title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1837 of 12 October 2015 on Union support for the activities of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in order to strengthen its monitoring and verification capabilities and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

text:
               13.10.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 266/83

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/1837
   of 12 October 2015
   on Union support for the activities of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in order to strengthen its monitoring and verification capabilities and in the framework 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 of the European Union, and in particular Article 26(2) and Article 31(1) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (the 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 Strategy and is giving effect to the measures listed in Chapter III thereof, in particular through releasing financial resources to support specific projects conducted by multilateral institutions, such as the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).

               (3)

               On 17 November 2003, the Council adopted Common Position 2003/805/CFSP (1) on the universalisation and reinforcement of multilateral agreements in the field of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and means of delivery. That Common Position calls, inter alia, for the promotion of the signing and ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

               (4)

               The States Signatories of the CTBT have decided to establish a Preparatory Commission, endowed with legal capacity, and which has standing as an international organisation, for the purpose of carrying out the effective implementation of the CTBT, pending the establishment of the CTBTO.

               (5)

               The early entry into force and universalisation of the CTBT and the strengthening of the monitoring and verification system of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO are important objectives of the Strategy. In this context, the nuclear tests carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in October 2006, May 2009 and February 2013 further underlined the importance of the early entry into force of the CTBT and the need for an accelerated building-up and strengthening of the CTBT monitoring and verification system.

               (6)

               The Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO is engaged in identifying how its verification system could best be strengthened, including through the development of noble gas monitoring capabilities and efforts aimed at fully involving States Signatories of the CTBT in the implementation of the verification regime.

               (7)

               In the framework of the implementation of the Strategy, the Council adopted three Joint Actions and two Decisions on support for activities of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO, namely Joint Action 2006/243/CFSP (2) in the area of training and capacity building for verification, and Joint Action 2007/468/CFSP (3), Joint Action 2008/588/CFSP (4), Decision 2010/461/CFSP (5) and Decision 2012/699/CFSP (6) in order to strengthen the monitoring and verification capabilities of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO.

               (8)

               That Union support should be continued.

               (9)

               The technical implementation of this Decision should be entrusted to the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO which, on the basis of its unique expertise and capabilities through the network of the International Monitoring System (IMS), comprising over 280 facilities in about 85 countries, and the International Data Centre, is the sole international organisation having the ability and legitimacy to implement this Decision. The projects as supported by the Union can only be financed through an extra-budgetary contribution to the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   1.   For the purpose of ensuring the continuous and practical implementation of certain elements of the Strategy, the Union shall support the activities of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO in order to further the following objectives:

               (a)

               to strengthen the capabilities of the CTBT monitoring and verification system, including in the field of radionuclide detection;

               (b)

               to strengthen the capabilities of the States Signatories of the CTBT to fulfil their verification responsibilities under the CTBT and to enable them to benefit fully from participation in the CTBT regime.

         2.   The projects to be supported by the Union shall have the following specific objectives:

               (a)

               to support the sustainment of the monitoring system in order to improve the detection of possible nuclear explosions, specifically by supporting: selected Auxiliary Seismic (AS) stations and the global radio-xenon background characterisation and xenon mitigation; the enhancements of virtual Data Exploitation Centre (vDEC) administration and associated activities; the implementation of Phase 2 of the International Data Centre (IDC) seismic, hydro-acoustic and infrasound (SHI) re-engineering programme; and the Increasing Test Coverage for IDC Applications;

               (b)

               to strengthen the verification capabilities of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO in the areas of on-site inspections, specifically by supporting the development of On-Site Inspection (OSI) operational capabilities through expanding and complementing the technical capabilities of the OSI Multi-Spectral and Infrared (MSIR) system;

               (c)

               to support the promotion of the universalisation and entry into force of the CTBT and the long term sustainability of its verification regime through outreach and capacity building, including through providing support for training and workshops in South-East Asia, the Pacific and the Far East (SEAPFE) and Middle East and South Asia (MESA) to promote effective participation in the CTBT; for the Capacity Building System Maintenance; for outreach to the scientific and policy-making/diplomatic communities to increase awareness and understanding of the CTBT; and for consolidating and expanding the extended National Data Centre (NDC) in-a-box (NDC-in-a-Box) offering/package.

         Projects are also aimed at ensuring Union visibility in providing support to the above mentioned activities and the proper programme management in the implementation of this Decision.
   These projects shall be carried out for the benefit of all States Signatories of the CTBT.
   A detailed description of the projects is set out in the Annex.
   Article 2
   1.   The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the High Representative) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.
   2.   The technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO. It shall perform this task under the control of the High Representative. For this purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO.
   Article 3
   1.   The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 3 024 756.
   2.   The expenditure financed by the amount stipulated in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the Union budget.
   3.   The European Commission shall supervise the proper management of the financial reference amount referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO. The financing agreement shall stipulate that the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO is to ensure visibility of the Union contribution, commensurate with its size.
   4.   The European 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 financing agreement.
   Article 4
   1.   The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council.
   2.   The European Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2).
   Article 5
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
   This Decision shall expire 24 months after the date of the conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire six months after its entry into force if no financing agreement has been concluded by that time.

      Done at Luxembourg, 12 October 2015.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Council Common Position 2003/805/CFSP of 17 November 2003 on the universalisation and reinforcement of multilateral agreements in the field of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and means of delivery (OJ L 302, 20.11.2003, p. 34).

      (2)  Council Joint Action 2006/243/CFSP of 20 March 2006 on support for activities of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in the area of training and capacity building for verification and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 88, 25.3.2006, p. 68).

      (3)  Council Joint Action 2007/468/CFSP of 28 June 2007 on support for activities of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in order to strengthen its monitoring and verification capabilities and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 176, 6.7.2007, p. 31).

      (4)  Council Joint Action 2008/588/CFSP of 15 July 2008 on support for activities of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in order to strengthen its monitoring and verification capabilities and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 189, 17.7.2008, p. 28).

      (5)  Council Decision 2010/461/CFSP of 26 July 2010 on support for activities of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in order to strengthen its monitoring and verification capabilities and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 219, 20.8.2010, p. 7).

      (6)  Council Decision 2012/699/CFSP of 13 November 2012 on the Union support for the activities of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation in order to strengthen its monitoring and verification capabilities and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 314, 14.11.2012, p. 27).

      ANNEX

         Union support for the activities of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO in order to strengthen its monitoring and verification capabilities, enhance the prospects for early entry into force and support the universalisation of the CTBT and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

      I.   INTRODUCTION
      1.   The building up of a well-functioning monitoring and verification system of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO (the Preparatory Commission) is a crucial element for preparing the implementation of the CTBT once it will have entered into force. The development of the capabilities of the Preparatory Commission in the area of noble gas monitoring is an important tool for assessing whether an observed explosion is a nuclear test. In addition, the operability and performance of the CTBT monitoring and verification system depends on the contribution of all States Signatories of the CTBT. Therefore, it is important to enable States Signatories of the CTBT to participate in and contribute fully to the CTBT monitoring and verification system. The work undertaken in implementing this Decision will also be important for enhancing the prospect for early entry into force and the universalisation of the CTBT.
      The projects described in this Decision will significantly contribute to achieving the objectives of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
      2.   To that end, the Union will support the following nine projects:

                  (a)

                  Sustaining IMS AS stations hosted in countries that need support;

                  (b)

                  Global radio-xenon background characterisation project;

                  (c)

                  vDEC administration and associated activities;

                  (d)

                  Support for Phase 2 IDC SHI re-engineering;

                  (e)

                  Xenon mitigation;

                  (f)

                  Increasing test coverage for IDC applications;

                  (g)

                  Hardware enhancements to the OSI MSIR system;

                  (h)

                  Training and workshops in SEAPFE and MESA, Capacity Building System Maintenance and Outreach to the Scientific and Policy-Making/Diplomatic Communities; and

                  (i)

                  Extended NDC-in-a-Box.

