title: Decision (EU) 2019/43 of the European Central Bank of 29 November 2018 on the national central banks' percentage shares in the key for subscription to the European Central Bank's capital and repealing Decision ECB/2013/28 (ECB/2018/27)

text:
                  11.1.2019

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 9/178

         DECISION (EU) 2019/43 OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
         of 29 November 2018
         on the national central banks' percentage shares in the key for subscription to the European Central Bank's capital and repealing Decision ECB/2013/28 (ECB/2018/27)
         THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,
         Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
         Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank and in particular Article 29.3 and 29.4 thereof,
         Having regard to the contribution of the General Council of the European Central Bank in accordance with the fourth indent of Article 46.2 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     Article 29.3 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank (hereinafter the ‘Statute of the ESCB’) requires the capital key weightings to be adjusted every five years after the establishment of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) by analogy with the provisions laid down in Article 29.1 of the Statute of the ESCB. The adjusted capital key applies with effect from the first day of the year following the year in which the adjustment occurs.

                     (2)

                     The last adjustment of the capital key weightings in accordance with Article 29.3 of the Statute of the ESCB was made in 2013 with effect from 1 January 2014 (1).

                     (3)

                     In accordance with Council Decision 2003/517/EC (2), the European Commission provided the European Central Bank (ECB) with the statistical data to be used in determining the adjusted capital key,

               HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

            Article 1
            Rounding
            Where the European Commission provides revised statistical data to be used in adjusting the capital key and the figures do not total 100 %, the difference shall be compensated for: (i) if the total is below 100 %, by adding 0,0001 of a percentage point to the smallest share(s) in ascending order until exactly 100 % is reached, or (ii) if the total is above 100 %, by subtracting 0,0001 of a percentage point in descending order from the largest share(s) until exactly 100 % is reached.

            Article 2
            Capital key weightings
            The weighting assigned to each NCB in the capital key described in Article 29 of the Statute of the ESCB shall be as follows with effect from 1 January 2019:

                        Nationale Bank van België/Banque Nationale de Belgique

                        2,5280 %

                        Българска народна банка (Bulgarian National Bank)

                        0,8511 %

                        Česká národní banka

                        1,6172 %

                        Danmarks Nationalbank

                        1,4986 %

                        Deutsche Bundesbank

                        18,3670 %

                        Eesti Pank

                        0,1968 %

                        Central Bank of Ireland

                        1,1754 %

                        Bank of Greece

                        1,7292 %

                        Banco de España

                        8,3391 %

                        Banque de France

                        14,2061 %

                        Hrvatska narodna banka

                        0,5673 %

                        Banca d'Italia

                        11,8023 %

                        Central Bank of Cyprus

                        0,1503 %

                        Latvijas Banka

                        0,2731 %

                        Lietuvos bankas

                        0,4059 %

                        Banque centrale du Luxembourg

                        0,2270 %

                        Magyar Nemzeti Bank

                        1,3348 %

                        Central Bank of Malta

                        0,0732 %

                        De Nederlandsche Bank

                        4,0677 %

                        Oesterreichische Nationalbank

                        2,0325 %

                        Narodowy Bank Polski

                        5,2068 %

                        Banco de Portugal

                        1,6367 %

                        Banca Naţională a României

                        2,4470 %

                        Banka Slovenije

                        0,3361 %

                        Národná banka Slovenska

                        0,8004 %

                        Suomen Pankki

                        1,2708 %

                        Sveriges Riksbank

                        2,5222 %

                        Bank of England

                        14,3374 %

            Article 3
            Entry into force and repeal

               1.   This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2019.

               2.   Decision ECB/2013/28 is repealed with effect from 1 January 2019.

               3.   References to Decision ECB/2013/28 shall be construed as references to this Decision.

            Done at Frankfurt am Main, 29 November 2018.

                  The President of the ECB

               Mario DRAGHI

            (1)  Decision ECB/2013/28 of 29 August 2013 on the national central banks' percentage shares in the key for subscription to the European Central Bank's capital (OJ L 16, 21.1.2014, p. 53).

            (2)  Council Decision 2003/517/EC of 15 July 2003 on the statistical data to be used for the adjustment of the key for subscription to the capital of the European Central Bank (OJ L 181, 19.7.2003, p. 43).


title: Decision (EU) 2019/48 of the European Central Bank of 30 November 2018 on the paying-up of the European Central Bank's capital by the non-euro area national central banks and repealing Decision ECB/2013/31 (ECB/2018/32)

text:
                  11.1.2019

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 9/196

         DECISION (EU) 2019/48 OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
         of 30 November 2018
         on the paying-up of the European Central Bank's capital by the non-euro area national central banks and repealing Decision ECB/2013/31 (ECB/2018/32)
         THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,
         Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
         Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular Article 47 thereof,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     Article 47 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank (hereinafter the ‘Statute of the ESCB’) provides that national central banks of Member States with a derogation (hereinafter ‘non-euro area NCBs’) do not need to pay up their subscribed capital unless the General Council of the European Central Bank (ECB), acting by a majority representing at least two thirds of the subscribed capital of the ECB and at least half of the shareholders, decides that a minimal percentage has to be paid up as a contribution to the ECB's operational costs.

                     (2)

                     Article 1 of Decision ECB/2013/31 (1) provides that each non-euro area NCB shall pay up 3,75 % of its share in the ECB's subscribed capital with effect from 1 January 2014.

