title: Council Decision (EU) 2016/1909 of 28 October 2016 on the financial contributions to be paid by Member States to finance the European Development Fund, including the third instalment for 2016

text:
               29.10.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 295/79

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2016/1909
   of 28 October 2016
   on the financial contributions to be paid by Member States to finance the European Development Fund, including the third instalment for 2016
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (1), as last amended (‘ACP-EU Partnership Agreement’),
   Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States of the European Union, meeting within the Council, on the financing of European Union aid under the multiannual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020, in accordance with the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement and on the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union applies (2) (‘the Internal Agreement’) and in particular Article 7(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the Council Regulation (EU) 2015/323 of 2 March 2015 on the financial regulation applicable to the 11th European Development Fund (3) (‘the 11th EDF Financial Regulation’), and in particular Article 21(5) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               In accordance with Article 52 of the 11th EDF Financial Regulation, the European Investment Bank sent on 28 July 2016 to the Commission its updated estimates of commitments and payments under the instruments it manages.

               (2)

               Article 22(1) of the 11th EDF Financial Regulation provides that calls for contributions first use up the amounts provided for in previous European Development Funds (EDFs). Therefore a call for funds under the 10th EDF should be made.

               (3)

               The Council has adopted on the 24 November 2015, on a proposal by the Commission, the Decision to set the ceiling for the annual amount of the Member States' EDF contributions for 2016 at EUR 3 450 000 000 for the Commission, and at EUR 150 000 000 for the European Investment Bank.

               (4)

               By means of Decision 2013/759/EU (4), the Council has adopted the creation of the Bridging Facility on 12 December 2013 regarding transitional EDF management measures from 1 January 2014 until the entry into force of the 11th European Development Fund,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The individual European Development Fund contributions to be paid by the Member States to the European Commission and the European Investment Bank as the third instalment for 2016 are set out in the table in the Annex to this Decision.
   Payments of those contributions may be combined with adjustments under the implementation of the deduction of the funds committed under the Bridging Facility, following an adjustment plan communicated by each Member State to the Commission at the adoption of the third instalment 2015.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 28 October 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         M. LAJČÁK

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

      (2)  OJ L 210, 6.8.2013, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ L 58, 3.3.2015, p. 17.

      (4)  Council Decision 2013/759/EU of 12 December 2013 regarding transitional EDF management measures from 1 January 2014 until the entry into force of the 11th European Development Fund (OJ L 335, 14.12.2013, p. 48).

      ANNEX

                  Member States

                  Key 10th EDF %

                  Third instalment 2016 (EUR)

                  paid to EIB 10th EDF

                  paid to Commission 10th EDF

                  Total

                  Belgium

                  3,53

                  1 765 000,00

                  24 710 000,00

                  26 475 000,00

                  Bulgaria

                  0,14

                  70 000,00

                  980 000,00

                  1 050 000,00

                  Czech Republic

                  0,51

                  255 000,00

                  3 570 000,00

                  3 825 000,00

                  Denmark

                  2,00

                  1 000 000,00

                  14 000 000,00

                  15 000 000,00

                  Germany

                  20,50

                  10 250 000,00

                  143 500 000,00

                  153 750 000,00

                  Estonia

                  0,05

                  25 000,00

                  350 000,00

                  375 000,00

                  Ireland

                  0,91

                  455 000,00

                  6 370 000,00

                  6 825 000,00

                  Greece

                  1,47

                  735 000,00

                  10 290 000,00

                  11 025 000,00

                  Spain

                  7,85

                  3 925 000,00

                  54 950 000,00

                  58 875 000,00

                  France

                  19,55

                  9 775 000,00

                  136 850 000,00

                  146 625 000,00

                  Italy

                  12,86

                  6 430 000,00

                  90 020 000,00

                  96 450 000,00

                  Cyprus

                  0,09

                  45 000,00

                  630 000,00

                  675 000,00

                  Latvia

                  0,07

                  35 000,00

                  490 000,00

                  525 000,00

                  Lithuania

                  0,12

                  60 000,00

                  840 000,00

                  900 000,00

                  Luxembourg

                  0,27

                  135 000,00

                  1 890 000,00

                  2 025 000,00

                  Hungary

                  0,55

                  275 000,00

                  3 850 000,00

                  4 125 000,00

                  Malta

                  0,03

                  15 000,00

                  210 000,00

                  225 000,00

                  Netherlands

                  4,85

                  2 425 000,00

                  33 950 000,00

                  36 375 000,00

                  Austria

                  2,41

                  1 205 000,00

                  16 870 000,00

                  18 075 000,00

                  Poland

                  1,30

                  650 000,00

                  9 100 000,00

                  9 750 000,00

                  Portugal

                  1,15

                  575 000,00

                  8 050 000,00

                  8 625 000,00

                  Romania

                  0,37

                  185 000,00

                  2 590 000,00

                  2 775 000,00

                  Slovenia

                  0,18

                  90 000,00

                  1 260 000,00

                  1 350 000,00

                  Slovakia

                  0,21

                  105 000,00

                  1 470 000,00

                  1 575 000,00

                  Finland

                  1,47

                  735 000,00

                  10 290 000,00

                  11 025 000,00

                  Sweden

                  2,74

                  1 370 000,00

                  19 180 000,00

                  20 550 000,00

                  United Kingdom

                  14,82

                  7 410 000,00

                  103 740 000,00

                  111 150 000,00

                  Total EU-27

                  100,00

                  50 000 000,00

                  700 000 000,00

                  750 000 000,00


title: 2005/780/EC: Commission Decision of 8 November 2005 on the purchase and storage of foot-and-mouth disease virus antigens

text:
               10.11.2005

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 294/7

         COMMISSION DECISION
   of 8 November 2005
   on the purchase and storage of foot-and-mouth disease virus antigens
   (2005/780/EC)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field (1), and in particular Article 14 thereof,
   Having regard to Council Directive 2003/85/EC of 29 September 2003 on Community measures for the control of foot-and-mouth disease repealing Directive 85/511/EEC and Decisions 89/531/EEC and 91/665/EEC and amending Directive 92/46/EEC (2), and in particular Article 80(2) thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               In accordance with Council Decision 91/666/EEC of 11 December 1991 establishing Community reserves of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines (3), stocks of antigens have been established for the express formulation of vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease and are kept for security reasons at distinct designated sites of the premises of the manufacturer.

               (2)

               Under Directive 2003/85/EC, the Commission is to ensure that Community reserves of concentrated inactivated antigens for the production of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines are maintained on the premises of the Community antigen and vaccine bank.

               (3)

               For that purpose the number of doses and the diversity of strains and subtypes of antigens of foot-and-mouth disease viruses stored in the Community antigen and vaccine bank is to be decided taking into account the needs as estimated in the context of the contingency plans and the epidemiological situation, where appropriate after consultation with the Community Reference Laboratory.

               (4)

               Pending the designation of a Community Reference Laboratory for foot-and-mouth disease, account is taken of the report of the FAO World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease on a list of priority antigens recommended for antigen banks, which was endorsed by the Technical Committee of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EUFMD) at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) at the 36th General Session of EUFMD.

