Avis juridique important

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31997D1210(01)

Economic and Social Committee Decision on public access to ESC documents

Official Journal L 339 , 10/12/1997 P. 0018 - 0018

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE DECISION on public access to ESC documents THE BUREAU,Having regard to the declaration on the right of access to information annexed to the final act of the Treaty on European Union, which emphasizes that transparency of the decision-making process strengthens the democratic nature of the institutions and the public's confidence in the administration,Having regard to the conclusions of the Birmingham, Edinburgh and Copenhagen European Councils setting out agreement on a number of principles to promote a Community closer to its citizens,Having regard to the request by the European ombudsman of 5 June 1996 and the reply by the president of the ESC of 5 July 1996,Having regard to the request by the European ombudsman of 9 September 1996,Having regard to the Rules of Procedure of the ESC and particularly Rule 8 (4),Whereas it is in the interest of the ESC to adopt general provisions permitting public access to ESC documents,HAS DECIDED ON THE FOLLOWING:1. The public shall have the widest possible access to documents adopted by the ESC or by a section (1).2. An application for access to a document shall be sent in writing to the Secretariat-General of the ESC. It shall be made in a sufficiently precise manner and in particular shall contain information enabling the document or documents concerned to be identified. Where necessary, the ESC shall ask the applicant for further details.3. The applicant shall have access to documents either by consulting them on the spot or by having a single copy sent to him. Where necessary, the ESC shall ask the applicant to contribute to the cost according to the number of documents photocopied.4. The applicant may not reproduce or circulate the document for commercial purposes without the prior authorization of the ESC.5. In line with the sale agreement between the ESC and the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities (EUR-OP), the Committee shall not deliver in extenso copies of documents which are subject to that agreement.Brussels, 27 May 1997.The PresidentTom JENKINS(1) However, as regards the preparatory work relating to ESC opinions, access to and circulation of such documents shall be allowed only if a written application is submitted to the Secretary-General and his approval obtained.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2016/763 of 13 May 2016 establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Committee on Government Procurement as regards the draft decision on arbitration procedures pursuant to Article XIX:8 of the Revised Agreement on Government Procurement

text:
               14.5.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 126/71

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2016/763
   of 13 May 2016
   establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Committee on Government Procurement as regards the draft decision on arbitration procedures pursuant to Article XIX:8 of the Revised Agreement on Government Procurement
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 207(4), in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Revised Agreement on Government Procurement (‘the Revised GPA’), which entered into force on 6 April 2014, lays down a revamped legal framework applicable by the Revised GPA Parties to covered procurement. The Revised GPA provides for the possibility of the Revised GPA Parties using arbitration procedures in cases where objections regarding proposed rectification, transfer of an entity from one annex to another, withdrawal of an entity or other modification of a Party's annexes to Appendix I were raised but could not be solved through consultations.

               (2)

               Pursuant to Article XIX:8 of the Revised GPA, the Committee on Government Procurement is required to adopt arbitration procedures in order to facilitate the resolution of those objections.

               (3)

               The Revised GPA Parties have extensively discussed the possible content of such arbitration procedures as regards various options to be applied in case of objections to a proposed modification of a Party's procurement coverage. The Revised GPA Parties have been able to find a consensus on that matter.

               (4)

               The agreed arbitration procedures are set out in a draft decision on arbitration procedures pursuant to Article XIX:8 of the Revised GPA.

               (5)

               That draft decision on arbitration procedures provides for the conditions that need to be met in order to resort to the arbitration procedures and sets out rules governing the appointment of arbitrators, the participation of third Parties in arbitration procedures, the conduct of the proceedings and the arbitrators' determination.

               (6)

               The adoption of the draft decision on arbitration procedures is expected to make a positive contribution to the existing legal framework of the Revised GPA as it has the purpose of facilitating the resolution of objections raised regarding a proposed rectification, transfer of an entity from one annex to another, withdrawal of an entity or other modification of a Party's annexes to Appendix I to the Revised GPA.

               (7)

               Accordingly, it is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on behalf of the Union within the Committee on Government Procurement with regard to the draft decision on arbitration procedures,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The position to be taken on behalf of the Union within the Committee on Government Procurement shall be to approve the adoption of the draft decision on arbitration procedures pursuant to Article XIX:8 of the Revised Agreement on Government Procurement.
   The text of the draft decision on arbitration procedures is attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 13 May 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         E.M.J. PLOUMEN

      DRAFT DECISION ON ARBITRATION PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XIX:8 OF THE REVISED GPA
      The Committee on Government Procurement (‘the Committee’),
      Noting that Article XIX:8 of the Revised Agreement on Government Procurement (‘the Agreement’) requires the Committee to develop arbitration procedures to facilitate resolution of objections under Article XIX:2 of the Agreement; and
      Confirming the importance of Article XIX:8(b) and (c) of the Agreement to these arbitration procedures and reiterating the Parties' commitment to adopt decisions pursuant to Article XIX:8(b) and (c) of the Agreement.
      Hereby adopts the following arbitration procedures to facilitate the resolution of objections under Article XIX:2 of the Agreement:

            Invocation of Arbitration Procedures

                  1.

                  Pursuant to Article XIX:7 of the Agreement, where the modifying Party and an objecting Party are unable to resolve an objection to a proposed modification under Article XIX:1 of the Agreement, the modifying Party or any objecting Party may refer the proposed modification to arbitration, stating the reasons for its request, by notifying the Committee no earlier than 45 days after the date of circulation of the notification of the proposed modification under Article XIX:1 of the Agreement.

                  2.

                  Where two or more Parties refer the same proposed modification to arbitration prior to the appointment of all the arbitrators, the modifying Party and all objecting Parties shall agree to a single arbitration addressing all objections to the same proposed modification. If additional referrals on the same proposed modification are made after the appointment of all the arbitrators, the modifying Party and all objecting Parties shall agree to a single arbitration whenever feasible.

            Appointment of the Arbitrators

                  3.

                  Arbitration shall be carried out by arbitrators. Unless the Parties to the arbitration otherwise agree, there shall be three arbitrators. Arbitrators shall meet the requirements set out for panelists under Articles 8(1), 8(2), and 8(9) of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes.

                  4.

