Avis juridique important

|

31994D0810

94/810/ECSC, EC: Commission Decision of 12 December 1994 on the terms of reference of hearing officers in competition procedures before the Commission (Text with EEA relevance)

Official Journal L 330 , 21/12/1994 P. 0067 - 0069 Finnish special edition: Chapter 8 Volume 3 P. 0013  Swedish special edition: Chapter 8 Volume 3 P. 0013

COMMISSION DECISION of 12 December 1994 on the terms of reference of hearing officers in competition procedures before the Commission (Text with EEA relevance) (94/810/ECSC, EC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,  Whereas the treaties establishing the Communities and the rules implementing those treaties in relation to competition matters provide for the right of the parties concerned and of third parties to be heard before a final decision affecting their  interests is taken;  Whereas the Commission must ensure that that right is guaranteed in its competition proceedings;  Whereas it is appropriate to entrust the organization and conduct of the administrative procedures designed to protect the right to be heard to an independent person experienced in competition matters, in the interest of contributing to the objectivity,  transparency and effiency of the Commission's competition proceedings;  Whereas the Commission created the post of Hearing Officer for these purposes in 1982 and laid down his terms of reference;  Whereas it is necessary to adapt and consolidate those terms of reference in the light of subsequent developments in Community law,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:   Article 1  1. The hearings provided for in the provisions implementing Articles 65 and 66 of the ECSC Treaty, Articles 85 and 86 of the EC Treaty and Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (1) shall be organized and conducted by the Hearing Officer in  accordance with Articles 2 to 10 of this Decision.  2. The implementing provisions referred to in paragraph 1 are:  (a) Article 36 (1) of the ECSC Treaty;  (b) Regulation No 99/63/EEC of the Commission of 25 July 1963 on the hearings provided for in Article 19 (1) and (2) of Council Regulation No 17 (2);  (c) Regulation (EEC) No 1630/69 of the Commission of 8 August 1969 on the hearings provided for in Article 26 (1) and (2) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1017/68 of 19 July 1968 (3);  (d) Commission Regulation (EEC) No 4260/88 of 16 December 1988 on the communications, complaints and applications and the hearings provided for in Council Regulation (EEC) No 4056/86 laying down detailed rules for the application of Articles 58 and 86  of the treaty to maritime transport (4);  (e) Commission Regulation (EEC) No 4261/88 of 16 December 1988 on the complaints, applications and hearings provided for in Council Regulation (EEC) No 3975/87 laying down the procedure for the application of the rules on competition to undertakings in  the air transport sector (5);  (f) Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2367/90 of 25 July 1990, on the notifications, time limits and hearings provided for in Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 on the control of concentrations between undertakings (6).  3. Administratively the Hearing Officer shall belong to the Directorate-General for Competition. To ensure the independence of the Hearing Officer in the performance of his duties, he has the right of direct access, as defined in Article 9, to the  Memebr of the Commission with special responsibility for competition.  4. Where the Hearing Officer is unable to act, the Director-General, where appropriate after consultation of the Hearing Officer, shall designate another official, who is least in the grade A3 and is not involved in the case in question, to carry out  the duties described herein.   Article 2  1. The Hearing Officer shall ensure that the hearing is properly conducted and thus contribute to the objectivity of the hearing itself and of any decision taken subsequently. The Hearing Officer shall seek to ensure in particular that in the  preparation of draft Commission decisions in competition cases due account is taken of all the relevant facts, whether favourable or unfavourable to the parties concerned.  2. In performing his duties the Hearing Officer shall see to it that the rights of the defence are respected, while taking account of the need for effective application of the competition rules in accordance with the regulations in force and the  principles laid down by the Court of First Instance and the Court of Justice.   Article 3  1. Decisions as to whether third parties, be they natural or legal persons, are to be heard shall be taken after consulting the Director responsible for investigating the case which is the subject of the procedure.  2. Applications to be heard on the part of third parties shall be submitted in writing, together with a written statement explaining the applicant's interest in the outcome of the procedure.  3. Where it is found that an applicant has not shown a sufficient interest to be heard, he shall be informed in writing of the reasons for such finding. A time limit shall be fixed within which he may submit any further written comments.   Article 4  1. Decisions whether persons are to be heard orally shall be taken after consulting the Director responsible for investigating the case which is the subject of the procedure.  2. Applications to be heard orally shall be made in the applicant's written comments on letters which the Commission has addressed to him and shall contain a reasoned statement of the applicant's interest in an oral hearing.  3. The letters referred to in paragraph 2 are those:  - communicating a statement of objections,  - inviting the written comments of a natural or legal person having shown sufficient interest to be heard as a third party,  - informing a complainant that in the Commission's view there are insufficient grounds for finding an infringement and inviting him to submit any further written comments,  - informing a natural or legal person that in the Commission's view that person has not shown sufficient interest to be heard as a third party.  4. Where it is found that the applicant has not shown a sufficient interest to be heard orally, he shall be informed in writing of the reasons for such finding. A time limit shall be fixed within which he may submit any further written comments.   Article 5  1. Where a person, an undertaking or an association of persons or undertakings who or which has received one or more of the letters listed in Article 4 (3) has reason to believe that the Commission has in its possession documents which have  not been disclosed to it and that those documents are necessary for the proper exercise of the right to be heard, he or it may draw attention to the matter by a reasoned request.  2. The reasoned decision on any such request shall be communicated to the person, undertaking or association that made the request and to any other person, undertaking or association concerned by the procedure.  3. Where it is intended to disclose information which may constitute a business secret of an undertaking, it shall be informed in writing of this intention and the reasons for it. A time limit shall be fixed within which the undertaking concerned may  submit any written comments.  4. Where the undertaking concerned objects to the disclosure of the information but it is found that the information is not protected and may therefore be disclosed, that finding shall be stated in a reasoned decision which shall be notified to the  undertaking concerned. The decision shall specify the date after which the information will be disclosed. This date shall not be less than one week from the date of notification.  5. Where an undertaking or association of undertakings considers that the time limit imposed for its reply to a letter referred to in Article 4 (3) is too short, it may, within the original time limit, draw attention to the matter by a reasoned request.  The applicant shall be informed in writing whether the request has been granted.   Article 6  1. Where appropriate in view of the need to ensure that the hearing is properly prepared and particularly that questions of fact are clarified as far as possible, the Hearing Officer may, after consulting the Director responsible for  investigating the case, supply in advance to the firms concerned a list of the questions on which he or she wishes them to explain their point of view.  2. For this purpose, after consulting the Director responsible for investigating the case which is the subject of the hearing, the Hearing Officer may hold a meeting with the parties concerned and, where appropriate, the Commission staff, in order to  prepare for the hearing itself.  3. For the same purpose the Hearing Officer may ask for prior written notification of the esential contents of the intended statement of persons whom the undertakings concerned have proposed for hearing.   Article 7  1. After consulting the Director responsible for investigating the case, the Hearing Officer shall determine the date, the duration and the place of the hearing, and, where a postponement is requested, the Hearing Officer shall decide whether  or not to allow it.  2. The Hearing Officer shall be fully responsible for the conduct of the hearing.  3. In this regard, the Hearing Officer shall decide whether fresh documents should be admitted during the hearing, what persons should be heard on behalf of a party and whether the persons concerned should be heard separately or in the presence of other  persons attending the hearing.  4. The Hearing Officer shall ensure that the essential content of the statement made by each person heard shall be recorded in minutes which, where appropriate, shall be read and approved by that person.   Article 8  The Hearing Officer shall report to the Director-General for Competition on the hearing and the conclusions he draws from it. The Hearing Officer may make observations on the further progress of the proceedings. Such observations may relate  among other things to the need for further information, the withdrawal of certain objections, or the formulation of further objections.   Article 9  In performing the duties defined in Article 2, the Hearing Officer may, if he deems it appropriate, refer his observations direct to the Member of the Commission with special responsibility for competition.   Article 10  Where appropriate, the Member of the Commission with special responsibility for competition may decide, at the Hearing Officer's request, to attach the Hearing Officer's final report to the draft decision submitted to the Commission, in  order to ensure that when it reaches a decision on an individual case it is fully apprised of all relevant information.   Article 11  This Decision revokes and replaces the Commission Decisions of 8 September 1982 and 23 November 1990 on the implementation of hearings in connection with procedures for the application of Articles 65 and 66 of the ECSC Treaty and Articles 85  and 86 of the EC Treaty.   Article 12  This Decision shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.  Done at Brussels, 12 December 1994.  For the Commission Karel VAN MIERT Member of the Commission  (1) OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 1 (corrected version OJ No L 257, 21. 9. 1990, p. 13).  (2) OJ No 127, 20. 8. 1963, p. 2268/63.  (3) OJ No L 209, 21. 8. 1969, p. 11.  (4) OJ No L 376, 31. 12. 1988, p. 1.  (5) OJ No L 376, 31. 12. 1988, p. 10.  (6) OJ No L 219, 14. 8. 1990, p. 5.


Avis juridique important

|

32004D0527

2004/527/EC:Council Decision of 28 June 2004 on the request by Burkina Faso to accede to the Protocol on ACP Sugar

Official Journal L 232 , 01/07/2004 P. 0040 - 0041

 Council Decision  of  28 June 2004  on the request by Burkina Faso to accede to the Protocol on ACP Sugar (2004/527/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 133, in conjunction with the first sentence of Article 300(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

(1) The Joint Declaration on Protocol 3 on ACP Sugar to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement(1) provides that any request from an African, Caribbean or Pacific (ACP) State Contracting Party to the Convention not specifically referred to in that Protocol to participate in its provisions shall be examined.

(2) Burkina Faso is an ACP State Contracting Party to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and it requested in November 2000 to participate in the provisions of the said Protocol.

(3) In a letter of  30 September 2002 , the ACP States signified their assent to the accession of Burkina Faso to the said Protocol.

(4) An examination of the request of Burkina Faso has shown that the country is not a net exporter of sugar and is not capable of exporting sugar on a permanent basis.

(5) It is appropriate to transmit this conclusion to Burkina Faso by letter,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The request by Burkina Faso to accede to Protocol 3 on ACP sugar to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement is not accepted.

The attached letter shall be sent to Burkina Faso.

Done at Luxembourg,  28 June 2004 .

 For the Council

 The President

M.  Cullen

(1) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 269.

ANNEX

Brussels,

Your Excellency,

I have the honour to refer to your letter dated  8 November 2000  requesting accession to the Protocol on ACP sugar. In conformity with the Joint Declaration annexed to the Protocol on ACP sugar the European Community has examined your request and has come to the conclusion that Burkina Faso is at present not in a position to fulfil on a permanent basis the obligations of the Protocol. In previous cases, the capacity to fulfil these obligations was defined by the fact that the country in question was a net exporter of sugar.

I regret therefore that the Community cannot accept Burkina Faso's request to join the Sugar Protocol.

A copy of this letter is sent to the Secretary General of the ACP States.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.

 On behalf of the Council of the European Union


Avis juridique important

|

31999D0036

1999/36/EC: Council Decision of 21 December 1998 on the provisional application of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the People's Republic of China amending the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the People's Republic of China on trade in textile products

Official Journal L 012 , 16/01/1999 P. 0027 - 0027

COUNCIL DECISION of 21 December 1998 on the provisional application of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the People's Republic of China amending the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the People's Republic of China on trade in textile products (1999/36/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 113 thereof, in conjunction with Article 228(2), first sentence, thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Whereas the Commission has negotiated on behalf of the community an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the People's Republic of China amending the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the People's Republic of China on trade in textile products as last amended by Agreements initialled on 13 December 1995;Whereas this Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters should be applied on a provisional basis from 1 January 1999 pending the completion of the procedures necessary for its conclusion, subject to reciprocal provisional application of the Agreement by the People's Republic of China,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1The Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the People's Republic of China amending the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the People's Republic of China on trade in textile products as last amended by Agreements initialled on 13 December 1995 shall be applied on a provisional basis from 1 January 1999 pending its formal conclusion and subject to reciprocal provisional application of the Agreement by the People's Republic of China.The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.Article 2This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.Done at Brussels, 21 December 1998.For the CouncilThe PresidentM. BARTENSTEIN


Avis juridique important

|

31992D0435

92/435/EEC: Commission Decision of 29 July 1992 granting the first Community contribution to the autonomous regions of Azores and Madeira provided for in the Council Decision on Poseima to compensate for the extra costs of supplying oil to these archipelagos in 1991 (Only the Portuguese text is authentic)

Official Journal L 239 , 22/08/1992 P. 0013 - 0013

COMMISSION DECISION  of 29 July 1992  granting the first Community contribution to the autonomous regions of Azores and Madeira provided for in the Council Decision on Poseima to compensate for the extra costs of supplying oil to these  archipelagos in 1991  (Only the Portuguese text is authentic)  (92/435/EEC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,  Having regard to Council Decision 91/315/EEC of 26 June 1991 setting up a programme of options specific to the remote and insular nature of Madeira and the Azores (Poseima) (1),  Whereas section 10.1 of the Annex to Council Decision 91/315/EEC provides for the introduction of specific Community aid to compensate for the extra cost of supplying oil to the Azores and Madeira;  Whereas the Portuguese authorities have sent the Commission information on the extra costs relating to the transport of petroleum products to the archipelagos of Azores and Madeira in the reference year 1989;  Whereas, in accordance with Article 2 of Decision 91/315/EEC, the provisions of the 1992 budget of the Communities enable a first Community contribution of specific aid for energy to be granted to these regions in respect of 1991;  Whereas a deadline should be set for the Portuguese authorities to send the Commission the report provided for in section 10.5 of the Annex to the said Decision,  DECIDES:  Article 1  The amount of the first Community contribution to the autonomous regions of Azores and Madeira provided for in Decision 91/315/EEC to cover the extra costs related to the transport of petroleum products to these archipelagos in 1991 shall be  as follows:  1. ECU 3 052 273 to the autonomous region of Azores;  2. ECU 1 947 727 to the autonomous region of Madeira.  Article 2  This Community contribution is granted subject to the conditions set out in section 10.5 of the Annex to Decision 91/315/EEC.  The deadline for submission by the Portuguese authorities of the report provided for in section 10.5 of the Annex to the abovementioned Decision shall be one year from the date of publication of this Decision.  Article 3  This Decision is addressed to the Governments of Portugal and of the autonomous regions of Azores and Madeira. Done at Brussels, 29 July 1992. For the Commission  António CARDOSO E CUNHA  Member of the Commission   (1) OJ No L 171, 29. 6. 1991, p. 10.


Avis juridique important

|

31998D0333

98/333/EC: Council Decision of 8 December 1997 on the conclusion of an Agreement on trade in textile products between the European Community and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Official Journal L 147 , 18/05/1998 P. 0001 - 0053

COUNCIL DECISION of 8 December 1997 on the conclusion of an Agreement on trade in textile products between the European Community and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (98/333/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 113 in conjunction with Article 228(2), first sentence thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Whereas the Commission has negotiated on behalf of the European Community an Agreement on trade in textile products with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;Whereas this Agreement should be approved,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1The Agreement on trade in textile products between the European Community and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is hereby approved.The text of the Agreement is attached to this decision.Article 2The President of the Council shall give the notification provided in Article 17(1) of the Agreement (1).Done at Brussels, 8 December 1997.For the CouncilThe PresidentJ. POOS(1) 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: Commission Decision of 17 January 2013 on setting up the Commission Expert Group on a European Insurance Contract Law

text:
               19.1.2013

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 16/6

         COMMISSION DECISION
   of 17 January 2013
   on setting up the Commission Expert Group on a European Insurance Contract Law
   2013/C 16/03
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 1 July 2010, the Commission launched a consultation on the ‘Green Paper on policy options for progress towards a European contract law for consumers and businesses’ (1). A number of stakeholders from the insurance sector, in particular representatives of insurance undertakings and insurance intermediaries, stated that differences in contract law posed obstacles to cross-border trade in insurance products.

               (2)

               In its resolution of 8 June 2011, the European Parliament reiterated its earlier call to include insurance contracts within the scope of an optional instrument and expressed its belief that such an instrument could be particularly useful for small-scale insurance contracts, while calling on the Commission to establish a dedicated expert group for any future preparatory work on financial services to ensure that any future instrument takes into account the possible specific characteristics of the financial services sector.

               (3)

               Following the ‘Green Paper on policy options for progress towards a European contract law for consumers and businesses’, the Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Common European Sales Law on 11 October 2011. The scope of the proposed Common European Sales Law was limited to contracts for the sale of goods, contracts for the supply of digital content and contracts for related services, as goods account for the major share of intra-EU trade and the trade in digital products has a growing economic importance.

               (4)

               On 16 February 2012, the Commission adopted the White Paper ‘An agenda for adequate, safe and sustainable pensions’, which put forward a package of initiatives with the aim of facilitating the development of complementary private retirement savings. Measure 19, which is part of this package, announced that the Commission would examine the need for removing contract law-related obstacles to the design and distribution of life insurance products with savings/investment functions in order to facilitate the cross-border distribution of certain private pension products.

               (5)

               Having taken into account the stakeholder contributions to the consultation on the ‘Green Paper on policy options for progress towards a European contract law for consumers and businesses’ and having regard to the European Parliament's resolution of 8 June 2011, the Commission considers that the situation in the insurance sector merits a specific in-depth analysis. The Commission is therefore minded to examine whether differences in insurance contract law pose obstacles to cross-border trade in insurance products.

               (6)

               Acknowledging the need to take into account the specific characteristics of the financial services sector, the Commission considers it necessary to set up a group of experts to assist and enable the Commission to draw on a wide range of practical expertise and knowledge for the purpose of its analysis.

               (7)

               The group of experts shall explore whether differences between insurance contract laws of the Member States create barriers to cross-border trade and if so, in which specific insurance areas, including certain life insurance products which could serve as private pensions, this is the case. The group of experts shall issue a report based on its findings.

               (8)

               The group of experts shall be composed of representatives of stakeholders, including the insurance industry, the main users of insurance products and practitioners with experience in drafting insurance contracts. The group of experts may also include experts acting in their personal capacity, such as academics with specific expertise in the area of contract law and in particular insurance contract law. The composition of the group of experts may vary depending on its specific tasks.

               (9)

               Rules on disclosure of information by members of the group of experts should be laid down.

               (10)

               Personal data should be processed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Commission Expert Group on European Insurance Contract Law
   The group of experts ‘Commission Expert Group on European Insurance Contract Law’, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Expert Group’, is hereby set up.
   Article 2
   Task
   1.   The Expert Group’s task shall be to carry out an analysis in order to assist the Commission in examining whether differences in contract laws pose an obstacle to cross-border trade in insurance products.
   2.   If the Expert Group finds that differences in contract laws may pose obstacles to cross-border trade in insurance products, it shall identify the insurance areas which are likely to be particularly affected by such obstacles.
   3.   By the end of 2013, the Expert Group shall deliver to the Commission a report on its findings.
   Article 3
   Consultation
   The Commission may consult the Expert Group on any matter relating to insurance contract law and to relevant matters of contract law.
   Article 4
   Membership — appointment
   1.   The Expert Group shall be composed of up to 20 members.
   2.   Members may be individuals appointed in a personal capacity, individuals representing a common interest — such as the interest of insurance providers, insurance users or legal practitioners — as well as insurance organisations, insurance user organisations and lawyers' organisations.
   3.   Members appointed in a personal capacity shall act independently and in the public interest. They shall be appointed by the Director-General of DG Justice from specialists with a specific knowledge in the areas referred to in Articles 2 and 3 and having responded to a call for applications. Individuals appointed to represent a common interest shall not represent an individual stakeholder. They shall be appointed by the Director-General of DG Justice from stakeholders having a competence and strong interest in the areas referred to in Article 2 and willing to contribute to the work of the Expert Group and having responded to a call for applications. Organisations shall nominate their representatives. Members shall be appointed on the basis of their willingness to dedicate the time necessary in order to contribute effectively to the Expert Group's deliberations.
   4.   Members of the Expert Group shall be appointed for a fixed term of 2 years ending 24 months after the date of the adoption of this Decision.
   5.   Members who are no longer capable of contributing effectively to the Expert Group’s deliberations, who resign or who do not comply with the conditions set out in paragraph 4 of this Article, or Article 339 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, may be replaced for the remainder of their term of office.
   6.   Members appointed in a personal capacity shall sign an undertaking to act in the public interest and a declaration indicating the absence or existence of any conflict of interest.
   7.   The names of members shall be published in the Register of Commission Expert Groups and other similar entities (‘the Register’) and on the Internet site of DG Justice.
   8.   Personal data shall be collected, processed and published in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 (2).
   Article 5
   Operation
   1.   The Expert Group shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission.
   2.   In agreement with the Commission services, the group may set up sub-groups to examine specific issues on the basis of terms of reference defined by the group. Such sub-groups shall be disbanded as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.
   3.   The Commission's representative may ask experts who are not members of the Expert Group with specific competence in a subject on the agenda to participate in the work of the Expert Group or sub-group on an ad hoc basis. In addition, the Commission’s representative may give observer status to individuals, organisations as defined in Rule 8(3) of the horizontal rules on expert groups and candidate countries (3).
   4.   Members of the Expert Group as well as invited experts and observers shall comply with the obligations of professional secrecy laid down by the Treaties and their implementing rules, as well as with the Commission's rules on security regarding the protection of EU classified information, laid down in the Annex to Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom. Should they fail to respect these obligations, the Commission may take all appropriate measures.
   5.   The Expert Group and its sub-groups shall normally meet on Commission premises. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the Expert Group and its sub-groups.
   6.   The Commission publishes relevant documents on the activities of the group, such as agendas and, minutes, either by including it in the Register or via a link from the Register to a dedicated website. Exceptions to publication should be foreseen where disclosure of a document would undermine the protection of a public or private interest as defined in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001. Any results or rights thereon, including copyright and other intellectual or industrial property rights, obtained in performance of the Expert Group's activities, shall be owned solely by the Union, which may use, publish, assign or transfer them as it sees fit, without geographical or other limitation, except where industrial or intellectual property rights exist prior to the work in the Expert Group being entered into.
   Article 6
   Meeting expenses
   1.   Participants in the activities of the Expert Group shall not be remunerated for the services they render.
   2.   Travel and subsistence expenses incurred by participants in the activities of the group shall be reimbursed by the Commission in accordance with the provisions in force within the Commission.
   3.   Meeting expenses shall be reimbursed within the limits of the available appropriations allocated under the annual procedure for the allocation of resources.
   Article 7
   Applicability
   The Decision shall apply for a period of 24 months after its adoption. The Commission shall decide on a possible extension before that date.