            The prospects of entry into force of the CTBT have improved due to a more favourable political environment, which is also demonstrated by recent new signatures and ratifications of the CTBT, including by Indonesia, one of the States listed in Annex 2 to the CTBT. Given this positive dynamic, in the coming years an increased and urgent focus needs to be put on both completing the build-up of the CTBT verification regime and ensuring its readiness and operational capability, as well as continuing work towards the entry into force and universalisation of the CTBT. The nuclear tests carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in October 2006, May 2009 and February 2013 not only demonstrated the importance of a universal ban on nuclear tests, they also underscored the need for an effective verification regime to monitor compliance with such a ban. A fully operational and credible CTBT verification regime will provide the international community with reliable and independent means to ensure that this ban is respected. Moreover, the CTBTO data also play a crucial role in timely tsunami warning and the assessment of the dispersal of radioactive emissions after the Fukushima nuclear accident of March 2011.
      Supporting those projects reinforces the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The implementation of those complex projects will contribute significantly to improving effective multilateral responses to current security challenges. In particular, those projects will further the objectives of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, including to further universalise and strengthen the norms contained in the CTBT as well as its verification regime. The Preparatory Commission is building an IMS to ensure that no nuclear explosion goes undetected. Based on its unique expertise through a worldwide IMS AS network, comprising over 280 facilities in 85 countries, and the IDC, the Preparatory Commission is the sole organisation with the capacity to implement those projects, which can only be financed through an extra-budgetary contribution to the Preparatory Commission.
      In Joint Action 2006/243/CFSP, Joint Action 2007/468/CFSP, Joint Action 2008/588/CFSP, Decision 2010/461/CFSP and Decision 2012/699/CFSP, the Union has supported the establishment of an E-learning training program, the Integrated Field Exercise 2008 in respect of OSI and the Integrated Field Exercise 2014 (IFE14), Radio-Xenon Assessment and Measurement, Characterisation and Mitigation, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building, Developing Capacity for Future Generations of CTBT Experts, Enhancing the Atmospheric Transport Model (ATM), AS stations, strengthening cooperation with the scientific community, strengthening the OSI capabilities with the development of a noble gas detection system, and the Pilot Project to support the participation of experts from developing countries in technical and policy making meetings of the Preparatory Commission. The projects under this Decision build upon the previous Joint Action projects and progress achieved through their implementation. The projects under this Decision are such as to avoid any potential overlaps with Decision 2012/699/CFSP. Some of the projects under this Decision contain elements that are similar to activities undertaken under previous Joint Actions, but differ in material scope or target different recipient countries or regions.
      In addition to other voluntary contributions and contributions-in-kind received by the CTBTO in support of its activities from donors, such as EU and non-EU States, institutions, and others, the nine projects, mentioned above, in support of activities of the Preparatory Commission will be implemented and managed by the PTS.
      II.   DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECTS

         Heading 1: Sustainment of the monitoring system

      This heading consists of the following six components:

                  —

                  :

                  Component 1

                  :

                  Sustainment of IMS AS stations hosted in countries that need support.

                  —

                  :

                  Component 2

                  :

                  Global Radio-xenon Background Characterisation Project

                  —

                  :

                  Component 3

                  :

                  vDEC administration and associated activities

                  —

                  :

                  Component 4

                  :

                  Support for Phase 2 IDC SHI re-engineering

                  —

                  :

                  Component 5

                  :

                  Xenon mitigation

                  —

                  :

                  Component 6

                  :

                  Increasing test coverage for IDC applications

         Component 1: Sustainment of IMS AS stations hosted in countries that need support

      1.   Background

      This project is to continue to provide assistance to local authorities to improve the operation and sustainability of certified stations in the IMS AS network that are hosted by countries that need support.
      2.   Project Scope

      Meeting the high level of data quality and availability mandated for IMS AS stations poses significant challenges to some countries. Detailed assessments of specific local conditions, targeted improvements of station infrastructure (given past operational experience), resolving impending obsolescence issues, and assisting in setting up appropriate internal arrangements and agreements to support operations and maintenance will improve overall station sustainability and help the local station operator to ensure the required station performance in the future.
      Work under this project would therefore consist, inter alia, of continuing to collect the necessary facts and reviewing sustainability conditions for those facilities of the AS network targeted within this project, station visits including system calibrations, minor repairs, and operator training, additional training to local station operators, infrastructure and security upgrades, upgrades of backup power systems and upgrade or replacement of obsolete equipment.
      In addition, within this project, a series of targeted visits to the local authorities of AS host countries will also continue to be undertaken to raise awareness and acknowledgement of their IMS facilities operation and maintenance responsibilities under the CTBT, to assess current arrangements for station operation and maintenance, and encourage establishment or improvements to the national support structure and resources as required.
      3.   Benefits and Outcome

      Maintain and improve data availability for AS stations.

         Component 2: Global Radio-Xenon Background Characterisation Project

      1.   Background

      The Preparatory Commission measures radio-xenon in the environment with very sensitive systems as an important part of the CTBT verification regime. With the contribution received from the Union within the framework of Joint Action 2008/588/CFSP, the CTBTO has purchased two transportable systems for measuring the noble gas radioisotopes, 133Xe, 135Xe, 133mXe and 131mXe. Those systems have been used to measure the radio-xenon background in Indonesia, Japan and Kuwait. For this purpose cooperation agreements with partner institutes have been established.
      2.   Project Scope

      To continue those measurement campaigns, funds are required for the shipment of the mobile noble gas systems to new locations, and to run the systems in a single location for at least 12 months to cover seasonal variation.
      The location in Kuwait is in the middle of a void of IMS noble gas measurement systems. The portable station in Kuwait has great importance from a network coverage point of view in the Persian Gulf area. Since this location provides considerable information on the characterisation of the global xenon background, the objective is first to extend the measurement campaigns in Kuwait during the implementation period of this project.
      The other system will start taking measurements under Decision 2012/699/CFSP in Manado, Indonesia. The extension of the measurement campaign would allow characterisation of this location throughout an entire 12-month cycle covering all seasonal conditions. After the end of this campaign, the CTBTO is planning to perform additional measurements in areas where the global radio-xenon background is not fully known and understood. Preferred locations are equatorial sites in Latin America, Asia and Africa.
      3.   Benefits and Outcome

      The benefits are a better understanding of the global noble gas background variation, and better coverage of the noble gas monitoring network. Following these measurement campaigns, the systems will be available for use by the CTBTO for follow-up studies of the noble gas background on different geographical scales and as backup and/or training systems.

         Component 3: vDEC Administration and Associated Activities.

      1.   Background

      The IDC maintains the vDEC, which allows external researchers, NDCs, and PTS contractors to access IMS data, IDC products and IDC software. The vDEC was established under Decision 2010/461/CFSP.
      2.   Project Scope

      The objective is to continue to support vDEC as a platform for collaborative research using IMS data and IDC products and software.
      3.   Benefits and Outcome

      The vDEC supports research and development in advanced technologies for monitoring under the CTBT. In doing so, it provides opportunities for research by young scientists and engineers, as well as for researchers in less developed countries, where there are fewer resources.

