit
Areas included in the further restricted zones established in Greece as referred to in Article 2
Date until applicable
Further restricted zone No 1
Regional unit of Evros
The regional unit of Evros excluding the municipality of Samothrace
20.4.2025
Further restricted zone No 2
Regional unit of Rhodopi
The regional unit of Rhodopi
20.4.2025
Further restricted zone No 3
Regional unit of Kavala
The regional unit of Kavala, including the municipality of Thasos, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
30.3.2025
The regional unit of Kavala including the municipality of Thasos
31.03.2025 – 29.4.2025
Regional unit of Drama
The municipality of Doxato, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
30.3.2025
The municipality of Doxato
31.03.2025 – 29.4.2025
Regional unit of Xanthi
The regional unit of Xanthi excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
30.3.2025
The regional unit of Xanthi
31.03.2025 – 29.4.2025
Further restricted zone No 4
Regional unit of Chalkidiki
The municipalities of Aristotelis, and Polygyros, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
13.4.2025
Regional unit of Chalkidiki
The municipalities of and Aristotelis, and Polygyros.
14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025
Further restricted zone No 8
Regional unit of Magnesia
The regional unit of Magnesia, excluding the Sporades islands and the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
3.3.2025
The regional unit of Magnesia, excluding the Sporades islands
4.3.2025 – 2.4.2025
Regional unit of Phthiotis
The municipality of Stylida, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
3.3.2025
The municipality of Stylida
4.3.2025 – 2.4.2025
Further restricted zone No 9
Regional unit of Phocis
The municipality of Dorida, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
13.4.2025
The municipality of Dorida
14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025
Regional unit of Aetolia-Acarnania
The municipalities of Nafpaktia and Messolonghi, excluding the the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
13.4.2025
The municipalities of Nafpaktia and Messolonghi
14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025
Further restricted zone No 9A
Regional unit of Aetolia-Acarnania
The municipalities of Agrinio and Xiromero and Thermo.
26.4.2025
Further restricted zone no 15
Regional unit of Heraklion
The regional unit of Heraklion
13.3.2025 – 11.4.2025
Further restricted zone no 16
Municipality of Samothrace in the regional unit of Evros
The municipality of Samothrace excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
13.4.2025
The municipality of Samothrace
14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025
Further restricted zone no 17
Municipality of Skyros in the regional unit of Euboea
The municipality of Skyros
15.3.2025 – 13.4.2025
Further restricted zone no 18
Regional unit of Thessaloniki
The municipalities of Volvi and Lagkadas, excluding the areas included in any protection or surveillance zone.
13.4.2025
Regional unit of Thessaloniki
The municipalities of Volvi and Lagkadas.
14.4.2025 – 13.5.2025

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/638 of 25 March 2025 concerning certain emergency measures relating to infection with peste des petits ruminants virus in Romania and repealing Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525 (notified under document C(2025) 1939)

