Council Decision (EU) 2016/768
of 21 April 2016
on the acceptance of the Amendments to the 1998 Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Heavy Metals
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 192(1), in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a), thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament,
Whereas:
The parties to the Protocol opened negotiations in 2009, the scope of which was extended in 2010, with a view to further improving the protection of human health and the environment, including through the updating of emission limit values that addressed emissions of air pollutants at source.
In 2012, the parties present at the 31st session of the Executive Body of the Convention adopted by consensus Decisions 2012/5 and 2012/6 amending the Protocol.
The amendments set out in Decision 2012/6 entered into force and became effective on the basis of the expedited procedure provided for in Article 13(4) of the Protocol.
The amendments set out in Decision 2012/5 require acceptance by the parties to the Protocol in accordance with Article 13(3) of the Protocol.
The amendments to the Protocol set out in Decision 2012/5 should therefore be accepted on behalf of the Union,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: