               9.2.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 50/91

         P8_TA(2016)0081
   Interinstitutional agreement on Better Law-making
   European Parliament decision of 9 March 2016 on the conclusion of an Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission (2016/2005(ACI))
   (2018/C 050/13)

      The European Parliament,

               —

               having regard to the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 16 December 2015,

               —

               having regard to the draft Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission,

               —

               having regard to Article 17(1) of the Treaty on European Union,

               —

               having regard to Article 295 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to the Commission proposal for an Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Regulation (COM(2015)0216 and the annexes thereto),

               —

               having regard to the Framework Agreement of 20 October 2010 on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (1) (‘the 2010 Framework Agreement’),

               —

               having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2003 on Better Law-making between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the Commission of the European Communities (2) (‘the 2003 Interinstitutional Agreement’),

               —

               having regard to its resolution of 4 February 2014 on EU Regulatory Fitness and Subsidiarity and Proportionality — 19th report on Better Lawmaking covering the year 2011 (3),

               —

               having regard to its resolution of 16 September 2015 on the Commission Work Programme 2016 (4),

               —

               having regard to the conclusions of the European Council of 18 and 19 February 2016,

               —

               having regard to Rule 140(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A8-0039/2016),

               A.

               whereas Parliament has repeatedly called for the 2003 Interinstitutional Agreement to be renegotiated in order to take into account the new legislative environment created by the Treaty of Lisbon, consolidate current best practices, and bring that agreement up to date in line with the ‘better law-making’ agenda;

               B.

               whereas the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee and various national parliaments have expressed their views on the Commission's Communication of 19 May 2015 on Better regulation for better results — An EU agenda (COM(2015)0215), the above-mentioned Commission proposal for an Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Regulation or the consensus reached between the institutions on a new Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making;

               C.

               whereas, in its above-mentioned resolution of 16 September 2015, Parliament welcomed the opening of negotiations for a new interinstitutional agreement on better law-making and set out a number of priorities, notably as regards the quality of the Commission’s legislative drafting, multiannual and annual programming, the strengthening of impact assessment of draft laws, equal treatment of the two branches of the legislative authority throughout the legislative process in terms of access to information, proper interinstitutional consultations, the Commission's follow-up to Parliament’s proposals and recommendations and the provision of detailed justifications for each envisaged withdrawal;

               D.

               whereas interinstitutional negotiations were formally opened on 25 June 2015;

               E.

               whereas, on 16 December 2015, the Conference of President endorsed, by a majority vote, the provisional agreement that had been reached between negotiators of the three institutions on 8 December 2015 on the wording of a new Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making (‘the new IIA’);

               F.

               whereas the new IIA aims to replace the 2003 Interinstitutional Agreement and the Interinstitutional Common Approach to Impact Assessment of November 2005, and whereas the Annex to the new IIA is intended to replace the 2011 Common Understanding on Delegated Acts;

               G.

               whereas, in accordance with the declaration of the European Parliament and the Commission set out in Annex II to this decision, the new IIA is without prejudice to the 2010 Framework Agreement;

               H.

               whereas, nevertheless, certain provisions of the 2010 Framework Agreement may become obsolete or may need to be brought up to date as a result of the new IIA;

               I.

               whereas the new IIA envisages further interinstitutional negotiations, notably on practical arrangements for cooperation and information-sharing in the context of the conclusion of international agreements and on criteria for the application of Articles 290 and 291 of the TFEU on delegated and implementing acts respectively;

               J.

               whereas certain provisions of Parliament's Rules of Procedure will need to be adapted as a consequence of the new IIA, such as those relating to the Commission Work Programme and verification of the legal basis of acts;

               K.

               whereas the new IIA addresses, in one way or another, the main concerns expressed by Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs in its ‘Contribution of AFCO to the position of the European Parliament for the negotiations on the revision of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making’ of 22 April 2015;

               1.

               Welcomes the agreement reached between the institutions and considers this a good basis for establishing and developing a new, more open and transparent relationship between them with a view to delivering better law-making in the interest of the Union's citizens;

               2.

               Deeply regrets, in the context of better law-making, that negotiations on the IIA failed to follow established practice in terms of a committee procedure in the European Parliament;

               3.

               Welcomes, in particular, the results of the negotiations as regards multiannual and annual interinstitutional programming, the Commission's follow-up to Parliament's legislative initiatives, and the provision of justifications for and consultations on envisaged withdrawals of legislative proposals; stresses that the agreed strong focus on the Commission's work programme cannot be understood as justifying any restriction of Parliament's own legislative powers or right of initiative; welcomes the agreed interinstitutional exchange of views in the event that a modification of the legal basis of an act is envisaged, and expresses its strong determination to resist any attempt to undermine the legislative powers of the European Parliament by means of a modification of the legal basis;

               4.