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/638 28.3.2025
(1) Infection with peste des petits ruminants virus is an infectious 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 infection with peste des petits ruminants virus 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 infection with peste des petits ruminants virus, 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 zones around or adjacent to the protection and surveillance zones.
(4) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525(4)was adopted on the basis of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, and it lays down certain interim emergency measures relating to infection with peste des petits ruminants virus in Romania in response to an outbreak confirmed in Bihor. More particularly, Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525 provides that the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones to be established by Romania, in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, following that outbreak, are to comprise at least the areas listed in the Annex to that Implementing Decision.
(5) After the adoption of Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525, Romania provided the Commission with updated information on the date of killing and the completion of the preliminary cleaning and disinfection of the outbreak in Bihor county.
(6) In order to control the spread of the disease, and to prevent any unnecessary disturbance to trade within the Union or any unjustified barriers to trade being imposed by third countries, it is necessary to rapidly identify, at Union level, the areas where a restricted zone for infection with peste des petits ruminants virus, which should comprise the protection and surveillance zones, as well as a further restricted zone, should be established in Romania in accordance with Article 21 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687.
(7) In the current epidemiological situation, there is a high risk of further spread of peste des petits ruminants virus, within Romania and to the rest of the Union, in particular due to the fact that, according to the information provided by Romania, this is a recurrence of that disease in an area never affected before, more than five months since the last reported outbreak in Romania and more than two months since the lifting of all restrictive measures in relation to that disease in that Member State, with very little information about the origin of the outbreak and the possible spread in between the outbreaks, which indicates that the disease may have already circulated in multiple areas of Romania, undetected and without any restrictive measures in place to prevent or slow down its spread.
(8) The size of the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones, as well as the duration of the measures to be applied therein as set out in this decision are based on the criteria set out in Article 64(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, and the rules laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, including the epidemiological situation as regards infection with peste de petits ruminants virus in the areas affected by that disease, and the overall epidemiological situation in Romania, as well as the level of risk for the further spread of that disease. The duration of the measures also takes into account the international standards of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
(9) Due to the severity and urgency of the situation, and in order to effectively limit the spread of the disease, it is necessary to ensure that movements of caprine and ovine animals from the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones to destinations outside the external perimeter of the further restricted zone do not take place, and to exclude any derogations from that prohibition on such movements pursuant to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, for a certain period of time.
(10) In addition, in view of the uncertainty and the lack of information regarding the current epidemiological situation, where infection with peste des petits has recurred unexpectedly, more than four months since its eradication from Romania, it is necessary to prohibit movements of ovine and caprine animals from the entire territory of Romania to other Member States for a certain period of time.
(11) In view of the epidemiological situation, it also necessary to identify the areas in Romania where further measures, such as those applicable to further restricted zones, as provided for in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, should apply, and where movements of ovine and caprine animals outside the external perimeters of those areas should be prohibited, for a certain period of time, after the expiry of the dates for the measures which apply in all the protection and surveillance zones.
(12) Given the urgency of the epidemiological situation in the Union as regards the spread of infection with peste des petits ruminants virus, and the need to prevent the disease from spreading from the affected establishments in Romania to other parts of that Member State or to other Member States, the measures laid down in this Implementing Decision should apply as soon as possible.
(13) Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525 should be replaced.
(14) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,
(a) the measures required to be applied in the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones listed in Annex I, are applied at least until the dates listed in that Annex; that
(b) movements of caprine and ovine animals from the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones listed in Annex I to a destination located outside the external perimeter of the further restricted zone, as set out in Part B of Annex I, are prohibited until the dates listed for each zone in that Annex; and that
(c) movements of caprine and ovine animals from the entire territory of Romania to a destination located in another Member State are prohibited until 9 June 2025.
Movements of caprine and ovine animals from the areas listed in Annex II to this Decision to a destination located outside the external perimeter of these areas, are prohibited until the dates listed for each area in that Annex.
Country Administrative area and ADIS reference number of the outbreak Areas established as protection and surveillance zones, referred to in Article 1 Date until applicable
Romania Bihor countyRO-PPR-2025-00001 Protection zone:The communes of Cefa, Gepiu, Husasău de Tinca, Mădăras,Nojorid and Sânnicolau Român. 1.4.2025