                  The Secretariat of the Committee shall on request from a Party to the arbitration, propose nominations for the arbitrators. The Parties to the arbitration shall not oppose nominations except for compelling reasons. Citizens of the Parties to the arbitration and government officials of the third Parties shall not be appointed as arbitrators, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties to the arbitration.

                  5.

                  Where the Parties to the arbitration cannot agree on who should be appointed as arbitrators within 20 days after referring the proposed modification to arbitration, at the request of a Party to the arbitration, the Director-General shall appoint the arbitrators within 10 days, after consulting Parties to the arbitration and the Chair of the Committee.

            Third Party Participation

                  6.

                  Any Party to the Agreement having a substantial interest in a proposed modification brought to arbitration and having notified its interest to the Committee (referred to herein as ‘third Party’) within 10 days after the proposed modification being referred to arbitration shall be invited to make a written submission, attend substantive meetings of the arbitrators with the Parties to the arbitration, make oral statements, and be entitled to respond to questions from the arbitrators.

            Procedures

                  7.

                  In its proceedings, the arbitrators shall apply the relevant provisions of the Agreement and be guided by the decision adopted by the Committee in accordance with Article XIX:8(b) of the Agreement, once it is adopted. In addition, the following working procedures shall apply:

                              a.

                              The Secretariat of the Committee shall promptly transmit to the arbitrators the applicable notification and objection under paragraph 1 or 2 of Article XIX of the Agreement. Within 10 days of the appointment of the arbitrators, and after consultations with the Parties to the arbitration, the arbitrators shall adopt a timetable for the conduct of the arbitration proceedings. The timetable should be based on the timetable included in the Annex to this Decision.

                              b.

                              Unless the Parties to the arbitration agree that it is unnecessary, the arbitrators shall hold a substantive meeting with the Parties to the arbitration. Before the substantive meeting, the Parties to the arbitration shall transmit to the arbitrators written submissions in which they present the facts of the case and their arguments.

                              c.

                              Where a Party to the arbitration submits information that it has designated as confidential to the arbitrators, the arbitrators, the other Parties to the arbitration and third Parties shall treat that information as confidential. Upon request of a Party to the arbitration, the arbitrators shall establish additional procedures necessary to preserve the confidentiality of such information.

                              d.

                              Where a Party to the arbitration designates information in its written submissions as confidential, the Party shall, on request of another Party to the arbitration or a third Party, provide a non-confidential summary of the information contained in its submission that could be disclosed to the public.

                              e.

                              At the substantive meeting, the arbitrators shall ask the Party that has requested arbitration to present its case by making an oral submission. The Party against which the arbitration has been brought shall then be asked to present its point of view by making an oral submission.

                              f.

                              The substantive meetings of the arbitrators shall be open to the public, except where a Party to the arbitration requests that the meeting be closed to protect information designated as confidential.

                              g.

                              The arbitrators may, at any time, put questions to the Parties to the arbitration and third Parties and ask them for explanations either in the course of the meeting or in writing.

                              h.

                              The written submissions of the Parties to the arbitration, including any responses to questions put by the arbitrators, shall be made available to the other Party or Parties to the arbitration as well as to the third Parties. The Parties to the arbitration shall submit a written version of their oral statements made at the meeting with the arbitrators to the arbitrators, the other Party or Parties to the arbitration and to the third Parties.

                              i.

                              The written submissions, responses to questions, and written versions of oral statements of the third Parties shall be made available to the arbitrators, the Parties to the arbitration and other third Parties, and shall be reflected in the arbitrators' report.

                              j.

                              The deliberations of the arbitrators shall be kept confidential.

                              k.

                              The arbitrators may seek information from any relevant source and may consult experts. The arbitrators shall provide to the Parties to the arbitration and third Parties any information provided to or received from experts. The Parties to the arbitration shall have an opportunity to comment on any input received from experts.

                              l.

                              Any additional procedures specific to the arbitration shall be determined by the arbitrators in consultation with the Parties to the arbitration.

                              m.

                              Subject to paragraph 7.c., nothing in these procedures shall preclude a Party to the arbitration or a third Party from disclosing statements of its own positions to the public.

                  8.

                  The Rules of Conduct for the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes shall apply to each person serving as an arbitrator under these procedures and, as specified in the Rules of Conduct and the relevant provisions of the Staff Regulations, to those members of the Secretariat called upon to assist the arbitrators.

                  9.

                  Where Parties to the arbitration reach a mutually agreed solution to objections to the proposed modification, they shall promptly notify the arbitrators. Upon receipt of the notification, the arbitrators shall terminate the proceedings for those Parties. The details of any mutually agreed solution shall be notified to the Committee, where any Party to the Agreement may comment.

            Arbitrators' Determination

                  10.

                  The terms of reference for the arbitrators shall require the arbitrators to determine:

                              a.

                              in the case of a proposed withdrawal under Article XIX:1(a) of the Agreement, whether government control or influence over the covered procurement of the entity proposed to be withdrawn has been effectively eliminated; or

                              b.

                              in the case of any other proposed modification under Article XIX:1(b), whether the proposed modification maintains a balance of rights and obligations and a comparable level of mutually agreed coverage provided in the Agreement and, where appropriate, the level of compensatory adjustment.

                  11.

                  The arbitrators shall issue a report containing its reasoned determination to the Parties to the arbitration within 90 days or, in the event that the timetable is modified by the arbitrators, no later than 120 days of:

                              a.

                              the appointment of the arbitrators where an arbitration is conducted pursuant to paragraph 1.; or

                              b.

                              the request where an arbitration is conducted pursuant to paragraph 12.

                        The time period set out in this paragraph may be extended by mutual agreement of the Parties to the arbitration. The Secretariat of the Committee shall promptly circulate the report to the Parties to the Agreement following translation.

                  12.

                  Where the arbitrators make a negative determination under paragraph 10.a., and where the arbitrators made no determination of compensatory adjustment under paragraph 10.b., any Party to the arbitration may request after 30 days and no later than 60 days following the circulation of the arbitrators' report that the same arbitrators, where available, shall determine the level of compensatory adjustment that would result in a comparable level of coverage and maintain the balance of rights and obligations under the Agreement. In doing so, the arbitrators shall be guided by the decision adopted by the Committee in accordance with Article XIX:8(c) of the Agreement, once it is adopted. Where any of the original arbitrators are not available, a replacement shall be appointed in accordance with paragraphs 3. to 5.