                     (3)

                     Decision (EU) 2019/43 of the European Central Bank (ECB/2018/27) (2) provides for the adjustment of the key for subscription to the ECB's capital (hereinafter the ‘capital key’) in accordance with Article 29.3 of the Statute of the ESCB and establishes with effect from 1 January 2019 the new weightings assigned to each NCB in the adjusted capital key (hereinafter the ‘capital key weightings’).

                     (4)

                     The quinquennial adjustment of the ECB's capital key requires the adoption of a new ECB decision repealing Decision ECB/2013/31 with effect from 1 January 2019 and determining the percentage of the ECB's subscribed capital which the non-euro area NCBs are under an obligation to pay up with effect from 1 January 2019,

               HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

            Article 1
            Extent and form of subscribed and paid-up capital
            Each non-euro area NCB shall pay up 3,75 % of its share in the ECB's subscribed capital with effect from 1 January 2019. Taking into account the new capital key weightings laid down in Article 2 of Decision (EU) 2019/43 (ECB/2018/27), each non-euro area NCB shall have a total subscribed and paid-up capital of the amounts shown next to its name in the following table:

                        Non-euro area NCB

                        Subscribed capital as at 1 January 2019
                        (in EUR)

                        Paid-up capital as at 1 January 2019
                        (in EUR)

                        Българска народна банка
                        (Bulgarian National Bank)

                        92 131 635,17

                        3 454 936,32

                        Česká národní banka

                        175 062 014,33

                        6 564 825,54

                        Danmarks Nationalbank

                        162 223 555,95

                        6 083 383,35

                        Hrvatska narodna banka

                        61 410 265,11

                        2 302 884,94

                        Magyar Nemzeti Bank

                        144 492 194,37

                        5 418 457,29

                        Narodowy Bank Polski

                        563 636 468,10

                        21 136 367,55

                        Banca Naţională a României

                        264 887 922,99

                        9 933 297,11

                        Sveriges Riksbank

                        273 028 328,31

                        10 238 562,31

                        Bank of England

                        1 552 024 563,60

                        58 200 921,14

            Article 2
            Adjustment of the paid-up capital

               1.   Given that each non-euro area NCB has already paid up 3,75 % of its share in the ECB's subscribed capital as applicable on 31 December 2018 under Decision ECB/2013/31, each of them shall either transfer an additional amount to the ECB, or receive an amount back from the ECB, as appropriate, in order to arrive at the amounts shown in the third column of the table in Article 1.

               2.   All transfers pursuant to this Article shall be made in accordance with Decision (EU) 2019/45 of the European Central Bank (ECB/2018/29) (3).

            Article 3
            Entry into force and repeal

               1.   This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2019.

               2.   Decision ECB/2013/31 is repealed with effect from 1 January 2019.

               3.   References to Decision ECB/2013/31 shall be construed as references to this Decision.

            Done at Frankfurt am Main, 30 November 2018.

                  The President of the ECB

               Mario DRAGHI

            (1)  Decision ECB/2013/31 of 30 August 2013 on the paying-up of the European Central Bank's capital by the non-euro area national central banks (OJ L 16, 21.1.2014, p. 63).

            (2)  Decision (EU) 2019/43 of the European Central Bank of 29 November 2018 on the national central banks' percentage shares in the key for subscription to the European Central Bank's capital and repealing Decision ECB/2013/28 (ECB/2018/27) (see page 178 of this Official Journal).

            (3)  Decision (EU) 2019/45 of the European Central Bank of 29 November 2018 laying down the terms and conditions for transfers of the European Central Bank's capital shares between the national central banks and for the adjustment of the paid-up capital and repealing Decision ECB/2013/29 (ECB/2018/29) (see page 183 of this Official Journal).


title: Council Decision (EU) 2019/269 of 12 February 2019 appointing a member, proposed by the Kingdom of Spain, of the Committee of the Regions

text:
                  18.2.2019

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 46/17

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2019/269
         of 12 February 2019
         appointing a member, proposed by the Kingdom of Spain, of the Committee of the Regions
         THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
         Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 305 thereof,
         Having regard to the proposal of the Spanish Government,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     On 26 January 2015, 5 February 2015 and 23 June 2015, the Council adopted Decisions (EU) 2015/116 (1), (EU) 2015/190 (2) and (EU) 2015/994 (3) appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020. On 18 July 2016, by Council Decision (EU) 2016/1203 (4), Mr Francesc HOMS i MOLIST was replaced by Mr Jordi SOLÉ i FERRANDO as a member. On 27 March 2017, by Council Decision (EU) 2017/602 (5), Mr Jordi SOLÉ i FERRANDO was replaced by Ms Maria BADIA i CUTCHET as a member. On 8 October 2018, by Council Decision (EU) 2018/1502 (6), Ms Maria BADIA i CUTCHET was replaced by Mr Ernest MARAGALL i MIRA as a member.

                     (2)

                     A member's seat on the Committee of the Regions has become vacant following the end of the term of office of Mr Ernest MARAGALL i MIRA,

               HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

            Article 1
            The following is hereby appointed as a member of the Committee of the Regions for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2020:

                        —

                        Mr Alfred BOSCH i PASCUAL, Consejero de Acción Exterior, Relaciones Institucionales y Transparencia de la Comunidad Autónoma de Cataluña.

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

            Done at Brussels, 12 February 2019.

                  For the Council

                  The President

               E.O. TEODOROVICI

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

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

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

            (4)  Council Decision (EU) 2016/1203 of 18 July 2016 appointing a member and an alternate member, proposed by the Kingdom of Spain of the Committee of the Regions (OJ L 198, 23.7.2016, p. 44).

