title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/259 of 17 February 2015 in support of activities of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

text:
               18.2.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 43/14

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/259
   of 17 February 2015
   in support of activities of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 28 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (hereinafter the ‘EU Strategy’), Chapter III of which contains a list of measures to combat such proliferation.

               (2)

               The EU Strategy underlines the crucial role of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (‘CWC’) and of the OPCW in creating a world free of chemical weapons. As part of the EU Strategy, the Union has committed itself to working towards universal adherence to key disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements, including the CWC. The objectives of the EU Strategy are complementary to the objectives pursued by the OPCW, in the context of the latter's responsibility for the implementation of the CWC.

               (3)

               On 22 November 2004, the Council adopted Joint Action 2004/797/CFSP (1) on support for OPCW activities, followed on its expiry by Joint Action 2005/913/CFSP (2), which in turn was followed by Joint Action 2007/185/CFSP (3). Joint Action 2007/185/CFSP was followed by Decision 2009/569/CFSP (4) and Decision 2012/166/CFSP (5) which expires on 31 January 2015.

               (4)

               The continuation of such intensive and targeted assistance from the Union to the OPCW is necessary in the context of the active implementation of Chapter III of the EU Strategy. There is a need for further activities promoting the full implementation of the CWC as well as activities enhancing the preparedness of State Parties to the CWC (‘State Parties’) to prevent and respond to attacks involving toxic chemicals, international cooperation in the field of chemical activities, and the ability of the OPCW to adapt to developments in the field of science and technology. Measures related to the universalisation of the CWC should continue and be adapted to and targeted at the declining number of States not Parties to the CWC.

               (5)

               From 8 to 19 April 2013, the Third Special Session of the Conference of the State Parties to Review the Operation of the CWC took place in The Hague, the Netherlands. The Union supported the final report of the Conference, which addressed all aspects of the CWC and made important recommendations on its implementation. Those recommendations also include priority objectives for the Union referred to in Recital 4 and the EU Strategy. Support for the implementation of those recommendations is crucial to ensure continued relevance of the CWC and preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons.

               (6)

               The Union has provided political, financial and in-kind support to the joint UN-OPCW operations in Syria aimed at the total destruction of Syrian chemical weapons and agents. The Union is determined to build on the lessons learned from Syria,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   1.   For the purpose of giving immediate and practical application to some elements of the EU Strategy, the Union shall support activities of the OPCW, with the following objectives:

               —

               to enhance the capacities of State Parties in fulfilling their obligations under the CWC,

               —

               to enhance the preparedness of State Parties to prevent and respond to attacks involving toxic chemicals,

               —

               to enhance international cooperation in the field of chemical activities,

               —

               to support the ability of the OPCW to adapt to developments in the field of science and technology,

               —

               to promote universality by encouraging States not Parties to join the CWC.

         2.   In this context, the Union-supported activities of the projects of the OPCW, which are in compliance with the measures of the EU Strategy, shall be the following:

      Project I: National Implementation, Verification and Universality

   Activities:

               —

               Regional Training Course for Customs Authorities of State Parties on Technical Aspects of the CWC's Transfers' Regime

               —

               Updating e-learning tools for national authorities/associated stakeholders

               —

               Support for Development of ‘Advocacy’ Plans for raising awareness on the national implementation of the CWC

               —

               National Implementation Capacity Assessment for National Authorities

               —

               Mentorship Programme

               —

               Legal workshop for Caribbean and Central American State Parties

               —

               Strengthening Training Capabilities for OPCW Technical Secretariat inspectors and experts

               —

               Modernisation of the Information Management Systems for the OPCW Verification Division

               —

               Visits of Executive Council representatives and Observers of State Parties with developing economies to chemical weapons destruction facilities

               —

               Implementing the lessons arising from the Syria mission

      Project II: International Cooperation

   Activities:

               —

               Analytical skills development course

               —

               Industry Outreach

               —

               Chemical Safety and Security Management Workshops

      Project III: Science and Technology

   Activities:

               —

               Chemical informatics for facilitating international collaboration

               —

               Assessment of developments in science and technology

               —

               Multiple uses of chemistry: understanding the security aspects of technological developments

               —

               Support for Temporary Working Groups (TWGs) of the OPCW's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)

               —

               The development of standardised analytical methods for the analysis of biological toxins

      Project IV: Preparedness of State Parties to prevent and respond to attacks involving chemicals

   Activities:

               —

               Regional Assistance and Protection Training — Central Asia

               —

               Regional Coordination Exercise on Assistance Delivery

               —

               Regional Assistance and Protection Workshops

               —

               Table Top Exercises

      Project V: Universality and outreach

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               Translation and dissemination of education and outreach tools and materials

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               Production of an OPCW exhibition

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               Youth outreach

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               Universality Facilitation for Non-State Parties to join the CWC

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               Support for NGO participation in OPCW activities

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               Support for development and promotion of ‘Fires’ video documentary series

      Project VI: Africa Programme

               —

               Regional National Authority Stakeholders Forum

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               Regional Training Course for Customs Authorities of State Parties on Technical Aspects of the CWC's Transfers' Regime

               —

               Provision of Academic/Informative Materials on CWC

               —

               Synergies and Partnership for effective implementation

               —

               Analytical Skills Development Courses

               —

               Industry Outreach

               —

               Chemical Safety and Security Management

         A detailed description of the Union-supported activities of the OPCW referred to above is set out in the Annex.
   Article 2
   1.   The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.
   2.   Technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the OPCW Technical Secretariat (the ‘Technical Secretariat’). It shall perform this task under the responsibility and the control of the HR. For this purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the Technical Secretariat.
   Article 3
   1.   The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 2 528 069.
   2.   The expenditure financed by the amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the European Union.
   3.   The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the Technical Secretariat. The agreement shall stipulate that the Technical Secretariat is to ensure visibility of the Union contribution, commensurate with its size and specify measures facilitating developing synergies and avoiding duplication of activities.
   4.   The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after 17 February 2015. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of the agreement.
   Article 4
   The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the Technical Secretariat. The HR reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council. The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the projects referred to in Article 1(2).
   Article 5
   1.   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
   2.   This Decision shall expire 36 months after the date of the conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire six months after its entry into force if that financing agreement has not been concluded by that time.

      Done in Brussels, 17 February 2015.

            For the Council

            The President

         J. REIRS

      (1)  Council Joint Action 2004/797/CFSP of 22 November 2004 on support for OPCW activities in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 349, 25.11.2004, p. 63).

      (2)  Council Joint Action 2005/913/CFSP of 12 December 2005 on support for OPCW activities in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 331, 17.12.2005, p. 34).

      (3)  Council Joint Action 2007/185/CFSP of 19 March 2007 on support for OPCW activities in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 85, 27.3.2007, p. 10).

      (4)  Council Decision 2009/569/CFSP of 27 July 2009 on support for OPCW activities in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 197, 29.7.2009, p. 96).

      (5)  Council Decision 2012/166/CFSP of 23 March 2012 in support of activities of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 87, 24.3.2012, p. 49).

      ANNEX

         Union support for OPCW activities in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

         Project I — National implementation and Verification

         Objectives

                  —

                  To enhance the capacity of State Parties in fulfilling their obligations under the CWC

                  —

                  To support non-proliferation of chemical weapons, through the application of the verification and implementation measures provided for in the CWC

                  —

                  To advance and ensure the elimination of chemical weapons stockpiles and production facilities subject to the verification measures provided for in the CWC.

         Purposes

      Purpose 1 (National Implementation)

                  —

                  Enhanced capacity of State Parties for effective national implementation

                  —

                  Increased number of State Parties able to conduct effective national implementation at quantitative and qualitative level

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                  Enhanced understanding and awareness of National Authorities (NAs) on CWC-related matters for good cooperation and support.

                  —

                  Increased number of State Parties able to process and draft legislation for subsequent approval

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                  Effective function of customs authorities in the control and monitoring of the chemical trade.

