title: 2010/701/EU: Council Decision of 21 October 2010 on the position to be taken by the European Union within the Stabilisation and Association Council established by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of provisions on the coordination of social security systems#Draft — Decision No …/… of the Stabilisation and Association Council established by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, of … with regard to the provisions on the coordination of social security systems contained in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement

text:
               23.11.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 306/28

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 21 October 2010
   on the position to be taken by the European Union within the Stabilisation and Association Council established by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of provisions on the coordination of social security systems
   (2010/701/EU)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 79(2)(b) in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Article 46 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, on the other part (1) (the Agreement), provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council shall, by decision, adopt the appropriate provisions to implement the objectives set out in that Article.

               (2)

               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.

               (3)

               In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol (No 21) on the Position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, those Member States are not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and are not bound by it or subject to its application,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The position to be taken by the European Union within the Stabilisation and Association Council set up by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, concerning the implementation of Article 46 of the Agreement, shall be based on the draft decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

      Done at Luxembourg, 21 October 2010.

            For the Council

            The President

         J. MILQUET

      (1)  OJ L 84, 20.3.2004, p. 13.

      Draft
      DECISION No …/… OF THE STABILISATION AND ASSOCIATION COUNCIL
      established by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part,
      of …
      with regard to the provisions on the coordination of social security systems contained in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement
      THE STABILISATION AND ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,
      Having regard to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part (1), and in particular Article 46 thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  Article 46 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part (the Agreement), provides for the coordination of the social security systems of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Member States and lays down the principles for such coordination.

                  (2)

                  Article 46 of the Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council shall adopt a Decision for the purpose of implementing the objectives set out in that Article.

                  (3)

                  With regard to the application of the non-discrimination principle, this Decision should not give any additional rights arising from certain facts or events occurring on the territory of the other contracting party, where such facts or events are not taken into account under the legislation of the first contracting party, other than the right to export certain benefits.

                  (4)

                  In applying this Decision, the right of workers with the nationality of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to family benefits should be subject to the condition that their family members legally reside with these workers in the Member State where these workers are employed. This Decision should not give any entitlement to family benefits with respect to members of their family who reside in another State, for instance the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

                  (5)

                  Council Regulation (EC) No 859/2003 (2) already extends the provisions of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 and Regulation (EEC) No 574/72 to nationals of third countries who are not already covered by those provisions solely on the grounds of their nationality. Regulation (EC) No 859/2003 already covers the principle of aggregation of insurance periods acquired by workers of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the various Member States regarding entitlement to certain benefits, as set out in the first indent of Article 46 of the Agreement.

                  (6)

                  It might be necessary to lay down special provisions which correspond to the specific characteristics of the legislation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in order to facilitate the application of the coordination rules.

                  (7)

                  To ensure the smooth functioning of the coordination of the social security systems of the Member States and of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, it is necessary to provide for specific provisions regarding the cooperation between the Member States and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as well as between the person concerned and the institution of the competent State.

                  (8)

                  Transitional provisions should be adopted to protect the persons covered by this Decision and to ensure that they do not lose rights as a result of its entry into force,

            HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
      PART I

         GENERAL PROVISIONS

      Article 1
      Definitions
      1.   For the purposes of this Decision:

                  (a)

                  ‘Agreement’ means the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part;

                  (b)

                  ‘Regulation’ means Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (3) as applicable in the Member States of the European Union;

                  (c)

                  ‘implementing Regulation’ means Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems (4);

                  (d)

                  ‘Member State’ means a Member State of the European Union;

                  (e)

                  ‘worker’ means,

                              (i)

                              for the purposes of the legislation of a Member State, a person pursuing an activity as an employed person within the meaning of Article 1(a) of the Regulation;

                              (ii)

                              for the purposes of the legislation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, a person pursuing an activity as an employed person within the meaning of that legislation;

                  (f)

                  ‘member of the family’ means,

                              (i)

                              for the purposes of the legislation of a Member State, a member of the family within the meaning of Article 1(i) of the Regulation;

                              (ii)

                              for the purposes of the legislation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, a member of the family within the meaning of that legislation;

                  (g)

                  ‘legislation’ means,

                              (i)

                              in relation to the Member States, legislation within the meaning of Article 1(l) of the Regulation as applicable to the benefits covered by this Decision;

                              (ii)

                              in relation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the relevant legislation as applicable in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia relating to the benefits covered by this Decision;

                  (h)

                  ‘benefits’ means,

                              —

                              old-age pensions,

                              —

                              survivors’ pensions,

                              —

                              pensions in respect of accidents at work and occupational diseases,

                              —

                              invalidity pensions related to accidents at work and occupational diseases,

                              —

                              family allowances;

                  (i)

                  ‘exportable benefits’ means,

                              (i)

                              in relation to the Member States:

                                          —

                                          old-age pensions,

                                          —

                                          survivors’ pensions,

                                          —

                                          pensions in respect of accidents at work and occupational diseases,

                                          —

                                          invalidity pensions related to accidents at work and occupational diseases,

                                    within the meaning of the Regulation, with the exception of special non-contributory cash benefits as listed in Annex X to the Regulation;

                              (ii)

                              in relation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the corresponding benefits provided under the legislation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, with the exception of special non-contributory cash benefits as set out in Annex I to this Decision;

            2.   Other terms used in this Decision shall have the meaning which is assigned to them:

                  (a)

                  in relation to the Member States, in the Regulation and the implementing Regulation;

                  (b)

                  in relation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in the relevant legislation as applicable in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

            Article 2
      Persons covered
      This Decision shall apply:

                  (a)

                  to workers who are nationals of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and who are or have been legally employed in the territory of a Member State and who are or have been subject to the legislation of one or more Member States, and their survivors;

                  (b)

                  to the members of the family of workers referred to in point (a) provided that these family members are or have been legally resident with the worker concerned while the worker is employed in a Member State;

                  (c)

                  to workers who are nationals of a Member State who are or have been legally employed in the territory of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and who are or have been subject to the legislation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and their survivors; and

                  (d)

                  to the members of the family of workers referred to in point (c) provided that these family members are or have been legally resident with the worker concerned while the worker is employed in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

            Article 3
      Equality of treatment
      1.   Workers who are nationals of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and are legally employed in a Member State and any members of their families legally residing with them shall enjoy, with regard to the benefits within the meaning of Article 1(1)(h), treatment free from any discrimination based on nationality relative to nationals of the Member States in which those workers are employed.
      2.   Workers who are nationals of a Member State and are legally employed in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and any members of their families legally residing with them shall enjoy, with regard to the benefits within the meaning of Article 1(1)(h), treatment free from any discrimination based on nationality relative to nationals of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
      PART II

         RELATIONS BETWEEN THE MEMBER STATES AND THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

      Article 4
      Waiving of residence clauses
      1.   Exportable benefits within the meaning of Article 1(1)(i) to which the persons as referred to in Article 2(a) and (c) are entitled shall not be subject to any reduction, modification, suspension, withdrawal or confiscation by reason of the fact that the beneficiary is residing,

                  (i)

                  for the purpose of a benefit under the legislation of a Member State, within the territory of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; or

                  (ii)

                  for the purpose of a benefit under the legislation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, within the territory of a Member State.

            2.   Family members of a worker as referred to in Article 2(b) are entitled to exportable benefits within the meaning of Article 1(1)(i) in the same way as the family members of a worker who is a national of the Member State concerned, when these family members reside within the territory of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
      3.   Family members of a worker as referred to in Article 2(d) are entitled to exportable benefits within the meaning of Article 1(1)(i) in the same way as the family members of a worker who is a national of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia when these family members reside within the territory of a Member State.
      PART III

         MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

      Article 5
      Cooperation
      1.   The Member States and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shall communicate to each other all information regarding changes in their legislation which may affect the implementation of this Decision.
      2.   For the purposes of this Decision, the authorities and institutions of the Member States and of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shall lend one another their good offices and act as though implementing their own legislation. The administrative assistance given by the said authorities and institutions shall, as a rule, be free of charge. However, the competent authorities of the Member States and of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia may agree to certain expenses being reimbursed.
      3.   The authorities and institutions of the Member States and of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia may, for the purposes of this Decision, communicate directly with one another and with the persons involved or their representatives.
      4.   The institutions and persons covered by this Decision shall have a duty of mutual information and cooperation to ensure the correct implementation of this Decision.
      5.   The persons concerned must inform the institutions of the competent Member State or the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, where the latter is the competent State, and of the Member State of residence or the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, where the latter is the State of residence, as soon as possible of any change in their personal or family situation which affects their right to benefits under this Decision.
      6.   Failure to respect the obligation of information referred to in paragraph 5 may result in the application of proportionate measures in accordance with national law. Nevertheless, these measures shall be equivalent to those applicable to similar situations under domestic law and shall not make it impossible or excessively difficult in practice for claimants to exercise the rights conferred on them by this Decision.
      7.   The Member States and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia may provide for national provisions that establish conditions for the verification of entitlement to benefits to take into account the fact that the beneficiaries are staying or residing outside the territory of the State where the debtor institution is located. Such provisions shall be proportionate, free from any discrimination based on nationality and in accordance with the principles of this Decision. Such provisions shall be notified to the Stabilisation and Association Council.
      Article 6
      Administrative checks and medical examinations
      1.   This Article shall apply to the persons as referred to in Article 2 and in receipt of exportable benefits as referred to in Article 1(1)(i), as well as to the institutions in charge of the implementation of this Decision.
      2.   Where a recipient or a claimant of benefits, or a member of his family, is staying or residing within the territory of a Member State when the debtor institution is located in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia or in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia when the debtor institution is located in a Member State, the medical examination shall be carried out, at the request of that institution, by the institution of the beneficiary’s place of stay or residence in accordance with the procedures laid down by the legislation applied by that institution.
      The debtor institution shall inform the institution of the place of stay or residence of any special requirements, if necessary, to be followed and points to be covered by the medical examination.
      The institution of the place of stay or residence shall forward a report to the debtor institution that requested the medical examination.
      The debtor institution shall reserve the right to have the beneficiary examined by a doctor of its choice, either in the territory where the recipient or claimant of benefit is staying or residing or in the country where the debtor institution is located. However, the beneficiary may be asked to return to the State of the debtor institution only if he or she is able to make the journey without prejudice to his health and the cost of travel and accommodation is paid for by the debtor institution.
      3.   Where a recipient or a claimant of benefits, or a member of his family, is staying or residing in the territory of a Member State when the debtor institution is located in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia or in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia when the debtor institution is located in a Member State, the administrative check shall, at the request of the debtor institution, be performed by the institution of the beneficiary’s place of stay or residence.
      The institution of the place of stay or residence shall forward a report to the debtor institution that requested the administrative check.
      The debtor institution shall reserve the right to have the situation of the beneficiary examined by a professional of its choice. However, the beneficiary may be asked to return to the State of the debtor institution only if he or she is able to make the journey without prejudice to his health and the cost of travel and accommodation is paid for by the debtor institution.
      4.   One or more Member States and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia may agree on other administrative provisions, subject to their informing the Stabilisation and Association Council thereof.
      5.   As an exception to the principle of free-of-charge mutual administrative assistance set out in Article 5(2) of this Decision, the effective amount of the expenses of the checks referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall be refunded to the institution which was requested to carry them out by the debtor institution which requested them.
      Article 7
      Application of Article 118 of the Agreement
      Article 118 of the Agreement shall apply in case either Party considers that the other Party has not complied with the obligations as laid down in Articles 5 and 6.
      Article 8
      Special provisions for the application of the legislation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
      The Stabilisation and Association Council may, if necessary, lay down special provisions for the application of the legislation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in Annex II.
      Article 9
      Administrative procedures from existing bilateral agreements
      Administrative procedures contained in existing bilateral agreements between a Member State and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia may continue to apply provided that those procedures do not adversely affect the rights or obligations of the persons concerned established by this Decision.
      Article 10
      Agreements supplementing the procedures for implementing this Decision
      One or more Member States and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia may conclude agreements designed to supplement the administrative procedures for implementing this Decision, especially with regard to preventing and combating fraud and error.
      PART IV

         TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

      Article 11
      Transitional provisions
      1.   No rights shall be acquired pursuant to this Decision for the period before its date of entry into force.
      2.   Subject to paragraph 1, a right shall be acquired under this Decision even if it relates to a contingency arising before its date of entry into force.
      3.   Any benefit which has not been awarded or which has been suspended by reason of the nationality or place of residence of the person concerned shall, at the request of that person, be provided or resumed with effect from the date of entry into force of this Decision, provided that the rights for which benefits were previously provided have not given rise to a lump-sum payment.
      4.   If a request as referred to in paragraph 3 is submitted within two years from the date of entry into force of this Decision, the rights acquired in accordance with this Decision shall have effect from the date of entry into force of this Decision, and the legislation of any Member State or the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia concerning the forfeiture or limitation of rights may not be invoked against the persons concerned.
      5.   If a request as referred to in paragraph 3 is submitted after the expiry of the two-year period following the date of entry into force of this Decision, rights not forfeited or not time-barred shall have effect from the date on which the request was submitted, subject to any more favourable provisions under the legislation of any Member State or the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
      Article 12
      Annexes to this Decision
      1.   The Annexes to this Decision constitute an integral part thereof.
      2.   At the request of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Annexes may be amended by a decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council.
      Article 13
      Entry into force
      This Decision shall enter into force on the first day of the first month following the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

         Done at …, …

               For the Stabilisation and Association Council

               The President

         (1)  OJ L 84, 20.3.2004, p. 13.

         (2)  OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 1.

         (3)  OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

         (4)  OJ L 284, 30.10.2009, p. 1.