            (5)  Council Decision (EU) 2017/602 of 27 March 2017 appointing a member, proposed by the Kingdom of Spain, of the Committee of the Regions (OJ L 82, 29.3.2017, p. 8).

            (6)  Council Decision (EU) 2018/1502 of 8 October 2018 appointing a member and an alternate member, proposed by the Kingdom of Spain, of the Committee of the Regions (OJ L 254, 10.10.2018, p. 7).


title: Commission Decision of 27/02/2019 declaring a concentration to be compatible with the common market (Case No COMP/M.9264 - Dynasty Acquisition Co., Inc. / StandardAero Holding Corp.) according to Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (Only the English text is authentic)

text:
                                EUROPEAN COMMISSION
                                                                Brussels, 27.02.2019
                                                                C(2019) 1755 final
                                                                        PUBLIC VERSION
                                                                To the notifying party
Subject:        Case M.9264 – THE CARLYLE GROUP / STANDARDAERO
                Commission decision pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC)
                                1                                                                             2
                No 139/2004 and Article 57 of the Agreement on the European Economic Area
Dear Sir or Madam,
1.      On 31 January 2019, the European Commission received notification of a proposed
        concentration pursuant to Article 4 of the Merger Regulation by which The Carlyle Group
        L.P. (US) acquires – indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary Dynasty Acquisition
        Co., Inc. – within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of
        the whole of StandardAero Holding Corp. (US, ‘StandardAero’), currently controlled by
        Veritas Capital (US). The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.3
2.      The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
             for The Carlyle Group L.P.: a global alternative asset manager.
             for StandardAero: an independent provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul
              (‘MRO’) services to engine original equipment manufacturers (‘OEMs’), and to
              business aviation, commercial aviation, military and industrial power owners and
              operators.
1       OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the 'Merger Regulation'). With effect from 1 December 2009, the Treaty on the
        Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') has introduced certain changes, such as the replacement of
        'Community' by 'Union' and 'common market' by 'internal market'. The terminology of the TFEU will be used
        throughout this decision.
2       OJ L 1, 3.1.1994, p. 3 (the 'EEA Agreement').
3       Publication in the Official Journal of the European Union No C 50, 08.02.2019, p. 11.
Commission européenne, DG COMP MERGER REGISTRY, 1049 Bruxelles, BELGIQUE
Europese Commissie, DG COMP MERGER REGISTRY, 1049 Brussel, BELGIË
Tel: +32 229-91111. Fax: +32 229-64301. E-mail: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu.
 ---pagebreak--- 3. After examination of the notification, the European Commission has concluded that the
   notified operation falls within the scope of the Merger Regulation and of paragraph 5(c) of
   the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations
   under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004.4
4. For the reasons set out in the Notice on a simplified procedure, the European Commission
   has decided not to oppose the notified operation and to declare it compatible with the
   internal market and with the EEA Agreement. This decision is adopted in application of
   Article 6(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation and Article 57 of the EEA Agreement.
                                                    For the Commission
                                                    (Signed)
                                                    Johannes LAITENBERGER
                                                    Director-General
4  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.
                                                  2


title: Council Decision (EU) 2017/2085 of 6 November 2017 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver

text:
               15.11.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 297/5

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2017/2085
   of 6 November 2017
   on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas 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)

               By its Decision 2009/897/EC (1), the Council concluded the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver (2) (the ‘Agreement’). The Agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the Union and for the citizens of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas when travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 3 months during a 6-month period.

               (2)

               Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) introduced horizontal changes in the Union's visa and border acquis and defined a short stay as a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.

               (3)

               It is necessary to incorporate this new definition into the Agreement in order to fully harmonise the Union's short-stay regime.

               (4)

               On 9 October 2014, the Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on an agreement which amends the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver (the ‘amending Agreement’).

               (5)

               Negotiations on the amending Agreement were successfully finalised by the initialling thereof, by Exchange of Letters, on 30 August 2016.

               (6)

               The amending Agreement should be signed, and the declarations attached to the amending Agreement should be approved, on behalf of the Union.

               (7)

               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 (4); 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.

               (8)

               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 (5); 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 Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement (6).
   Article 2
   The declarations attached to the amending Agreement 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 amending Agreement on behalf of the Union.
   Article 4
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 6 November 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         T. TAMM

      (1)  Council Decision 2009/897/EC of 30 November 2009 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver (OJ L 321, 8.12.2009, p. 39).

      (2)  OJ L 169, 30.6.2009, p. 24.

      (3)  Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 182, 29.6.2013, p. 1).

      (4)  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).

      (5)  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).

      (6)  The text of the amending Agreement will be published together with the decision on its conclusion.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2017/2086 of 6 November 2017 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis on the short-stay visa waiver

text:
               15.11.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 297/7

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2017/2086
   of 6 November 2017
   on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis 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)

               By its Decision 2009/901/EC (1), the Council concluded the Agreement between the European Community and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis on the short-stay visa waiver (2) (the ‘Agreement’). The Agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the Union and for the citizens of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis when travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 3 months during a 6-month period.

               (2)

               Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) introduced horizontal changes in the Union's visa and border acquis and defined a short stay as a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.

               (3)

               It is necessary to incorporate this new definition into the Agreement in order to fully harmonise the Union's short-stay regime.

               (4)

               On 9 October 2014, the Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis on an agreement which amends the Agreement between the European Community and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis on the short-stay visa waiver (the ‘amending Agreement’).