            Purpose 2 (Verification)

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                  Enhanced efficiency and full-value services of training courses delivered for OPCW inspectors and experts

                  —

                  Business processes and quality of information of the Information Management System of the OPCW Verification Division improved, and ability to employ contemporary information analysis techniques gained

                  —

                  State Parties are able to monitor progress made towards achieving complete destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles and can identify and address problems to achieve destruction at an early stage, and are more confident that tangible and concrete steps are undertaken for the complete destruction of chemical weapons by their possessors

                  —

                  Improved OPCW adaptability in face of situations similar to the Syria mission in the future, enhancements to the verification regime and activities, improved relations with partner international organisations.

         Results

      Results 1 (National implementation)

                  —

                  Customs officials have improved their understanding and ability for effective handling of the duties regarding import/export of scheduled chemicals and coordination with National Authorities

                  —

                  National Authorities personnel and associated stakeholders have correct and up-to-date information in electronic format for effective learning available

                  —

                  National Authorities have systematic planning tools for effective implementation of the national efforts available

                  —

                  National Authorities have comprehensive information on the current situation and specific needs and make progress towards capacity-building for planning effective national implementation

                  —

                  Mentored State Parties have enhanced capacity for national implementation and work in coordination with the mentor State Party

                  —

                  State Parties have enhanced understanding and knowledge of proper processes on national legislation in fulfilling national obligations under the CWC.

            Results 2 (Verification)

                  —

                  Level of expertise and know-how of OPCW inspectors and experts on handling of schedule 1 chemicals is maintained at proper standards

                  —

                  Contemporary capabilities of the Information Management System of the OPCW Verification Division are acquired and disconnected legacy systems are decommissioned

                  —

                  State Parties have an enhanced understanding of the problems and technical difficulties related to the destruction of chemical weapons, and have increased confidence that tangible and concrete steps are undertaken for the complete destruction of chemical weapon stockpiles

                  —

                  OPCW has improved its understanding of the Syria mission, assessed the implications for the CWC regime and incorporated the lessons learned into internal operating procedures and practices.

         Activities

      1.   Regional Training Course for Customs Authorities of State Parties on Technical Aspects of the CWC's Transfers' Regime
      Support to customs officials has been provided under Joint Action 2005/913/CFSP, Joint Action 2007/185/CFSP, Decision 2009/569/CFSP, and Decision 2012/166/CFSP. On the basis of experience gained, outreach to customs officials through training courses will be undertaken with a view to improving the collection and transmission of data on imports and exports of scheduled chemicals to national authorities. Training undertaken will offer practical hands-on demonstrations and exercises, and will incorporate an element covering ‘train the trainers’. The training will be carried out by the Technical Secretariat's Implementation Support Branch with technical expertise from the Declarations Branch in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
      2.   Updating the e-learning tool for national authorities/associated stakeholders
      Support for the development of an e-learning tool for national authorities/associated stakeholders has been provided under Decision 2012/166/CFSP. State Parties have been able to access and use e-learning modules since 2013. To ensure that the information and materials remain relevant and useful, an assessment of users' feedback and recommendations will be conducted, and the findings used for updating and improving the tool. It is expected that e-learning will be more widely used by State Parties. The Technical Secretariat is considering making the e-learning compulsory for some training provided by the OPCW.
      3.   Support development of ‘advocacy’ plans
      Several National Authorities have advised they have found it difficult to obtain the right level of cooperation and support from some stakeholder institutions. This is mainly due to a lack of understanding and awareness of the CWC, its obligations and commitments placed on the State Parties. This lack of skills, knowledge and experience in ‘advocacy’ means that when it is undertaken it is not often effective. There is a need to develop/improve the existing advocacy plans, to make them more practical and useful. The advocacy plans will include: education and outreach activities, production of publicity materials, information kits as well as draft action plans. Guidelines and strategies for effective education and outreach at the national and regional level will be drafted and the pilot States will use them as a reference in drafting advocacy plans for their respective States. Pilot projects will be developed in all regions: Asia, Latin America and Caribbean, Africa and Eastern Europe.
      4.   National Implementation Capacity Assessment
      National Authorities should be able to effectively implement the CWC. Some National Authorities require assistance to ensure they are able to fulfil their role effectively. There are several factors that can affect their performance. In order for the Technical Secretariat to provide timely and effective support, it is essential to assess their national capacity to better understand their needs. Assessment programmes will be implemented in all regions. Specifically, the capacity assessment will be conducted jointly by the Technical Secretariat and the respective National Authority. Desk review of a State's situation regarding the CWC implementation will be conducted by relevant Divisions of the Technical Secretariat before a State visit for an actual assessment. During the visit, the team will hold meetings and consultations with relevant agencies. Each visit will result in a report, outlining milestone developments and a follow-up action plan for capacity building.
      5.   Mentorship Programme
      The National Authority Mentorship Programme is designed to create a partnership between a National Authority which has been more successful and efficient in the implementation of its obligations under the CWC with another at a lower level of implementation. This enhances the functioning of the latter National Authority. The programme has been implemented by the OPCW for a number of years and has proved very useful. Mentorship programmes will be implemented in Africa, Asia and Caribbean and Latin America.
      6.   Legal workshop for Caribbean and Central American State Parties
      These workshops form part of the Technical Secretariat efforts to promote the quicker adoption of national implementing legislation by State Parties in the Caribbean and Central America. The main aim is to provide practical assistance to participating State Parties on legal issues surrounding the national implementation of the CWC. These workshops also seek to support State Parties in finalising their respective drafts, and provide an opportunity for the invited State Parties to consult directly with representatives from the Implementation Support Branch of the OPCW regarding the drafting of national implementing legislation as well as the provision of any other legal assistance, such as the development of subsidiary regulations and rules.
      7.   Strengthening Training Capabilities for Technical Secretariat inspectors and experts
      Training courses involving the handling of schedule 1 chemicals represent one of the crucial elements of the effort to maintain the level of expertise and accumulated know-how of the OPCW. Observance of strict technical standards is crucial for the efficiency and full-value services of training courses being delivered for Technical Secretariat inspectors and experts. At the same time it will increase chemical- and bio- safety and enhance preparedness to prevent and respond to attacks involving toxic chemicals. The activity will include procurement of necessary equipment, appliances and materials, resulting in better performance of the laboratories involved.
      8.   Modernisation of the Information Management Systems for the OPCW Verification Division
      The OPCW Verification Division currently uses various legacy information systems, some of which are heavily customised. These impede the efficient and effective processing of information.
      These include:

                  —

                  disconnected systems,

                  —

                  legacy systems lacking contemporary capabilities,

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                  heavy customisation of the systems and inability to make improvements in a timely and resource-efficient way,

                  —

                  unavailability of contemporary functionality such as full-text search capabilities and digital processing,

                  —

                  no possibilities for user-driven workflow process management.

            This activity aims to modernise the information management systems of the OPCW Verification Division by replacing these bespoke systems with an enterprise document management solution with contemporary capabilities. The expected benefits will be increased efficiency in the processing of information, a reduction in manual work effort, improvements in data quality and extended analytical capabilities.
      9.   Visits of Executive Council representatives and Observers of State Parties with developing economies to chemical weapons destruction facilities
      To date, eight visits have taken place — four in the United States of America, three in the Russian Federation and one in China (Abandoned Chemical Weapons Destruction Facilities), with funding provided under Joint Action 2007/185/CFSP, Decision 2009/569/CFSP, and Decision 2012/166/CFSP. The visits conducted so far have proved to be valuable as a means of addressing questions or concerns about a possessor State Party's programme for fulfilling its obligations on the destruction of its chemical weapons. All State Parties will benefit from these visits which will help enhance transparency and build confidence that progress is being made for the complete destruction of the remaining chemical weapons in accordance with the provisions of the CWC and under the verification of the Technical Secretariat. The project should encourage broader participation in such visits by State Parties while taking into account the appropriate financial criteria and taking steps to ensure the adequate rotation of participants.
      10.   Implementing the lessons arising from the Syria mission
      With the anticipated end of the programme to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons programme, the OPCW will conduct a review of its involvement in this unprecedented operation. In addition, the OPCW is already participating in a lessons learned exercise being conducted by the United Nations (UN) Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in the framework of the investigation into the use of chemical weapons in Syria in 2013. Therefore, many of the lessons arising from the UN investigation and the mission to eliminate Syrian chemical weapons should be identified during the course of 2014.
      The lessons identified will need to be implemented and incorporated into OPCW procedures and activities. In order to do this most effectively, it is proposed to hold workshops to analyse the lessons identified and the implications for the OPCW of the respective activities in Syria in 2013 and 2014. The outcomes of these workshops will be incorporated into revised OPCW procedures and into future training programmes.

