Implementing the 2015 Work Programme: Commission to withdraw proposals blocked in Parliament and Council

As foreseen in its 2015 Work Programme, the Commission today decided to withdraw two legislative proposals – the Maternity Leave Directive and the Earth Observation Satellite Data Directive – on which the co-legislators have not been able to find a timely political agreement. They will be replaced with new initiatives in the 2016 Work Programme, aiming to meet their policy objectives in a more effective way. The Council has concluded that there is no prospect of progress on the proposed Maternity Leave Directive. It is unlikely that the proposed Earth Observation Satellite Data Directive could be adopted in a form that would meet its internal market objectives. The Commission will now formally confirm to the European Parliament and the Council its intention to proceed to withdraw these proposals. The Commission also confirmed that it will continue to work with the co-legislators for an agreement on a third proposal – for a Regulation on organic production and labelling of organic products – where political discussions have advanced significantly. A press release on the three withdrawals can be found here. A press release on the withdrawal of the Maternity Leave Directive, which aims to break from the current stalemate and open up the way for a fresh approach, can be found here.