Surveillance zone:The communes of Batăr, Biharia, Borș, Cetariu, Ciumeghiu, Girișu de Criș, Hidișelu de Sus, Holod, Lăzăreni, Oradea, Oșorhei, Paleu, Salonta, Sânmartin, Sântandrei, Tinca, Toboliu and Tulca, 10.4.2025
Surveillance zone:The communes of Cefa, Gepiu, Husasău de Tinca, Mădăras,Nojorid and Sânnicolau Român. 2.4.2025 – 10.4.2025
Country Administrative area Areas established as further restricted zone, referred to in Article 1 Date until applicable
Romania Bihor county The entire territory of Bihor county excluding the areas contained in any protection or surveillance zone. 10.4.2025
Arad county The entire territory of Arad county 10.4.2025
Country Administrative area Areas referred to in Article 2 Date until applicable
Romania Bihor county The entire territory of Bihor county 11.4.2025 – 10.5.2025
Arad county The entire territory of Arad county 11.4.2025 – 10.5.2025
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) Infection with peste des petits ruminants virus is an infectious 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 infection with peste des petits ruminants virus 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 infection with peste des petits ruminants virus, 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 zones around or adjacent to the protection and surveillance zones.
(4) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525 (4) was adopted on the basis of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, and it lays down certain interim emergency measures relating to infection with peste des petits ruminants virus in Romania in response to an outbreak confirmed in Bihor. More particularly, Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525 provides that the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones to be established by Romania, in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, following that outbreak, are to comprise at least the areas listed in the Annex to that Implementing Decision.
(5) After the adoption of Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525, Romania provided the Commission with updated information on the date of killing and the completion of the preliminary cleaning and disinfection of the outbreak in Bihor county.
(6) In order to control the spread of the disease, and to prevent any unnecessary disturbance to trade within the Union or any unjustified barriers to trade being imposed by third countries, it is necessary to rapidly identify, at Union level, the areas where a restricted zone for infection with peste des petits ruminants virus, which should comprise the protection and surveillance zones, as well as a further restricted zone, should be established in Romania in accordance with Article 21 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687.
(7) In the current epidemiological situation, there is a high risk of further spread of peste des petits ruminants virus, within Romania and to the rest of the Union, in particular due to the fact that, according to the information provided by Romania, this is a recurrence of that disease in an area never affected before, more than five months since the last reported outbreak in Romania and more than two months since the lifting of all restrictive measures in relation to that disease in that Member State, with very little information about the origin of the outbreak and the possible spread in between the outbreaks, which indicates that the disease may have already circulated in multiple areas of Romania, undetected and without any restrictive measures in place to prevent or slow down its spread.
(8) The size of the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones, as well as the duration of the measures to be applied therein as set out in this decision are based on the criteria set out in Article 64(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, and the rules laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, including the epidemiological situation as regards infection with peste de petits ruminants virus in the areas affected by that disease, and the overall epidemiological situation in Romania, as well as the level of risk for the further spread of that disease. The duration of the measures also takes into account the international standards of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
(9) Due to the severity and urgency of the situation, and in order to effectively limit the spread of the disease, it is necessary to ensure that movements of caprine and ovine animals from the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones to destinations outside the external perimeter of the further restricted zone do not take place, and to exclude any derogations from that prohibition on such movements pursuant to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, for a certain period of time.
(10) In addition, in view of the uncertainty and the lack of information regarding the current epidemiological situation, where infection with peste des petits has recurred unexpectedly, more than four months since its eradication from Romania, it is necessary to prohibit movements of ovine and caprine animals from the entire territory of Romania to other Member States for a certain period of time.
(11) In view of the epidemiological situation, it also necessary to identify the areas in Romania where further measures, such as those applicable to further restricted zones, as provided for in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, should apply, and where movements of ovine and caprine animals outside the external perimeters of those areas should be prohibited, for a certain period of time, after the expiry of the dates for the measures which apply in all the protection and surveillance zones.
(12) Given the urgency of the epidemiological situation in the Union as regards the spread of infection with peste des petits ruminants virus, and the need to prevent the disease from spreading from the affected establishments in Romania to other parts of that Member State or to other Member States, the measures laid down in this Implementing Decision should apply as soon as possible.
(13) Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525 should be replaced.
(14) 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:
Romania shall immediately establish, in accordance with Article 21 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, a restricted zone, which comprises both protection and surveillance zones, as well as a further restricted zone, and which covers at least the areas listed in Annex I.
In addition, Romania shall ensure that

