title: Decision (EU) 2017/1632 of the European Parliament of 27 April 2017 on the closure of the accounts of the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds for the financial year 2015

text:
               29.9.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 252/159

         DECISION (EU) 2017/1632 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 27 April 2017
   on the closure of the accounts of the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds for the financial year 2015
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

               —

               having regard to the financial statements and revenue and expenditure accounts for the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds for the financial year 2015 (COM(2016) 485 — C8-0326/2016),

               —

               having regard to the financial information on the European Development Funds (COM(2016) 386),

               —

               having regard to the Court of Auditors' annual report on the activities funded by the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds for the financial year 2015, together with the Commission's replies (1),

               —

               having regard to the statement of assurance (2) as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions provided by the Court of Auditors for the financial year 2015, pursuant to Article 287 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to the Council's recommendations of 21 February 2017 on discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Funds for the financial year 2015 (05376/2017-C8-0081/2017, 05377/2017-C8-0082/2017, 05378/2017-C8-0083/2017, 05379/2017-C8-0084/2017),

               —

               having regard to the Commission's report on the follow-up to the discharge for the 2014 financial year (COM(2016) 674), and to the accompanying Commission staff working document (SWD(2016) 338 and SWD(2016) 339),

               —

               having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the 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 (3) and amended in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on 22 June 2010 (4),

               —

               having regard to Council Decision 2013/755/EU of 25 November 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union (‘Overseas Association Decision’) (5),

               —

               having regard to Article 33 of the Internal Agreement of 20 December 1995 between the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing and administration of the Community aid under the Second Financial Protocol to the fourth ACP-EC Convention (6),

               —

               having regard to Article 32 of the Internal Agreement of 18 September 2000 between Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the Financing and Administration of Community Aid under the Financial Protocol to the Partnership Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Community and its Member States signed in Cotonou (Benin) on 23 June 2000 and the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the EC Treaty applies (7),

               —

               having regard to Article 11 of the Internal Agreement of 17 July 2006 between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing of Community aid under the multiannual financial framework for the period 2008 to 2013 in accordance with the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and on the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the EC Treaty applies (8),

               —

               having regard to Article 11 of the Internal Agreement of 24 and 26 June 2013 between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States of the European Union, meeting within the Council, on the financing of European Union aid under the multiannual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020 in accordance with the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement and on the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union applies (9),

               —

               having regard to Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to Article 74 of the Financial Regulation of 16 June 1998 applicable to development finance cooperation under the fourth ACP-EC Convention (10),

               —

               having regard to Article 119 of the Financial Regulation of 27 March 2003 applicable to the ninth European Development Fund (11),

               —

               having regard to Article 50 of Council Regulation (EC) No 215/2008 of 18 February 2008 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the tenth European Development Fund (12),

               —

               having regard to Article 48 of Council Regulation (EU) 2015/323 of 2 March 2015 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the eleventh European Development Fund (13),

               —

               having regard to Rule 93 and the third indent of Rule 94 of, and Annex IV to, its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A8-0125/2017),

               1.

               Approves the closure of the accounts of the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds for the financial year 2015;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision and the resolution forming an integral part of it to the Council, the Commission, the Court of Auditors and the European Investment Bank, and to arrange for their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series).

            The President

         Antonio TAJANI

            The Secretary-General

         Klaus WELLE

      (1)  OJ C 375, 13.10.2016, p. 287.

      (2)  OJ C 375, 13.10.2016, p. 297.

      (3)  OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

      (4)  OJ L 287, 4.11.2010, p. 3.

      (5)  OJ L 344, 19.12.2013, p. 1.

      (6)  OJ L 156, 29.5.1998, p. 108.

      (7)  OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 355.

      (8)  OJ L 247, 9.9.2006, p. 32.

      (9)  OJ L 210, 6.8.2013, p. 1.

      (10)  OJ L 191, 7.7.1998, p. 53.

      (11)  OJ L 83, 1.4.2003, p. 1.

      (12)  OJ L 78, 19.3.2008, p. 1.

      (13)  OJ L 58, 3.3.2015, p. 17.


title: Decision (EU) 2017/1725 of the European Parliament of 27 April 2017 on the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (now European Border and Coast Guard Agency (‘Frontex’)) for the financial year 2015

text:
               29.9.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 252/330

         DECISION (EU) 2017/1725 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 27 April 2017
   on the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (now European Border and Coast Guard Agency (‘Frontex’)) for the financial year 2015
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

               —

               having regard to the final annual accounts of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (the Agency) for the financial year 2015,

               —

               having regard to the Court of Auditors' report on the annual accounts of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union for the financial year 2015, together with the Agency's reply (1),

               —

               having regard to the statement of assurance (2) as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions provided by the Court of Auditors for the financial year 2015, pursuant to Article 287 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to the Council's recommendation of 21 February 2017 on discharge to be given to the Agency in respect of the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2015 (05873/2017 — C8-0065/2017),

               —

               having regard to Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (3), and in particular Article 208 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004 of 26 October 2004 establishing a European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union and in particular Article 30 thereof (4),

               —

               having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/1624 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2016 on the European Border and Coast Guard and amending Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulation (EC) No 863/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004 and Council Decision 2005/267/EC (5), in particular Article 76 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1271/2013 of 30 September 2013 on the framework financial regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 208 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6), and in particular Article 108 thereof,

               —

               having regard to Rule 94 of and Annex IV to its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control and the opinion of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0137/2017),

               1.

               Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union for the financial year 2015;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision to the executive director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, the Council, the Commission and the Court of Auditors, and to arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series).

            The President

         Antonio TAJANI

            The Secretary-General

         Klaus WELLE

      (1)  OJ C 449, 1.12.2016, p. 208.

      (2)  See footnote 1.

      (3)  OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.

      (4)  OJ L 349, 25.11.2004, p. 1.

      (5)  OJ L 251, 16.9.2016, p. 1.

      (6)  OJ L 328, 7.12.2013, p. 42.


title: 2009/825/EC: Council Decision of 26 October 2009 concerning the conclusion of the Protocol amending the Agreement on maritime transport between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, of the other part

text:
               11.11.2009

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 294/10

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 26 October 2009
   concerning the conclusion of the Protocol amending the Agreement on maritime transport between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, of the other part
   (2009/825/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 80(2) thereof, in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 300(3) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Agreement on maritime transport between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, of the other part (1) was signed in Brussels on 6 December 2002. It was subsequently concluded on 31 January 2008 pursuant to Council Decision 2008/143/EC (2) and entered into force on 1 March 2008.

               (2)

               A Protocol amending the Agreement on maritime transport between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic to the European Union was signed in Beijing on 5 September 2005 and concluded pursuant to Council Decision 2008/144/EC (3).

               (3)

               In accordance with Article 6(2) of the 2005 Act of Accession (4), the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania are to accede to the Agreement by way of a protocol between the Council and the People’s Republic of China.

               (4)

               The Protocol amending the Agreement on maritime transport between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, of the other part (5), to take account of the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union was signed in Brussels on 31 March 2009.

               (5)

               The necessary constitutional and institutional procedures have been completed and the Protocol should therefore be approved,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The Protocol amending the Agreement on maritime transport between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.
   Article 2
   The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the European Community and its Member States, give the notification provided for in Article 3 of the Protocol.

      Done at Luxembourg, 26 October 2009.

            For the Council

            The President

         C. MALMSTRÖM

      (1)  OJ L 46, 21.2.2008, p. 25.

      (2)  OJ L 46, 21.2.2008, p. 23.

      (3)  OJ L 46, 21.2.2008, p. 37.

      (4)  OJ L 157, 21.6.2005, p. 203.

      (5)  OJ L 144, 9.6.2009, p. 21.


Avis juridique important

|

31990D0074

90/74/EEC: Council Decision of 12 February 1990 concerning the conclusion of a Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Sweden on a programme plan to stimulate the international cooperation and interchange needed by European research scientists (Science)

Official Journal L 050 , 26/02/1990 P. 0022

COUNCIL DECISION  of 12 February 1990  concerning the conclusion of a Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Sweden on a programme plan to stimulate the international cooperation and interchange needed by  European research scientists (Science)  (90/74/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 130 q (2) thereof,  Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),  In cooperation with the  European Parliament (2),  Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),  Whereas by Decision 88/419/EEC (4), the Council adopted a programme plan to stimulate the international cooperation and interchange needed by European  research scientists (1988 to 1992) (Science); whereas Article 5 of that Decision authorizes the Commission to negotiate agreements with third countries and in particular with those European countries having concluded framework agreements for scientific  and technical cooperation with the Community with a view to associating them wholly or partly with the programme plan;  Whereas by Decision 87/177/EEC (5), the Council approved the conclusion on behalf of the European Economic Community of the Framework  Agreement for scientific and technical cooperation between the European Communities and, among others, the Kingdom of Sweden;  Whereas the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Sweden on a programme plan to  stimulate the international cooperation and interchange needed by European research scientists (Science) should be approved,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:   Article 1  The Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Sweden on a programme plan to stimulate the international cooperation and interchange needed by European research scientists (Science), is hereby approved on  behalf of the Community.  The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.  Article 2  The President of the Council shall give the notification provided for in Article 11 of the Agreement (6).    Done at Brussels, 12 February 1990.  For the Council  The President  A. REYNOLDS         (1) OJ No C 197, 2. 8. 1989, p. 14.  (2) OJ No C 291, 20. 11. 1989, p. 41 and OJ No C 38,  19. 2. 1990.  (3) OJ No C 298, 27. 11. 1989, p. 30.  (4) OJ No L 206, 30. 7. 1988, p. 34.  (5) OJ No L 71, 14. 3. 1987, p. 29.  (6) The date of entry  into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities by the General Secretariat of the Council.


title: Decision No 804/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 establishing a Community action programme to promote activities in the field of the protection of the Community's financial interests (Hercule programme)