      Done at Brussels, 17 January 2013.

            For the Commission

         Viviane REDING

            Vice-President

      (1)  COM(2010) 348 final, 1.7.2010.
   http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/enterprise/business_environment/co0016_en.htm

      (2)  Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1).

      (3)  http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/PDF/SEC_2010_EN.pdf


Avis juridique important

|

31987D0565

87/565/EEC: Council Decision of 16 November 1987 concerning the conclusion of the Protocol amending the GATT Agreement on Government Procurement

Official Journal L 345 , 09/12/1987 P. 0024 - 0024 Finnish special edition: Chapter 11 Volume 13 P. 0088  Swedish special edition: Chapter 11 Volume 13 P. 0088

*****COUNCIL  DECISION  of 16 November 1987  concerning the conclusion of the Protocol amending the GATT Agreement on Government Procurement  (87/565/EEC)  THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 113 thereof,  Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,  Whereas the Community and the other signatories to the GATT Agreement on Government Procurement (1) entered into negotiations under Article IX (6) (b) thereof with a view to improving certain provisions of the Agreement;  Whereas the results of these negotiations are acceptable to the Community,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:  Article 1  The Protocol amending the GATT Agreement on Government Procurement is hereby approved on behalf of the European Economic Community.  The text of the Protocol is attached to this Decision.  Article 2  The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the person empowered to sign the Protocol in order to bind the Community.  Done at Brussels, 16 November 1987.  For the Council  The President  P. SIMONSEN  (1) OJ No L 71, 17. 3. 1980, p. 44.


title: 2010/787/EU: Council Decision of 10 December 2010 on State aid to facilitate the closure of uncompetitive coal mines

text:
               21.12.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 336/24

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 10 December 2010
   on State aid to facilitate the closure of uncompetitive coal mines
   (2010/787/EU)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular point (e) of Article 107(3) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Council Regulation (EC) No 1407/2002 of 23 July 2002 on State aid to the coal industry (2) expires on 31 December 2010.

               (2)

               The small contribution of subsidised coal to the overall energy mix no longer justifies the maintenance of such subsidies for securing the supply of energy in the Union.

               (3)

               The Union’s policy of encouraging renewable energy sources and a sustainable and safe low-carbon economy does not justify the indefinite support for uncompetitive coal mines. The categories of aid permitted by Regulation (EC) No 1407/2002 should therefore not be continued indefinitely.

               (4)

               However, in the absence of sector-specific State aid rules, only the general State aid rules apply to coal. In this context, uncompetitive coal mines, currently benefiting from aid under Regulation (EC) No 1407/2002, may no longer be eligible for aid and may be forced to close.

               (5)

               Without prejudice to the general State aid rules, Member States should be able to take measures to alleviate the social and regional consequences of the closure of those mines, that is to say the orderly winding down of activities in the context of an irrevocable closure plan and/or the financing of exceptional costs, in particular inherited liabilities.

               (6)

               This Decision marks the transition, for the coal sector, from the application of sector-specific rules to the application of general State aid rules which are applicable to all sectors.

               (7)

               In order to minimise the distortion of competition in the internal market resulting from State aid to facilitate the closure of uncompetitive coal mines, such aid should be degressive and strictly limited to coal production units that are irrevocably planned for closure.

               (8)

               In order to mitigate the environmental impact of the production of coal by coal production units to which closure aid is granted, the Member States should establish a plan of appropriate measures, for example in the field of energy efficiency, renewable energy or carbon capture and storage.

               (9)

               Undertakings should be eligible for aid to cover costs which, in accordance with normal accounting practice, do not directly affect the cost of production. Such aid is intended to cover exceptional costs that arise from the closure of their coal production units. In order to avoid such aid from unduly benefiting undertakings that close only some of their production sites, the undertakings concerned should keep separate accounts for each of their coal production units.

               (10)

               In accomplishing its task under this Decision, the Commission should ensure that normal conditions of competition are established, maintained and complied with. With regard, more especially, to the electricity market, aid to the coal industry should not be such as to affect electricity producers’ choice of sources of primary energy supply. Consequently, the prices and quantities of coal should be freely agreed between the contracting parties in the light of prevailing conditions on the world market.

               (11)

               The application of this Decision should not exclude that aid to the coal industry may be found compatible with the internal market on other grounds. In this context, other specific rules, in particular those concerning aid for research, development and innovation, aid for environmental protection and aid for training activities, continue to apply within the limits of the maximum aid intensities, unless they provide otherwise.

               (12)

               The Commission should assess the measures notified on the basis of this Decision and take decisions in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty (3).

               (13)

               To avoid any discontinuity between measures envisaged in Regulation (EC) No 1407/2002 and the measures foreseen in this Decision, this Decision should apply from 1 January 2011,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   CHAPTER 1

      INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

   Article 1
   Definitions
   For the purposes of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply:

               (a)

               ‘coal’ means high-grade, medium-grade and low-grade category A and B coal within the meaning of the international codification system for coal laid down by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (4);

               (b)

               ‘closure’ means the permanent cessation of production and sale of coal;

               (c)

               ‘closure plan’ means a plan drawn up by a Member State providing for measures culminating in the definitive closure of coal production units;

               (d)

               ‘coal production unit’ means underground or opencast coal workings and related infrastructure capable of producing raw coal independently of other parts of the undertaking;

               (e)

               ‘coal year’ means calendar year or another 12-month period used as a reference for contracts in the coal industry;

               (f)

               ‘production costs’ means total costs related to current production, including mining operations, operations for the dressing of coal, in particular washing, sizing and sorting, and transport to the utilization point, normal depreciation and market-based interest charges on borrowed capital;

               (g)

               ‘current production losses’ means the positive difference between the coal production cost and the selling price at utilisation point freely agreed between the contracting parties in the light of the conditions prevailing on the world market.

         CHAPTER 2

      COMPATIBILITY OF AID

   Article 2
   Principle
   1.   In the context of closure of uncompetitive mines, aid to the coal industry may be considered compatible with the proper functioning of the internal market if it complies with the provisions of this Decision.
   2.   Aid shall cover only costs in connection with coal for the production of electricity, the combined production of heat and electricity, the production of coke and the fuelling of blast furnaces in the steel industry, where such use takes place in the Union.
   Article 3
   Closure aid
   1.   Aid to an undertaking intended specifically to cover the current production losses of coal production units may be considered compatible with the internal market only if it satisfies the following conditions:

               (a)

               the operation of the coal production units concerned must form part of a closure plan the deadline of which does not extend beyond 31 December 2018;

               (b)

               the coal production units concerned must be closed definitively in accordance with the closure plan;

               (c)

               the aid notified must not exceed the difference between the foreseeable production costs and the foreseeable revenue for a coal year. The aid actually paid must be subject to annual correction, based on the actual costs and revenue, at the latest by the end of the coal production year following the year for which the aid was granted;

               (d)

               the amount of aid per tonne coal equivalent must not cause prices for Union coal at utilisation point to be lower than those for coal of a similar quality from third countries;

               (e)

               the coal production units concerned must have been in activity on 31 December 2009;

               (f)

               the overall amount of closure aid granted by a Member State must follow a downward trend: by the end of 2013 the reduction must not be less than 25 %, by the end of 2015 not less than 40 %, by the end of 2016 not less than 60 % and by the end of 2017 not less than 75 % of the aid granted in 2011;

               (g)

               the overall amount of closure aid to the coal industry of a Member State must not exceed, for any year after 2010, the amount of aid granted by that Member State and authorised by the Commission in accordance with Articles 4 and 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1407/2002 for the year 2010;

               (h)

               the Member States must establish a plan to take measures aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of the production of coal by production units to which aid is granted pursuant to this Article, for example in the field of energy efficiency, renewable energy or carbon capture and storage.

         2.   The inclusion of measures constituting State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the Treaty in a plan as referred to in point (h) of paragraph 1 shall be without prejudice to the notification and standstill obligations imposed on Member States with respect to such measures by Article 108(3) of the Treaty, and to the compatibility of such measures with the internal market.
   3.   If the coal production units to which aid is granted pursuant to paragraph 1 are not closed at the date fixed in the closure plan as authorised by the Commission, the Member State concerned shall recover all aid granted in respect of the whole period covered by the closure plan.
   Article 4
   Aid to cover exceptional costs
   1.   State aid granted to undertakings which carry out or have carried out an activity in connection with coal production to enable them to cover the costs arising from or having arisen from the closure of coal production units and which are not related to current production, may be considered compatible with the internal market provided that the amount paid does not exceed such costs. Such aid may be used to cover:

               (a)

               the costs incurred and cost provisions made only by undertakings which are closing or have closed coal production units, including undertakings benefiting from closure aid;

               (b)

               the costs incurred by several undertakings.

         2.   The categories of costs covered by paragraph 1 are defined in the Annex. Paragraph 1 shall not apply to costs resulting from non-compliance with environmental regulations.
   Article 5
   Cumulation
   1.   The maximum amount of aid authorised under this Decision shall apply regardless of whether the aid is financed entirely by Member States or is partly financed by the Union.
   2.   Aid authorised under this Decision shall not be combined with other State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the Treaty or with other forms of Union financing for the same eligible costs if such overlapping results in an aid amount higher than that authorised under this Decision.
   Article 6
   Separation of accounts
   All aid received by undertakings shall be shown in the profit-and-loss accounts as a separate item of revenue distinct from turnover. Where undertakings benefiting from aid under this Decision continue trading or operating after closing down some or all of their coal production units they shall keep precise and separate accounts for each of their coal production units and for other economic activities which are not related to coal mining. The aid granted under this Decision shall be managed in such a way that there is no possibility of it being transferred to other coal production units which are not part of the closure plan or to other economic activities of the same undertaking.
   CHAPTER 3

      PROCEDURES

   Article 7
   Information to be provided by Member States
   1.   In addition to Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, aid as referred to in this Decision shall be subject to the special rules laid down in paragraphs 2 to 6.
   2.   Member States which intend to grant closure aid as referred to in Article 3 shall notify a closure plan for the coal production units concerned to the Commission. The plan shall contain at least the following:

               (a)

               identification of the coal production units;

               (b)

               the real or estimated production costs for each coal production unit per coal year;

               (c)

               estimated coal production, per coal year, of coal production units forming the subject of a closure plan;

               (d)

               the estimated amount of closure aid per coal year.

         3.   Member States shall notify any amendments to the closure plan to the Commission.
   4.   Member States shall notify all the aid which they intend to grant to the coal industry under this Decision during a coal year. They shall submit to the Commission all details relevant to the calculation of the foreseeable production costs and their relationship to the closure plans notified to the Commission pursuant to paragraph 2.
   5.   Member States shall inform the Commission of the amount, and of the calculation of the aid actually paid during a coal year, no later than six months after the end of the year in question. Where any corrections are made to the amounts originally paid during a given coal year, Member States shall inform the Commission before the end of the following coal year.
   6.   When notifying aid as referred to in Articles 3 and 4 and when informing the Commission on aid actually paid, Member States shall supply all the information necessary for the Commission to verify that the provisions of this Decision are complied with.
   CHAPTER 4

      FINAL PROVISIONS

   Article 8
   Implementing measures
   The Commission shall take all necessary measures for the implementation of this Decision. It may, within the limits laid down by this Decision, establish a joint framework for communication of the information referred to in Article 7.
   Article 9
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
   It shall apply from 1 January 2011.
   It shall expire on 31 December 2027.

      Done at Brussels, 10 December 2010.

            For the Council

            The President

         V. VAN QUICKENBORNE

      (1)  Opinion of 23 November 2010 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

      (2)  OJ L 205, 2.8.2002, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ L 83, 27.3.1999, p. 1.

      (4)  International system for the codification of medium-grade and high-grade coal (1998), International classification of coal in seam (1998) and International system of codification for low-grade coal (1999).

      ANNEX

         DEFINITION OF COSTS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 4

      1.   Costs incurred and cost provisions made only by undertakings which have closed or are closing coal production units
      The following cost categories exclusively, and only if they result from the closure of coal production units:

                  (a)

                  the cost of paying social welfare benefits resulting from the pensioning-off of workers before they reach statutory retirement age;

                  (b)

                  other exceptional expenditure on workers who have lost or who lose their jobs;

                  (c)

                  the payment of pensions and allowances outside the statutory system to workers who have lost or who lose their jobs and to workers entitled to such payments before the closure;

                  (d)

                  the cost covered by the undertakings for the readaptation of workers in order to help them find new jobs outside the coal industry, especially training costs;

                  (e)

                  the supply of free coal to workers who have lost or who lose their jobs and to workers entitled to such supply before the closure, or the monetary equivalent;

                  (f)

                  residual costs resulting from administrative, legal or tax provisions which are specific to the coal industry;

                  (g)

                  additional underground safety work resulting from the closure of coal production units;

                  (h)

                  mining damage, provided that it has been caused by the coal production units which have been closed or which are being closed;

                  (i)

                  all duly justified costs related to the rehabilitation of former coal mining sites, including:

                              —

                              residual costs resulting from contributions to bodies responsible for water supplies and for the removal of waste water,

                              —

                              other residual costs resulting from water supplies and the removal of waste water;

                  (j)

                  residual costs to cover former miners’ health insurance;

                  (k)

                  costs related to the cancelling or modification of ongoing contracts (for a maximum value of 6 months of production);

                  (l)

                  exceptional intrinsic depreciation provided that it results from the closure of coal production units;

                  (m)

                  costs of surface recultivation.