         Project II — International Cooperation

         Objectives

                  —

                  To enhance the economic and technological development through international cooperation in the field of chemistry for activities whose purposes are not prohibited under the CWC

                  —

                  To promote the OPCW mission and CWC objectives through stronger engagement of State Parties in international cooperation initiatives for the peaceful use of chemistry.

         Purposes

                  —

                  To enhance capacity of the publicly funded laboratories in State Parties with developing economies or economies in transition to implement the CWC in the field of peaceful uses of chemistry

                  —

                  To assist State Parties with developing economies or economies in transition in enhancing chemical safety and security management approaches in chemical industry enterprises of small and medium size.

         Results

                  —

                  Enhanced level of technical competence in publicly funded laboratories in State Parties with developing economies or economies in transition to analyse chemicals related to national implementation of the CWC and in the peaceful application of chemistry using modern analytical methods especially gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

                  —

                  Upgraded levels of competence and understanding by the personnel of small and medium enterprises, representatives of industry associations and the national authorities/ governmental institutions of State Parties with developing economies or economies in transition regarding process safety and security management practices.

         Activities

      1.   Analytical skills development courses
      These courses take place over two weeks, during which participants receive theoretical training and hands-on experience in GC and GC-MS. Topics covered include: hardware; system validation and optimisation; troubleshooting; preparation of environmental samples; and GC/GC-MS analyses of such samples for chemicals related to the CWC. Participants also receive intensive hands-on training in the preparation of different sample matrices to be analysed by GC with element-selective detectors and by GC-MS in electron impact and chemical-ionisation modes. Finally, participants are introduced to a range of extraction, clean-up, and derivatisation procedures. The courses are implemented with the support of Verifin, renowned institution selected through a transparent tender process, with which OPCW has entered into a five-year agreement.
      2.   Industry Outreach —Chemical Safety and Security Management Workshops
      These workshops are conducted over two-and-a-half days. They cover, inter alia, safety and security issues in chemical industry, chemical management strategies, chemical-process safety management, industry best practices and an introduction to Responsible Care®.
      An overview of the CWC and of international cooperation programmes is also presented at the opening session. Cooperation and coordination will be ensured with other actors with experience in this area, as appropriate.
      One workshop will be addressed to the North Africa, Middle East and Gulf sub-regions and will take place in Arabic.

         Project III — Science and technology

         Objectives

      To enable the Director-General of the OPCW (‘Director General’) to provide advice and make recommendations to the Conference of State Parties, the Executive Council of the OPCW or the State Parties on areas of science and technology relevant to the CWC.

         Purposes

                  —

                  Setting the direction for science and technology related activities at the OPCW in the interim period between the Fourth and Fifth Review Conferences-

                  —

                  To enable the Director-General to render special advice to the OPCW policymaking organs and to the State Parties in the areas of science and technology relevant to the CWC

                  —

                  To draw upon a larger pool of scientific experts available for the OPCW, and improved mechanisms for keeping aware of developments in chemical monitoring technologies and informatics tools for analysis of complex data sets containing chemical information

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                  Building and maintaining a network of non-technical stakeholders who can compliment scientific experts available to the OPCW in assessing all aspects of new science and technology to provide more complete advice on science and technology and its impact

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                  To enable a number of off-site laboratories to analyse toxins in support of the CWC.

         Results

                  —

                  Expanding network of scientific expertise available to OPCW that will enhance ongoing science and technology monitoring efforts and increase presence and visibility of the CWC in the scientific community

                  —

                  Relationships with scientific expertise involved in new science and technology development relevant to the CWC built and maintained

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                  Creation of opportunities to bring non-technical stakeholders into productive discussions regarding science and technology development with technical experts for assessment of security impact and risk

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                  Advice and recommendations on areas of science and technology relevant to the CWC produced by the OPCW' s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and received by State Parties

                  —

                  Raised awareness of the need for the analysis of toxins relevant to the CWC.

         Activities

      1.   Chemical informatics for facilitating international collaboration
      This activity aims at creating a working group of scientists to collaboratively source, collate, and analyse data with unique chemical signatures. It seeks to compile data collected from a broad range of routine chemical monitoring activities that contain chemical signatures (e.g. data collected from atmospheric monitoring, environmental sample collection, water testing, and more). The intent is to connect chemical and information scientists from different regions of the world to create a hub in which the information can be disseminated to the collaborators for visualisation and informative analysis of global and regional chemistry. This work is intended to facilitate engagement of the Technical Secretariat with the scientific community. Main output will be a data collation centre serving as a hub for collating and reducing data into formats compatible with the analytical tools used by the collaborating researchers. The hub, located in one of the participating universities, will support the network of collaborating scientists and build its capacity to expand beyond the implementation period.
      2.   Assessment of developments in science and technology
      A series of expert workshops — involving members of the SAB, experts associate with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, and other experts — to assess the impact of current and potential future developments in science and technology on the implementation of the CWC.
      This work will support the SAB in developing their report on developments in science and technology for the Fourth Review Conference of the CWC.
      Possible partnerships with other International Organisations to implement this activity will be explored.
      3.   Multiple uses of chemistry: understanding the security aspects of technology developments
      A series of workshops for regional centres of excellence and university departments which are involved in WMD security issues. The purpose is to help those who are concerned about implications of technology developments to understand the process by which technologies are conceived, developed, adapted, and brought to life.
      Workshop attendees will gain skills and understanding of:

                  —

                  converging scientific disciplines (especially, but not limited to, the convergence between chemistry and biology), which are a strong enabling force for new technologies and can drive applications and approaches in general technology development,

                  —

                  best practices for technology monitoring,

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                  how to better assess risks of new and changing technologies, and

                  —

                  how to recognise how the adaptation of new technologies is a critical aspect of effective security management.

            This work will create more insight into how science and technology support effective implementation of multilateral security and WMD treaties — using the CWC as an example.
      4.   Temporary Working Groups (TWGs) of the SAB
      Support meetings of the TWGs, which will enable to the SAB to render specialised technical advice to the Director-General on the implementation of the CWC. This will in turn enable the Director-General to advise the policymaking organs and State Parties on policy matters, underpinned by sound scientific advice.
      5.   Toward the development of standardised analytical methods for the analysis of biological toxins
      Biological toxins are regulated under the Biological Weapons Convention (‘BWC’). Two biological toxins (ricin and saxitoxin) are also listed in the CWC as chemical weapons and are closely regulated. Other biological toxins may also fall under the CWC's general purpose criteria against the use of toxic agents in warfare.
      The robust verification regime of the CWC is absent in the BWC. Under the CWC, inspectors are empowered to take samples and perform on-site analysis (if possible; often not possible for biological toxins) or send them to off-site laboratories. Off-site laboratory analysis requires sophisticated analytical equipment as well as methods and either reference materials or data.
      For this project, the OPCW Laboratory and partner laboratories will:

                  —

                  prepare/acquire reference materials,

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                  conduct round-robin exercises,

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                  write and validate recommended operating procedures (ROPs) for the analysis of biological toxins,

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                  collect reference data from partner laboratories,

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                  share ROPs and reference data with partner laboratories and the scientific community,

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                  evaluate analytical procedures/detection kits that can be used on-site to guide decisions on off-site analysis and as a protective component for inspectors on-site.

