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 European Parliament adopted by 561 votes to 59, with 12 abstentions, a legislative resolution 13 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 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 position at first reading adopted by the Parliament following the ordinary legislative procedure amended the Commission proposal as follows:

Parliament stressed that following the change in the legal status of Mayotte, Union law will apply to Mayotte as from 1 January 2014. It is appropriate to provide for certain specific measures justified by the particular structural social, environmental and economic situation of Mayotte and its new status as an outermost region, in a number of areas.

As regards laying hens, Parliament proposed that the old standard cages which are already in use, may be used until 31 December 2017.

A second series of amendments concerned the waste water collecting systems and the thresholds of the agglomerations above which such systems must be built.

France should ensure that urban waste water entering collecting systems are, before discharge, subject to secondary treatment or an equivalent treatment: (i) by 31 December 2020 at the latest for agglomerations of more than 15 000 population equivalent (p.e.); (ii) by 31 December 2027 at the latest for agglomerations of more than 2 000 p.e..

The Directive should apply from 1 January 2014.