title: 2005/357/EC: Council Decision of 22 December 2004 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of San Marino providing for measures equivalent to those laid down in Council Directive 2003/48/EC on taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments

text:
               4.5.2005

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 114/11

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 22 December 2004
   on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of San Marino providing for measures equivalent to those laid down in Council Directive 2003/48/EC on taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments
   (2005/357/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 94 in conjunction with the first subparagraph of paragraph 2, the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 and paragraph 4 of Article 300 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 16 October 2001, the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate with the Republic of San Marino an appropriate agreement for securing the adoption by the Republic of San Marino of measures equivalent to those to be applied within the Community to ensure effective taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments.

               (2)

               The text of the Agreement which is the result of the negotiations reflects duly the negotiating directives issued by the Council. It is accompanied by a Memorandum of Understanding between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of San Marino of the other part, the text of which is attached to Council Decision 2004/903/EC (2).

               (3)

               The application of the provisions of Directive 2003/48/EC (3) depends on the application by the Republic of San Marino of measures equivalent to those contained in that Directive, in accordance with an Agreement entered into by the Republic of San Marino with the European Community.

               (4)

               According to Decision 2004/903/EC, and subject to the adoption at a later date of a Decision on the conclusion of the Agreement, the Agreement was signed on behalf of the European Community on 7 December 2004.

               (5)

               The Agreement should be approved on behalf of the Community.

               (6)

               It is necessary to provide for a simple and rapid procedure for possible adaptations of Annexes I and II to the Agreement,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of San Marino providing for measures equivalent to those laid down in Council Directive 2003/48/EC on taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments is hereby approved on behalf of the European Community.
   The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision (4).
   Article 2
   The Commission is hereby authorised to approve, on behalf of the Community, amendments to the Annexes to the Agreement which ensure that they correspond to the data relating to the competent authorities resulting from the notifications referred to in Article 5(a) of Directive 2003/48/EC and in the Annex thereto.
   Article 3
   The President of the Council shall effect the notification provided for in Article 16(1) of the Agreement on behalf of the Community (5).
   Article 4
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 22 December 2004.

            For the Council

            The President

         C. VEERMAN

      (1)  Opinion delivered on 2 December 2004 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

      (2)  OJ L 381, 28.12.2004, p. 32.

      (3)  OJ L 157, 26.6.2003, p. 38. Directive as last amended by Directive 2004/66/EC (OJ L 168, 1.5.2004, p. 35).

      (4)  OJ L 381, 28.12.2004, p. 33.

      (5)  The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2015/1210 of 20 July 2015 appointing an Estonian member of the Committee of the Regions

text:
               24.7.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 196/15

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2015/1210
   of 20 July 2015
   appointing an Estonian member of the Committee of the Regions
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 305 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal of the Estonian Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 26 January, on 5 February and on 23 June 2015, the Council adopted Decisions (EU) 2015/116 (1), (EU) 2015/190 (2) and (EU) 2015/994 (3) appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020.

               (2)

               A member's seat on the Committee of the Regions has become vacant following the end of the term of office of Mr Toomas VITSUT,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The following is hereby appointed as member to the Committee of the Regions for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2020:

               Mr Kalev KALLO, Chairman of Tallinn City Council.

         Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 20 July 2015.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  OJ L 20, 27.1.2015, p. 42.

      (2)  OJ L 31, 7.2.2015, p. 25.

      (3)  OJ L 159, 25.6.2015, p. 70.


Avis juridique important

|

32001D1211(01)

Council Decision of 27 November 2001 appointing the members of the European Advisory Committee on statistical information in the economic and social spheres

Official Journal C 350 , 11/12/2001 P. 0001 - 0003

Council Decisionof 27 November 2001appointing the members of the European Advisory Committee on statistical information in the economic and social spheres(2001/C 350/01)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to Council Decision 91/116/EEC of 25 February 1991 setting up the European Advisory Committee on statistical information in the economic and social spheres(1), and in particular Article 4 thereof,Having regard to the opinion of the Commission,Whereas(1) The term of office of the members of the aforementioned Committee has expired.(2) The Governments of the Member States have put forward four candidates to be appointed as members of the Committee,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Sole ArticleThe persons named in the Annex are hereby appointed as members of the European Advisory Committee on statistical information in the economic and social spheres for a renewable term of four years starting on the day of adoption of this Decision.Done at Brussels on 27 November 2001.For the CouncilThe PresidentA. Neyts-Uyttebroeck(1) OJ L 59, 6.3.1991, p. 21. Decision as amended by Decision 97/255/EC (OJ L 102, 19.4.1997, p. 32).ANEXO/BILAG/ANLAGE/ΠΑΡΑΡΤΗΜΑ/ANNEX/ANNEXE/ALLEGATO/BIJLAGE/ANEXO/LIITE/BILAGA>TABLE>


title: Decision (EU) 2016/1480 of the European Parliament of 28 April 2016 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2014, Section VIII — European Ombudsman

text:
               14.9.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 246/156

         DECISION (EU) 2016/1480 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 28 April 2016
   on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2014, Section VIII — European Ombudsman
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

               —

               having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2014 (1),

               —

               having regard to the consolidated annual accounts of the European Union for the financial year 2014 (COM(2015) 377 — C8-0206/2015) (2),

               —

               having regard to the Court of Auditors’ annual report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2014, together with the institutions’ replies (3),

               —

               having regard to the statement of assurance (4) as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions provided by the Court of Auditors for the financial year 2014, pursuant to Article 287 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to Article 314(10) and Articles 317, 318 and 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (5), and in particular Articles 55, 99, 164, 165 and 166 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Rule 94 of and Annex V to its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control (A8-0121/2016),

               1.

               Grants the European Ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Ombudsman for the financial year 2014;

               2.

               Sets out its observations in the resolution below;

               3.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision and the resolution forming an integral part of it to the European Ombudsman, the European Council, the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Court of Auditors, the European Data Protection Supervisor and the External Action Service, and to arrange for their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series).

            The President

         Martin SCHULZ

            The Secretary-General

         Klaus WELLE

      (1)  OJ L 51, 20.2.2014.

      (2)  OJ C 377, 13.11.2015, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ C 373, 5.11.2015, p. 1.

      (4)  OJ C 377, 13.11.2015, p. 146.

      (5)  OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.


title: 2008/99/EC,Euratom: Commission Decision of 19 December 2007 concerning the accession of the European Atomic Energy Community to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities

text:
               8.2.2008

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 34/3

         COMMISSION DECISION
   of 19 December 2007
   concerning the accession of the European Atomic Energy Community to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities
   (2008/99/EC, Euratom)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community and in particular the second paragraph of Article 101 thereof,
   Having regard to Council Decision 2007/513/Euratom of 10 July 2007 approving the accession of the European Atomic Energy Community to the amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Article 2(e) of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom Treaty) states that the European Atomic Energy Community (the Community) shall make certain, by appropriate supervision, that nuclear materials are not diverted to purpose other than those for which they are intended.

               (2)

               The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) was adopted in 1979 and entered into force in 1987. 128 States and the Community are parties to the CPPNM (2). All the Member States are Parties to the CPPNM.