         Project IV — Preparedness of State Parties to prevent and respond to attacks involving chemicals

         Objectives

      Contribute to developing the capacity of State Parties in the prevention of, preparedness for and response to a terrorist attack using chemical weapons and to improve their response to requests for assistance in the event of the use or threat of use of chemicals.

         Purposes

                  —

                  Enhance State Parties' awareness of the importance of submitting timely and full declarations on national programmes related to protective purposes

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                  Increase State Parties' contribution to the preparedness of OPCW to respond to requests for assistance

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                  Encourage State Parties to foster the creation of regional networks in their regions or sub-regions to improve their coordinated response to a chemical weapons attack

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                  Encourage State Parties to establish coordination and cooperation between the sub-regions in the chemical emergency response

                  —

                  Build the capacity of State Parties to further disseminate knowledge and skills acquired during the training courses

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                  Exercise and evaluate the national prevention of, preparedness for and response to a chemical incident and to increase awareness of further steps to be taken to enhance the level of preparedness

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                  Exercise and evaluate the coordination of the international community in the prevention and response to a chemical incident.

         Results

                  —

                  Pre-conditions for the formation of a regional network of emergency response personnel created

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                  State Parties are aware of the importance of submitting timely and full declarations on national programmes related to protective purposes

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                  State Parties are better positioned to make offers of assistance to the OPCW in response to a request of assistance

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                  Increased awareness of State Parties regarding the need to promote cooperation in relation to chemical weapons emergencies in case of an attack

                  —

                  A team of instructors from Central Asian State Parties that can support the chemical emergency response plan by training their first responders

                  —

                  Enhanced emergency response plans for handling incidents involving toxic chemicals of the implicated State Parties by incorporating the transfer of knowledge and practices.

         Activities

      1.   Regional Assistance and Protection Training
      A full-cycle training package for Central Asian State Parties to include Basic and Advanced training courses in Assistance and Protection. The courses would be followed by a confirmatory exercise where participants would use the knowledge acquired in a practical, field training scenario. This training cycle will result in increased resilience against and improved national and regional capacity to respond to the misuse of toxic chemicals. The first responders from the region who will benefit from this training, will be subsequently considered for OPCW-funded ‘train-the-trainer’ courses to assist them in the further dissemination of the knowledge and skills acquired.
      2.   Regional Coordination Exercise on Assistance Delivery
      In line with paragraph 7 of Article X of the CWC, the proposed exercise is a follow-up of the Assistance Coordination workshop held in Argentina in October 2013 and will be aimed at testing delivery assistance mechanisms between two or three State Parties from the Latin America region that share the same border, and will include participation with diverse tasks, of the rest of the State Parties from the region.
      3.   Regional Assistance and Protection Workshops
      Support for this activity has been provided under Decision 2009/569/CFSP, and Decision 2012/166/CFSP. This activity is designed as a forum for managers and planners who are involved in the protection of their civilian populations against chemical weapons, or who would be responsible for the provision of emergency assistance under Article X of the CWC. Workshops provide information on the implementation of Article X; national and international projects being carried out by the OPCW, regional approaches to assistance and protection, and challenges and new opportunities in the field of assistance and protection against chemical weapons and other toxic chemicals. Furthermore, they are intended to foster discussion and analysis of several assistance and protection-related issues, with special focus on areas such as rights and obligations of State Parties under Article X of the CWC, submissions of declarations of protective programmes, and analysis of weaknesses and problem areas. They also provide an overview of assistance and protection activities in the concerned region. Participants give presentations in order to share experiences, lessons learnt, and ideas in the field of assistance and protection and emergency response against threats related to misuse of toxic chemicals. Targeted regions will be Latin America and Asia.
      4.   Table Top Exercises
      Support for this activity has been provided under Decision 2009/569/CFSP, and Decision 2012/166/CFSP. The project Table Top Exercises is a follow-up and builds on the lessons learnt from the Table Top exercise (TTX) held in August 2013 in Indonesia (funded under Decision 2012/166/CFSP). One of the results of the exercise was development of the TTX module that can be used for capacity-building activities in other regions. The exercises will examine cross-government decision-making, and promote information exchange and provision of assistance between relevant national and international organisations in order to mitigate the risks and the impact of an attack with toxic chemicals. The project complements other OPCW programmes, in particular those regarding assistance and protection as mandated by Article X of the CWC as well as the OPCW's efforts to support State Parties in the adoption of national implementation measures and the project on ‘OPCW as a platform for enhancing security at chemical plants’ (funded under Decision 2012/166/CFSP). Under the provisions of Article X, State Parties can receive expert advice and assistance from the OPCW regarding the development and improvement of their protective capacity against chemical weapons.

         Project V — Universality and outreach

         Objectives

                  —

                  To encourage States not party to the CWC to better understand the benefits of joining the CWC and in getting more involved in OPCW activities

                  —

                  To raise awareness about the OPCW and CWC, particularly among a broad public audience and certain target groups in the educational sector, such as students and teachers of chemistry and chemical engineering at secondary and tertiary level.

         Purposes

                  —

                  To raise awareness and knowledge of the OPCW and CWC amongst students and teachers and other groups as appropriate

                  —

                  To raise the visibility of the OPCW and to explain its activities to a broad public audience

                  —

                  To improve means of reaching to the widest possible audience, especially among the non-technical or non-specialists

                  —

                  To raise awareness of the OPCW and CWC among a young audience in selected States or regions

                  —

                  States not party to the CWC get more involved in OPCW activities and increase their understanding of the CWC and its benefits

                  —

                  To broaden engagement with stakeholders on substantive issues facing the OPCW during a period of institutional transition.

         Results

                  —

                  Dissemination of the educational materials produced by national, regional and international associations and use in schools and universities of the educational materials

                  —

                  Increased public engagement with the OPCW and CWC through the use of the exhibition at multiple events around the world

                  —

                  Increased interaction with the OPCW by young audiences in selected States or regions and development of social media tools and their use by OPCW partners

                  —

                  Ultimate increased number of new State Parties

                  —

                  Enhanced input by civil society to the OPCW policymaking process, including the opportunity to present their views on substantive issues directly to delegates in special plenary sessions of the Conference of State Parties

                  —

                  Documentary material, including OPCW corporate video material for all purposes, available for dissemination and sensitisation of the mainstream audience.

         Activities

      1.   Translation and dissemination of education-and-outreach tools and materials
      During 2013 and 2014, the Technical Secretariat (supported in part by Decision 2012/166/CFSP) has produced several education and outreach tools in English. In order to maximise the use of such materials by a broad range of stakeholders in as many State Parties as possible, the materials need to be translated into the other five official OPCW languages and into other widely-spoken languages. The translated materials will also need to be widely disseminated.
      2.   Production of an OPCW exhibition
      Production of a professional exhibition on the OPCW and CWC for use at relevant meetings, conferences, etc., in collaboration with science and peace museums. Some work has already been carried out by the OPCW together with the Nobel Peace Centre, Museon in The Hague and others but, under this project, a professionally-designed exhibition will be produced, for reuse by the OPCW as necessary.
      3.   Youth outreach
      Outreach workshops aimed at young audiences (age 15-25) to both raise awareness of OPCW and the CWC and to engage youth in exploring opportunities for future careers in fields and sectors on the international level. This will involve face-to-face workshops and development of social media tools that can be used by regional partners and universities.
      4.   Universality facilitation for non-State Parties to join the CWC
      Universality work plan includes: concept: tailor-made approach, State-specific, flexible format (1.5 to 2.0 track), inviting in and reaching out, multi partnership; sponsorship for OPCW activities, at OPCW headquarters or elsewhere; State-specific seminars; regional approach; track 2.0 events; database for State contact and development for coordination.
      5.   Support for NGO participation in OPCW activities
      The number of NGOs that have registered for and attended OPCW conferences has grown steadily and significantly since 2008, peaking with the 3rd Review Conference in April 2013 when 70 NGOs representing all regions were approved to attend. In addition, for the first time ever, NGOs actively participated in OPCW conferences by addressing delegates in special plenary sessions of the 3rd Review Conference and the 18th Conference of States Party. This proposal will provide basic travel and lodging support for NGO representatives from States with developing economies or economies in transition to attend each of the Conferences of State Parties in 2015 and 2016.
      6.   Support for development and promotion of ‘Fires’ video documentary series
      The Fires project has been developed by the Media and Public Affairs branch of the OPCW. They produced four episodes running in length from 5 to 20 min each, including the original episode A Teacher's Mission which was strongly endorsed by the SAB Temporary Working group on Education and Outreach of the OPCW as an effective teaching tool. The latest episode, Ich Liebe Dich, has generated even more enthusiasm among stakeholders for the project, with expressions of material support and collaboration in producing future episodes from several State Parties. The Union funding will ensure the production of at least three further episodes.

         Project VI — Africa Programme

         Objective

      To enhance the capacity of African State Parties in fulfilling their obligations under the CWC.

         Purposes

      Purpose 1 (National implementation):

                  —

                  Enhanced capacity of African State Parties for effective national implementation

                  —

                  Increased number of African State Parties able to conduct effective national implementation at quantitative and qualitative level

                  —

                  Enhanced understanding and awareness of National Authorities of African State Parties on CWC-related matters for good cooperation and support

                  —

                  Effective function of custom authorities in control and monitoring of the chemical trade

                  —

                  Strengthened inter-agency collaboration in support of effective national implementation of the CWC under the leadership of the National Authority.

            Purpose 2 (Peaceful use of chemistry):

                  —

                  Enhancing the capacity of publicly funded laboratories in African State Parties whose economies are developing or in transition to implement the CWC in the field of peaceful uses of chemistry

                  —

                  Enhancing chemical safety management approaches in chemical industry enterprises of small and medium size in African State Parties whose economies are developing or in transition.

         Results

      Results 1 (National implementation)

                  —

                  Relevant stakeholders have improved understanding and awareness on the CWC and have enhanced their role and involvement in national implementation efforts

                  —

                  Customs Officials from African State Parties have improved their understanding and ability for effective handling of the duties regarding import/export of scheduled chemicals and coordination with National Authorities

                  —

                  Relevant stakeholders have correct and up-to-date information for effective learning available

                  —

                  Potential stakeholder agencies/bodies in supporting the implementation of the CWC have agreed on a short-term agenda to establish synergies between themselves.

            Results 2 (Peaceful use of chemistry)

                  —

                  Publicly funded laboratories in African State Parties have enhanced level of technical competence to analyse chemicals related to national implementation of the CWC and in the peaceful application of chemistry using modern analytical methods especially GC and GC-MS

                  —

                  Personnel of small and medium enterprises, representatives of industry associations and the national authorities/governmental institutions of African State Parties have upgraded levels of competence and understanding regarding process safety management practices.

         Activities

      1.   Regional National Authority Stakeholders Forum
      National Authorities have specific and important roles and responsibilities for effective implementation. They have to develop and maintain very close and good cooperation with other concerned stakeholders at the State level. The cooperation is not always effective as there are still gaps and lack of good understanding among each other. The proposed Regional Stakeholder Forum aims at bringing together the key stakeholders and the National Authorities representatives to meet, know and understand each other better. It will also provide a good opportunity to share experiences and exchange views and concerns for effective cooperation. This is proposed as a pilot for the African region.
      2.   Regional Training Course for Customs Authorities of State Parties on Technical Aspects of the CWC's Transfers' Regime
      Support for customs officials has been provided under Joint Action 2005/913/CFSP, Joint Action 2007/185/CFSP, Decision 2009/569/CFSP and Decision 2012/166/CFSP. On the basis of experience gained, outreach to customs officials through training courses will be undertaken with a view to improving the collection and transmission of data on imports and exports of scheduled chemicals to national authorities. Training undertaken will offer practical hands-on demonstrations and exercises and will incorporate an element covering ‘train the trainers’. The training will be carried out by the Technical Secretariat's Implementation Support Branch with technical expertise from the Declarations Branch in the African region.
      3.   Provision of Academic/Informative Materials on CWC
      To promote understanding and awareness of CWC in an African State Party, informative materials will be prepared and provided to the library of universities' chemistry departments through the relevant National Authorities. In its first phase, the activity will aim at providing information, but the second phase will lead to the introduction of the CWC in the training/teaching curriculum of the universities. It is proposed to be a pilot in the African region.
      4.   Synergies and Partnership for effective implementation
      The activity aims at promoting engagement of the potential stakeholder agencies/bodies in supporting the implementation of the CWC. These are regional/sub-regional training institutions for military, customs training institutions, relevant laboratories, academic institutions, NGOs and community-based organisations. After having identified the State Party which will pilot the project, collaborative action will be developed and implemented. A multi-sector national event organised by the piloting National Authority for all key stakeholder agencies/bodies/institutions, which by virtue of their national mandates have a role to play in the national implementation of the CWC, is proposed as a pilot for the African region.
      5.   Analytical skills development courses
      These courses take place over two weeks, during which participants receive theoretical training and hands-on experience in GC and GC-MS. Topics covered include: hardware; system validation and optimisation; troubleshooting; preparation of environmental samples; and GC/GC-MS analyses of such samples for chemicals related to the CWC. Participants also receive intensive hands-on training in the preparation of different sample matrices to be analysed by GC with element-selective detectors and by GC-MS in electron impact and chemical-ionisation modes. Finally, participants are introduced to a range of extraction, clean-up, and derivatisation procedures. The courses are implemented with the support of Verifin, a renowned institution selected through a transparent tender process, with which OPCW has entered into a five-year agreement.
      6.   Industry Outreach — CWC and Chemical Process Safety Workshops
      These workshops are conducted over two-and-a-half days. They cover, inter alia, safety and security issues in the chemical industry; chemical management strategies; chemical-process safety management; industry best practices; and an introduction to Responsible Care®.
      An overview of the CWC and of international cooperation programmes is also presented at the opening session.


title: 2010/744/EU: Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in accordance with point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (application EGF/2009/026 NL/Noord Holland and Utrecht Division 18 from the Netherlands)

text:
               4.12.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 318/41

         DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
   of 24 November 2010
   on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in accordance with point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (application EGF/2009/026 NL/Noord Holland and Utrecht Division 18 from the Netherlands)
   (2010/744/EU)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (1), and in particular point 28 thereof,
   Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2), and in particular Article 12(3) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was established to provide additional support for workers made redundant as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and to assist them with their reintegration into the labour market.

               (2)

               The scope of the EGF was broadened for applications submitted from 1 May 2009 to include support for workers made redundant as a direct result of the global financial and economic crisis.

               (3)

               The Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 allows the mobilisation of the EGF within the annual ceiling of EUR 500 million.

               (4)

               The Netherlands submitted an application on 30 December 2009 to mobilise the EGF, in respect of redundancies in 79 enterprises operating in NACE Revision 2 Division 18 (printing and reproduction of recorded media) in the two contiguous NUTS II regions Noord Holland (NL32) and Utrecht (NL31) and supplemented it with additional information up to 6 May 2010. This application complies with the requirements for determining the financial contributions as laid down in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006. The Commission, therefore, proposes to mobilise an amount of EUR 2 266 625.

               (5)

               The EGF should, therefore, be mobilised in order to provide a financial contribution for the application submitted by the Netherlands,

         HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   For the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2010, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund shall be mobilised to provide the sum of EUR 2 266 625 in commitment and payment appropriations.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Strasbourg, 24 November 2010.