         ANNEX I

            LIST OF THE SPECIAL NON-CONTRIBUTORY CASH BENEFITS OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

         …

         ANNEX II

            SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE LEGISLATION OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

         …


title: 2011/586/EU: Decision of the European Parliament of 10 May 2011 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2009#Resolution of the European Parliament of 10 May 2011 with observations forming an integral part of its Decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2009

text:
               27.9.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 250/181

         DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 10 May 2011
   on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2009
   (2011/586/EU)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

               —

               having regard to the final annual accounts of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2009,

               —

               having regard to the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2009, together with the Agency’s replies (1),

               —

               having regard to the Council’s recommendation of 15 February 2011 (05892/2011 — C7-0052/2011),

               —

               having regard to Article 276 of the EC Treaty and 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 (EC) No 1406/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2002 establishing a European Maritime Safety Agency (3), and in particular Article 19 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 (4), and in particular Article 94 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 Transport and Tourism (A7-0132/2011),

               1.

               Grants the Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2009;

               2.

               Sets out its observations in the resolution below;

               3.

               Instructs its President to forward this Decision and the resolution that forms an integral part of it to the Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency, the Council, the Commission and the Court of Auditors, and to arrange for their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series).

            The President

         Jerzy BUZEK

            The Secretary-General

         Klaus WELLE

      (1)  OJ C 338, 14.12.2010, p. 52.

      (2)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ L 208, 5.8.2002, p. 1.

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

      RESOLUTION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
      of 10 May 2011
      with observations forming an integral part of its Decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2009
      THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

                  —

                  having regard to the final annual accounts of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2009,

                  —

                  having regard to the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2009, together with the Agency’s replies (1),

                  —

                  having regard to the Council’s recommendation of 15 February 2011 (05892/2011 — C7-0052/2011),

                  —

                  having regard to Article 276 of the EC Treaty and 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 (EC) No 1406/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2002 establishing a European Maritime Safety Agency (3), and in particular Article 19 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 (4), and in particular Article 94 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 Transport and Tourism (A7-0132/2011),

                  A.

                  whereas the Court of Auditors stated that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the annual accounts for the financial year 2009 are reliable and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular,

                  B.

                  whereas on 5 May 2010 Parliament granted the Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency discharge for implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2008 (5), and in its resolution accompanying the discharge decision, inter alia:

                              —

                              observed that the Agency failed to prepare a multiannual work programme and that its work programme was not related to its commitment budget,

                              —

                              noted that, as in 2006 and 2007, the Court of Auditors found once more that legal commitments were entered into before the corresponding budgetary commitments were made,

                              —

                              considered it a matter for concern that the Court of Auditors again noted a high number of budget transfers in 2008 (52 in 2008 and 32 in 2007);

                  C.

                  whereas the budget of the Agency for 2009 was EUR 48 000 000, which is a decrease of 3,8 % on the financial year 2008,

                  1.

                  Welcomes the fact that the Court of Auditors found the Agency’s accounts for 2009 to be reliable and regarded the transactions underlying them, taken as a whole, as legal and regular;

                  2.

                  Notes that the Agency received EUR 44 335 000 in commitment appropriations and EUR 48 300 000 in payment appropriations from the 2009 Union budget;

         Performance

                  3.

                  Congratulates the Agency for having adopted in March 2010 its five-year multiannual work programme;

                  4.

                  Calls, in addition, on the Agency to consider making a Gantt diagram part of the programming for each of its operational activities, with a view to indicating in a concise form the amount of time spent by each staff member on a project and encouraging an approach geared towards achieving results; calls, accordingly, on the Agency to inform the discharge authority of the steps taken by the Agency in this respect;

                  5.

                  Calls once more on the Agency to set out, in a table to be annexed to the Court of Auditors’ next report, a comparison of the operations that were carried out during the year for which discharge is to be granted and during the previous financial year so as to enable the discharge authority to assess more effectively the Agency’s performance from one year to the next;

         Budget transfers

                  6.

                  Considers it a matter of concern that the Court of Auditors has again noted a high number of budget transfers in 2009 (49 in 2009, 52 in 2008 and 32 in 2007); accordingly, urges the Agency to improve its planning and monitoring in order to reduce the number of budget transfers;

            Posteriori commitments

                  7.

                  Calls on the Agency to further reduce the number of posteriori commitments (i.e. legal commitments that were entered into before the corresponding budgetary commitments were made); reminds the Agency that, since 2006, the Court of Auditors has reported infringements of Article 62(1) of the framework Financial Regulation; welcomes, nevertheless, the Agency’s efforts to improve this situation by providing ad-hoc training to avoid posteriori commitments;

         Procurement procedure

                  8.

                  Urges the Agency to correctly apply procurement procedures; notes with satisfaction that in the Annual Report of 2009 the Agency has included a specific Annex on negotiated procedures, in order to inform the budgetary authority;

         Human resources

                  9.

