title: 2010/479/EU: Council Decision of 12 July 2010 on a position of the European Union to be adopted in the EU-Mexico Joint Committee relating to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000 of the EU-Mexico Joint Council concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation

text:
               4.9.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 234/14

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 12 July 2010
   on a position of the European Union to be adopted in the EU-Mexico Joint Committee relating to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000 of the EU-Mexico Joint Council concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation
   (2010/479/EU)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(4) first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Joint Declaration V (1) to Decision No 2/2000 of the EU-Mexico Joint Council (2) established by the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part, signed in Brussels on 8 December 1997 (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘Decision No 2/2000’) provides that the EU-Mexico Joint Committee established by that agreement is to review the necessity to extend beyond 30 June 2003 the application of the rules of origin set out in Notes 2 and 3 of Appendix II(a) to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000.

               (2)

               On 22 March 2004 and on 14 June 2007 the Joint Committee adopted Decisions No 1/2004 (4) and No 1/2007 (5) extending the application of the rules of origin established in those Notes until 30 June 2006 and 30 June 2009, respectively.

               (3)

               In accordance with the analysis of the relevant economic conditions undertaken according to Joint declaration V, it is considered appropriate to extend once again, on a temporary basis, the application of the rules of origin established in Notes 2 and 3 of Appendix II(a) to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000, thereby ensuring the continuity of application of the mutual advantages provided under that Decision.

               (4)

               An extension of the application of the rules of origin established in Notes 2 and 3 of Appendix II(a) to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000 granted by Decision No 1/2007 of the Joint Committee expired on 30 June 2009, therefore in order not to introduce disruption in existing economic conditions it is considered appropriate to apply the proposed decision for a new extension retrospectively, from 1 July 2009,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The position to be adopted by the Union within the EU-Mexico Joint Committee relating to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000 is that set out in the attached draft decision of the Joint Committee.
   Article 2
   The decision of the Joint Committee shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 12 July 2010.

            For the Council

            The President

         S. LARUELLE

      (1)  OJ L 245, 29.9.2000, p. 1167.

      (2)  OJ L 157, 30.6.2000, p. 10 and OJ L 245, 29.9.2000, p. 1 (Annexes).

      (3)  OJ L 276, 28.10.2000, p. 45.

      (4)  OJ L 113, 20.4.2004, p. 60.

      (5)  OJ L 279, 23.10.2007, p. 15.

      ANNEX

         Proposal for a
         DECISION OF THE EU-MEXICO JOINT COMMITTEE
         No …/2009
         of
         relating to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000 of the EU-Mexico Joint Council of 23 March 2000 concerning the definition of the concept of originating products and methods of administrative cooperation
         THE JOINT COMMITTEE,
         Having regard to Decision No 2/2000 of the EU-Mexico Joint Council of 23 March 2000 (hereinafter referred as ‘Decision No 2/2000’), and in particular Notes 2 and 3 of Appendix II(a) to Annex III concerning the definition of the concept of originating products and methods of administrative cooperation and Joint Declaration V thereto,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     Annex III to Decision No 2/2000 sets out the rules of origin for the products originating in the territory of the Parties to the Agreement.

                     (2)

                     According to Joint Declaration V, the Joint Committee shall review the necessity to extend beyond 30 June 2003 the application of the rules of origin established in Notes 2 and 3 of Appendix II(a) to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000, if the economic conditions which formed the basis for establishing the rule set out in those Notes continue. On 22 March 2004 and on 14 June 2007 the EU-Mexico Joint Committee adopted Decisions No 1/2004 and No 1/2007 extending the application of the rules of origin established in Notes 2 and 3 of Appendix II(a) to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000 until 30 June 2006 and 30 June 2009, respectively.

                     (3)

                     In accordance with the analysis of the relevant economic conditions undertaken according to Joint Declaration V, it is considered appropriate, in order to ensure the continuity of application of the mutual advantages provided under Decision No 2/2000, to extend on a temporary basis, the application of the rules of origin established in Notes 2 and 3 of Appendix II(a) to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000,

               HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
         Article 1
         The rules of origin set out in Notes 2 and 3 of Appendix II(a) to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000, shall be applied until 30 June 2014 instead of the rules of origin set out in Appendix II to Annex III to Decision No 2/2000.
         Article 2
         This Decision shall enter into force on the date the Parties exchange written notifications certifying the completion of their respective legal procedures.
         Article 1 shall apply from 1 July 2009.

            Done at Brussels,

                  For the Joint Committee

                  The President


Avis juridique important

|

31987D0513

87/513/EEC: Council Decision of 28 September 1987 concerning the conclusion of an Additional Protocol to the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Lebanese Republic

Official Journal L 297 , 21/10/1987 P. 0028 - 0028 Finnish special edition: Chapter 11 Volume 13 P. 0063  Swedish special edition: Chapter 11 Volume 13 P. 0063

COUNCIL DECISIONof 28 September 1987concerning the  conclusion of an Additional Protocol to the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic  Community and the Lebanese Republic(87/513/EEC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN  COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article  238 thereof, Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission, Having regard to the assent of the European Parliament (1), Whereas the Additional Protocol to the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic  Community and the Lebanese Republic (2), signed in Brussels on 3 May 1977, should be approved, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1The Additional Protocol to the Cooperation Agreement between the  European Economic Community and theLebanese Republic is hereby approved on behalf of the  Community. The text of the Protocol is attached to this Decision. Article 2The President of the Council shall give the notification provided for in Article 5 of  the Protocol (3). Article 3This Decision shall take effect on the day following its publication in the Official  Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 28 September 1987. For the CouncilThe PresidentB. HAARDEREWG:L555UMBE17.95FF: 5UEN;   SETUP: 01;   Hoehe: 451  mm;   42 Zeilen;   1593 Zeichen; Bediener: PUPA   Pr.: C; Kunde: ................................ (1) Assent delivered on 16 September 1987 (not yet published in the Official  Journal). (2) OJ N° L 267, 27. 9. 1978, p. 2. (3) The date of entry into force of the Protocol will be published in the Official Journal of the  European Communities by the General Secretariat of the Council.


title: 2006/212/EC: Council Decision of  14 March 2006  amending Decision 1999/70/EC concerning the external auditors of the national central banks, as regards the external auditors of the Österreichische Nationalbank

text:
               16.3.2006

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 79/25

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 14 March 2006
   amending Decision 1999/70/EC concerning the external auditors of the national central banks, as regards the external auditors of the Österreichische Nationalbank
   (2006/212/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Protocol on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular to Article 27(1) thereof,
   Having regard to Recommendation ECB/2006/1 of the European Central Bank of 1 February 2006 to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of the Österreichische Nationalbank (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The accounts of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of the national central banks of the Eurosystem are to be audited by independent external auditors recommended by the Governing Council of the ECB and approved by the Council of the European Union.

               (2)

               Pursuant to Article 37(1) of the Federal Act on the Österreichische Nationalbank, the General Meeting of the Österreichische Nationalbank (ÖNB) shall elect two auditors and two alternate auditors each year. The alternate auditors will be mandated only in the event that the auditors are not able to perform the audit.

               (3)

               The mandate of the current external auditors of the ÖNB cannot be renewed for a further term of office after the audit for the financial year 2005. It is therefore necessary to appoint external auditors from the financial year 2006.

               (4)

               The ÖNB has selected KPMG Alpen-Treuhand GmbH, TPA Horwath Wirtschaftsprüfung GmbH, Moore Stephens Austria Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft mbH and BDO Auxilia Treuhand GmbH as its new external auditors in accordance with Community as well as Austrian public procurement legislation, and the ECB considers that they fulfil the necessary requirements for appointment.

               (5)

               The Governing Council of the ECB recommended that the mandate of the external auditors should be renewed on a yearly basis, not exceeding a total term of five years.

               (6)

               It is appropriate to follow the recommendation of the Governing Council of the ECB and to amend Council Decision 1999/70/EC (2) accordingly,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Article 1(9) of Decision 1999/70/EC shall be replaced by the following:

      ‘9.   KPMG Alpen-Treuhand GmbH and TPA Horwath Wirtschaftsprüfung GmbH are hereby approved jointly as the external auditors of the Österreichische Nationalbank (ÖNB) for the financial year 2006.
      Moore Stephens Austria Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft mbH and BDO Auxilia Treuhand GmbH are hereby approved jointly as the alternate auditors of the ÖNB for the financial year 2006.
      This mandate may be renewed on a yearly basis, not exceeding a total term of five years, ending with the financial year 2010 at the latest.’

   Article 2
   This Decision shall be notified to the European Central Bank.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 14 March 2006.

            For the Council

            The President

         K.-H. GRASSER

      (1)  OJ C 34, 10.2.2006, p. 30.

      (2)  OJ L 22, 29.1.1999, p. 69. Decision as last amended by Decision 2005/866/EC (OJ L 318, 6.12.2005, p. 25).


title: Council Decision 2014/129/CFSP of 10 March 2014 promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

text:
               12.3.2014

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 71/3

      COUNCIL DECISION 2014/129/CFSP
   of 10 March 2014
   promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 26(2) and 31(1) thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (hereinafter referred to as the ‘EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy’), Chapter III of which contains a list of measures that need to be taken both within the Union and in third countries to combat such proliferation.

               (2)

               The Union is actively implementing the EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy and giving effect to the measures listed in Chapter III thereof, such as developing the necessary structures within the Union.

               (3)

               On 8 December 2008, the Council adopted its conclusions and a document entitled ‘New lines for action by the European Union in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems’ (hereinafter referred to as the ‘New Lines for Action’) which states that proliferation of WMD continues to constitute one of the greatest security challenges and that non-proliferation policy constitutes an essential part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

               (4)

               In the New Lines for Action, the Council calls on competent Council formations and bodies, the Commission, other institutions, and Member States to give a concrete follow-up to that document.

               (5)

               In the New Lines for Action, the Council underlines that action of the Union to prevent proliferation could benefit from the support provided by a non-governmental non-proliferation network, bringing together foreign policy institutions and research centres specialising in the Union's strategic areas while building on useful networks which already exist. Such a network could be extended to institutions in third countries with which the Union is conducting specific dialogues in connection with non-proliferation.

               (6)

               On 15 and 16 December 2005, the European Council adopted the EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition (hereinafter referred to as the ‘EU SALW Strategy’) which sets the guidelines for the action of the Union in the field of SALW. The EU SALW Strategy considers that the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition pose a serious threat to international peace and security.

               (7)

               The EU SALW Strategy identifies among its objectives the need to foster effective multilateralism so as to forge mechanisms, whether international, regional or within the Union and its Member States, for countering the supply and destabilising spread of SALW and their ammunition.

               (8)

               On 26 July 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/430/CFSP (1) which established the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks and provided that the technical implementation of that Decision is to be carried out by the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Consortium’).

               (9)

               The choice of the Consortium as sole beneficiary of a grant in this case is justified because of the will of the Union, as supported by the Member States, to continue a fruitful cooperation with a network of European think-tanks that is contributing to the creation of a common European culture on non-proliferation and disarmament, as well as helping the Union to develop and shape its policies in these areas and increase Union visibility. The very nature of the Consortium, which owes its existence to the Union and depends entirely on Union support, makes 100 % financing necessary in this case. The Consortium has no independent financial resources or legal authority to raise other funds. Moreover, the Consortium has established, beyond the four managing think tanks, a network bringing together more than 60 think tanks and research centres combining almost the entire non-governmental expertise in the Union.

               (10)

               To date, the Consortium has organized two Union expert seminars, in Brussels in May 2011 and June 2013, and two major international non-proliferation conferences, in Brussels in February 2012 and September/October 2013, in addition to having 31 dedicated policy papers published on its website. The website was launched in Spring 2011 and has been regularly updated since then, including via the publication of a bi-monthly e-newsletter: nonproliferation.eu. More than 60 European independent think tanks have joined the Consortium network since its inception.

               (11)

               By Council Decisions 2010/799/CFSP (2) and 2012/422/CFSP (3), the Consortium was entrusted with the organization of two seminars to promote confidence building and in support of a process aimed at establishing a zone free of WMD and means of delivery in the Middle East, which were held in Brussels in July 2011 and November 2012. Furthermore, by Council Decision 2013/43/CFSP (4), the Consortium was entrusted with the organization of two closed seminars in order to facilitate the successful completion of the negotiation of an Arms Trade Treaty at the March 2013 UN Conference,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   1.   For the purposes of contributing to the enhanced implementation of the EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy, which is based on the principles of effective multilateralism, prevention and cooperation with third countries, the continued promotion and support of the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks activities is hereby extended for 3 years to further the following objectives:

               (a)

               to encourage political and security-related dialogue and long-term discussion of measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems within civil societies, and more particularly among experts, researchers and academics;

               (b)

               to provide those participating in the relevant preparatory bodies of the Council with the opportunity to consult the network on issues related to non-proliferation and to enable the representatives of Member States to participate in the network's meetings;

               (c)

               to constitute a useful stepping stone for non-proliferation action by the Union and the international community, in particular by providing reports and/or recommendations to the representatives of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR);

               (d)

               to contribute to enhancing third countries' awareness of proliferation challenges and of the need to work in cooperation with the Union and in the context of multilateral fora, in particular the United Nations, to prevent, deter, halt and where possible, eliminate proliferation programmes of worldwide concern;

               (e)

               to contribute to the development of expertise and institutional capacity in non-proliferation and disarmament matters in think tanks and governments in the Union and third countries.

         2.   In the light of the EU SALW Strategy, the scope of activities of the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks shall not be limited to addressing questions related to the threats posed by the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems, but shall also cover issues related to conventional weapons, including SALW. The inclusion of conventional weapons issues in the field of activity of the network will offer an outstanding tool for dialogue and recommendation on action of the Union in this area within the framework of the implementation of the EU SALW Strategy and the Union's policy on conventional weapons.
   3.   In this context, the projects to be supported by the Union shall cover the following specific activities:

               (a)

               providing means for the organisation of three annual consultative meetings and up to seven ad-hoc seminars for experts and practitioners on the full range of non-proliferation and disarmament issues covering both unconventional and conventional arms, with a view to submitting reports and/or recommendations to the representatives of the HR;

               (b)

               setting up a Help-Desk Facility within the Consortium, to provide ad-hoc expertise on questions related to the full range of non-proliferation and disarmament issues covering both unconventional and conventional arms, for responses within a two-week time frame;

               (c)

               providing means for the holding of three major annual conferences with third countries and civil society on non-proliferation and disarmament to promote internationally the EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy and the EU SALW Strategy, and the role, in this field, of Union institutions and think tanks in the Union, with a view to raising the visibility of Union policies in this area and submitting reports and/or recommendations to the representatives of the HR;

               (d)

               providing means for the management and development of an Internet platform to facilitate contacts and foster research dialogue among the network of think tanks analysing issues related to the prevention of proliferation of WMD and conventional weapons, including SALW, as well as for the education of a new generation of experts on non-proliferation and disarmament;

               (e)

               providing means to raise awareness and develop expertise and institutional capacity in the area of non-proliferation in think tanks and governments in the Union and third countries;

               (f)

               addressing topics proposed by Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in the overall Consortium research activities.

         A detailed description of the projects is set out in the Annex.
   Article 2
   1.   The HR shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.
   2.   Technical implementation of the projects covering the activities referred to in Article 1(3) shall be carried out by the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium based on la Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (HSFK/ PRIF), the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The Consortium shall perform this task under the responsibility of the HR. For this purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the Consortium.
   3.   Member States and the EEAS shall propose priorities and topics of specific interest for assessment in the Consortium research programmes, to be addressed in working documents and seminars, in accordance with the policies of the Union.
   Article 3
   1.   The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects covering the activities referred to in Article 1(3) shall be EUR 3 600 000.
   2.   The expenditure financed by the amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
   3.   The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the Consortium. The agreement shall stipulate that the Consortium is to ensure visibility of the Union's contribution, appropriate to its size.
   4.   The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this Decision. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of the agreement.
   Article 4
   1.   The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the Consortium. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council.
   2.   The Commission shall report on the financial aspects of the projects referred to in Article 1(3).
   Article 5
   1.   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
   2.   This Decision shall expire 36 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3).
   However, it shall expire 6 months after its entry into force if that financing agreement has not been concluded by that time.

      Done at Brussels, 10 March 2014.

            For the Council

            The President

         G. VROUTSIS

      (1)  Council Decision 2010/430/CFSP of 26 July 2010 establishing a European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 202, 4.8.2010, p. 5).

      (2)  Council Decision 2010/799/CFSP of 13 December 2010 in support of a process of confidence-building leading to the establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery in the Middle East in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 341, 23.12.2010, p. 27).

      (3)  Council Decision 2012/422/CFSP of 23 July 2012 in support of a process leading to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East (OJ L 196, 24.7.2012, p. 67).

      (4)  Council Decision 2013/43/CFSP of 22 January 2013 on continued Union activities in support of the Arms Trade Treaty negotiations, in the framework of the European Security Strategy (OJ L 20, 23.1.2013, p. 53).

      ANNEX

         THE EUROPEAN NETWORK OF INDEPENDENT NON-PROLIFERATION THINK TANKS IN SUPPORT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EU STRATEGY AGAINST PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION (EU WMD NON-PROLIFERATION STRATEGY)

      1.   Objectives

      The objective of this Decision is to confirm and further implement the policy recommendation, laid down by the Council on 8 December 2008 in a document entitled ‘New lines for action by the European Union in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems’. According to this document, the action of the Union to counter proliferation could benefit from the support provided by a non-governmental non-proliferation network, bringing together foreign policy institutions and research centres specialising in the Union's strategic areas while building on useful networks which already exist. Such a network could be extended to institutions in third countries with which the Union is conducting specific dialogues in connection with non-proliferation.
      This network of independent non-proliferation think tanks would continue to encourage political and security-related dialogue and the long-term discussion of measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems and the inter-related issues of disarmament within civil societies, and more particularly among experts, researchers and academics.
      The work of the network is to be extended to issues related to conventional weapons, including SALW, including measures to ensure the continuous implementation of the EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition. The network will help to develop new facets of the Union's action to cover both the preventive and reactive dimensions of security issues related to conventional weapons, including the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition, as foreseen by the relevant EU strategy. Preventing the illegal and unregulated trade of conventional weapons, including SALW, has also been recognised as a priority of the Union in the framework of the Arms Trade Treaty process.
      The network could contribute to enhancing awareness of third countries of challenges related to WMD proliferation and conventional weapons, including the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition, and of the need to work in cooperation with the Union and in the context of multilateral fora, in particular the United Nations, in order to prevent, deter, halt and where possible, eliminate proliferation programmes of concern worldwide and the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition.
      The Union wishes to support this network as follows:

                  —

                  through organising regular Union seminars and, as necessary, ad-hoc meetings for diplomats and academic experts on salient events and issues in the realm of WMD and SALW non-proliferation and disarmament with a view to submitting reports and/or recommendations to the representatives of the HR;

                  —

                  through organising major annual conferences and, as necessary, preparatory meetings with a view to submitting reports and/or recommendations to the representatives of the HR;

                  —

                  through further maintaining, managing and developing an internet platform and related social networks to facilitate contacts and foster research dialogue among the network of non-proliferation think tanks;

                  —

                  through facilitating competence and transfer of know-how on EU non-proliferation and disarmament policies across the Union and to third countries.

            2.   Organisation of the network

      The network is open to all relevant think tanks and research institutes from the Union and associated states and is fully respectful of the diversity of opinion within the Union.
      The network will continue to facilitate contacts between non-governmental experts, Member States' representatives and the institutions of the Union. The network will stand ready to engage with non-governmental actors from third countries in line with the EU WMD and SALW Strategies, which are based on the concepts of multilateralism and international cooperation. The network's mandate covers non-proliferation of WMD, their delivery systems, disarmament, and issues related to conventional weapons, including SALW.
      The participants in relevant preparatory bodies of the Council (CODUN/CONOP/COARM etc.) will be able to consult the network on issues related to non-proliferation and conventional weapons, including SALW, and its representatives may attend the network's meetings. The network's meetings may be organised back to back with the working group meetings, if feasible.
      The network will continue to be led by the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium, which has been formed by FRS, HSFK/PRIF, IISS and SIPRI and which will be entrusted with the management of the project, in close cooperation with the representatives of the HR.
      The Consortium, in consultation with the representatives of the HR and Member States, will invite participants who have expertise in non-proliferation and disarmament policies of WMD and conventional weapons to expert seminars and annual major conferences and to share their publications and activities on the dedicated website.
      3.   Description of the projects

      3.1.   Project 1: Organisation of three annual consultative meetings and up to seven ad hoc seminars for diplomats and academic experts with a report and/or recommendations

      3.1.1.   Purpose of the project

      The objective of the annual consultative meetings and ad hoc seminars is to promote a security-related dialogue between Union experts, officials and academics, on current challenges in the fields of non-proliferation and disarmament of WMD, their delivery systems and conventional weapons, including SALW. The seminars should furthermore advance the cooperation within the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks that are based in the Union Member States.
      3.1.2.   Results of the project

                  —

                  Exchange of information and analysis regarding current proliferation trends among policy practitioners and academic experts from the Member States, as well as specialized staff from the EEAS and institutions of the Union;

                  —

                  Discussion on the best ways and means to implement Union policies against proliferation;

                  —

                  Foster a European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks;

                  —

                  Provide constructive feedback to the Union on its strategies against the proliferation of WMD and SALW by independent Union think tanks, and suggestions from practitioners to the think-tanks on most policy-relevant topics for further research;

                  —

                  Identify relevant issues in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament for policy-oriented reports;

                  —

                  Produce policy-oriented reports together with a set of action-oriented recommendations to the representatives of the HR. These reports would be disseminated to the relevant institutions of the Union and the Member States.

            3.1.3.   Description of the project

      The project provides for the organisation of three annual consultative meetings and up to seven ad hoc expert seminars with the preparation of associated reports and/or recommendations.
      The agenda of these events shall be prepared in close cooperation with the Council's CFSP working groups in the fields of non-proliferation and disarmament (CODUN/CONOP/CODUN Space), of SALW and conventional arms transfers (COARM and COARM ATT). The seminars should address both short-term and mid-term challenges for the Union in the fields of non-proliferation and disarmament in the following weapon categories: WMD and their delivery vehicles, conventional weapons including SALW, and new types of weapons and delivery systems. They should provide especially an opportunity for Union decision-makers to focus on longer-range challenges and trends in the field of these weapons, and on other issues, which exceed their ordinary day-to-day business.
      The annual consultative meetings shall last 1,5 days and foresee the participation of up to 100 individuals from Union think tanks, Member States and institutions of the Union, specialised in non-proliferation and conventional weapons issues, including SALW. These seminars should serve mainly a consultative purpose between the Union non-proliferation think tanks, the Union and its Member States.
      The ad hoc seminars shall last up to 2 days and foresee the participation of up to 45 individuals, to be determined on a case-by-case basis. These seminars should serve notably a consultative purpose between the Union non-proliferation think tanks, the Union and its Member States, on an ad hoc basis, in order to address salient events and Union policy options, as well as provide an opportunity for the Union think tanks, the Member States and the institutions of the Union to outreach targeted audiences inside and outside the Union.
      The annual consultative meetings should be held in Brussels while up to three ad hoc expert seminars could be held outside the Union.
      3.2.   Project 2: Organisation of an annual major conference with a report and/or recommendations