         Component 4: Support for Phase 2 IDC SHI Re-Engineering

      1.   Background

      Based on an initial phase to re-engineer selected parts of the SHI system, and taking advantage of a significant contribution-in-kind from the USA, the PTS has begun a so-called Phase 2 IDC SHI Re-engineering programme. The goal of this programme is to develop a comprehensive software architecture to guide projects for new development and updates to the existing software over the next 5 to 7 years. The Phase 2 Re-engineering programme is divided again into several shorter phases following the Rational Unified Process for software development (RUP). The initial RUP phase, known as the inception phase was scheduled for completion in 2014, with system requirements and system specifications documents completed. The next RUP phase, elaboration, will go through 2016 and into 2017 and involve the development of a software architecture design and sufficient prototype development to mitigate the highest risks identified in the design. A key objective of specifying an overarching software architecture is to allow the PTS to prioritise sustainment activities. Although the contribution-in-kind from the USA is a significant part of this project, it is imperative that all CTBTO Member States be involved in the process. This will be achieved by regular briefings to the Working Groups and through technical meetings.
      2.   Project Scope

      The objective is to: (1) support two technical meetings on software engineering; and (2) provide contracted services/short-term staff appointment for prototype development.
      3.   Benefits and Outcome

      The overarching objective of this project is to provide a more modern and adaptable framework for software development and maintenance for the next 20 years. The result should be a system and support organisation that is more resilient to change and less expensive to operate and maintain.

         Component 5: Xenon Mitigation

      1.   Background

      The Preparatory Commission measures radio-xenon in the environment with very sensitive noble gas systems as an important part of the CTBT verification regime. Current radio-xenon emissions from Radiopharmaceutical Production Facilities (RPFs) significantly affect background levels at noble gas stations of the CTBTO IMS.
      With the contribution received from the Union within the framework of Decision 2012/699/CFSP, the CTBTO has contracted a study for developing a technical solution which can be used for reducing radio-xenon emissions from RPFs. The study was carried out by SCKߦCEN, Belgium and allowed the development of a trap system prototype based on silver zeolite material which demonstrated promising results.
      2.   Project Scope

      In order to support ongoing efforts for xenon mitigation and as a follow up to the outcomes of work carried out under Decision 2012/699/CFSP, funds are required for further development of the xenon trap system with the following key objectives:

                  (a)

                  Carrying out a scaling-up study of the silver zeolites based trap prototype developed by SCKߦCEN, Belgium, under Decision 2012/699/CFSP, under a wider range of operational conditions with the aim to further assess system performance.

                  (b)

                  Extending the testing to additional RPFs through specific design studies and demonstration exercises in various operational environments. The upcoming KAERI RPF in Busan, Korea is a suitable candidate for hosting such studies in cooperation with SCKߦCEN, Belgium.

                  (c)

                  Assessing the long-term behaviour of selected materials in terms of resistance to high level of irradiation in real operational environment. This will be carried out as part of testing under operational conditions.

                  (d)

                  Integration of high performance stack monitoring systems at RPFs will allow high quality stack release data to be generated and shared with the CTBTO and States Signatories of the CTBT. Detection systems will be based on high purity germanium detectors with high performance for radio-xenon analysis at different activity levels.

                  (e)

                  Development of improved ATM tools for reliable assessment of radio-xenon emissions from RPFs on IMS stations. The tools will be used by the CTBTO and made available to States Signatories of the CTBT to allow independent assessment based on stack monitoring data. The tools will also support configurable configuration of the IMS noble gas network.

            3.   Benefits and Outcome

      Full scale testing of xenon reduction systems under various operational conditions will allow a final design of a concrete technical solution for mitigating xenon emissions from RPFs. The improved performance of the IMS noble gas network will provide States Signatories of the CTBT with monitoring data of higher quality in terms of CTBT verification value.

         Component 6: Increasing Test Coverage for IDC Applications

      1.   Background

      Unit, integration and regression testing represents a recurring, highly specialised and time consuming task within the maintenance of waveform and radionuclide applications at the IDC. Extensive testing is required as part of deploying a new operating system version, releasing a new version of an application or changing the configuration of existing software.
      As the software is quite complex, can be run in thousands of different configurations and often relies on both disk and database access to be able to perform, the development of tests is also complex. Most testing so far has been done by having a domain expert run the software in common configurations, examine the results and compare them with previous and expected results. This manual process is seldom repeatable and relies heavily on the availability of human resources as well as on domain expertise.
      To address these problems, in November 2013 the Preparatory Commission started a project to identify and implement an open-source testing framework that would enable it to run tests in continuous automatic mode. This is a three-year contract that was initiated in November 2013 and is intended to end in November 2016. The Preparatory Commission has already contracted software development services for this work. Union funds are intended to be used to cover the last optional extension, of this existing contract, that will run from January to November of 2016. The Continuous Automatic Testing Framework (CATS) is intended to also facilitate creation and maintenance of test suites and to develop an initial set of integration tests for the automatic waveform processing components.
      The project is currently progressing as planned. The system requirements document has been completed and two open-source software packages (Jenkins and FitNesse) have been identified that together satisfy the Preparatory Commission's requirements.
      2.   Project Scope

      The objective of this project is to follow-up on the implementation of CATS by increasing code coverage through the development of unit, regression and integration tests in particular in the areas of waveform network processing, radionuclide software, and product and data dissemination.
      3.   Benefits and Outcome

      This work will help put in place repeatable quality control processes and will increase the efficiency of IDC software deployment operations. This will result in higher quality automatic waveform and radionuclide software and ultimately in a better service to CTBTO Member States in particular with respect to dissemination of data, products and software.

         Heading 2: Hardware and Software Enhancements to the OSI MSIR System

      1.   Background

      The MSIR system, developed by the PTS through funding under Decision 2012/699/CFSP and complemented by a contribution-in-kind for IFE14, has the capacity to acquire spectral information from an airborne platform over the range from the visible to the thermal infrared. The system is an arrangement of sensors on a stabilised base, supporting instruments as well as processing tools to extract OSI-relevant information.
      Furthermore, elements of the system including mission planning software, inertial measurement unit, system controller, auxiliary pilot and operator navigation system and video camera have been integrated and tested within the PTS airborne gamma spectrometer system enabling the acquisition of data along predefined flight lines. These elements are also available for other OSI airborne operations, including the initial overflight and the airborne magnetic survey.
      2.   Project Scope

      The objectives are to expand the capabilities of the MSIR system and, as a consequence, to enhance the ability of an inspection team to detect OSI-relevant features. The MSIR system has been designed to be modular and additional components can be added as and when funds permit. Testing by the PTS has demonstrated the value of other MSIR sensors that would complement the existing system sensor array. This proposal seeks to complement the system through the addition of dedicated sensors:
      (a)   Multispectral sensor instrument
      Testing by the PTS using a contribution-in-kind system has demonstrated the value of acquiring data in discrete spectral bands in both the near and short wave infrared. In addition, detection capability in this part of the spectrum was highlighted as a key requirement of an airborne MSIR system by participants at two OSI Experts Meetings in 2011 and 2012. As such, this element is a critical element of the proposal.
      The contribution-in-kind hardware used during IFE14 is unavailable to the PTS as a long term loan and, given the near year-round use of such devices, there is a low probability of receiving a similar device through a loan agreement from a State Signatory of the CTBT. Consequently, the proposal is to purchase an off-the-shelf multispectral instrument fully integrated with existing components that is capable of detecting OSI-relevant features in the near and short-wave infrared.
      (b)   Distance measuring instrument
      As demonstrated during various field tests, a laser distance measuring instrument with scanning functionality installed on an airborne platform offers considerable advantages to an inspection team. Currently, the MSIR system does not have the capability to generate terrain data but is well placed to deliver such data through the addition of a scanning laser distance measuring instrument. Such an instrument would:

                  —

                  enable the rapid generation of surface and terrain elevation data that may identify OSI-relevant features obscured by vegetation;

                  —

                  facilitate the correction of other MSIR data and facilitate the generation of orthorectified image products;

                  —

                  enable the generation of 3D models further facilitating the decision-making process within the OSI inspection team and supporting mission planning.

            In addition to serving the MSIR system, such an instrument could also be used as an auxiliary component of the radionuclide measurement system to provide accurate ground clearance data to correct gamma data acquired during overflights. Such an instrument would be particularly valuable in an area of high relief (as experienced during IFE14).
      3.   Benefits and Outcome

      A more efficient and effective MSIR system will enhance the work of inspectors during an OSI. Consequently, this supports Union policy and the Union's determination for the CTBT to enter into force. Furthermore the project has the ability to complement and further enhance the airborne sensors industry in Europe. Several companies in the Union provide products in this field.

         Heading 3: Outreach and Country-level Capacity Building

      This heading consists of the following two components:

                  Component 1

                  :

                  Training and workshops in SEAPFE and MESA, Capacity Building System Maintenance and Outreach to the Scientific and Policy-Making/Diplomatic Communities

                  Component 2

                  :

                  Extended NDC-in-a-Box

         Component 1: Training and workshops in SEAPFE and MESA, Capacity Building System Maintenance and Outreach to the Scientific and Policy-Making/Diplomatic Communities

      1.   Background

      The PTS has successfully worked to build capacity in supporting NDCs and authorised users in a systematic way in the regions of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and parts of SEAPFE. The positive results achieved have been greatly enhanced through Union support. Extending such country-level capacity building to more countries in SEAPFE and to the MESA regions would be a logical consequence. In addition, capacity building systems installed in a number of countries (40 systems, with 20 installations in preparation) are vital to maintaining capacity, but frequently suffer from technical difficulties, often due to harsh local climatic or infrastructural conditions. Some degree of maintenance of these systems is necessary to attain the full benefits of country-level capacity building. Expert-level interaction with the Preparatory Commission is a key means of maintaining both political support for, and technical expertise in, all aspects of the CTBT. A series of regular conferences and academic, diplomatic and scientific outreach events (such as the biennial CTBT Science and Technology Conference, Regional CTBT Workshops and Conferences, CTBT Public Policy courses, and Scientist-to-Scientist Workshops) have served to build and maintain confidence in the verification regime and to highlight the importance of the CTBT as a cornerstone of the global non-proliferation and disarmament regime. These activities also provide a useful avenue for engaging the States listed in Annex 2 to the CTBT but which have not ratified the CTBT with the aim of advancing the entry into force of the CTBT.
      2.   Project Scope

      This sub-project strengthens earlier efforts to build technical capacities at the country level by supporting training and workshops in the SEAPFE and MESA regions to promote effective CTBT participation by countries in those regions. Special focus is put on training for radionuclide analysts based on the software added to the NDC-in-a-box in 2013. These two regions will receive appropriate attention when selecting recipients under the activities included in the ninth project on the extended NDC-in-a-box software and its core element, SeisComp3. One major objective of this is to support States Signatories of the CTBT in integrating the processing of IMS with national and regional seismic networks and merging of normal routine operations like local and regional seismic hazard monitoring with nuclear explosion monitoring by the establishments hosting NDCs. Linkages with the other two sub-projects under this proposal will be sought, for example through use of appropriate common materials in training and workshops and the collection of lessons learned at country level.
      Remedial technical support for capacity building systems that are effectively utilised at country level but which fail due to minor technical obstacles, including securing appropriate internet accessibility, will be provided.
      This sub-project will also increase awareness and understanding of the CTBT in the academic community and among policy practitioners and decision-makers, in particular within the States listed in Annex 2 to the CTBT but which have not ratified the CTBT by offering courses and training programmes on CTBT issues, particularly on the scientific and technical aspects of the CTBT. Developing countries and States listed in Annex 2 to the CTBT but which have not ratified the CTBT will be specifically targeted, in line with the strategies of the PTS for the entry into force and universalisation of the CTBT.
      3.   Benefits and Outcome

      The activities are in line with Union objectives in promoting enhanced global security through increasing awareness and understanding of the CTBT and supporting Common Position 2003/805/CFSP, and through intensified outreach to States listed in Annex 2 to the CTBT, country-level capacity building, including through take-up in the SEAPFE and MESA regions.

         Component 2: Extended NDC-in-a-Box

      1.   Background

      In 2013, the Preparatory Commission engaged in an effort to expand its current NDC-in-a-Box offering with additional software, enabling users to more easily combine data from the IMS network with data from local and national stations and also to significantly improve the NDCs' processing capability. As part of this effort, a license agreement was signed in December 2013 with the Helmholtz-Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, enabling the Preparatory Commission to distribute the SeisComp3 software as part of the NDC-in-a-Box offering to its authorised users for purposes of IMS data processing and analysis. Software development work for the first release of Extended NDC-in-a-Box to Alpha Testers has currently been completed and testing by NDCs is on-going. The framework of the extended NDC-in-a-box was discussed, requirements refined and considered acceptable by NDC representatives during the DPSS sessions of the 2014 NDC workshop held in Vienna (12 to 16 May). At the end of the project, the same NDC representatives, acting as Alpha Testers, will have the opportunity to test the new software distribution at their sites. Interest from CTBTO Member States in requirements definition and testing has been overwhelming despite the time and equipment requirements placed upon NDC representatives that take part in the project.
      2.   Project Scope

      This sub-project will also consolidate the new Extended NDC-in-a-Box package to facilitate its adoption among NDCs while ensuring consistency with IDC software re-engineering. This consists in the following components: (a) addressing feedback received during alpha testing by resolving identified problems and making small enhancements to the software as requested by Alpha Testers. The result of this work should be a first official release of the Extended NDC-in-a-Box distribution; and (b) addressing training needs among NDCs, in particular for the newly developed tools to be included in the Extended NDC-in-a-Box, and for the SeisComp3 package. This will be achieved through two NDC waveform analyst training courses and two training courses dedicated to SeisComp3 as well as through Expert-in-the-field missions to NDCs in need of on-site support.
      3.   Benefits and Outcome

      The activities are in line with Union objectives by promoting enhanced global security through increasing awareness and understanding of the CTBT and supporting Common Position 2003/805/CFSP, and through intensified outreach to States listed in Annex 2 to the CTBT, country-level capacity building, including maintenance of capacity building systems as well as wider adoption of the NDC-in-a-Box software.
      III.   DURATION
      The total estimated duration of the implementation of the projects is 24 months.
      IV.   BENEFICIARIES
      The beneficiaries of the projects to be supported pursuant to this Decision are all the States Signatories of the CTBT, as well as the Preparatory Commission.
      V.   IMPLEMENTING ENTITY
      The Preparatory Commission will be entrusted with the technical implementation of the projects. The projects will be implemented directly by staff of the Preparatory Commission, experts from the States Signatories of the CTBT and contractors. It is envisaged that funding will be used to contract a project management consultant who will be responsible to: assist the Preparatory Commission in the implementation of this Decision, of the reporting obligations during the entire implementation period, including the final narrative report and the final financial report; maintain an archive of all documents related to this Decision, especially in view of possible verification missions; ensure Union visibility in all its aspects; ensure that all activities involving finance, law and procurement are in line with the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3) of this Decision; and ensure that all information, including budgetary information, is complete, accurate and provided in a timely manner.
      The implementation of the projects will be in accordance with the Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA) and the financing agreement, referred to in Article 3(3) of this Decision, to be concluded between the European Commission and the Preparatory Commission.
      VI.   THIRD PARTY PARTICIPANTS
      Experts from the Preparatory Commission and from the States Signatories of the CTBT may be considered as third-party participants. They will work under the standard rules of operation for experts of the Preparatory Commission.


title: 75/194/EEC: Council Decision of 17 February 1975 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Yemen Arab Republic on the supply of skimmed-milk powder as food aid

text:
8 . 4 . 75                      Official Journal of the European Communities                       No L 87/ 15
                                                        II
                                    (Acts whose publication is not obligatory)
                                               COUNCIL
                                            COUNCIL DECISION
                                              of 17 February 1975
           on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Economic Commu
           nity and the Yemen Arab Republic on the supply of skimmed-milk powder as
                                                    food aid
                                                  (75/ 194/ EEC)
           THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
           Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in
           particular Articles 113 , 114 and 228 thereof ;
           Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission ;
           Whereas by Regulation (EEC) No 1827/74, the Council has decided to make 300 metric
           tons of skimmed-milk powder available to the Yemen Arab Republic,
           HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :
                                                    Article 1
           The Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Yemen Arab Repu
           blic on the supply of skimmed-milk powder as food aid is hereby concluded on behalf of
           the Community.
           The text of the Agreement is annexed to this Decision .
                                                    Article 2
           The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the persons empowered to
           sign the Agreement, and to confer on them the powers necessary to bind the Community .
           Done at Brussels, 17 February 1975 .
                                                                       For the Council
                                                                        The President
                                                                          R. RYAN


title: 2013/399/CFSP: Political and Security Committee Decision EUTM Mali/1/2013 of 19 July 2013 on the appointment of an EU Mission Commander for the European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali)

text:
               27.7.2013

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 202/22

         POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE DECISION EUTM MALI/1/2013
   of 19 July 2013
   on the appointment of an EU Mission Commander for the European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali)
   (2013/399/CFSP)
   THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular the third paragraph of Article 38 thereof,
   Having regard to Council Decision 2013/34/CFSP of 17 January 2013 on a European Union military mission to contribute to the training of Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali) (1), and in particular Article 5 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Pursuant to Article 5(1) of Decision 2013/34/CFSP, the Council authorised the Political and Security Committee (PSC), in accordance with Article 38 of the Treaty on European Union, to take the relevant decisions concerning the political control and strategic direction of EUTM Mali, including the decision to appoint an EU Mission Commander.

               (2)

               By virtue of Article 2 of Decision 2013/34/CFSP, Brigadier General François LECOINTRE was appointed EU Mission Commander for EUTM Mali.

               (3)

               On 19 June 2013 France proposed the appointment of Brigadier General Bruno GUIBERT as the new EU Mission Commander for EUTM Mali to succeed Brigadier General François LECOINTRE.

               (4)

               On 28 June 2013 the EU Military Committee recommended that the PSC appoint Brigadier General Bruno GUIBERT as EU Mission Commander for EUTM Mali.

               (5)

               In accordance with Article 5 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark does not participate in the elaboration and the implementation of decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Brigadier General Bruno GUIBERT is hereby appointed EU Mission Commander for the European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali) as from 1 August 2013.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on 1 August 2013.

      Done at Brussels, 19 July 2013.

            For the Political and Security Committee

            The Chairperson

         W. STEVENS

      (1)  OJ L 14, 18.1.2013, p. 19.


title: 2005/319/: Decision of the EFTA Surveillance Authority No 319/05/COL of  14 December 2005  on amendments to College Decision No 195/04/COL on the implementing provisions referred to under Article 27 in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice

text:
               27.4.2006

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 113/24

      DECISION OF THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY

   No 319/05/COL
   of 14 December 2005
   on amendments to College Decision No 195/04/COL on the implementing provisions referred to under Article 27 in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice
   THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY,
   HAVING REGARD TO the Agreement on the European Economic Area (1), in particular to Articles 61 to 63 and Protocol 26 thereof,
   HAVING REGARD TO the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice (2), in particular to Articles 5(2)(a) and 24 thereof and Article 27 in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement,
   WHEREAS on 14 July 2004, the EFTA Surveillance Authority adopted Decision No 195/04/COL on the implementing provisions referred to under Article 27 in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement,
   WHEREAS the EFTA Surveillance Authority, as required by Article 3(1) of Decision No 195/04/COL, will implement a electronic notification system as of 1 January 2006,
   WHEREAS the EFTA States, for the purposes of submission of electronic notifications and related correspondence, have designated one contact point,
   AFTER CONSULTING the Advisory Committee on State Aid by letter dated 30 November 2005 in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 29 in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement,
   HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

               1a.

               Article 3(1) of Decision No 195/04/COL shall be replaced by the following,

                  ‘The notification shall be transmitted to the Authority by the Mission to the European Union of the EFTA State concerned or any other contact point designated by the EFTA State. It shall be addressed to the Competition and State Aid Directorate of the Authority. The Competition and State Aid Directorate of the Authority may nominate contact points for the receipt of notifications’.

               1b.

               Article 3(6) of Decision No 195/04/COL shall be replaced by the following,

                  ‘After consulting the EFTA States, the Authority shall publish in the EEA Section of and the EEA Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union details of the arrangements for the electronic transmission of notifications, including addresses together with any necessary arrangements for the protection of confidential information’.

               1c.

               The second sentence of the fourth paragraph of Annex I to Decision No 195/04/COL shall be replaced by the following,

                  ‘The completed form shall be transmitted to the Authority by the Mission to the European Union of the EFTA State concerned or any other contact point designated by the EFTA State’.

               1d.

               In the Annexes to Decision No 195/04/COL, the reference to the Mission to the European Union of the EFTA State concerned or the EEA Coordination Unit of the EFTA State shall be read as referring to the Mission to the European Union of the EFTA State concerned or any other contact point designated by the EFTA State.

               2.

               This Decision is addressed to the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway.

               3.

               This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its adoption by the Authority.

               4.

               This Decision is authentic in the English language.

      Done at Brussels, 14 December 2005.

            For the EFTA Surveillance Authority

         Einar M. BULL

            President

         Kurt JÄGER

            College Member

      (1)  Hereinafter referred to as the EEA Agreement.

      (2)  Hereinafter referred to as the Surveillance and Court Agreement.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2015/344 of 17 February 2015 concerning the renewal of the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Ukraine

text:
               4.3.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 60/37

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2015/344
   of 17 February 2015
   concerning the renewal of the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Ukraine
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 186 in conjunction with point (v) of Article 218(6)(a) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By its Decision 2003/96/EC (1), the Council approved the conclusion of the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Ukraine (2) (‘the Agreement’).

               (2)

               Point (b) of Article 12 of the Agreement provided that the Agreement would be concluded for an initial period ending on 31 December 2002 and would be renewable by common agreement between the Parties for additional periods of five years.

               (3)

               Based on the Council Decision 2011/182/EU (3) the Agreement was renewed for a further period of five years with a retroactive effect as of 8 November 2009 and is due to expire on 7 November 2014.

               (4)

               The Parties to the Agreement consider that rapid renewal of the Agreement would be in their mutual interest.

               (5)

               The content of the renewed Agreement should be identical to the content of the Agreement.

               (6)

               The renewal of the Agreement should be approved on behalf of the Union,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The renewal of the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Ukraine for an additional period of five years, is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.
   Article 2
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered, acting on behalf of the Union and in accordance with point (a) of Article 12 of the Agreement, to notify Ukraine that the Union has completed its internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of this renewed Agreement.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 17 February 2015.

            For the Council

            The President

         J. REIRS

      (1)  Council Decision 2003/96/EC of 6 of February 2003 concerning the conclusion of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and Ukraine (OJ L 36, 12.2.2003, p. 31).

      (2)  Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Ukraine (OJ L 36, 12.2.2003, p. 32).

      (3)  Council Decision 2011/182/EU of 9 March 2011 concerning the renewal of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and Ukraine (OJ L 79, 25.3.2011, p. 3).


Avis juridique important

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32003D0578

2003/578/EC: Council Decision of 22 July 2003 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States

Official Journal L 197 , 05/08/2003 P. 0013 - 0021

Council Decisionof 22 July 2003on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States(2003/578/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 128(2) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament(2),Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee(3),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions(4),Having regard to the opinion of the Employment Committee,Whereas:(1) Article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union sets the Union the objective of promoting economic and social progress and a high level of employment. Article 125 of the Treaty establishing the European Community states that Member States and the Community shall work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce and labour markets responsive to economic change.(2) Following the extraordinary European Council meeting on employment on 20 and 21 November 1997 in Luxembourg, the Council resolution of 15 December 1997 on the 1998 employment guidelines(5) launched a process with high visibility, strong political commitment and a wide-ranging acceptance by all parties concerned.(3) The Lisbon European Council on 23 and 24 March 2000 set a new strategic goal for the European Union to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. To this end the Council agreed overall employment targets and employment targets for women, for 2010, which were completed at the Stockholm European Council on 23 and 24 March 2001, by intermediate targets for January 2005, and a new target for 2010, reflecting the demographic challenge, for the employment rate of older women and men.(4) The Nice European Council on 7, 8 and 9 December 2000 approved the European Social Agenda, which states that the return to full employment involves ambitious policies in terms of increasing employment rates, reducing regional gaps, reducing inequality and improving job quality.(5) The Barcelona European Council of 15 and 16 March 2002 called for a strengthening of the European Employment Strategy through a reinforced, simplified and better-governed process, with a time frame aligned to 2010, and which incorporates the targets and goals of the Lisbon strategy. The Barcelona European Council also requested a streamlining of policy coordination processes, with synchronised calendars for the adoption of the broad economic policy guidelines and the employment guidelines.(6) The Brussels European Council of 20 and 21 March 2003 confirmed that the employment strategy has the leading role in the implementation of the employment and labour market objectives of the Lisbon strategy, and that the employment strategy and the broad economic policy guidelines, which provide the overarching economic policy coordination for the Community, should operate in a consistent way. The same European Council called for guidelines to be limited in number and to be result orientated, allowing Member States to design the appropriate mix of action, and for them to be supported by appropriate targets. 2003 provides a particular opportunity to use streamlined key policy coordination instruments - the broad economic policy guidelines, the employment guidelines and the internal market strategy - and give them a new three-year perspective.(7) The employment strategy has been exhaustively evaluated, including a thorough mid-term review, completed in 2000, and a major evaluation of the experiences of the first five years completed in 2002. This evaluation pointed to the need for continuity in the strategy to address remaining structural weaknesses, as well as the need to address new challenges facing an enlarged European Union.(8) The successful implementation of the Lisbon agenda calls for the employment policies of Member States to foster, in a balanced manner the three complementary and mutually supportive objectives of full employment, quality and productivity at work, and social cohesion and inclusion. The achievement of these objectives requires further structural reforms concentrating on 10 key interrelated priorities and special attention should be paid to the coherent governance of the process. Policy reforms require a gender-mainstreaming approach in implementing all actions.(9) On 6 December 2001 the Council adopted a series of indicators to measure 10 dimensions for investing in quality in work and called for these indicators to be used in monitoring the European employment guidelines and recommendations.(10) Active and preventative policies should be effective and contribute to the goals of full employment and social inclusion by ensuring that unemployed and inactive people, are able to compete in and integrate into the labour market. Those policies should be supported by modern labour market institutions.(11) Member States should encourage the creation of more and better jobs by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in a favourable business environment. Member States are committed to implementing the European Charter for Small Enterprises and are engaged in a process of benchmarking of the enterprise policy.(12) Providing the right balance between flexibility and security will help support the competitiveness of firms, increase quality and productivity at work and facilitate the adaptation of firms and workers to economic change. In this context the Barcelona and Brussels European Councils called in particular for a review of employment legislation, while respecting the role of Social Partners. Levels of health and safety standards at work should be raised in line with the new Community strategy for 2002 to 2006. Particular focus should be placed on high-risk sectors for accidents at work. Access of workers to training is an essential element of the balance between flexibility and security and the participation of all workers should be supported, taking into account the returns on investment for workers, employers as well as society as a whole. Economic restructuring poses a challenge for employment both in current and future Member States and calls for positive management involving all relevant actors, including the Social Partners.(13) The Barcelona European Council welcomed the Commission action plan on skills and mobility and the Council Resolution of 3 June 2002 on skills and mobility further invited the Commission, Member States and the Social Partners to undertake the measures required. Better occupational and geographic mobility and job matching will help increase employment and social cohesion, taking into account the labour aspects of immigration.(14) The implementation of coherent and comprehensive lifelong learning strategies is critical in delivering full employment, improved quality and productivity at work, and better social cohesion. The Barcelona European Council welcomed the Commission communication "Making a European area of lifelong learning" which spelt out the essential building blocks of lifelong learning strategies of partnership, insight into demand for learning, adequate resources, facilitating access to learning opportunities, creating a learning culture, and striving for excellence. The ongoing process on concrete future objectives for education systems, launched by the Lisbon European Council, plays an important role with respect to human capital development and synergies with the Employment strategy should be fully exploited. On 5 to 6 May 2003, the Council adopted a series of benchmarks of European average performance in education and training, several of which are of particular relevance in the context of employment policies. The Lisbon European Council called for a substantial per capita increase in investment in human resources. This requires sufficient incentives for employers and individuals, and redirecting public finance towards more efficient investment in human resources across the learning spectrum.(15) An adequate labour supply is needed in order to meet the demographic challenge, support economic growth, promote full employment, and support the sustainability of social protection systems. The joint report from the Commission and the Council, "Increasing labour-force participation and promoting active ageing" adopted by the Council on 7 March 2002, concludes that this requires developing comprehensive national strategies based on a life cycle approach. Policies should exploit the employment potential of all categories of persons. The Barcelona European Council agreed that the European Union should seek, by 2010, a progressive increase of about five years in the effective average exit age at which people stop working. This age was estimated at 59,9 in 2001.(16) Gender gaps in the labour market should be progressively eliminated, if the European Union is to deliver full employment, increase quality at work and promote social inclusion and cohesion. This requires both a gender mainstreaming approach and specific policy actions to create the conditions for women and men to enter, re-enter, and remain in the labour market. The Barcelona European Council agreed that by 2010 Member States should provide childcare to at least 90 % of children between three years old and the mandatory school age and at least 33 % of children under three years of age. The underlying factors of the gender gaps in unemployment and in pay should be addressed and targets on the reduction of such gaps should be achieved as a result, without calling into question the principle of wage differentiation according to productivity and labour market situation.(17) The effective integration into the labour market of people at a disadvantage will deliver increased social inclusion, employment rates, and improve the sustainability of social protection systems. Policy responses need to tackle discrimination, provide a personalised approach to individual needs, and create adequate job opportunities by providing recruitment incentives for employers. Council Decision 2001/903/EC(6) of 3 December 2001 designated 2003 as the "European year of people with disabilities". Access to the labour market is a major priority with respect to people with disabilities who are estimated to represent some 37 million people in the European Union, many of whom have the ability and desire to work.