               (5)

               Negotiations on the amending Agreement were successfully finalised by the initialling thereof, by Exchange of Letters, on 28 July 2016.

               (6)

               The amending Agreement should be signed, and the declarations attached to the amending Agreement should be approved, on behalf of the Union.

               (7)

               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 (4); 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.

               (8)

               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 (5); 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 Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis on the short-stay visa waiver is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement (6).
   Article 2
   The declarations attached to the amending Agreement 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 amending Agreement on behalf of the Union.
   Article 4
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 6 November 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         T. TAMM

      (1)  Council Decision 2009/901/EC of 30 November 2009 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis on the short-stay visa waiver (OJ L 321, 8.12.2009, p. 43).

      (2)  OJ L 169, 30.6.2009, p. 38.

      (3)  Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 182, 29.6.2013, p. 1).

      (4)  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).

      (5)  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).

      (6)  The text of the amending Agreement will be published together with the decision on its conclusion.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2017/2087 of 6 November 2017 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Mauritius on the short-stay visa waiver

text:
               15.11.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 297/9

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2017/2087
   of 6 November 2017
   on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Mauritius 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)

               By its Decision 2009/899/EC (1), the Council concluded the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Mauritius on the short-stay visa waiver (2) (the ‘Agreement’). The Agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the Union and for the citizens of the Republic of Mauritius when travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 3 months during a 6-month period.

               (2)

               Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) introduced horizontal changes in the Union's visa and border acquis and defined a short stay as a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.

               (3)

               It is necessary to incorporate this new definition into the Agreement in order to fully harmonise the Union's short-stay regime.

               (4)

               On 9 October 2014, the Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with the Republic of Mauritius on an agreement which amends the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Mauritius on the short-stay visa waiver (the ‘amending Agreement’).

               (5)

               Negotiations on the amending Agreement were successfully finalised by the initialling thereof, by Exchange of Letters, on 11 November 2016.

               (6)

               The amending Agreement should be signed and the declarations attached to the amending Agreement should be approved, on behalf of the Union.

               (7)

               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 (4); 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.

               (8)

               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 (5); 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 Republic of Mauritius amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Mauritius on the short-stay visa waiver is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement (6).
   Article 2
   The declarations attached to the amending Agreement 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 amending Agreement on behalf of the Union.
   Article 4
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 6 November 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         T. TAMM

      (1)  Council Decision 2009/899/EC of 30 November 2009 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Mauritius on the short-stay visa waiver (OJ L 321, 8.12.2009, p. 41).

      (2)  OJ L 169, 30.6.2009, p. 17.

      (3)  Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 182, 29.6.2013, p. 1).

      (4)  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).

      (5)  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).

      (6)  The text of the amending Agreement will be published together with the decision on its conclusion.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2017/2084 of 6 November 2017 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and Barbados amending the Agreement between the European Community and Barbados on the short-stay visa waiver

text:
               15.11.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 297/3

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2017/2084
   of 6 November 2017
   on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and Barbados amending the Agreement between the European Community and Barbados 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)

               By its Decision 2009/898/EC (1) the Council concluded the Agreement between the European Community and Barbados on the short-stay visa waiver (2) (the ‘Agreement’). The Agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the Union and for the citizens of Barbados when travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 3 months during a 6-month period.

               (2)

               Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) introduced horizontal changes in the Union's visa and border acquis and defined a short stay as a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.

               (3)

               It is necessary to incorporate this new definition into the Agreement in order to fully harmonise the Union's short-stay regime.

               (4)

               On 9 October 2014, the Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with Barbados on an agreement which amends the Agreement between the European Community and Barbados on the short-stay visa waiver (the ‘amending Agreement’).

               (5)

               Negotiations on the amending Agreement were successfully finalised by the initialling thereof, by Exchange of Letters, on 8 February 2017.

               (6)

               The amending Agreement should be signed, and the declarations attached to the amending Agreement should be approved, on behalf of the Union.

               (7)

               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 (4); 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.

               (8)

               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 (5); 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 Barbados amending the Agreement between the European Community and Barbados on the short-stay visa waiver is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement (6).
   Article 2
   The declarations attached to the amending Agreement 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 amending Agreement on behalf of the Union.
   Article 4
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 6 November 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         T. TAMM

      (1)  Council Decision 2009/898/EC of 30 November 2009 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and Barbados on the short-stay visa waiver (OJ L 321, 8.12.2009, p. 40).

      (2)  OJ L 169, 30.6.2009, p. 10.

      (3)  Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 182, 29.6.2013, p. 1).

      (4)  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).

      (5)  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).

      (6)  The text of the amending Agreement will be published together with the decision on its conclusion.


title: Decision (EU) 2017/2097 of the European Central Bank of 3 November 2017 on the methodology for calculating sanctions for infringements of the oversight requirements for systemically important payment systems (ECB/2017/35)

text:
               16.11.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 299/31

         DECISION (EU) 2017/2097 OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
   of 3 November 2017
   on the methodology for calculating sanctions for infringements of the oversight requirements for systemically important payment systems (ECB/2017/35)
   THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the fourth indent of Article 127(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular the fourth indent of Article 3.1, and Article 34 thereof,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2532/98 of 23 November 1998 concerning the powers of the European Central Bank to impose sanctions (1), and in particular Article 2 thereof,
   Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 2157/1999 of the European Central Bank of 23 September 1999 on the powers of the European Central Bank to impose sanctions (ECB/1999/4) (2),
   Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 795/2014 of the European Central Bank of 3 July 2014 on oversight requirements for systemically important payment systems (ECB/2014/28) (3), and in particular Article 23 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Eurosystem promotes the smooth operation of payment systems by, among other things, conducting oversight. In particular, oversight of systemically important payments systems (SIPS) is conducted pursuant to the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 795/2014 (ECB/2014/28).