               (3)

               The Court of Justice of the European Communities (Court of Justice) (3) decided that the participation of the Member States in the CPPNM is compatible with the provisions of the Euratom Treaty only subject to the conditions that, insofar as its own powers and jurisdiction are concerned, the Community as such is a party to the CPPNM on the same lines as the Member States and that certain commitments of the CPPNM can only be implemented, where the Community is concerned, by means of close association between the Community and the Member States, both in negotiation and conclusion process and in fulfilment of the commitments assumed,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Accession to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities is hereby approved on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community.
   The text of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (Annex 1) and the declaration by the European Atomic Energy Community according to Articles 18(4) and 17(3) of that Convention are attached to this Decision (Annex 2).
   Article 2
   The instrument of accession shall be deposited with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, depositary of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities, as soon as possible after the adoption of this Decision in the form of a letter signed by the Head of Delegation of the European Commission to the International Organisations in Vienna.
   Article 3
   The Member of the European Commission responsible for External Relations shall confirm in a note, as attached to this Decision (Annex 3), the appointment of the Head of Delegation of the European Commission to the International Organisations in Vienna to deposit the declaration attached to the Decision with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, depositary of the Convention (Full powers), as soon as possible after the adoption of this Decision.

      Done at Brussels, 19 December 2007.

            For the Commission

         Andris PIEBALGS

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 190, 21.7.2007, p. 12.

      (2)  Status of 31 May 2007.

      (3)  Ruling 1/78 of 14 November 1978, ECR 1978, p. 2151, in particular First operative part of the Ruling and paragraph 34.
   ANNEX 1

      Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities
      THE STATES PARTIES TO THIS CONVENTION,
      RECOGNISING the right of all States to develop and apply nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and their legitimate interests in the potential benefits to be derived from the peaceful application of nuclear energy,
      CONVINCED of the need to facilitate international cooperation and the transfer of nuclear technology for the peaceful application of nuclear energy,
      BEARING IN MIND that physical protection is of vital importance for the protection of public health, safety, the environment and national and international security,
      HAVING IN MIND the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations concerning the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of good-neighbourliness and friendly relations and cooperation among States,
      CONSIDERING that under the terms of paragraph 4 of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, ‘All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations,’
      RECALLING the Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism, annexed to General Assembly resolution 49/60 of 9 December 1994,
      DESIRING to avert the potential dangers posed by illicit trafficking, the unlawful taking and use of nuclear material and the sabotage of nuclear material and nuclear facilities, and noting that physical protection against such acts has become a matter of increased national and international concern,
      DEEPLY CONCERNED by the worldwide escalation of acts of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and by the threats posed by international terrorism and organised crime,
      BELIEVING that physical protection plays an important role in supporting nuclear non-proliferation and counter-terrorism objectives,
      DESIRING through this Convention to contribute to strengthening worldwide the physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities use for peaceful purposes,
      CONVINCED that offences relating to nuclear material and nuclear facilities are a matter of grave concern and that there is an urgent need to adopt appropriate and effective measures, or to strengthen existing measures, to ensure the prevention, detection and punishment of such offences,
      DESIRING to strengthen further international cooperation to establish, in conformity with the national law of each State Party and with this Convention, effective measures for the physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities,
      CONVINCED that this Convention should complement the safe use, storage and transport of nuclear material and the safe operation of nuclear facilities,
      RECOGNISING that there are internationally formulated physical protection recommendations that are updated from time to time which can provide guidance on contemporary means of achieving effective levels of physical protection,
      RECOGNISING also that effective physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities used for military purposes is a responsibility of the State possessing such nuclear material and nuclear facilities, and understanding that such material and facilities are and will continue to be accorded stringent physical protection,
      HAVE AGREED as follows:
      Article 1
      For the purposes of this Convention:

                  (a)

                  ‘nuclear material’ means plutonium except that with isotopic concentration exceeding 80 % in plutonium-238; uranium-233; uranium enriched in the isotope 235 or 233; uranium containing the mixture of isotopes as occurring in nature other than in the form of ore or ore-residue; any material containing one or more of the foregoing;

                  (b)

                  ‘uranium enriched in the isotope 235 or 233’ means uranium containing the isotope 235 or 233 or both in an amount such that the abundance ratio of the sum of these isotopes to the isotope 238 is greater than the ratio of the isotope 235 to the isotope 238 occurring in nature;

                  (c)

                  ‘international nuclear transport’ means the carriage of a consignment of nuclear material by any means of transportation intended to go beyond the territory of the State where the shipment originates beginning with the departure from a facility of the shipper in that State and ending with the arrival at a facility of the receiver within the State of ultimate destination;

                  (d)

                  ‘nuclear facility’ means a facility (including associated buildings and equipment) in which nuclear material is produced, processed, used, handled, stored or disposed of, if damage to or interference with such facility could lead to the release of significant amounts of radiation or radioactive material;

                  (e)

                  ‘sabotage’ means any deliberate act directed against a nuclear facility or nuclear material in use, storage or transport which could directly or indirectly endanger the health and safety of personnel, the public or the environment by exposure to radiation or release of radioactive substances.

            Article 1A
      The purposes of this Convention are to achieve and maintain worldwide effective physical protection of nuclear material used for peaceful purposes and of nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes; to prevent and combat offences relating to such material and facilities worldwide; as well as to facilitate cooperation among States Parties to those ends.
      Article 2
      1.   This Convention shall apply to nuclear material used for peaceful purposes in use, storage and transport and to nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes, provided, however, that Articles 3 and 4 and paragraph 4 of Article 5 of this Convention shall only apply to such nuclear material while in international nuclear transport.
      2.   The responsibility for the establishment, implementation and maintenance of a physical protection regime within a State Party rests entirely with that State.
      3.   Apart from the commitments expressly undertaken by States Parties under this Convention, nothing in this Convention shall be interpreted as affecting the sovereign rights of a State.

                  4.

                              (a)

                              Nothing in this Convention shall affect other rights, obligations and responsibilities of States Parties under international law, in particular the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international humanitarian law.

                              (b)

                              The activities of armed forces during an armed conflict, as those terms are understood under international humanitarian law, which are governed by that law, are not governed by this Convention, and the activities undertaken by the military forces of a State in the exercise of their official duties, inasmuch as they are governed by other rules of international law, are not governed by this Convention.

                              (c)

                              Nothing in this Convention shall be construed as a lawful authorisation to use or threaten to use force against nuclear material or nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes.

                              (d)

                              Nothing in this Convention condones or makes lawful otherwise unlawful acts, nor precludes prosecution under other laws.

            5.   This Convention shall not apply to nuclear material used or retained for military purposes or to a nuclear facility containing such material.
      Article 2A
      1.   Each State Party shall establish, implement and maintain an appropriate physical protection regime applicable to nuclear material and nuclear facilities under its jurisdiction, with the aim of:

                  (a)

                  protecting against theft and other unlawful taking of nuclear material in use, storage and transport;

                  (b)

                  ensuring the implementation of rapid and comprehensive measures to locate and, where appropriate, recover missing or stolen nuclear material; when the material is located outside its territory, that State Party shall act in accordance with Article 5;

                  (c)

                  protecting nuclear material and nuclear facilities against sabotage; and

                  (d)

                  mitigating or minimising the radiological consequences of sabotage.

            2.   In implementing paragraph 1, each State Party shall:

                  (a)

                  establish and maintain a legislative and regulatory framework to govern physical protection;

                  (b)

                  establish or designate a competent authority or authorities responsible for the implementation of the legislative and regulatory framework; and

                  (c)

                  take other appropriate measures necessary for the physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities.