            For the European Parliament

            The President

         J. BUZEK

            For the Council

            The President

         O. CHASTEL

      (1)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 1.


Avis juridique important

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31995D0445

95/445/EC: Council Decision of 30 October 1995 concerning the conclusion of the Framework Agreement for cooperation between the European Economic Community and the Federative Republic of Brazil

Official Journal L 262 , 01/11/1995 P. 0053 - 0053

COUNCIL DECISION of 30 October 1995 concerning the conclusion of the Framework Agreement for cooperation between the European Economic Community and the Federative Republic of Brazil (95/445/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 113 and 130y, in conjunction with the first sentence of Article 228 (2) and the first subparagraph of Article 228 (3) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),Whereas, pursuant to Article 130u of the Treaty, Community policy in the sphere of development cooperation should foster the sustainable economic and social development of the developing countries, their smooth and gradual integration into the world economy and the campaign against poverty in those countries;Whereas the Community should approve, for the attainment of its aims in the sphere of external relations, the Framework Agreement for trade and economic cooperation with the Federative Republic of Brazil,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1 The Framework Agreement for cooperation between the European Economic Community and the Federative Republic of Brazil is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.Article 2 The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the Community, give the notification provided for in Article 33 of the Agreement (3).Article 3 The Commission, assisted by representatives of the Member States, shall represent the Community in the Joint Committee set up by Article 29 of the Agreement.Article 4 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.Done at Brussels, 30 October 1995.For the CouncilThe PresidentJ. SOLANA(1) OJ No C 163, 30. 6. 1992, p. 11.(2) OJ No C 337, 21. 12. 1992, p. 237.(3) The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities by the General Secretariat of the Council.


Avis juridique important

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31974D0122

74/122/EEC: Council Decision of 18 February 1974 setting up an Economic Policy Committee

Official Journal L 063 , 05/03/1974 P. 0021 - 0022 Finnish special edition: Chapter 10 Volume 1 P. 0011  Swedish special edition: Chapter 10 Volume 1 P. 0011  Greek special edition: Chapter 10 Volume 1 P. 0059  Spanish special edition: Chapter 10 Volume 1 P. 0056  Portuguese special edition Chapter 10 Volume 1 P. 0056

COUNCIL DECISION  of 18 February 1974  setting up an Economic Policy Committee  (74/122/EEC)  THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 145 thereof;  Having regard to the draft by the Commission;  Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament;  Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee;  Whereas coordination of short-term economic policies must take account of the jointly defined medium-term economic objectives;  Whereas budgetary policy must fit into the context of general economic policy;  Whereas the existence of three separate Committees operating in the field of general economic policy is therefore prejudicial to the efficient coordination of economic policies and has often led to overlapping of responsibilities and duplication of work;  Whereas it is therefore necessary to merge the activities of the Short-term Economic Policy Committee, the Budgetary Policy Committee and the Medium-term Economic Policy Committee into a single Economic Policy Committee,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:    Article 1 An Economic Policy Committee (hereinafter called the "Committee") is hereby set up to promote coordination of Member States' short and medium-term economic policies.   Article 2 The Committee shall exercise all the functions hitherto assigned to the Short-term Economic Policy Committee set up by the Council Decision of 9 March 1960 (1) on coordination of the conjunctural policies of the Member States, the Budgetary Policy Committee set up by the Council Decision of 8 May 1964 (2) on cooperation between the competent government departments of Member States in the field of budgetary policy, and the Medium-term Economic Policy Committee set up by the Council Decision of 15 April 1964 (3) setting up a Medium-term Economic Policy Committee. The Committee shall, in particular:    - assist in coordinating general economic policies;       - examine and compare Member States' budgetary policies and the way they are being implemented;       - prepare, in the light of all available information, the preliminary draft of the medium-term economic policy programme provided for under Article 6 of the Council Decision of 18 February 1974 (4) on the achievement of a high degree of convergence of the economic policies of the Member States of the European Community;       - keep under review the medium-term economic policies of the Member States and examine whether they are compatible with the above programme;       - analyse the development of the economies in order to discover the reasons for any divergence from the programme.          Article 3 The Committee shall consist of four representatives of the Commission and four representatives of each Member State. The members of the Committee appointed by the Member States shall be selected from among persons who in their countries participate in the formulation of short- and medium-term economic policy.   Article 4 The opinion of the Committee may be requested by the Council or by the Commission. Moreover, the Committee may, on its own initiative, deliver opinions or present reports whenever it considers this necessary for the proper fulfilment of its task.   Article 5 The Committee may meet with a reduced composition for the purpose of dealing with specific problems  (1)OJ No 31, 9.5.1960, p. 764/60. (2)OJ No 64, 22.4.1964, p. 1031/64. (3)OJ No 77, 21.5.1964, p. 1205/64. (4)See p. 16 of this Official Journal.   in the fields of short-term economic policy, budgetary policy and medium-term economic policy.   Article 6 Proceedings of the Committee shall be valid only if at least one member per delegation is present.   Article 7 The Committee shall elect its officers, consisting of one chairman and three vice-chairmen, for a non-renewable term of two years beginning on 1 March 1974. It shall adopt its rules of procedure.  The Secretariat of the Committee shall be provided by the Commission.   Article 8 The following are hereby repealed:    - the Council Decision of 9 March 1960 on coordination of the conjunctural policies of the Member States;       - Council Decision of 15 April 1964 setting up a Medium-term Economic Policy Committee;       - Council Decision of 8 May 1964 on cooperation between the competent government departments of Member States in the field of budgetary policy.            Done at Brussels, 18 February 1974.  For the Council  The President  H. SCHMIDT


Important legal notice

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32004D0250

2004/250/EC: Council Decision of 11 March 2004 appointing a new member of the Commission

Official Journal L 079 , 17/03/2004 P. 0026 - 0026

Council Decisionof 11 March 2004appointing a new member of the Commission(2004/250/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the second paragraph of Article 215 thereof,Whereas:On 10 March 2004 Ms Anna DIAMANTOPOULOU resigned from her post as a member of the Commission. She should be replaced for the remainder of her term of office,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1Mr Stavros DIMAS is hereby appointed a member of the Commission for the period from 11 March 2004 to 31 October 2004.Article 2This Decision shall take effect on 11 March 2004.Article 3This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.Done at Brussels, 11 March 2004.For the CouncilThe PresidentM. Harney


Avis juridique important

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31988D0333

88/333/EEC: Decision of the European Parliament of 13 April 1988 granting a discharge to the Commission in respect of the financial management of the third European Development Fund during the 1986 financial year

Official Journal L 156 , 23/06/1988 P. 0048 - 0048

*****DECISION  OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT  of 13 April 1988  granting a discharge to the Commission in respect of the financial management of the third European Development Fund during the 1986 financial year  (88/333/EEC)  THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,  - having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,  - having regard to the Conventions signed in Yaoundé on 20 July 1963 and 29 July 1969,  - having regard to the balance sheets and accounts of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth European Development Funds for the 1986 financial year (COM(87) 192 final),  - having regard to the report of the Court of Auditors concerning the 1986 financial year accompanied by the replies of the Institutions (1),  - whereas the Financial Regulation applicable to the third EDF conferred responsibility for granting a discharge on the Council in accordance with the provisions of the EEC Treaty then in force; drawing attention, however, to the fact that these provisions in the EEC Treaty were amended successively by the 1970 and 1975 Treaties and that general responsibility for granting a discharge has been conferred on Parliament; whereas the existing non-budgetized status of the EDF, which disregards several provisions in the Treaty, could in no circumstances justify any limitation on Parliament's power to grant a discharge,  - drawing attention to the fact that the discharge decision primarily concerns the results of the financial year in question and not an accumulation of results,  - having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control and the opinion of the Committee on Development and Cooperation (Doc. A 2-6/88),  1. Grants a discharge to the Commission in respect of the financial management of the third European Development Fund during the 1986 financial year on the basis of the following figures:  - payments: 3 653 000 ECU;  2. Records its observations in the resolution (2) accompanying this Decision;  3. Instructs its President to forward this Decision and the resolution containing its observations to the Commission the Council, the Court of Auditors and the European Investment Bank and to ensure that it is published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (L series).  Done at Strasbourg, 13 April 1988.  1.2.3 // The Secretary-General Enrico VINCI   //   // The President PLUMB  (1) OJ No C 336, 15. 12. 1987, p. 1.  (2) See page 52 of this Official Journal.