text:
30.4.2004              EN                           Official Journal of the European Union                                             L 143/9
                     DECISION No 804/2004/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
                                                                of 21 April 2004
               establishing a Community action programme to promote activities in the field of the protection
                                       of the Community's financial interests (Hercule programme)
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND                    THE                                  the Community) and in line B5-910 (General measures
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,                                                      to combat fraud) of the general budget of the European
                                                                                Union.
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 280(4) thereof,
                                                                            (5)     Article 112 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No
                                                                                1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial
                                                                                Regulation applicable to the general budget of the
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,                                  European Communities (3) lays down strict conditions
                                                                                for financial assistance for measures specified in a basic
                                                                                instrument which have already begun.
Having regard to the opinion of the Court of Auditors (1),
                                                                            (6)     It is therefore necessary to adopt that basic instrument
Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article                        so that, by adopting this Decision establishing a
251 of the Treaty (2),                                                              structured, specific and multidisciplinary Community
                                                                                action programme for a substantial period, all existing
                                                                                support measures are rationalised and supplemented.
Whereas:
                                                                            (7)     The programme should be opened up to all Member
(1)    The Community and the Member States have set                                 States and neighbouring countries in view of the
        themselves the objective of countering fraud and any                        importance of providing effective and equivalent
        other illegal activities affecting the Community's                          protection for the Community's financial interests
        financial interests. All available means must be deployed                   beyond the Member States alone.
        to attain that objective, whilst maintaining the current
        distribution and balance of responsibilities between the
        national and Community levels.
                                                                            (8)     The European Parliament, the Council and the
                                                                                Commission, when adopting Regulation (EC, Euratom)
                                                                                No 1605/2002, undertook to achieve the objective of
(2)     Activities with the purpose of providing better                             ensuring that this basic act comes into force as from the
        information, carrying out studies and providing training                    financial year 2004.
        or technical and scientific assistance in the fight against
        fraud help significantly to protect the Community's
        financial interests.
                                                                            (9)     The support measures should also take account of the
                                                                                particular characteristics of bodies involved in
(3)     Activities in this field should therefore be promoted and                   protecting the Community's financial interests.
        bodies engaged in this field should be supported by
        awarding operating grants. Experience has shown the
        value of providing support at Community level as
                                                                            (10)    This Decision lays down for the entire duration of the
        compared with national promotional activities.
                                                                                programme a financial framework constituting the
                                                                                prime reference, within the meaning of point 33 of the
                                                                                Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999 between the
(4)     Support for bodies and activities was provided until                        European Parliament, the Council and the Commission
        2003 by credits entered in lines A03600 and A03010                          on budgetary discipline and improvement of the
        (Conferences, congresses and meetings in connection                         budgetary procedure (4), for the budgetary authority
        with the activities of the associations of European                         during the annual budgetary procedure.
        lawyers for the protection of the financial interests of
                                                                            (3) OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. Corrigendum in OJ L 25, 30.1.2003,
(1) OJ C 318, 30.12.2003, p. 5.                                                 p. 43.
(2) Opinion of the European Parliament of 9 March 2004 (not yet             (4) OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p. 1. Agreement as amended by Decision
    published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 5 April          2003/429/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L
    2004.                                                                       147, 14.6.2003, p. 25).
 ---pagebreak--- L 143/10               EN                         Official Journal of the European Union                                          30.4.2004
(11)    The Commission should present to the European                     protection of the Community's financial interests, the body
        Parliament and the Council an interim report by the               concerned must satisfy the general criteria set out in the
        European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) on the                          Annex.
        implementation of this programme and a final report
        on the attainment of the said programme's objectives.
                                                                          3.     Applications for operating grants must contain all
                                                                          necessary information, to enable the Commission to select
(12)    This Decision complies with           the  principles    of       beneficiaries, on:
        subsidiarity and proportionality.
                                                                          — the type of body,
(13)    This Decision is without prejudice to the grants awarded
        in the field of protection of the Community's financial
        interests on the basis of programmes concerning the               — the measures to protect the Community's financial
        law-enforcement aspect,                                                interests,
                                                                          — the likely cost of implementing the measures,
HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
                                                                          — all criteria set out in point 4 of the Annex.
                             Article 1
                                                                                Article 3
                  Objective of the programme
                                                                                Participation by countries outside the Community
1.    This Decision establishes a Community action                        In addition to beneficiaries and bodies located in the Member
programme to promote activities in the field of the protection            States, participation in the Community action programme shall
of the financial interests of the Community. The programme                be open to those located in:
shall be known as the ‘Hercule programme'.
                                                                          (a) acceding countries which signed the Accession Treaty on
2.     The purpose of the programme shall be to help protect                   16 April 2004;
the Community's financial interests by promoting activities and
supporting bodies in accordance with the general criteria set
out in the Annex and specified in detail in each annual grants            (b) the EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with the conditions
programme. It shall take transnational and multidisciplinary                   laid down in the EEA Agreement;
aspects into account. It shall focus on aligning the substance of
activities so as to guarantee effective and equivalent levels of
protection on the basis of mutually agreed best practice while            (c) Bulgaria and Romania, in accordance with the conditions
also respecting the distinct traditions of each Member State.                  laid down in the Europe Agreements, in their additional
                                                                               protocols and in the decisions of the respective Association
                                                                               Councils;
                             Article 2
                                                                          (d) Turkey, in accordance with Council Decision 2002/179/EC
                                                                               of 17 December 2001 concerning the conclusion of a
                    Access to the programme                                    Framework Agreement between the European Community
                                                                               and the Republic of Turkey on the general principles for
                                                                               the participation of the Republic of Turkey in Community
1.    To qualify for a Community grant for an activity aimed                   programmes (1).
at protecting the Community's financial interests, grant
beneficiaries must comply with the provisions set out in the
Annex. The activity must conform to the principles underlying
Community activity in the field of the protection of the                                                Article 4
Community's financial interests and take account of the
specific criteria laid down in the related calls for proposals, in
                                                                                Selection of beneficiaries
accordance with the priorities set out in the annual grants
programme detailing the general criteria set out in the Annex.
                                                                          1.     The programme covers one type of awarding procedure
                                                                          by means of a call for proposals for all beneficiaries.
2.     To qualify for a Community operating grant under the
ongoing work programme of a body which pursues an
objective of general European interest in the field of the                (1) OJ L 61, 2.3.2002, p. 27.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.4.2004              EN                          Official Journal of the European Union                                               L 143/11
2.     The bodies to receive grants for activities shall be selected       percentage of Community co-financing represented by the new
following a call for proposals, in accordance with the priorities          grant shall be at least 10 percentage points lower than the
set out in the annual grants programme, which details the                  Community co-financing percentage represented by the grant
general criteria referred to in the Annex. Grants awarded for              in the preceding year.
an activity covered by the programme shall meet the general
criteria set out in the Annex.
                                                                                Article 6
                                                                                Financial provisions
3.     The bodies to receive operating grants shall be selected
following a call for proposals. The award of an operating grant
                                                                           1.     This programme shall start on 1 January 2004 and end
on the basis of a beneficiary's ongoing work programme shall
                                                                           on 31 December 2006.
meet the general criteria set out in the Annex. On the basis of
the call for proposals, the Commission shall draw up a list of
                                                                           2.     The financial framework for the implementation of the
the beneficiaries and the amounts approved, in accordance
                                                                           programme for the period 2004 to 2006 shall be EUR
with Article 116 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.
                                                                           11 775 000.
                                                                           3.     The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the
                                                                           budgetary authority within the limits of the financial
                              Article 5
                                                                           perspective.
                      Awarding of the grant
                                                                                Article 7
                                                                                Monitoring and evaluation
1.     Financial assistance granted for activities may not cover
all eligible expenditure. The amount of a grant for an activity
                                                                           The Commission shall present to the European Parliament and
awarded under the programme may not exceed the following
                                                                           the Council:
rates:
                                                                           (a) by 30 June 2006 at the latest, a report by OLAF on the
                                                                                implementation of the programme and the appropriateness
(a) 50 % of eligible expenditure for technical support;
                                                                                of continuing it;
(b) 80 % of eligible expenditure for training measures,                    (b) by 31 December 2007 at the latest, a report by OLAF on
     promoting exchanges of specialised staff and the holding of                the achievement of the objectives of the programme. The
     seminars and conferences, provided that the beneficiaries                  report, based on the results obtained by the beneficiaries,
     are those referred to in point 2, first indent of the Annex;               shall assess, in particular, their effectiveness in achieving
                                                                                the objectives defined in Article 1 and in the Annex.
(c) 90 % of eligible expenditure for the holding of seminars                                             Article 8
     and conferences, etc., provided that the beneficiaries are
     those referred to in point 2, second and third indents of                                      Entry into force
     the Annex.
                                                                           This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that
                                                                           of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
2.     The amount of an operating grant awarded under this
programme may not exceed 70 % of the eligible expenditure of
the body for the calendar year for which the grant is awarded.
                                                                           Done at Strasbourg, 21 April 2004.
Pursuant to Article 113(2) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No                     For the European Parliament               For the Council
1605/2002, where such operating grants are renewed, they
shall be gradually decreased. If a grant is awarded to a body                         The President                      The President
which received an operating grant the preceding year, the                                P. COX                           D. ROCHE
 ---pagebreak--- L 143/12      EN                           Official Journal of the European Union                                              30.4.2004
                                                               ANNEX
         1. ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED
            The general objective laid down in Article 1 is to reinforce Community action to prevent fraud affecting the
            Community's financial interests and to combat such fraud by promoting actions in this field and the operation of
            bodies engaged in it.
            Activities of bodies which may help to reinforce and increase the effectiveness of Community action, in
            accordance with Article 2, include the following:
            — organisation of seminars and conferences,
            — promotion of scientific studies and discussions on Community policies in the field of the protection of the
                 Community's financial interests,
            — coordination of activities relating to the protection of the Community's financial interests,
            — training and awareness,
            — promoting exchanges of specialised staff,
            — dissemination of scientific information on Community action,
            — development and supply of specific IT tools,
            — technical assistance,
            — promoting and expanding the exchange of data.
         2. CARRYING OUT THE ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED
            The activities carried out by bodies which may receive a Community grant under the programme come under
            the heading of actions aimed at strengthening Community measures to protect financial interests and pursue
            objectives of general European interest in this field or an objective which is part of the European Union's policy
            in this area.
            In accordance with Article 2 of the Decision, the following bodies shall have access to the programme:
            — all national or regional administrations of a Member State or country outside the Community, as defined in
                 Article 3, which promote the strengthening of the Community's action in the field of the protection of the
                 Community's financial interests,
            — all research and education institutes that have had legal personality for at least one year and are established
                 and operating in a Member State or in a country outside the Community, as defined in Article 3, and that
                 promote the strengthening of the Community's action in protecting its financial interests,
            — all non-profit-making bodies that have had legal personality for at least one year and are legally established
                 in a Member State or country outside the Community, as defined in Article 3, and that promote the
                 strengthening of Community action to protect the Community's financial interests.
            An annual operating grant may be awarded to support implementation of such a body's ongoing programme of
            work.
         3. SELECTION OF BENEFICIARIES
            Bodies entitled to receive a grant for the activity or an operating grant under point 2 will be selected on the
            basis of calls for proposals.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.4.2004           EN                                Official Journal of the European Union                                         L 143/13
          4.      CHARACTERISTICS OF GRANT APPLICATIONS ON WHICH ASSESSMENT IS BASED
                  Applications for grants for activities or, where appropriate, operating grants are assessed in the light of:
                  — consistency of the proposed activity in relation to the objectives of the programme,
                  — complementarity of the proposed activity with other assisted activities,
                  — feasibility of the proposed activity, i.e. the real possibility that it can be carried out using the proposed
                        means,
                  — the cost-benefit ratio,
                  — the added utility of the proposed activity,
                  — size of public targeted by the proposed activity,
                  — transnational and multidisciplinary aspects of the activity,
                  — geographic scope of the proposed measure.
          5.      ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURE
                  Pursuant to point 2, only the expenditure required for the successful implementation of the activity is taken into
                  account when calculating the grant.
                  Also eligible is expenditure in connection with the participation of representatives of the Balkan countries
                  forming part of the stabilisation and association process for countries of south eastern Europe (1) and certain
                  countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (2).
          6.      CHECKS AND AUDITS
          6.1.    The beneficiary of an operating grant must keep available for the Commission all the supporting documents, in
                  particular the audited financial statement, regarding expenditure incurred during the grant year for a period of
                  five years following the last payment. The beneficiary of a grant must ensure that, where applicable, supporting
                  documents in the possession of partners or members are made available to the Commission.
          6.2.    The Commission may have an audit of the use made of the grant carried out either directly by its own staff or
                  by any other qualified outside body of its choice. Such audits may be carried out throughout the lifetime of the
                  agreement and for a period of five years from the date of payment of the balance. Where appropriate, the audit
                  findings may lead to recovery decisions by the Commission.
          6.3.    Commission staff and outside personnel authorised by the Commission have appropriate right of access to sites
                  and premises where the action is carried out and to all the information, including information in electronic
                  format, needed in order to conduct such audits.
          6.4.    The Court of Auditors and OLAF must enjoy the same rights, especially of access, as the persons referred to in
                  point 6.3.
          6.5.    Furthermore, in order to protect the European Community's financial interests against fraud and other
                  irregularities, the Commission carries out on-the-spot checks and inspections under this programme in
                  accordance with Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot
                  checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial
                  interests against fraud and other irregularities (3). Where necessary, investigations must be conducted by the
                  European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and governed by Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament
                  and of the Council (4).
          (1) Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia.
          (2) Belarus, Moldavia, Russian Federation and Ukraine.
          (3) OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.
          (4) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.
 ---pagebreak--- L 143/14      EN                             Official Journal of the European Union                                             30.4.2004
         7. MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAMME
            On the basis of a cost-effectiveness analysis, the Commission may employ experts and make use of any other
            form of technical and administrative assistance not involving public authority tasks outsourced under ad hoc
            service contracts. It may also finance studies and organise meetings of experts to facilitate the implementation of
            the programme, and take information, publication and dissemination measures directly linked to fulfilling the
            objectives of the programme.