               Underlines the importance of the new IIA’s provisions on better law-making tools (impact assessments, public and stakeholder consultations, evaluations, etc.) for a well-informed, inclusive and transparent decision-making process and for the correct application of legislation, whilst noting that those provisions safeguard the prerogatives of the legislators; believes that impact assessments must be comprehensive and balanced and should assess, inter alia, the cost to producers, consumers, workers, administrators and to the environment of not adopting the necessary legislation; is concerned that the wording in relation to impact assessments does not sufficiently commit the three institutions to include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and competitiveness tests in their impact assessments; stresses the importance of taking into account, and paying attention to, the needs of SMEs at all stages of the legislative cycle; underlines that, in accordance with the Commission Staff Working Document of 19 May 2015 on Better Regulation guidelines (SWD(2015)0111), the assessment of the impact on SME shall be included in impact assessment reports and calls on the Commission to provide supplementary information on this practice; welcomes the aim of improving the implementation and application of Union legislation, inter alia through better identification of national measures that are not required by the Union legislation that is to be transposed (‘gold-plating’), and, whilst bearing in mind that Member States are free to apply higher standards if only minimum standards are defined by Union law, expects Member States to clearly indicate and document such measures;

               5.

               Notes that the cumulative cost of legislation can result in significant difficulties for businesses and individuals affected by Union rules;

               6.

               Takes note of the letter of 15 December 2015 from the First Vice President of the Commission on the functioning of the new Regulatory Scrutiny Board, which is to oversee the quality of the Commission's impact assessments (but without giving it a power of veto over legislative proposals, which is a matter for the elected authorities); recalls that, in its resolution of 27 November 2014 on the revision of the Commission’s impact assessment guidelines and the role of the SME test (5), it requested that the independence of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board (formerly ‘Impact Assessment Board’) be strengthened including, in particular, that members of the Board should not be subject to political control; believes, in this respect, that the establishment of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board is a welcome first step in achieving independence thereof; points out that the legislators may also carry out their own impact assessments where they consider this necessary; notes that impact assessments do not replace the political decision-making process; underlines, furthermore, that the new IIA provides for exchanges of information between the institutions on best practice and methodologies relating to impact assessments, thereby providing an opportunity to review in due time the functioning of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board with a view to achieving a common methodology;

               7.

               Welcomes the agreement between the institutions to cooperate in order to update and simplify legislation and to exchange views thereon, prior to the finalisation of the Commission Work Programme; underlines the importance of the agreed ‘Annual Burden Survey’ as a tool to identify and monitor, in a clear and transparent manner, the results of the Union's efforts, in order to avoid and reduce any overregulation and administrative burdens, which should include a list relating specifically to SME's and should distinguish between burdens that individual Commission proposals seek to impose and acts by individual Member States; points out that the feasibility and desirability of establishing objectives for the reduction of burdens in specific sectors must be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis in close cooperation between the institutions, while focusing on the quality of legislation, and without undermining relevant Union standards; expects the Commission to propose, on a regular basis, the repeal of legal acts where such repeal is deemed to be necessary; welcomes in this respect the fact that the three institutions have agreed that impact assessments should also address the impact of proposals on administrative burdens, particularly as regards SMEs; recognises that appropriate Union legislation can cut administrative burdens for SME's by replacing 28 divergent sets of rules with a single set of rules for the internal market;

               8.

               Believes that, in principle, a balanced solution has been found with regard to delegated and implementing acts, ensuring transparency and parity between legislators, but points to the need for a swift agreement on appropriate criteria for delineating delegated and implementing acts and a prompt alignment of all basic acts to the legal framework introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon;

               9.

               Acknowledges that the agreed measures to improve the mutual exchange of views and information between Parliament and the Council in their capacity as legislators constitute a step forward; considers, however, that those measures should be developed further, particularly in terms of mutual access to information and meetings, so as to ensure a truly equal balance and equal treatment between the legislators throughout the legislative procedure, and to guarantee that the principle of mutual sincere cooperation among institutions is complied with; warns that the agreed informal exchanges of views should not develop into a new arena of non-transparent interinstitutional negotiations;

               10.

               Recalls that the TFEU establishes an ordinary legislative procedure with three readings; points out that, where Parliament and the Council fully exercise their prerogatives in the legislative procedure, second-reading agreements should be the standard procedure whereas first reading agreements should be used only where a considered and explicit decision has been taken to do so;

               11.

               Welcomes the commitment to ensure transparency of legislative procedures, but underlines the need for more concrete provisions and tools to achieve this, in particular as regards the use of first-reading agreements;

               12.

               Believes, also, that better use should be made of the arrangements for political dialogue with national parliaments; highlights, in this connection, the important role given to national parliaments by the Lisbon Treaty and stresses that, alongside the role which they play in monitoring respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, they can and do make positive contributions in the framework of the political dialogue; encourages better use of the existing subsidiarity and proportionality mechanisms as laid down in the Treaties; emphasises the need for greater flexibility in the enforcement of the eight week deadline for national parliaments to issue a reasoned opinion on non-compliance with the principle of subsidiarity;

               13.

               Calls for a comprehensive evaluation of the impact that the new IIA will have on the 2010 Framework Agreement and other related existing interinstitutional agreements, bearing in mind the need to safeguard the European Parliament's position and prerogatives and to simplify the architecture of the numerous arrangements regulating interinstitutional relations;

               14.

               Considers that such simplification should be carried through once all practical arrangements to implement the new IIA in its entirety are in place, at which point the institutions could also evaluate whether adjustments to the new IIA may be necessary in light of experience gained up until that point in time with the implementation of the new IIA;

               15.

               Underlines the importance of proper implementation and of ensuring that the commitments given and the deadlines set out in the new IIA are honoured;

               16.

               Points out that the following issues in particular need further follow-up at technical and/or political level, with the active involvement, and drawing on the expertise, of all parliamentary committees having the relevant experience:

                           —

                           programming (technical review of the 2010 Framework Agreement and Parliament's Rules of Procedure);

                           —

                           verification of the legal basis of acts (review of the Rules of Procedure to incorporate arrangements for a trilateral exchange of views);

                           —

                           evaluation of the application by the Commission of its abovementioned Better Regulation Guidelines and of the effective functioning of the newly created Regulatory Scrutiny Board, in particular in order to verify, in accordance with paragraph 6, that it operates in an independent manner and that its members are not subject to any political control;

                           —

                           the transparency and coordination of the legislative process (including the appropriate use of first and second-reading procedures, practical arrangements for exchanges of views, information-sharing and comparison of time-tables, transparency in the context of trilateral negotiations, development of platforms and tools for the establishment of a joint database on the state of play of legislative files, the provision of information to national parliaments and practical arrangements for cooperation and information-sharing regarding negotiations on, and the conclusion of, international agreements);

                           —

                           an evaluation and possible follow up of the independence of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board in fulfilling its role in supervising and providing objective advice on respective impact assessments;

                           —

                           the expectation by Parliament, pursuant to the relevant provisions of the new IIA, that the Commission comes forward with proposals establishing targets, where feasible, for the reduction of burdens in key sectors as soon as possible while ensuring that the objectives of the legislation are met;

                           —

                           ensuring operational and legal coherence between the new IIA and cooperation agreements regarding the Union advisory bodies;

                           —

                           delegated and implementing acts, on the basis of its resolution of 25 February 2014 on follow-up on the delegation of legislative powers and control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (6) (negotiations on delineation criteria for delegated and implementing acts, the setting-up of a register of delegated acts and full alignment of pre-Lisbon acts);

                           —

                           implementation and application of Union legislation (scrutiny of the communication, by Member States, of the transposition of directives, as well as of each national measure that goes beyond the provisions of Union legislation (‘gold-plating’));

               17.

               Approves the draft agreement contained in Annex I to this decision;

               18.

               Approves the statement by Parliament and the Commission contained in Annex II to this decision;

               19.

               Asks its competent committee to examine the extent to which amendments or interpretation of the Rules of Procedure or changes to Parliament's practices, administration and channels of contact with other institutions are necessary for the implementation of the new IIA;

               20.

               Instructs its President to sign the new IIA with the President of the Council and the President of the Commission and to arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

               21.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision, including its annexes, to the Council and the Commission for information.

      (1)  OJ L 304, 20.11.2010, p. 47.

      (2)  OJ C 321, 31.12.2003, p. 1.

      (3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0061.

      (4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0323.

      (5)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0069.

      (6)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0127.

         ANNEX I

         Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on Better Law-Making

         (The text of this annex is not reproduced here since it corresponds to the interinstitutional agreement as published in OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1.)

         ANNEX II

         STATEMENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COMMISSION ON THE OCCASION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE INTERINSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENT ON BETTER LAW-MAKING

      The European Parliament and the Commission consider that this Agreement reflects the balance between, and respective competences of, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as set out in the Treaties.
      It is without prejudice to the Framework Agreement of 20 October 2010 on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (1).

         (1)  OJ L 304, 20.11.2010, p. 47.


title: Council Decision of 15 February 2018 renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

text:
               20.2.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 64/5

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 15 February 2018
   renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
   (2018/C 64/04)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of 10 February 1975 establishing the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and in particular Article 4 thereof (1),
   Having regard to the nomination submitted by the Italian Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By its Decisions of 14 July 2015 (2) and of 14 September 2015 (3), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2015 to 17 September 2018.