                  Notes deficiencies in staff selection procedures which put at risk the transparency of these procedures; accordingly, urges the Agency to redress the present weaknesses, namely: the lack of respect for the anonymity of candidates completing written tests, the lack of compliance with the predefined criteria, and the inconsistency of criteria for short-listing candidates;

         Internal audit

                  10.

                  Recalls that the Executive Director of the Agency shall make available the content of all recommendations of the internal audits conducted by the Internal Auditor pursuant to his obligation to report to the discharge authority with a summary of the Internal Audit Service (IAS) Report;

                  11.

                  Acknowledges that the IAS performed an audit concerning the management of the fleet of vessels in the area of pollution preparedness in order to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control system as regards the oil pollution preparedness and response system; calls on the Agency to rapidly implement the IAS ‘very important’ recommendations; stresses in particular the need to:

                              —

                              provide strategic planning and monitor the Agency’s stakeholders with an overview of the residual oil pollution risks,

                              —

                              comply with administrative procedures,

                              —

                              analyse possible options for equipment management and evaluation of their financial and operational impact,

                              —

                              document vessels’ mobilisation decisions;

                  12.

                  Acknowledges also that the IAS performed an audit on the follow-up to the implementation of the action plan; notes that the IAS recommendations which still need to be implemented by the Agency include establishing: an internal risk assessment; an inventory of existing internal procedures, a roadmap for the development and implementation of the remaining procedures, a record of the exceptions procedures, and a review of the internal control system;

                  13.

                  Welcomes the Agency’s initiative of establishing in 2008 an Internal Audit function (Internal Audit Capability-IAC) which is dedicated to provide support and advice to the Agency’s Executive Director and management on internal control, risk assessment and internal audit; notes that the Agency does not employ a full time IAC but shares the IAC with the Community Fisheries Control Agency (CFCA); acknowledges, to this end, that a Service Level Agreement between the Agency and CFCA was signed on 17 June 2008; considers this shared service a best practice to be promoted by other agencies;

                  14.

                  Refers, in respect of the other observations accompanying its Decision on discharge, which are of a horizontal nature, to its resolution of 10 May 2011 (6) on the performance, financial management and control of the agencies.

         (1)  OJ C 338, 14.12.2010, p. 52.

         (2)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

         (3)  OJ L 208, 5.8.2002, p. 1.

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

         (5)  OJ L 252, 25.9.2010, p. 169.

         (6)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0163 (see page 269 of this Official Journal).


title: Commission Decision of 4 May 2011 on setting up the European ITS Advisory Group

text:
               5.5.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 135/3

         COMMISSION DECISION
   of 4 May 2011
   on setting up the European ITS Advisory Group
   2011/C 135/03
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other modes of transport (1), and in particular its Article 16,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Directive 2010/40/EU requires, in its Article 16, the Commission to establish a European ITS Advisory Group to advise it on business and technical aspects of deployment and use of ITS in the Union.

               (2)

               It is therefore necessary to set up such group of experts in the field of Intelligent Transport Systems and to define its tasks and its structure.

               (3)

               The European ITS Advisory Group should advise the Commission on the commercial and technical aspects of the deployment and use of ITS in the Union.

               (4)

               The European ITS Advisory Group should be composed of high level representatives from relevant ITS service providers, associations of users, transport and facilities operators, manufacturing industry, social partners, professional associations, local authorities and other relevant fora.

               (5)

               Rules on disclosure of information by members of the European ITS Advisory Group should be laid down.

               (6)

               Personal data should be processed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (2).

               (7)

               It is appropriate to fix a period for the application of this Decision. The Commission will in due time consider the advisability of an extension,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Subject matter
   The group of experts on Intelligent Transport Systems, hereinafter referred to as ‘the European ITS Advisory Group’, is hereby set up.
   Article 2
   Task
   The European ITS Advisory Group’s task shall be:

               (a)

               to assist the Commission in the preparation of specifications, to be adopted as delegated acts under the ITS Directive, by notably providing an opinion on the technical and commercial aspects related to them;

               (b)

               to monitor the evolution of policy in the field of ITS and to advise and provide guidance to the Commission on all other issues (non-directly linked to specifications) related to the deployment and use of ITS in the Union;

               (c)

               to bring about an exchange of experience and good practice related to the deployment and operation of ITS.

         Article 3
   Consultation
   The Commission may consult the European ITS Advisory Group on any matter relating to the deployment and use of ITS in the Union while encouraging members to suggest further topics for discussion.
   Article 4
   Membership — Appointment
   1.   The European ITS Advisory Group shall be composed of 25 members.
   2.   Members shall be:

               —

               individuals appointed to represent a common interest shared by stakeholders in a particular policy area; they shall not represent an individual stakeholder,
               or

               —

               organisations, in the broad sense of the word including companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, trade unions, universities, research institutes, Union agencies, Union bodies and international organisations.