(18) In order to improve the prospects for full employment and social cohesion, the balance between income from work against income in unemployment or inactivity should be such as to encourage people to enter, re-enter and to remain in the labour market, and to foster job creation.(19) Undeclared work is taken to mean "any paid activities that are lawful as regards their nature but not declared to public authorities". Studies estimate the size of the informal economy on average at between 7 % and 16 % of EU GDP. This should be turned into regular work in order to improve the overall business environment, the quality in work of those concerned, social cohesion and the sustainability of public finance and social protection systems. Improving knowledge about the extent of undeclared work in Member States and the European Union should be encouraged.(20) Employment and unemployment disparities between regions in the European Union remain large and will increase after enlargement. They should be tackled through a broad approach involving actors at all levels in order to support economic and social cohesion, making use of the Community Structural Funds.(21) The evaluation of the first five years of the employment strategy highlighted better governance as a key for the strategy's future effectiveness. A successful implementation of employment policies depends on partnership at all levels, the involvement of a number of operational services, and adequate financial resources to support the implementation of the employment guidelines. Member States have responsibility for the effective implementation of the employment guidelines, including ensuring a balanced delivery at regional and local level.(22) The effective implementation of the employment guidelines requires active participation of social partners, at all stages, from designing policies to their implementation. At the Social Summit on 13 December 2001 the Social Partners expressed the need to develop and improve coordination of tripartite consultation. It was also agreed that a Tripartite Social Summit for Growth and Employment would be held before each spring European Council.(23) In addition to the employment guidelines, Member States should fully implement the broad economic policy guidelines and ensure that their action is fully consistent with the maintenance of sound public finances and macroeconomic stability,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Sole ArticleThe guidelines for Member States' employment policies ("employment guidelines"), annexed hereto, are hereby adopted. Member States shall take them into account in their employment policies.Done at Brussels, 22 July 2003.For the CouncilThe PresidentG. Alemanno(1) Proposal of 8 April 2003 (not yet published in the Official Journal).(2) Opinion of 3 June 2003 (not yet published in the Official Journal).(3) Opinion of 14 May 2003 (not yet published in the Official Journal).(4) Opinion of 3 July 2003 (not yet published in the Official Journal).(5) OJ C 30, 28.1.1998, p. 1.(6) OJ L 335, 19.12.2001, p. 15.ANNEXTHE EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINESA European strategy for full employment and better jobs for allMember States shall conduct their employment policies with a view to implementing the objectives and priorities for action and progressing towards the targets specified below. Special attention will be given to ensuring good governance of employment policies.In addition to the Employment guidelines and their associated Employment recommendations, Member States should fully implement the Broad economic policy guidelines and ensure that the two instruments operate in a consistent way.Reflecting the Lisbon agenda, the employment policies of Member States shall foster the three overarching and interrelated objectives of full employment, quality and productivity at work, and social cohesion and inclusion.These objectives should be pursued in a balanced manner, reflecting their equal importance in achieving the ambitions of the Union. They should be pursued involving all relevant actors. Synergies should be fully exploited, building on the positive interaction between the three objectives. Equal opportunities and gender equality are vital for making progress towards the three objectives.Such an approach would also contribute to reducing unemployment and inactivity.Full employmentMember States shall aim to achieve full employment by implementing a comprehensive policy approach incorporating demand and supply side measures and thus raise employment rates towards the Lisbon and Stockholm targets.Policies shall contribute towards achieving on average for the European Union:- an overall employment rate of 67 % in 2005 and 70 % in 2010,- an employment rate for women of 57 % in 2005 and 60 % in 2010,- an employment rate of 50 % for older workers (55 to 64) in 2010.Any national targets should be consistent with the outcome expected at European Union level and should take account of particular national circumstances.Improving quality and productivity at workImproved quality at work is closely interlinked with the move towards a competitive and knowledge-based economy and should be pursued through a concerted effort between all actors and particularly through social dialogue. Quality is a multi-dimensional concept addressing both job characteristics and the wider labour market. It encompasses intrinsic quality at work, skills, lifelong learning and career development, gender equality, health and safety at work, flexibility and security, inclusion and access to the labour market, work organisation and work-life balance, social dialogue and worker involvement, diversity and non-discrimination, and overall work performance.Increasing employment rates must go hand in hand with raising overall labour productivity. Quality at work can help increase labour productivity and the synergies between both should be fully exploited. This represents a specific challenge for social dialogue.Strengthening social cohesion and inclusionEmployment is a key means to social inclusion. In synergy with the open method of coordination in the field of social inclusion, employment policies should facilitate participation in employment through promoting access to quality employment for all women and men who are capable of working; combating discrimination on the labour market and preventing the exclusion of people from the world of work.Economic and social cohesion should be promoted by reducing regional employment and unemployment disparities, tackling the employment problems of deprived areas in the European Union and positively supporting economic and social restructuring.SPECIFIC GUIDELINESIn pursuing the three overarching objectives, Member States shall implement policies which take account of the following specific guidelines which are priorities for action. In doing so they shall adopt a gender-mainstreaming approach across each of the priorities.1. ACTIVE AND PREVENTATIVE MEASURES FOR THE UNEMPLOYED AND INACTIVEMember States will develop and implement active and preventative measures for the unemployed and the inactive designed to prevent inflow into long-term unemployment, and to promote the sustainable integration into employment of unemployed and inactive people. Member States will:(a) ensure that, at an early stage of their unemployment spell, all jobseekers benefit from an early identification of their needs and from services such as advice and guidance, job search assistance and personalised action plans;(b) based on the above identification, offer jobseekers access to effective and efficient measures to enhance their employability and chances of integration, with special attention given to people facing the greatest difficulties in the labour market.Member States will ensure that:- every unemployed person is offered a new start before reaching six months of unemployment in the case of young people and 12 months of unemployment in the case of adults in the form of training, retraining, work practice, a job, or other employability measure, combined where appropriate with ongoing job search assistance,- by 2010, 25 % of the long-term unemployed participate in an active measure in the form of training, retraining, work practice, or other employability measure, with the aim of achieving the average of the three most advanced Member States;(c) modernise and strengthen labour market institutions, in particular employment services,(d) ensure regular evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of labour market programmes and review them accordingly.2. JOB CREATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIPMember States will encourage the creation of more and better jobs by fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, investment capacity and a favourable business environment for all enterprises. Particular attention will be given to exploiting the job creation potential of new enterprises, of the service sector and of R &  D. Supported by the process of benchmarking of enterprise policy and the implementation of the European Charter for Small Enterprises, policy initiatives will focus on:- simplifying and reducing administrative and regulatory burdens for business start-ups and SMEs and for the hiring of staff, facilitating access to capital for start-ups, new and existing SMEs and enterprises with a high growth and job creation potential (see also BEPGs, guideline 11),- promoting education and training in entrepreneurial and management skills and providing support, including through training to make entrepreneurship a career option for all.3. ADDRESS CHANGE AND PROMOTE ADAPTABILITY AND MOBILITY IN THE LABOUR MARKETMember States will facilitate the adaptability of workers and firms to change, taking account of the need for both flexibility and security and emphasising the key role of the social partners in this respect.Member States will review and, where appropriate, reform overly restrictive elements in employment legislation that affect labour market dynamics and the employment of those groups facing difficult access to the labour market, develop social dialogue, foster corporate social responsibility, and undertake other appropriate measures to promote:- diversity of contractual and working arrangements, including arrangements on working time, favouring career progression, a better balance between work and private life and between flexibility and security,- access for workers, in particular for low skill workers, to training,- better working conditions, including health and safety; policies will aim to achieve in particular: a substantial reduction in the incidence rate of accidents at work and of occupational diseases,- the design and dissemination of innovative and sustainable forms of work organisation, which support labour productivity and quality at work,- the anticipation and the positive management of economic change and restructuring.Member States will address labour shortages and bottlenecks