            Implementation

                  13.

                  The Parties to the arbitration shall accept the arbitrators' determination as final.

                  14.

                  For the purposes of Article XIX:7(b)(i) of the Agreement, the arbitration procedures are completed:

                              a.

                              when a report under paragraph 11. that does not give rise to the right to further proceedings under paragraph 12. is circulated to the Parties to the Agreement; or

                              b.

                              where Parties to the arbitration do not exercise a right available to them under paragraph 12., upon the expiration of the time period set out in that paragraph.

         ANNEX

            PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR ARBITRATION

         The arbitrators shall base the timetable adopted under paragraph 7.a. on the following:

                     a.

                     Receipt of written submissions of the Parties to the arbitration:

                                 (1)

                                 Requesting Party:

                     - - - - - - - - - - 2 weeks

                                 (2)

                                 Responding Party:

                     - - - - - - - - - - 2 weeks

                     b.

                     Receipt of third party submissions:

                     - - - - - - - - - - 1 week

                     c.

                     Substantive meeting with the arbitrators:

                     - - - - - - - - - - 1-2 weeks

                     d.

                     Responses to questions to Parties and third Parties to the arbitration:

                     - - - - - - - - - - 1-2 weeks

                     e.

                     Issuance and circulation of the arbitrators' report on its determination:

                     - - - - - - - - - - 4 weeks

               Consistent with the provisions of paragraph 11., the arbitrators may change the above timetable and may schedule additional meetings with the Parties to the arbitration after consulting them.


Avis juridique important

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32002D0179

2002/179/EC: Council Decision of 17 December 2001 concerning the conclusion of a Framework Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Turkey on the general principles for the participation of the Republic of Turkey in Community programmes

Official Journal L 061 , 02/03/2002 P. 0027 - 0028

Council Decisionof 17 December 2001concerning the conclusion of a Framework Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Turkey on the general principles for the participation of the Republic of Turkey in Community programmes(2002/179/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 13, 61, 95, 129, 137, 149(4), 150(4), 151(5), 152(4), 153(4), 156, 157, 166, 175(1) and 308, in conjunction with the second sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2), the second subparagraph of Article 300(3), and Article 300(4) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),Having regard to the assent of the European Parliament(2),Whereas:(1) The Resolution of the EU-Turkey Association Council of 6 March 1995 looked forward to initiatives being taken in a number of fields to broaden the scope of EU-Turkey cooperation, including possible participation in certain Community programmes.(2) The European Council in Luxembourg in December 1997 made participation in the Community programmes a way of stepping-up the enhanced pre-accession strategy for candidate countries, such participation being determined case-by-case. At the same time, a European Strategy for the Republic of Turkey was established which allowed the same possibility for that country. Following the European Council meetings in Helsinki in December 1999 and, in particular, in Nice in December 2000, the case-by-case approach in this field could be shifted to a more far-reaching one embracing most of the Community programmes.(3) The Helsinki European Council stated that the Republic of Turkey is a candidate country destined to join the Union on the basis of the same criteria applied to the other candidate countries, and that, building on the existing European Strategy, the Republic of Turkey, like other candidate States, will benefit from a pre-accession strategy to stimulate and support its reforms and that the Republic of Turkey will also have the opportunity to participate in Community programmes and agencies and in meetings between candidate countries and the Union in the context of the accession process.(4) In accordance with the negotiating directives adopted by the Council on 5 June 2001, the Commission has negotiated on behalf of the Community a Framework Agreement with the Republic of Turkey on the general principles for its participation in Community programmes.(5) With regard to some of the programmes covered by the Agreement, the Treaty provides for no powers other than those under Article 308.(6) The specific terms and conditions regarding the participation of the Republic of Turkey in the Community programmes, in particular the financial contribution payable, should be determined by the Commission on behalf of the Community. For that purpose the Commission should be assisted by a special committee appointed by the Council.(7) The Republic of Turkey may apply for financial assistance for participation in Community programmes under Council Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 of 23 July 1996 on financial and technical measures to accompany (MEDA) the form of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership(3), under Council Regulation (EC) No 764/2000 of 10 April 2000 regarding the implementation of measures to intensify the EC-Turkey Customs Union(4), or under Regulation (EC) No 257/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 January 2001 regarding the implementation of measures to promote economic and social development in Turkey(5).(8) Denmark, in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol on the position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the EC Treaty, is not participating in the part of this Council decision adopted with reference to Title IV of the EC Treaty, and Denmark is not bound by this part of this Council decision nor subject to its application.(9) The United Kingdom and Ireland intend to participate in the adoption of the Council Regulation establishing a general framework for Community activities to facilitate the implementation of a European judicial area in civil matters and when it is adopted, the United Kingdom and Ireland will be bound by it and subject to its application. In respect of any future Community instrument adopted under Title IV of the EC Treaty, implementing or establishing any future Community programme, the United Kingdom and Ireland will only be bound by the part relating to Title IV of the EC Treaty of this Council decision and subject to its application, if the United Kingdom and Ireland are bound by that instrument in accordance with the Protocol on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the EC Treaty.(10) The Agreement should be reviewed by the Commission at regular intervals.(11) The Agreement should be approved,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1The Framework Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Turkey on the general principles for the participation of the Republic of Turkey in Community programmes, is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.Article 21. The Commission is authorised to determine, on behalf of the Community, the specific terms and conditions regarding the participation of the Republic of Turkey in each individual programme, including the financial contribution payable. The Commission shall be assisted in this task by a special committee appointed by the Council.2. Where the Republic of Turkey requests external assistance, the procedures provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1488/96, in Regulation (EC) No 764/2000, in Regulation (EC) No 257/2001, and in similar Regulations providing for Community external assistance to the Republic of Turkey that may be adopted in the future, shall apply.Article 3No later than three years after the date of entry into force of the Agreement, and every three years thereafter, the Commission shall review the implementation of the Agreement and report thereon to the Council. The report shall be accompanied, where necessary, by appropriate proposals.Article 4The President of the Council is authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement in order to bind the Community.Article 5The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the Community, give the notifications provided for in Article 9 of the Agreement(6).Done at Brussels, 17 December 2001.For the CouncilThe PresidentA. Neyts-Uyttebroeck(1) OJ C 304 E of 20.10.2001, p. 342.(2) Opinion delivered on 11.12.2001 (not yet published in the Official Journal).(3) OJ L 189, 30.7.1996, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2698/2000 (OJ L 311, 12.12.2000, p. 1).(4) OJ L 94, 14.4.2000, p. 6.(5) OJ L 39, 9.2.2001, p. 1.(6) The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities by the General Secretariat of the Council.