            The increase in the value of the land shall be deducted from the eligible costs for the cost categories referred to in points (g), (h), (i) and (m).
      2.   Costs incurred and cost provisions made by several undertakings
      The following cost categories exclusively:

                  (a)

                  increase in contributions, outside the statutory system, to cover social security costs as a result of the drop, following closure of coal production units, in the number of contributors;

                  (b)

                  expenditure, resulting from the closure of coal production units, on the supply of water and the removal of waste water;

                  (c)

                  increase in contributions to bodies responsible for supplying water and removing waste water, provided that this increase is the result of a reduction, following the closure of coal production units, in the coal production subject to levy.


title: 2006/524/EC,Euratom: Council Decision of  11 July 2006  appointing Czech, German, Estonian, Spanish, French, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Luxembourg, Hungarian, Maltese, Austrian, Slovenian and Slovak members of the European Economic and Social Committee

text:
               28.7.2006

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 207/30

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 11 July 2006
   appointing Czech, German, Estonian, Spanish, French, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Luxembourg, Hungarian, Maltese, Austrian, Slovenian and Slovak members of the European Economic and Social Committee
   (2006/524/EC, Euratom)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 259 thereof,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 167 thereof,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The terms of office of the present members of the European Economic and Social Committee expire on 20 September 2006. The members of that Committee should therefore be appointed for a further period of four years as from 21 September 2006.

               (2)

               The Czech, German, Estonian, Spanish, French, Latvian, Lithuanian, Luxembourg, Hungarian, Maltese, Austrian, Slovenian and Slovak Governments have submitted lists containing a number of candidates equal to the number of seats allocated to them by the Treaties.

               (3)

               The Italian Government has submitted a list containing 22 candidates. At a later stage it will propose two further candidates to complete this list and arrive at a number of candidates equal to the number of seats allocated to it by the Treaties,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The persons listed in the Annex to this Decision are hereby appointed members of the European Economic and Social Committee for the period from 21 September 2006 to 20 September 2010.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall take effect on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 11 July 2006.

            For the Council

            The President

         E. HEINÄLUOMA

      ANNEX
      Czech Republic

                  Ms Helena ČORNEJOVÁ
                  Head of the Socio-Economic Department, Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS)

                  Ms Vladimíra DRBALOVÁ
                  Director of the Department of International Organisations and EU Affairs, Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic (SP)

                  Mr Roman HAKEN
                  Executive Director of the Center for Community Organizing (CCO)

                  Mr Ludvík JÍROVEC
                  Director of Corporate Company STAŇKOV Inc. (Společný podnik STAŇKOV a.s.), member of the Czech Agrarian Chamber

                  Mr Vladimír MATOUŠEK
                  Advisor in the International Department, Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS)

                  Mr Jaroslav NĚMEC
                  Director of the Archdiocesan Charity Prague, Chair of the Board of the Central Bohemian Regional Council of Humanitarian Organisations

                  Ms Dana ŠTECHOVÁ
                  Advisor of the International Department, Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS)

                  Mr Josef SUCHEL
                  Advisor in social affairs, Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS)

                  Mr Pavel TRANTINA
                  Director of the Secretariat and Chair of the Board of the Czech Council for Children and Youth

                  Mr Ivan VOLEŠ
                  Deputy Secretary, Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic (HK ČR)

                  Mr Josef ZBOŘIL
                  Member of the Board of Directors, Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic (SP)

                  Ms Marie ZVOLSKÁ
                  Member of the Confederation of Employers’ and Entrepreneurs’ Associations of the Czech Republic

            Germany

                  Frau Karin ALLEWELDT
                  Referatsleiterin internationale Gewerkschaftspolitik beim Bundesvorstand des DGB

                  Frau Annelie BUNTENBACH
                  Mitglied des Geschäftsführenden Bundesvorstandes des DGB

                  Diplom-Volkswirt Peter CLEVER
                  Mitglied der Hauptgeschäftsführung Bundesvereinigung der Deutschen Arbeitgeberverbände

                  Dr. Göke FRERICHS
                  Präsidiumsmitglied Bundesverband des Deutschen Groß- und Außenhandels

                  Dr. Renate HEINISCH
                  Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Senioren-Organisationen (BAGSO) e.V.

                  Herr Adalbert KIENLE
                  Stellvertretender Generalsekretär Deutscher Bauernverband e.V.

                  Diplom-Volkswirt Peter KORN
                  Leiter des Bereichs Umwelt und Energie und Leiter des Deutschen Industrie- und Handelskammertags (DIHK) in Brüssel

                  Herr Jochen LEHNHOFF
                  Mitglied des Vorstandes Bundesverband der deutschen Volksbanken und Raiffeisenbanken e.V.

                  Herr Claus MATECKI
                  Mitglied des Geschäftsführenden Bundesvorstandes des DGB

                  Herr Arno METZLER
                  Hauptgeschäftsführer Bundesverband der Freien Berufe

                  Herr Erhard OTT
                  Mitglied des Geschäftsführenden Bundesvorstandes von Ver.di

                  Dr. Volker J. PETERSEN
                  Stellvertretender Generalsekretär Deutscher Raiffeisenverband e.V.

                  Herr Lutz RIBBE
                  Direktor bei der Stiftung Europäisches Naturerbe und Mitglied des Bundesvorstandes BUND

                  Herr Jörg RUSCHE
                  Geschäftsführer Bundesverband der Deutschen Binnenschifffahrt e.V.

                  Herr Manfred SCHALLMEYER
                  Beauftragter des 1. Vorsitzenden der IG Metall

                  Herr Hanns-Eberhard SCHLEYER
                  Generalsekretär des Zentralverbandes des Deutschen Handwerks (ZDH)

                  Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Heiko STEFFENS
                  Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband

                  Herr Frank STÖHR
                  Stellvertretender Bundesvorsitzender dbb Beamtenbund und Tarifunion

                  Graf Alexander von SCHWERIN
                  Betriebsrat DVG

                  Dr. Ludolf von WARTENBERG
                  Hauptgeschäftsführer und Mitglied des Präsidiums Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie

                  Herr Hans-Joachim WILMS
                  Stellvertretender Bundesvorsitzender Bundesvorstand IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt Büro Berlin, VB III

                  Prof. Dr. Gerd WOLF
                  Direktor a.D. am Institut für Plasmaphysik des Forschungszentrums Jülich

                  Herr Wilfried WOLLER
                  Mitglied des Geschäftsführenden Hauptvorstandes der IG Bergbau, Chemie, Energie

                  Gräfin Soscha zu EULENBURG
                  Vizepräsidentin der Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freien Wohlfahrtspflege und Vizepräsidentin des Deutschen Roten Kreuzes DRK-Generalsekretariat

            Estonia

                  Ms Eve PÄÄRENDSON
                  Estonian Employers’ Confederation

                  Ms Kristina TSHISTOVA
                  Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

                  Ms Liina CARR
                  Confederation of Estonian Trade Unions

                  Ms Mare VIIES
                  Estonian Employees’ Unions’ Confederation

                  Ms Mall HELLAM
                  Network of the Estonian Nonprofit Organiszations (NENO)

                  Mr Meelis JOOST
                  The Estonian Chamber of Disabled People

                  Mr Kaul NURM
                  Estonian Farmers' Federation

            Spain

                  D. Pedro BARATO TRIGUERO
                  Presidente Nacional de ASAJA

                  D. Rafael BARBADILLO LÓPEZ
                  Subdirector General de la Federación Española de Empresas de Transportes de Viajeros (ASINTRA)

                  D. Miguel Ángel CABRA DE LUNA
                  Vocal de la Junta Directiva de la Confederación Empresarial Española de la Economía Social

                  Da Lourdes CAVERO MESTRE
                  Miembro de la Junta Directiva de la Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE)

                  D. Francisco CEBALLO HERRERO
                  Asociación General de Consumidores (Asgeco)

                  Da Ma Carmen COBANO SUÁREZ
                  Unión de Pequeños Agricultores y Ganaderos (UPA)

                  D. José María ESPUNY MOYANO
                  Consejero de la Federación Española de Industrias de Alimentación y Bebidas (FIAB)

                  D. José Isaías RODRÍGUEZ GARCÍA-CARO
                  Director para la Unión Europea de la Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE)

                  Da Laura GONZÁLEZ DE TXABARRI ETXANIZ
                  Miembro del Comité Ejecutivo de la Confederación Sindical ELA, Responsable del Departamento Internacional

                  D. Bernardo HERNÁNDEZ BATALLER
                  Asociación de Usuarios de Comunicación (AUC)

                  Da Margarita LÓPEZ ALMENDARIZ
                  Miembro del Comité Ejecutivo de la Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE)

                  D. Juán MENDOZA CASTRO
                  Colaborador de UGT para asuntos internacionales

                  D. Juan MORENO PRECIADOS
                  Miembro de la Secretaría Confederal de Acción Sindical Internacional de CC.OO.