through a range of measures such as by promoting occupational mobility and removing obstacles to geographic mobility, especially by implementing the skills and mobility action plan, improving the recognition and transparency of qualifications and competencies, the transferability of social security and pensions rights, providing appropriate incentives in tax and benefit systems, and taking into account labour market aspects of immigration.The transparency of employment and training opportunities at national and European level should be promoted in order to support effective job matching. In particular, by 2005, jobseekers throughout the EU should be able to consult all job vacancies advertised through Member States' employment services.4. PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL AND LIFELONG LEARNINGMember States will implement lifelong learning strategies, including through improving the quality and efficiency of education and training systems, in order to equip all individuals with the skills required for a modern workforce in a knowledge-based society, to permit their career development and to reduce skills mismatch and bottlenecks in the labour market.In accordance with national priorities, policies will aim in particular to achieve the following outcomes by 2010:- at least 85 % of 22-year olds in the European Union should have completed upper secondary education,- the European Union average level of participation in lifelong learning should be at least 12,5 % of the adult working-age population (25 to 64 age group).Policies will aim in particular to achieve an increase in investment in human resources. In this context, it is important that there is a significant increase in investment by enterprises in the training of adults with a view to promoting productivity, competitiveness and active ageing. Efficient investment in human capital by employers and individuals will be facilitated.5. INCREASE LABOUR SUPPLY AND PROMOTE ACTIVE AGEINGMember States will promote an adequate availability of labour and employment opportunities to support economic growth and employment, taking into account labour mobility, as indicated in specific guideline 3. In particular, they will:- increase labour market participation by using the potential of all groups of the population, through a comprehensive approach covering in particular the availability and attractiveness of jobs, making work pay, raising skills, and providing adequate support measures,- promote active ageing, notably by fostering working conditions conducive to job retention - such as access to continuing training, recognising the special importance of health and safety at work, innovative and flexible forms of work organisation - and eliminating incentives for early exit from the labour market, notably by reforming early retirement schemes and ensuring that it pays to remain active in the labour market; and encouraging employers to employ older workers,In particular, policies will aim to achieve by 2010 an increase by five years, at European Union level, of the effective average exit age from the labour market (estimated at 59,9 in 2001). In this respect, the social partners have an important role to play. Any national targets should be consistent with the outcome expected at the European Union level and should take account of particular national circumstances,- and, where appropriate, give full consideration to the additional labour supply resulting from immigration.6. GENDER EQUALITYMember States will, through an integrated approach combining gender mainstreaming and specific policy actions, encourage female labour market participation and achieve a substantial reduction in gender gaps in employment rates, unemployment rates, and pay by 2010. The role of the social partners is crucial in this respect. In particular, with a view to its elimination, policies will aim to achieve by 2010 a substantial reduction in the gender pay gap in each Member State, through a multi-faceted approach addressing the underlying factors of the gender pay gap, including sectoral and occupational segregation, education and training, job classifications and pay systems, awareness-raising and transparency.Particular attention will be given to reconciling work and private life, notably through the provision of care services for children and other dependants, encouraging the sharing of family and professional responsibilities and facilitating return to work after a period of absence. Member States should remove disincentives to female labour force participation and strive, taking into account the demand for childcare facilities and in line with national patterns of childcare provision, to provide childcare by 2010 to at least 90 % of children between three years old and the mandatory school age and at least 33 % of children under three years of age.7. PROMOTE THE INTEGRATION OF AND COMBAT THE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE AT A DISADVANTAGE IN THE LABOUR MARKETMember States will foster the integration of people facing particular difficulties on the labour market, such as early school leavers, low-skilled workers, people with disabilities, immigrants, and ethnic minorities, by developing their employability, increasing job opportunities and preventing all forms of discrimination against them.In particular, policies will aim to achieve by 2010:- an EU average rate of no more than 10 % early school leavers,- a significant reduction in each Member State in the unemployment gaps for people at a disadvantage, according to any national targets and definitions,- a significant reduction in each Member State in the unemployment gaps between non-EU and EU nationals, according to any national targets.8. MAKE WORK PAY THROUGH INCENTIVES TO ENHANCE WORK ATTRACTIVENESSMember States will reform financial incentives with a view to making work attractive and encouraging men and women to seek, take up and remain in work. In this context, Member States should develop appropriate policies with a view to reducing the number of working poor. They will review and, where appropriate, reform tax and benefit systems and their interaction with a view to eliminating unemployment, poverty and inactivity traps, and encouraging the participation of women, low-skilled workers, older workers, people with disabilities and those furthest from the labour market in employment.Whilst preserving an adequate level of social protection, Member States will in particular review replacement rates and benefit duration; ensure effective benefit management, notably with respect to the link with effective job search, including access to activation measures to support employability, taking into account individual situations; consider the provision of in-work benefits, where appropriate; and work with a view to eliminating inactivity traps.In particular, policies will aim at achieving by 2010 a significant reduction in high marginal effective tax rates and, where appropriate, in the tax burden on low paid workers, reflecting national circumstances.9. TRANSFORM UNDECLARED WORK INTO REGULAR EMPLOYMENTMember States should develop and implement broad actions and measures to eliminate undeclared work, which combine simplification of the business environment, removing disincentives and providing appropriate incentives in the tax and benefits system, improved law enforcement and the application of sanctions. They should undertake the necessary efforts at national and EU level to measure the extent of the problem and progress achieved at national level.10. ADDRESS REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT DISPARITIESMember States should implement a broad approach towards reducing regional employment and unemployment disparities. The potential for job creation at the local level, including in the social economy, should be supported and partnerships between all relevant actors should be encouraged. Member States will:- promote favourable conditions for private sector activity and investment in regions lagging behind,- ensure that public support in regions lagging behind is focused on investment in human and knowledge capital, as well as adequate infrastructure (see also BEPGs, guidelines 18 and 19).The potential of the Cohesion and Structural Funds and the European Investment Bank should be fully exploited.GOOD GOVERNANCE AND PARTNERSHIP IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINESMember States will ensure the effective implementation of the Employment guidelines, including at the regional and local level.Involvement of parliamentary bodies, social partners and other relevant actorsGood governance and partnership are important issues for the implementation of the European employment strategy, while fully respecting national traditions and practices. The European Parliament will play an important role in this respect. Responsibility for implementation of the European employment strategy lies with the Member States. In accordance with national traditions, relevant parliamentary bodies as well as relevant actors in the field of employment at national, regional and local level have important contributions to make.In accordance with their national traditions and practices, Social Partners at national level should be invited to ensure the effective implementation of the Employment guidelines and to report on their most significant contributions in all areas under their responsibility, in particular concerning the management of change and adaptability, synergy between flexibility and security, human capital development, gender equality, making work pay and active ageing as well as health and safety at work.European Social Partners at interprofessional and sectoral level are invited to contribute to the implementation of the Employment guidelines and to support efforts undertaken by the national social partners at all levels, such as at interprofessional, sectoral and local level. As announced in their joint work programme, the European social partners at interprofessional level will report annually on their contribution to the implementation of the Employment guidelines. European Social Partners at sectoral level are invited to report on their respective actions.Moreover, operational services should deliver the employment policies in an efficient and effective way.Adequate allocation of financial resourcesMember States will ensure transparency and cost-effectiveness in the allocation of financial resources to the implementation of the Employment guidelines, while complying with the need for sound public finances in line with the Broad economic policy guidelines.They will fully exploit the potential contribution of the Community Structural Funds, in particular the European Social Fund, to support the delivery of policies and to strengthen the institutional capacity in the field of employment.