      3.2.1.   Purpose of the project

      The annual major non-proliferation and disarmament conferences, with the participation of governmental experts and independent think tanks and other specialists from academia from the Union and associated states as well as third countries, will discuss and identify further measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems and inter-related disarmament objectives, as well as address challenges related to conventional weapons, including countering the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition. As the flagship event of the project, the annual conference will enhance international attention of the EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy and its implementation efforts by the institutions of the Union and the related work of independent think tanks and academic experts in Member States.
      The annual conferences will also serve to foster the role and cohesion of European think tanks specialising in non-proliferation-related fields and will help to enhance capacity in these and other institutions, including in areas of the world without great depth of expertise in non-proliferation.
      The annual conferences and any preparatory meetings will address non-proliferation-related issues of topical relevance to the work of the EEAS. Based on these discussions and other work overseen by the Consortium, policy-oriented reports will be produced together with a set of action-oriented recommendations to the representatives of the HR. The report would be disseminated to the relevant institutions of the Union and the Member States and made available online.
      3.2.2.   Results of the project

                  —

                  Establish a major European-led international non-proliferation and disarmament conference that would become the key venue for promoting strategic discussion of measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems and inter-related disarmament objectives to address challenges related to conventional weapons, including countering the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition;

                  —

                  Increase the visibility and awareness of Union policies in the field of WMD and SALW non-proliferation and in the field of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) action among the government officials, academia and civil society of third countries;

                  —

                  Promote the role and cohesion of the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks and the Union's role in this field, and build up non-proliferation expertise in countries where it is insufficient, including in third countries;

                  —

                  Submit policy-oriented reports and/or action-oriented recommendations that would enhance the implementation of the EU WMD and SALW Strategies and constitute a useful stepping stone for non-proliferation and conventional weapons-related action by the Union and the international community;

                  —

                  Increase the awareness and knowledge of the institutions of the Union, of Member States, civil society and third countries about threats related to WMD and their means of delivery, allowing them to improve anticipation.

            3.2.3.   Description of the project

      The project provides for the organisation of annual major conferences, with preparatory meetings as necessary, and the preparation of associated reports and/or recommendations:

                  —

                  A yearly conference of 1,5 days held in Brussels, with the participation of up to 300 experts from think tanks and academia and governments from the Union and associated states and third countries, specialised in non-proliferation, disarmament, arms control and conventional weapons issues, including SALW;

                  —

                  Attention to development of ‘next generation’ specialists including from countries outside Europe and North America, who will be invited to an extra day before or after the conference for specialised training and exposure to relevant EU institutions;

                  —

                  Policy-oriented reports and/or action-oriented recommendations that would boost the implementation of the EU WMD and SALW Strategies.

            3.3.   Project 3: Setting up and management of a Help-Desk facility

      3.3.1.   Purpose of the project

      The setting up and management of a Help-Desk Facility within the Consortium, to provide ad-hoc expertise to questions related to the full range of non-proliferation and disarmament issues, covering both unconventional and conventional arms, will inform and facilitate the shaping of EEAS policy action in relation to specific and urgent topics.
      3.3.2.   Results of the project

                  —

                  Manage ad-hoc research requests, with responses within a two-week time frame, on specific issues requested by the EEAS;

                  —

                  Promote ad-hoc topic-specific dialogue between the Consortium think tanks and the EEAS;

                  —

                  Allow the EEAS to build on the ad-hoc expertise and research-dedicated resources of the Consortium for short-time and occasional requests.

            3.3.3.   Description of the project

      The project will provide up to twenty 5-10 pages experts papers within a two week time frame, on current non-proliferation and disarmament issues requested by the EEAS, based on a review of existing academic literature (not original research).
      3.4.   Project 4: Management and development of an internet platform

      3.4.1.   Purpose of the project

      The maintenance and the development of an internet website will facilitate inter-sessional contacts between the network meetings and foster research dialogue among the non-proliferation think tanks. The Union's institutions and the Member States could also benefit from a dedicated website where network participants are free to exchange information, share their ideas and to publish their studies on non-proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery and conventional weapons issues, including SALW. The website will continue to be accompanied by an e-newsletter. The project will provide an online follow-up to the events and a window for European research. It will contribute to efficient dissemination of research results among the think tank community and governmental circles. This will lead to better anticipation and knowledge of threats linked to the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery, and conventional weapons, including the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition.
      3.4.2.   Results of the project

                  —

                  Manage a platform where non-proliferation think tanks can continuously share their independent views and analysis on WMD proliferation and conventional weapons issues, including SALW;

                  —

                  Expand, manage and update the existing network of independent think tanks;

                  —

                  Promote a better understanding of Union strategies against the proliferation of WMD and SALW within civil society and serve as an interface between the Union and the network of think tanks;

                  —

                  Allow the permanent free download of documents from the network's meetings and from independent think tanks who may wish to share their research results without financial compensation;

                  —

                  Increase awareness and knowledge of the institutions of the Union, the Member States, civil society and third countries about threats related to conventional weapons, WMD and their means of delivery, allowing them to improve anticipation.

            3.4.3.   Description of the project

                  —

                  The use of a social network-service type of technology, when feasible and appropriate, could be developed in order to allow active online communication and information exchange between the network participants in a familiar environment;

                  —

                  The Consortium, in charge of the project, will be responsible for web hosting, web design and technical maintenance of the website;

                  —

                  Union policies relating to WMD proliferation and conventional weapons issues, including SALW will be followed and supported by appropriate documentation on a regular basis;

                  —

                  Publications of the Consortium will be promoted and supported by specific historical records;

                  —

                  Conferences organised by the Consortium will be promoted and relayed on the website (background papers, agenda, presentations, video recording of open meeting when appropriate);

                  —

                  An e-newsletter will be published on a bi-monthly basis in order to cover non-proliferation institutional news within the Union and to follow the academic work of the network's research centres;

                  —

                  Special reports will be published on a monthly basis on topical subjects relating to WMD proliferation and conventional weapons issues, including SALW.

            3.5.   Project 5: Publications

      3.5.1.   Purpose of the project

                  —

                  To provide up to twenty policy papers on topics related to non-proliferation of WMD, their delivery systems, SALW, and disarmament;

                  —

                  To provide information and analysis that can feed a political and security related dialogue on measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems, primarily by experts, researchers and academics;

                  —

                  To provide a resource that the participants in the relevant preparatory bodies of the Council can use to inform their discussion of EU non-proliferation policy and practice;

                  —

                  To provide ideas, information and analysis that can assist in the development of non-proliferation actions at Union level.

            3.5.2.   Results of the project

                  —

                  To enhance political and security related dialogue on measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems, primarily by experts, researchers and academics;

                  —

                  To increase the awareness, knowledge and understanding within civil societies and governments of issues related to EU non-proliferation and disarmament policies;

                  —

                  To provide political and/or operational policy options to the HR, the Union's institutions and the Member States;

                  —

                  To feed ideas, information and analysis that can assist in the development of non-proliferation actions at Union level.