            3.   In implementing the obligations under paragraphs 1 and 2, each State Party shall, without prejudice to any other provisions of this Convention, apply insofar as is reasonable and practicable the following Fundamental Principles of Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE A: Responsibility of the State

                  The responsibility for the establishment, implementation and maintenance of a physical protection regime within a State rests entirely with that State.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE B: Responsibilities during international transport

                  The responsibility of a State for ensuring that nuclear material is adequately protected extends to the international transport thereof, until that responsibility is properly transferred to another State, as appropriate.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE C: Legislative and regulatory framework

                  The State is responsible for establishing and maintaining a legislative and regulatory framework to govern physical protection. This framework should provide for the establishment of applicable physical protection requirements and include a system of evaluation and licensing or other procedures to grant authorisation. This framework should include a system of inspection of nuclear facilities and transport to verify compliance with applicable requirements and conditions of the license or other authorising document, and to establish a means to enforce applicable requirements and conditions, including effective sanctions.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE D: Competent authority

                  The State should establish or designate a competent authority which is responsible for the implementation of the legislative and regulatory framework, and is provided with adequate authority, competence and financial and human resources to fulfil its assigned responsibilities. The State should take steps to ensure an effective independence between the functions of the State's competent authority and those of any other body in charge of the promotion or utilisation of nuclear energy.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE E: Responsibility of the licence holders

                  The responsibilities for implementing the various elements of physical protection within a State should be clearly identified. The State should ensure that the prime responsibility for the implementation of physical protection of nuclear material or of nuclear facilities rests with the holders of the relevant licences or of other authorising documents (e.g. operators or shippers).

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE F: Security culture

                  All organisations involved in implementing physical protection should give due priority to the security culture, to its development and maintenance necessary to ensure its effective implementation in the entire organisation.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE G: Threat

                  The State's physical protection should be based on the State's current evaluation of the threat.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE H: Graded approach

                  Physical protection requirements should be based on a graded approach, taking into account the current evaluation of the threat, the relative attractiveness, the nature of the material and potential consequences associated with the unauthorised removal of nuclear material and with the sabotage against nuclear material or nuclear facilities.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE I: Defence in depth

                  The State's requirements for physical protection should reflect a concept of several layers and methods of protection (structural or other technical, personnel and organisational) that have to be overcome or circumvented by an adversary in order to achieve his objectives.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE J: Quality assurance

                  A quality assurance policy and quality assurance programmes should be established and implemented with a view to providing confidence that specified requirements far all activities important to physical protection are satisfied.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE K: Contingency plans

                  Contingency (emergency) plans to respond to unauthorised removal of nuclear material or sabotage of nuclear facilities or nuclear material, or attempts thereof, should be prepared and appropriately exercised by all licence holders and authorities concerned.

                     FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE L: Confidentiality

                  The State should establish requirements for protecting the confidentiality of information, the unauthorised disclosure of which could compromise the physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities.

                  4.

                              (a)

                              The provisions of this Article shall not apply to any nuclear material which the State Party reasonably decides does not need to be subject to the physical protection regime established pursuant to paragraph 1, taking into account the nature of the material, its quantity and relative attractiveness and the potential radiological and other consequences associated with any unauthorised act directed against it and the current evaluation of the threat against it.

                              (b)

                              Nuclear material which is not subject to the provisions of this Article pursuant to subparagraph (a) should be protected in accordance with prudent management practice.

            Article 3
      Each State Party shall take appropriate steps within the framework of its national law and consistent with international law to ensure as far as practicable that, during international nuclear transport, nuclear material within its territory, or on board a ship or aircraft under its jurisdiction insofar as such ship or aircraft is engaged in the transport to or from that State, is protected at the levels described in Annex I.
      Article 4
      1.   Each State Party shall not export or authorise the export of nuclear material unless the State Party has received assurances that such material will be protected during the international nuclear transport at the levels described in Annex I.
      2.   Each State Party shall not import or authorise the import of nuclear material from a State not party to this Convention unless the State Party has received assurances that such material will during the international nuclear transport be protected at the levels described in Annex I.
      3.   A State Party shall not allow the transit of its territory by land or internal waterways or through its airports or seaports of nuclear material between States that are not parties to this Convention unless the State Party has received assurances as far as practicable that this nuclear material will be protected during international nuclear transport at the levels described in Annex I.
      4.   Each State Party shall apply within the framework of its national law the levels of physical protection described in Annex I to nuclear material being transported from a part of that State to another part of the same State through international waters or airspace.
      5.   The State Party responsible for receiving assurances that the nuclear material will be protected at the levels described in Annex I according to paragraphs 1 to 3 shall identify and inform in advance States which the nuclear material is expected to transit by land or internal waterways, or whose airports or seaports it is expected to enter.
      6.   The responsibility for obtaining assurances referred to in paragraph 1 may be transferred, by mutual agreement, to the State Party involved in the transport as the importing State.
      7.   Nothing in this Article shall be interpreted as in any way affecting the territorial sovereignty and jurisdiction of a State, including that over its airspace and territorial sea.
      Article 5
      1.   States Parties shall identify and make known to each other directly or through the International Atomic Energy Agency their point of contact in relation to matters within the scope of this Convention.
      2.   In the case of theft, robbery or any other unlawful taking of nuclear material or credible threat thereof, States Parties shall, in accordance with their national law, provide cooperation and assistance to the maximum feasible extent in the recovery and protection of such material to any State that so requests. In particular:

                  (a)

                  a State Party shall take appropriate steps to inform as soon as possible other States which appear to it to be concerned, of any theft, robbery or other unlawful taking of nuclear material or credible threat thereof, and to inform, where appropriate, the International Atomic Energy Agency and other relevant international organisations;

                  (b)

                  in doing so, as appropriate, the States Parties concerned shall exchange information with each other, the International Atomic Energy Agency and other relevant international organisations with a view to protecting threatened nuclear material, verifying the integrity of the shipping container or recovering unlawfully taken nuclear material and shall:

                              (i)

                              coordinate their efforts through diplomatic and other agreed channels;

                              (ii)

                              render assistance, if requested;

                              (iii)

                              ensure the return of recovered nuclear material stolen or missing as a consequence of the above mentioned events.

            The means of implementation of this cooperation shall be determined by the States Parties concerned.
      3.   In the case of a credible threat of sabotage of nuclear material or a nuclear facility or in the case of sabotage thereof, States Parties shall, to the maximum feasible extent, in accordance with their national law and consistent with their relevant obligations under international law, cooperate as follows:

                  (a)

                  if a State Party has knowledge of a credible threat of sabotage of nuclear material or a nuclear facility in another State the former shall decide on appropriate steps to be taken in order to inform that State as soon as possible and, where appropriate, the International Atomic Energy Agency and other relevant international organisations of that threat, with a view to preventing the sabotage;

                  (b)

                  in the case of sabotage of nuclear material or a nuclear facility in a State Party and if in its view other States are likely to be radiologically affected, the former, without prejudice to its other obligations under international law, shall take appropriate steps to inform as soon as possible the State or the States which are likely to be radiologically affected and to inform, where appropriate, the International Atomic Energy Agency and other relevant international organisations, with a view to minimising or mitigating the radiological consequences thereof;

                  (c)

                  if in the context of subparagraphs (a) and (b), a State Party requests assistance, each State Party to which a request for assistance is directed shall promptly decide and notify the requesting State Party, directly or through the International Atomic Energy Agency, whether it is in a position to render the assistance requested and the scope and terms of the assistance that may be rendered;

                  (d)

                  coordination of the cooperation under subparagraphs (a) to (c) shall be through diplomatic or other agreed channels. The means of implementation of this cooperation shall be determined bilaterally or multilaterally by the States Parties concerned.