         3.   Members shall be appointed by the Director-General for Mobility and Transport DG from specialists or organisations representing stakeholders listed in Article 16 of Directive 2010/40/EU, with competence in the areas referred to in Article 2 and Article 3 and who have responded to a call for applications.
   4.   Members shall be appointed for three years. They shall remain in office until the end of their term of office. Their term of office may be renewed.
   5.   The Commission or its services shall establish a reserve list of suitable candidates that may be used to appoint suitable replacements. The Commission or its services shall ask applicants for their consent before including their names on the list.
   6.   Members who are no longer capable of contributing effectively to the European ITS Advisory Group’s deliberations, who resign or who do not comply with the conditions set out in paragraph 3 of this Article, or Article 339 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, may be replaced for the remainder of their term of office.
   7.   The names of members shall be published in the Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities (‘the Register’) (3).
   8.   Personal data shall be collected, processed and published in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.
   Article 5
   Operation
   1.   The European ITS Advisory Group shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission.
   2.   In agreement with the Commission services, the European ITS Advisory Group may set up sub-groups to examine specific questions on the basis of terms of reference defined by the European ITS Advisory Group. Such sub-groups shall be disbanded as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.
   3.   The Commission’s representative may invite experts from outside the European ITS Advisory Group with specific competence in a subject on the agenda to participate in the work of the group or sub-group on an ad hoc basis. In addition, the Commission’s representative may give observer status to individuals or organisations.
   4.   Members of expert groups and their representatives, as well as invited experts and observers, shall comply with the obligations of professional secrecy laid down by the Treaties and their implementing rules, as well as with the Commission's rules on security regarding the protection of EU classified information, laid down in the Annex to Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom (4). Should they fail to respect these obligations, the Commission may take all appropriate measures.
   5.   The meetings of expert groups and sub-groups shall be held on Commission premises. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the European ITS Advisory Group and its sub-groups.
   6.   The European ITS Advisory Group shall adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure for expert groups.
   7.   The Commission publishes relevant information on the activities carried out by the European ITS Advisory Group either by including it in the Register or via a link from the Register to a dedicated website.
   Article 6
   Meeting expenses
   1.   Participants in the activities of the European ITS Advisory Group shall not be remunerated for the services they render.
   2.   Travel and subsistence expenses incurred by participants in the activities of the European ITS Advisory Group shall be reimbursed by the Commission in accordance with the provisions in force within the Commission.
   3.   Those expenses shall be reimbursed within the limits of the available appropriations allocated under the annual procedure for the allocation of resources.
   Article 7
   Applicability
   This Decision shall apply until 27 August 2017.

      Done at Brussels, 4 May 2011.

            For the Commission

            The President

         José Manuel BARROSO

      (1)  OJ L 207, 6.8.2010, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.

      (3)  Members who do not wish to have their names disclosed may apply for derogation from this rule. The request not to disclose the name of a member of an expert group shall be considered justified whenever publication could endanger his or her security or integrity or unduly prejudice his or her privacy.

      (4)  Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom of 29 November 2001 amending its internal Rules of Procedure (OJ L 317, 3.12.2001, p. 1).


title: Council Decision of 23 January 2017 appointing a member and an alternate member of the Governing Board of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for Slovakia and United Kingdom

text:
               27.1.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 27/4

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 23 January 2017
   appointing a member and an alternate member of the Governing Board of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for Slovakia and United Kingdom
   (2017/C 27/04)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2062/94 of 18 July 1994 establishing a European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (1), and in particular Article 8 thereof,
   Having regard to the list of candidates submitted to the Council by the Governments of the Member States and by the employees' and the employers' organisations,
   Having regard to the lists of members and alternate members of the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By its Decision of 17 October 2016 (2) the Council appointed the members and alternate members of the Governing Board of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for the period from 8 November 2016 to 7 November 2019.

               (2)

               The government of Slovakia has submitted one nomination for a post to be filled.

               (3)

               The employers' organisation BUSINESSEUROPE has submitted one nomination for a post to be filled,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The following are appointed member and alternate member of the Governing Board of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for the period ending on 7 November 2019:
   I.   GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES

               Country

               Member

               Alternate member

               Slovakia

               Ms Lucia SABOVÁ DANKOVÁ

   II.   REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYERS' ORGANISATIONS

               Country

               Member

               Alternate member

               United Kingdom

               Mr Terry WOOLMER

         Article 2
   The Council shall appoint the members and alternate members not yet nominated at a later date.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 23 January 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         R. GALDES

      (1)  OJ L 216, 20.8.1994, p. 1.