            3.5.3.   Description of the project

      The project provides for the preparation and publication of up to twenty policy papers. The policy papers will be prepared or commissioned by the Consortium and do not necessarily represent the views of the Union's institutions or the Member States.
      The policy papers will cover the topics under the mandate of the Consortium. Every paper will frame political and/or operational policy options.
      The policy papers will use a format and style that makes them accessible to target audiences and user-friendly.
      All policy papers will be published on the website of the Consortium.
      3.6.   Project 6: Education

      3.6.1.   Purpose of the project

                  —

                  To build capacity in the next generation of scholars and practitioners in non-proliferation policy and programming;

                  —

                  To enhance the in-depth knowledge of EU non-proliferation and disarmament policies across the Union and in third countries;

                  —

                  To build networks of young practitioners and academics at the regional levels where the Union has a strong interest in non-proliferation;

                  —

                  To renew and expand the expertise on WMD and SALW issues within the Union and in Partner Countries;

                  —

                  To provide the institutions of the Union, Member States and the EU non-proliferation network with fresh ideas and analysis on non-proliferation.

            3.6.2.   Results of the project

                  —

                  Laying the foundations for the creation of an online education tool with an available model-curriculum on non-proliferation and disarmament issues to become operational 24 months after the starting of the contract;

                  —

                  Enhanced capacity in the next generation of scholars and practitioners in non-proliferation policy and programming;

                  —

                  Increased in-depth knowledge of EU non-proliferation and disarmament policies across the Union and in third countries;

                  —

                  The creation of networks of young practitioners and academics and the facilitation of practical cooperation;

                  —

                  Increased expertise on WMD and SALW non-proliferation and disarmament issues within the Union and in third countries;

                  —

                  Fresh input to Union institutions, Member States, Partner Countries and the EU non-proliferation network on non-proliferation.

            3.6.3.   Description of the project

      The project provides for internship organised by the Consortium for up to 48 graduate students or young diplomats, each for a period up to three months. The internship will combine lectures, discussion sessions, structured reading, and project integration based in at least two of the institutes of the Consortium. The curriculum will combine shorter modules in order to be as flexible as necessary. All students will be invited to the conferences and seminars organised by the Consortium.
      The Project will ultimately aim at laying the foundations for the creation of an online education tool with an available model-curriculum on non-proliferation and disarmament issues. The online education tool shall cover the whole spectrum of conventional and non-conventional arms issues and be adaptable for different target audiences (young diplomats, journalists, graduate and postgraduate students, from within and outside of Europe). Depending on the sensitivity of the content, appropriate security clearances might be required. The online education tool should also allow the integration into university Master Programmes and have a typical length of 15 comprehensive lessons. This is the equivalent to a one-semester graduate course for credit and covers as well the requirements for other audiences.
      4.   Duration

      The total estimated duration of the implementation of the projects is 36 months.
      5.   Beneficiaries

      5.1.   Direct beneficiaries

      Proliferation of WMD by both states and non-state actors has been identified in the European Security Strategy and in the EU strategy against the proliferation of WMD as potentially the greatest threat to security of the Union. Similarly the EU strategy against the proliferation of SALW recognised that the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition poses a serious threat to international peace and security. The suggested projects serve the purposes of the CFSP and contribute to meeting the strategic objectives laid down in the European Security Strategy.
      5.2.   Indirect beneficiaries

      The indirect beneficiaries of the projects are:

                  (a)

                  independent think tanks and academics specialised in non-proliferation and conventional weapons issues, including SALW, from the Union and third countries;

                  (b)

                  institutions of the Union, including educational institutions, students and all other recipients of the online education tool;

                  (c)

                  Member States;

                  (d)

                  third countries.

            6.   Third party participants

      The projects will be financed in their entirety by this Decision. Experts from the network may be considered as third party participants. They will work in accordance with their standard rules.
      7.   Procedural aspects, coordination and the Steering Committee

      The Steering Committee for this project will be composed of a representative of the HR and of the implementing entity referred to in paragraph 8 of this Annex. The Steering Committee will review the implementation of this Decision regularly, at least once every 6 months, including by the use of electronic means of communication.
      8.   Implementing entity

      Technical implementation of this Decision will be entrusted to the Consortium, which will perform its task under the control of the HR. In carrying out its activities, the Consortium will cooperate with the HR, the Member States, other State Parties, and international organisations, as appropriate.


title: 2006/873/EC: Council Decision of 20 November 2006 on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Europe Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Romania, of the other part, on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (PECA)

text:
               5.12.2006

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 337/43

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 20 November 2006
   on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Europe Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Romania, of the other part, on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (PECA)
   (2006/873/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 133 thereof, in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2), the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(3) and Article 300(4) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Europe Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Romania of the other part (1), entered into force on 1 February 1995.

               (2)

               Article 75 of the Europe Agreement provides that cooperation in the fields of standardisation and conformity assessment procedures shall seek to achieve the conclusion of agreements on mutual recognition.

               (3)

               Article 110 of the Europe Agreement provides that the Association Council may delegate to the Association Committee any of its powers.

               (4)

               Article 2 of Decision 94/907/EC, ECSC, Euratom of the Council and the Commission of 19 December 1994 on the conclusion of the Europe Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Romania, of the other part (2), provides for the Community decision-making procedures and for the presentation of the Community position in the Association Council and in the Association Committee.

               (5)

               The Protocol to the Europe Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Romania, of the other part, on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (PECA), has been signed in Bucharest on 27 October 2006, on behalf of the Community, and should be approved.

               (6)

               The appropriate internal procedures should be established to ensure the proper functioning of the Protocol.

               (7)

               It is necessary to empower the Commission, after consultation with a special committee appointed by the Council, to propose certain technical amendments to the Protocol and to take certain decisions for its implementation,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The Protocol to the Europe Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Romania, of the other part, on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (PECA) (hereinafter referred to as the Protocol), and the Declaration thereto, are hereby approved on behalf of the European Community.
   The text of the Protocol and of the Declaration thereto is attached to this Decision (3).
   Article 2
   The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the Community, transmit the diplomatic note provided for in Article 17 of the Protocol (4) as regards the entry into force of the Protocol.
   Article 3
   1.   The Commission, after consultation with a special committee appointed by the Council, shall:

               (a)

               carry into effect the notifications, acknowledgements, suspensions and withdrawals of bodies, and appointments of a joint team or teams of experts, in accordance with Articles 10, 11 and 14(c) of the Protocol;

               (b)

               bring about the consultations, exchange of information, the requests for verifications and for participation in verifications, in accordance with Articles 3, 11, 12 and 14(d) and (e), and Sections III and IV of the Annexes to the Protocol;

               (c)

               if necessary, reply to requests in accordance with Article 11, Sections III and IV of the Annexes to the Protocol.

         2.   Following consultation of the special committee referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall determine the position to be taken by the Community in the Association Council and, where applicable, in the Association Committee, with regard to:

               (a)

               amendments to the Annexes in accordance with Article 14(a) of the Protocol;

               (b)

               addition of new Annexes in accordance with Article 14(b) of the Protocol;

               (c)

               any decisions regarding disagreements on the results of the verifications and the suspensions, in part or totally, of any notified body in accordance with the second and third subparagraphs of Article 11 of the Protocol;

               (d)

               any measures taken in the application of the safeguard clauses in Section IV of the Annexes of the Protocol;

               (e)

               any measures concerning the verification, suspension, or withdrawal of industrial products as having mutual acceptance under Article 4 of the Protocol.

         3.   In all other cases the position to be taken by the Community in the Association Council and, where applicable, in the Association Committee, with regard to this Protocol shall be determined by the Council, acting by qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission.

      Done at Brussels, 20 November 2006.

            For the Council

            The President

         J. KORKEAOJA

      (1)  OJ L 357, 31.12.1994, p. 2.

      (2)  OJ L 357, 31.12.1994, p. 1.

      (3)  See p. 33 of this Official Journal.