Avis juridique important

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31988D0487

88/487/EEC: Commission Decision of 24 June 1988 setting up a Consultative Council of Regional and Local Authorities

Official Journal L 247 , 06/09/1988 P. 0023 - 0025

*****COMMISSION  DECISION  of 24 June 1988  setting up a Consultative Council of Regional and Local Authorities  (88/487/EEC)  THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,  Whereas it is necessary for regional and local authorities to be more closely involved in the formulation and implementation of Community regional policy, which includes the regional and local implications of the other Community policies;  Whereas it is necessary, to that end, for the Commission to be able to consult the regional and local authorities in a body open to all levels of local government in the Member States;  Whereas the European Parliament, in its resolution of 13 April 1984 (1), asked the Commission to make its relations with representatives of regional and local authorities official,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:  Article 1  A consultative committee, to be called 'the Consultative Council of Regional and Local Authorities', hereinafter referred to as 'the Consultative Council', attached to the Commission, is hereby set up.  Article 2  The Consultative Council may be consulted by the Commission on any matter relating to regional development and in particular to the formulation and implementation of Community regional policy, which includes the regional and local implications of the other Community policies.  Article 3  1. The Consultative Council shall consist of 42 members holding elected office at regional or local level. They shall be appointed in a personal capacity. Half of them shall be appointed for their special expertise and experience in dealing with problems of regional development and the other half for their expert knowledge and experience of development problems facing municipalities and 'intermediate' administrative areas ('départements', 'Kreise', 'nomos', etc.).  2. The members of the Consultative Council shall be appointed by the Commission for a period of three years on a joint proposal from the Assembly of Regions in Europe, the International Union of Local Authorities and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions. Seats shall be allocated as shown in the Annex. The terms of office of members may be renewed.  3. Alternates shall be appointed for each for the members of the Consultative Council in the same manner as specified in paragraphs 1 and 2. Alternates shall attend meetings only if the members for whom they deputize are prevented from doing so.  4. The list of members and alternates shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities for information.  5. Duties carried out in connection with the Consultative Council shall not be remunerated.  Article 4  1. The Consultative Council shall elect a chairman from among its members for a period of 18 months. The election shall take place by majority vote of the members present. The Council may elect one or more vice-chairmen in the same manner. The terms of office of the chairman and vice-chairmen may be renewed.  2. The chairmen of the sections referred to in Article 5 shall automatically be vice-chairmen of the Consultative Council.  3. The chairman and vice-chairmen shall constitute the Consultative Council's officers.  Article 5  1. Two sections shall be set up within the Consultative Council, one comprising members representing the regions and the other comprising members representing the local authorities.  2. The Consultative Council may set up from among its members a committee of 'intermediate' administrative areas.  3. Each section shall elect from among its members a chairman for a period of 18 months. The election shall take place by majority vote of the members present. The chairman's term of office may be renewed.  4. The Commission may refer a matter either to the Consultative Council as a whole or, after having heard the Council's officers, to one of the sections.  5. The Council's officers may request the Commission to consult the Consultative Council or one of its sections on any matter falling within its remit.  6. Any member of a section may, by invitation or at his own request, participate in a meeting of the other section but shall not be entitled to vote.  Article 6  The deliberations of the Consultative Council or its sections shall relate to requests for opinions made by the Commission.  Opinions on which a consensus has been reached and any divergent opinions shall be annexed to the records of the proceedings of the Consultative Council or its sections.  Article 7  1. Meetings of the Consultative Council, of the sections and, where appropriate, of the committee referred to in Article 5 (2) shall be convened by the Commission; they shall be held at the offices of the latter. Meetings of the Council's officers shall be convened by the chairman in agreement with the Commission.  2. Representatives of the relevant departments in the Commission and the secretaries-general of the organizations referred to in Article 3 (2), or their deputies, shall participate in the meetings held by the Consultative Council, its sections and officers.  3. The Commission's departments shall provide the secretariat for the Consultative Council, its sections and officers.  Article 8  Without prejudice to Article 214 of the Treaty, members of the Consultative Council and the secretaries-general of the organizations referred to in Article 3 (2), or their deputies, shall be required not to disclose information acquired through the Consultative Council's work where the Commission informs the Council that the opinion requested relates to a matter of a confidential nature. In such cases, only the members of the Consultative Council or their alternates and the persons refered to in Article 7 (2) shall attend meetings.  Article 9  This Decision shall enter into force on 1 August 1988.  Done at Brussels, 24 June 1988.  For the Commission  Peter SCHMIDHUBER  Member of the Commission  (1) OJ No C 127, 14. 5. 1984, p. 240.  ANNEX  Allocation of seats on the Consultative Council of Regional and Local Authorities  1.2 // Belgium:   // 2 seats   // Germany:   // 6 seats  // Denmark:   // 2 seats   // Greece:   // 2 seats  // France:   // 6 seats   // Ireland:   // 2 seats   // Italy:   // 6 seats   // Luxembourg:   // 1 seat   // Netherlands:  // 2 seats   // Spain:   // 5 seats   // Portugal:   // 2 seats   // United Kingdom:   // 6 seats  // Total:  // 42 seats


title: Council Decision 2011/424/CFSP of 18 July 2011 appointing a European Union Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean region

text:
               19.7.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 188/24

         COUNCIL DECISION 2011/424/CFSP
   of 18 July 2011
   appointing a European Union Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean region
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28, 31(2) and 33 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Recent developments in the Arab world call for a strengthened and comprehensive response from the European Union.

               (2)

               The European Council adopted Declarations on 4 February and 11 March 2011, and Conclusions on 24-25 March 2011 expressing the Union’s intention to support all steps towards democratic transformation in its Southern Neighbourhood and to develop a new partnership with the region.

               (3)

               The Council adopted conclusions on 21 February 2011 on developments in the Southern Neighbourhood, and on 20 June 2011 on the European Neighbourhood Policy, welcoming the proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) for a European Union Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean region.

               (4)

               The HR and the European Commission have put forward proposals for a Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity and a new approach to partnership with the Union’s neighbours through the European Neighbourhood Policy in their Communications of 8 March and 25 May 2011.

               (5)

               There is a need for enhanced diplomacy by the Union in the countries of the region in order to support an orderly transition to sustainable democracy, as well as human rights and the rule of law.

               (6)

               A European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Southern Mediterranean region should therefore be appointed.

               (7)

               The mandate of the EUSR will be implemented in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the achievement of the objectives of the Union’s external action as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Appointment
   Mr Bernardino LEÓN is hereby appointed European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Southern Mediterranean region until 30 June 2012. The mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a proposal of the HR.
   Article 2
   Policy objectives
   The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union regarding Southern Neighbourhood as set out in the European Council Declarations of 4 February and 11 March 2011, the Conclusions of 24-25 March 2011, and the Council Conclusions of 21 February and 20 June 2011, and taking into account the proposals of the HR and the Commission in their Communications of 8 March and 25 May 2011.
   Those objectives include:

               (a)

               enhancing the Union’s political dialogue, contributing to the partnership and broader relationship with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean region;

               (b)

               contributing to the response of the Union to the developments in the countries of the Southern Mediterranean region and, in particular, to strengthening democracy and institution building, the rule of law, good governance, respect for Human Rights and fundamental freedoms, peace and regional cooperation, including through the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Union for the Mediterranean;

               (c)

               enhancing the European Union’s effectiveness, presence and visibility in the region and in relevant international forums. Establishing close coordination with relevant local partners and international and regional organisations such as the African Union, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the League of Arab States and the United Nations.