      (2)  Council Decision of 17 October 2016 appointing the members and alternate members of the Governing Board of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (OJ C 386, 20.10.2016, p. 3).


title: 2012/552/EU, Euratom: Decision of the European Parliament of 10 May 2012 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency for the financial year 2010

text:
               17.10.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 286/96

         DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 10 May 2012
   on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency for the financial year 2010
   (2012/552/EU, Euratom)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

               —

               having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2010 (1),

               —

               having regard to the annual accounts of the European Union for the financial year 2010 (COM(2011) 473 – C7-0256/2011) (2),

               —

               having regard to the annual accounts of the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency for the financial year 2010,

               —

               having regard to the Commission’s report on the follow-up to the discharge for the 2009 financial year (COM(2011) 736), and to the Commission staff working documents accompanying that report (SEC(2011) 1350 and SEC(2011) 1351),

               —

               having regard to the Commission’s annual report to the discharge authority on internal audits carried out in 2010 (COM(2011) 643), and to the Commission staff working document accompanying that report (SEC(2011) 1189),

               —

               having regard to the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts of the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency for the financial year 2010, together with the Agency’s reply (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 2010 pursuant to Article 287 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to the Council’s recommendation of 21 February 2012 on discharge to be given to the executive agencies in respect of the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2010 (06084/2012 – C7-0052/2012), and noting that the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Sweden have for the first time refused to recommend granting discharge,

               —

               having regard to Articles 317, 318 and 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty,

               —

               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 (5), and in particular Articles 55, 145, 146 and 147 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 of 19 December 2002 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes (6), and in particular Article 14(3) thereof,

               —

               having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004 of 21 September 2004 on a standard financial regulation for the executive agencies pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes (7), and in particular the first and second paragraphs of Article 66 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Commission Decision 2007/60/EC of 26 October 2006 establishing the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 (8),

               —

               having regard to Rule 76 of, and Annex VI to, its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control and the opinions of the other committees concerned (A7-0098/2012),

               A.

               whereas under Article 17(1) of the Treaty on European Union the Commission shall execute the budget and manage programmes and shall do so, under Article 317 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union in cooperation with the Member States on its own responsibility, having regard to the principle of sound financial management,

               1.

               Grants the Director of the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2010;

               2.

               Sets out its observations in the resolution that forms an integral part of its Decisions on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2010, Section III – Commission and executive agencies;

               3.

               Instructs its President to forward this Decision, together with its Decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2010, Section III – Commission and the resolution that forms an integral part of those Decisions, to the Director of the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency, the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union and the Court of Auditors, 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 64, 12.3.2010.

      (2)  OJ C 332, 14.11.2011, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ C 366, 15.12.2011, p. 75.

      (4)  OJ C 332, 14.11.2011, p. 134.

      (5)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

      (6)  OJ L 11, 16.1.2003, p. 1.

      (7)  OJ L 297, 22.9.2004, p. 6.

      (8)  OJ L 32, 6.2.2007, p. 88.


Avis juridique important

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32003D0710

2003/710/EC: Commission Decision of 9 October 2003 conferring management of aid on implementing agencies for preaccession measures in agriculture and rural development in the Republic of Lithuania in the preaccession period