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32004D0157

2004/157/EC: Council Decision of 19 February 2004 extending the period of application of the measures in Decision 2002/148/EC concluding consultations with Zimbabwe under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement

Official Journal L 050 , 20/02/2004 P. 0060 - 0061

Council Decisionof 19 February 2004extending the period of application of the measures in Decision 2002/148/EC concluding consultations with Zimbabwe under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement(2004/157/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 300(2), second subparagraph thereof,Having regard to the Internal Agreement on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000(1), as put into provisional application by Decision 2000/771/EC of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States of 18 September 2000(2), and in particular Article 3 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Whereas:(1) By Council Decision 2002/148/EC(3), the consultations with the Republic of Zimbabwe pursuant to Article 96(2)(c) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement were closed and appropriate measures, as specified in the Annex to that Decision, were taken.(2) By Decision 2003/112/EC, the application of the measures referred to in Article 2 of Decision 2002/148/EC has been extended for a further period of 12 months. In accordance with Article 1 of Decision 2003/112/EC, the measures shall cease to apply on 20 February 2004.(3) The essential elements cited in Article 9 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement continue to be violated by the Government of Zimbabwe and the current conditions in Zimbabwe do not ensure respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.(4) The period of application of the measures should therefore be extended,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1The application of the measures referred to in Article 2 of Decision 2002/148/EC, which were extended until 20 February 2004 by Article 1 of Decision 2003/112/EC, shall be extended for a further period of 12 months, until 20 February 2005. They shall be reviewed regularly and at least within six months.The letter appearing in the Annex to this Decision shall be addressed to the President of Zimbabwe.Article 2This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.Done at Brussels, 19 February 2004.For the CouncilThe PresidentM. McDowell(1) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 376.(2) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 375.(3) OJ L 50, 21.2.2002, p. 64. Decision amended by Decision 2003/112/EC (OJ L 46, 20.2.2003, p. 25).ANNEXBrussels, ...>PIC FILE= "L_2004050EN.006102.TIF">LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF ZIMBABWEThe European Union attaches the utmost importance to the provisions of Article 9 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement. As essential elements of the Partnership Agreement, respect for human rights, democratic institutions and the rule of law are the basis of our relations.By letter of 19 February 2002, the European Union informed you of its decision to conclude the consultations held under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and to take certain "appropriate measures" within the meaning of Article 96(2)(c) of that Agreement.By letter of 19 February 2003, the European Union informed you of its decision not to revoke the application of the "appropriate measures".Today, after a further 12-month period, the European Union considers that democratic principles are still not upheld in Zimbabwe and that no progress has been achieved by the Government of Zimbabwe in the five fields addressed by the 18 February 2002 Council Decision (end of politically motivated violence, free and fair elections, freedom of the media, independence of the judiciary, end of illegal farm occupations). Furthermore, the European Union notes that the Government of Zimbabwe has not taken any positive steps along the lines of the measures, considered as benchmarks to assess progress, which the European Union communicated to the SADC on the occasion of the last two SADC/EU Committee meetings.In the light of the above, the European Union does not consider that the appropriate measures can be revoked.The measures will only be revoked once conditions prevail which ensure respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. The European Union reserves the right to take additional restrictive measures.The European Union will closely follow developments in Zimbabwe and would once again like to emphasise that these measures do not penalise the Zimbabwean people and will continue with its contribution to operations of a humanitarian nature and projects in direct support of the population, in particular those in social sectors, democratisation, respect for human rights and the rule of law, which are not affected by these measures. For the season 2003-2004 the European Community contribution to food and humanitarian aid operations in Zimbabwe has amounted to EUR 85 million in addition to bilateral assistance provided by the Member States of the European Union.The European Union desires to pursue the dialogue with Zimbabwe, on the basis of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement, and hopes that you will do everything you can to restore respect for the essential principles of the Partnership Agreement and to put the country on the path of social peace and economic recovery. This would permit the lifting of the suspension of the signing of the 9th EDF National Indicative Programme for Zimbabwe, thereby making possible the resumption of full cooperation instruments in the near future.Yours faithfully,For the Commission>PIC FILE= "L_2004050EN.006103.TIF">For the Council>PIC FILE= "L_2004050EN.006104.TIF">


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31975D0185

75/185/EEC: Council Decision of 18 March 1975 setting up a Regional Policy Committee

Official Journal L 073 , 21/03/1975 P. 0047 - 0048 Greek special edition: Chapter 14 Volume 1 P. 0017  Spanish special edition: Chapter 14 Volume 1 P. 0003  Portuguese special edition Chapter 14 Volume 1 P. 0003