               (5)

               The deterioration of the foot-and-mouth disease situation in certain parts of the world requires certain stocks of antigens to be supplemented urgently in accordance with the risks associated with this development for the epidemiological situation in the Community and neighbouring countries.

               (6)

               When deciding about the procurement of additional quantities and subtypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus antigens account should be taken of existing quantities of such antigens, of the compatibility required for combination in polyvalent vaccines and of the marketing authorisation held by the manufacturer of the antigens in at least one of the Member States in accordance with Directive 2001/82/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to veterinary medicinal products (4).

               (7)

               Because the information on quantities and subtypes of antigens or authorised vaccines stored in the Community antigen and vaccine bank is to be treated as classified information in accordance with Directive 2003/85/EC, the Annex to this Decision should not be published.

               (8)

               In accordance with Article 14 of Decision 90/424/EEC, the level of Community participation to set up such antigen reserves and the conditions to which such participation may be subject should also be set out.

               (9)

               The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   1.   The Commission shall purchase foot-and-mouth disease virus antigens in the quantities and subtypes specified in the Annex.
   2.   The Commission shall ensure that the antigens are distributed for storage between the two designated sites of the premises of the manufacturer in accordance with the Annex.
   3.   The measures mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be carried out by the Commission in cooperation with the supplier of the relevant antigens already stored in the European antigen bank.
   4.   The measures provided for in Article 1 shall be completed by 31 December 2005 at the latest.
   Article 2
   1.   The Commission shall bear the full cost of the measures referred to in Article 1(1) and (2) which shall not exceed a maximum set up to EUR 2 500 000.
   2.   The Commission shall conclude a contract on the purchases provided for in paragraph 1 in accordance with Article 80(4) of Directive 2003/85/EC.
   3.   The Commission shall ensure that the antigens referred to in Article 1(1) are included in the scope of existing contracts concerning the storage of antigens as well as the formulation, production, bottling, labelling and delivery of vaccines reconstituted from such antigens.
   4.   The Director-General of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection is hereby authorised to sign the contract provided for in paragraph 2 on behalf of the Commission.
   Article 3
   In accordance with Article 80(3) of Directive 2003/85/EC the Annex to this Decision shall not be published.

      Done at Brussels, 8 November 2005.

            For the Commission

         Markos KYPRIANOU

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 19. Decision as last amended by Directive 2003/99/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 325, 12.12.2003, p. 31).

      (2)  OJ L 306, 22.11.2003, p. 1. Directive as amended by Commission Decision 2005/615/EC (OJ L 213, 18.8.2005, p. 14).

      (3)  OJ L 368, 31.12.1991, p. 21. Decision as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 807/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 36).

      (4)  OJ L 311, 28.11.2001, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2004/28/EC (OJ L 136, 30.4.2004, p. 58).


title: 2006/818/EC: Decision of the European Parliament of 27 April 2006 on the discharge for implementation of the budget of the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth European Development Funds for the financial year 2004

text:
               6.12.2006

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 340/51

      DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

   of 27 April 2006
   on the discharge for implementation of the budget of the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth European Development Funds for the financial year 2004
   (2006/818/EC)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

               —

               having regard to the Commission's report on the follow-up to 2003 Discharge Decisions (COM(2005)0449),

               —

               having regard to the Commission communication on the Annual accounts for the financial year 2004 of the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th European Development Funds (COM(2005)0485 — C6-0430/2005),

               —

               having regard to the Commission communication on the Financial Management Report on the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th European Development Funds for the year 2004 (COM(2005)0307),

               —

               having regard to the Court of Auditors' Annual Report on the activities funded by the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth European Development Funds (EDFs), together with the institutions' replies (1),

               —

               having regard to the statement of assurance as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions provided by the Court of Auditors pursuant to Article 248 of the EC Treaty (2),

               —

               having regard to Court of Auditors' Special report No 2/2005 concerning EDF budget aid to ACP countries: the Commission's management of the public finance reform aspect, together with the Commission's replies (3) (submitted pursuant to Article 248(4), second subparagraph, of the EC Treaty),

               —

               having regard to the Council's recommendations of 22 February 2006 (5677/2006 — C6-0094/2006, 5679/2006 — C6-0095/2006, 5680/2006 — C6-0096/2006, 5681/2006 — C6-0097/2006),

               —

               having regard to Article 33 of the Internal Agreement of 20 December 1995 between the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing and administration of the Community aid under the Second Financial Protocol to the fourth ACP-EC Convention (4),

               —

               having regard to Article 32 of the Internal Agreement of 18 September 2000 between Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the Financing and Administration of Community Aid under the Financial Protocol to the Partnership Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Community and its Member States signed in Cotonou (Benin) on 23 June 2000 and the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the EC Treaty applies (5),

               —

               having regard to Article 276 of the EC Treaty,

               —

               having regard to Article 74 of the Financial Regulation of 16 June 1998 applicable to development finance cooperation under the fourth ACP-EC Convention (6),

               —

               having regard to Article 119 of the Financial Regulation of 27 March 2003 applicable to the 9th European Development Fund (7),

               —

               having regard to Rule 70 and the third indent of Rule 71 of and Annex V to its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A6-0110/2006),

               A.

               whereas, in its statement of assurance on the European Development Funds (EDF), the Court of Auditors concluded that, with certain exceptions, the accounts for the financial year 2004 reliably reflect the revenue and expenditure for the financial year and the financial situation at the end of the year,

               B.

               whereas the Court of Auditors' conclusion on the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions is based inter alia on the audit of a sample of transactions,

               C.

               whereas the Court of Auditors, on the basis of the documentation examined, is of the opinion that the revenue entered in the accounts, the EDF allocations and the commitments and payments are, taken as a whole, legal and regular,

               1.

               Grants discharge to the Commission for the implementation of the budget of the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth EDF for the financial year 2004;

               2.

               Sets out its comments in the resolution below;

               3.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision and the resolution that forms an integral part of it to the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors and the European Investment Bank and to have them published in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series).

            The President

         Joseph BORRELL FONTELLES

            The Secretary-General

         Julian PRIESTLEY

      (1)  OJ C 301, 30.11.2005, p. 249.

      (2)  OJ C 301, 30.11.2005, p. 261.

      (3)  OJ C 249, 7.10.2005, p. 1.

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

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

      (6)  OJ L 191, 7.7.1998, p. 53.

      (7)  OJ L 83, 1.4.2003, p. 1.


title: Decision No H3 of 15 October 2009 concerning the date to be taken into consideration for determining the rates of conversion referred to in Article 90 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text of relevance to the EEA and to the EC/Switzerland Agreement)

text:
               24.4.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 106/56

         DECISION No H3
   of 15 October 2009
   concerning the date to be taken into consideration for determining the rates of conversion referred to in Article 90 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council
   (Text of relevance to the EEA and to the EC/Switzerland Agreement)
   2010/C 106/19
   THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR THE COORDINATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS,
   Having regard to Article 72(a) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (1), under which it is responsible for dealing with all administrative questions or questions of interpretation arising from the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems (2),
   Having regard to Article 90 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 concerning currency conversion,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Many provisions such as e.g. Articles 5(a), 21(1), 29, 34, 52, 62(3), 65(6) and (7), 68(2) and 84 of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Articles 25(4) and (5), 26 (7), 54(2), 70, 72, 73, 78 and 80 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009, contain situations, where for the purpose of the payment, calculation or recalculation of a benefit or contribution, a reimbursement, or for the purposes of offsetting and the recovery procedures, the exchange rate needs to be determined.

               (2)

               Article 90 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 empowers the Administrative Commission to fix the date to be taken into consideration for determining the rates of conversion to be applied when calculating certain benefits and contributions.
               Acting in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 71(2) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

               1.

               For the purpose of this Decision the rate of conversion shall be understood as a daily conversion rate published by the European Central Bank.

               2.

               If not otherwise stated in this Decision, the rate of conversion shall be the rate published on the day when the operation is performed by the institution.

               3.

               An institution of a Member State, which for the purpose of the establishment of an entitlement and for the first calculation of the benefit has to convert an amount into the currency of another Member State, shall use:

                           (a)

                           when, according to national legislation, an institution takes into account amounts, such as earnings or benefits, during a certain period before the date for which the benefit is calculated, the rate of conversion published for the last day of that period;

                           (b)

                           when, according to national legislation, for the purpose of calculation of the benefit an institution takes into account one amount, the rate of conversion published for the first day of the month immediately preceding the month when the provision must be applied.

               4.

               Paragraph 3 shall apply mutatis mutandis when an institution of a Member State for the recalculation of the benefit due to changes in the factual or legal situation of the person concerned, has to convert an amount in the currency of another Member State.

               5.

               An institution which pays benefit that is regularly indexed according to the national law, and where the amounts in other currency have an impact on that benefit, shall, when recalculating it use the rate of conversion applicable on the first day of the month preceding the month when the indexation is due, unless provided for differently in the national legislation.

               6.

               For the purposes of the offsetting and recovery procedures, the exchange rate applicable to convert the sum to be deducted or paid shall be the rate of conversion for the day when the request was sent for the first time.

               7.

               For the purposes of Article 65(6) and (7) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Article 70 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 when the comparison is made between the amount actually paid by the institution of the place of residence and the maximum amount of the reimbursement referred to in the third sentence of Article 65(6) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 (the amount of the benefit to which a person concerned would be entitled according to the legislation of the Member State to which he/she was last subject if registered with the employment services of that Member State), the date to be taken into consideration for determining the rate of conversion shall be the first day of the calendar month in which the reimbursable period ended.

               8.

               This Decision shall be revised after the first year of the entry into application of the Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009.

               9.

               This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall apply from the date of entry into force of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009.

            The Chair of the Administrative Commission

         Lena MALMBERG

      (1)  OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ L 284, 30.10.2009, p. 1.


Avis juridique important

|

31998D0305(01)

Council Decision of 12 February 1998 appointing the Italian members and alternate members of the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work

Official Journal C 069 , 05/03/1998 P. 0001 - 0002

COUNCIL DECISION of 12 February 1998 appointing the Italian members and alternate members of the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work (98/C 69/01)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION -Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 145 thereof,Having regard to Council Decision 74/325/EEC of 27 June 1974 on the setting up of an Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work (1),Having regard to the list of candidates submitted to the Council by the Italian Government,Whereas by its Decision of 4 March 1994 (2) the Council appointed the members and alternate members of the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work for the period from 4 March 1994 to 3 March 1997;Whereas the Italian members and alternate members of the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work should be appointed for a period of three years,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1 The following are hereby appointed members and alternate members of the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work for the period from 12 February 1998 to 6 July 2000:I. >TABLE>II. >TABLE>III. >TABLE>Article 2 This Decision shall be published, for information, in the Official Journal of the European Communities.Done at Brussels, 12 February 1998.For the CouncilThe PresidentJ. BATTLE(1) OJ L 185, 9.7.1974, p. 15.(2) OJ C 85, 22.3.1994, p. 1.


title: 2006/54/EC: Council Decision of  30 January 2006  on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Albania and repealing Decision 2004/519/EC

text:
               7.2.2006

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 35/1

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 30 January 2006
   on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Albania and repealing Decision 2004/519/EC
   (2006/54/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 of 22 March 2004 on the establishment of European Partnerships in the framework of the stabilisation and association process (1) and in particular to Article 2 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

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

               (2)

               Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 provides that the Council is to decide on the principles, priorities and conditions to be contained in the European Partnerships, as well as any subsequent adjustments.

               (3)

               The Council adopted on 14 June 2004 a first European Partnership with Albania (2). It is appropriate to update this Partnership in order to identify renewed priorities for further work, on the basis of the findings of the 2005 Progress Report on Albania's preparations for further integration with the European Union.

               (4)

               Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 stated that the follow up to the European Partnerships will be ensured within the framework of the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process.

               (5)

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

               (6)

               Decision 2004/519/EC should therefore be repealed,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   In accordance with Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 533/2004, the principles, priorities and conditions in the European Partnership with Albania are set out in the Annex hereto, which forms an integral part of this Decision.
   Article 2
   The implementation of the European Partnership shall be examined through the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably the annual Progress Reports presented by the Commission.
   Article 3
   Decision 2004/519/EC shall be repealed.
   Article 4
   This Decision shall take effect on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 30 January 2006.

            For the Council

            The President

         U. PLASSNIK

      (1)  OJ L 86, 24.3.2004, p. 1.

      (2)  Council Decision 2004/519/EC of 14 June 2004 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Albania (OJ L 223, 24.6.2004, p. 20).

      ANNEX
      ALBANIA 2005 EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP
      1.   INTRODUCTION
      The Thessaloniki European Council endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to materialise the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries within the framework of the stabilisation and association process.
      The first European Partnership with Albania was adopted by the Council on 14 June 2004. It is appropriate to update this first partnership on the basis of the findings of the 2005 Progress Report on Albania. The second European Partnership identifies new priorities for action. The new priorities are adapted to the country's specific needs and stage of preparation and will be updated as necessary. The European Partnership also provides guidance for financial assistance to the country.
      Albania is expected to develop a plan with a timetable and specific measures to address the priorities.
      2.   PRINCIPLES
      The stabilisation and association process remains the framework for the European course of the western Balkan countries, all the way to their future accession.
      The main priorities identified for Albania relate to its capacity to meet the criteria defined by the Copenhagen European Council of 1993 and the conditions set for the stabilisation and association process, notably the conditions defined by the Council in its conclusions of 29 April 1997 and 21 and 22 June 1999, the content of the final declaration of the Zagreb Summit of 24 November 2000 and the Thessaloniki Agenda.
      3.   PRIORITIES
      The priorities listed in this European Partnership have been selected on the basis that it is realistic to expect that Albania can complete them or take them substantially forward over the next few years. A distinction is made between short-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within one to two years, and medium-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within three to four years. The priorities concern both legislation and the implementation thereof.
      Taking into account the substantial costs involved with meeting all the EU requirements as well as the complexity of these requirements in certain areas, this partnership does not include all important tasks at this stage. Future partnerships will include further priorities in line with progress made by the country.
      Among the short term priorities, the key priorities have been identified and grouped together at the beginning of section 3.1. The order of these key priorities does not imply a ranking in their importance.
      3.1.   SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES

            Key priorities

                  —

                  Achieve improved concrete results in the fight against organised crime, in particular by making full use of the provisions of the new organised-crime laws and accelerating the implementation of the action-oriented measures against organised crime.

                  —

                  Implement and update the 2004 to 2005 anti-corruption action plan and the recommendations of the Council of Europe's Group of States against corruption (GRECO) evaluation reports.

                  —

                  Implement existing legislation on the restitution/compensation of real estate. In particular, accelerate both the first registration of properties and the processing of restitution claims and ensure that strategies and mechanisms for compensation are sustainable.

                  —

                  Foster media freedom, in particular by expediting the adoption of appropriate legislation for the print media and improve legislation on the electronic media, taking into account EU standards.

                  —

                  Further strengthen public sector governance, in particular public investment management, planning and execution.

            Political requirements

      Democracy and the rule of law
      Governance

                  —

                  Ensure political focus and institutional commitment and encourage constructive consensus on the implementation of the reforms necessary for progress within the stabilisation and association process.

            Elections

                  —

                  Prepare the 2006 local elections properly and in time, implementing promptly the recommendations issued by OSCE/Office for democratic institutions and human rights following the 2005 parliamentary elections, in particular by improving voters' lists.

            Public administration

                  —

                  Ensure the application of the Law on Public Service in public administration appointments and operation.

                  —

                  Ensure that recruitment, transfer and dismissal of civil servants are conducted according to the established rules.

                  —

                  Ensure enforcement of the Civil Service Law and take steps towards its improvement.

                  —

                  Ensure the availability of appropriate premises, equipment and trained staff to the Ministry of European Integration, and improve coordination between it and the line ministries.

                  —

                  Make full and effective use of the integrated planning system.

            Judicial system

                  —

                  Increase the transparency of the criminal and civil justice process.

                  —

                  Guarantee that judges and prosecutors are appointed through competitive examinations.

                  —

                  Foster the status, independence and constitutional protection of judges.

                  —

                  Establish objective rules for the transparent assignment of cases to judges.

                  —

                  Establish a transparent and merit-based system for the evaluation of prosecutors.

                  —

                  Improve coordination between prosecutors and police.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Ensure that the appropriate resources are available for credible witness protection.

                  —

                  Achieve a continuous increase in the rate of execution of court rulings.

            Anti-corruption policy

                  —

                  Adopt the necessary legislation to harmonise the Albanian legal framework with European Conventions on Corruption (in criminal and civil matters) ratified by Albania as well as the relevant UN Conventions.

                  —

                  Improve the existing legislation on bribery and implement it with due regard for inter-ministerial coordination.

                  —

                  Ensure enforcement of the Law on Declaration of Assets.

                  —

                  Strengthen the institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption.

                  —

                  Ensure that the Specialised Unit attached to the Tirana Prosecution Office (dealing with financial crimes) also covers corruption cases.

                  —

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

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

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

                  Ensure the compliance of the Albanian Criminal Code with the UN Convention against Torture.

                  —

                  Implement the 2004 master plan to improve conditions for detainees and prisoners on remand.

                  —

                  Ensure that the code of ethics for the prisons system is rigorously observed.

            Civil and political rights

                  —

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

                  —

                  Expedite effective legislation to ensure transparency on media ownership.

                  —

                  Improve the management of the National Council on Radio and Television and finalise the national plan for radio and television frequencies.

                  —

                  Promote the independence and professional standards of journalists.

                  —

                  Ensure that legal measures forbidding the sale of state property before restitution can take place are rigorously enforced.

            Minority rights, cultural rights and the protection of minorities

                  —

                  Improve the legal framework on minorities so that it meets the requirements of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, and ensure its implementation throughout Albania in particular as regards increasing the use of minority languages in citizens' dealings with the authorities and the display of traditional local names, improving access to media for persons belonging to minorities and extending minority language education.

                  —

                  Implement the National Strategy for the Roma, as part of the government's strategy for combating poverty and social exclusion. Provide accurate data on the size of minorities in Albania.

            Regional issues and international obligations

                  —

                  Comply with the stabilisation and association process and Thessaloniki commitments in terms of regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations.

                  —

                  Ensure implementation of all regional free trade agreements and work towards the future regional Free Trade Agreement in south-east Europe.

                  —

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

            Economic requirements

                  —

                  Maintain macroeconomic stability by accelerating fiscal reforms, in particular regarding the budget process, expenditure management and public sector pay reform.

                  —

                  Improve budgeting procedures through strengthened links between policy objectives and budget planning and execution.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Take steps to allow for the successful privatisation of Albtelecom.

                  —

                  Improve macroeconomic statistics and the coverage of the business register.

                  —

                  Implement the national strategy for social and economic development, ensuring close coordination with the updated Action Plan for the Implementation of European Partnership Priorities.

                  —

                  Take measures to improve social protection systems and to combat social exclusion.

            European standards

      Internal market
      Free movement of goods

                  —

                  Strengthen the administrative capacity of the WTO Secretariat and the Export Promotion Agency.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Design a national market surveillance strategy and strengthen the Consumer Protection Department.

                  —

                  Ensure that the Accreditation Department has an adequate physical infrastructure and trained staff, and adopt a comprehensive work plan for Albania's future membership of the European Cooperation for Accreditation.

            Movement of persons, services and right of establishment

                  —

                  Modify the present legislation on the right of establishment to fully ensure equal treatment of foreign and domestic firms, a clear distinction between the temporary and permanent provision of services and compatibility with Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) requirements.

                  —

                  Ensure proportionality in the treatment of cross-border provision of services.

                  —

                  Strengthen the legal and supervisory framework for the banking and insurance sectors, including the establishment of independent and properly-staffed supervisory authorities.

            Free movement of capital

                  —

                  Improve the prudential monitoring of the financial sector.

                  —

                  Take further measures to reduce the use of cash in the economy.

            Customs and taxation

                  —

                  Further align customs legislation and procedures with the EU acquis, in particular ensure that rules and procedures for transit, customs warehouses, customs valuation, physical controls and risk analysis are aligned with EU standards and, where relevant, international conventions.

                  —

                  Fully implement the automatic system for custom data, customs declaration and processing system in all customs offices.

                  —

                  Take all necessary steps to properly implement rules of origin.

                  —

                  Further approximate tax legislation with the EU acquis and commit to the principles of the Code of Conduct for Business Taxation, ensuring that new tax measures also conform to these principles.

                  —

                  Complete the process of computerising tax offices.

            Competition

                  —

                  Improve existing competition legislation to reinforce competition control.

                  —

                  Reinforce the budget and staffing of the Competition Authority.