               (2)

               A member’s seat is available for Italy on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Government representatives as a result of the resignation of Ms Marinella COLUCCI.

               (3)

               The members of the Governing Board of the aforementioned Centre should be appointed for the remainder of the current term of office, which expires on 17 September 2018,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The following person is hereby appointed member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of its term of office, which runs until 17 September 2018:
   GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES:

               ITALY

               Mr Ugo MENZIANI

         Article 2
   This Decision shall be published, for information, in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 15 February 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         K. VALCHEV

      (1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ C 232, 16.7.2015, p. 2.

      (3)  OJ C 305, 16.9.2015, p. 2.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2018/404 of 13 March 2018 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa, as part of the Internal Security Fund, for the period 2014 to 2020

text:
               16.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 74/1

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2018/404
   of 13 March 2018
   on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa, as part of the Internal Security Fund, for the period 2014 to 2020
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 77(2), in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Regulation (EU) No 515/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provides that the countries associated with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis participate in the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa, and that arrangements are to be concluded on their financial contributions and the supplementary rules necessary for such participation, including provisions ensuring the protection of the Union's financial interests and the powers of audit of the Court of Auditors.

               (2)

               On 14 July 2014, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the Kingdom of Norway, the Republic of Iceland, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein for an Agreement on the modalities of their participation in the Internal Security Fund – Borders and Visa for the period 2014 to 2020. The negotiations with the Swiss Confederation were successfully concluded by the initialling of the Agreement on 21 April 2017.

               (3)

               In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application. Given that this Decision builds upon the Schengen acquis, Denmark shall, in accordance with Article 4 of that Protocol, decide within a period of six months after the Council has decided on this Decision whether it will implement it in its national law.

               (4)

               This Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom does not take part, in accordance with Council Decision 2000/365/EC (2); the United Kingdom is therefore not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

               (5)

               This Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part, in accordance with Council Decision 2002/192/EC (3); Ireland is therefore not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

               (6)

               The Agreement should be signed on behalf of the Union, subject to its conclusion at a later date,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The signing on behalf of the Union of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa, as part of the Internal Security Fund, for the period 2014 to 2020 (4) is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement.
   Article 2
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Union.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 13 March 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         V. GORANOV

      (1)  Regulation (EU) No 515/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing, as part of the Internal Security Fund, the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa and repealing Decision No 574/2007/EC (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 143).

      (2)  Council Decision 2000/365/EC of 29 May 2000 concerning the request of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis (OJ L 131, 1.6.2000, p. 43).

      (3)  Council Decision 2002/192/EC of 28 February 2002 concerning Ireland's request to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis (OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 20).

      (4)  The text of the Agreement will be published together with the decision on its conclusion.


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/458 of 19 March 2018 repealing Common Position 97/193/CFSP on restrictive measures aimed at persons having perpetrated violent acts during the incidents in Mostar on 10 February 1997

text:
               20.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 77/16

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/458
   of 19 March 2018
   repealing Common Position 97/193/CFSP on restrictive measures aimed at persons having perpetrated violent acts during the incidents in Mostar on 10 February 1997
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 17 March 1997 the Council adopted Common Position 97/193/CFSP (1).

               (2)

               On the basis of a review of Common Position 97/193/CFSP, the measures imposed by the Common Position should be lifted.

               (3)

               Common Position 97/193/CFSP should therefore be repealed,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Common Position 97/193/CFSP is hereby repealed.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 19 March 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Common Position 97/193/CFSP of 17 March 1997 defined by the Council on the basis of Article J.2 of the Treaty on European Union, on restrictive measures aimed at persons having perpetrated violent acts during the incidents in Mostar on 10 February 1997 (OJ L 81, 21.3.1997, p.1).


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/459 of 19 March 2018 amending Decision 2011/173/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

text:
               20.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 77/17

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/459
   of 19 March 2018
   amending Decision 2011/173/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 21 March 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/173/CFSP (1), concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

               (2)

               On the basis of a review of Decision 2011/173/CFSP, those restrictive measures should be renewed until 31 March 2019.

               (3)

               Decision 2011/173/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The second paragraph of Article 6 of Decision 2011/173/CFSP is replaced by the following:

      ‘This Decision shall apply until 31 March 2019.’.

   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 19 March 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Council Decision 2011/173/CFSP of 21 March 2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 68).


title: Commission Decision of 14 March 2018 on the Facility for Refugees in Turkey amending Commission Decision C(2015) 9500 as regards the contribution to the Facility for Refugees in Turkey

text:
               21.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 106/4

         COMMISSION DECISION
   of 14 March 2018
   on the Facility for Refugees in Turkey amending Commission Decision C(2015) 9500 as regards the contribution to the Facility for Refugees in Turkey
   (2018/C 106/05)
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 210(2) and 214(6),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Point 6 of the EU-Turkey Statement of 18 March 2016 (the ‘Statement’) stated that the Union would mobilise funding for the Facility of an additional EUR 3 000 000 000 up to the end of 2018 once the initially allocated EUR 3 000 000 000 under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey (the ‘Facility’) are about to be used to the full and provided the relevant conditions are met.

