title: Council Decision of 14 May 1973 adopting a research and training programme for the European Atomic Energy Community

text:
9 . 6 . 73                        Official Journal of the European Communities                          No L 153 / 1
                                                         II
                                   (Acts whose publication is not obligatory)
                                               COUNCIL
                                              COUNCIL DECISION
                                                 of 14 May 1973
                 adopting a research and training programme for the European Atomic Energy
                                                    Community
                                                 (73/124/Euratom)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,                    Community in order to carry out a research pro
                                                             gramme ;
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the Euro
pean Atomic Energy Community, and in particular              Whereas the Community research and training pro
Article 7 thereof;                                           gramme is defined taking account also of the under
                                                             taking of the Belgian Government to take over, for
                                                             the period from 1 March 1973 to 31 December 1976,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,           the cost of the Euratom staff made available to it for
submitted after consultation wiith the Scientific and        the BR 2 reactor under Article 6 (c) of the Treaty
Technical Committee;                                          establishing the European Atomic Energy Com
                                                              munity ;
Having regard to the Council Resolution of 17
December 1970 on the detailed rules for the adoption
of research and education programmes ;                       HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :
Whereas in the context of the common policy in                                      Article 1
science and technology the multi-annual research and
training programme is one of the principal means
whereby the Community can contribute to the rapid            A research and training programme, composed of a
formation and expansion of nuclear industries and            joint programme and supplementary programmes, as
also to the acquisition and dissemination of                 indicated in Annexes I, II and III, is hereby adopted
 knowledge in the nuclear field ;                            for a period of four years from 1 January 1973 . The
                                                             Annexes form an integral part of this Decision .
Whereas the Community research and training pro
gramme is defined taking account of the undertaking                                 Article 2
of the Italian Government to take over, for the period
from 1 March 1973 to 31 December 1976, the ESSOR
complex, made available to it by the Commission              The maximum expenditure and staff necessary for
under an agreement to be concluded between the               carrying out -this programme shall be 137.75 million
interested parties in accordance with Article 6 ( c) of       units of account and 1 226 staff for the duration of
the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy           the programme.
 ---pagebreak--- No L 153 /2                         Official Journal of the European Communities                               9 . 6. 73
The allocation of funds and staff, and the establish                                  Article 3
ment of the scales of financial contributions from
the Member States for supplementary programmes,                The programme defined in Annex I shall be subject
are ' shown in Annexes II and III respectively.                to review at the beginning of the second year, in
                                                               accordance with the appropriate procedures, and in
                                                               the light of the decisions of the Paris Summit Confer
                                                               ence .
The unit of account is defined in the Financial Regu          Done at Brussels, 14 May 1973 .
lation on the establishment and implementation of
 the budget of the European Communities and the                                                    For the Council
responsibility of authorising officers and accounting                                               The President
officers .                                                                                R. VAN ELSLANDE
 ---pagebreak--- 9 . 6. 73                        Official Journal of the European Communities                                  No L 153 /3
                                                        ANNEX I
                     JOINT MULTI-ANNUAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING PROGRAMME
                             AND SUPPLEMENTARY MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMMES
                                                   DIRECT PROJECTS
          1 . Handling and disposal of waste
              Joint programme
              A maximum of 6.9 million units of account shall be allocated to this objective, the number
              of staff being fixed at 75 (including a programme staff of 40).
              The objectives shall include :
              — basic studies on the separation of fission products from irradiated fuel by the 'Saltex'
                   process ;
              — feasibility studies on a system of self-burying capsules for the disposal of radioactive
                   waste ;
              — studies and research on the chemical separation of actinides from high-level radioactive
                   waste ;
              — studies of physical measurements to determine the neutronic properties of actinides ;
              — theoretical studies to reduce actinide concentration in irradiated fuel by optimising
                   reactor operation .
              These activities will be conducted for the most part by the Ispra establishment.
          2. Plutonium and Transplutonium elements
              ( a) Joint programme
                   A maximum of 13 million units of account shall be allocated to this objective , the number
                   of staff being fixed at 126 (including a programme staff of 63 ). The research constituting
                   the programme based on plutonium and its compounds shall deal with the following :
                   — phase diagrams, thermodynamic properties and structures of ceramic compounds
                       of plutonium (carbides , nitrides and their combinations) ;
                   — energy transport processes (thermal conductivity and diffusibility) ;
                   — mechanical properties of ceramic compounds in their microscopic aspects and the
                       effect of irradiation on these properties ;
                   — processes and kinetics of material transport phenomena and the effect of irradiation
                       thereon .
                   The irradiation required for these basic studies will take place in instrumented capsules.
                   In addition, certain studies will be carried out on determining the physical properties
                   of certain very high purity actinides and their compounds.
              (b) Supplementary programme
                   A maximum of 8.65 million units of account shall be allocated to this objective, the
                   number of staff being fixed at 84 (including a programme staff of 42). Research for the
                   programme of applied studies will deal with the following :
 ---pagebreak--- No L 153 /4                             Official Journal of the European Communities                          9 . 6. 73
                    — the study of the behaviour of advanced fuels in a fast reactor ;
                    — the development of the manufacture of samples of materials of this kind for
                        irradiation ;
                    — the analysis of irradiated materials and fuels in existing power plants ;
                    — work required by the projects.
                These activities will be conducted at the European Institute for Transuranium Elements
                in Karlsruhe.
            3.  Material science
                Joint programme
                A maximum of 8.5 million units of account shall be allocated for this objective , the number
                of staff being fixed at 89 (including a programme staff of 50).
                The objective shall include :
                — studies of lattice defects ;
                — studies of surface reactions (particle-surface interaction) ;
                — studies of mechanical behaviour, fractures of metals and compound materials (mech
                    anical properties and structure, physical properties, plastic deformation and fracture) ;
                — studies of the physical properties of materials at high temperatures (solid and liquid).
                These activities will be conducted by the Ispra Establishment.
            4. Reactor safety
                Joint programme
                A maximum of 21.1 million units of account shall be allocated to this objective, the number
                of staff being fixed at 232 (including a programme staff of 115).
                The objective shall include :
                — engineering research connected with serious accidents and their prevention ;
                — research on thermohydraulic phenomena in the coolant associated with accidents ;
                — early failure detection ;
                — reliability studies ;
                — reactor dynamics.
                These activities are to be conducted by the Ispra Establishment.
            5 . Applied data-processing
                Joint programme
                A maximum of 6.05 million units of account shall be allocated to this objective , the number
                of staff being fixed at 51 (including a programme staff of 31 ).
                The objective shall include :
                — computer programme library activities for the Community (collection, testing and
                    analysis of computer programmes, consultation on their use);
                — studies of an integrated system of documentation and automatic translation ;
                — assistance in computer systems and methods (Caronte modular system, special program
                    ming language for experimental mathematics).
                These activities will be conducted by the Ispra Establishment.
 ---pagebreak--- 9 . 6 . 73                      Official Journal of the European Communities                                  No L 153 /5
           6. Information Analysis Centre
                Joint programme
                A maximum of 5.10 million units of account shall be allocated to this objective, the number
                of staff being fixed at 51 (including a programme staff of 27).
                The objective shall include : three units for the compilation, analysis and distribution of
                scientific and technical information in the following fields :
                — shielding of nuclear reactors (ESIS) ;
                — integrated nuclear data (INDAC) ;
                — structural mechanics connected with reactor technology (ESMIS).
                These activities will be conducted by the Ispra Establishment.
           7 . Central Bureau for Nuclear Measurements ( CBNM)
                Joint programme
                A maximum of 20.35 million units of account shall be allocated to this objective, the number
                of staff being fixed at 170 (including a programme staff of 92).
                The objective shall include :
                 — determining basic neutron data ;
                — continuation of work in the field of nuclear metrology ( measurements of radioactive
                    elements , measurements of the isotopic composition of elements by mass spectrometry,
                    calibration and standardization of methods of dosimetry) ;
                 — the preparation and definition of standard specimens and nuclear reference materials.
                 These activities will be the task of the Central Bureau for Nuclear Measurements at Geel. .
            8 . Technical assistance to nuclear power plant operators
                 Joint programme
                 A maximum of 6.1 million units of account shall be allocated for this objective, the number
                 of staff being fixed at 60 (including a programme staff of 23).
                 The objective is to consist of technical support in the following fields :
                 — water chemistry ;
                 — in-pile inspection and operations ;
                 — post-irradiation examination of fuel elements ;
                 — methods of quality control for materials and components in stations, establishment of
                     standard techniques, training of operators' personnel .
                 These activities will be undertaken by the Ispra Establishment.
            9 . Training
                 Joint programme
                 A maximum of 1.45 million units of account shall be allocated for this objective, the number
                 of staff being fixed at 15 ( including a programme staff of 10).
                 This objective includes three courses, at technical standard post-graduate courses and
                 advanced specialized courses.
 ---pagebreak--- No L 153/6                         Official Journal of the European Communities                                9 . 6. 73
           10. Safeguards and management of fissile materials
                Supplementary programme
                A maximum of 5.4 million units of account shall be allocated for this objective, the number
                of staff being fixed at 57 (including a programme staff of 27).
                This objective includes :
                — systems analysis ;
                — development of destructive and non-destructive techniques ;
                — study of fool-proof sealing and identification techniques.
                These activities will be carried out mainly by the Ispra Establishment, in cooperation with
                establishments in the Member States .
           11 . Contract research
                Joint programme
                A maximum of 1.85 million units of account shall be allocated for this objective, the number
                of staff being fixed at 17 per man year (including a programme staff of 5 men per year).
                This objective is intended to help make facilities or techniques available to outside parties
                for payment.
                The staff carrying out these activities will be assigned to the Ispra Establishment.
           12 . Management and coordination
                Joint programme
                A maximum of 8.1 million units of account shall be allocated for these activities , the number
                of staff being fixed at 79 (55 of these being for the management itself).
                This item covers activities of general management, coordination and management of the
                Joint Research Centre programmes , and certain investments of a general nature.
           13 . Operation of the HFR reactor
                Supplementary programme
                A maximum of 23 million units of account shall be allocated for this objective, the number
                of staff being fixed at 95.
                It covers operation of the reactor and the planning, execution and supervision of experiments
                for the benefit of the programmes of the participating States . Surplus capacity can be made
                available to outside parties for payment.
                This objective will be carried out at the Petten Establishment.
           14. Use of the Ispra I reactor
                Joint programme
                A maximum amount of 2.2 million units of account shall be allocated for this objective , the
                number of staff being fixed at 25 (including a programme staff of 15).
                It covers operation of the reactor and its use for programmes to be carried out by the Ispra
                Establishment (in particular : handling and disposal of waste, information analysis centres,
                environmental protection , standards and reference substances).
 ---pagebreak--- 9 . 6. 73                                 Official Journal of the European Communities                                        No L 153 /7
                                                            ANNEX II
                                        TABLE OF STAFF AND MAXIMUM EXPENDITURE
                                                                      Joint programme         Supplementary programme
                                                                                Total
                             Objectives                                                                                (in millions
                                                                  Amount                  Amount                     Partici      of u.a .)
                                                                (in millions      Staff (in millions    Staff        pating
                                                                   of u.a .)              of u.a .)                countries
DIRECT PROJECTS (JRC )
Nuclear projects
Handling and disposal of waste                                      6.900           75                                             6.900
Plutonium and transplutonium elements                             13.000           126      8.650         84      B / G/F /L/    21.650
                                                                                N /Irl/
                                                                                D / UK
Material science                                                    8.500           89                                             8.500
Reactor safety                                                   21.100            232                                           21.100
Applied data processing                                             6.050           51                                             6.050
Information analysis centres                                        5.100           51                                             5.100
Central Bureau for Nuclear Measurements ( CBNM)                   20.350 (r        170                                           20.350 0
Technical assistance to nuclear power plant operators               6.100           60                                             6.100
Training                                                            1.450           15                                             1.450
Safeguards and management of fissile materials                                              5.400         57      B /G/I /L/       5.400
                                                                                N /Irl/
                                                                                D /UK
Contract research                                                   1.850           17                                             1.850
Management and coordination                                         8.100 (r        79                                             8.100 O
 Operation of the HFR reactor                                                              23.000         95        B / G /N       23.000
Use of Ispra I reactor                                              2.200           25                                             2.200
Total                                                           100.700            990     37.050        236                   137.750
Total joint programme + supplementary                           137.750          1 226
 programmes
 n Including certain investments .
 ---pagebreak---  No L 153 / 8                                      Official Journal of the European Communities                                       9 . 6. 73
                                                                            ANNEX 111
                   DEFINITION OF THE SCALES FORT FINANCIAL-CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBER
                              STATES FOR THE SUPPLEMENTARY RESEARCH PROGRAMMES AND
                                                                 EURATOM INVESTMENT
                    I. Scales based on 'relative shares '
                                                                                The scale applied corresponds, for each financial
                                                                                year , to the scale resulting from the 'relative
                        — Plutonium and transplutonium                              shares' of the participating Member States being
                            elements                                                increased in proportion to the ' relative share'
                                                                                of the Member State ( or States ) which does
                        — Safeguards and management of                              (or do) not participate in the programme in
                            fissile materials                                       question , except that for the new Member
                                                                                States the reduction coefficients provided for in
                                                                                Article 130 of the Accession Treaty are to be
                                                                                applied
                   II . Flat-rate scale ( J )
                                                                               Belgium
                        — Petten HFR )                                         Germany                        100%
                                                                               Netherlands
( L) The details of participation in this project , particularly the scale of contributions and the duration of participation ,
     must be adopted before 30 April 1973 .


title: 2012/59/EU: Council Decision of 24 January 2012 appointing three members of the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board

text:
               2.2.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 30/17

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 24 January 2012
   appointing three members of the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board
   (2012/59/EU)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Decision No 235/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2008 establishing the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board (1), and in particular Article 3 thereof,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 16 March 2009, the Council adopted Decision 2009/250/EC (2) appointing three members of the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board (‘the Board’) for a period of 3 years from 23 March 2009.

               (2)

               It is therefore necessary to appoint three new members to take office upon expiry of the terms of office which began on 23 March 2009.

               (3)

               According to Article 3(2) in Decision No 235/2008/EC, the members of the Board are to be selected from among experts possessing outstanding competence in the field of statistics,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The following are hereby appointed as the members representing the Council in the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board, for a period of 3 years from 23 March 2012:

               Mr Günter KOPSCH,

               Ms Pilar MARTÍN-GUZMÁN,

               Mr Edvard OUTRATA.

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

      Done at Brussels, 24 January 2012.

            For the Council

            The President

         M. VESTAGER

      (1)  OJ L 73, 15.3.2008, p. 17.

      (2)  OJ L 74, 20.3.2009, p. 31.


Avis juridique important

|

41987D0586

87/586/ECSC: Decision of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States of the European Coal and Steel Community meeting within the Council of 8 December 1987 on the opening of a zero-duty tariff quota for the Federal Republic of Germany, for flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel

Official Journal L 353 , 16/12/1987 P. 0029 - 0029

*****DECISION  OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL  of 8 December 1987  on the opening of a zero-duty tariff quota for the Federal Republic of Germany, for flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel  (87/586/ECSC)  THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:  Sole article  For the period from 1 January to 30 June 1988, the Federal Republic of Germany may be granted a zero-duty tariff quota in respect of imports from non-member countries of 1 000 tonnes of cold-rolled laser-irradiated, grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel, falling under CN codes ex 7225 10 91 and ex 7226 10 30, of a width of 600 mm or more and exceeding 500 mm respectively of a thickness of more than 0,20 mm but less than 0,60 mm and a nominal magnetic-reversal loss of 0,35 watt/kg.  Done at Brussels, 8 December 1987.  The President  N. WILHJELM


Avis juridique important

|

31976D0410

76/410/EEC: Commission Decision of 20 April 1976 setting up the Advisory Committee on Social Questions affecting Farmers and the Members of their Families

Official Journal L 106 , 23/04/1976 P. 0036 - 0037 Greek special edition: Chapter 03 Volume 15 P. 0042  Spanish special edition: Chapter 03 Volume 10 P. 0055  Portuguese special edition Chapter 03 Volume 10 P. 0055

++++ ( 1 ) OJ N 2 , 10 . 1 . 1964 , P . 25/64 .   ( 2 ) OJ N L 121 , 4 . 6 . 1970 , P . 13 .  COMMISSION DECISION  OF 20 APRIL 1976  SETTING UP THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL QUESTIONS AFFECTING FARMERS AND THE MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES   ( 76/410/EEC )  THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,  HAVING REGARD TO THE TREATY ESTABLISHING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ,  WHEREAS AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL QUESTIONS AFFECTING FARMERS WAS SET UP BY THE COMMISSION DECISION OF 19 DECEMBER 1963 ( 1 ) , AS AMENDED BY THE DECISION OF 15 MAY 1970 ( 2 ) ;  WHEREAS IT IS CONSIDERED DESIRABLE , AS A RESULT OF THE ACCESSION OF NEW MEMBER STATES TO THE COMMUNITY , TO ALTER THE RULES RELATING TO THE NUMBER AND APPORTIONMENT OF SEATS ON THIS COMMITTEE ;  WHEREAS , MOREOVER , THE TEXT OF THE SAID DECISION REQUIRES CERTAIN MINOR ALTERATIONS AND THEREFORE IN THE INTERESTS OF CLARITY A COMPLETELY NEW VERSION OF THE TEXT SHOULD BE PRODUCED AND THE SAID DECISION SHOULD BE REPEALED ,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :  ARTICLE 1  1 . THERE SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE COMMISSION AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL QUESTIONS AFFECTING FARMERS AND THE MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES ( HEREINAFTER CALLED " THE COMMITTEE " ) .  2 . THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE COMPOSED OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FOLLOWING INTERESTS : FARMERS , PAID AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND RURAL FAMILIES .  ARTICLE 2  1 . THE COMMITTEE MAY BE CONSULTED BY THE COMMISSION ON ANY SOCIAL QUESTIONS AFFECTING FARMERS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES WORKING ON THE HOLDING , ALL SUCH QUESTIONS BEING CONSIDERED BOTH IN THEMSELVES AND IN RELATION TO THEIR REPERCUSSIONS ON THE AGRICULTURAL POPULATION AS A WHOLE .  2 . AT THE REQUEST OF ONE OF THE INTERESTS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 1 ( 2 ) , THE COMMITTEE MAY ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE AND IN REGARD TO A MATTER WITHIN ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE FORWARD OPINIONS AND REPORTS TO THE COMMISSION .  ARTICLE 3  1 . THE COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST OF 30 MEMBERS .  2 . SEATS ON THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE APPORTIONED AS FOLLOWS :   _ 21 TO FARMERS' REPRESENTATIVES , INCLUDING FOUR TO REPRESENTATIVES OF YOUNG FARMERS ,   _ SEVEN TO REPRESENTATIVES OF PAID AGRICULTURAL WORKERS ,   _ TWO TO REPRESENTATIVES OF RURAL FAMILIES .  ARTICLE 4  1 . MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSION ON PROPOSALS FROM THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS SET UP AT COMMUNITY LEVEL :  COMMITTEE OF AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EEC ( COPA ) , EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURAL WORKERS' UNIONS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY ( EFA ) ,  COMMITTEE OF FAMILY ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ( COFACE ) .  FOR EACH SEAT TO BE FILLED , THESE BODIES SHALL PUT FORWARD THE NAMES OF TWO CANDIDATES OF DIFFERENT NATIONALITY .  2 . THE TERM OF OFFICE FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE THREE YEARS . THEIR APPOINTMENTS MAY BE RENEWED . MEMBERS SHALL NOT BE REMUNERATED FOR THEIR SERVICES .  AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THE THREE YEARS MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL REMAIN IN OFFICE UNTIL THEY ARE REPLACED OR UNTIL THEIR APPOINTMENTS ARE RENEWED .  A MEMBER'S TERM OF OFFICE MAY BE TERMINATED BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF THE THREE YEARS BY RESIGNATION OR DEATH .  IT MAY ALSO BE TERMINATED WHERE THE BODY WHICH THE MEMBER REPRESENTS REQUESTS THAT HE BE REPLACED .  A PERSON SHALL BE APPOINTED , IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURE LAID DOWN IN PARAGRAPH 1 , TO REPLACE SUCH MEMBER FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM OF OFFICE .  3 . A LIST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE PUBLISHED BY THE COMMISSION , FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES , IN THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES .  ARTICLE 5  THE COMMITTEE SHALL , BY A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT , ELECT A CHAIRMAN AND TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS .  THE OFFICERS SHALL PREPARE AND ORGANIZE THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE .  ARTICLE 6  AT THE REQUEST OF ANY OF THE INTERESTS REPRESENTED , THE CHAIRMAN MAY INVITE A PERSON DELEGATED BY THE INTEREST CONCERNED TO BE PRESENT AT MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE . HE MAY LIKEWISE ON SUCH REQUEST INVITE ANY PERSON WITH SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS IN ANY SUBJECT ON THE AGENDA TO TAKE PART IN AN EXPERT CAPACITY IN THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE . EXPERTS SHALL TAKE PART IN DISCUSSIONS ONLY OF THOSE QUESTIONS ON ACCOUNT OF WHICH THEY WERE INVITED .  ARTICLE 7  THE COMMITTEE MAY SET UP WORKING PARTIES TO ASSIST IT IN CARRYING OUT ITS WORK .  ARTICLE 8  1 . THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE CONVENED BY THE COMMISSION AND SHALL MEET AT THE COMMISSION HEADQUARTERS . MEETINGS OF THE OFFICIERS SHALL BE CONVENED BY THE CHAIRMAN BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE COMMISSION .  2 . REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMISSION DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED SHALL TAKE PART IN MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE , ITS OFFICERS AND WORKING PARTIES .  3 . SECRETARIAL SERVICES FOR THE COMMITTEE AND ITS WORKING PARTIES SHALL BE PROVIDED BY THE COMMISSION .  ARTICLE 9  NO VOTE SHALL BE TAKEN ON THE MATTERS DISCUSSED BY THE COMMITTEE .  THE COMMISSION MAY , WHEN SEEKING THE OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE , SET A TIME LIMIT WITHIN WHICH SUCH OPINION MUST BE GIVEN .  THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE VARIOUS INTERESTS REPRESENTED SHALL BE INCLUDED IN A SUMMARY RECORD FORWARDED TO THE COMMISSION .  IN THE EVENT OF UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT BEING REACHED IN THE COMMITTEE ON THE OPINION TO BE GIVEN , THE COMMITTEE SHALL FORMULATE JOINT CONCLUSIONS AND ATTACH THEM TO THE SUMMARY RECORD .  ARTICLE 10  WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 214 OF THE TREATY , WHERE THE COMMISSION INFORMS THEM THAT THE OPINIONS REQUESTED OR THE QUESTION RAISED IS ON A MATTER OF A CONFIDENTIAL NATURE , MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE UNDER AN OBLIGATION NOT TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION WHICH HAS COME TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE THROUGH THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE OR OF ITS WORKING PARTIES .  IN SUCH CASES , ONLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMISSION DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED MAY BE PRESENT AT THE MEETINGS .  ARTICLE 11  THE COMMISSION DECISION OF 19 DECEMBER 1963 , AS AMENDED BY THE DECISION OF 15 MAY 1970 , IS HEREBY REPEALED .  ARTICLE 12  THIS DECISION SHALL ENTER INTO FORCE ON 20 APRIL 1976 .  DONE AT BRUSSELS , 20 APRIL 1976 .  FOR THE COMMISSION  P . J . LARDINOIS  MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION


Important legal notice

|

32004D0219

2004/219/EC: Council Decision of 19 February 2004 appointing an Austrian alternate member of the Committee of the Regions

Official Journal L 068 , 06/03/2004 P. 0021 - 0021

Council Decisionof 19 February 2004appointing an Austrian alternate member of the Committee of the Regions(2004/219/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 263 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Austrian Government,Whereas:(1) On 22 January 2002 the Council adopted a Decision appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions(1),(2) A seat as an alternate member of the Committee of the Regions has become vacant following the resignation of Mr Bernd VÖGERLE, notified to the Council on 9 February 2004,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Sole ArticleMr Andreas SCHIEDER, Gemeinderat (Vienna), is hereby appointed an alternate member of the Committee of the Regions in place of Mr Bernd VÖGERLE for the remainder of his term of office, which runs until 25 January 2006.Done at Brussels, 19 February 2004.For the CouncilThe PresidentM. McDowell(1) OJ L 24, 26.1.2002, p. 38.


/* Decision of 13 and 14 October 1958 determining the emoluments of members of the Court of Justice of the European Coal and Steel Community */


Avis juridique important

|

41998D0010

The Schengen acquis - Decision of the Executive Committee of 21 April 1998 on cooperation between the Contracting Parties in returning foreign nationals by air (SCH/Com-ex (98) 10)

Official Journal L 239 , 22/09/2000 P. 0193 - 0195

DECISION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEof 21 April 1998on cooperation between the Contracting Parties in returning foreign nationals by air(SCH/Com-ex (98)10)THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,Having regard to Article 132 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement,Having regard to Article 23 of the abovementioned Convention,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Document SCH/II-read (97)5 rev. 5 on cooperation between the Contracting Parties in connection with the expulsion of foreign nationals by air, attached hereto, is hereby approved. These principles shall be applied from the date of this Decision's adoption.Brussels, 21 April 1998.The ChairmanJ. Vande LanotteNOTE FROM THE AUSTRIAN PRESIDENCYSCH/II-Read (97)5 rev. 5SUBJECT: COOPERATION BETWEEN THE CONTRACTING PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXPULSION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS BY AIRHaving regard to the need to give effective shape to the willingness to cooperate that exists between all the Contracting Parties to facilitate the implementation of measures leading to the expulsion of foreign nationals from the Schengen area,Conscious that the existence of a common area for the free movement of persons must serve as an incentive for cooperation between the bodies responsible for border checks and for applying the legislation on foreign nationals, whenever this proves necessary,Having regard to the difficulties experienced by the Contracting Parties in the expulsion of foreign nationals transiting the territory of the other Contracting Parties,Taking into account the recommendation of the Council of the European Union of 30 November 1992 on the adoption of a document on transit for expulsion purposes, the Portuguese Presidency proposes that all the Contracting Parties use a uniform document to request transit (set out in the Annex) for the expulsion of foreign nationals.Request to facilitate transit of foreign nationals for the purposes of their expulsionThe proposed form is to be used on the basis of the following general criteria and aims:- the request to facilitate transit for the purposes of expulsion must be sent to the authority of the State through which the foreign national will transit as quickly as possible but in principle at least two days in advance, except in emergencies, when appropriate justification should be provided,- the request must contain all the essential information on the person(s) to be expelled from the Schengen area, i.e. their identity, final destination, travel document used, flight details, as well as the identity of members of the escort and details of the date/time of the flight's arrival at the airport of the requested Contracting Party,- under these conditions, all the requested Parties undertake to forward the information relating to the approved transit to the border control officials where the transit is to take place, so that it may be facilitated effectively,- to this end the procedure to facilitate transit must include, alongside enforcement, other precautionary measures and on each occasion that this proves essential for the satisfactory enforcement part of the expulsion procedure: an escort by a representative of the border authorities from the requested State from the time of arrival, use of the premises of the requested State, and if necessary, contacts with other airport representatives,- the request may be refused, especially when the declared period of transit exceeds that permitted by the national law of the requested State,- the Contracting Parties undertake to provide each other with information on the competent authorities and the respective contact persons to whom the requests in question should be sent.ANNEX>PIC FILE= "L_2000239EN.019502.EPS">


Avis juridique important

|

32002D0197

2002/197/EC: Council Decision of 17 December 2001 on the conclusion of an Additional Protocol laying down the trade arrangements for certain fish and fishery products to the Europe Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Slovenia, of the other part

Official Journal L 066 , 08/03/2002 P. 0018 - 0018

Council Decisionof 17 December 2001on the conclusion of an Additional Protocol laying down the trade arrangements for certain fish and fishery products to the Europe Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Slovenia, of the other part(2002/197/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 the first subparagraph of Article 300(2),Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Whereas:(1) It is desirable to complete by means of an Additional Protocol the Europe Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, acting within the framework of the European Union, of the one part, and the Republic of Slovenia, of the other part(1), so as to provide for preferential conditions for the importation into the Community of certain fish and fishery products originating in the Republic of Slovenia, and into the Republic of Slovenia of certain fish and fishery products originating in the Community.(2) To that end a new Protocol laying down the trade arrangements for certain fish and fishery products should be added to the said Europe Agreement.(3) The Protocol should be approved,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1The Additional Protocol laying down the trade arrangements for certain fish and fishery products to the Europe Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Slovenia, of the other part, is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.The text of the Protocol is attached to this Decision.Article 2A tariff quota with order number 09.1751 covering the first 12 months of the Protocol should be opened for 100 tonnes for prepared and preserved sardines originating in Slovenia and falling under CN codes 1604 13 11 and 1604 13 19 at a duty rate of 4 %. This quota shall be administered by the Commission in accordance with Articles 308a, 308b and 308c of Regulation (EC) No 2454/93(2).Article 3The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person empowered to sign the Protocol in order to bind the Community.Done at Brussels, 17 December 2001.For the CouncilThe PresidentA. Neyts-Uyttebroeck(1) OJ L 51, 26.2.1999, p. 212.(2) OJ L 253, 11.10.1993, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2787/2000 (OJ L 330, 27.12.2000, p. 1).


title: 2008/210/EC: Council Decision of 18 February 2008 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Albania and repealing Decision 2006/54/EC

text:
               19.3.2008

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 80/1

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 18 February 2008
   on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Albania and repealing Decision 2006/54/EC
   (2008/210/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 of 22 March 2004 on the establishment of partnerships in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process (1), as amended, and in particular Article 2 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Thessaloniki European Council of 19 and 20 June 2003 endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to materialise the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries.

               (2)

               Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 provides that the Council is to decide on the principles, priorities and conditions to be contained in the partnerships, as well as any subsequent adjustments. It states also that the follow-up to the European Partnerships will be ensured through the mechanisms established under the Stabilisation and Association Process, notably by the annual progress reports.

               (3)

               On 30 January 2006 the Council adopted the second European Partnership with Albania (2).

               (4)

               The Commission's Paper on enlargement strategy and main challenges 2006-2007 indicated that the partnerships would be updated at the end of 2007.

               (5)

               On 17 July 2006 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 (3) establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), which renews the framework for financial assistance to pre-accession countries.

               (6)

               It is therefore appropriate to adopt a revised European Partnership which updates the current partnership in order to identify renewed priorities for further work, on the basis of the findings of the 2007 Progress Report on Albania's preparations for further integration with the European Union.

               (7)

               In order to prepare for further integration with the European Union, the competent authorities in Albania should develop a plan with a timetable and specific measures to address the priorities of this European Partnership.

               (8)

               Decision 2006/54/EC should therefore be repealed,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The principles, priorities and conditions in the European Partnership with Albania are set out in the Annex.
   Article 2
   The implementation of the European Partnership shall be examined through the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably the annual progress reports presented by the Commission.
   Article 3
   Decision 2006/54/EC shall be repealed.
   Article 4
   This Decision shall take effect on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 18 February 2008.

            For the Council

            The President

         D. RUPEL

      (1)  OJ L 86, 24.3.2004, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 269/2006 (OJ L 47, 17.2.2006, p. 7).

      (2)  Council Decision 2006/54/EC of 30 January 2006 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Albania and repealing Decision 2004/519/EC (OJ L 35, 7.2.2006, p. 1).

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

      ANNEX
      ALBANIA 2007 EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP
      1.   INTRODUCTION
      The European Council endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to realise the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. The proposed revised partnership updates the second one, on the basis of the findings of the 2007 Commission Progress Report on Albania. It identifies new and remaining priorities for action. The new priorities are adapted to the country's specific needs and stage of preparation and will be updated as necessary. Albania is expected to develop a plan including a timetable and specific measures intended to address the European Partnership priorities. The partnership also provides guidance for financial assistance to the country.
      2.   PRINCIPLES
      The Stabilisation and Association Process remains the framework for the European course of the Western Balkan countries, all the way to their future accession. The priorities identified for Albania relate to its capacity to meet the criteria defined by the Copenhagen European Council of 1993 and the conditions set by the Stabilisation and Association Process, notably the conditions defined by the Council in its conclusions of 29 April 1997 and 21 and 22 June 1999, the final declaration of the Zagreb Summit of 24 November 2000 and the Thessaloniki Agenda.
      3.   PRIORITIES
      The priorities listed in this European Partnership have been selected on the basis that it is realistic to expect that Albania can complete them or take them substantially forward over the next few years. A distinction is made between short-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within one to two years, and medium-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within three to four years. The priorities concern both legislation and its implementation.
      In view of the need to set priorities, clearly there are other tasks for Albania to complete which may become priorities in any future partnership, also taking into account future progress made by Albania.
      Among the short-term priorities, the key ones have been identified and grouped together at the beginning of the list. The order of these key priorities does not imply a ranking of their importance.
      3.1.   SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES
      Key priorities

                  —

                  Strengthen administrative capacity in preparation for implementing Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) and Interim Agreement (IA) commitments.

                  —

                  Promote constructive dialogue between political parties and with stakeholders on the implementation of reforms.

                  —

                  Increase the independence, accountability and transparency of the justice system, including by fostering the constitutional protection of judges, appointing judges and prosecutors on the basis of competitive examinations, establishing merit-based performance evaluation for prosecutors and setting objective rules for allocation of cases to judges.

                  —

                  Implement the 2007-2013 anti-corruption strategy and the recommendations made in the 2005 evaluation report by the Council of Europe Group of States Against Corruption and investigate and prosecute cases of corruption in the police and the judiciary with due vigour.

                  —

                  Implement the recommendations made by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on elections, in particular by improving voters' lists and amending the electoral code in line with the Venice Commission recommendations, in good time for the next parliamentary elections.

                  —

                  Further strengthen public-sector governance by improving the quality and impartiality of public administration staff and strengthening the Department of Public Administration.

                  —

                  Complete the unbundling of the State electricity company KESH, and privatise its distribution arm. Stabilise KESH's financial position by raising collection rates and bringing prices to cost-recovery levels and increase electricity generation and interconnection capacity.

                  —

                  Achieve further tangible results in the fight against organised crime, in particular by making full use of intelligence-led policing and ensuring effective judicial follow-up.

            Political criteria
      Democracy and the rule of law
      Government

                  —

                  Adopt the national strategy for development and integration in time to inform the 2008/2009 budget process, ensuring it reflects European integration commitments and is adequately costed, and begin to implement it.

                  —

                  Make full and effective use of the integrated planning system to strengthen links between policy objectives and budget planning and execution.

                  —

                  Improve government-wide coordination of EU integration work by means of wider and more consistent consultation of ministries, including stakeholders and EU experts on related legislation.

                  —

                  Ensure the availability of appropriate equipment and trained staff for the Ministry of European Integration and for line ministries' EU integration offices.

                  —

                  Ensure that improvement of the civil registry and address system is properly coordinated with the introduction of electronic identity cards and biometric passports.

            Public administration

                  —

                  Ensure enforcement of the Civil Service Law and related rules in the public administration.

                  —

                  Ensure that recruitment, appointments, promotion, transfers and dismissals are conducted according to the established rules in order to build an accountable, efficient civil service, based on professional career development criteria.

            Judicial system

                  —

                  Finalise, adopt and implement the draft law on judicial reform and improve the infrastructure for the judicial sector.

                  —

                  Improve coordination between prosecutors and police, in particular by means of the case management system.

                  —

                  Ensure that the appropriate legislation and resources are in place for adequate witness protection.

            Anti-corruption policy

                  —

                  Harmonise the civil, commercial and administrative Codes with the Council of Europe Civil Law Convention on Corruption.

                  —

                  Strengthen the institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption.

                  —

                  Implement legislation on preventing bribery with due regard for inter-institutional coordination.

                  —

                  Strengthen mechanisms to enforce the Law on declaration of assets.

                  —

                  Clarify rules related to the prevention of conflicts of interest in the exercise of public functions.

                  —

                  Clarify rules related to the public access to information in line with international standards.

                  —

                  Reduce the list of officials covered by immunity and grant immunity only where strictly appropriate.

            Human rights and protection of minorities
      Observance of international human rights law

                  —

                  Ensure that all law enforcement bodies are aware of their human rights obligations and implement them rigorously in accordance with the code of ethics for the prisons system and with international conventions ratified by Albania, in particular the European Convention on Human Rights.

                  —

                  Guarantee that human dignity and personal safety are respected in detention centres, prisons and mental institutions, in accordance with international conventions.

            Civil and political rights

                  —

                  Address cases of ill-treatment by law enforcement bodies by means of appropriate prosecution of perpetrators.

                  —

                  Strengthen access to justice.

                  —

                  Ensure that the relevant international conventions are observed in establishing and running new penitentiary facilities.

                  —

                  Bring Albania's legislation on defamation into line with European standards and implement it.

                  —

                  Expedite effective legislation to ensure transparency on media ownership.

                  —

                  Fully implement current legislation on print media and journalists' independence, coordinate new legislation on freedom of expression and develop comprehensive electronic media legislation in line with European standards.

            Social and economic rights

                  —

                  Make further efforts to prevent domestic violence.

                  —

                  Take further measures to address child labour, including adopting adequate legislation and providing resources to guarantee children's rights.

                  —

                  Develop community-based services and aid to dependent persons, including in the field of mental health.

                  —

                  Ensure full protection against discrimination on all grounds, including through implementing legislation and strengthening of structures to address gender equality.

                  —

                  Further accelerate both the first registration of properties and the processing of restitution claims and ensure that mechanisms for compensation are sustainable and that these processes are properly coordinated with the property legalisation initiative.

            Minority rights, cultural rights and protection of minorities

                  —

                  Implement the commitments under the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities throughout Albania, in particular as regards use of minority languages with the authorities, display of traditional local names and making adequate provisions for minority language education.

                  —

                  Implement the national strategy for the Roma and ensure appropriate funding, as part of the government's strategy for combating poverty and social exclusion.

                  —

                  Foster registration, including birth registration, of members of the Roma minority.

                  —

                  Provide sound data on minorities in Albania.

            Regional issues and international obligations

                  —

                  Comply with the stabilisation and association process commitments in terms of regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, including by promoting the transition from the Stability Pact to a more regionally owned cooperation framework and effective implementation of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).

                  —

                  Conclude and implement agreements with neighbouring countries and ensure effective implementation, notably on cross border cooperation, the fight against organised crime, trafficking and smuggling, judicial cooperation, border management, readmission, the environment, transport and energy.

            Economic criteria

                  —

                  Continue implementing a stability-oriented fiscal policy which aims at fiscal consolidation and is conducive to low inflation and external sustainability.

                  —

                  Continue with fiscal reform with the aim of strengthening revenue administration and improving debt management capacity.

                  —

                  Pursue a monetary policy conducive to the objective of achieving and maintaining price stability to reduce and anchor inflation expectations.

                  —

                  Complete the creation of a credit information bureau to help safeguard the rapidly growing credit portfolio of the banking system.

                  —

                  Reduce the grey economy by effective and non-discriminatory enforcement of tax legislation and intensifying the fight against fiscal fraud.

            European standards
      Internal market
      Free movement of goods

                  —

                  Further increase awareness of economic operators in relation to the concepts of standards and certification and their importance in international trade.

                  —

                  Adopt and start to implement the national market surveillance strategy for industrial products and food.

                  —

                  Adopt new legislation on consumer protection compatible with the acquis. Strengthen the consumer protection department.

            Movement of persons, services and right of establishment

                  —

                  Ensure a clear distinction between the temporary and permanent provision of services and compatibility with Stabilisation and Association Agreement requirements.

                  —

                  Strengthen the regulatory framework for banking and non-banking financial supervision and the capacity of the Financial Supervision Authority.

            Free movement of capital

                  —

                  Authorise acquisition of real estate by EU nationals within the limits provided for in the Schedule of Specific Commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

            Customs and taxation

                  —

                  Further align customs legislation and procedures with EU practices; in particular, ensure approximation of rules and procedures for transit, customs warehouses, customs valuation, physical controls and risk analysis to EU standards. Ensure that national tariff is timely updated on the basis of the most recent Combined Nomenclature.

                  —

                  Fully implement the computerised system for customs declaration and customs data processing in all customs offices.

                  —

                  Further approximate tax legislation with the EU acquis, notably in the field of excise duties, and commit to the principles of the Code of Conduct for business taxation, ensuring that new tax measures also comply with these principles.

                  —

                  Reinforce the capacity of the tax administration, in particular in the fields of tax controls and audit, in order to increase compliance and reduce tax evasion.

                  —

                  Complete the process of computerising tax offices.

            Competition

                  —

                  Improve and approximate to the acquis the existing anti-trust legislation to reinforce competition control.

                  —

                  Strengthen the administrative capacity of the competition authority and provide adequate staff and training.

                  —

                  Adopt implementing legislation on State aid.

                  —

                  Continue updating the inventory of State aid schemes.

            Public procurement

                  —

                  Enforce public procurement legislation and take steps to bring it fully up to EU standards, especially as regards utilities sector and remedies.

                  —

                  Further strengthen the administrative capacity of the Public Procurement Agency, public procurement entities in line ministries and local government and courts dealing with public procurement.

                  —

                  Ensure investigation and criminal prosecution of procurement-related offences.

            Intellectual property law

                  —

                  Prepare a national strategy and an action plan for further legislative developments and strengthening of intellectual property rights (IPR).

                  —

                  Strengthen the administrative and judicial capacity for protection of IPR.

                  —

                  Intensify enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting.

                  —

                  Further increase awareness of IPR issues amongst the business community and law enforcement bodies, including the judiciary.

                  —

                  Improve industrial property legislation.

            Employment and social policies

                  —

                  Improve social protection systems and combat social exclusion.

                  —

                  Adopt measures to increase school enrolment rates at secondary level and among children in rural areas, in particular girls, and in vocational schools.

                  —

                  Develop adequate administrative structures and capacity in the field of consumer and health protection.

            Education and research

                  —

                  Continue efforts to improve the governance of the education system, teacher training and education infrastructure.

                  —

                  Implement the new law on higher education. Step up efforts to promote a better involvement in the Tempus programme.

            WTO issues

                  —

                  Strengthen the administrative capacity of the WTO Relations and Economic Cooperation Department in the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

            Sectoral policies
      Industry and SMEs

                  —

                  Accelerate progress on implementing the European Charter for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

                  —

                  Further implement the action plans to remove administrative barriers to business and investment and to address the informal economy and ensure proper, non-discretionary, non-discriminatory implementation of business-related legislation, rules and procedures. Reduce obsolete and inefficient regulations through regulatory guillotine procedures.

                  —

                  Increase policy research in innovation and competitiveness issues for small companies and implement support programmes.

            Agriculture and fisheries

                  —

                  Adopt a new law on food in line with EU standards, strengthen the food safety system and related control systems.

                  —

                  Reinforce laboratory capacity in the food safety, and veterinary and phytosanitary domain.

                  —

                  Improve food safety, phytosanitary and veterinary legislation, and start its implementation.

                  —

                  Improve the system of identification of bovines and registration of their movements, and start the implementation of a system of identification and registration of movements for pigs, sheep and goats.

                  —

                  Improve control of animal diseases, including sampling and reporting.

            Environment

                  —

                  Strengthen administrative capacity and coordination at national and local level.

                  —

                  Fully implement legislation on environmental impact assessment.

                  —

                  Adopt a strategy further to approximate environmental legislation with the acquis and implement existing legislation properly, especially as regards enforcement.

                  —

                  Continue to address the environmental hot spots at the Sharra solid waste landfill and the Patos-Marinez oil extraction area.

                  —

                  Further develop and implement the national water and sanitation strategy and the rural strategy for water supply and sewerage and develop and start implementing a strategy for progressive approximation to the acquis in the area of water supply and sanitation.

                  —

                  Implement international conventions to which Albania is party in the field of nature protection.

            Transport policy

                  —

                  Implement the national transport plan, including the planning and budgeting of transport asset maintenance, and adopt and implement the national transport strategy, including the strategy for the railway sector.

                  —

                  Continue implementation of the memorandum of understanding on the development of the South East Europe (SEE) core regional transport network and strengthen cooperation with the South East Europe Transport Observatory.

                  —

                  Take measures to improve road safety conditions, including approximation to the EU acquis on weights and dimensions, roadworthiness tests, technical roadside inspections, driving licences, tachographs and vehicle registration documents.

                  —

                  Take measures to prevent illegal construction along new roads, in particular dangerous privately constructed access roads.

                  —

                  Prepare railway network statement for open access to infrastructure use and adopt and implement a railway business plan.

                  —

                  Implement Albania's commitments under the first transitional phase of the European Common Aviation Area Agreement, including the implementation of the relevant aviation legislation.

                  —

                  Implement the action plan to address the deficiencies identified within the civil aviation authority as regards safety oversight of the country's airlines.

                  —

                  Improve maritime safety conditions, particularly the detention rate of Albanian ships under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding.

            Energy

                  —

                  Approve and implement the revised national energy strategy, having continuing regard to the importance of environmental impact assessments (EIA).

                  —

                  Meet the requirements of the Energy Community Treaty in the area of gas and electricity.

            Information society and media

                  —

                  Ensure that electronic communications legislation is in line with the acquis and is enforced and take measures to achieve a competitive market for electronic communications networks and services.

                  —

                  Strengthen the expertise and capacity of the Telecommunications Regulatory Entity.

                  —

                  Align Albanian legislation with the European Convention on Transfrontier Television and the Television without Frontiers Directive.

                  —

                  Strengthen the administrative capacity of the National Council on Radio and Television and adopt the strategy for development of the radio and television sector and an updated national analogue and digital frequency plan for radio and television.

            Financial control

                  —

                  Review the public internal and financial control policy paper and action plan and clearly define the internal audit function, separate from other control and inspection functions. Develop an appropriate inspection service to combat fraud.

                  —

                  Ensure that the Internal Audit Law and the draft organic Budget Law are in line with internationally recognised standards.

                  —

                  Strengthen the independence of the Supreme Audit Institute.

            Statistics

                  —

                  Strengthen the capacity of the Statistical Office.

            Justice, freedom and security
      Visa, border control, asylum and migration

                  —

                  Issue travel documents in accordance with international standards, ensure the required administrative capacity to do so, and establish a centralised IT network for administration of visas.

                  —

                  Adopt amendments to the Law on foreigners to bring visa legislation closer to EU standards.

                  —

                  Implement the integrated border management strategy and action plan, paying particular attention to cooperation at the border between customs and the border police.

                  —

                  Ensure that border management at all border crossing points, in particular at the ports of Durres and Vlora complies with EU standards.