                  —

                  Adopt implementing legislation on State aid.

                  —

                  Establish an operationally independent State aid authority.

                  —

                  Ensure progress towards the completion of a comprehensive State aid inventory.

            Public procurement

                  —

                  Enforce current public procurement legislation and take steps to bring it up to EU standards.

                  —

                  Ensure strict implementation of tendering procedures.

                  —

                  Strengthen the Public Procurement Agency as well as public procurement entities in line ministries.

                  —

                  Ensure the investigation and criminal prosecution of procurement-related offences.

            Intellectual property law

                  —

                  Strengthen the administrative capacity for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, including the establishment of the Albanian Office for Copyright.

                  —

                  Adopt new legislation on industrial property.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Intensify enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting.

            Sectoral policies
      Industry and SME

                  —

                  Improve the financial sustainability of the SME Agency and implement the national training programme for SMEs.

                  —

                  Implement the European Charter for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

                  —

                  Implement the Action Plan for the Removal of Administrative Barriers to Investment and ensure proper, non-discretionary, non-discriminatory implementation of business-related legislation, rules and procedures.

                  —

                  Make company registration cheaper, easier and possible throughout the country.

                  —

                  Improve procedures for obtaining licenses, permits and certificates.

                  —

                  Reform the pre-paid tax system to make it less unfavourable for start-up companies.

                  —

                  Implement the April 2005 action plan to address the informal economy.

                  —

                  Set up procedures to assess the business impact of planned regulatory measures.

                  —

                  Adopt improved commercial legislation.

                  —

                  Ensure effective launch of the loan guarantee fund and ensure professional and independent management of the scheme.

                  —

                  Adopt the e-signature law.

            Agriculture and fisheries

                  —

                  Strengthen the food safety system and related control systems.

                  —

                  Clarify competences and reinforce staffing in the veterinary service.

                  —

                  Upgrade the laboratories of the Veterinary Research Institute.

                  —

                  Improve phytosanitary and veterinary conditions in compliance with EU requirements, particularly for products with a strong export potential.

                  —

                  Step up efforts in aligning the legislation with the EU veterinary and phytosanitary acquis and align the system of animal identification and registration for bovines with EU requirements.

                  —

                  Reinforce the collection and processing of agricultural statistics in line with EU standards and methodology.

            Environment

                  —

                  Strengthen administrative capacity and coordination at national and local level.

                  —

                  Implement legislation on environmental impact assessment.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Take action on the environmental hot-spots at Sharra solid waste landfill and the Patos-Marinez oil extraction area.

                  —

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

                  —

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

            Transport policy

                  —

                  Implement the national transport plan including the planning and budgeting of transport asset maintenance.

                  —

                  Implement the road safety programme, and improve road safety conditions by starting to align Albanian legislation with the EU acquis on weights and dimensions, roadworthiness tests, technical roadside inspections, driver licences and vehicle registration documents.

                  —

                  Take measures to prevent illegal construction along new roads and take measures to prevent unsafe access to national roads.

                  —

                  Begin the necessary reform of the railway sector.

                  —

                  Apply public procurement procedures systematically to large investments.

                  —

                  Ensure that the Air Code is amended to be in line with the EU acquis in view of the European Common Aviation Area.

                  —

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

            Energy

                  —

                  Continue to implement the revised Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Energy Strategy.

                  —

                  Start implementing the commitments undertaken in the framework of the Energy Community Treaty.

            Information society and media

                  —

                  Ensure that electronic communications legislation takes account of EC directives and is enforced.

                  —

                  Strengthen the role and capacity of the telecommunications regulatory entity, ensure its independence, and establish an improved appeals system.

                  —

                  Take measures to achieve a competitive market for electronic communications networks and services.

                  —

                  Start the process of alignment with the European Convention on Transfrontier Television and the television without frontiers Directive.

                  —

                  Reinforce the administrative capacity of the National Council on Radio and Television and finalise the national plan for radio and television.

            Financial control

                  —

                  Further develop the Public Internal and Financial Control policy paper and clearly define the inspection function, separate from other control and internal audit functions.

                  —

                  Strengthen the operational capacity of the Supreme Audit Institution and ensure its functional and financial independence.

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

                  —

                  Issue travel documents in accordance with international standards and establish a centralised IT network for the administration of visas.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Implement Albania's Ohrid commitments on border security and management, in particular establishing an integrated border management strategy in accordance with EU guidelines.

                  —

                  Focus increased financial and human resources on addressing human trafficking and illegal migration.

                  —

                  Ensure that border management at Tirana International Airport, and at Durres and Vlora ports complies with international standards.

                  —

                  Foster inter-agency cooperation at the border between customs and the border police.

                  —

                  Ensure signature of and alignment with the 1977 European Convention on the Legal status of Migrant Workers.

                  —

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

                  —

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

            Money laundering

                  —

                  Take urgent measures for better enforcement of anti-money laundering legislation in terms of convictions, confiscations, seizures and the freezing of assets.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Ensure the EU compliance of the current Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering.

                  —

                  Further improve cooperation with the authorities of other countries, in particular by using the Regional Financial Intelligence Network more actively.

                  —

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

            Drugs

                  —

                  Implement the national anti-drug strategy and the related action plan.

                  —

                  Improve the training, equipment and continuity of management of police officers involved in the fight against drugs.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Take steps to ensure better coordination both domestically and with partners in other countries in the fight against drugs.

                  —

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

            Police

                  —

                  Ensure the full implementation of the law on ranks.

                  —

                  Further improve the management of the Albanian State Police and ensure it is able to manage its resources independently.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Accelerate efforts to reach an agreement with Europol.

                  —

                  Establish a consolidated manual of procedures for all criminal police officers.

                  —

                  Strengthen community policing.

            Fighting organised crime and terrorism

                  —

                  Define more precisely the respective responsibilities of the various state bodies involved in the fight against organised crime and terrorism, and take measures to enhance cooperation, in particular between the judicial authorities and the police.

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

                  Urgently put in place concrete measures to guarantee witness protection.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Take further steps to bring security at Tirana airport up to international standards.

            3.2.   MEDIUM-TERM PRIORITIES

            Political requirements

      Democracy and the rule of law
      Elections

                  —

                  Take early action in preparation for the next parliamentary elections.

            Public administration

                  —

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

                  —

                  Introduce results-oriented management and training for civil servants.

                  —

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

            Judicial system

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

                  Ensure the financial sustainability of the Magistrates' School.

                  —

                  Enforce legislation on witness protection.

            Anti-corruption policy

                  —

                  Implement European Conventions on Corruption in criminal and civil matters ratified by Albania as well as the relevant UN Conventions.

                  —

                  Achieve significant results in the fight against corruption, at all levels and in all fields, through enforcement of adequate legislation.

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

                  —

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

                  —

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

            Civil and political rights

                  —

                  Improve the juvenile justice system.

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

                  Complete the process of land registration.

                  —

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

            Freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly

                  —

                  Enforce new legislation for printed and electronic media taking into account EU standards.

                  —

                  Ensure that TV frequency allocation is carried out in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, in accordance with the national plan, and that requirements are fully respected by broadcasters.

                  —

                  Improve the neutrality of the State television company.

                  —

                  Encourage continued improvement of the quality of journalism.

                  —

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

            Regional issues and international obligations

                  —

                  Promote regional dialogue, stability, good neighbourliness and cooperation.

            Economic requirements

                  —

                  Maintain sustainable macroeconomic policies, continuing with fiscal adjustments and consolidation, and, in particular, enhancing the sustainability of the trade/current account deficits by enhancing export competitiveness.

                  —

                  Continue with a prudent monetary and exchange rate policy stance.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Establish effective procedures for the detection, treatment and follow-up of cases of (suspected) fraud and other irregularities affecting national and international funds.

                  —

                  Continue privatisation, in particular in the financial and energy sectors.

                  —

                  Ensure that provisions in relation to land classification and the use of land are respected.

                  —

                  Develop and adopt legislation for the taxation of land and real estate.

                  —

                  Step up efforts to improve the education system, including primary education, and to create a modern vocational education and training system.

            European standards

      Internal market
      Free movement of goods

                  —

                  Ensure administrative capacity to implement SAA requirements in this area.

                  —

                  Make further progress in adopting European standards and speed up efforts to become a full member of the European Committee for Standardisation, of the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation and of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute.

                  —

                  Progress in transposing new and global approach and old approach directives.

                  —

                  Fully establish a market surveillance system required by the acquis on free movement of goods.

                  —

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

                  —

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

            Movement of persons, services and right of establishment

                  —

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

            Free movement of capital

                  —

                  Ensure progress on the full liberalisation of the movement of capital in order to be able to fulfil Albania's 2010 WTO deadline.

            Customs and taxation

                  —

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

                  —

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

            Competition

                  —

                  Enforce competition legislation consistently regarding both antitrust and State aid.

            Public procurement

                  —

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

                  —

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

            Intellectual property law

                  —

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

                  —

                  Ensure proper implementation of IPR, and achieve improved results in the fight against piracy and counterfeiting.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Establish regional copyright offices.

            Statistics

                  —

                  Develop business and social statistics, including labour market statistics, and make progress towards implementing all European classifications, including the classification of statistical regions.

            Sectoral policies
      Industry and SME

                  —

                  Enforce improved commercial legislation.

                  —

                  Ensure that judges are well trained in commercial and corporate legislation.

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

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

            Agriculture and fisheries

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

                  Prepare a programme for upgrading food processing establishments to meet EU requirements.

                  —

                  Start action with a view to identifying sheep and goats and registration of their movements.

                  —

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

            Environment

                  —

                  Continue efforts to address toxic hotspots.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Strengthen environmental monitoring and ensure sufficiently dissuasive sanctions against polluters.

                  —

                  Continue to implement regional and international environmental commitments.

            Transport policy

                  —

                  Continue implementation of the Albania transport master plan, including efforts to complete the east-west corridor and north-south axis.

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

                  Achieve improved results in terms of road safety, and take additional steps for further improvement.

                  —

                  Implement the Memorandum of Understanding of the south-east Europe core regional transport network including the Transport Observatory.

            Energy

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

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

            Information society and media

                  —

                  Further transpose and implement the EU framework for electronic communications.

                  —

                  Continue the process of alignment with the European Convention on Transfrontier Television and the television without frontiers Directive.

            Financial control

                  —

                  Develop and implement the principles of decentralised managerial accountability and functionally independent internal audit according to international standards and EU best practice.

                  —

                  Develop procedures and administrative capacities to ensure effective protection of EU financial interests.

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

                  —

                  Ensure full compliance of all Albanian travel documents with international standards.

                  —

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

                  —

                  Ensure that border management at Tirana International Airport, and at Durres and Vlora ports complies with international standards.

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

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

                  —

                  Negotiate readmission agreements with all countries of the region and with the countries of origin of migrants transiting through Albania.

                  —

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

            Money laundering

                  —

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

                  —

                  Establish an inter-ministerial agency for the purpose of seizing proceeds of crime.

                  —

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

            Drugs

                  —

                  Further implement the national anti-drug strategy and the related action plan.

                  —

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

            Police

                  —

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

                  —

                  Ensure the functioning of a proper case-management system.

                  —

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

            Fighting organised crime and terrorism

                  —

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

                  —

                  Achieve significant results in the rate, number and quality of prosecutions in relation to offences connected with organised crime and trafficking, as well as in terms of the seizure of the proceeds of crime.

                  —

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

            4.   PROGRAMMING
      Community assistance under the stabilisation and association process to the western Balkan countries will be provided under the existing financial instruments, in particular by Council Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000 of 5 December 2000 on assistance for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1). Accordingly, this Decision will have no financial implications. Albania can have access to funding from multi-country and horizontal programmes.
      5.   CONDITIONALITY
      Community assistance under the stabilisation and association process to the western Balkan countries is conditional on further progress in satisfying the Copenhagen criteria as well as progress in meeting the specific priorities of this European Partnership. Failure to respect these conditions could lead the Council to take appropriate measures on the basis of Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000. Community assistance shall also be subject to the conditions defined by the Council in its conclusions of 29 April 1997, and 21 and 22 June 1999 in particular as regards the recipients' undertaking to carry out democratic, economic and institutional reforms.
      6.   MONITORING
      The implementation of the European Partnership shall be examined through the framework of the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process notably the annual progress reports presented by the Commission.

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


title: Council Decision of 17 February 1976 on the Community financing of certain expenditure relating to food aid supplied under the 1974/75 programme

text:
 21 . 2. 76                            Official Journal of the European Communities                          No L 45/41
                                                              II
                                          (Acts whose publication is not obligatory)
                                                      COUNCIL
                                                   COUNCIL DECISION
                                                    of 17 February 1976
               on the Community financing of certain expenditure relating to food aid
                                        supplied under the 1974/75 programme
                                                        (76/229/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN                                      fob stage ; whereas such costs should consequently be
 COMMUNITIES,                                                    borne by the Community,
 Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
 Economic Community,                                             HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :
 Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No                                          Sole Article
 1703/72 of 3 August 1972 amending Regulation
(EEC) No 2052/69 on the Community financing of                   Within the framework of Community emergency food
expenditure arising from the implementation of the               aid measures in favour of the Lebanese Republic
 Food Aid Convention of 1967 and laying down rules               under the 1974/75 programme, Community financing
for the Community financing of expenditure arising               shall cover shipment costs as far as the frontier of that
from the implementation of the Food Aid Convention               country.
of 1971 (J ), and in particular Articles 8(1 ) and 10(1 )
thereof,
                                                                 Done at Brussels, 17 February 1976.
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
                                                                                For the Council
Whereas the Lebanese Republic which is in receipt of
emergency food aid under the 1974/75 programme                                                The President
would have difficulty, given its economic and finan
cial situation, in covering forwarding costs beyond the                                       J. HAMILIUS
(') OJ No L 180 , 8 . 8 . 1972, p. 1 .