         Article 3
   Mandate
   In order to achieve the policy objectives, the mandate of the EUSR shall be to:

               (a)

               strengthen the overall political role of the Union with regard to the countries of the Southern Mediterranean region, in particular by enhancing dialogue with governments and international organisations, as well as with civil society and other relevant interlocutors, and promoting awareness among partners of the Union’s approach;

               (b)

               maintain close contact with all parties involved in the process of democratic transformation in the region, foster stabilisation and reconciliation in full respect of local ownership and contribute to crisis management and prevention;

               (c)

               contribute to better coherence, consistency and coordination of the Union and Member States’ policies and actions towards the region;

               (d)

               contribute to promoting coordination with international partners and organisations. Assist the HR, in coordination with the Commission, by contributing to the work of the Task Force for the Southern Mediterranean;

               (e)

               contribute to the implementation of the Union’s human rights policy in the region, including the Union’s Guidelines on human rights, in particular the Union’s Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict, as well as on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them, and the Union’s policy on Women, Peace and Security, including by monitoring and reporting on developments, as well as formulating recommendations in this regard.

         Article 4
   Implementation of the mandate
   1.   The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.
   2.   The Political and Security Committee (PSC) shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR’s primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.
   3.   The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS).
   Article 5
   Financing
   1.   The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the mandate of the EUSR until 30 June 2012 shall be EUR 855 000.
   2.   The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
   3.   The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.
   Article 6
   Constitution and composition of the team
   1.   Within the limits of the mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting a team. The team shall include the expertise on specific policy issues as required by the mandate. The EUSR shall keep the Council and the Commission promptly informed of the composition of the team.
   2.   Member States, the institutions of the Union and the EEAS may propose the secondment of staff to work with the EUSR. The salary of such seconded personnel shall be covered by the Member State, the institution of the Union concerned or the EEAS, respectively. Experts seconded by Member States to the institutions of the Union or the EEAS may also be posted to the EUSR. International contracted staff shall have the nationality of a Member State.
   3.   All seconded personnel shall remain under the administrative authority of the sending Member State, institution of the Union or the EEAS, and shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the mandate of the EUSR.
   Article 7
   Privileges and immunities of the EUSR and the staff of the EUSR
   The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the mission of the EUSR and the members of the EUSR’s staff shall be agreed with the host party or parties, as appropriate. Member States and the Commission shall grant all necessary support to such effect.
   Article 8
   Security of EU classified information
   The EUSR and the members of the EUSR’s team shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2011/292/EU of 31 March 2011 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (1).
   Article 9
   Access to information and logistical support
   1.   Member States, the Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council shall ensure that the EUSR is given access to any relevant information.
   2.   The Union delegations and the Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.
   Article 10
   Security
   In accordance with the Union’s policy on the security of personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational capacity under Title V of the Treaty, the EUSR shall, take all reasonably practicable measures, in conformity with the mandate and on the basis of the security situation in the geographical area of responsibility, for the security of all personnel under the direct authority of the EUSR, in particular by:

               (a)

               establishing a mission-specific security plan, providing for mission-specific physical, organisational and procedural security measures governing the management of the secure movement of personnel to, and within, the mission area and the management of security incidents, and providing for a contingency plan and a mission evacuation plan;

               (b)

               ensuring that all personnel deployed outside the Union are covered by high risk insurance, as required by the conditions in the mission area;

               (c)

               ensuring that all members of the EUSR’s team to be deployed outside the Union, including locally contracted personnel, have received appropriate security training before or upon arriving in the mission area, based on the risk ratings assigned to the mission area;

               (d)

               ensuring that all agreed recommendations made following regular security assessments are implemented, and providing the Council, the HR and the Commission with written reports on their implementation and on other security issues within the framework of the mid-term and mandate implementation reports.

         Article 11
   Reporting
   The EUSR shall regularly provide the PSC and the HR with oral and written reports. The EUSR shall also report to Council working parties as necessary. Regular written reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. Upon recommendation of the PSC or the HR, the EUSR may provide the Foreign Affairs Council with reports.
   Article 12
   Coordination
   1.   The EUSR shall promote overall Union political coordination and shall help ensure that all Union and Member States’ instruments in the field are engaged coherently, to attain the Union’s policy objectives. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with those of the Member States and the Commission, as well as those of other European Union Special Representatives active in the region, including the EUSR for the Middle East Peace Process, as appropriate. The EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States’ missions and the Union’s delegations.
   2.   In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the Heads of the Union delegations and Member States’ Heads of Mission, who shall make best efforts to assist the EUSR in the implementation of the mandate. The EUSR shall also liaise with other international and regional actors in the field.
   Article 13
   Review
   The implementation of this Decision and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present the Council, the HR and the European Commission with a progress report by the end of January 2012, and with a comprehensive implementation report on the mandate at the end thereof.
   Article 14
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 18 July 2011.

            For the Council

            The President

         C. ASHTON

      (1)  OJ L 141, 27.5.2011, p. 17.


European Parliament decision on the number of interparliamentary delegations, delegations to joint parliamentary committees and delegations to parliamentary cooperation committees


title: 2007/622/EC,Euratom: Council Decision of 26 September 2007 appointing an Italian member of the European Economic and Social Committee and amending Decisions 2006/524/EC, Euratom and 2006/651/EC, Euratom

text:
               28.9.2007

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 253/39

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 26 September 2007
   appointing an Italian member of the European Economic and Social Committee and amending Decisions 2006/524/EC, Euratom and 2006/651/EC, Euratom
   (2007/622/EC, Euratom)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 259 thereof,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 167 thereof,
   Having regard to the nomination submitted by the Italian government,
   Having obtained the opinion of the Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By Decision 2006/524/EC, Euratom appointing Czech, German, Estonian, Spanish, French, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Luxembourg, Hungarian, Maltese, Austrian, Slovenian and Slovak members of the European Economic and Social Committee (1), and Decision 2006/651/EC, Euratom appointing Belgian, Greek, Irish, Cypriot, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Finnish, Swedish and British members and two Italian members of the European Economic and Social Committee (2), the Council appointed the Italian members of the European Economic and Social Committee for the period from 21 September 2006 to 20 September 2010.

               (2)

               An Italian member’s seat on the Committee has fallen vacant following the resignation of Mr Paolo NICOLETTI,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Mr Marco FELISATI is hereby appointed a member of the European Economic and Social Committee in place of Mr Paolo NICOLETTI for the remainder of the latter’s term of office, which runs until 20 September 2010.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall take effect on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 26 September 2007.

            For the Council

            The President

         J. SILVA

      (1)  OJ L 207, 28.7.2006, p. 30.

      (2)  OJ L 269, 28.9.2006, p. 13.


title: 2005/837/EC,Euratom: Council Decision of  21 November 2005  appointing a member of the Economic and Social Committee

text:
               29.11.2005

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 312/58

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 21 November 2005
   appointing a member of the Economic and Social Committee
   (2005/837/EC, Euratom)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 259 thereof,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 167 thereof,
   Having regard to the Council Decision 2002/758/EC, Euratom of 17 September 2002 appointing the members of the Economic and Social Committee for the period from 21 September 2002 to 20 September 2006 (1),
   Whereas a member's seat on the above Committee has fallen vacant following the resignation of Ms Sheila RITCHIE,
   Having regard to the nomination submitted by the United Kingdom Government,
   Having obtained the opinion of the European Commission,
   HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Mr Kenneth FRASER is hereby appointed a member of the Economic and Social Committee in place of Ms Sheila RITCHIE for the remainder of her term of office, namely until 20 September 2006.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
   It shall take effect on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 21 November 2005.

            For the Council

            The President

         J. STRAW

      (1)  OJ L 253, 21.9.2002, p. 9.