            4.   States Parties shall cooperate and consult, as appropriate, with each other directly or through the International Atomic Energy Agency and other relevant international organisations, with a view to obtaining guidance on the design, maintenance and improvement of systems of physical protection of nuclear material in international transport.
      5.   A State Party may consult and cooperate as appropriate, with other States Parties directly or through the International Atomic Energy Agency and other relevant international organisations, with a view to obtaining their guidance on the design, maintenance and improvement of its national system of physical protection of nuclear material in domestic use, storage and transport and of nuclear facilities.
      Article 6
      1.   States Parties shall take appropriate measures consistent with their national law to protect the confidentiality of any information which they receive in confidence by virtue of the provisions of this Convention from another State Party or through participation in an activity carried out for the implementation of this Convention. If States Parties provide information to international organisations or to States that are not parties to this Convention in confidence, steps shall be taken to ensure that the confidentiality of such information is protected. A State Party that has received information in confidence from another State Party may provide this information to third parties only with the consent of that other State Party.
      2.   State Parties shall not be required by this Convention to provide any information which they are not permitted to communicate pursuant to national law or which would jeopardise the security of the State concerned or the physical protection of nuclear material or nuclear facilities.
      Article 7
      1.   The intentional commission of:

                  (a)

                  an act without lawful authority which constitutes the receipt, possession, use, transfer, alteration, disposal or dispersal of nuclear material and which causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to property or to the environment;

                  (b)

                  a theft or robbery of nuclear material;

                  (c)

                  an embezzlement or fraudulent obtaining of nuclear material;

                  (d)

                  an act which constitutes the carrying, sending, or moving of nuclear material into or out of a State without lawful authority;

                  (e)

                  an act directed against a nuclear facility, or an act interfering with the operation of a nuclear facility, where the offender intentionally causes, or where he knows that the act is likely to cause, death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to property or to the environment by exposure to radiation or release of radioactive substances, unless the act is undertaken in conformity with the national law of the State Party in the territory of which he nuclear facility is situated;

                  (f)

                  an act constituting a demand for nuclear material by threat or use of force or by any other form of intimidation;

                  (g)

                  a threat:

                              (i)

                              to use nuclear material to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to property or to the environment or to commit the offence described in subparagraph (e), or

                              (ii)

                              to commit an offence described in subparagraphs (b) and (e) in order to compel a natural or legal person, international organisation or State to do or to refrain from doing any act;

                  (h)

                  an attempt to commit any offence described in subparagraphs (a) to (e);

                  (i)

                  an act which constitutes participation in any offence described in subparagraphs (a) to (h);

                  (j)

                  an act of any person who organises or directs others to commit an offence described in subparagraphs (a) to (h); and

                  (k)

                  an act which contributes to the commission of any offence described in subparagraphs (a) to (h) by a group of persons acting with a common purpose; such act shall be intentional and shall either:

                              (i)

                              be made with the aim of furthering the criminal activity or criminal purpose of the group, where such activity or purpose involves the commission of an offence described in subparagraphs (a) to (g), or

                              (ii)

                              be made in the knowledge of the intention of the group to commit an offence described in subparagraphs (a) to (g) shall be made a punishable offence by each State Party under its national law.

            2.   Each State Party shall make the offences described in this Article punishable by appropriate penalties which take into account their grave nature.
      Article 8
      1.   Each State Party shall take such measures as may be necessary to establish its jurisdiction over the offences set forth in Article 7 in the following cases:

                  (a)

                  when the offence is committed in the territory of that State or on board a ship or aircraft registered in that State;

                  (b)

                  when the alleged offender is a national of that State.

            2.   Each State Party shall likewise take such measures as may be necessary to establish its jurisdiction over these offences in cases where the alleged offender is presented in its territory and it does not extradite him pursuant to Article 11 to any of the States mentioned in paragraph 1.
      3.   This Convention does not exclude any criminal jurisdiction exercised in accordance with national law.
      4.   In addition to the States Parties mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2, each State Party may, consistent with international law, establish its jurisdiction over the offences set forth in Article 7 when it is involved in international nuclear transport as the exporting or importing State.
      Article 9
      Upon being satisfied that the circumstances so warrant, the State Parties in whose territory the alleged offender is present shall take appropriate measures, including detention, under its national law to ensure his presence for the purpose of prosecution or extradition. Measures taken according to this Article shall be notified without delay to he States required to establish jurisdiction pursuant to Article 8 and, where appropriate, all other States concerned.
      Article 10
      The State Party in whose territory the alleged offender is present shall, if it does not extradite him, submit, without exception whatsoever and without undue delay, the case to its competent authorities for the purpose of prosecution, through proceedings in accordance with the laws of that State.
      Article 11
      1.   The offences in Article 7 shall be deemed to be included as extraditable offences in any extradition treaty existing between States Parties. States Parties undertake to include those offences in every future extradition treaty to be concluded between them.
      2.   If a State Party which makes extradition conditional on the existence of a treaty receives a request for extradition from another State Party with which it has no extradition treaty, it may at its option consider this Convention as the legal basis for extradition in respect of those offences. Extradition shall be subject to the other conditions provided by the law of the requested State.
      3.   States Parties which do not make extradition conditional on the existence of a treaty shall recognise those offences as extraditable offences between themselves subject to the conditions provided by the law of the requested State.
      4.   Each of the offences shall be treated, for the purpose of extradition between States Parties, as if it had been committed not only in the place in which it occurred but also in the territories of the States Parties required to establish their jurisdiction in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 8.
      Article 11A
      None of the offences set forth in Article 7 shall be regarded for the purposes of extradition or mutual legal assistance, as a political offence or as an offence connected with a political offence or as an offence inspired by political motives. Accordingly, a request for extradition or for mutual legal assistance based on such an offence may not be refused on the sole ground that it concerns a political offence or an offence connected with a political offence or an offence inspired by political motives.
      Article 11B
      Nothing in this Convention shall be interpreted as imposing an obligation to extradite or to afford mutual legal assistance, if the requested State Party has substantial grounds for believing that the request for extradition for offences set forth in Article 7 or for mutual legal assistance with respect to such offences has been made for the purpose of prosecuting or punishing a person on account of that person’s race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin or political opinion or that compliance with the request would cause prejudice to that person’s position for any of these reasons.
      Article 12
      Any person regarding whom proceedings are being carried out in connection with any of the offences set forth in Article 7 shall be guaranteed fair treatment at all stages of the proceedings.
      Article 13
      1.   States Parties shall afford one another the greatest measure of assistance in connection with criminal proceedings brought in respect of the offences set forth in Article 7, including the supply of evidence at their disposal necessary for the proceeding. The law of the State requested shall apply in all cases.
      2.   The provisions of paragraph 1 shall not affect obligations under any other treaty, bilateral or multilateral, which governs or will govern, in whole or in part, mutual assistance in criminal matters.
      Article 13A
      Nothing in this Convention shall affect the transfer of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes that is undertaken to strengthen the physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities.
      Article 14
      1.   Each State Party shall inform the depositary of its laws and regulations which give effect to this Convention. The depositary shall communicate such information periodically to all States Parties.
      2.   The State Party where an alleged offender is prosecuted shall, wherever practicable, first communicate the final outcome of the proceedings to the States directly concerned. The State Party shall also communicate the final outcome to the depositary who shall inform all States.
      3.   Where an offence involves nuclear material in domestic use, storage or transport, and both the alleged offender and the nuclear material remain in the territory of the State Party in which the offence was committed, or where an offence involves a nuclear facility and the alleged offender remains in the territory of the State Party in which the offence was committed, nothing in this Convention shall be interpreted as requiring that State Party to provide information concerning criminal proceedings arising out of such an offence.
      Article 15
      The Annexes constitute an integral part of this Convention.
      Article 16
      1.   A conference of States Parties shall be convened by the depositary five years after the entry into force of the Amendment adopted on 8 July 2005 to review the implementation of this Convention and its adequacy as concerns the preamble, the whole of the operative part and the annexes in the light of the then prevailing situation.
      2.   At intervals of not less than five years thereafter, the majority of States Parties may obtain, by submitting a proposal to this effect to the depositary, the convening of further conferences with the same objective.
      Article 17
      1.   In the event of a dispute between two or more States Parties concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention, such States Parties shall consult with a view to the settlement of the dispute by negotiation, or by any other peaceful means of settling disputes acceptable to all parties to the dispute.
      2.   Any dispute of this character which cannot be settled in the manner prescribed in paragraph 1 shall, at the request of any party to such dispute, be submitted to arbitration or referred to the International Court of Justice for decision. Where a dispute is submitted to arbitration, if, within six months from the date of the request, the parties to the dispute are unable to agree on the organisation of the arbitration, a party may request the President of the International Court of Justice or the Secretary-General of the United Nations to appoint one or more arbitrators. In case of conflicting requests by the parties to the dispute, the request to the Secretary-General of the United Nations shall have priority.
      3.   Each State Party may at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance or approval of this Convention or accession thereto declare that it does not consider itself bound by either or both of the dispute settlement procedures provided for in paragraph 2. The other States Parties shall not be bound by a dispute settlement procedure provided for in paragraph 2, with respect to a State Party which has made a reservation to that procedure.
      4.   Any State Party which has made a reservation in accordance with paragraph 3 may at any time withdraw that reservation by notification to the depositary.
      Article 18
      1.   This Convention shall be open for signature by all States at the Headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna and at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York from 3 March 1980 until its entry into force.
      2.   This Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by the signatory States.
      3.   After its entry into force, this Convention will be open for accession by all States.