                  D. Ángel PANERO FLORES
                  Miembro de la Junta Directiva de la Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE)

                  D. Luis Miguel PARIZA CASTAÑOS
                  Miembro de la Secretaría Confederal de Acción Sindical Internacional de CC.OO.

                  D. Javier SÁNCHEZ ANSÓ
                  Miembro de la Comisión Ejecutiva de COAG, Responsable de Relaciones Internacionales, Estructuras Agrarias y Desarrollo Rural

                  Da María Candelas SÁNCHEZ MIGUEL
                  Miembro de la Secretaría Confederal de Acción Sindical Internacional de CC.OO.

                  D. Sergio SANTILLÁN CABEZA
                  Abogado, Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT)

                  D. Gabriel SARRÓ IPARRAGUIRRE
                  Gerente de la Organización de Productores Asociados de Grandes Atuneros Congelados (OPAGAC)

                  D. José SARTORIUS ÁLVAREZ DE BOHÓRQUEZ
                  Consejero del Banco Popular Español

                  D. José Maria ZUFIAUR NARVAIZA
                  Director del grupo de análisis sociolaborales LABOUR

            France

                  M. Jean-Paul BASTIAN
                  Vice-président, FNSEA (Fédération nationale des syndicats d’exploitants agricoles)

                  Mme Laure BATUT
                  Assistante confédérale au secteur international et Europe (Force ouvrière)

                  M. Jean-Michel BLOCH-LAINE
                  Président, UNIOPSS (Union nationale interfédérale des œuvres et organismes privés sanitaires et sociaux)

                  M. Lucien BOUIS
                  Conseiller du président de l’UNAF, UNAF (Union nationale des associations familiales)

                  M. Gilbert BROS
                  Vice-président, APCA (Assemblée permanente des chambres d’agriculture)

                  M. Stéphane BUFFETAUT
                  Chargé de mission Europe, UTP (Union des transports publics)

                  M. Bruno CLERGEOT
                  Membre du conseil confédéral, CNMCCA (Confédération nationale de la mutualité, de la coopération et du crédit agricoles)

                  M. Hervé COUPEAU
                  Membre du bureau, CNJA (Centre national des jeunes agriculteurs)

                  M. Gérard DANTIN
                  Chargé de mission au sein du secteur Europe et international, CFDT (Confédération française démocratique du travail)

                  Francis DAVOUST
                  Vice-président du Conseil national des professions de l’automobile (CNPA), UPA (Union professionnelle artisanale) et APCMA

                  M. Pierre GENDRE
                  Assistant confédéral au secteur international et Europe, FO (Force ouvrière)

                  M. Hubert GHIGONIS
                  Vice-président, CGPME (Confédération générale des petites et moyennes entreprises)

                  M. Bernard HUVELIN
                  Vice-président de la Fédération française du bâtiment, MEDEF (Mouvement des entreprises de France)

                  Mme An LENOUAIL-MARLIERE
                  Membre de la Confédération exécutive confédérale, CGT (Confédération générale du travail)

                  M. Georges LIAROKAPIS
                  Délégué national, pôle service — cadre de vie — Europe et international, CGC/CFE (Confédération générale des cadres)

                  Mme Reine-Claude MADER-SAUSSAYE
                  Secrétaire générale de la confédération de la consommation, du logement et du cadre de vie, membre du conseil de la concurrence, CLVC (Association consommation, logement et cadre de vie)

                  M. Henri MALOSSE
                  Directeur, conseiller pour les affaires européennes auprès de la présidence de l’ACFCI, ACFCI (Assemblée des chambres françaises de commerce et d’industrie)

                  M. André-Luc MOLINIER
                  Directeur adjoint — coordination Europe, MEDEF (Mouvement des entreprises de France)

                  Mme Béatrice OUIN
                  Chargée de mission au sein du secteur Europe et international, CFDT (Confédération française démocratique du travail)

                  M. Jean-Paul PANZANI
                  Membre du comité exécutif, président des mutuelles de France, FNMF (Fédération nationale de la mutualité française)

                  Mme Evelyne PICHENOT
                  Présidente de la délégation pour l’Union européenne du Conseil économique et social, CES (Conseil économique et social)

                  Mme Nicole PRUD’HOMME
                  Vice-présidente, CFTC (Confédération française des travailleurs chrétiens)

                  M. Jacques REIGNAULT
                  Vice-président délégué, président de la commission des affaires européennes et internationales, UNAPL (Union nationale des professions libérales)

                  M. Daniel RETUREAU
                  Conseiller à l’espace confédéral Europe-international, CGT (Confédération générale du travail)

            Italy

                  Sig. Maurizio ANGELO
                  in rappresentanza CIDA

                  Sig. Paolo BEDONI
                  in rappresentanza di COLDIRETTI

                  Sig. Umberto BURANI
                  in rappresentanza di ABI

                  Sig. Mario CAMPLI
                  in rappresentanza LEGA NAZIONALE COOPERATIVE E MUTUE

                  Sig. Claudio CAPPELLINI
                  in rappresentanza di CONFARTIGIANATO

                  Sig. Francesco CAVALARO
                  in rappresentanza CISAL (Confederazione Italiana Sindacati Autonomi Lavoratori)

                  Sig. Carmelo CEDRONE
                  in rappresentanza UIL

                  Sig. Franco CHIRIACO
                  in rappresentanza CGIL

                  Sig. Roberto CONFALONIERI
                  in rappresentanza CONFEDIR

                  Sig.ra Susanna FLORIO
                  in rappresentanza CGIL

                  Sig. Angelo GRASSO
                  in rappresentanza Confcooperative

                  Sig. Edgardo Maria IOZIA
                  in rappresentanza UIL

                  Sig. Luca JAHIER
                  in rappresentanza ACLI

                  Sig. Sandro MASCIA
                  in rappresentanza di CONFAGRICOLTURA

                  Sig.ra Rosa Angela MAURO
                  in rappresentanza SIN.PA

                  Sig. Paolo NICOLETTI
                  in rappresentanza di CONFINDUSTRIA

                  Sig. Antonio PEZZINI
                  in rappresentanza di CONFINDUSTRIA

                  Sig.ra Renata POLVERINI
                  in rappresentanza UGL

                  Sig. Virgilio RANOCCHIARI
                  in rappresentanza di CONFINDUSTRIA

                  Sig. Corrado ROSSITTO
                  in rappresentanza CIU

                  Sig. Claudio ROTTI
                  in rappresentanza di CONFCOMMERCIO

                  Sig. Valerio SALVATORE
                  in rappresentanza CONFSAL

            Latvia

                  Ms Gunta ANČA
                  The Latvian Umbrella Body for Disability Organisations SUSTENTO, Chairperson

