The European Parliament adopted by 592 votes to 53 with 12 abstentions a resolution setting out its position at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure (formerly known as the codecision procedure) with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No .../2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 247/2006 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union. Following agreement with the Council, it made some amendments:
Extension of sugar derogation to Azores: the text states that Article 4(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 247/2006 allowed, for a period of four years, the dispatching of sugar from the Azores to the rest of the Union in quantities exceeding the traditional flows. Acknowledging that the diversification of agriculture in the Azores could be advantageous and with a view to, consequently, facilitate the diversification, in particular with regard to the phasing out of the milk quota system, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to support the restructuring of the sugar sector in that region. To this end, to allow the local sugar processing industry to be viable, it seems appropriate to allow the re-dispatching of sugar in quantities exceeding the traditional flows for a limited period of five years and subject to progressively reduced annual quantities.
Accordingly, the following maximum quantities of sugar (CN code 1701) may be dispatched each year from the Azores to the rest of the Union for a period of five years: n 2011: 3000 tonnes; in 2012: 2500 tonnes; in 2013: 2000 tonnes; in 2014: 1500 tonnes, and in 2015: 1000 tonnes.
Removal of deadline for Portuguese vineyards: Regulation (EC) No 247/2006 provides for the gradual elimination, by 31 December 2013, of vineyards planted with prohibited direct-producer hybrid vine varieties in the Azores and Madeira. The date of 31 December 2013 is now deleted in order to eliminate the disparity of treatment between the regions of the Azores and Madeira on one hand and the rest of the Union on the other and to allow the continuing conversion of vineyards planted with prohibited vine varieties.
Labelling: the text specified that the method by which the UHT milk thus reconstituted has been obtained shall be clearly indicated on the sales labelling.
Retroactive application: a new recital states that the retroactive application of the provisions of this Regulation as from 1 January 2010 should ensure continuity in the specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union and should also meet the legitimate expectations of the operators concerned.