                  4.

                              (a)

                              This Convention shall be open for signature or accession by international organisations and regional organisations of an integration or other nature, provided that any such organisation is constituted by sovereign States and has competence in respect of the negotiation, conclusion and application of international agreements in matters covered by this Convention.

                              (b)

                              In matters within their competence, such organisation shall, on their own behalf, exercise the rights and fulfil the responsibilities which this Convention attributes to States Parties,

                              (c)

                              When becoming party to this Convention such an organisation shall communicate to the depositary a declaration indicating which States are members thereof and which Articles of this Convention do not apply to it.

                              (d)

                              Such an organisation shall not hold any vote additional to those of its Member States.

            5.   Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be deposited with the depositary.
      Article 19
      1.   This Convention shall enter into force on the 30th day following the date of deposit of the 21st instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval with the depositary.
      2.   For each State ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to the Convention after the date of deposit of the 21st instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval, the Convention shall enter into force on the 30th day after the deposit by such State of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
      Article 20
      1.   Without prejudice to Article 16 a State Party may propose amendments to this Convention. The proposed amendment shall be submitted to the depositary who shall circulate it immediately to all States Parties. If a majority of States Parties request the depository to convene a conference to consider the proposed amendments, the depository shall invite all States Parties to attend such a conference to begin not sooner than 30 days after the invitations are issued. Any amendment adopted the conference by a two-thirds majority of all States Parties shall be promptly circulated by the depository to all States Parties.
      2.   The amendment shall enter into force for each State Party that deposits its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval of the amendment on the 30th day after the date on which two thirds of the States Parties have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval with the depositary. Thereafter, the amendment shall enter into force for any other State Party on the day on which that State Party deposits its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval of the amendment.
      Article 21
      1.   Any State Party may denounce this Convention by written notification to the depositary.
      2.   Denunciation shall take effect 180 days following the date on which notification is received by the depositary.
      Article 22
      The depositary shall promptly notify all States of:

                  (a)

                  each signature of this Convention;

                  (b)

                  each deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;

                  (c)

                  any reservation or withdrawal in accordance with Article 17;

                  (d)

                  any communication made by an organisation in accordance with paragraph 4(c) of Article 18;

                  (e)

                  the entry into force of this Convention;

                  (f)

                  the entry into force of any amendment to this Convention; and

                  (g)

                  any denunciation made under Article 21.

            Article 23
      The original of this Convention, of which the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish texts are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency who shall send certified copies thereof to all States.

      ANNEX I
      Levels of physical protection to be applied in international transport of nuclear material as categorised in Annex II

                  1.

                  Levels of physical protection for nuclear material during storage incidental to international nuclear transport include:

                              (a)

                              For Category III materials, storage within an area to which access is controlled;

                              (b)

                              For Category II materials, storage within an area under constant surveillance by guards or electronic devices, surrounded by a physical barrier with a limited number of points of entry under appropriate control or any area with an equivalent level of physical protection;

                              (c)

                              For Category I material, storage within a protected area as defined for Category II above, to which, in addition, access is restricted to persons whose trustworthiness has been determined, and which is under surveillance by guards who are in close communication with appropriate response forces. Specific measures taken in this context should have as their object the detection and prevention of any assault, unauthorised access or unauthorised removal of material.

                  2.

                  Levels of physical protection for nuclear material during international transport include:

                              (a)

                              For Category II and III materials, transportation shall take place under special precautions including prior arrangements among sender, receiver, and carrier, and prior agreement between natural or legal persons subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of exporting and importing States, specifying time, place and procedures for transferring transport responsibility;

                              (b)

                              For Category I materials, transportation shall take place under special precautions identified above for transportation of Category II and III materials, and in addition, under constant surveillance by escorts and under conditions which assure close communication with appropriate response forces;

                              (c)

                              For natural uranium other than in the form of ore or ore-residue; transportation protection for quantities exceeding 500 kilograms uranium shall include advance notification of shipment specifying mode of transport, expected time of arrival and confirmation of receipt of shipment.

      ANNEX II
      Table: Categorisation of nuclear material

                  Material

                  Form

                  Category

                  I

                  II

                  III (3)

                              1.

                              Plutonium (1)

                  Unirradiated (2)

                  2 kg or more

                  Less than 2 kg but more than 500 g

                  500 g or less but more than 15 g

                              2.

                              Uranium-235

                  Unirradiated (2)

                              —

                              Uranium enriched to 20 % 235U or more

                  5 kg or more

                  Less than 5 kg but more than 1 kg

                  1 kg or less but more than 15 g

                              —

                              Uranium enriched to 10 % 235U but less than 20 %

                  10 kg or more

                  Less than 10 kg but more than 1 kg

                              —

                              Uranium enriched above natural, but less than 10 % 235U

                  10 kg or more

                              3.

                              Uranium-233

                  Unirradiated (2)

                  2 kg or more

                  Less than 2 kg but more than 500 g

                  500 g or less but more than 15 g

                              4.

                              Irradiated fuel

                  Depleted or natural uranium, thorium or low-enriched fuel (less than 10 % fissile content) (4)
                      (5)

      (1)  All plutonium except that with isotopic concentration exceeding 80 % in plutonium-238.

      (2)  Material not irradiated in a reactor or material irradiated in a reactor but with a radiation level equal to or less than 1 gray/hour (100 rads/hour) at one metre unshielded.

      (3)  Quantities not falling in Category III and natural uranium should be protected in accordance with prudent management practice.