                  —

                  Implement the EC/Albania readmission agreement and negotiate readmission agreements with the countries of origin of transiting migrants.

                  —

                  Focus sufficient administrative and financial capacity on implementing legislation on asylum and migration and the related national strategies and action plans.

            Money laundering

                  —

                  Take the necessary measures to enforce anti-money laundering legislation better in terms of prevention, convictions, confiscations, seizures and freezing assets.

                  —

                  Enhance the capacity of the financial intelligence unit, the prosecutor's offices and the police Economic Crimes Unit by ensuring appropriate financial and IT resources and improving working-level cooperation.

                  —

                  Bring the Law on the prevention of money laundering into line with the acquis and with the Financial Action Task Force's and Council of Europe's Moneyval recommendations.

                  —

                  Strengthen the capacity of the agency for the administration of seized and confiscated assets.

                  —

                  Further improve cooperation with the authorities of other countries.

                  —

                  Ensure proper enforcement of reporting obligations and examine transaction reporting thresholds.

                  —

                  Take more effective measures to reduce use of cash in the economy.

            Drugs

                  —

                  Implement the national anti-drug strategy, the related action plan and the mini-Dublin Group recommendations.

                  —

                  Improve the training, equipment and continuity of management of police officers involved in the fight against drugs and take further steps to ensure better coordination, both domestically and with partners in other countries, in the fight against drugs.

                  —

                  Identify and prosecute those responsible for corruption related to the drugs trade at all levels in the public administration.

                  —

                  Ensure greater transparency in seizure figures and take measures to dispose properly of drugs seized in old cases.

                  —

                  Implement a balanced overall strategy to address drug demand, including prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.

            Police

                  —

                  Ensure full implementation of the provisions on ranks in the new State Police Law.

                  —

                  Improve the management capacity of the Albanian State police.

                  —

                  Strengthen the police internal affairs unit and ensure proper prosecution of police officers for criminal offences.

                  —

                  Establish and put into operation a consolidated manual of procedures for all criminal police officers.

                  —

                  Implement the strategy on community policing.

            Fighting organised crime and terrorism

                  —

                  Take further measures to enhance cooperation between the various State bodies involved in the fight against organised crime and terrorism and, in particular, between the judicial authorities and the police.

                  —

                  Take further measures to establish coherent and coordinated intelligence gathering and processing systems.

                  —

                  Enhance use of special investigative means, interception of telecommunications and use of intelligence information.

                  —

                  Urgently put in place practical measures to guarantee witness protection.

                  —

                  Strengthen domestic and international cooperation on preventing trafficking in human beings and the staffing of the police anti-trafficking unit.

                  —

                  Take measures to provide counter-terrorist analysts and investigators with better equipment and training.

            Protection of personal data

                  —

                  Align the current law on personal data protection with the acquis, and the Council of Europe Convention on the protection of personal data.

                  —

                  Establish an independent data protection supervisory authority with sufficient powers over the public and private sectors and sufficient financial and human resources.

            3.2.   MEDIUM-TERM PRIORITIES
      Political criteria
      Democracy and the rule of law
      Governance

                  —

                  Ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the national strategy for development and integration.

            Public administration

                  —

                  Ensure that the sectors of the administration responsible for implementation of the SAA provisions and those involved in implementation of the EC financial assistance are adequately trained and equipped to carry out their duties.

                  —

                  Introduce results-oriented management and training for civil servants.

                  —

                  Design and implement a civil service salary structure which allows both proper budgetary planning and a motivating career structure.

                  —

                  Ensure the sustainability of reforms in the public administration.

            Judicial system

                  —

                  Ensure prosecution of serious crimes, especially organised crime, with particular attention to cross-border cooperation mechanisms.

                  —

                  Enforce legislation on witness protection.

                  —

                  Ensure continued and appropriate training of judges and prosecutors, including on human rights, ethics and commercial and corporate matters and SAA-related issues.

                  —

                  Ensure the financial sustainability of the magistrates' school.

                  —

                  Review the role and qualifications of judicial administrators and progressively incorporate them into the civil service, ensuring pay parity with ministry staff.

            Anti-corruption policy

                  —

                  Implement the European Conventions on Corruption in Criminal and Civil Matters ratified by Albania and the relevant UN conventions.

                  —

                  Achieve significant results in the fight against corruption, at all levels and in all fields, by enforcing adequate legislation.

            Human rights and protection of minorities
      Observance of international human rights law

                  —

                  Ensure that detainees and prisoners on remand are treated in accordance with international standards.

            Civil and political rights

                  —

                  Improve the juvenile justice system.

                  —

                  Ensure compliance with the Council of Europe Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

                  —

                  Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, and ensure appropriate institutional support for victims including by existing institutions in charge of human rights.

                  —

                  Enforce legislation on restitution/compensation of properties confiscated during the communist period.

                  —

                  Complete the process of land registration.

                  —

                  Ensure that transfers of property are carried out in accordance with the law and ensure the proper functioning of all bodies involved in the process (notaries, property register, etc.).

                  —

                  Enforce legislation on printed and electronic media, taking into account European standards.

                  —

                  Ensure that TV frequency is allocated in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, in accordance with the national plan, and that requirements are fully respected by broadcasters, Improve the neutrality of the public service broadcaster.

                  —

                  Encourage the active participation of NGOs and other civil society organisations in the government decision-making process and the continued improvement of the quality of journalism.

            Regional issues and international obligations

                  —

                  Further promote regional dialogue, stability, good neighbourliness and cooperation.

                  —

                  Bring the agreement concluded with the USA regarding the conditions of surrender of people to the International Criminal Court into line with the EU guiding principles adopted by the European Council in September 2002.

            Economic criteria

                  —

                  Reduce the tax wedge on wages and improve incentive structures and flexibility in the labour market to increase the participation and employment rates, while securing tax resources by broadening the tax base and improving compliance, at a measured and prudent pace to ensure sustainable public finances.

                  —

                  Improve the education system with the aim of increasing the supply of sought-after skills, fostering employment and long-term economic growth.

                  —

                  Upgrade the country's infrastructure, in particular in energy and transport, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the economy at large.

                  —

                  Speed up the privatisation of publicly owned enterprises to strengthen corporate governance and reduce quasi-fiscal losses.

                  —

                  Improve the business environment to increase greenfield foreign direct investment.

                  —

                  Establish effective procedures for detecting, dealing with and following up cases of (suspected) fraud and other irregularities affecting national and international funds.

            European standards
      Internal market
      Free movement of goods

                  —

                  Ensure administrative capacity to implement SAA and IA requirements in this area.

                  —

                  Make further progress on adopting European standards and speed up efforts to become a full member of the European standardisation organisations.

                  —

                  Make progress on transposing new and global approach and old approach directives.

                  —

                  Fully establish a market surveillance system.

                  —

                  Ensure improved functioning of the bodies responsible for standardisation, accreditation and certification and of those responsible for metrology and calibration, taking into account EC best practices.

                  —

                  Ensure Albania's membership of the European Cooperation for Accreditation organisation.

            Movement of persons, services and right of establishment

                  —

                  Approve legislation on employment of foreigners and take measures to coordinate social security services.

                  —

                  Ensure that the legislation on the right of establishment is implemented fairly and impartially.

            Free movement of capital

                  —

                  Make progress towards fulfilling Albania's SAA commitments on full liberalisation of the movement of capital, including ensuring the same treatment to EU and Albanian nationals regarding portfolio investments and financial loans and credits with maturity of shorter than one year.

            Customs and taxation

                  —

                  Ensure continued approximation of Albanian customs and taxation legislation to the EU acquis and further increase administrative capacity to implement customs and tax legislation and to fight corruption, cross-border crime and fiscal evasion.

                  —

                  Improve transparency and the exchange of information with EU Member States in order to facilitate enforcement of measures to prevent avoidance or evasion of taxes.

            Competition

                  —

                  Further improve the enforcement record in the areas of anti-trust and State aid control.

                  —

                  Complete alignment of State aid schemes with EU competition rules, as Stated in the interim agreement.