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


title: 2008/725/EC: Council Decision of 15 September 2008 appointing a German member of the Committee of the Regions

text:
               16.9.2008

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 247/23

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 15 September 2008
   appointing a German member of the Committee of the Regions
   (2008/725/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 263 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the German Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 24 January 2006 the Council adopted Decision 2006/116/EC appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2006 to 25 January 2010 (1).

               (2)

               A member’s seat on the Committee of the Regions has become vacant following the resignation of Mr Willi STÄCHELE,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The following person is hereby appointed to the Committee of the Regions as a member for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2010:
   Prof. Dr Wolfgang REINHART, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, Baden-Württemberg.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall take effect on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 15 September 2008.

            For the Council

            The President

         B. KOUCHNER

      (1)  OJ L 56, 25.2.2006, p. 75.


Avis juridique important

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32004D0126

2004/126/EC: Council Decision of 22 December 2003 on the conclusion of the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco

Official Journal L 037 , 10/02/2004 P. 0008 - 0008

Council Decisionof 22 December 2003on the conclusion of the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco(2004/126/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 170 thereof, in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2) and Article 300(3) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament(1),Whereas:(1) The Commission has negotiated, on behalf of the Community, an Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco.(2) The Agreement was signed on behalf of the Community on 26 June 2003 in Thessaloniki, subject to possible conclusion at a later date.(3) The Agreement should be approved,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1The Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.Article 2The President of the Council shall, acting on behalf of the Community, give the notification provided for in Article 7 of the Agreement(2).Done at Brussels, 22 December 2003.For the CouncilThe PresidentA. Matteoli(1) Opinion delivered on 4 December 2003 (not yet published in the Official Journal).(2) The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.


title: Political and Security Committee Decision ATALANTA/1/2008 of 18 November 2008 on the appointment of an EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (Atalanta)

text:
               27.11.2008

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 317/24

      POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE DECISION ATALANTA/1/2008
   of 18 November 2008
   on the appointment of an EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (Atalanta)
   (2008/888/CFSP)
   THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular the third paragraph of Article 25 thereof,
   Having regard to Council Joint Action 2008/851/CFSP of 10 November 2008 on the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (1) (Atalanta), and in particular Article 6 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Pursuant to Article 6 of Joint Action 2008/851/CFSP, the Council authorised the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to take decisions concerning the appointment of the EU Force Commander.

               (2)

               The EU Operation Commander has recommended the appointment of Commodore Antonios PAPAIOANNOU as the new EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast.

               (3)

               The EU Military Committee has supported this recommendation.

               (4)

               In conformity with Article 6 of the Protocol on the position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Denmark does not participate in the elaboration and implementation of decisions and actions of the European Union which have defence implications,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Commodore Antonios PAPAIOANNOU is hereby appointed EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall take effect on 18 November 2008.

      Done at Brussels, 18 November 2008.

            For the Political and Security Committee

            The Chairman

         C. ROGER

      (1)  OJ L 301, 12.11.2008, p. 33.


title: Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 13 December 2010 and 14 February 2011 amending the Implementing Measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament

text:
               16.2.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 49/2

         DECISION OF THE BUREAU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 13 December 2010 and 14 February 2011
   amending the Implementing Measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament
   2011/C 49/02
   THE BUREAU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 223(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the Statute for Members of the European Parliament (1),
   Having regard to Rules 8 and 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Under the Implementing Measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament (2) (‘the Implementing Measures’), the Bureau is required, where appropriate, to index-link the amount of the parliamentary assistance allowance annually on the basis of the joint index established by Eurostat, by agreement with the national statistical offices of the Member States, pursuant to Article 65 of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, laid down in Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68 (3). That index-linking may be backdated to the July of the year to which the index relates. This procedure is designed to ensure that the parliamentary assistance allowance remains in step with changes in the salaries of accredited assistants. By Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1190/2010 (4), the Council amended Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1296/2009 (5), taking account of the judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-40/10 (6), and adjusted with effect from 1 July 2009 the remuneration and pensions of officials and other servants of the European Union and the correction coefficients applied thereto. It is therefore necessary to adjust the parliamentary assistance allowance accordingly, as from 14 July 2009. As a consequence of that change, the increased amount of the parliamentary assistance allowance agreed in Amending Budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 2010 (7) should also be adjusted, and the new figure should apply from the same date as the original increase, namely 1 May 2010. By Regulation (EU) No 1239/2010 (8), the Council adjusted with effect from 1 July 2010 the remuneration and pensions of officials and other servants of the European Union and the correction coefficients applied thereto. It is therefore necessary to adjust the parliamentary assistance allowance accordingly, as from 1 July 2010.

               (2)

               The Implementing Measures also provide that the Bureau may index-link Members’ travel allowances, the general expenditure allowance and the subsistence allowance, up to a maximum increase equal to the annual inflation rate in the European Union in October of the previous year, as published by Eurostat. The inflation rate between 1 November 2009 and 31 October 2010 as notified by Eurostat on 16 November 2010 was 2,3 %. The new figures should apply from 1 January 2011,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The Implementing Measures are amended as follows:

               1.

               in Article 15, point (c) is replaced by the following:

                           ‘(c)

                           in the event of travel by car: EUR 0,50/km, plus the cost of any ferry crossing, or similar transport, required.’;

               2.

               in Article 20(1), point (a) is replaced by the following:

                           ‘(a)

                           for the part of the journey between 0 and 50 km: EUR 22,51;’;

               3.

               Article 22 is amended as follows:

                           (a)

                           paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:
                           ‘1.   The maximum annual amount which may be reimbursed in respect of travel expenses incurred in the cases referred to in Article 10(1), point (b) shall be EUR 4 243.’;

                           (b)

                           the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:
                           ‘3.   The maximum annual amount which may be reimbursed in respect of the travel expenses actually incurred by committee or subcommittee chairs travelling to attend conferences or events which deal with a matter of European interest falling within the sphere of responsibility of their committee or subcommittee and which have a parliamentary dimension shall be EUR 4 243. Such participation shall require prior authorisation from the President of Parliament, following verification that appropriations up to the maximum amount indicated above are available.’;

               4.

               in Article 24, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:
               ‘2.   If the official activity takes place on the territory of the Community, a Member shall receive a lump-sum allowance of EUR 304.’;

               5.

               in Article 26, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:
               ‘2.   The monthly amount of the allowance under Article 25 shall be EUR 4 299.’;

               6.

               in Article 33, paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:
               ‘4.   The maximum monthly amount defrayable in respect of all the personal staff referred to in Article 34 shall be EUR 18 189. With effect from 1 May 2010, that amount shall be EUR 19 689. With effect from 1 July 2010, that amount shall be EUR 19 709.’.

         Article 2
   1.   This Decision shall enter into force the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
   2.   Article 1, points 1 to 5, shall apply from 1 January 2011.
   3.   Article 1, point 6, shall apply from 14 July 2009.

      (1)  Decision 2005/684/EC, Euratom of the European Parliament of 28 September 2005 adopting the Statute for Members of the European Parliament (OJ L 262, 7.10.2005, p. 1).

      (2)  Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 19 May and 9 July 2008 concerning implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament (OJ C 159, 13.7.2009, p. 1).

      (3)  OJ L 56, 4.3.1968, p. 1.

      (4)  OJ L 333, 17.12.2010, p. 1.

      (5)  Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1296/2009 of 23 December 2009 adjusting with effect from 1 July 2009 the remuneration and pensions of officials and other servants of the European Union and the correction coefficients applied thereto (OJ L 348, 29.12.2009, p. 10).

      (6)  Judgment of 24 November 2010 in Case C-40/10 Commission v Council (not yet published in the European Court Reports).

      (7)  OJ L 183, 16.7.2010, p. 1.