      (4)  Although this level of protection is recommended, it would be open to States, upon evaluation of the specific circumstances, to assign a different category of physical protection.

      (5)  Other fuel which by virtue of its original fissile material content is classified as Category I and II before irradiation may be reduced one category level while the radiation level from the fuel exceeds 1 gray/hour (100 rads/hour) at one metre unshielded.
   ANNEX 2

      Declaration by the European Atomic Energy Community according to Articles 18(4) and 17(3) of the Convention
      The following States are presently members of the European Atomic Energy Community: the Kingdom of Belgium, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Estonia, Ireland, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Italian Republic, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Poland, the Portuguese Republic, Romania, the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
      The Community declares that Articles 8 to 13 and Article 14(2) and (3) of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities do not apply to it.
      Furthermore, pursuant to Article 17(3) of the Convention, the Community also declares that since only States may be parties in cases before the International Court of Justice, the Community is only bound by the arbitration procedure referred to in 17(2).

   ANNEX 3
   FULL POWERS
   I, the undersigned, …, Member of the Commission of the European Communities responsible for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, do hereby confirm the appointment of:
   Mr/Ms …
   Head of the Delegation of the European Commission
   to the International Organisations in Vienna
   to deposit with the Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, the instrument of accession to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities.
   Brussels,


title: 2007/124/EC,Euratom: Council Decision of 12 February 2007 establishing for the period 2007 to 2013, as part of General Programme on Security and Safeguarding Liberties, the Specific Programme Prevention, Preparedness and Consequence Management of Terrorism and other Security related risks

text:
               24.2.2007

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 58/1

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 12 February 2007
   establishing for the period 2007 to 2013, as part of General Programme on Security and Safeguarding Liberties, the Specific Programme ‘Prevention, Preparedness and Consequence Management of Terrorism and other Security related risks’
   (2007/124/EC, Euratom)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 308 thereof,
   Having regard and to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 203 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Prevention, preparedness and consequence management of terrorism and other security related risks are essential aspects of the protection of people and critical infrastructure within the area of freedom, security and justice.

               (2)

               The revised European Union Plan of Action on Combating Terrorism as adopted by the European Council of 17-18 June 2004, identified as priority issues, inter alia, the prevention and consequence management of terrorist attacks, and the protection of critical infrastructures.

               (3)

               On 2 December 2004, the Council adopted the revised European Union Solidarity Programme on the Consequences of Terrorist Threats and Attacks, highlighting the importance of risk and threat assessments, protection of critical infrastructure, mechanisms for the detection and identification of terrorist threats, and the political and operational preparedness and capability for consequence management.

               (4)

               The Council in December 2005 decided that the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure protection (EPCIP) will be based on an all hazards approach while countering threats from terrorism is regarded as priority. New Counter Terrorism Strategy which contains four strands: Prevent, protect, pursue and respond, was also adopted at December 2005 European Council.

               (5)

               The Community mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions, established by Council Decision 2001/792/EC, Euratom (2) of 23 October 2001, addresses immediate response to all major emergencies, but has not been designed specifically for prevention, preparedness and consequence management of terrorist attacks.

               (6)

               The Hague Programme (3), set up by the European Council in November 2004, has called for integrated and coordinated management of crises within the EU with cross-border effects.

               (7)

               Within the scope of its competence the Community shall contribute to taking the necessary measures to prevent terrorists from attacking the values of democracy, the rule of law, open society and the freedom of our citizens and societies, and to limit the consequences of any attack wherever possible.

               (8)

               In the interest of efficacy, cost-efficiency and transparency, the specific efforts on prevention, preparedness and consequence management of terrorism should be streamlined and financed by one single programme.

               (9)

               With regard to legal certainty and coherence, and to the complementarity with other financial programmes, the terms ‘prevention and preparedness’, ‘consequence management’ and ‘critical infrastructure’ should be defined.

               (10)

               The primary responsibility for protecting critical infrastructures falls on the Member States, owners, operators and users (users being defined as organisations that exploit and use the infrastructure for business and service provision purposes). Member States authorities will provide leadership and coordination in developing and implementing a nationally consistent approach to the protection of critical infrastructure within their jurisdictions, taking into account existing Community competences. The responsibility for carrying out risk and threat assessments therefore lies primarily with the Member States.

               (11)

               Commission actions, together with transnational projects where appropriate, are essential to achieve an integrated and coordinated EC approach. In addition, it is useful and appropriate to support projects within Member States to the extent that they can provide useful experience and knowledge for further actions at Community level, in particular risk and threat assessments. In this regard it is appropriate to adopt all hazards approach while considering the terrorist threat as a priority.

               (12)

               It is also appropriate to provide for third countries and international organisations to participate in transnational projects.

               (13)

               Complementarity needs to be ensured with other Community and Union programmes such as the European Union Solidarity Fund and the Civil Protection Financial Instrument, the Community mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions, Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities and the Structural Funds.

               (14)

               Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the scale or impact of the programme, be better achieved at the Community level, the Community may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives.

               (15)

               The expenditure of the programme should be compatible with the ceiling under Heading 3 of the financial framework. It is necessary to foresee flexibility in the definition of the programme to allow for eventual adjustments in any envisaged actions, in order to respond to the evolution of needs in the course of the period 2007-2013. The decision should, therefore, be limited to the generic definition of envisaged actions and their respective administrative and financial arrangements.

               (16)

               Appropriate measures should also be taken to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the Communities' financial interests (4), (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 (5) of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (6).

               (17)

               Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (7) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 (8) of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002, which safeguard the Community's financial interests, apply, taking into account the principles of simplicity and consistency in the choice of budgetary instruments, a limitation on the number of cases where the Commission retains direct responsibility for their implementation and management, and the required proportionality between the amount of resources and the administrative burden related to their use.

               (18)

               The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (9), with a distinction being made between those measures which are subject to the management committee procedure and those which are subject to the advisory committee procedure, the advisory committee procedure being in certain cases, with a view to increased efficiency, the more appropriate.

               (19)

               The Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community provide for no powers, other than those in Articles 308 and 203, respectively, for adopting this Decision

               (20)

               The European Economic and Social Committee has delivered an opinion (10).

               (21)

               In order to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the programme, this Decision should apply from 1 January 2007,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Subject matter
   1.   This Decision establishes the Specific Programme ‘Prevention, Preparedness and Consequence Management of Terrorism and other Security related risks’, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Programme’, in order to contribute to supporting Member States' efforts to prevent, prepare for, and to protect people and critical infrastructure against risks linked with terrorist attacks and other security related risks, as part of the General Programme on Security and Safeguarding Liberties.
   2.   The Programme shall cover the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.
   3.   This Decision shall not apply to matters that are covered by the Civil Protection Financial Instrument.
   Article 2
   Definitions
   For the purposes of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply:

               (a)

               ‘prevention and preparedness’ refers to measures aimed at preventing and/or reducing risks linked to terrorism and other security related risks;

               (b)

               ‘consequence management’ refers to the coordination of measures taken in order to react to and to reduce the impact of the effects of a security related incident, in particular resulting from terrorist attacks in order to ensure a smooth coordination of crisis management and security actions;

               (c)

               ‘critical infrastructure’ includes in particular those physical resources, services, information technology facilities, networks and infrastructure assets which, if disrupted or destroyed, would have a serious impact on the critical societal functions, including the supply chain, health, safety, security, economic or social well-being of people or of the functioning of the Community or its Member States.

         Article 3
   General objectives
   1.   The Programme shall contribute to support Member States' efforts to prevent, prepare for, and to protect people and critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks and other security related incidents.
   2.   The Programme is intended to contribute to ensuring protection in the areas such as the crisis management, environment, public health, transport, research and technological development and economic and social cohesion, in the field of terrorism and other security related risks within the area of freedom, security and justice.
   Article 4
   Specific objectives
   1.   Within the general objectives, and unless covered by other financial instruments, the Programme shall stimulate, promote and develop measures on prevention, preparedness and consequence management based, inter alia, on comprehensive threat and risk assessments, subject to the supervision by the Member States and with due regard to existing Community competence in that matter, and aiming to preventing or reducing risks linked with terrorism and other security related risks.
   2.   With regard to prevention and preparedness of risks linked with terrorism and other security related risks the Programme aims at protecting people and critical infrastructure, in particular by:

               (a)

               stimulating, promoting, and supporting risk assessments on critical infrastructure, in order to upgrade security;

               (b)

               stimulating, promoting, and supporting the development of methodologies for the protection of critical infrastructure, in particular risk assessment methodologies;

               (c)

               promoting and supporting shared operational measures to improve security in cross-border supply chains, provided that the rules of competition within the internal market are not distorted;

               (d)

               promoting and supporting the development of security standards, and an exchange of know-how and experience on protection of people and critical infrastructure;

               (e)

               promoting and supporting Community wide coordination and cooperation on protection of critical infrastructure.

         3.   With regard to consequence management the Programme aims at:

               (a)

               stimulating, promoting and supporting exchange of know-how and experience, in order to establish best practices with the view to coordinate the response measures and to achieve cooperation between various actors of crisis management and security actions;

               (b)

               promoting joint exercises and practical scenarios including security and safety components, in order to enhance coordination and cooperation between relevant actors at the European level.

         Article 5
   Eligible actions
   1.   With a view to pursuing the general and specific objectives set out in Articles 3 and 4, the Programme shall provide under the conditions set out in the annual work programme financial support for the following types of action:

               (a)

               projects initiated and managed by the Commission with a European dimension;

               (b)

               transnational projects, which shall involve partners in at least two Member States, or at least one Member State and one other country which may either be an acceding or a candidate country;

               (c)

               national projects within Member States, which:

                           (i)

                           prepare transnational projects and/or Community actions (‘starter measures’);

                           (ii)

                           complement transnational projects and/or Community actions (‘complementary measures’);

                           (iii)

                           contribute to developing innovative methods and/or technologies with a potential for transferability to actions at Community level, or develop such methods or technologies with a view to transferring them to other Member States and/or other country which may either be an acceding or a candidate country.

         2.   In particular, financial support may be provided for

               (a)

               actions on operational cooperation and coordination (strengthening networking, mutual confidence and understanding, development of contingency plans, exchange and dissemination of information, experience and best practice);

               (b)

               analytical, monitoring, evaluation and audit activities;

               (c)

               development and transfer of technology and methodology, particularly regarding information sharing and inter-operability;

               (d)

               training, exchange of staff and experts; and

               (e)

               awareness and dissemination activities.

         Article 6
   Access to the Programme
   1.   Access to the Programme shall be opened to bodies and organisations with legal personality established in the Member States. Bodies and organisations which are profit oriented shall have access to grants only in conjunction with non-profit oriented or State organisations. Non-governmental organisations may apply for funding of the projects referred to in Article 5(2) provided that they ensure sufficient level of confidentiality.
   2.   As regards transnational projects, third countries and international organisations may participate as partners but are not permitted to submit projects.
   Article 7
   Types of intervention
   1.   Community financial support may take the following legal forms:

               (a)

               grants;

               (b)

               public procurement contracts.

         2.   Community grants shall be awarded further to calls for proposals, save in duly substantiated exceptional cases of urgency or where the characteristics of the beneficiary leave no other choice for a given action, and shall be provided through operating grants and grants for actions.
   The annual work programme shall specify the minimum rate of the annual expenditure to be awarded to grants. This minimum rate shall be at least 65 %.
   The maximum rate of co-financing of the costs of the projects shall be specified in the annual work programme.
   3.   Expenditure is foreseen for accompanying measures, through public procurement contracts, in which case Community funds shall cover the purchase of services and goods. This shall cover, inter alia, expenditure on information and communication, preparation, implementation, monitoring, checking and evaluation of projects, policies, programmes and legislation.
   Article 8
   Implementing measures
   1.   The Commission shall implement the Community financial support in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Financial Regulation’.
   2.   To implement the Programme, the Commission shall, within the limits of the general objectives defined in Article 3, adopt an annual work programme, by the end of September specifying its specific objectives, thematic priorities, a description of accompanying measures envisaged in Article 7(3) and if necessary a list of other actions.
   The annual work programme for 2007 shall be adopted three months after taking of effect of this Decision.
   3.   The annual work programme shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 9(3).
   4.   The evaluation and award procedures relating to grants for actions shall take into account, inter alia, the following criteria:

               (a)

               conformity with the annual work programme, the general objectives as specified in Article 3 and measures taken in the different domains as specified in Articles 4 and 5;

               (b)

               quality of the proposed action regarding its conception, organisation, presentation and expected results;

               (c)

               amount requested for community financing and its appropriateness as to expected results;

               (d)

               impact of the expected results on the general objectives defined in Article 3 and on measures taken in the different domains as specified in Articles 4 and 5.

         5.   Decisions related to actions submitted under Article 5(1)(a) shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the management procedure referred to in Article 9(3). Decisions related to actions submitted under Article 5(1)(b) and (c) shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 9(2).
   Decisions on applications for grants involving profit-oriented bodies or organisations shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the management procedure referred to in Article 9(3).
   Article 9
   Committee
   1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee).
   2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.
   3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.
   The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months.
   4.   The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.
   Article 10
   Complementarity
   1.   Synergies, consistency and complementarity shall be sought with other Union and Community instruments, inter alia, with the specific programmes ‘Prevention of and Fight against Crime’ and ‘Criminal Justice’, the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities, the European Union Solidarity Fund and the Civil Protection Financial Instrument.
   2.   The Programme may share resources with other Community and Union instruments, in particular the ‘Prevention of and Fight against Crime’ programme, in order to implement actions meeting the objectives of both the Programme and other Community/Union instruments.
   3.   Operations financed under this Decision shall not receive financial support for the same purpose from other Union/Community financial instruments. It shall be ensured that the beneficiaries of the Programme shall provide the Commission with information about funding received from general budget of the European Union and from other sources, as well as information about ongoing applications for funding.
   Article 11
   Budgetary resources
   The budgetary resources allocated to the actions provided for in the Programme shall be entered in the annual appropriations of the general budget of the European Union. The available annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework.
   Article 12
   Monitoring
   1.   The Commission shall ensure that, for any action financed by the Programme, the beneficiary submits technical and financial reports on the progress of work and that a final report is submitted within three months of the completion of the action. The Commission shall determine the form and structure of the reports.
   2.   The Commission shall ensure that the contracts and agreements resulting from the implementation of the Programme provide in particular for supervision and financial control by the Commission (or any representative authorised by it), if necessary by means of on-the-spot checks, including sample checks, and audits by the Court of Auditors.
   3.   The Commission shall ensure that for a period of five years following the last payment in respect of any action, the beneficiary of the Community financial support keeps available for the Commission all the supporting documents regarding expenditure on the action.
   4.   On the basis of the results of the reports and on-the-spot checks referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, the Commission shall ensure that, if necessary, the scale or the conditions of allocation of the financial support originally approved and also the timetable for payments is adjusted.
   5.   The Commission shall ensure that every other step necessary to verify that the actions financed are carried out properly and in compliance with the provisions of this Decision and the Financial Regulation be taken.
   Article 13
   Protection of Community financial interests
   1.   The Commission shall ensure that, when actions financed under this Decision are implemented, the financial interests of the Community are protected by the application of measures to prevent fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and by the recovery of the amounts unduly paid and, if irregularities are detected, by effective, proportional and dissuasive penalties, in accordance with Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95, (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 and (EC) No 1073/1999.
   2.   For the Community actions financed under this Decision, Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 and (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 shall apply to any infringement of a provision of Community law, including infringements of a contractual obligation stipulated on the basis of the Programme, resulting from an act or omission by an economic operator, which has, or would have, the effect of prejudicing the general budget of the European Union or budgets managed by it, by an unjustified item of expenditure.
   3.   The Commission shall ensure that the amount of financial assistance granted for an action is reduced, suspended or recovered, if it finds irregularities, including non-compliance with the provisions of this Decision or the individual decision or the contract or agreement granting the financial support in question, or if it transpires that, without Commission approval having been sought, the action has been subjected to a change which conflicts with the nature or implementing conditions of the project.
   4.   If the time limits have not been observed or if only part of the allocated financial support is justified by the progress made with implementing an action, the Commission shall ensure that the beneficiary is requested to submit observations within a specified period. If the beneficiary does not give a satisfactory answer, the Commission shall ensure that the remaining financial support might be cancelled and repayment of sums already paid demanded.
   5.   The Commission shall ensure that any undue payment is repaid to the Commission. Interest shall be added to any sums not repaid in good time under the conditions laid down by the Financial Regulation.
   Article 14
   Evaluation
   1.   The Programme shall be monitored regularly in order to follow the implementation of activities carried out hereunder.
   2.   The Commission shall ensure regular, independent and external evaluation of the Programme.
   3.   The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council:

               (a)

               an annual presentation on the implementation of the Programme;

               (b)

               an interim evaluation report on the results obtained and the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the implementation of the Programme no later than 31 March 2010;

               (c)

               a communication on the continuation of the Programme no later than 31 December 2010;

               (d)

               an ex-post evaluation report no later than 31 March 2015.

         Article 15
   Publication of projects
   Each year the Commission shall publish the list of actions financed under the Programme with a short description of each project.
   Article 16
   Taking of effect and application
   This Decision shall take effect on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
   It shall apply from 1 January 2007.

      Done at Brussels, 12 February 2007.

            For the Council

            The President

         F.-W. STEINMEIER

      (1)  Opinion delivered on 14 December 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

      (2)  OJ L 297, 15.11.2001, p. 7.

      (3)  OJ C 53, 3.3.2005, p. 1.

      (4)  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

      (5)  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

      (6)  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

      (7)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1995/2006 (OJ L 390, 30.12.2006, p. 1).

      (8)  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 19.8.2006, p. 3).

      (9)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

      (10)  OJ C 65, 17.3.2006, p. 63.


title: 2004/482/EC:Decision No 196 of 23 March 2004 pursuant to Article 22(1a) (Text with relevance to the EEA and to the EU/Switzerland Agreement)

text:
30.4.2004            EN        Official Journal of the European Union                      L 160/135
                               Decision No 196 of 23 March 2004
                                  pursuant to Article 22(1a)
           (Text with relevance to the EEA and to the EU/Switzerland Agreement)
                                         (2004/482/EC)
The Administrative Commission on Social Security for Migrant Workers,
Having regard to Article 81(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 of 14 June 1971 on the
application of social security schemes to employed persons, to self-employed persons and
to members of their families moving within the Community1, under the terms of which it
is responsible for dealing with any administrative question arising from Regulation
(EEC) No 1408/71 and subsequent Regulations,
Having regard to Article 22(1a) of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 as amended by
Regulation (EC) No 631/2004. of 31 March 2004 of the European Parliament and of the
Council2,
Having regard to Decision No 163 of 31 May 1996 concerning the interpretation of
Article 22(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 for persons undergoing dialysis and
persons undergoing oxygen therapy3,
Whereas:
(1)    Pursuant to Article 22(1a) of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 as amended by
       Regulation (EC) No 631/2004 of 31 March 2004, the Administrative Commission
       has been instructed to draw up a list of the benefits in kind which, for practical
       reasons, require a prior agreement between the patient and the unit providing the
       treatment in question, so that these benefits can be provided during a temporary stay
       in a Member State other than the competent State. The purpose of this agreement is
       to facilitate the free movement of the persons concerned in medically safe
       conditions.
1
   OJ L 149 of 5.7.1971, p. 2. Regulation last amended by Regulation (EC) No … of the European
Parliament and of the Council.
2
  OJ L 100 of 6.4.2004, p.1
3
  OJ L 241 of 21.9.96, p.31
 ---pagebreak--- (2) The objective of the prior agreement provided for in Article 22(1a) is to guarantee
    the continuity of the treatment needed by an insured person during a stay in another
    Member State.
(3) In the light of this objective, the essential criteria for defining the benefits in kind
    requiring a prior agreement between the patient and the unit providing care in
    another Member State are the vital nature of the medical treatment and the fact that
    this treatment is accessible only in specialised medical units and/or by specialised
    staff and/or equipment . A non-exhaustive list based on these criteria is given in the
    Annex to this Decision,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
1.    Any vital medical treatment which is accessible only in specialised medical units
      and/or by specialised staff and/or equipment must in principle be the subject of a
      prior agreement between the patient and the unit providing the treatment in
      question, in order to ensure that the treatment is available during the insured
      person’s temporary stay in another Member State.
2.    A non-exhaustive list of the treatments which fulfil the criteria set out in point 1
      of this Decision is given in the Annex hereto.
3.    This Decision shall replace Decision No 163 of 31 May 1996. It shall be
      published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall be applicable
      from 1 June 2004.
                                      The Chairman of the Administrative Commission
                                      Tim QUIRKE
 ---pagebreak---                                            Annex
   Illustrative list of vital treatments requiring, during a temporary stay in another
       Member State, the prior agreement of the unit providing such treatment
- kidney dialysis
- oxygen therapy


title: 2014/592/EU: Decision of the European Parliament of 3 April 2014 on the closure of the accounts of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2012

text:
               5.9.2014

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 266/241

         DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 3 April 2014
   on the closure of the accounts of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2012
   (2014/592/EU)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

               —

               having regard to the final annual accounts of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2012,

               —

               having regard to the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2012, together with the Agency’s replies (1),

               —

               having regard to the Council’s recommendation of 18 February 2014 (05849/2014 – C7-0054/2014),

               —

               having regard to Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (2), and in particular Article 185 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (3), and in particular Article 208 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4) establishing a European Medicines Agency, and in particular Article 68 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002 of 19 November 2002 on the framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (5),

               —

               having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1271/2013 of 30 September 2013 on the framework financial regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 208 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6), and in particular Article 108 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Rule 77 of, and Annex VI to, its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control and the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A7-0227/2014),

               1.

               Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2012;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this Decision to the Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency, the Council, the Commission and the Court of Auditors, and to arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series).

            The President

         Martin SCHULZ

            The Secretary-General

         Klaus WELLE

      (1)  OJ C 365, 13.12.2013, p. 150.

      (2)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.

      (4)  OJ L 136, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

      (5)  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 72.

      (6)  OJ L 328, 7.12.2013, p. 42.