            Public procurement

                  —

                  Ensure the compatibility of Albania's legal framework with the EU acquis.

                  —

                  Achieve fully operational public procurement structures, ensuring operation of public procurement procedures in strict compliance with the law and with SAA requirements.

            Intellectual property law

                  —

                  Fully implement international conventions ratified in the field of intellectual, commercial and industrial property rights.

                  —

                  Implement intellectual property rights legislation properly and achieve improved results in the fight against piracy and counterfeiting.

                  —

                  Guarantee sufficient administrative capacity to comply with SAA requirements in this area.

            Employment and social policies

                  —

                  Facilitate women's inclusion in the labour market and their participation in the decision-making process.

                  —

                  Integrate employment and vocational training strategies into social, educational, tax, enterprise and regional policies. Address implementation of international commitments in health in particular the international health regulations.

                  —

                  Progress with alignment of quality standards for transfusion of blood and blood components with EU legislation.

                  —

                  Start implementing the National Health System Strategy 2007 to 2013.

            Education and Research

                  —

                  Continue efforts to improve the quality of education and to create a modern vocational education and training system, promote regional cooperation in the field of higher education.

            Sectoral policies
      Industry and SMEs

                  —

                  Enforce improved commercial legislation.

                  —

                  Ensure that the strategy to combat the informal economy keeps pace with developments in the sector.

                  —

                  Further develop specialised business support structures (e.g. incubators and clusters) and examine the feasibility of a business/technology park.

                  —

                  Start designing and applying an integrated research policy and further develop measures to boost innovation and competitiveness in small companies.

                  —

                  Introduce disclosure and financial reporting standards in line with EU standards and ensure effective enforcement.

                  —

                  Continue implementing the European Charter for Small Enterprises.

            Agriculture and fisheries

                  —

                  Develop strategies for land use, the land market, rural development, diversification of farm activities and enhancing agricultural competitiveness.

                  —

                  Achieve substantial improvements in terms of food safety and phytosanitary and veterinary conditions, in compliance with EC requirements.

                  —

                  Assess the compliance of agri-food establishments with EU requirements, prepare a programme for their upgrading and start its implementation.

                  —

                  Start action with a view to ensuring efficient control of domestic plant production, in particular for products with specific EU requirements, and set up analytical capacity in the phytosanitary sector.

                  —

                  Take measures to ensure that Albanian fisheries policy moves closer to EU standards, in particular in the areas of resource management, inspection and control and in market and structural policies.

            Environment

                  —

                  Establish a full inventory of hot spots and continue efforts to address hot spots already identified.

                  —

                  Reduce pollution produced by the Balsh refinery, including discharges into the River Gjanica, and take measures to tackle water pollution in general.

                  —

                  Strengthen environmental monitoring and ensure sufficiently dissuasive sanctions against polluters.

                  —

                  Continue to implement regional and international environmental commitments.

            Transport policy

                  —

                  Continue implementation of the Albanian transport master plan.

                  —

                  Complete the necessary institutional reforms to improve transport asset management, prioritisation of investments, policy-making and involvement of the private sector.

                  —

                  Make substantial progress on rehabilitation of the ports of Durres and Vlora and consolidate port operations there.

                  —

                  Achieve improved results in terms of road safety (including the implementation of the digital tachograph) and take additional steps towards further approximation to the acquis on market access (occupation) and social rules.

                  —

                  Continue implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the development of the south-east Europe (SEE) core regional transport network, and cooperation with the SEE transport observatory.

                  —

                  Create conditions for competition in the rail transport sector, including the establishment of regulatory and safety bodies.

                  —

                  Implement commitments taken on under the second transitional phase of the European Common Aviation Area Agreement.

                  —

                  Achieve significant results in improving maritime safety conditions, including port State control facilities and performance of the register of shipping pursuant to the Paris memorandum of understanding.

            Energy

                  —

                  Continue to ensure proper implementation of action plans in relation to the electricity and gas sector and make further progress with implementation of the Albanian energy strategy.

                  —

                  Ensure timely implementation of the various projects aimed at improving the infrastructure for electricity production, transmission and distribution.

                  —

                  Continue to implement regional and international commitments in the energy field with a view to establishing a competitive regional energy market.

                  —

                  Improve implementation of the Energy Efficiency Law.

            Information society and media

                  —

                  Further transpose and implement the EU framework for electronic communications.

                  —

                  Continue the process of alignment with the European Convention on Transfrontier Television and the Television without Frontiers directive.

            Financial control

                  —

                  Develop and implement the principles of decentralised managerial accountability and functionally independent internal audit, in accordance with international standards and EU best practice.

                  —

                  Develop procedures and administrative capacity to ensure effective protection of the EU's financial interests.

                  —

                  Ensure that the Law on external audit complies with the guidelines of the Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions.

                  —

                  Further strengthen capacity for external audit, financial control management and internal audit.

            Statistics

                  —

                  Improve agricultural statistics and macroeconomic statistics, develop social statistics, including education and health statistics, and make progress towards implementing all European classifications, including the classification of statistical regions.

            Justice, freedom and security
      Visa, border control, asylum and migration

                  —

                  Ensure that all Albanian travel documents fully comply with international standards.

                  —

                  Implement all international commitments undertaken by Albania in the area of border management.

                  —

                  Enforce asylum-related legislation and establish a fully-fledged asylum system, in compliance with international standards, including reception of asylum seekers.

                  —

                  Implement Albania's national strategy on migration and national action plan on asylum.

                  —

                  Ensure that Albania is in a position to meet the SAA requirements regarding EU citizens working and/or residing in Albania.

                  —

                  Progressively conclude, ratify and implement all the main international conventions in the field of migration.

            Money laundering

                  —

                  Step up the fight against economic and financial crime, including money-laundering and counterfeiting of currencies.

                  —

                  Achieve tangible results in the fight against money-laundering, both within and outside the financial sector.

            Drugs

                  —

                  Ensure substantially improved results in the fight against drug trafficking, especially as regards synthetic drugs, heroin and cocaine.

            Police

                  —

                  Continue to bring police services up to European standards, most notably by means of adequate training and equipment.

                  —

                  Achieve significant results in the fight against crime and in fighting corruption and other criminal behaviour within police ranks.

            Fighting organised crime and terrorism

                  —

                  Further increase international cooperation in the fight against organised crime and terrorism.

                  —

                  Make major progress on the rate, number and quality of prosecutions in relation to offences connected with organised crime and trafficking and also in terms of seizure of the proceeds of crime.

                  —

                  Fully incorporate into domestic legislation and implement the international conventions and protocols on prevention of terrorism to which Albania is party.

            Protection of personal data

                  —

                  Ensure the efficient monitoring and enforcement of national personal data protection legislation.

            4.   PROGRAMMING
      Community assistance under the stabilisation and association process to the Western Balkan countries will be provided under the existing financial instruments, in particular by Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 (IPA), and for programmes adopted before 2007, Council Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000 (CARDS Regulation) (1).The financing agreements serve as legal basis for the implementation of the concrete programmes. Accordingly, this Decision will have no financial implications.
      Albania can also have access to funding from multi-country and horizontal programmes.
      5.   CONDITIONALITY
      Assistance to the Western Balkan countries is conditional on progress on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria and on meeting the specific priorities of this European Partnership. Failure to respect these conditions could lead the Council to take appropriate measures on the basis of Article 21 of Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 or, in the case of pre-2007 programmes, on the basis of Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000. The assistance is also subject to the conditions defined by the Council in its conclusions of 29 April 1997, in particular as regards the recipients' undertaking to carry out democratic, economic and institutional reforms. Specific conditions are also included in individual annual programmes. The financing decisions will be followed by a financing agreement signed with Albania.
      6.   MONITORING
      Implementation of the European Partnership will be examined by the mechanisms established under the Stabilisation and Association Process, notably the annual reports presented by the Commission.

         (1)  OJ L 306, 7.12.2000, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2112/2005 (OJ L 344, 27.12.2005, p. 23).