Environment, agriculture, social policy and public health: amending certain Directives by reason of the change of status of Mayotte with regard to the Union

The Council adopted a proposed compromise text on a Council Directive amending certain Directives in the fields of environment, agriculture, social policy and public health by reason of the change of status of Mayotte with regard to the Union.

The proposed changes by the Presidency were as follows:

The proposal should be based on Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). 

The Council should adopt this proposal having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament following the special legislative procedure.

It is stipulated that Mayotte should be considered as an outermost region within the meaning of Article 349 of the TFEU and that it is appropriate to provide for certain specific measures justified by the particular structural social and economic situation of Mayotte in a number of areas.

• Amendment to Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste water treatment: the proposal stipulated that the period of time granted to France to enable it to comply with the requirements of the Directive should be 31 December 2027 for all agglomerations of more than 2 000 p.e. (population equivalent).
• Amendment to Directive 1999/74/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens: it is proposed that laying hens may continue to be reared in unenriched cages until 31 December 2017.

The Directive should apply from 1 January 2014.