(3)In accordance with the outcome of consultations between the Union and Norway, the Union may authorise fishing by Union vessels of up to 10 % beyond the quota available to the Union, provided that any quantities used beyond the quota available to the Union would be deducted from its quota for 2015. Similarly, the Union may use in 2015 any unused quantities up to 10 % of the quota available to it in 2014. It is appropriate to enable such flexibility in the fixing of those fishing opportunities in order to ensure a level-playing field for Union vessels by allowing the Member States concerned to opt for the use of a flexibility quota. Where a Member State has not opted for the use of the flexibility quota in respect of a particular stock, it is appropriate that Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 continue to apply in accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EU) No 40/2013.