++++ ( 1 ) OJ N C 108 , 10 . 12 . 1973 , P . 51 .   ( 2 ) OJ N C 8 , 31 . 1 . 1974 , P . 11 .  COUNCIL DECISION  OF 18 MARCH 1975  SETTING UP A REGIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE   ( 75/185/EEC )  THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,  HAVING REGARD TO THE TREATY ESTABLISHING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY , AND IN PARTICULAR ARTICLE 145 THEREOF ;  HAVING REGARD TO THE DRAFT DECISION SUBMITTED BY THE COMMISSION ;  HAVING REGARD TO THE OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ( 1 ) ;  HAVING REGARD TO THE OPINION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE ( 2 ) ;  WHEREAS , AT THEIR CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER 1972 , THE HEADS OF STATE OR OF GOVERNMENT UNDERTOOK TO COORDINATE THE REGIONAL POLICIES OF THE MEMBER STATES ;  WHEREAS TO THIS END COORDINATED OBJECTIVES , MEANS OF CONCERTED ACTION AND OVERALL ASSESSMENTS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE PROGRESSIVELY EVOLVED ;  WHEREAS IT IS NECESSARY TO DEFINE THE PRINCIPAL FIELDS IN WHICH THIS COORDINATION SHOULD BE EXERCISED ;  WHEREAS IT IS NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR CONSULTATION ON PROBLEMS OF REGIONAL POLICY AND OF THE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT COMMUNITY LEVEL ,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :  ARTICLE 1  WITH A VIEW TO CONTRIBUTING TO THE COORDINATION OF THE REGIONAL POLICIES OF THE MEMBER STATES , A REGIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE ( HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS " THE COMMITTEE " ) , ATTACHED TO THE COUNCIL AND THE COMMISSION , IS HEREBY SET UP .  ARTICLE 2  1 . THE COMMITTEE'S TASK SHALL BE TO EXAMINE , AT THE REQUEST OF THE COUNCIL OR OF THE COMMISSION , OR ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE , PROBLEMS RELATING TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT , THE PROGRESS MADE OR TO BE MADE TOWARDS SOLVING THEM AND REGIONAL POLICY MEASURES NEEDED TO FURTHER THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY'S REGIONAL OBJECTIVES . WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE TREATIES , IT SHALL STUDY IN PARTICULAR :   ( A ) THE AIMS , MEANS , METHODS AND EXPERIENCE OF MEMBER STATES IN THE FIELD OF REGIONAL POLICY , TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE COMMUNITY'S OTHER POLICIES ;   ( B ) ON A CONTINUING AND COMPREHENSIVE BASIS , ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL TRENDS IN THE VARIOUS REGIONS OF THE COMMUNITY ;   ( C ) TECHNICAL METHODS FOR DRAFTING REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES SO AS TO ARRIVE AT A COMMON APPROACH TO THE CONCEPT OF A REGIONAL POLICY PROGRAMME ;   ( D ) THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES PRESENTED BY MEMBER STATES , PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF THE REGIONS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3 OF COUNCIL REGULATION ( EEC ) N 724/75 SETTING UP A EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND ;   ( E ) THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES WHICH MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMUNITY PROPOSE TO PROVIDE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS ;   ( F ) THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS IN REGIONAL TERMS ;   ( G ) INVESTMENT TRENDS IN THE REGIONS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE COORDINATED IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY MEASURES , TOGETHER WITH MEASURES BY MEMBER STATES , WITH A VIEW TO FACILITATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMMES ;   ( H ) SYSTEMS OF AID WHICH ARE REGIONAL IN PURPOSE OR EFFECT ;   ( I ) DISINCENTIVE MEASURES IN REGIONS WITH A HEAVY CONCENTRATION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ;   ( J ) THE PROMOTION OF BETTER INFORMATION SERVICES FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INVESTORS IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT .  2 . THE COMMITTEE SHALL REPORT ON ITS ACTIVITIES TO THE COUNCIL AND THE COMMISSION . THE LATTER SHALL INFORM THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT THEREOF IN ITS ANNUAL REPORT .  ARTICLE 3  1 . THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION SHALL EACH APPOINT TWO MEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEE . THEY MAY APPOINT ALTERNATES . THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE , AND THE ALTERNATES , APPOINTED BY THE MEMBER STATES SHALL BE SELECTED FROM AMONG SENIOR OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR REGIONAL POLICY .  2 . EXCEPT WHERE THE COMMITTEE SHALL DECIDE OTHERWISE , THE MEMBERS MAY BE ASSISTED BY EXPERTS .  3 . THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK SHALL APPOINT AN OBSERVER TO THE COMMITTEE .  ARTICLE 4  1 . THE COMMITTEE SHALL BY MAJORITY VOTE APPOINT ITS CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN FROM AMONG ITS MEMBERS FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS . THEIR TERM OF OFFICE MAY BE RENEWED .  2 . THE COMMITTEE MAY ENTRUST THE STUDY OF PARTICULAR QUESTIONS TO WORKING PARTIES COMPOSED OF CERTAIN OF ITS MEMBERS OR OF ALTERNATES OR OF EXPERTS .  3 . THE COMMITTEE'S SECRETARIAT SHALL BE PROVIDED BY THE COMMISSION .  4 . THE COMMITTEE SHALL DRAWN UP ITS OWN RULES OF PROCEDURE .  ARTICLE 5  THE COMMITTEE MAY , IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS RULES OF PROCEDURE , RECEIVE FROM INTERESTED PARTIES FROM THE REGIONS AND FROM TRADE UNION AND BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS .  DONE AT BRUSSELS , 18 MARCH 1975 .  FOR THE COUNCIL  THE PRESIDENT  R . RYAN


title: Council Decision (EU) 2017/1779 of 29 May 2017 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Association Council set up by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a recommendation on the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities

text:
               30.9.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 253/34

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2017/1779
   of 29 May 2017
   on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Association Council set up by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a recommendation on the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 217, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part (1) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’) was signed on 25 June 2001 and entered into force on 1 June 2004.

               (2)

               A joint communication by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and by the European Commission of 18 November 2015 on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy was welcomed in the Council conclusions of 14 December 2015, where, inter alia, the Council confirmed the intention to start a new phase of engagement with partners in 2016 which could lead to the setting of new partnership priorities, where appropriate, focused on agreed priorities and interests.

               (3)

               The Union and Egypt have agreed to consolidate their partnership by agreeing on a set of priorities for the period 2017-2020 with the aim of addressing common challenges facing the Union and Egypt, to promote joint interests and to guarantee long-term stability on both sides of the Mediterranean.

               (4)

               The EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities are guided by a shared commitment to the universal values of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights.

               (5)

               The position of the Union within the Association Council set up by the Agreement should therefore be based on the draft Recommendation of the Association Council attached to this Decision,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Association Council set up by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities shall be based on the draft Recommendation of the Association Council attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 29 May 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         C. CARDONA

      (1)  Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part (OJ L 304, 30.9.2004, p. 39).

      DRAFT
      RECOMMENDATION No 1/2017 OF THE EU-EGYPT ASSOCIATION COUNCIL
      of
      agreeing on the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities
      THE EU-EGYPT ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,
      Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, and in particular Article 76 thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part (1) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’) was signed on 25 June 2001 and entered into force on 1 June 2004.

                  (2)

                  Article 76 of the Agreement gives the Association Council the power to take appropriate decisions, for the purposes of attaining the objectives of the Agreement.

                  (3)

                  In accordance with Article 86 of the Agreement, the Parties are to take any general or specific measures required to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained.

                  (4)

                  The review of the European Neighbourhood Policy proposed a new phase of engagement with partners, allowing for a greater sense of ownership by both sides.

                  (5)

                  The Union and Egypt have agreed to consolidate their partnership by agreeing on a set of priorities for the period 2017-2020 with the aim of addressing common challenges facing the Union and Egypt, to promote joint interests and to guarantee long-term stability on both sides of the Mediterranean,

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS:
      Article 1
      The Association Council recommends that the Parties implement the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities as set out in the Annex.
      Article 2
      The EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities referred to in Article 1 replace the EU-Egypt Action Plan, whose implementation was recommended by Recommendation No 1/2007 of the Association Council, of 6 March 2007.
      Article 3
      This Recommendation shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

         Done at …,

               For the Association Council

               The Chair

         (1)  Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part (OJ L 304, 30.9.2004, p. 39).


title: Council Decision of 9 March 1999 amending Decision 94/942/CFSP on the joint action adopted by the Council on the basis of Article J.3 of the Treaty on European Union concerning the control of exports of dual-use goods

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31995D0582

95/582/EC: Council Decision of 20 December 1995 on the conclusion of the Agreements in the form of exchanges of letters between the European Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation, of the other part, concerning certain agricultural products

Official Journal L 327 , 30/12/1995 P. 0017 - 0017

COUNCIL DECISION of 20 December 1995 on the conclusion of the Agreements in the form of exchanges of letters between the European Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation, of the other part, concerning certain agricultural products (95/582/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 113 in conjunction with the first sentence of Article 228 (2) thereof,Having regard to the Act of Accession of the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Whereas the Agreements in the form of exchanges of letters between the European Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation, of the other part, concerning certain agricultural products should be approved to take account of the accession of the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden to the European Union,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1The Agreements in the form of exchanges of letters between the European Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation, of the other part, concerning certain agricultural products are hereby approved on behalf of the Community.The texts of the Agreements are attached to this Decision.Article 2Detailed rules for the application of this Decision shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 30 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 804/68 of 27 June 1968 on the common organization of the market in milk and milk products (1) or the corresponding provisions of other regulations on the common organization of the markets.Article 3The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the person empowered to sign the Agreements referred to in Article 1 in order to bind the Community (2).Done at Brussels, 20 December 1995.For the CouncilThe PresidentJ. M. EGUIAGARAY(1) OJ No L 148, 28. 6. 1968, p. 13.(2) The dates of entry into force of the Agreements will be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities by the General Secretariat of the Council.


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31999D0426

1999/426/EG: Commission Decision of 4 June 1999 terminating the anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of ferro-silicon originating in Egypt and Poland (notified under document number C(1999) 1466)

Official Journal L 166 , 01/07/1999 P. 0091 - 0099

COMMISSION DECISIONof 4 June 1999terminating the anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of ferro-silicon originating in Egypt and Poland(notified under document number C(1999) 1466)(1999/426/EC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community(1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 905/98(2), and in particular Articles 9 and 11 thereof,After Consulting the Advisory Committee,Whereas:A. PROCEDURE1. Measures in force(1) Anti-dumping duties of 32 % on imports of ferro-silicon originating in Egypt and Poland have been in force since 1992, when definitive anti-dumping duties were imposed by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3642/92(3). The duties did not apply to exports by one Egyptian and one Polish exporting producer from which price undertakings were accepted by the Commission by Decisions 92/331/EEC(4) and 92/572/EEC(5) respectively.(2) As regards other anti-dumping measures currently in force, definitive anti-dumping measures on ferro-silicon were imposed against Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Norway, Iceland, Brazil and Venezuela by Council Regulation (EC) No 3359/93(6) in December 1993. Measures on imports from Iceland and Norway were suspended with the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 5/94 of 22 December 1993 on the suspension of anti-dumping measures against EFTA countries from 1 January 1994(7). Measures on imports from Brazil were partially reviewed and, by Council Regulation (EC) No 351/98(8) the duty on two Brazilian exporting producers was reduced to 0 % because of a finding of no dumping.Definitive anti-dumping measures were also imposed against imports from China and South Africa by Council Regulation (EC) No 621/94(9) in March 1994.2. Request for Review(3) Following the publication of the notice of impending expiry(10) of the anti-dumping measures, the complainant in the original investigation, the Liaison Committee of the Ferro-Alloy Industry ("Euroalliages", hereinafter "the applicant"), requested an expiry review of the measures pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EC) No 384/96 (hereinafter the "basic Regulation").(4) Having determined, after consultation of the Advisory Committee, that sufficient evidence existed for the initiation of an expiry review, the Commission published a notice of initiation in the Official Journal of the European Communities(11) and commenced the investigation.3. Investigation(5) The investigation of dumping covered the period from l July 1996 to 30 June 1997 (hereinafter the "investigation period"). The examination of injury covered the period from 1993 up to the end of the investigation period.(6) At the time of the original investigation, the Community industry on behalf of which the complaint was lodged consisted of six producers; Pechiney Electrometallurgie, France; SKW Trostberg AG, Germany; Ferrolegierungswerk Lippendorf GmbH, Germany; Carburos Metalicos, Spain; Industria Elettrica Indel Spa, Italy; and Utilizzazzioni Elettro Industriali UEI, Italy.(7) After the imposition of the measures under review, the structure of the Community industry changed as a result, on the one hand, of the accession of the new Member States, and, on the other, of economic changes within the industry. This resulted in there being four Community producers of the product concerned producing for sale on the Community market. The present expiry review was requested on behalf of these four producers representing all of the Community's non-captive production of the product concerned.(8) Three of the four Community producers (Vargön Alloys AB in Sweden, Ferroatlantica in Spain, formerly Carburos Metalicos, and Pechiney Electrometallurgie in France), representing 96 % and thus a major proportion of Community production, cooperated actively in the investigation and responded to the Commission's questionnaire. The fourth producer, Industria Elettrica Indel Spa (Italy) was not able to cooperate since it was undergoing a restructuring process. Hereinafter the "Community industry" is defined as the three abovementioned cooperating Community producers.(9) The Commission officially advised the applicant Community producers, exporting producers and importers known to be concerned, representatives of the exporting countries concerned, as well as the applicant, of the initiation of the review investigation, and gave interested parties the opportunity to make their views known and to request a hearing within the time limit set in the notice of initiation.The Commission sent questionnaires to all parties known to be concerned and received replies from Community producers and importers, as well as from exporting producers in Egypt and Poland.Anumber of exporting producers in the countries concerned, as well as Community producers, Community users and importers made their views known in writing. All parties who so requested within the above time limit, and indicated that there were particular reasons why they should be heard, were granted hearings.(10) The Commission sought and verified all the information deemed necessary for its investigation, and carried out verifications at the premises of the following companies:(a) Community producers:- Vargön Alloys AB, Sweden,- Ferroatlantica, Spain,- Pechiney Electrometallurgie, France.(b) Importers:Deutsche Erz- and Metall-Union GmbH, Germany.(c) Exporting producers in Egypt:EFACO, KIMA.(d) Exporting producers in Poland:Huta Laziska.B. PRODUCT UNDER CONSIDERATION1. Product concerned(11) The product concerned by this investigation is the same as that concerned by the original investigation, i.e. ferro-silicon. Production of ferro-silicon takes place in electric arc furnaces by means of reducing quartz using carbon bearing products.The product is used as a deoxidiser and as an alloying component by the iron and steel industry.Ferro-silicon is sold in the form of lumps, grains or powder and exists in various qualities depending on the silicon content and the impurity content (i.e. aluminium, carbon, etc.).(12) It was found that all different forms and qualities of ferro-silicon exported from the countries concerned had the same basic physical and chemical characteristics and essentially the same end uses. They were therefore considered to form a single product. The product under consideration currently falls within CN codes 72022110, 7202 21 90 and 7202 29 90.2. Like product(13) It was established that the ferro-silicon produced and sold in the Egyptian and Polish markets was alike within the meaning of Article 1(4) of the basic Regulation to the ferro-silicon exported, from Egypt and Poland to the Community as they were identical, or closely resembling, in terms of physical characteristics and end uses. Furthermore, ferro-silicon produced and sold in the Community market by the Community industry was found equally to be alike to that exported from Egypt and Poland within the meaning of Article 1(4) of the basic Regulation.C. DUMPING(14) The question of dumping was not pursued, given the findings on the situation of the Community industry and recurrence of injury below.D. SITUATION IN THE COMMUNITY MARKET OF FERRO-SILICION1. Community market for ferro-silicon(15) Taking into account the production of the complainant Community producers, and an estimate of the production of the non-cooperating producer, together with the total imports of the product concerned into the Community minus exports from the Community, the development of Community apparent consumption of the product concerned is shown below:>TABLE>2. Volumes and market shares of the imports concerned(16) The development of import volumes from the two exporting countries concerned based on the data reported by Eurostat was as follows:>TABLE>(17) The differences in the development of imports from Egypt and Poland are reflected in the market shares of the countries concerned. The share of the Community market for ferro-silicon accounted for by Poland was:>TABLE>It should be noted that at the time of the previous investigation the market share of Poland was around 5 %.The market share accounted for by Egypt, on the other hand, peaked in 1995, but by the investigation period had fallen back to the levels prevailing in 1993. The market share of Egypt was as follows:>TABLE>The market share of Egypt, at the time of the previous investigation, was about 4 %.3. Prices of the imports concerned(18) The investigation found that the prices of the exporting producers in both Egypt and Poland for exports to the Community were, during the investigation period, above the non-injurious levels which determined the price undertakings accepted with respect to both Egypt and Poland (Commission Decisions 92/331/EEC and 92/572/EEC respectively).(19) As to the development of the prices of the imports subject to investigation over the period examined as a whole, the Commission established trends using Eurostat figures. On this basis, import prices were as follows, with 1993 = 100 in both cases:>TABLE>(20) Price undercutting was established at the same level of trade on the basis of a comparison of the ex-works prices of the Community producers and the cif price, Community frontier duty paid, for the imports from the countries concerned.(21) The exporting producer in Poland claimed an adjustment for quality differences and for the cost of packaging for the purposes of calculating the margin of undercutting.As far as the adjustment for quality differences is concerned, it was claimed that the silicon content of the imports from Poland was often lower than that of Community-made ferro-silicon. Second, it was alleged that the types of ferro-silicon produced in Poland and exported to the Community were of a lower quality than the types typically produced by the Community industry, due to the high impurity content of the Polish ferro-silicon that made it unsuitable for certain uses.(22) These claims were confirmed by the investigation. The transactions listing submitted by the company showed that the ferro-silicon exported from Poland in the investigation period had, in around one third of the cases, a silicon content lower than 75 %, which is the standard of Community production. Moreover, it was found that the degree of impurity of aluminium and carbon in the ferro-silicon exported was higher than that sold by the Community producers in the Community.As to the differences in the packaging of the product, the exporting producer claimed that an adjustment should be made to take into account the different costs between the goods which were delivered in bulk and those delivered in drums or bags. This claim was also considered justified, and the adjustment agreed. Since these adjustments for differences in silicon content, impurities and packaging were already reflected in the existing price undertaking, it was decided to confirm the levels set out in the price undertaking.(23) The same adjustments were made for imports from Egypt, since the same differences were found with regard to the Egyptian exporting producer.(24) Therefore, the sales prices of all types of ferro-silicon sold on the Community market during the investigation period were, where necessary, adjusted to the price for a single reference type of ferro-silicon, for the sales of both the exporting producers concerned and those of the Community industry. Undercutting was then calculated by comparing the ex-works sales price of this standard, reference type of ferro-silicon sold by the Community industry, and the cif Community frontier price, duty paid, for the same product sold by the exporting producers concerned.On this basis, the weighted average level of price undercutting found was 4,6 % for Polish exports, and 4,5 % for the Egyptian exports.4. The situation of the Community industry(25) The sales volume of the Community industry was as follows:>TABLE>(26) The corresponding market share over the period was:>TABLE>(27) The trend in prices of the cooperating Community industry, in index form (1993 = 100) is shown below:>TABLE>(28) The turnover of the Community industry (in 000's ecus) was as follows:>TABLE>Thus, over the period considered, turnover increased by 53 %.(29) The investigation has established that, on a weighted average basis, the profitability of the Community industry, calculated as the return on sales, showed an improvement of almost 18 percentage points, as shown in the following table:>TABLE>(30) Production of the Community industry was as follows:>TABLE>The above table shows that production increased by 25 % over the period considered.(31) The development of production capacity is shown below:>TABLE>From this it can be seen that capacity grew by 5 % over the period considered.(32) Capacity utilisation, on a weighted average basis, was therefore:>TABLE>Capacity utilisation increased by 19 %, or 11 percentage points, over the period concerned.It should be noted that it is normal for part of the ferro-silicon industry to shut down its manufacturing plants during the winter months. The process of manufacturing ferro-silicon is extremely energy-intensive, and in order to reduce costs, production ceases during the time when the cost of electricity rises - i.e. during winter. This production organisation is not reflected in the production capacity table shown above which reflects a maximum production capacity over a full 12 month period. This also explains the relatively low levels of capacity utilisation.A certain amount of stock-piling occurs therefore before the onset of winter so that deliveries can continue.(33) The level of employment directly connected with ferro-silicon production was relatively stable, as can be seen in the following table:>TABLE>5. Conclusion(34) While some of the major economic indicators showed a clear positive development over the period, with a particular improvement throughout in financial performance, where the losses of more than 5 % on turnover in 1993 had become profits of over l2 % in the investigation period, other indicators, particularly market share, show a less positive development. It has also been established that imports from Egypt and Poland taken together remained significant, and in the case of Poland increased, although from a low basis, and were made at prices slightly undercutting those of the Community industry. It should be noted, however, that the relative strengthening of the position of Polish imports occurred after the imposition in the Community of definitive anti-dumping measures on other third countries as mentioned above at recital 2 and that the exports made by the exporting producers were covered by undertakings which were fully respected, i.e. export prices obtained were above the undertaking prices.Therefore, it was concluded that the Community industry has benefited from the anti-dumping measures in force which have served their purpose in removing injury caused by imports from the two exporting countries concerned.E. LIKELIHOOD OF CONTINUATION OR RECURRENCE OF INJURY1. Egypt(35) The development of imports from Egypt is described at recital 20. After rising to a peak in 1995, import levels and market share sharply declined to the levels prevailing in 1993. The market share in the investigation period (1,8 %), was well below the market share found at the time of the previous investigation.(36) As to prices for exports to the Community market, these still undercut those of the Community industry, although they constantly increased after the introduction of the anti-dumping measures and they were also higher than the undertaking price.In addition, prices at which exports were made to non-Community markets were higher than for exports to the Community market during the investigation period, indicating that a redirection of such exports to the Community market was not likely from an economic point of view.(37) In the Egyptian industry, capacity utilisation is currently very high; at 94 %, capacity is effectively fully used, and there were no plans to increase capacity in 1998.Further, while in 1995 exports to the Community represented 68 % of the total sales volume, this proportion had fallen to 45 % in the investigation period; this decline has been compensated by export sales to non-Community markets which almost doubled over the same period (from 15 to 35 % of the total sales volume), while domestic sales rose slightly in percentage terms (17 to 20 %).2. Poland(38) Community imports from Poland showed a large increase in volume terms between 1993 and the investigation period. However, it has been pointed out by the Polish exporting producer that, in 1993, the company suffered a major factory breakdown which resulted in virtually no ferro-silicon production that year. Production only resumed in 1994 but was significantly below the levels reached prior to 1993. Therefore, the Polish producer submitted that a 1993 benchmark is not appropriate and that comparisons should be made on the basis of 1995 figures where production was again at a normal level.(39) On the basis of the above, the Commission examined the development of volumes and export prices between 1995 and the investigation period and found a rising trend of these two parameters. It should be noted, however, that the market share of Poland at the end of the period examined was still below the market share found in the previous investigation. The increase in Polish exports to the Community also coincided with the imposition of definitive anti-dumping measures on imports from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan and the consequent reduction of imports from these countries.(40) As to the capacity utilisation of the Polish exporting producer, this was 93 % in' the investigation period, thus making an increase in the volumes produced in the short term unlikely. As to the proportion of sales to the Community, this rose from 39 % of total sales in 1995 to 45 % in the investigation period.In the light of these developments, the Commission examined the possibility of a change in the distribution of the Polish exporting producer's sales, i.e. whether there would be a further rise in the proportion destined for export to the Community. In particular, it was examined whether the restructuring of the Polish steel industry prior to any accession to the European Union would lead to a collapse in domestic demand for ferro-silicon, and consequently to an increase in the supply available for exports to, inter alia, the Community. Given that domestic sales in the investigation period accounted for 37 % of the sales of the Polish exporting producer, the potential effect of a fall in domestic demand appeared to be substantial. Statistics relating to the steel market in Poland, however, show that the production of steel increased by 31 % over the period 1992 to 1996, and estimates for 1997 indicate a further increase.As to the possibility of reducing exports to non-Community third countries, it way found that average prices for standard 75 % ferro-silicon are higher on non-Community markets than on the Community market, with no substantial alteration in the pattern of exports from Poland to the Community and other countries expected.(41) In the light of the foregoing, Polish exports to the Community are not expected to further increase to any substantial degree, nor are their prices expected to fall should anti-dumping measures be removed. Even with measures in force, and with prices in excess of those in the undertaking, the Polish exporting producer recovered, after the factory breakdown in 1993/94, a consolidated position on the Community market, maintaining at the same time strong domestic sales; it has therefore shown itself able to compete in the Community with prices at a non-injurious level. Indeed, the level of the price-undertaking offered by the Polish producer was determined by the injury threshold in the investigation leading to the measures reviewed. It would not be economically rational behaviour, if the anti-dumping measures are allowed to expire, to try to gain further market share on the Community market by cutting export prices. Moreover, given that production capacity is fully utilised, an increase of exports to the Community could only be achieved at the expense of domestic sales or of exports to other third countries, which makes such a strategy even more unlikely.3. Conclusion(42) In the light of the above findings, notwithstanding the fact that the prices of the imports concerned, though having increased by around 30 % since 1993, still undercut slightly the prices of the Community industry, and on the basis of the substantially improved financial situation of this industry, the Commission concludes that the expiry of the measures on Egyptian and Polish imports is not likely to lead to a continuation or recurrence of injury.In reaching this conclusion, the Commission also took into account the arguments presented by the Community industry that, even in the absence of an expansion of exports to the Community, the exporting producers in the countries concerned could still cause material injury by concentrating sales and depressing prices on the spot market, with subsequent downwards pressure on the Community industry's prices.In the view of the Commission, this argument is not well-founded. The exporting producers' prices on the Community market were well above the undertaking prices, which were, at the time of acceptance, set at the levels required to remove the injury due to dumping. This, combined with their fully-utilised production capacities and improving or stable demand in their domestic and non-Community export markets, makes it unlikely that the Community spot market will be affected by exports from the countries concerned to the extent that injury would re-occur.In this respect, it is recalled that, should the situation of the Community industry deteriorate due to dumped imports from the countries concerned, the industry is free to lodge a new anti-dumping complaint as provided for in Article 5 of the basic Regulation.(43) The Commission informed interested parties, including the Community industry, of its conclusions. After being informed by the Commission of the above facts and conclusions, representatives of the Community industry made further representations, both in writing and orally, concerning the impact of the imports in question on the Community industry. However, no information or argument was provided which could, on examination, revise the above conclusions.F. TERMINATION OF THE PROCEEDING(44) It is concluded, therefore, that this proceeding should be terminated and that the anti-dumping measures adopted on 14 December 1992 by Regulation (EEC) No 3642/92 and by Decisions 92/33l/EEC and 92/572/EEC should be allowed to expire,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:Sole ArticleThe anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of ferro-silicon falling within CN codes 72022110, 7202 21 90 and 7202 29 90 originating in Egypt and Poland is hereby terminated.Done at Brussels, 4 June 1999.For the CommissionLeon BRITTANVice-President(1) OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1.(2) OJ L 128, 30.4.1998, p. 18.(3) OJ L 369, 18.12.1992, p. 1.(4) OJ L 183, 3.7.1992, p. 40.(5) OJ L 369, 18.12.1992, p. 32.(6) OJ L 302, 9.12.1993, p. 1.(7) OJ L 3, 5.1.1994, p. 1.(8) OJ L 42, 14.2.1998, p. 1.(9) OJ L 77, 19.3.1994, p. 48.(10) OJ C 387, 21.12.1996, p. 3.(11) OJ C 204, 4.7.1997, p. 2.