Avis juridique important

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72/172/EEC: Commission Decision of 24 April 1972 setting up a Joint Advisory Committee on Social Questions arising in the Railway Industry

Official Journal L 104 , 03/05/1972 P. 0009 Danish special edition: Series I Chapter 1972(II) P. 0372  English special edition: Series I Chapter 1972(II) P. 0388  Greek special edition: Chapter 05 Volume 1 P. 0215  Spanish special edition: Chapter 05 Volume 2 P. 0003  Portuguese special edition Chapter 05 Volume 2 P. 0003

++++( 1 ) OJ NO 130 , 16 . 7 . 1965 .  ( 2 ) OJ NO 297 , 7 . 12 . 1967 .  ( 3 ) OJ NO L 57 , 10 . 3 . 1971 , P . 22 .  COMMISSION DECISION OF 24 APRIL 1972 SETTING UP A JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL QUESTIONS ARISING IN THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY  ( 72/172/EEC )  THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,  HAVING REGARD TO THE TREATY ESTABLISHING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ;  WHEREAS IN ITS MEMORANDUM OF 10 APRIL 1961 ON THE GUIDELINES FOR THE COMMON TRANSPORT POLICY , THE COMMISSION INDICATED THE COURSE TO BE FOLLOWED IN APPLYING TO TRANSPORT THE GENERAL RULES AND PROVISIONS PROVIDED FOR BY THE TREATY UNDER THE COMMUNITY'S SOCIAL POLICY , WHICH ENTAILS A NUMBER OF MEASURES CONCERNING THE COMMON TRANSPORT POLICY ; WHEREAS , IN ITS ACTION PROGRAMME OF 23 MAY 1962 ON THE COMMON TRANSPORT POLICY THE COMMISSION SET OUT IN A MORE CONCRETE FORM ITS VIEWS ON HARMONIZATION IN SOCIAL MATTERS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COMMON TRANSPORT POLICY ;  WHEREAS IN THEIR OPINIONS ON THE PROPOSED COUNCIL DECISION ON THE HARMONIZATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS AFFECTING COMPETITION IN TRANSPORT BY RAIL , ROAD AND INLAND WATERWAY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE EXPRESSED THE WISH THAT A JOINT COMMITTEE REPRESENTING THE TWO SIDES OF INDUSTRY SHOULD BE SET UP ;  WHEREAS BY ITS DECISIONS OF 5 JULY 1965 ( 1 ) AND 28 NOVEMBER 1967 ( 2 ) THE COMMISSION HAS ALREADY SET UP JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEES ON SOCIAL QUESTIONS ARISING IN , RESPECTIVELY , ROAD TRANSPORT AND INLAND NAVIGATION , AND WHEREAS THE GROUNDS THEN PUT FORWARD NOW JUSTIFY , IN VIEW OF PROGRESS ACHIEVED , THE SETTING UP OF A JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL QUESTIONS ARISING IN THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY ;  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :  ARTICLE 1  THERE SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE COMMISSION A COMMITTEE CALLED THE " JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL QUESTIONS ARISING IN THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY " .  ARTICLE 2  ( A ) THE COMMISSION MAY REQUEST THE COMMITTEE FOR AN OPINION ON ANY SOCIAL QUESTION ARISING IN THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY ;  ( B ) THE COMMISSION MAY , WHEN SEEKING THE OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE , SET A TIME LIMIT WITHIN WHICH SUCH OPINION SHALL BE GIVEN ;  ( C ) IN THE EVENT OF UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT BEING REACHED IN THE COMMITTEE ON THE OPINION TO BE GIVEN TO THE COMMISSION , THE COMMITTEE SHALL FORMULATE JOINT CONCLUSIONS AND ATTACH THEM TO THE REPORT OF ITS PROCEEDINGS FORWARDED TO THE COMMISSION ;  ( D ) OTHERWISE THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THAT REPORT .  ARTICLE 3  THE COMMITTEE SHALL DISCUSS MATTERS ON WHICH THE COMMISSION HAS REQUESTED AN OPINION .  ARTICLE 4  ( A ) THE COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST OF TWENTY-EIGHT FULL MEMBERS AND TWENTY-EIGHT ALTERNATE MEMBERS ;  ( B ) SEATS ON THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE APPORTIONED AS FOLLOWS :  - TO RAILWAY UNDERTAKINGS , FOURTEEN FULL MEMBERS AND FOURTEEN ALTERNATE MEMBERS ;  - TO RAILWAY EMPLOYEES , FOURTEEN FULL MEMBERS AND FOURTEEN ALTERNATE MEMBERS .  ( C ) ALTERNATE MEMBERS SHALL ATTEND COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND TAKE PART IN THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE ONLY IN THE EVENT OF FULL MEMBERS BEING UNABLE TO DO SO , EXCEPT WHERE , IN PURSUANCE OF ARTICLE 10 ( B ) , THEY ARE ATTENDING AS EXPERTS .  ARTICLE 5  ( A ) THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSION ON PROPOSALS FROM THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTING THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE INDUSTRY AT COMMUNITY LEVEL :  EMPLOYEES :  - COMMITTEE OF ITF UNIONS IN THE EEC ( ITR - ICFTU ) ;  - EUROPEAN TRANSPORT COMMITTEE ( ETC - WCL ) ;  - CGT - CGIL STANDING COMMITTEE ;  UNDERTAKINGS :  - COMMON MARKET GROUP OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF RAILWAYS ( IUC ) ;  ( B ) THE LIST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE PUBLISHED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES IN THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES .  ARTICLE 6  ( A ) THE TERM OF OFFICE FOR MEMBERS AND ALTERNATES SHALL BE THREE YEARS . THEIR APPOINTMENTS MAY BE RENEWED ;  ( B ) AFTER EXPIRY OF THE THREE YEARS MEMBERS AND ALTERNATES SHALL REMAIN IN OFFICE UNTIL REPLACED ;  ( C ) IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OR RESIGNATION OF A MEMBER OR ALTERNATE OR OF HIS CEASING TO BELONG TO THE ORGANIZATION WHICH HE REPRESENTS , HE SHALL BE REPLACED FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS TERM OF OFFICE .  ARTICLE 7  ( A ) THE COMMITTEE SHALL , BY A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY OF MEMBERS PRESENT , ELECT A CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN FROM AMONG ITS FULL MEMBERS . THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN MAY NOT COME FROM THE SAME SIDE OF INDUSTRY ;  ( B ) SHOULD THE CHAIRMAN OR VICE-CHAIRMAN CEASE TO HOLD OFFICE BEFORE THE PERIOD FOR WHICH HE WAS ELECTED HAS EXPIRED , HE SHALL BE REPLACED FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS TERM OF OFFICE ;  ( C ) THE TERM OF OFFICE FOR CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN SHALL BE EIGHTEEN MONTHS . THEY SHALL BE CHOSEN ALTERNATELY FROM THE TWO SIDES REPRESENTED ;  ( D ) NO MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE MAY HOLD SUCCESSIVELY THE OFFICES OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN DURING A PERIOD EXCEEDING TWO FULL TERMS OF OFFICE AS LAID DOWN UNDER PARAGRAPH ( C ) .  ARTICLE 8  ( A ) THE CHAIRMAN SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RELATIONS WITH THE COMMISSION ;  ( B ) THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN ACTING JOINTLY MAY DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE COMMISSION TO THE DESIRABILITY OF CONSULTING THE COMMITTEE ON ANY MATTER WITHIN THE LATTER'S COMPETENCE ON WHICH ITS OPINION HAS NOT BEEN SOUGHT . THEY SHALL DO SO WHERE THE REQUEST FOR CONSULTATION IS MADE BY ONE HALF OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE .  ARTICLE 9  THE COMMITTEE MAY SET UP WORKING PARTIES TO PREPARE , ON SPECIFIC QUESTIONS OR IN SPECIFIC FIELDS , DRAFT OPINIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION . THESE WORKING PARTIES SHALL CONSIST OF A LIMITED NUMBER OF FULL OR ALTERNATE MEMBERS .  ARTICLE 10  ( A ) AT THE REQUEST OF ANY OF THE ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED , THE CHAIRMAN MAY INVITE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CENTRAL BODY OF THE ORGANIZATION CONCERNED TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE OR OF THE WORKING PARTIES ;  ( B ) THE CHAIRMAN MAY PROPOSE TO THE COMMISSION THAT IT SHOULD INVITE ANY PERSON WITH SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS IN A SUBJECT ON THE AGENDA TO TAKE PART IN AN EXPERT CAPACITY IN MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE OR OF A WORKING PARTY OF THE COMMITTEE . THE CHAIRMAN SHALL DO SO WHEN REQUESTED BY ANY OF THE ORGANIZATIONS MENTIONED IN ARTICLE 5 .  EXPERTS SHALL BE PRESENT ONLY AT THE DISCUSSION OF THOSE QUESTIONS ON ACCOUNT OF WHICH THEY WERE INVITED .  ARTICLE 11  ( A ) THE COMMITTEE AND WORKING PARTIES SHALL MEET WHEN CONVENED BY THE COMMISSION ;  ( B ) REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMISSION DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED SHALL TAKE PART IN THESE MEETINGS .  ARTICLE 12  SECRETARIAL SERVICES SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR THE COMMITTEE BY THE COMMISSION .  ARTICLE 13  AN OPINION DELIVERED BY THE COMMITTEE SHALL NOT BE VALID UNLESS TWO-THIRDS OF THE MEMBERS ARE PRESENT .  ARTICLE 14  WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 214 OF THE TREATY , WHERE THE COMMISSION INDICATES THAT THE OPINION REQUESTED IS ON A MATTER OF A CONFIDENTIAL NATURE , PERSONS PRESENT AT THE MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE OR OF THE WORKING PARTIES SHALL NOT DISCLOSE INFORMATION WHICH HAS COME TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE THROUGH THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE .  ARTICLE 15  AFTER HEARING THE COMMITTEE , THE COMMISSION MAY AMEND THIS DECISION IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE .  ARTICLE 16  DECISION NO 71/122/EEC ( 3 ) OF 19 FEBRUARY 1971 IS HEREBY REPEALED .  DONE AT BRUSSELS , 24 APRIL 1972 .  FOR THE COMMISSION  THE PRESIDENT  S.L . MANSHOLT