               (2)

               Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 795/2014 (ECB/2014/28) empowers the European Central Bank (ECB) to impose sanctions for infringements of that Regulation. For the purposes of enhancing the transparency of the principles and procedures that the ECB will follow when imposing such sanctions, that Article requires the ECB to adopt a decision on the methodology for the calculation of the amount of the sanctions.

               (3)

               By adopting this Decision, the ECB demonstrates the manner in which it is guided by the principle of proportionality when determining an appropriate sanction,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Definitions
   For the purposes of this Decision:

               (1)

               ‘SIPS operator’ means a SIPS operator as defined in point (4) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 795/2014 (ECB/2014/28);

               (2)

               ‘business year’ means the period of time in connection with which audited or statutory accounts of the SIPS operator are to be prepared;

               (3)

               ‘fine’ means a single amount of money that a SIPS operator is obliged to pay as a sanction;

               (4)

               ‘infringement’ means any failure by a SIPS operator to fulfil any obligation arising from Regulation (EU) No 795/2014 (ECB/2014/28);

               (5)

               ‘periodic penalty payments’ means amounts of money that, in the event of a continued infringement, a SIPS operator is obliged to pay, either as a punishment or with a view to forcing the SIPS operator concerned to comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) No 795/2014 (ECB/2014/28). These amounts shall be calculated for each complete day of continued infringement following notification to the SIPS operator of a decision requiring the termination of the infringement in accordance with the procedure laid down in the second subparagraph of Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2532/98;

               (6)

               ‘sanction’ means a fine or periodic penalty payments imposed as a consequence of an infringement;

               (7)

               ‘turnover’ means the revenue generated by the SIPS concerned during the business year preceding that in which the infringement occurred;

               (8)

               ‘value of payments processed’ means the total daily average value of euro-denominated payments processed by the SIPS concerned during the business year preceding that in which the infringement occurred.

         Article 2
   General principles
   1.   This Decision sets out the methodology to be followed by the ECB in calculating the amount of sanctions to be imposed by the ECB on a SIPS operator for infringements of Regulation (EU) No 795/2014 (ECB/2014/28).
   2.   The ECB may impose either a fine or periodic penalty payments as a sanction for infringement of Regulation (EU) No 795/2014 (ECB/2014/28).
   3.   The ECB shall determine the amount of the sanction to be imposed based on a two-stage process, starting with the calculation of the baseline amount of the sanction, which may then be increased or reduced in the light of aggravating or mitigating circumstances of relevance to each specific case.
   Article 3
   Calculation of the baseline amount of a sanction
   1.   The ECB shall calculate the baseline amount of any sanction to be imposed on a SIPS operator by reference to the turnover and the value of payments processed by the SIPS concerned.
   2.   The baseline amount of the sanction shall represent 50 % of the sum of the following amounts:

               (a)

               1 % of turnover; and

               (b)

               0,0001 % of the value of payments processed.

         3.   For periodic penalty payments, the baseline amount shall be divided by 180 to calculate the amount payable for each complete day of continued infringement.
   Article 4
   Aggravating and mitigating circumstances
   When calculating the amount of any sanction, the ECB shall take into consideration, where relevant, the circumstances of the specific case, as provided for in Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2532/98.
   Article 5
   Limits
   1.   Where, based on the calculation made pursuant to Article 3(2) and any increase or decrease in the baseline amount made pursuant to Article 4, the amount of any fine exceeds EUR 500 000, the amount of the fine the ECB may impose shall be capped at EUR 500 000.
   2.   Where, based on the calculation made pursuant to Article 3(2) and (3) and any increase or decrease in the baseline amount made pursuant to Article 4, the amount of the periodic penalty payments exceed EUR 10 000 per day of infringement, the amount of the periodic penalty payments the ECB may impose per day of infringement shall be capped at EUR 10 000. Periodic penalty payments may be imposed in respect of a maximum period of six months following the notification to the SIPS operator of the decision to impose sanctions.
   Article 6
   Final provisions
   This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Frankfurt am Main, 3 November 2017.

            The President of the ECB

         Mario DRAGHI

      (1)  OJ L 318, 27.11.1998, p. 4.

      (2)  OJ L 264, 12.10.1999, p. 21.

      (3)  OJ L 217, 23.7.2014, p. 16.


title: Council Decision of 10 November 2017 renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

text:
               17.11.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 388/3

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 10 November 2017
   renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
   (2017/C 388/04)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of 10 February 1975 establishing the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and in particular Article 4 thereof (1),
   Having regard to the nominee submitted to the Council by the Commission as regards the Employees' representatives,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By its Decisions of 14 July 2015 (2) and of 14 September 2015 (3), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2015 to 17 September 2018.

               (2)

               A member's seat on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of representatives of Employees' organisations has become vacant for Belgium as a result of the resignation of Mr Jan VERCAMST.

               (3)

               The members of the Governing Board of the aforementioned Centre should be appointed for the remainder of the current term of office, which expires on 17 September 2018,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The following person is hereby appointed member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of its term of office, which runs until 17 September 2018:
   REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYEES' ORGANISATIONS:

               BELGIUM

               Ms Katrien ALLAERT

         Article 2
   This Decision shall be published, for information, in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 10 November 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         U. PALO

      (1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ C 232, 16.7.2015, p. 2.