64/436/EEC: Commission Decision of 20 July 1964 setting up a special section for rice within the Advisory Committee on Cereals


title: 2012/509/EU: Decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States of 20 September 2012 appointing a judge to the General Court

text:
               21.9.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 255/30

         DECISION OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES
   of 20 September 2012
   appointing a judge to the General Court
   (2012/509/EU)
   THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 19 thereof,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 254 and 255 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Pursuant to Articles 5 and 7 of the Protocol on the Statute of the Court of Justice of the European Union and following the resignation of Ms Ena CREMONA, a judge should be appointed to the General Court for the remainder of Ms Ena CREMONA's term of office, which runs until 31 August 2013.

               (2)

               Mr Eugène BUTTIGIEG has been proposed for the vacant post.

               (3)

               The panel set up by Article 255 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union has given an opinion on Mr Eugène BUTTIGIEG's suitability to perform the duties of a judge of the General Court,

         HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Mr Eugène BUTTIGIEG is hereby appointed Judge to the General Court for the period from 22 September 2012 to 31 August 2013.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 20 September 2012.

            The President

         K. KORNELIOU


Avis juridique important

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31997D2228

Decision No 2228/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 1997 establishing a Community action programme in the field of cultural heritage (the Raphael programme)

Official Journal L 305 , 08/11/1997 P. 0031 - 0041

DECISION No 2228/97/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 13 October 1997 establishing a Community action programme in the field of cultural heritage (the Raphael programme)THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 128 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (4), in the light of the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee on 2 July 1997,(1) Whereas in reality, the most tangible and influential aspect of Europe as a whole is not merely its geographical, political, economic and social features but also its culture;(2) Whereas, pursuant to Title IX of the Treaty, which is devoted specifically to culture, the Community is to contribute to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore;(3) Whereas Article 128 of the Treaty identifies cultural heritage as a specific field of action and whereas that cultural heritage is the expression of national and regional identities and the links between peoples; whereas it must be preserved and made more easily accessible to members of the public (including those who face particular problems of access) in order to contribute to greater mutual understanding and respect;(4) Whereas Community action can contribute to better preservation of the cultural heritage by promoting the exchange of experiences and expertise and encouraging operational synergies and partnership;(5) Whereas, because of its socioeconomic dimension, the preservation of the cultural heritage is an element in a design for society and can contribute significantly to job creation, the promotion of cultural tourism, to regional development and to improving the quality of life and the day-to-day environment of ordinary people; whereas contemporary creative work can play an important role in this respect;(6) Whereas culture is an important area for action in the context of the information society, as highlighted in the Commission communication entitled 'Europe's way to the information society: an action plan`;(7) Whereas research must be carried out at Community level on the preservation of the cultural heritage; whereas Community action in research, technological development and demonstration is undertaken in accordance with the technological research and development framework programme (5), which could be of benefit to this programme;(8) Whereas the Commission has gained experience through the activities undertaken to date in particular in the field of architectural heritage and the results of the consultations it has held with all the parties concerned;(9) Whereas the European Parliament attaches importance to Community action in favour of heritage, and in particular to training, research, raising the awareness of young people and adolescents, cooperation with non-member countries and the Council of Europe and links with other Community policies, particularly as regards training and regional development (6);(10) Whereas the European Parliament has adopted resolutions on the contribution of the Community to work on restoring outstanding examples of architectural heritage (7);(11) Whereas the Council has expressed an interest in closer cooperation in the areas of architectual heritage, works of art, artefacts and archives, in particular as regards the exchange of knowledge, documentation and training and in view of the important role of networks of cultural organizations in cultural cooperation in Europe (8);(12) Whereas, in its communication 'New prospects for Community cultural action` of 29 April 1992, the Commission states that Community action should be extended to the movable heritage and steps taken to promote dialogue and cooperation between those involved and encourage the dissemination of experiences and specialized information; whereas the European Parliament and the Council have encouraged this approach (9);(13) Whereas the European institutions have stressed the importance of integrating the different aspects of cultural heritage in a coherent Community action (10) which takes account of the richness and diversity of the movable and non-moveble heritage and supports the work or the numerous parties involved;(14) Whereas it remains necessary to communicate to as wide a public as possible, by means of general information, the importance of protecting the cultural heritage;(15) Whereas Community action should take account of the changing nature of the definition of heritage and include all types of heritage by encouraging multidisciplinary approaches;(16) Whereas the Commission has organized consultations with all interested parties, particulary the departments in the Member States, the professionals, non-governmental organisations, foundations and associations, with a view to preparing an action programme in the field of cultural heritage;(17) Whereas there are numerous links between the cultural heritage in the Community and that in third countries; therefore, this field is ideally suited to developing forms of cooperation with third countries and with the Council of Europe and other competent international organizations in the cultural heritage sector such as Unesco, in accordance with the requirements of the Treaty and the conclusions and resolutions cited above;(18) Whereas the conclusions of the Copenhagen European Council of 21 to 23 June 1993 call for Community programmes to be opened up to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe that are party to association agreements; whereas the Community has signed cooperation agreements that include a section on culture with certain third countries;(19) Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and Commission of 6 March 1995, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;(20) Whereas measures within the meaning this programme will also take account of the complementary nature of measures which may be taken pursuant to other Community policies;(21) Whereas the implementation of this programme relies on close cooperation with the national authorities, with a view to ensuring that Community action supports and supplements activities at national level in confirming respect for the principle of subsidiarity, as it is defined by Article 3b of the Treaty;(22) Whereas, in the light of experience, it might prove necessary to amend the thresholds laid down for the Community financial contribution for the various types of project provided for at Annex (Actions I, II, and III);(23) Whereas a modus vivendi was concluded on 20 December 1994 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (11),HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1 This Decision establishes the Community action programme in the field of cultural heritage, the Raphael programme, set out at Annex, hereinafter referred to as 'the programme`, for the period from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2000.The aim of the programme is to support and supplement, through cooperation, the action taken by the Member States in the field of cultural heritage of European importance.Article 2 Without prejudice to the powers of the Member States to define cultural heritage, for the purposes of the scope of the programme:- 'cultural heritage` shall mean movable and immovable heritage (museums and collections, libraries and archives including photographic, cinematographic and sound archives), archaeological and underwater heritage, architectural heritage, assemblages and sites and cultural landscapes (assemblages of cultural and natural objects),- 'preservation` shall mean all activities contributing to better knowledge, management, conservation, restoration, presentation and accessibility of cultural heritage.Article 3 The programme shall encourage cooperation at European level between Member States in the field of cultural heritage. It shall support and supplement their action in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity by contributing to the flowering of their cultures, while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore.To that end and in accordance with the general aim set out in the second subparagraph of Article 1, the following are the specific objectives of the programme based on the development of transnational cooperation:(a) to encourage the conservation and restoration of aspects of the cultural heritage which are of European importance, helping to develop and promote them;(b) to encourage the development of transnational cooperation between institutions and/or operators in the cultural heritage field, in order to contribute to the pooling of skills and the development of best practice in the preservation of the cultural heritage;(c) to improve access to the cultural heritage in its European dimension and encourage the active participation of the general public, in particular children, young people, the underprivileged and those living in the outlying and rural areas of the Community, in the safeguarding and development of the European cultural heritage;(d) to encourage transnational cooperation in developing new technologies for application in the various heritage categories and disciplines and in preserving traditional cultural heritage trades and techniques;(e) to have account taken of the heritage dimension in other Community programmes and policies;(f) to encourage cooperation with third countries and the relevant international organizations.Article 4 In order to achieve the objectives set out in the second subparagraph of Article 3, the projects developed pursuant to the programme will have to have a European dimension and offer added-value compared with actions carried out in the Member States and meet the following criteria:- contribute to the promotion of the cultural heritage, including the provision of information on it,- present interest at Community level because of their exemplary, innovative or informative nature,- deal with problems posed by the preservation of the cultural heritage and contribute to the development of the best preservation practices,- be likely to produce a multiplier effect in cultural, educative or socioeconomic terms.Article 5 The actions described at Annex shall be carried out in pursuit of the objectives set out in the second subparagraph of Article 3. They shall be implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 7.Article 6 1. The programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe in accordance with the conditions laid down in the additional Protocols to the Association Agreements on participation in Community programmes concluded, or to be concluded, with those countries. The programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta and to cooperation with other third countries which have concluded association or cooperation agreements containing cultural clauses, on the basis of additional appropriations to be provided according to procedures to be agreed with those countries.2. The Community and the Member States shall promote cooperation with the Council of Europe and with other relevant international organizations in the cultural heritage sector (e.g. Unesco), while ensuring that the instruments adopted are complementary and respect the individual identity and autonomy of each institution and organization and that resources are put to the best possible use.Article 7 1. The Commission shall implement this programme in accordance with this Decision.2. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of two representatives per Member State and chaired by the Commission representative. Members of the Committee may be assisted by experts or advisers.3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee draft measures concerning:- the priorities and general guidelines for the measures described at Annex and the annual programme resulting therefrom,- the general balance between all the Actions,- the selection rules and criteria for the various types of project described at Annex (Actions I, II, III, and IV),- the financial support to be provided by the Community (amounts, duration, distribution and beneficiaries),- the detailed procedures for monitoring and evaluating this programme, together with the conclusions of the assessment report provided for in Article 11 and any other measure readjusting this programme arising from the assessment report.The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to in the first subparagraph within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote.The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith.In that event:(a) the Commission may defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication;(b) the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to at (a).4. The Commission may consult the committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme not covered by paragraph 3.The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on this draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes.The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.Article 8 1. The financial framework for the implementation of the programme shall be ECU 30 million, not apportioned to individual years, for the period referred to at Article 1.2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.3. The financial framework mentioned in paragraph 1 will be subject to reexamination before the end of the second year, on a proposal from the Commission, in the light of the budgetary situation and the results obtained in the first phase of the programme.Article 9 The Commission shall seek to ensure, if necessary in collaboration with the Member States, that the actions provided for in the programme and the other cultural programmes, and in programmes within the meaning of other provisions of the Treaty with cultural-heritage aspects, are coherent and complementary; it shall also assess the overall effect of these programmes on the heritage.Article 10 1. After the programme has been in operation for two years and six months, and within six months of the end of that period, the Commission, after having consulted the committee, shall present a detailed evaluation report on the results achieved to the European Parliament and the Council, accompanied, where necessary, by appropriate proposals. This report is intended to assess, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the extent to which the programme has achieved the objectives listed at Article 3.2. After the programme has been carried out, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council and the Committee of the Regions a qualitative and quantitative report on the implementation and achievements of the programme in the light of the objectives referred to at paragraph 1.Article 11 The programme, together with practical information, for each of the actions or measures, as regards the procedure, the closing dates for the submission of applications and the documents which must accompany applications, shall be published each year in the 'C` series of the Official Journal of the European Communities.The Commission shall give priority to publicity and the dissemination of information on the programme so as to ensure that all cultural operators and networks are informed about and aware of the actions which concern them.All projects receiving financial support under the programme shall be required to display the European Union emblem and mention the source of the funding.Done at Brussels, 13 October 1997.For the European ParliamentThe PresidentJ. M. GIL-ROBLESFor the CouncilThe PresidentR. GOEBBELS(1) OJ C 265, 12. 