               (2)

               The Representatives of the Governments of the Member States drew up on 3 February 2016 a ‘Common Understanding establishing a governance and conditionality framework for the Refugee Facility for Turkey between the EU Member States and the Commission’ (the ‘Common Understanding’).

               (3)

               The Commission notes that the distribution of contributions for the first tranche was EUR 1 000 000 000 from the Union budget and EUR 2 000 000 000 from Member States. It considers that the second tranche should follow the same distribution for 2018-2019.

               (4)

               The progressive delivery of the assistance is conditional on the continued implementation of the understanding between the European Union and the Republic of Turkey to step up their cooperation on support of persons under temporary protection and migration management in a coordinated effort to address the crisis.

               (5)

               The individual financial contributions from Member States should be included in the Union’s budget as external assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(2)(b) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1). The Commission, as having the sole responsibility for implementing the Union’s budget in accordance with Article 317 of the Treaty, should be provided, on behalf of the Union, with contribution certificates by the Member States. Each contribution certificate expressed in euro has the effect of allowing the Commission to make the relevant commitment appropriation available upon receiving that certificate, in line with Article 7(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012 (2). The individual contribution certificates are to be based on a single template allowing for adaptation, where necessary, to specific needs.

               (6)

               Decisions relating to and actions providing humanitarian assistance will be implemented in line with Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 (3) and according to the principles laid down in the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid (4).

               (7)

               For the above reasons it is necessary to amend Commission Decision C(2015) 9500 accordingly,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Commission Decision C(2015) 9500 is amended as follows:

               (1)

               Article 1 is replaced by the following:
               ‘This Decision establishes a coordination mechanism — the Facility for Refugees in Turkey (“the Facility”) — to assist Turkey in addressing the immediate humanitarian and development needs of the refugees and persons eligible for subsidiary protection and their host communities, national and local authorities in managing and addressing the consequences of the inflow of refugees and persons eligible for subsidiary protection.’;

               (2)

               in Article 2, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:
               ‘The specific objective of the Facility is to enhance the efficiency and complementarity of support provided to refugees and persons eligible for subsidiary protection, and their host communities, national and local authorities in managing and addressing the consequences of the inflow of refugees and persons eligible for subsidiary protection.’;

               (3)

               in Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2 are replaced by the following:

                           ‘1.

                           The Facility shall coordinate an amount of EUR 3 000 000 000 for 2016-2017, and an additional amount of EUR 3 000 000 000 for 2018-2019.

                              EU budget contribution

                           2.

                           EUR 1 000 000 000 out of the respective overall amounts of EUR 3 000 000 000 for 2016-2017, as well as for 2018-2019, shall be financed from the EU budget, subject to subsequent individual financing decisions in accordance with Article 84(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 and in accordance with its financial rules and the requirements of the respective basic act.’;

               (4)

               in Article 4, the following paragraph 4 is added:

                           ‘4.

                           Member States shall provide an amount of EUR 2 000 000 000 for 2018-2019 on the basis of the breakdown of contributions based on the Gross National Income (GNI) key [based on the 2018 budget of the European Union].’;

               (5)

               in Article 5 paragraph 1, point (iv) is replaced by the following:

                           ‘(iv)

                           monitor contributions from Member States, according to the contribution schedule provided for in the contribution certificate of each Member State.’;

               (6)

               in Article 8, paragraph 3, is replaced by the following:
               ‘The Commission, in full coordination with Member States, shall carry out an evaluation of the first tranche of the Facility by 31 December 2021, and of the second tranche by 31 December 2023.’;

               (7)

               in Article 9 paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

                           ‘1.

                           This Facility is established from 1 January 2016 for financial contributions under the budgetary years 2016-2017 and for financial contributions under the budgetary years 2018-2019. It will be managed on the basis of Member States contributions and their timing, communicated to and acknowledged by the Commission.’.

         Article 2
   1.   This Decision enters into force on the day of its adoption.
   2.   It will be published in the Official Journal.

      Done at Brussels, 14 March 2018.

            For the Commission

         Johannes HAHN

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  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 Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1).

      (2)  OJ L 362, 31.12.2012, p. 1.

      (3)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid (OJ L 163, 2.7.1996, p. 1).

      (4)  Joint Statement by the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission ‘The European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid’ (OJ C 25, 30.1.2008, p. 1).

      EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
      Adoption of the Commission Decision on the Facility for Refugees in Turkey amending Commission Decision C(2015) 9500 as regards the contribution to the Facility for Refugees in Turkey
      The Facility for Refugees in Turkey was set up in 2015 as a powerful demonstration of the EU’s commitment to supporting refugees in Turkey. It combined both humanitarian and non-humanitarian support to assist Turkey in its efforts to host refugees. The first tranche of funding under the Facility amounted to EUR 3 billion for 2016 and 2017.
      The mobilisation of the first tranche of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey has been a success. The full operational envelope of the EUR 3 billion has been programmed, committed and contracted in the space of 21 months since the EU-Turkey Statement of March 2016. The 2nd Annual Report on the Facility (1) includes detailed information on the achievements and the implementation of a total of 72 projects. The report confirms tangible results. This includes the delivery of monthly income support to almost 1.2 million of the most vulnerable refugees with monthly cash transfers under the Emergency Social Safety Net; the provision of Turkish language training to 312 000 refugee children and educational materials to 500 000 students; and primary health care consultations for almost 764 000 refugees and the vaccination of more than 217 000 Syrian refugee infants. The governance of the Facility also allowed a partnership approach between the EU and the Member States, and joint governance would not be possible with funding coming exclusively from the EU budget.
      The EU has a strong interest in continuing what has proved to work well. This Commission Decision has therefore been prepared with the aim of ensuring that the valuable work of the Facility can continue, as set out in the EU-Turkey Statement.
      The EU-Turkey Statement confirmed that the EU will mobilise an additional EUR 3 billion for the Facility by end-2018 if the relevant conditions were met. With a view to ensuring the continuity of Facility projects and uninterrupted support to refugees, a decision on additional funding is therefore required. Therefore, the Commission is adopting a decision on a second allocation of EUR 3 billion for the Facility for Refugees in Turkey. The 2016 and 2017 budget mobilised under the Facility was made up of EUR 1 billion from the EU budget and EUR 2 billion from Member States contributions as external assigned revenue. It is proposed to continue this arrangement for 2018 and 2019. This distribution ensures that sufficient margins remain in the EU budget to deal with emergencies and unexpected crises until the end of the current multi-annual financial framework, in particular in the area of migration.
      The mobilisation of contributions from Member States to the Facility for 2016 and 2017 followed a Common Understanding establishing a governance and conditionality framework for the Refugee Facility for Turkey by the Commission and the Representatives of the Governments of the 28 Member States (2). The governance structure of the Facility, the core of which is a committee in which all Member States vote and Turkey participates in an advisory capacity, has proven very effective. Were the EU budget alone to contribute to the second tranche, standard EU rules would apply and the Member States would be excluded from the governance of the Facility. The Commission invites the Member States to set up a similar arrangement in respect of the years 2018 and 2019, with individual financial contributions from Member States to be included in the Union’s budget as external assigned revenue, as was the case for the first tranche.

         (1)  Commission Communication COM(2018) 91 of 13 March 2018.

         (2)  Common Understanding establishing a governance and conditionality framework for the Refugee Facility for Turkey by the Commission and the Representatives of the Governments of the 28 Member States of 5 February 2016.


               21.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 106/7

         Decision of the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations
   of 13 November 2017
   not to register Identités & traditions européennes
   (Only the English text is authentic)
   (2018/C 106/06)
   THE AUTHORITY FOR EUROPEAN POLITICAL PARTIES AND EUROPEAN POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (1), in particular Article 9 thereof,
   Having regard to the submission received from Identités & traditions européennes ASBL,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Authority for European political parties and European political foundations (the ‘Authority’) received a submission from Identités & traditions européennes ASBL (‘ITE’) for registration as a European political foundation (the ‘submission’) on 28 September 2017,

               (2)

               The submission was accompanied by a letter co-signed by the president of ITE and the president of Alliance européenne des mouvements nationaux (‘AEMN’), the association with which ITE is formally affiliated as per Article 16 bis of its statutes,

               (3)

               The Authority sent a preliminary assessment to ITE on 4 October 2017, whereby it preliminarily established that, without prejudice to the question of whether the submission constituted an application under terms of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014, the submission was inadmissible or, in the alternative, did not meet at least one of the conditions laid down in Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014,

               (4)

               The Authority invited ITE to provide any written observations it wished to submit by Friday, 20 October 2017,

               (5)

               ITE did not avail itself of that opportunity and, to date, it has not submitted any observations,

               (6)

               The Authority has assessed the admissibility and merits of the submission, without prejudice to the question of whether it constitutes an application under the terms of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014,

               (7)

               The Authority considers that, even if it were to be regarded as an application under the terms of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014, the submission would not be admissible because, pursuant to Article 8(1) of that Regulation, an application for registration as a European political foundation can only be filed through the European political party with which that foundation is formally affiliated,