      (3)  OJ C 305, 16.9.2015, p. 2.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2018/219 of 23 January 2018 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems

text:
               16.2.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 43/1

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2018/219
   of 23 January 2018
   on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 192(1), in conjunction with point (a) of the second subparagraph of Article 218(6) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2017/2240 (2), the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems (the ‘Agreement’) was signed on 23 November 2017, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

               (2)

               Cap and trade systems are policy tools that cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Linking cap and trade systems is expected to result in broader carbon pricing, increasing the availability of reduction opportunities and enhancing the cost-efficiency of emissions trading. The development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems (‘ETS’) is a long term policy goal of the Union and the international community, notably as a means to achieve the climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

               (3)

               The Agreement should be approved.

               (4)

               It is essential that aviation be covered by the Swiss ETS in order to link the Swiss ETS with the Union's ETS. While the Swiss ETS does not yet cover aviation, the Swiss Confederation is working on rules extending its ETS to aviation. The Agreement should not enter into force until those rules are in place and Annex I, Part B of the Agreement is amended to refer to those rules,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems is hereby approved on behalf of the Union (3).
   Article 2
   1.   The President of the Council shall designate the person(s) empowered to proceed, on behalf of the Union, to exchange the instruments of ratification or approval provided for in Article 21 of the Agreement, in order to express the consent of the Union to be bound by the Agreement (4).
   2.   The instrument of approval of the Union shall only be notified when the Swiss Confederation has brought into force the requisite rules extending its ETS to aviation and Annex I, Part B of the Agreement is amended accordingly.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 23 January 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         V. GORANOV

      (1)  Consent of 12 December 2017 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

      (2)  Council Decision (EU) 2017/2240 of 10 November 2017 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems (OJ L 322, 7.12.2017, p. 1).

      (3)  The Agreement has been published in OJ L 322, 7.12.2017, p. 3, together with the decision on signature.

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


title: Council Decision (EU) 2018/253 of 15 February 2018 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part, as regards the adoption of decisions on the rules of procedure of the Joint Committee and the adoption of the terms of reference of the subcommittees and working groups

text:
               20.2.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 46/9

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2018/253
   of 15 February 2018
   on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part, as regards the adoption of decisions on the rules of procedure of the Joint Committee and the adoption of the terms of reference of the subcommittees and working groups
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 37 thereof,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207 and Article 212(1), in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,
   Having regard to the joint proposal by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part (1) (‘the Agreement’) was signed in Brussels on 5 October 2016 and it is provisionally applied as of 12 January 2017.

               (2)

               Article 53(1) of the Agreement establishes a Joint Committee to facilitate the implementation of the Agreement (‘the Joint Committee’).

               (3)

               Article 53(4) of the Agreement provides that the Joint Committee is to adopt its rules of procedure and that it may set-up sub-committees and working groups to deal with specific issues.

               (4)

               Article 53(5) of the Agreement provides that the Parties are to co-chair the Joint Committee.

               (5)

               In order to ensure the effective implementation of the Agreement, the Joint Committee's rules of procedure and the terms of reference of the sub-committees and working groups should be adopted as soon as possible.

               (6)

               The position of the Union within the Joint Committee should therefore be based on the attached draft Joint Committee Decisions,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The position to be taken on behalf of the Union in the first meeting of the Joint Committee shall be based on the draft Decisions of the Joint Committee attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 15 February 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         K. VALCHEV

      (1)  OJ L 321, 29.11.2016, p. 3.

      DRAFT
      DECISION No 1/2018 OF THE EU-NEW ZEALAND JOINT COMMITTEE
      of …
      adopting its rules of procedure
      THE JOINT COMMITTEE,
      Having regard to the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part (1) (‘the Agreement’), and in particular Article 53 thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  Parts of the Agreement have been applied provisionally since 12 January 2017.

                  (2)

                  The Joint Committee should therefore adopt its rules of procedure,

            HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

                  1.

                  The rules of procedure of the Joint Committee, as set out in the Annex, are hereby adopted.

                  2.

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

         Done at …,

               For the Joint Committee

               The Co-Chairs

         (1)  OJ L 321, 29.11.2016, p. 3.

      ANNEX
      Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part
      Rules of Procedure of The Joint Committee
      Tasks and composition

                  1.

                  The Joint Committee shall perform the tasks provided for in Article 53 of the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part (‘the Agreement’).

                  2.

                  The Joint Committee shall be composed of representatives of the Parties at the appropriate level.

            Chair

                  3.

                  The Joint Committee shall be co-chaired by the two sides.

            Meetings

                  4.

                  The Joint Committee shall normally meet once a year, unless otherwise decided by the Parties. The meetings shall be convened by the Co-Chairs and held alternately in Brussels and Wellington, on a date fixed by mutual agreement. Extraordinary meetings of the Joint Committee may be held at the request of each of the Parties, if the Parties agree.

                  5.

                  The Joint Committee shall normally meet at the level of senior official, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.

            Publicity

                  6.

                  Unless otherwise decided, meetings of the Joint Committee shall not be public.

            Participants

                  7.

                  Before each meeting, the Co-Chairs shall be informed, through the Secretaries of the intended composition of their side's delegation.

                  8.

                  Where appropriate and with the agreement of the Parties, experts or representatives of other bodies may be invited to attend Joint Committee meetings as observers or in order to provide information on a particular subject.

            Secretaries

                  9.

                  A representative of the European External Action Service and a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand shall act jointly as Secretaries of the Joint Committee. All communications to and from the Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee shall be forwarded to the Secretaries.