9. 1996, p. 4.(2) OJ C 256, 2. 10. 1995, p. 38.(3) OJ C 100, 2. 4. 1996, p. 119.(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 October 1995 (OJ C 287, 30. 10. 1995, p. 161), Council common position of 8 July 1996 (OJ C 264, 11. 9. 1996, p. 69), Decision of the European Parliament of 22 October 1996 (OJ C 347, 18. 11. 1996, p. 29), Decision of the European Parliament of 16 September 1997 (OJ C 304, 6. 10. 1997) and Council Decision of 24 July 1997.(5) Decision No 1110/94/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 April 1994 concerning the fourth framework programme of the European Community activities in the field of research and technological development and demonstration (1994 to 1998) (OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1).(6) European Parliament resolution on measures to protect the European cultural heritage (OJ C 62, 30. 5. 1974, p. 5).European Parliament resolution on the protection of the architectural and archaeological heritage (OJ C 267, 11. 10. 1982, p. 25).European Parliament resolution on the conservation of the Community's architectural and archaeological heritage (OJ C 309, 5. 12. 1988, p. 423).European Parliament resolution on preserving the architectural heritage and protecting cultural assets (OJ C 72, 15. 3. 1993, p. 160).(7) European Parliament resolution on economic aid to Mount Athos (monastery region) (OJ C 144, 15. 6. 1981, p. 92).European Parliament resolution on the participation of Community financial instruments in the restoration of the historic centre of the city of Palermo (OJ C 187, 18. 7. 1988, p. 160).European Parliament resolution on aid for the reconstruction of the Chiado district of Lisbon (OJ C 262, 10. 10. 1988, p. 110).European Parliament resolution on the conservation of the Community's architectural and archaeological heritage (OJ C 309, 5. 12. 1988, p. 423).European Parliament resolution on the fire at the Gran Teatro del Liceo (Barcelona) (OJ C 61, 28. 2. 1994, p. 184).(8) Resolution of the Ministers responsible for Cultural Affairs meeting within the Council of 13 November 1986 on the protection of Europe's architectural heritage (OJ C 320, 13. 12. 1986, p. 1).Resolution of the Ministers with responsibility for Cultural Affairs meeting within the Council of 13 November 1986 on the conservation of works of art and artefacts (OJ C 320, 13. 12. 1986, p. 3).Resolution of the Council and the Ministers of Culture meeting within the Council of 14 November 1991 on arrangements concerning archives (OJ C 314, 5. 12. 1991, p. 2).Council conclusions of 17 June 1994 concerning greater cooperation in the field of archives (OJ C 235, 23. 8. 1994, p. 3).Resolution of the Council and the Ministers of Culture meeting within the Council of 14 November 1991 on European cultural networks (OJ C 314, 5. 12. 1991, p. 1).(9) European Parliament resolution on the Commission communication entitled 'New prospects for Community cultural action` (OJ C 42, 15. 2. 1993, p. 173).European Parliament resolution on Community policy in the field of culture (OJ C 44, 14. 2. 1994, p. 184).Conclusions of the Council and Ministers of Culture meeting within the Council of 12 November 1992 on guidelines for Community cultural action (OJ C 336, 19. 12. 1992, p. 1).(10) European Parliament resolution on preserving the architectural heritage and protecting cultural assets (OJ C 72, 15. 3. 1993, p. 160).Council conclusions of 17 June 1994 on drawing up a Community action plan in the field of cultural heritage (OJ C 235, 23. 8. 1994, p. 1).(11) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.ANNEX COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMME IN THE FIELD OF CULTURAL HERITAGE (RAPHAEL PROGRAMME)The aim of the Raphael programme is to support actions at European level in all categories of movable and immovable cultural heritage, in compliance with the principle of subsidiarity.ACTION I Conservation, safeguarding and development of the European cultural heritage through European cooperation - The aim of this action is to contribute to the conservation, safeguarding and development of the European cultural heritage, particularly if under threat, by encouraging the development and pooling of the best practices with a view to creating an environment conducive to the preservation and restoration of the cultural heritage,- This action will involve the following measures.1. Support for projects for the conservation and safeguarding of the cultural heritage which qualify as 'European heritage laboratories` by virtue of the interest or exemplary value of their content. The projects must be submitted by the competent authorities in the Member States and must relate to works, monuments or sites of exceptional historic, architectural or artistic importance, and especially those where operations of particular complexity from the scientific and/or technical point of view are required for their conservation.The 'laboratories`, which may be granted Community support under the programme for four years, should particularly associate with their operation a multidisciplinary European team bringing together the most eminent specialists, with a view to studying extremely difficult conservation problems and developing appropriate approaches, methods and/or techniques, ensuring added-value in each project. Those in charge of projects will be expected to ensure that experience acquired in the course of projects is adequately disseminated.2. Support for projects for the conservation and safeguarding of the European cultural heritage in connection with common themes to be determined by the Commission after submission to the committee referred to at Article 7 of the Decision, bearing in mind problem areas relating to the different categories of the cultural heritage. The projects, which should be submitted by the person(s) in charge of the property concerned, may last a maximum of three years. Priority will be given to projects having exemplary value and a multiplier effect in cultural, technical and socioeconomic terms and/or in terms of access to heritage. Those in charge of projects will be expected to ensure that experience acquired in the management and/or preservation problems involved is adequately disseminated among professionals.Community support is intended to contribute to the added-European value of the projects carried out within the framework of this action and to the creation of conditions for the development of European know-how.Projects must have a balanced financing plan setting out the financial requirements of the action for which administrative costs must not exceed 12 % of the Community financing of the project.Community financial assistance for a project under this action may not exceed 50 % of the total cost of the project in question and, in the case of projects under paragraph 2, may not exceed ECU 250 000.Projects shall be the subject of individual applications to the European Community. Each application shall include:- a detailed description of the actions. An opinion on the technical conformity of the project must be established by the competent authorities in the Member States and reach the Commission within the time limit for the submission of projects. If the opinion is not available within a deadline to be fixed, the procedure for selection of the project will go ahead,- a detailed estimated budget for these actions.The resources to be committed to this action shall amount to aproximately 50 % of the overall budget allocated to the programme.ACTION II Cooperation for the exchange of experiences and the development of techniques applied to heritage - The aim of this action is to encourage the strengthening of transnational cooperation for the pooling of skills and development of best practice through networks and partnerships and through the mobility of professionals between heritage-sector institutions and/or operators. Particular attention will be given to the development of