title: Council Decision 2013/72/CFSP of 31 January 2013 amending Decision 2011/72/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Tunisia

text:
               1.2.2013

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 32/20

         COUNCIL DECISION 2013/72/CFSP
   of 31 January 2013
   amending Decision 2011/72/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Tunisia
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 31 January 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/72/CFSP (1).

               (2)

               The restrictive measures set out in Decision 2011/72/CFSP apply until 31 January 2013. On the basis of a review of that Decision, the restrictive measures should be extended until 31 January 2014.

               (3)

               Decision 2011/72/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Article 5 of Decision 2011/72/CFSP is hereby replaced by the following:

      ‘Article 5
      This Decision shall apply until 31 January 2014. It shall be kept under constant review. It may be renewed or amended, as appropriate, if the Council deems that its objectives have not been met.’.

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

      Done at Brussels, 31 January 2013.

            For the Council

            The President

         C. ASHTON

      (1)  OJ L 28, 2.2.2011, p. 62.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2016/1879 of 24 June 2016 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application of the Agreement between the European Union and the Federated States of Micronesia on the short-stay visa waiver

text:
               25.10.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 289/2

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2016/1879
   of 24 June 2016
   on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application of the Agreement between the European Union and the Federated States of Micronesia on the short-stay visa waiver
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular point (a) of Article 77(2), in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Regulation (EU) No 509/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) transferred the reference to the Federated States of Micronesia from Annex I to Annex II of Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 (2).

               (2)

               That reference to the Federated States of Micronesia is accompanied by a footnote indicating that the exemption from the visa requirement shall apply from the date of entry into force of an agreement on visa exemption to be concluded with the European Union.

               (3)

               On 9 October 2014, the Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with the Federated States of Micronesia for the conclusion of an agreement between the European Union and the Federated States of Micronesia on the short-stay visa waiver (the ‘Agreement’).

               (4)

               Negotiations on the Agreement were opened on 17 December 2014 and were successfully finalised by the initialling thereof, by Exchange of Letters, on 16 December 2015 by the Federated States of Micronesia and on 13 January 2016 by the Union.

               (5)

               The Agreement should be signed, and the declarations attached to the Agreement should be approved, on behalf of the Union. The Agreement should be applied on a provisional basis as from the day following the date of signature thereof, pending the completion of the procedures necessary for its conclusion.

               (6)

               This Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom does not take part, in accordance with Council Decision 2000/365/EC (3); the United Kingdom is therefore not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

               (7)

               This Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part, in accordance with Council Decision 2002/192/EC (4); Ireland is therefore not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The signing on behalf of the Union of the Agreement between the European Union and the Federated States of Micronesia on the short-stay visa waiver is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement.
   The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   The declarations attached to this Decision shall be approved on behalf of the Union.
   Article 3
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Union.
   Article 4
   The Agreement shall be applied on a provisional basis as from the day following the date of signature thereof (5), pending the completion of the procedures necessary for its conclusion.
   Article 5
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Luxembourg, 24 June 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         A.G. KOENDERS

      (1)  Regulation (EU) No 509/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement (OJ L 149, 20.5.2014, p. 67).

      (2)  Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement (OJ L 81, 21.3.2001, p. 1).

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

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

      (5)  The date of signature of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.