      (8)  OJ L 338, 22.12.2010, p. 1.


title: 2009/336/EC: Commission Decision of 20 April 2009 setting up the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency for the management of Community action in the fields of education, audiovisual and culture in application of Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003

text:
               21.4.2009

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 101/26

      COMMISSION DECISION

   of 20 April 2009
   setting up the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency for the management of Community action in the fields of education, audiovisual and culture in application of Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003
   (2009/336/EC)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   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 (1), and in particular Article 3(1) thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By means of Commission Decision 2005/56/EC (2), the Commission created the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (hereinafter referred to as the Agency) and entrusted it with the management of Community action in the fields of education, audiovisual and culture.

               (2)

               Subsequently, the Commission amended the Agency's remit on several occasions, extending it to cover the management of new projects and programmes.

               (3)

               The introduction of new amendments means that, for reasons of clarity, Decision 2005/56/EC has to be replaced by this Decision.

               (4)

               Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 empowers the Commission to set up executive agencies in accordance with the general statute laid down by that Regulation and to entrust them with certain management tasks relating to one or more Community programmes.

               (5)

               The purpose of empowering the Commission to set up executive agencies is to allow it to focus on its core activities and functions, which cannot be outsourced, without relinquishing control over, or ultimate responsibility for, activities managed by the said executive agencies.

               (6)

               Management of certain centralised strands of a number of programmes in the fields of education, audiovisual and culture involves implementation of technical projects which do not entail political decision-making and requires a high level of technical and financial expertise throughout the project cycle.

               (7)

               The delegation, to an executive agency, of tasks related to implementation of the programme is possible with a clear separation between, on the one hand, the project programming stages and the adoption of funding decisions, which should be carried out by the Commission, and, on the other hand, the project implementation, which can be entrusted to an executive agency.

               (8)

               The setting up of an executive agency affects neither the delegation by the Council to the Commission of the management of certain phases of action under the various programmes nor the delegation of management tasks to national agencies under certain programmes.

               (9)

               A cost-benefit analysis carried out for that purpose has shown that using an executive agency to manage certain centralised strands of programmes in the fields of education and culture is the most advantageous of the options available, both in financial and in non-financial terms.

               (10)

               The programme for the enhancement of quality in higher education and the promotion of intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries (Erasmus Mundus) is part of the agency's current mandate; this programme expired on 31 December 2008 and was replaced, for the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013, by the Erasmus Mundus action programme 2009-2013 for the enhancement of quality in higher education and the promotion of intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries (hereinafter referred to as Erasmus Mundus II).

               (11)

               An external evaluation completed in February 2009 by the Commission showed that the use of an executive agency was the best solution for managing Erasmus Mundus II. The evaluation therefore recommended that the agency's mandate be extended to include the management of this programme.

               (12)

               Commission Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004 (3) establishes a standard financial regulation for executive agencies pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 58/2003.

               (13)

               The measures provided for by this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Executive Agencies.

               (14)

               Decision 2005/56/EC should be repealed,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Establishment of the Agency
   1.   An executive agency (hereinafter referred to as the Agency) for the management of Community action in the fields of education, audiovisual and culture, the statute and main operating rules of which are laid down in Regulation (EC) No 58/2003, is hereby established.
   2.   The name of the Agency shall be the ‘Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency’.
   Article 2
   Location
   The Agency shall be located in Brussels.
   Article 3
   Duration
   The Agency is hereby established for the period beginning on 1 January 2005 and ending on 31 December 2015.
   Article 4
   Objectives and tasks
   1.   The Agency is hereby entrusted with the management of certain strands of the following Community programmes:

               1.

               projects in the field of higher education eligible for funding under the provisions on economic aid for certain countries of central and eastern Europe (phare), as provided for in Council Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 (4);

               2.

               the programme encouraging the development and distribution of European audiovisual works (MEDIA II — Development and distribution) (1996-2000), approved by Council Decision 95/563/EC (5);

               3.

               the training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry (MEDIA II — Training) (1996-2000), approved by Council Decision 95/564/EC (6);

               4.

               the second phase of the Community action programme in the field of education ‘Socrates’ (2000-2006), approved by Decision No 253/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (7);

               5.

               the second phase of the Community vocational training action programme ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ (2000-2006), approved by Council Decision 1999/382/EC (8);

               6.

               the ‘Youth’ Community action programme (2000-2006), approved by Decision No 1031/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (9);

               7.

               the ‘Culture 2000’ programme (2000-2006), approved by Decision No 508/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (10);

               8.

               projects in the field of higher education eligible for funding under the provisions on assistance for the partner States of Eastern Europe and Central Asia (2000-2006), as provided for in Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 99/2000 (11);

               9.

               projects in the field of higher education eligible for funding under the provisions on assistance for Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo (UNSCR 1244) (2000-2006), approved under Council Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000 (12);

               10.

               projects in the field of higher education eligible for funding under the provisions on financial and technical measures to accompany the reform of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership (MEDA), approved under Council Regulation (EC) No 2698/2000 (13);

               11.

               the third phase of the trans-European cooperation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006), approved by Council Decision 1999/311/EC (14);

               12.

               projects eligible for funding under the provisions of the Agreement between the European Community and the United States of America renewing a programme of cooperation in the field of higher education and vocational education and training (2001-2005), approved by Council Decision 2001/196/EC (15);

               13.

               projects eligible for funding under the provisions of the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Canada renewing a cooperation programme in the field of higher education and training (2001-2005), approved by Council Decision 2001/197/EC (16);

               14.

               the programme to encourage the development of European audiovisual works (MEDIA Plus — Development, Distribution and Promotion) (2001-2006), approved by Council Decision 2000/821/EC (17);

               15.

               the training programme for professionals of the European audiovisual programme industry (MEDIA — Training) (2001-2006), approved by Decision No 163/2001/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (18);

               16.

               the multiannual programme for the effective integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education and training systems in Europe (e-Learning) (2004-2006), approved by Decision No 2318/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (19);

               17.

               the Community action programme to promote active European citizenship (civic participation) (2004-2006), approved by Council Decision 2004/100/EC (20);

               18.

               the Community action programme to promote bodies active at European level in the field of youth (2004-2006), approved by Decision No 790/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (21);

               19.

               the Community action programme to promote bodies active at European level and support specific activities in the field of education and training (2004-2006), approved by Decision No 791/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (22);

               20.

               the Community action programme to promote bodies active at European level in the field of culture (2004-2006), approved by Decision No 792/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (23);

               21.

               the programme for the enhancement of quality in higher education and the promotion of intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries (Erasmus Mundus) (2004-2008), approved by Decision No 2317/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (24);

               22.

               projects eligible for funding under the provisions of the Agreement between the European Community and the United States of America renewing the programme of cooperation in the field of higher education and vocational education and training (2006-2013), approved by Council Decision 2006/910/EC (25);

               23.

               projects eligible for funding under the provisions of the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Canada establishing a cooperation framework in the fields of higher education, training and youth (2006-2013), approved by Council Decision 2006/964/EC (26);

               24.

               the action programme in the field of lifelong learning (2007-2013), approved by Decision No 1720/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (27);

               25.

               the ‘Culture’ programme (2007-2013), approved by Decision No 1855/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (28);

               26.

               the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme to promote active European citizenship (2007-2013), approved by Decision No 1904/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (29);

               27.

               the ‘Youth in Action’ programme (2007-2013), approved by Decision No 1719/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (30);

               28.

               the support programme for the European audiovisual sector (MEDIA 2007) (2007-2013), approved by Decision No 1718/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (31);

               29.

               the Erasmus Mundus (II) action programme 2009-2013 for the enhancement of quality in higher education and the promotion of intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries, approved by Decision No 1298/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (32);

               30.

               projects in the field of higher education eligible for funding under the provisions on aid for economic cooperation with the developing countries in Asia, approved under Council Regulation (EEC) No 443/92 (33);

               31.

               projects in the fields of higher education and youth eligible for funding under the provisions of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), established by Council Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 (34);

               32.

               projects in the field of higher education eligible for funding under the provisions of the European neighbourhood and partnership instrument, created by Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (35);

               33.

               projects in the field of higher education eligible for funding under the provisions of the financing instrument for development cooperation, established by Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (36);

               34.

               projects in the field of higher education and youth eligible for funding under the provisions of the financing instrument for cooperation with industrialised and other high-income countries and territories, established by Council Regulation (EC) No 1934/2006 (37);

               35.

               projects in the field of higher education eligible for funding from the European Development Fund, pursuant to the Partnership Agreement between members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (Council Decision 2003/159/EC (38)), as amended by the Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (Council Decision 2005/599/EC (39)).

         2.   The Agency shall be responsible for the following tasks for the management of the Community programme strands referred to in paragraph 1:

               (a)

               managing, throughout their duration, the projects implementing the Community programmes entrusted to it, on the basis of the annual work programme which serves as a funding decision with regard to grants and contracts in the fields of education, audiovisual and culture and is adopted by the Commission, or on the basis of specific funding decisions adopted by the Commission, and the necessary checks to that end, by adopting the relevant decisions where the Commission has empowered it to do so;

               (b)

               adopting the instruments of budget implementation for revenue and expenditure and carrying out, where the Commission has empowered it to do so, some or all of the operations necessary for the management of the Community programmes and, in particular, those linked to the award of grants and contracts;

               (c)

               gathering, analysing and passing on to the Commission all the information needed to guide the implementation of the Community programmes;

               (d)

               the implementation, at Community level, of the network of information on education in Europe (Eurydice) for the collection, analysis and dissemination of information and the production of studies and publications.

         3.   The Agency may be empowered by the Commission, after receiving the opinion of the Committee for Executive Agencies, to carry out tasks of the same type under Community programmes in the fields of education, audiovisual and culture, within the meaning of Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 58/2003, other than those referred to in paragraph 1.
   4.   The Commission Decision delegating authority to the Agency shall set out in detail all the tasks entrusted to it and shall be amended should any additional tasks be entrusted to the Agency. It shall be forwarded, for information purposes, to the Committee for Executive Agencies.
   Article 5
   Organisational structure
   1.   The Agency shall be managed by a Steering Committee and a Director appointed by the Commission.
   2.   The members of the Steering Committee shall be appointed for two years.
   3.   The Director of the Agency shall be appointed, in principle, for four years. The term of his or her mandate shall take into account the period envisaged for carrying out the Community programmes whose management is delegated to the Agency.
   Article 6
   Grant
   Without prejudice to any other revenue, the Agency shall receive, for its operation, a grant entered in the General Budget of the European Union and resources from the European Development Fund. This grant and these resources shall be taken from the funds allocated to the programmes referred to in Article 4(1) and, if necessary, from the funds allocated to other Community programmes the implementation of which has been entrusted to the Agency pursuant to Article 4(3).
   Article 7
   Supervision and reporting requirement
   The Agency shall be subject to supervision by the Commission and shall report regularly on progress in implementing the programmes for which it is responsible in accordance with the arrangements and at the intervals stipulated in the instrument of delegation.
   Article 8
   Implementation of the operating budget
   The Agency shall implement its operating budget in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004.
   Article 9
   Repeal
   Decision 2005/56/EC is hereby repealed.

      References to the repealed Decision shall be construed as references to this Decision.
      Done at Brussels, 20 April 2009.

            For the Commission

         Ján FIGEĽ

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 11, 16.1.2003, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ L 24, 27.1.2005, p. 35.

      (3)  OJ L 297, 22.9.2004, p. 6.

      (4)  OJ L 375, 23.12.1989, p. 11.

      (5)  OJ L 321, 30.12.1995, p. 25.

      (6)  OJ L 321, 30.12.1995, p. 33.

      (7)  OJ L 28, 3.2.2000, p. 1.

      (8)  OJ L 146, 11.6.1999, p. 33.

      (9)  OJ L 117, 18.5.2000, p. 1.

      (10)  OJ L 63, 10.3.2000, p. 1.

      (11)  OJ L 12, 18.1.2000, p. 1.

      (12)  OJ L 306, 7.12.2000, p. 1.

      (13)  OJ L 311, 12.12.2000, p. 1.

      (14)  OJ L 120, 8.5.1999, p. 30.

      (15)  OJ L 71, 13.3.2001, p. 7.

      (16)  OJ L 71, 13.3.2001, p. 15.

      (17)  OJ L 336, 30.12.2000, p. 82.

      (18)  OJ L 26, 27.1.2001, p. 1.

      (19)  OJ L 345, 31.12.2003, p. 9.

      (20)  OJ L 30, 4.2.2004, p. 6.

      (21)  OJ L 138, 30.4.2004, p. 24.

      (22)  OJ L 138, 30.4.2004, p. 31.

      (23)  OJ L 138, 30.4.2004, p. 40.

      (24)  OJ L 345, 31.12.2003, p. 1.

      (25)  OJ L 346, 9.12.2006, p. 33.

      (26)  OJ L 397, 30.12.2006, p. 14.

      (27)  OJ L 327, 24.11.2006, p. 45.

      (28)  OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

      (29)  OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 32.

      (30)  OJ L 327, 24.11.2006, p. 30.

      (31)  OJ L 327, 24.11.2006, p. 12.

      (32)  OJ L 340, 19.12.2008, p. 83.

      (33)  OJ L 52, 27.2.1992, p. 1.

      (34)  OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 82.

      (35)  OJ L 310, 9.11.2006, p. 1.

      (36)  OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 41.

      (37)  OJ L 405, 30.12.2006, p. 41; corrected by OJ L 29, 3.2.2007, p. 16.

      (38)  OJ L 65, 8.3.2003, p. 27.

      (39)  OJ L 209, 11.8.2005, p. 26.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2016/554 of 5 April 2016 appointing nine members, proposed by the Republic of France of the Committee of the Regions

text:
               9.4.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 95/15

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2016/554
   of 5 April 2016
   appointing nine members, proposed by the Republic of France of the Committee of the Regions
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 305 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal of the French Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

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

               (2)

               Six members' seats on the Committee of the Regions have become vacant following the end of the terms of office of Mr Claude GEWERC, Ms Annabelle JAEGER, Mr Charles MARZIANI, Mr Pierrick MASSIOT, Mr René SOUCHON and Mr Bernard SOULAGE.

               (3)

               Three members' seats on the Committee of the Regions have become vacant following the end of the mandates on the basis of which Mr François DECOSTER (Conseiller régional du Nord-Pas-de-Calais), Mr Pascal MANGIN (Conseiller régional d'Alsace) and Mr Stéphan ROSSIGNOL (Conseiller régional du Languedoc-Roussilon) were proposed,

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

               —

               Mme Isabelle BOUDINEAU, Vice-présidente du Conseil régional Aquitaine-Poitou-Charente-Limousin,

               —

               Mme Martine CALDEROLI-LOTZ, Conseillère régionale du Conseil régional Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine,

               —

               M. Christophe CLERGEAU, Conseiller régional du Conseil régional Pays-de-la-Loire,

               —

               M. François DECOSTER, Vice-président du Conseil régional Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie (change of mandate),

               —

               Mme Mélanie FORTIER, Conseillère régionale du Conseil régional Centre-Val-de-Loire,

               —

               M. Pascal MANGIN, Conseiller régional du Conseil régional Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine (change of mandate),

               —

               Mme Marie-Antoinette MAUPERTUIS, Conseillère exécutive de la Collectivité territoriale de Corse,

               —

               M. Stéphan ROSSIGNOL, Conseiller régional du Conseil régional Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées (change of mandate),

               —

               M. Thierry SOLERE, Conseiller régional du Conseil régional Ile-de-France.

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

      Done at Brussels, 5 April 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         A.G. KOENDERS

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

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

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