new technologies applied to different cultural-heritage disciplines and to the preservation of traditional heritage trades and techniques.Depending on the theme they deal with, networks will be able to bring together public and/or private institutions and/or operators in the heritage field and, if necessary, other public and/or private institutions, research centres and companies with a special interest.Special attention shall be paid to networks which encourage access to the cultural heritage for the most disadvantaged sections of the population,- The action will involve the following measures:1. Innovation and new technologies1.1. Support for projects intended to identify research requirements, to be developed at Community level, in the heritage field, to circulate research work to heritage professionals and develop practical applications for the use of professionals working in the field. These measures will be implemented as far as possible in synergy with the framework research programme. Any subsequent research action will be carried out within the RTD framework programme in accordance with its provisions.1.2. Support for projects for the application to different heritage disciplines of new technologies and services (restoration and preservation techniques; audiovisual and multimedia products, advanced information and communications services, etc.).2. Mobility and training of professionals2.1. Support for projects for exchange of professionals in the various heritage categories and disciplines, enabling them to work for a maximum of 12 months in an equivalent professional environment in another Member State.Community support will be directed towards organizing exchanges and contributing to additional costs incurred, such as travel and accommodation.2.2. Support for projects of a transnational nature intended to encourage further training of heritage professionals in the new technologies and advanced information and communication services applied to the cultural heritage sector as well as for those intended to develop and preserve the techniques of traditional heritage trades.3. Exchanges of experience and information3.1. Support for exchanges of experience through conducting studies, surveys and working meetings, as well as through seminars, in the following fields in particular:- development of technical recommendations (standards) for the improvement of usage and practices in the management and/or conservation of the cultural heritage,- identification of risk factors concerning cultural objects and study of systems of periodic inspection of their state of conservation,- preventive protection of cultural objects, works and monuments against disaster and study of conditions for their conservation,- qualifications of professionals in heritage-preservation trades,- documentation of cultural objects,- conditions for the loan of works for temporary exhibitions,- repercussions on the cultural-heritage sector of other Community policies.3.2. Support for projects between cultural-heritage institutions, using electronic communication technology (on-line, CD-ROM, CD-I, etc.) for the collection/exchange and dissemination of specialized information, in the following fields in particular:- Member States' cultural-heritage legislation,- lists and inventories of the cultural heritage,- inventories, by discipline, of further training courses,- integrated databases for the cataloguing and description of cultural objects,- statistics and indicators on the cultural heritage,- lists and directories of innovative projects in the cultural heritage field,- practices and systems used in the preservation, restoration, management and dissemination of the cultural heritage in the Member States,- practical guides, manuals and information bulletins on the cultural heritage.Applications, which will be submitted by the institutions and/or operators concerned, must offer the financial guarantees required to carry them out. The Community contribution under the action cannot in any circumstances exceed 50 % of the total cost of the project, nor can it exceed ECU 50 000, except in the case of projects under 1.2 and 2.2, for which the Community contribution may be up to ECU 150 000, and 2.1 and 3.1 (fourth indent), for which the Community contribution may be up to ECU 100 000.ACTION III Public access to, participation in and awareness of the cultural heritage - The aim of this action is to improve public access to the cultural heritage by encouraging projects to raise awareness that have a European dimension and by promoting the use of advanced information and communications technologies and services,- The action will involve the following measures:1. Support for transnational cooperation projects between cultural-heritage institutions and/or operators using multimedia systems and products or other forms of communication to present heritage in its European dimension and in particular to offer the public access to the whole range of works of art of similar and/or complementary styles kept by other European cultural bodies.2. Support for events to raise public awareness of the cultural heritage held at European level.3. Support for multilingual presentations concerning heritage in museums, monuments, sites, libraries, archives, etc. aimed at people throughout the European Union. Projects might relate to presentational material, brochures, exhibition panels, electronic guide systems, audiovisual or multimedia products, etc.4. Support for transnational cooperation projects bringing together institutions and/or operators from at least three Member States of the Community with the aim of increasing the public's awareness of the cultural heritage, such as exhibitions, teaching programmes, transnational cultural itineraries, etc.Applications, which will be submitted by the institutions and/or operators concerned, must offer the financial guarantees required to carry them out. The Community contribution under this action cannot in any circumstances exceed 50 % of the total cost of the project, nor can it exceed ECU 50 000, except in the case of projects under 1 and 3, for which the Community contribution may be up to ECU 150 000.ACTION IV Cooperation with third countries and international organizations - The aim of this action is to develop projects with third countries and create synergies with activities undertaken by other international organizations, in particular the Council of Europe and Unesco,- The action will involve the following measures:1. Support for cooperation with third countries in the fields covered by actions I, II and III.Details of the arrangements for participation of third countries are set out in Article 6.2. Support for projects in synergy with the international organizations working in the field of cultural heritage and in particular the Council of Europe and Unesco. The procedures for this synergy will be decided on an individual basis between the Community and the international organization concerned, in accordance with the arrangements provided for in Article 7 (3).Commission statement Re Article 5 (committee procedure)In compliance with interinstitutional procedures and agreements, the Commission will inform the committee of the Raphael Decision, as regards the financial support to be supplied by the Community, of all projects which it intends to finance within the meaning of this Decision.European Parliament Statement Re Article 5 (committe procedure)The European Parliament, while noting that Article 7 (3) of the Raphael programme does not allow the Committee to take a decision on the selection of individual projects, is not opposed to the committee being informed of all the projects which the Commission intends to finance.The Parliament wishes to receive the same information from the Commission.Commission statement Having regard to the Council Decision of 30 June 1997 on the future of cultural cooperation in Europe and the European Parliament's calls for a framework instrument on culture to be set up, the Commission, without prejudice to its right of initiative, confirms its intention to present a proposal for a comprehensive programme as soon as possible in order to ensure the continuity and further development of the Community's cultural operations.The Commission will be entering into broad-based consultations with all the parties concerned and to this end will organize meetings with the European institutions and the relevant organizations.