(a) the measures required to be applied in the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones listed in Annex I, are applied at least until the dates listed in that Annex; that
(b) movements of caprine and ovine animals from the protection, surveillance and further restricted zones listed in Annex I to a destination located outside the external perimeter of the further restricted zone, as set out in Part B of Annex I, are prohibited until the dates listed for each zone in that Annex; and that
(c) movements of caprine and ovine animals from the entire territory of Romania to a destination located in another Member State are prohibited until 9 June 2025.

Romania shall apply the measures which are applicable to further restricted zones, as provided for in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, in the areas listed in Annex II to this Decision, and in accordance with the dates set out in that Annex.

Movements of caprine and ovine animals from the areas listed in Annex II to this Decision to a destination located outside the external perimeter of these areas, are prohibited until the dates listed for each area in that Annex.

Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/525 is hereby repealed.
This Decision is addressed to Romania.

Part A:   Protection and surveillance zones established around the confirmed outbreak

Country
Administrative area and ADIS reference number of the outbreak
Areas established as protection and surveillance zones, referred to in Article 1
Date until applicable
Romania
Bihor county
RO-PPR-2025-00001
Protection zone:
The communes of Cefa, Gepiu, Husasău de Tinca, Mădăras,
Nojorid and Sânnicolau Român.
1.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
The communes of Batăr, Biharia, Borș, Cetariu, Ciumeghiu, Girișu de Criș, Hidișelu de Sus, Holod, Lăzăreni, Oradea, Oșorhei, Paleu, Salonta, Sânmartin, Sântandrei, Tinca, Toboliu and Tulca,
10.4.2025
Surveillance zone:
The communes of Cefa, Gepiu, Husasău de Tinca, Mădăras,
Nojorid and Sânnicolau Român.
2.4.2025 – 10.4.2025

Part B: Further restricted zone

Country
Administrative area
Areas established as further restricted zone, referred to in Article 1
Date until applicable
Romania
Bihor county
The entire territory of Bihor county excluding the areas contained in any protection or surveillance zone.
10.4.2025
Arad county
The entire territory of Arad county
10.4.2025

Country
Administrative area
Areas referred to in Article 2
Date until applicable
Romania
Bihor county
The entire territory of Bihor county
11.4.2025 – 10.5.2025
Arad county
The entire territory of Arad county
11.4.2025 – 10.5.2025

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/635 of 31 March 2025 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the Performance Review Board of the Single European Sky

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/635 2.4.2025
(1) Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 establishes an independent and impartial advisory Performance Review Board (‘the Board’).
(2) Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 sets out the Board’s role, tasks, composition, independence requirements, procedures, functioning and financing rules and requires that it be supported by a secretariat provided by the Commission.
(3) Detailed rules should be laid down on the selection procedure of its members and its Chair, including the selection and eligibility criteria, as well as rules preventing conflict of interest and preserving its independence,
(a) the nature, type and importance of the individual’s interest;
(b) the degree to which the interest may be reasonably expected to influence the individual’s advice and the overall decision-making process of the Board.
(a) the individual’s application shall not be retained. In such case the Commission services shall inform the individual about the outcome of the conflict of interest assessment;
(b) during the term of office, the individual’s appointment as member of the Board shall be made subject to specific restrictions, such as the expert’s exclusion from certain meetings or activities carried out by the Board, or both, in particular participation in drafting opinions or recommendations, or the expert’s abstention from discussing specific items on the agenda or from any vote taken on those items, or both.
(a) the arrangements for its cooperation with the national supervisory authorities and with the Board established in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803;
(b) the arrangements for its engagement with operational stakeholders;
(c) a data management plan laying down data collection and storing processes, including to ensure compliance with confidentiality rules.
(a) proven and relevant expertise, competence and high-level professional experience of the applicant, in areas relevant to air traffic management, air navigation services or the economic regulation of network industries;
(b) balanced representation of competence and expertise for all key performance areas, as well as balanced representation of gender and geographical origin;
(c) knowledge in relevant fields including, but not limited to the following:(i)Union aviation policy and applicable legislation;(ii)operational management of aviation or air traffic control, or both, and a thorough understanding of airline and airport operations;(iii)military mission requirements and military operations management;(iv)Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research deployment management and Union funding mechanisms;(v)benchmarking, cost-benefit analysis techniques, and financial planning;(vi)air navigation services charging mechanisms, accounting and economic regulation;(vii)interdependencies between cost and the other performance areas as well as between civil and military requirements;(viii)identification of safety risks and safety performance measurement;(ix)measurement of environmental and climate performance (addressing, among others, aviation environmental and climate impact);(x)interactions with adjoining airspace to the Single European Sky area, including hot spots and flow management; (i) Union aviation policy and applicable legislation; (ii) operational management of aviation or air traffic control, or both, and a thorough understanding of airline and airport operations; (iii) military mission requirements and military operations management; (iv) Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research deployment management and Union funding mechanisms; (v) benchmarking, cost-benefit analysis techniques, and financial planning; (vi) air navigation services charging mechanisms, accounting and economic regulation; (vii) interdependencies between cost and the other performance areas as well as between civil and military requirements; (viii) identification of safety risks and safety performance measurement; (ix) measurement of environmental and climate performance (addressing, among others, aviation environmental and climate impact); (x) interactions with adjoining airspace to the Single European Sky area, including hot spots and flow management;
(i) Union aviation policy and applicable legislation;
(ii) operational management of aviation or air traffic control, or both, and a thorough understanding of airline and airport operations;
(iii) military mission requirements and military operations management;
(iv) Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research deployment management and Union funding mechanisms;
(v) benchmarking, cost-benefit analysis techniques, and financial planning;
(vi) air navigation services charging mechanisms, accounting and economic regulation;
(vii) interdependencies between cost and the other performance areas as well as between civil and military requirements;
(viii) identification of safety risks and safety performance measurement;
(ix) measurement of environmental and climate performance (addressing, among others, aviation environmental and climate impact);
(x) interactions with adjoining airspace to the Single European Sky area, including hot spots and flow management;
(i) Union aviation policy and applicable legislation;
(ii) operational management of aviation or air traffic control, or both, and a thorough understanding of airline and airport operations;
(iii) military mission requirements and military operations management;
(iv) Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research deployment management and Union funding mechanisms;
(v) benchmarking, cost-benefit analysis techniques, and financial planning;
(vi) air navigation services charging mechanisms, accounting and economic regulation;
(vii) interdependencies between cost and the other performance areas as well as between civil and military requirements;
(viii) identification of safety risks and safety performance measurement;
(ix) measurement of environmental and climate performance (addressing, among others, aviation environmental and climate impact);
(x) interactions with adjoining airspace to the Single European Sky area, including hot spots and flow management;
(d) the capability to analyse and assess interdependencies and interactions between the performance areas and to propose and assess future performance targets on the basis of the planned operational and technological improvements;
(e) the capacity to communicate on complex economic and technical matters;
(f) appropriate language skills, enabling the applicant to participate fully and effectively in the Performance Review Board;
(g) independence and absence of conflicts of interest.
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on the implementation of the Single European Sky (1), and in particular Article 20 thereof,
After consulting the Single Sky Committee,
Whereas:
(1) Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 establishes an independent and impartial advisory Performance Review Board (‘the Board’).
(2) Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 sets out the Board’s role, tasks, composition, independence requirements, procedures, functioning and financing rules and requires that it be supported by a secretariat provided by the Commission.
(3) Detailed rules should be laid down on the selection procedure of its members and its Chair, including the selection and eligibility criteria, as well as rules preventing conflict of interest and preserving its independence,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Appointment of members