            Agendas for meetings

                  10.

                  The Co-Chairs shall draw up a provisional agenda for each meeting. This shall be forwarded, together with the relevant documents, to the Parties no later than 15 days before the beginning of the meeting.

                  11.

                  The provisional agenda shall include items submitted to the Co-Chairs no later than 21 days before the beginning of the meeting.

                  12.

                  The final agenda shall be adopted by the Joint Committee at the beginning of each meeting. Items other than those on the provisional agenda may be placed on the agenda if the Parties so agree.

                  13.

                  With the agreement of the Parties, the Co-Chairs may shorten the time limits referred to in paragraphs 11 and 12 where required.

            Minutes

                  14.

                  The Secretaries shall jointly produce draft minutes of each meeting, normally within 30 calendar days of the end of the meeting. The draft minutes shall be based on a summary by the Co-Chairs of the conclusions reached by the Joint Committee.

                  15.

                  The draft minutes shall be approved by both Parties within 45 calendar days of the end of the meeting or by any other date agreed by the Parties. Once there is agreement on the minutes, two original copies shall be signed by the Co-Chairs and the Secretaries. Each Party shall receive one original copy.

            Decisions and recommendations

                  16.

                  The Joint Committee may agree to adopt decisions or recommendations. These shall be entitled ‘Decision’ or ‘Recommendation’, followed by a serial number, the date of their adoption and a description of the subject matter. Each decision shall state the date of its entry into force.

                  17.

                  The Joint Committee takes decisions and adopts recommendations in agreement between the Parties after the conclusion of their respective internal procedures.

                  18.

                  The Joint Committee may decide to adopt decisions or recommendations by means of a written procedure. In such cases, the Parties shall agree a time-limit for the duration of the procedure. If at the expiry of that time-limit, neither Party has expressed opposition to the proposed decision or recommendation, the Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee shall declare the decision or recommendation to have been adopted by common agreement.

                  19.

                  Decisions and recommendations adopted by the Joint Committee shall be authenticated by two original copies signed by the Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee.

                  20.

                  Each Party may decide to publish the Joint Committee's decisions and recommendations in its respective official publication.

            Correspondence

                  21.

                  Correspondence addressed to the Joint Committee shall be directed to the Secretary of the side to which the author belongs, who will in turn inform the other Secretary.

                  22.

                  The Secretaries shall ensure that correspondence addressed to the Joint Committee is forwarded to the Co-Chairs and circulated, where appropriate, in line with paragraph 25.

                  23.

                  Correspondence from the Co-Chairs shall be sent to the Parties by the Secretaries and circulated, where appropriate, as documents referred to in paragraph 25.

                  24.

                  Correspondence to and from the Co-Chairs may be by any written means, including electronic mail.

            Documents

                  25.

                  Where the deliberations of the Joint Committee are based on documents, those documents shall be numbered and circulated by the Secretaries to the participants.

            Expenses

                  26.

                  Each Party shall meet any expenses it incurs as a result of participating in the meetings of the Joint Committee with regard to staff, travel, and subsistence expenditure as well as postal and telecommunications expenditure.

                  27.

                  Expenditure in connection with the organisation of meetings and the reproduction of documents shall be borne by the party hosting the meeting.

            Subcommittees and Working Groups

                  28.

                  The Joint Committee may decide to set up Subcommittees and Working Groups to assist it in carrying out its tasks.

                  29.

                  The Joint Committee may decide to abolish any Subcommittee or Working Group that it has established or to determine or amend its terms of reference.

                  30.

                  The Subcommittees and Working Groups shall report to the Joint Committee after each of their meetings.

                  31.

                  The Working Groups shall have no decision-making power, but may submit recommendations to the Joint Committee.

            Amendment of the rules of procedure

                  32.

                  The Parties may agree to amend these rules of procedure, in line with paragraphs 16 to 20.

      DRAFT
      DECISION No 2/2018 OF THE EU-NEW ZEALAND JOINT COMMITTEE
      of …
      on the adoption of Subcommittees' and Working Groups' terms of reference
      THE JOINT COMMITTEE,
      Having regard to the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part (1) (‘the Agreement’), and in particular Article 53 thereof, and to paragraphs 28 to 31 of the Joint Committee's rules of procedure,
      Whereas:
      Pursuant to paragraphs 28 and 29 of its rules of procedure, the Joint Committee may set up subcommittees and working groups to assist it in the performance of its tasks and determine their terms of reference,
      HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

                  1.

                  The terms of reference of the Joint Committee's Subcommittees and Working Groups shall be as set out in the Annex.

                  2.

                  This decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

         Done at …,

               For the Joint Committee

               The Co-Chairs

         (1)  OJ L 321, 29.11.2016, p. 3.

      ANNEX
      Terms of reference of Subcommittees and Working Groups

                  1.

                  The Subcommittees and Working Groups shall discuss the implementation of the Agreement in their areas of responsibility, as specified by the Joint Committee. They may also discuss subjects or specific projects relating to the relevant area of bilateral cooperation.

                  2.

                  The Subcommittees and Working Groups shall work under the authority of the Joint Committee. They shall transmit their minutes and recommendations to the Joint Committee within the timeframes specified by the Joint Committee.

                  3.

                  The Subcommittees and Working Groups shall be composed of representatives of the Parties.

                  4.

                  The Subcommittees and Working Groups may invite experts to their meetings and may hear them regarding specific points on the agenda.

                  5.