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/598 of 15 April 2015 appointing the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia

text:
               16.4.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 99/25

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/598
   of 15 April 2015
   appointing the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 31(2) and Article 33 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 25 June 2012, the Council adopted Decision 2012/328/CFSP (1) appointing Mrs Patricia FLOR as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia.

               (2)

               A EUSR for Central Asia will be appointed for a period of 12 months.

               (3)

               The EUSR will implement the mandate in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the achievement of the objectives of the Union's external action as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   European Union Special Representative
   Mr Peter BURIAN is hereby appointed as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia until 30 April 2016. The Council may decide that the mandate of the EUSR be terminated earlier, on the basis of an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).
   Article 2
   Policy objectives
   The EUSR's mandate shall be based on the Union's policy objectives in Central Asia. These objectives include:

               (a)

               promoting good and close relations between the Union and the countries of Central Asia on the basis of common values and interests as set out in relevant agreements;

               (b)

               contributing to strengthening the stability and cooperation between the countries in the region;

               (c)

               contributing to strengthening democracy, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Central Asia;

               (d)

               addressing key threats, especially specific problems with direct implications for the Union;

               (e)

               enhancing the Union's effectiveness and visibility in the region, including through closer coordination with other relevant partners and international organisations, such as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations (UN).

         Article 3
   Mandate
   1.   In order to achieve the policy objectives, the mandate of the EUSR shall be to:

               (a)

               promote overall Union political coordination in Central Asia and help to ensure consistency of the external actions of the Union in the region;

               (b)

               monitor, on behalf of the HR, together with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission, the implementation process of the Union Strategy for a New Partnership with Central Asia, complemented by relevant Council conclusions and subsequent progress reports on the implementation of the Union Strategy for Central Asia, make recommendations and report to relevant Council bodies on a regular basis;

               (c)

               assist the Council in further developing a comprehensive policy towards Central Asia;

               (d)

               follow closely political developments in Central Asia by developing and maintaining close contacts with governments, parliaments, the judiciary, civil society and mass media;

               (e)

               encourage Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to cooperate on regional issues of common interest;

               (f)

               develop appropriate contacts and cooperation with the main interested actors in the region, and all relevant regional and international organisations;

               (g)

               contribute to the implementation of the Union's human rights policy in the region in cooperation with the EUSR for Human Rights, including the Union Guidelines on human rights, in particular the Union Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict as well as on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them, and Union policy regarding UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security, including by monitoring and reporting on developments as well as formulating recommendations in this regard;

               (h)

               contribute, in close cooperation with the UN and the OSCE, to conflict prevention and resolution by developing contacts with the authorities and other local actors such as non-governmental organisations, political parties, minorities, religious groups and their leaders;

               (i)

               provide input to the formulation of energy security, border security, countering serious crime, including narcotics and trafficking in human beings, as well as water resource management, environment and climate change aspects of the Common Foreign and Security Policy with respect to Central Asia;

               (j)

               promote regional security within Central Asian borders in the context of the reduction of the international presence in Afghanistan.

         2.   The EUSR shall support the work of the HR and maintain an overview of all activities of the Union in the region.
   Article 4
   Implementation of the mandate
   1.   The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.
   2.   The PSC shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.
   3.   The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the EEAS and its relevant departments.
   Article 5
   Financing
   1.   The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the mandate of the EUSR for the period until 30 April 2016 shall be EUR 810 000.
   2.   The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
   3.   The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.
   Article 6
   Constitution and composition of the team
   1.   Within the limits of the EUSR's mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting a team. The team shall include the expertise on specific policy issues as required by the mandate. The EUSR shall keep the Council and the Commission promptly informed of the composition of the team.
   2.   Member States, the institutions of the Union and the EEAS may propose the secondment of staff to the EUSR. The salary of such seconded personnel shall be covered by the Member State concerned, the institution of the Union concerned or the EEAS, respectively. Experts seconded by Member States to the institutions of the Union or the EEAS may also be posted to the EUSR. International contracted staff shall have the nationality of a Member State.
   3.   All seconded personnel shall remain under the administrative authority of the sending Member State, the sending institution of the Union or the EEAS and shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the mandate of the EUSR.
   4.   The EUSR staff shall be co-located with the relevant EEAS department in order to ensure coherence and consistency of their respective activities.
   Article 7
   Privileges and immunities of the EUSR and the staff of the EUSR
   The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the EUSR's mission and the members of the EUSR's staff shall be agreed with the host countries, as appropriate. Member States and the EEAS shall grant all necessary support to such effect.
   Article 8
   Security of EU classified information
   The EUSR and the members of the EUSR's team shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2013/488/EU (2).
   Article 9
   Access to information and logistical support
   1.   Member States, the Commission, the EEAS and the General Secretariat of the Council shall ensure that the EUSR is given access to any relevant information.
   2.   The Union delegations in the region and/or the Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.
   Article 10
   Security
   In accordance with the Union's policy on the security of personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational capacity under Title V of the Treaty, the EUSR shall take all reasonably practicable measures, in accordance with the mandate and the security situation in the geographical area of responsibility, for the security of all personnel under the EUSR's direct authority, in particular by:

               (a)

               establishing a mission-specific security plan based on guidance from the EEAS, providing for mission-specific physical, organisational and procedural security measures governing the management of the secure movement of personnel to, and within, the mission area and the management of security incidents, and providing for a contingency plan and a mission evacuation plan;

               (b)

               ensuring that all agreed recommendations made following regular security assessments are implemented, and providing the HR, the Council and the Commission with written reports on their implementation and on other security issues within the framework of the progress report and the report on the implementation of the mandate.

         Article 11
   Reporting
   The EUSR shall regularly provide the HR and the PSC with oral and written reports. The EUSR shall also report to Council working parties, as necessary. Regular reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. The EUSR may provide the Foreign Affairs Council with reports. In accordance with Article 36 of the Treaty, the EUSR may be involved in briefing the European Parliament.
   Article 12
   Coordination
   1.   The EUSR shall contribute to the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the Union's action and shall help ensure that all Union instruments and Member States' actions are engaged consistently to attain the Union's policy objectives. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with the relevant geographic department of the EEAS, as well as with the Commission, as well as those of the EUSR for Afghanistan. The EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States' missions and the Union's delegations.
   2.   In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the Heads of Union delegations and Member States' Heads of Mission. They shall make every effort to assist the EUSR in the implementation of the mandate. The EUSR shall also liaise with other international and regional actors in the field.
   Article 13
   Review
   The implementation of this Decision and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present the HR, the Council and the Commission with a progress report by the end of September 2015 and a comprehensive mandate implementation report by the end of January 2016.
   Article 14
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 15 April 2015.

            For the Council

            The President

         E. RINKĒVIČS

      (1)  Council Decision 2012/328/CFSP of 25 June 2012 appointing the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia (OJ L 165, 26.6.2012, p. 59).

      (2)  Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1).