1. The members, including the Chair, of the Performance Review Board (‘the Board’) shall be appointed by the Director-General of the Commission’s Directorate-General in charge of Mobility and Transport (‘the Director-General’), on behalf of the Commission, on the basis of the requirements laid down in Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 and of the selection and eligibility criteria set out in the Annex to this Decision. Members shall be individuals appointed in their personal capacity.

2. The Commission shall publish a public call for expression of interest in order to establish a list of candidates to be members, and the Chair, of the Board in accordance with the requirements set out in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803. The call shall detail the selection and eligibility criteria, including the required expertise. The minimum deadline for applications shall be four weeks.

3. Following such a call for expression of interest, the Commission shall conduct a selection procedure. The selection procedure shall consist of a series of assessments of the applications, including interviews to evaluate the criteria listed in the call and to shortlist selected candidates. The Commission shall consult the Member States on the list of candidates before appointing the members, including the Chair.

4. The Director-General may establish, on behalf of the Commission, a reserve list on the basis of the list referred to in paragraph 2. The Commission shall obtain the applicants’ consent before including their names on the reserve list. An applicant whose name is included on the reserve list may ask at any time to be removed from that list.

5. A member who is no longer capable of contributing effectively to the work of the Board, who resigns or who no longer complies with the conditions set out in Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 and in this Decision shall be replaced by a person from the reserve list. That person shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 for the remainder of the outgoing member’s term of office.

6. Where there is no suitable person on the reserve list to replace the member referred to in paragraph 5, a new call for expression of interest shall be published and a selection procedure shall subsequently be conducted in accordance with paragraphs 1, 2 and 3. In such case, the non-renewable term of office of the new member shall be five years.

7. The Commission shall inform the Member States of the results of the calls for expression of interest and of the lists referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4.
8. The names of individuals appointed as members of the Board, including the Chair, shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Independence and absence of conflicts of interest

1. When performing their duties, the Board and its members shall act in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803. Members shall sign a statement by which they undertake to exercise their functions on the Board with impartiality, acting independently of any external influence and in the public interest.

