The Environment and Sustainability Committee Y Gwasanaeth Ymchwil | Research Service #

EU: Key Legislative Dossiers July 2015

This paper sets out the key EU dossiers currently within the EU legislation process of interest to the Environment and Sustainability Committee. We are planning a series of both formal and informal consultations on the areas identified in this paper and we will be asking stakeholders in Wales for their views. Outside of this planned consultation if you would like to contact the Committee on issues identified in this paper of other EU agriculture or environment issues of importance to you we would welcome your thoughts and views. You can email the Committee on: SeneddEnv@Assembly.Wales This paper will be updated as work of the areas identified progresses.

Dossier	Current Stage	Key Dates and Actions
Regulation on prohibition of driftnets	EP: Consideration by Fisheries Committee. The draft report, prepared by rapporteur Renata Brianco S&D, was published on 30.1.2015. On 7.5.15 the fisheries Committee was due to vote on the proposals, however due to calls to for the rejection of the proposal there have been delays at this stage. Council: There is no record of the Councils position at this time.	Indicative plenary sitting date is expected to be 8.9.15, 1st reading/single reading Proposed Action The Committee wrote to the European Commission, the European Parliament Fisheries Committee and MEPs representing Wales earlier this year outlining their findings from stakeholder sessions. It received responses to its letter from Commissioner Vella and correspondence from the Welsh MEPs. The Committee will continue to monitor progress on this dossier.
Organic production and labelling	EP: Consideration by Agriculture Committee- Draft Report being prepared by rapporteur Martin Hausling Green/ALE. A public hearing was held by the Agriculture Committee on 3.12.2014. Exchange of views by MEPs held on 24.3.15. Council: 24.3.14 proposals assigned to Agriculture and Fisheries Council. Discussions held on 10.11.14. Debate held on 16.3.15. The Council agreed a general approach on 16.6.15	The draft report on the proposals is expected to be made available in May 2015. The Agriculture Committee is due to discuss the draft report on 27-28.5.2015. The deadline for tabling amendments to the report is expected to be early June 2015 and the Agriculture Committee is expected to adopt the report in July 2015 (this could be delayed if many amendments are tabled.) Proposed Action The Committee held evidence sessions on 13 November on this proposal. The Committee wrote to the European institutions earlier this year on its findings. The Committee has also scrutinised the Deputy Minister for her views on the implications of the proposal for Wales. It received responses to its letter from the Welsh MEPs. The Committee will continue to track progress on this dossier.
GMO Cultivation Regulation	EP: Voted in favour of the proposal at second reading on 13.1.15. Council: The text was approved by the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) on 10.12.14.	Procedure completed in the European Parliament and Council Proposed Action The Committee will work on scrutiny of the Regulation’s implementation in Wales.
GM Food and Feed	On 22.4.15 the European Commission tabled proposals to reform the authorisation process for Genetically Modified (GM) food and feed, amending regulation 1829/2003. EP: The responsible Committee is the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee. Currently awaiting Committee decision. Council: The Council are yet to reach an opinion.	The proposal will follow the ordinary legislative procedure. Proposed Action The Committee to hopes to consult with stakeholders on the implications of these proposals later in the year.
Packaging Waste (Plastic bags)	EP: Decision was made by the European Parliament at second reading stage on 28.4.2015. Council: The Council’s position was published on 4.3.2015.	Procedure completed in the European Parliament and Council. Proposed Action The Committee intends to consider the implications of these proposals in line with its scrutiny on the Environment Bill.