Official Journal L 258 , 10/10/2003 P. 0037 - 0038

Commission Decisionof 9 October 2003conferring management of aid on implementing agencies for preaccession measures in agriculture and rural development in the Republic of Lithuania in the preaccession period(2003/710/EC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to the Council Regulation (EC) No 1266/1999 of 21 June 1999 on coordinating aid to the applicant countries in the framework of the preaccession strategy and amending Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89(1), and in particular Article 12(2) thereof,Having regard to the Council Regulation (EC) No 1268/1999 of 21 June 1999 on Community support for preaccession measures for agriculture and rural development in the applicant countries of central and eastern Europe in the preaccession period(2), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 696/2003(3), and in particular Article 4(5) and (6) thereof,Whereas:(1) The Special Programme for agriculture and rural development for the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter Sapard) was approved by Commission Decision of 27 November 2000(4), as last amended by Decision of 9 September 2003, in accordance with Article 4(5) and (6) of Regulation (EC) No 1268/1999.(2) The government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Commission, acting on behalf of the European Community, signed on 5 March 2001 the Multiannual Financing Agreement laying down the technical, legal and administrative framework for the execution of Sapard, as last amended by the Annual Financing Agreement for 2002, signed on 17 February 2003 which finally entered into force on 6 June 2003.(3) The National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture has been appointed by the competent authority of the Republic of Lithuania for the implementation of some of the measures defined in Sapard. The National Fund Department within the Ministry of Finance has been appointed for the financial functions it is due to perform in the framework of the implementation of Sapard.(4) On the basis of a case-by-case analysis of the national and sectorial programme/project management capacity, financial control procedures and structures regarding public finance, as provided for in Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1266/1999, the Commission adopted the Decision 2001/857/EC of 26 November 2001 conferring management of aid on implementing agencies for preaccession measures in agriculture and rural development in the Republic of Lithuania in the preaccession period(5) with regard to certain measures provided for in Sapard.(5) The Commission has undertaken a further analysis under Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1266/1999 in respect of measure 5 "Afforestation of agricultural lands and improvement of forest infrastructure" and measure 8 "Technical assistance, information and publicity campaigns", as provided for in Sapard. The Commission considers that, also with regard to those measures, the Republic of Lithuania complies with the provisions of Articles 4 to 6 and of the Annex to Commission Regulation (EC) No 2222/2000 of 7 June 2000 laying down financial rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1268/1999 on Community support for preaccession measures for agriculture and rural development in the applicant countries of central and eastern Europe in the preaccession period(6), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 188/2003(7), and with the minimum conditions set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1266/1999.(6) It is therefore appropriate to waive the ex ante approval requirement provided for in Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1266/1999 and to confer, with regard to measure 5 and measure 8, on the National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and on the National Fund Department within the Ministry of Finance in the Republic of Lithuania, the management of aid on a decentralised basis.(7) However, since the verifications carried out by the Commission for measure 5 and measure 8 are based on a system that is not yet fully operating with regard to all relevant elements, it is therefore appropriate to confer the management of Sapard on the National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and on the National Fund Department within the Ministry of Finance, according to Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 2222/2000, on a provisional basis.(8) Full conferral of management of Sapard is only envisaged after further verifications, in order to ensure that the system operates satisfactorily, have been carried out and after any recommendations the Commission may issue, with regard to the conferral of management of aid on the National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and on the National Fund Department within the Ministry of Finance, have been implemented.(9) On 14 July 2003, the Lithuanian Authorities proposed the rules for eligibility of expenditure in accordance with Article 4(1) of section B of the Multiannual Financing Agreement. The Commission is called upon to take a decision in this respect,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1The requirement of ex ante approval by the Commission of project selection and contracting for measure 5 and measure 8 by the Republic of Lithuania provided for in Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1266/1999 is hereby waived.Article 2Management of the Sapard Programme is conferred on a provisional basis to:1. The National Paying Agency (Nacionalné Mokéjimo agentura) under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, Gedimino pr. 19, LT-2025, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania, for the implementation of measure 5, "Afforestation of agricultural lands and improvement of forest infrastructure" and measure 8, " Technical assistance, information and publicity campaigns", as defined in the Programme for agricultural and rural development that was approved by Commission Decision C(2000) 3329 final on 27 November 2000, as last amended by Commission Decision of 9 September 2003; and2. The National Fund within the Ministry of Finance, J. Tumo-vaizganto 8A/2, LT-2600, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania, for the financial functions it is due to perform in the framework of the implementation of the Sapard Programme for measures 5 and 8 for the Republic of Lithuania.Article 3Expenditure pursuant to this Decision shall be eligible for Community co-finance only if incurred by beneficiaries from the date of this Decision, or if later, the date of the instrument making them a beneficiary for the project in question, except for feasibility and related studies and for technical assistance, information and publicity campaigns, where this date shall be 27 November 2000, provided in all cases it has not been paid by the National Paying Agency prior to the date of this Decision.Article 4Without prejudice to any decisions granting aid under the Sapard Programme to individual beneficiaries, the rules for eligibility of expenditure proposed by Lithuania by letter of 14 July 2003 shall apply.Done at Brussels, 9 October 2003.For the CommissionFranz FischlerMember of the Commission(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 68.(2) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 87.(3) OJ L 99, 17.4.2003, p. 24.(4) C(2000) 3329 final.(5) OJ L 320, 5.12.2001, p. 44.(6) OJ L 253, 7.10.2000, p. 5.(7) OJ L 27, 1.2.2003, p. 14.


title: 2006/996/EC: Decision taken by common agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of Member States of 11 December 2006 on the location of the seat of the European Institute for Gender Equality

text:
               30.12.2006

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 403/61

         DECISION TAKEN BY COMMON AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF MEMBER STATES
   of 11 December 2006
   on the location of the seat of the European Institute for Gender Equality
   (2006/996/EC)
   THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES,
   Having regard to Article 289 of the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The establishment of a European Institute for Gender Equality is envisaged on the basis of the proposal submitted by the Commission on 10 March 2005 as amended by its proposal on 8 May 2006;

               (2)

               The location of the seat of this Institute should be determined,

         HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The European Institute for Gender Equality shall have its seat in Vilnius.
   Article 2
   This Decision, which will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, shall take effect on the date of the entry into force of the Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality.

      Done at Brussels, 11 December 2006

            The President

         E. TUOMIOJA