2. Members shall not delegate their responsibilities to any other person.

3. Individuals applying to be appointed as members shall disclose, as part of their application, any circumstances that could give rise to a conflict of interest by submitting a declaration of interests (‘DOI’) form and an up-to-date curriculum vitae. The DOI form shall be based on a standard DOI form set out in the call for expression of interest referred to in Article 1(2). Submission of a duly completed DOI form shall be necessary for an individual to be eligible to be appointed as a member of the Board.

4. The DOI form shall consist of a series of standard questions. In their answers to the questions, individuals who wish to be appointed as members of the Board will be required to disclose at least any relevant professional and financial interests and any situation where their interests may compromise or may reasonably be perceived to compromise their capacity to act impartially and in the public interest as a member of the Board. Each individual shall assume full responsibility for the content of the declaration submitted.

5. Individuals who disclose an interest which could potentially compromise their independence shall be asked to supply further details. Disclosure of an interest in the DOI form does not automatically disqualify the individual concerned, but the Commission services shall screen the answer in order to determine if a conflict of interest exists.

6. For the purposes of assessing whether there could be any conflict of interest, at least the following factors shall be taken into account:
(a) the nature, type and importance of the individual’s interest;
(b) the degree to which the interest may be reasonably expected to influence the individual’s advice and the overall decision-making process of the Board.
An interest shall be considered to be insignificant or minimal where it is unlikely to compromise or to be reasonably perceived as compromising the individual’s capacity to act impartially and in the public interest when advising the Commission.

7. Where the Commission services conclude that an individual’s interests may compromise or be reasonably perceived as compromising their capacity to act independently and in the public interest when providing advice to the Commission, one of the following measures shall be taken to deal with the conflict, depending on the specific circumstances:
(a) the individual’s application shall not be retained. In such case the Commission services shall inform the individual about the outcome of the conflict of interest assessment;
(b) during the term of office, the individual’s appointment as member of the Board shall be made subject to specific restrictions, such as the expert’s exclusion from certain meetings or activities carried out by the Board, or both, in particular participation in drafting opinions or recommendations, or the expert’s abstention from discussing specific items on the agenda or from any vote taken on those items, or both.

8. Members shall promptly inform the Commission of any relevant change in the information previously provided, including as regards upcoming activities, in which case they shall immediately submit a newly completed DOI form describing the change. The Commission services shall assess such new DOI in due course. The Chair of the Board shall, at the first meeting of each calendar year, remind all members of the requirements of this paragraph.

9. The Commission shall make the DOI form of appointed members publicly available through a dedicated website. Technical measures shall be taken to ensure that DOI forms do not appear in search engines’ search results.

Functioning and working method

1. The Chair shall act as the representative of the Board and preside over its meetings.

2. The Board shall adopt its own rules of procedure and set up its working arrangements. The rules of procedure may be adopted and working arrangements set up once the Director-General has verified, on behalf of the Commission, that they are in accordance with the Commission’s internal rules for expert groups and that they ensure that the activities resulting from those rules and working arrangements are compatible with the available budget.

3. As regards the working arrangements referred to in paragraph 2, the Board shall adopt:
(a) the arrangements for its cooperation with the national supervisory authorities and with the Board established in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803;
(b) the arrangements for its engagement with operational stakeholders;
(c) a data management plan laying down data collection and storing processes, including to ensure compliance with confidentiality rules.

4. The Board shall work on the basis of an annual work programme which it shall establish in accordance with the Commission’s priorities, after verification by the Director-General, on behalf of the Commission, that the requirements set out in Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 are fulfilled.

5. For the purpose of examining specific issues relevant to its work, the Board may set up sub-groups from among its members, on the basis of terms of reference which it shall determine after verification by the Director-General, on behalf of the Commission, that setting up such sub-groups is compatible with the available budget. Sub-groups shall be dissolved as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.

6. The Board, as well as its sub-groups, shall meet at the premises of the Commission. However, in exceptional cases meetings may be held elsewhere or online.

7. The attendance of members of the Board at its meetings, as well as at those of its sub-groups, is mandatory. Absences shall be covered by a justification which shall be sent to the Chair and the Secretariat.

8. The Board shall ensure, with the support of the Secretariat, that its methodology reflects the latest scientific standards.

9. Where Eurocontrol or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency are identified as the appropriate data provider, the Commission shall establish appropriate arrangements with Eurocontrol or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency for the collection, examination, validation and dissemination of that data. Such arrangements shall ensure that the Board has continuous access to that data.

Confidentiality

1. Members are bound by the obligation of professional secrecy and by the Commission’s rules on security regarding the protection of Union classified information, laid down in Commission Decisions (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 (2) and (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 (3).

2. Members shall sign a written declaration of confidentiality at the beginning of their term of office.

Transparency

The Commission shall publish all of the Board’s opinions, recommendations, reports and guidance material, including the annual report and the annual work programme, on a dedicated website.

Financing

1. Members of the Board shall be entitled to a special allowance of EUR 100 per working hour with a maximum of EUR 800 per working day. The payment shall be made in euro. The amounts of the special allowance shall be updated automatically every five years after the entry into force of this Decision, based on the annual inflation index/rate in the Eurostat Harmonised Index of Consumer Price for the euro area.

2. Travel and subsistence expenses incurred by members shall be reimbursed by the Commission in accordance with Commission Decision C(2007) 5858 (4). Those expenses shall be reimbursed within the limits of the available appropriations allocated under the annual procedure for allocating resources.

3. The costs corresponding to the allowances and reimbursements referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be financed in accordance with Article 242 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5).

This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The selection and eligibility criteria for the members of the Performance Review Board shall include the following:

(a) proven and relevant expertise, competence and high-level professional experience of the applicant, in areas relevant to air traffic management, air navigation services or the economic regulation of network industries;

(b) balanced representation of competence and expertise for all key performance areas, as well as balanced representation of gender and geographical origin;

(c) knowledge in relevant fields including, but not limited to the following:
(i) Union aviation policy and applicable legislation;
(ii) operational management of aviation or air traffic control, or both, and a thorough understanding of airline and airport operations;
(iii) military mission requirements and military operations management;
(iv) Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research deployment management and Union funding mechanisms;
(v) benchmarking, cost-benefit analysis techniques, and financial planning;
(vi) air navigation services charging mechanisms, accounting and economic regulation;
(vii) interdependencies between cost and the other performance areas as well as between civil and military requirements;
(viii) identification of safety risks and safety performance measurement;
(ix) measurement of environmental and climate performance (addressing, among others, aviation environmental and climate impact);
(x) interactions with adjoining airspace to the Single European Sky area, including hot spots and flow management;

(d) the capability to analyse and assess interdependencies and interactions between the performance areas and to propose and assess future performance targets on the basis of the planned operational and technological improvements;

(e) the capacity to communicate on complex economic and technical matters;

(f) appropriate language skills, enabling the applicant to participate fully and effectively in the Performance Review Board;

(g) independence and absence of conflicts of interest.

Council Decision (EU) 2025/633 of 24 March 2025 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on certain aspects of air services

January 13, 2026
Official Journalof the European Union ENL series
2025/633 27.3.2025
(1) In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2024/1698(2), the Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on certain aspects of air services (the ‘Agreement’) was signed on 7 June 2024, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
(2) The objective of the Agreement is to bring bilateral air service agreements between seven Member States and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh into line with Union law.
(3) The Agreement should be approved.
(4) In accordance with the Treaties, the Commission should make the notifications provided for in Article 8(1) of the Agreement,
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 100(2), in conjunction with Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament (1),
Whereas:
(1) In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2024/1698 (2), the Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on certain aspects of air services (the ‘Agreement’) was signed on 7 June 2024, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
(2) The objective of the Agreement is to bring bilateral air service agreements between seven Member States and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh into line with Union law.
(3) The Agreement should be approved.
(4) In accordance with the Treaties, the Commission should make the notifications provided for in Article 8(1) of the Agreement,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on certain aspects of air services (the ‘Agreement’) (3) is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.
The Commission shall proceed, on behalf of the Union, to make the notification provided for in Article 8(1) of the Agreement, in order to express the consent of the Union to be bound by the Agreement.
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption (4).