                  Mr Andris BĒRZIŅŠ
                  Parex Bank, member of the Board; AB konsultants, owner

                  Mr Vitālijs GAVRILOVS
                  20 Ice-Balt Invest ehf, Vice-chairman; LTD “Vitalian”, Chairman of the Board; JSC Grindex, Vice-chairman of the Board

                  Ms Irina HOMKO
                  Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia, Expert in social and economic and health care matters

                  Mr Viesturs KOCIŅŠ
                  Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Head of the Foreign Trade Document Department

                  Mr Armands KRAUZE
                  Latvian Beekeepers Association, Board Chairman, project manager

                  Mr Pēteris KRĪGERS
                  Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia, President; Member of Consultative board of Latvian Social insurance government agency

            Lithuania

                  Mr Danukas ARLAUSKAS
                  Director General, Lithuanian Confederation of Business Employers

                  Mr Linas LASIAUSKAS
                  Deputy Director General, Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association

                  Mr Vitas MAČIULIS
                  Director General, Association of Lithuanian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts

                  Mr Gintaras MORKIS
                  Deputy Director General, Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists

                  Ms Daiva KVEDARAITĖ
                  Director, Information and external relations centre of Lithuanian Trade Union „Solidarumas“

                  Mr Algirdas Aleksandras KVEDARAVIČIUS
                  Vice-chairperson, Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation

                  Ms Inga PREIDIENĖ
                  Vice-chairperson, Lithuanian Labour Federation Youth Organization

                  Mr Zenonas Rokus RUDZIKAS
                  President, Lithuanian Academy of Sciences

                  Mr Algirdas ŠIUPŠINSKAS
                  Member of the Board, Lithuanian Consumer Association

            Luxembourg

                  M. Paul JUNCK
                  Secrétaire général Arcelor

                  M. Raymond HENCKS
                  Membre du comité exécutif de la Confédération générale de la fonction publique (CGFP)

                  M. Jean-Claude REDING
                  Président de la Confédération générale du travail — Luxembourg (CGT-L/OGBL)

                  Mme Josiane WILLEMS
                  Directeur de la Centrale paysanne luxembourgeoise (CPL)

                  M. Paul RECKINGER
                  Président de la chambre des métiers du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg

                  M. Robert SCHADECK
                  Coordinateur de mesures sociales de réinsertion (Confédération luxembourgeoise des syndicats chrétiens — LCGB)

            Hungary

                  Mr Miklós BARABÁS
                  Director, European House Society

                  Ms Ágnes CSER
                  Vice-chairman, Forum for the Co-Operation of Trade Unions, Confederation of Unions of Professionals

                  Mr Antal CSUPORT
                  Acting Director, National Association of Strategic and Public Utility Companies

                  Mr István GARAI
                  Acting chairman, National Association for Consumer Protection

                  Dr Mária HERCZOG
                  Technical leader, Family, Youth, Children Public Benefit Organisation

                  Mr József KAPUVÁRI
                  Member of the Board, National Confederation of Hungarian Trade Unions

                  Ms Erika KOLLER
                  Head of International Department, Democratic League of Free Trade Unions

                  Mr Tamás NAGY
                  Chairman, National Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives and Producers

                  Dr Miklós PÁSZTOR
                  Expert, National Federation of Worker's Councils

                  Dr János TÓTH
                  Chairman responsible for International Affairs, Association of the Hungarian Industrial Parks

                  Dr Péter VADÁSZ
                  Co-chairman, Federation of Hungarian Employers and Industrialists

                  Mr János VÉRTES
                  Director of International Relations, National Federation of Traders and Caterers

            Malta

                  Ms Grace ATTARD
                  President of the National Council of Women

                  Mr Edwin CALLEJA
                  Federation of Industries (FOI)

                  Ms Anna Maria DARMANIN
                  Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin

                  Mr Michael PARNIS
                  General Workers Union

                  Ms Sylvia SCIBERRAS
                  Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU)

            Austria

                  Frau Mag. Eva BELABED
                  Leiterin der Stabstelle EWSA und Internationale Angelegenheiten, Arbeiterkammer Oberösterreich

                  Herr Mag. Thomas DELAPINA
                  Mitglied der wissenschaftlichen Abteilung, Arbeiterkammer Wien; Geschäftsführer des Beirats für Wirtschafts- und Sozialfragen

                  Herr Mag. Wolfgang GREIF
                  Bereichsleiter der Abteilung Europa, Konzerne und internationale Beziehungen in der Gewerkschaft der Privatangestellten

                  Frau Waltraud KLASNIC
                  Landeshauptmann a.D.

                  Herr Dr. Johannes KLEEMANN
                  „Konsulent der Industriellenvereinigung, ehem. Vorstandsmitglied der Industriellenvereinigung“

                  Herr Mag. Hans KLETZMAYR
                  Vorsitzender des „Nationalkomitees der Österreichischen Land- und Forstwirtschaft“

                  Herr Dipl.-Ing. Johann KÖLTRINGER
                  Hauptabteilungsleiter des Österreichischen Raiffeisenverbandes

                  Herr Mag. Heinz PETER
                  Direktor der Kammer für Arbeiter und Angestellte für Vorarlberg

                  Frau Mag. Evelyn REGNER
                  Leiterin des ÖGB Europabüros in Brüssel

                  Frau Mag. Christa SCHWENG
                  Referentin — Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, Abteilung für Sozialpolitik und Gesundheit

                  Frau Dr. Anne-Marie SIGMUND
                  Europabeauftragte des Bundeskomitees der freien Berufe Österreichs

                  Herr Gustav ZÖHRER
                  Internationaler Sekretär der Gewerkschaft Metall-Textil

            Slovenia

                  G. Bojan HRIBAR
                  sekretar Sindikata vzgoje, izobraževanja in raziskovalne dejavnosti

                  G. Martin NOSE
                  član upravnega odbora Kmetijsko gozdarske zbornice Slovenije in direktor Zadružne zveze Slovenije

                  G. Dušan REBOLJ
                  predsednik Konfederacije sindikatov Pergam Slovenije

                  Ga. Metka ROKSANDIĆ
                  izvršna sekretarka Predsedstva Zveze svobodnih sindikatov Slovenije

                  G. Primož ŠPORAR
                  direktor Pravno-informacijskega centra nevladnih organizacij

                  G. Mag. Cveto STANTIČ
                  podpredsednik Gospodarske zbornice Slovenije

                  G. Dare STOJAN
                  član upravnega odbora Obrtne zbornice Slovenije in predsednik Združenja delodajalcev obrtnih dejavnosti Slovenije

            Slovakia

                  Vladimír BÁLEŠ
                  prezident, Slovenská rektorská konferencia

                  Martin CHREN
                  riaditeľ, Nadácia F. A. Hayeka

                  Martin KREKÁČ
                  prezident, Centrum pre hospodársky rozvoj – Podnikateľská aliancia Slovenska

                  Vladimír MOJŠ
                  viceprezident, Konfederácia odborových zväzov

                  Ján ORAVEC
                  člen prezídia, Republiková únia zamestnávateľov

                  Naile PROKEŠOVÁ
                  poradca, Konfederácia odborových zväzov

                  Eugen ŠKULTÉTY
                  viceprezident, Konfederácia odborových zväzov

                  Juraj STERN
                  predseda správnej rady, Slovenská spoločnosť pre zahraničnú politiku

                  Patrik ZOLTVÁNY
                  člen, Republiková únia zamestnávateľov