                  The Subcommittees and Working Groups shall be co-chaired by the two sides.

                  6.

                  A representative of each side shall act jointly as Secretaries of each Subcommittee and Working Group. The Secretaries shall have the same functions as the Secretaries of the Joint Committee.

                  7.

                  The Subcommittees and Working Groups shall meet at least as often as directed by the Joint Committee. Extraordinary meetings may be held at the request of either Party, if the Parties agree. Each meeting shall be held at a place and on a date commonly agreed by the Parties.

                  8.

                  Subcommittees and Working Groups shall operate in accordance with the Joint Committee's rules of procedure regarding agendas, minutes, recommendations, correspondence, documents, and expenses, unless otherwise specified by the Joint Committee.

                  9.

                  Unless the Parties decide otherwise, meetings shall not be public.


title: Council Decision of 15 February 2018 renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

text:
               20.2.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 64/2

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 15 February 2018
   renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
   (2018/C 64/02)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of 10 February 1975 establishing the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and in particular Article 4 thereof (1),
   Having regard to the nomination submitted by the Luxembourg Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By its Decisions of 14 July 2015 (2) and of 14 September 2015 (3), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2015 to 17 September 2018.

               (2)

               A member’s seat is available for Luxembourg on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Government representatives as a result of the resignation of Mr Antonio DE CAROLIS.

               (3)

               The members of the Governing Board of the aforementioned Centre should be appointed for the remainder of the current term of office, which expires on 17 September 2018,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The following person is hereby appointed member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of its term of office, which runs until 17 September 2018:
   GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES:

               LUXEMBOURG

               Mr Jean-Marie WIRTGEN

         Article 2
   This Decision shall be published, for information, in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 15 February 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         K. VALCHEV

      (1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ C 232, 16.7.2015, p. 2.

      (3)  OJ C 305, 16.9.2015, p. 2.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2018/585 of 12 April 2018 appointing a member, proposed by the Republic of Austria, of the Committee of the Regions

text:
               18.4.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 98/19

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2018/585
   of 12 April 2018
   appointing a member, proposed by the Republic of Austria, of the Committee of the Regions
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 305 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal of the Austrian Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

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

               (2)

               A member's seat on the Committee of the Regions has become vacant following the end of the term of office of Mr Heinz SCHADEN,

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

               —

               Mr Matthias STADLER, Bürgermeister der Stadt St. Pölten.

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

      Done at Luxembourg, 12 April 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         T. DONCHEV

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

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

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


title: Council Decision (EU) 2018/587 of 12 April 2018 appointing a member, proposed by the Federal Republic of Germany, of the Committee of the Regions

text:
               18.4.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 98/21

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2018/587
   of 12 April 2018
   appointing a member, proposed by the Federal Republic of Germany, of the Committee of the Regions
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 305 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal of the German Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 26 January 2015, 5 February 2015 and 23 June 2015, the Council adopted Decisions (EU) 2015/116 (1), (EU) 2015/190 (2) and (EU) 2015/994 (3) appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020. On 18 July 2016, by Council Decision (EU) 2016/1204 (4), Mr Tilman TÖGEL was replaced by Ms Katrin BUDDE as a member.

               (2)

               A member's seat on the Committee of the Regions has become vacant following the end of the term of office of Ms Katrin BUDDE,

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

               —

               Mr Tilman TÖGEL, Mitglied des Kreistages Landkreis Stendal.

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

      Done at Luxembourg, 12 April 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         T. DONCHEV

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

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

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

      (4)  Council Decision (EU) 2016/1204 of 18 July 2016 appointing a member, proposed by the Federal Republic of Germany of the Committee of the Regions (OJ L 198, 23.7.2016, p. 45).


title: Commission Decision of 09/08/2018 declaring a concentration to be compatible with the common market (Case No COMP/M.8908 - AXA Group General Counsel / XL Group) according to Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (Only the English text is authentic)

text:
                        EUROPEAN COMMISSION

               Brussels, 09.08.2018

               C(2018) 5530 final

               To the notifying party

               Subject:Case M. 8908 - AXA / XL GROUP
                  Commission decision pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004
                  1
                and Article 57 of the Agreement on the European Economic Area
                  2

               Dear Sir or Madam,

               1.On 12 July 2018, the European Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of the Merger Regulation by which  AXA S.A. ("AXA", France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of XL Group Ltd. ("XL Group", Bermuda). The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.
                  3

               2.The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

               -AXA is the holding company of the AXA Group, a worldwide player in insurance and asset management,

               -XL Group is a global insurance and reinsurance company providing property, casualty and specialty products.

               3.After examination of the notification, the European Commission has concluded that the notified operation falls within the scope of the Merger Regulation and of paragraph 6 of the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004.
                  4

               4.For the reasons set out in the Notice on a simplified procedure, the European Commission has decided not to oppose the notified operation and to declare it compatible with the internal market and with the EEA Agreement. This decision is adopted in application of Article 6(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation and Article 57 of the EEA Agreement.

               For the Commission

               (Signed)

               Johannes LAITENBERGER
                  Director-General

                     (1)

                        OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the 'Merger Regulation'). With effect from 1 December 2009, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') has introduced certain changes, such as the replacement of 'Community' by 'Union' and 'common market' by 'internal market'. The terminology of the TFEU will be used throughout this decision.

                     (2)

                        OJ L 1, 3.1.1994, p. 3 (the 'EEA Agreement').

                     (3)

                        Publication in the Official Journal of the European Union No C 258, 23.7.2018, p. 10.

                     (4)

                           OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.