               (8)

               ITE is formally affiliated with AEMN, which is not a European political party registered in accordance with the conditions and procedures laid down in Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014,

               (9)

               The submission does not therefore comply with the formal requirement laid down in Article 8(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014,

               (10)

               In addition, the Authority considers that, even if it were to be regarded as an admissible application under the terms of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014, the submission would fail on the merits because, pursuant to letter (a) of Article 3(2) of that Regulation, registration is conditional upon an applicant being affiliated with a European political party registered in accordance with the conditions and procedures laid down in that Regulation,

               (11)

               As set out in recital 8, AEMN is not a European political party registered in accordance with the conditions and procedures laid down in Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014,

               (12)

               The submission does not therefore fulfil one of the conditions laid down in Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014, notably the condition under letter (a) of Article 3(2) of that Regulation,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The submission lodged by Identités & traditions européennes for registration as a European political foundation is hereby rejected.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall take effect on the day of its notification.
   Article 3
   This Decision is addressed to

               Identités & traditions européennes

               Rue des Alliés 15

               6044 Roux (Charleroi)

               BELGIQUE/BELGIË

      Done at Brussels, 13 November 2017.

            For the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations

            The Director

         M. ADAM

      (1)  OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 1.


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/466 of 21 March 2018 amending Decision 2011/172/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Egypt

text:
               21.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               LI 78/3

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/466
   of 21 March 2018
   amending Decision 2011/172/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Egypt
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 21 March 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/172/CFSP (1) concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Egypt.

               (2)

               On the basis of a review of Decision 2011/172/CFSP, the restrictive measures should be renewed until 22 March 2019.

               (3)

               The statement of reasons for four persons listed in the Annex to Decision 2011/172/CFSP should be amended.

               (4)

               Six persons should be removed from the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies set out in the Annex to Decision 2011/172/CFSP.

               (5)

               Decision 2011/172/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Decision 2011/172/CFSP is amended as follows:

               (1)

               in Article 5, the second paragraph is replaced by the following:
               ‘This Decision shall apply until 22 March 2019.’;

               (2)

               the Annex is amended as set out in the Annex to this Decision.

         Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 21 March 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         E. ZAHARIEVA

      (1)  Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP of 21 March 2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Egypt (OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 63).

      ANNEX

                  1.

                  In the Annex to Decision 2011/172/CFSP, the entries concerning the persons below are replaced by the following entries:

                              Name (and any aliases)

                              Identifying information

                              Grounds for designation

                              2.

                              ‘Suzanne Saleh Thabet

                              Spouse of Mr Mohamed Hosni Elsayed Mubarak, former President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
                              Date of birth: 28.2.1941
                              Female

                              Associated with Mohamed Hosni Elsayed Mubarak, who is subject to judicial proceedings or an asset recovery process by the Egyptian authorities following a final court ruling in respect of the misappropriation of State Funds on the basis of the United Nations Convention against corruption.

                              4.

                              Heidy Mahmoud Magdy Hussein Rasekh

                              Spouse of Mr Alaa Mohamed Elsayed Mubarak, son of former President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
                              Date of birth: 5.10.1971
                              Female

                              Person subject to judicial proceedings or an asset recovery process by the Egyptian authorities following a final court ruling in respect of the misappropriation of State Funds on the basis of the United Nations Convention against corruption, and associated with Alaa Mohamed Hosni Elsayed Mubarak.

                              6.

                              Khadiga Mahmoud El Gammal

                              Spouse of Mr Gamal Mahamed Hosni Elsayed Mubarak, son of former President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
                              Date of birth: 13.10.1982
                              Female

                              Person subject to judicial proceedings or an asset recovery process by the Egyptian authorities following a final court ruling in respect of the misappropriation of State Funds on the basis of the United Nations Convention against corruption, and associated with Gamal Mohamed Hosni Elsayed Mubarak.

                              19.

                              Elham Sayed Salem Sharshar

                              Spouse of Mr Habib Ibrahim Eladli
                              Date of birth: 23.1.1963
                              Female

                              Person subject to judicial proceedings in respect of the misappropriation of State Funds on the basis of the United Nations Convention against corruption, and associated with Habib Ibrahim Eladli.’

                  2.

                  In the Annex to Decision 2011/172/CFSP, the entries concerning the following persons are deleted:

                              7.

                              Ahmed Abdelaziz Ezz,

                              8.

                              Abla Mohamed Fawzi Ali Ahmed Salama,

                              9.

                              Khadiga Ahmed Ahmed Kamel Yassin,

                              10.

                              Shahinaz Abdel Aziz Abdel Wahab Al Naggar,

                              11.

                              Ahmed Alaeldin Amin Abdemaksoud Elmaghraby,

                              12.

                              Naglaa Abdallah El Gazaerly.


title: Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2018/472 of 19 March 2018 appointing a member of the Court of Auditors

text:
               22.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 79/23

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU, Euratom) 2018/472
   of 19 March 2018
   appointing a member of the Court of Auditors
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 286(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 106a thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal by the Kingdom of Belgium,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The term of office of Mr Karel PINXTEN as a member of the Court of Auditors expired on 28 February 2018.

               (2)

               A new member should therefore be appointed to the Court of Auditors,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Ms Annemie TURTELBOOM is hereby appointed member of the Court of Auditors for the period from 1 May 2018 to 30 April 2024.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 19 March 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         R. PORODZANOV

      (1)  Opinion of 1 March 2018 (not yet published in the Official Journal).


title: Council Decision (EU) 2018/467 of 25 September 2017 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

text:
               22.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 79/1

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2018/467
   of 25 September 2017
   on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 186, in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Decision (EU) 2017/1324 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provides for the participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (‘PRIMA’) jointly undertaken by several Member States.

               (2)

               PRIMA aims to implement a joint programme to build research and innovation capacities and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions for agro-food systems, to make them sustainable, and for integrated water provision and management in the Mediterranean area, to make those systems and that provision and management more climate resilient, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally and socially sustainable, and to contribute to solving water scarcity, food security, nutrition, health, well-being and migration problems upstream.

               (3)

               PRIMA will be jointly undertaken by a number of Member States and third countries (‘Participating States’) with a high level of commitment to scientific, management and financial integration and under the same terms and conditions.

               (4)

               The Republic of Lebanon (‘Lebanon’) expressed its wish to join PRIMA as a Participating State and on an equal footing with the Member States and third countries associated to Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) participating in PRIMA.

               (5)

               In accordance with Article 1(2) of Decision (EU) 2017/1324 Lebanon is to become a Participating State in PRIMA subject to the conclusion of an international agreement for scientific and technological cooperation with the Union setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of Lebanon in PRIMA.

               (6)

               On 30 May 2017, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations, on behalf of the Union, with Lebanon, on an Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (‘the Agreement’), subject to the adoption of Decision (EU) 2017/1324. The negotiations were successfully completed.

               (7)

               The Agreement should be signed.

               (8)

               In order to allow for the participation of Lebanon in PRIMA from its start, the Agreement should be applied on a provisional basis, pending the completion of the procedures necessary for its entry into force,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The signing on behalf of the Union of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement.
   The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Union.
   Article 3
   The Agreement shall be applied on a provisional basis, as from the signature thereof, pending the completion of the procedures necessary for its entry into force.
   Article 4
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 25 September 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         M. MAASIKAS

      (1)  Decision (EU) 2017/1324 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2017 on the participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) jointly undertaken by several Member States (OJ L 185, 18.7.2017, p. 1).


title: Council Decision (EU) 2018/473 of 19 March 2018 appointing a member, proposed by the Federal Republic of Germany, of the Committee of the Regions

text:
               22.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 79/24

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2018/473
   of 19 March 2018
   appointing a member, proposed by the Federal Republic of Germany, 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 German Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 26 January 2015, 5 February 2015 and 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 Hans-Josef VOGEL,

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

               —

               Dr Eckhard RUTHEMEYER, Bürgermeister der Stadt Soest.

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

      Done at Brussels, 19 March 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         R. PORODZANOV

      (1)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/116 of 26 January 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020 (OJ L 20, 27.1.2015, p. 42).

      (2)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/190 of 5 February 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020 (OJ L 31, 7.2.2015, p. 25).

      (3)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/994 of 23 June 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020 (OJ L 159, 25.6.2015, p. 70).


title: Council Decision of 19 March 2018 renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

text:
               22.3.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 107/3

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 19 March 2018
   renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
   (2018/C 107/03)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of 10 February 1975 establishing the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and in particular Article 4 thereof (1),
   Having regard to the nomination submitted by the Romanian Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By its Decisions of 14 July 2015 (2) and of 14 September 2015 (3), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2015 to 17 September 2018.

               (2)

               A member’s seat is available for Romania on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Government representatives as a result of the resignation of Ms Gabriel PETRE.

               (3)

               The members of the Governing Board of the aforementioned Centre should be appointed for the remainder of the current term of office, which expires on 17 September 2018,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The following person is hereby appointed member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of its term of office, which runs until 17 September 2018:
   GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES:

               ROMANIA

               Ms Felicia Ioana SĂNDULESCU

         Article 2
   This Decision shall be published, for information, in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 19 March 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         R. PORODZANOV

      (1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ C 232, 16.7.2015, p. 2.

      (3)  OJ C 305, 16.9.2015, p. 2.