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31981D0342

81/342/EEC: Commission Decision of 5 May 1981 amending Decision 73/351/EEC setting up an Advisory Committee on Customs Matters

Official Journal L 133 , 20/05/1981 P. 0031 - 0031 Spanish special edition: Chapter 02 Volume 8 P. 0249  Portuguese special edition Chapter 02 Volume 8 P. 0249

****( 1 ) OJ NO L 321 , 22 . 11 . 1973 , P . 37 .  ( 2 ) OJ NO L 299 , 26 . 10 . 1978 , P . 39 .    COMMISSION DECISION   OF 5 MAY 1981   AMENDING DECISION 73/351/EEC SETTING UP AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CUSTOMS MATTERS  ( 81/342/EEC )   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN   COMMUNITIES ,   HAVING REGARD TO THE TREATY ESTABLISHING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ,   WHEREAS , IN ORDER TO GATHER THE OPINIONS OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONSUMER CIRCLES ON PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE OPERATION OF THE CUSTOMS UNION , THE COMMISSION SET UP AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CUSTOMS MATTERS BY ITS DECISION 73/351/EEC ( 1 ), AS LAST AMENDED BY DECISION 78/883/EEC ( 2 );   WHEREAS EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THE NUMBER OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO ENSURE TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE THE PARTICIPATION OF THIS IMPORTANT ECONOMIC CATEGORY IN THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE ; WHEREAS AN ADDITIONAL SEAT SHOULD THEREFORE BE PROVIDED FOR THAT CATEGORY ,   HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :   ARTICLE 1   ARTICLE 3 OF COMMISSION DECISION 73/351/EEC IS HEREBY REPLACED BY THE FOLLOWING :   ' ARTICLE 3   1 .  THE COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST OF 37 MEMBERS .   THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE COMPOSED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES : INDUSTRIALISTS , CRAFTSMEN , AGRICULTURISTS , TRADESMEN , CARRIERS , BANKING AND INSURANCE INSTITUTIONS , CUSTOMS AGENTS ( INCLUDING SPECIALIZED TRANSPORT CARRIERS ), TOURIST BOARDS , WORKERS , CONSUMERS , AND OTHER PARTIES CONCERNED WITH CUSTOMS PROBLEMS .   2 .  REPRESENTATION ON THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS :   -  FOUR REPRESENTATIVES OF INDUSTRY ,   -  ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF CRAFT INDUSTRY ,   -  THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF AGRICULTURE ( OF WHICH ONE SHALL BE A REPRESENTATIVE OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES ),   -  FOUR REPRESENTATIVES OF COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS ,   -  FOUR REPRESENTATIVES OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ,   -  ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF RAIL TRANSPORT ,   -  ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF ROAD TRANSPORT ,   -  ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF SHIPPING ,   -  ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF INLAND WATERWAYS TRANSPORT ,   -  ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AIR TRANSPORT ,   -  ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF BANKING INSTITUTIONS ,   -  ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF INSURANCE INSTITUTIONS ,   -  THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF CUSTOMS AGENTS ( INCLUDING SPECIALIZED TRANSPORT CARRIERS ),   -  TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF TOURIST BOARDS ,   -  FOUR REPRESENTATIVES OF WORKERS ,   -  THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF CONSUMERS ( OF WHICH ONE SHALL BE FOR CONSUMER COOPERATIVES ),   -  TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER PARTIES CONCERNED WITH CUSTOMS PROBLEMS . '   ARTICLE 2   THIS DECISION SHALL ENTER INTO FORCE ON 5 MAY 1981 .   DONE AT BRUSSELS , 5 MAY 1981 .   FOR THE COMMISSION   KARL-HEINZ NARJES   MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION