title: Council Decision of 7 March 2011 on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis, relating in particular to judicial cooperation in criminal matters and police cooperation

text:
               18.6.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 160/1

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 7 March 2011
   on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis, relating in particular to judicial cooperation in criminal matters and police cooperation
   (2011/349/EU)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 16, 79(2)(c), 82(1)(b) and (d), 87(2), 87(3), 89 and 114 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Following the authorisation given to the Presidency, assisted by the Commission, on 27 February 2006, negotiations with the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Swiss Confederation of a Protocol on the accession of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis have been finalised.

               (2)

               In accordance with Council Decisions 2008/261/EC (1) and 2008/262/JHA (2), and subject to its conclusion at a later date, the Protocol was signed on behalf of the European Union on 28 February 2008.

               (3)

               As a consequence of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009, the European Union has replaced and succeeded the European Community.

               (4)

               The Protocol should be approved.

               (5)

               As far as the development of the Schengen acquis is concerned, which falls under Part Three, Title V of the Treaty on the Functioning of European Union, it is appropriate to make Council Decision 1999/437/EC of17 May 1999 on certain arrangements for the application of the Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the association of those two States with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis
                   (3) applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the relations with Liechtenstein.

               (6)

               The United Kingdom is taking part in this Decision in accordance with Article 5(1) of the Protocol on the Schengen acquis integrated into the framework of the European Union, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and Article 8(2) of Council Decision 2000/365/EC of 29 May 2000 concerning the request of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis
                   (4).

               (7)

               Ireland is taking part in this Decision in accordance with Article 5(1) of the Protocol on the Schengen acquis integrated into the framework of the European Union, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of Council Decision 2002/192/EC of 28 February 2002 concerning Ireland’s request to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis
                   (5).

               (8)

               This Decision does not prejudice the position of Denmark under the Protocol on the Position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis and related documents are hereby approved on behalf of the European Union.
   The texts of the Protocol and the related documents are attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   This decision applies to the fields covered by the provisions listed in Article 2(1) and (2) of the Protocol and to their development to the extent that such provisions are listed in Decisions 2000/365/EC and 2002/192/EC.
   Article 3
   The provisions of Articles 1 to 4 of Decision 1999/437/EC shall apply, in the same way, to the association of Liechtenstein with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis.
   Article 4
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person empowered to deposit on behalf of the European Union the Instrument of approval provided for in Article 9 of the Protocol, in order to express the consent of the European Union to be bound, and make the following notification:

      ‘As a consequence of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009, the European Union has replaced and succeeded the European Community and from that date exercises all rights and assumes all obligations of the European Community. Therefore, references to “the European Community” in the Protocol as well as in the Agreement are, where appropriate, to be understood as to “the European Union”.’

   Article 5
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
   Article 6
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 7 March 2011.

            For the Council

            The President

         CZOMBA S.

      (1)  Council Decision 2008/261/EC of 28 February 2008 on the signature, on behalf of the European Community, and on the provisional application of certain provisions of the Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis (OJ L 83, 26.3.2008, p. 3).

      (2)  Council Decision 2008/262/JHA of 28 February 2008 on the signature, on behalf of the European Union, and on the provisional application of certain provisions of the Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis (OJ L 83, 26.3.2008, p. 5).

      (3)  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 31.

      (4)  OJ L 131, 1.6.2000, p. 43.

      (5)  OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 20.
   FINAL ACT
   The plenipotentiaries
   of the EUROPEAN UNION
   and
   of the EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
   and
   of the SWISS CONFEDERATION
   and
   of the PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN,
   hereinafter referred to as ‘the Contracting Parties’,
   meeting in Brussels on the twenty-eighth day of February in the year 2008 for the signature of the Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis, have adopted the Protocol.
   The plenipotentiaries of the Contracting Parties have taken note of the following Declarations listed below and annexed to this Final Act:

               —

               Joint Declaration of the Contracting Parties on the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union,

               —

               Joint Declaration of the Contracting Parties on Article 23(7) of the Convention of 29 May 2000 on mutual assistance in criminal matters between Member States of the European Union (1),

               —

               Declaration by the European Community and Liechtenstein on external relations,

               —

               Declaration by Liechtenstein on mutual assistance in criminal matters,

               —

               Declaration by Liechtenstein on Article 5(2)(b),

               —

               Declaration by Liechtenstein on the application of the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and the European Convention on Extradition,

               —

               Declaration by the European Community on the External Borders Fund for the period 2007-2013,

               —

               Declaration by the European Commission on the transmission of proposals,

               —

               Common Declarations on Joint Meetings.

         За Европейския съюз
         Por la Unión Europea
         Za Evropskou unii
         For Den Europæiske Union
         Für die Europäische Union
         Euroopa Liidu nimel
         Για την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση
         For the European Union
         Pour l'Union européenne
         Per l'Unione europea
         Eiropas Savienības vārdā
         Europos Sajungos vardu
         Az Európai Unió részéről
         Għall-Unjoni Ewropea
         Voor de Europese Unie
         W imieniu Unii Europejskiej
         Pela União Europeia
         Pentru Uniunea Europeană
         Za Európsku úniu
         Za Evropsko unijo
         Euroopan unionin puolesta
         På Europeiska unionens vägnar

         За Европейската общност
         Por la Comunidad Europea
         Za Evropské společenství
         For Det Europæiske Fællesskab
         Für die Europäische Gemeinschaft
         Euroopa Ühenduse nimel
         Για την Ευρωπαϊκή Κοινότητα
         For the European Community
         Pour la Communauté européenne
         Per la Comunità europea
         Eiropas Kopienas vārdā
         Europos bendrijos vardu
         az Európai Közösség részéről
         Għall-Komunità Ewropea
         Voor de Europese Gemeenschap
         W imieniu Wspólnoty Europejskiej
         Pela Comunidade Europeia
         Pentru Comunitatea Europeană
         Za Európske spoločenstvo
         Za Evropsko skupnost
         Euroopan yhteisön puolesta
         På Europeiska gemenskapens vägnar

         За Конфедерация Швейцария
         Por la Confederación Suiza
         Za Švýcarskou konfederaci
         For Det Schweiziske Forbund
         Für die Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft
         Šveitsi Konföderatsiooni nimel
         Για την Ελβετική Συνομοσπονδία
         For the Swiss Confederation
         Pour la Confédération suisse
         Per la Confederazione svizzera
         Šveices Konfederācijas vārdā
         Šveicarijos Konfederacijos vardu
         A Svájci Államszövetség részéről
         Għall-Konfederazzjoni Żvizzera
         Voor de Zwitserse Bondsstaat
         W imieniu Konfederacji Szwajcarskiej
         Pela Confederação Suíça
         Pentru Confederația Elvețiană
         Za Švajčiarskou konfederáciu
         Za Švicarsko konfederacijo
         Sveitsin valaliiton puolesta
         För Schweiziska edsförbundet

         За Княжество Лихтенщайн
         Por el Principado de Liechtenstein
         Za Lichtenštejnské knížectví
         For Fyrstendømmet Liechtenstein
         Für das Fürstentum Liechtenstein
         Liechtensteini Vürstiriigi nimel
         Για το Πριγκιπάτο του Λιχτενστάιν
         For the Principality of Liechtenstein
         Pour la Principauté de Liechtenstein
         Per il Principato del Liechtenstein
         Lihtenšteinas Firstistes vārdā
         Lichtenšteino Kunigaikštystės vardu
         A Liechtensteini Hercegség részéről
         Għall-Prinċipat ta’ Liechtenstein
         Voor het Vorstendom Liechtenstein
         W imieniu Księstwa Liechtensteinu
         Pelo Principado do Liechtenstein
         Pentru Principatul Liechtenstein
         Za Lichtenštajnské kniežatstvo
         Za Kneževino Lihtenštajn
         Liechtensleinin ruhtinaskunnan puolesta
         För Furstendömet Liechtenstein

      (1)  OJ C 197, 12.7.2000, p. 1.
   JOINT DECLARATIONS OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES

      JOINT DECLARATION OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES ON THE EUROPEAN AGENCY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF OPERATIONAL COOPERATION AT THE EXTERNAL BORDERS OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
      The Contracting Parties take note that further arrangements shall be concluded for the association of Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union following the example of the arrangements agreed with Norway and Iceland.

      JOINT DECLARATION OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES ON ARTICLE 23(7) OF THE CONVENTION OF 29 MAY 2000 ON MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BETWEEN MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
      The Contracting Parties agree that Liechtenstein may, subject to the provisions of Article 23(1)(c) of the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between Member States of the European Union, in the circumstances of a particular case, require, unless the Member State concerned has obtained the consent of the data subject, that personal data not be used for the purposes referred to in Article 23(1)(a) and (b) without the prior consent of Liechtenstein in proceedings in which Liechtenstein could have refused or restricted the transmission or use of personal data under the Convention or the instruments referred to in Article 1 thereof.
      If, in a particular case, Liechtenstein refuses to give its consent to a request from a Member State pursuant to the above provisions, it must give reasons for its decision in writing.

   OTHER DECLARATIONS

      DECLARATION BY EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND LIECHTENSTEIN ON EXTERNAL RELATIONS
      The European Community and Liechtenstein agree that the European Community undertakes to encourage third countries or international organisations with which it concludes agreements in areas linked to Schengen cooperation, including the visa policy, to conclude similar agreements with the Principality of Liechtenstein, without prejudice to the latter's competence to conclude such agreements.

      DECLARATION BY LIECHTENSTEIN ON MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS
      Liechtenstein declares that tax offences being investigated by the Liechtenstein authorities may not give rise to an appeal before a court competent inter alia to hear criminal matters.

      DECLARATION BY LIECHTENSTEIN ON ARTICLE 5(2)(B)
      (Time limit for accepting new developments in the Schengen acquis)
      The maximum time limit of 18 months laid down in Article 5(2)(b) covers both the approval and the implementation of the act or measure. It includes the following stages:

                  —

                  the preparatory stage,

                  —

                  the parliamentary procedure,

                  —

                  the referendum deadline of 30 days,

                  —

                  where applicable the referendum (organisation and voting),

                  —

                  the sanctioning of the ruling prince.

            The Government of Liechtenstein shall inform the Council and the Commission without delay of the completion of each of the stages.
      The Government of Liechtenstein undertakes to use every means at its disposal to ensure that the abovementioned stages are completed as swiftly as possible.

      DECLARATION BY LIECHTENSTEIN ON THE APPLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS AND THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON EXTRADITION
      Liechtenstein undertakes to refrain from invoking its reservations and declarations made when ratifying the European Convention on Extradition of 13 December 1957 and the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters of 20 April 1959 in so far as they are incompatible with this Agreement.

      DECLARATION BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY ON THE EXTERNAL BORDERS FUND FOR THE PERIOD 2007-2013
      The European Community is currently establishing an External Borders Fund for the period 2007-2013, for which further arrangements shall be concluded with the third countries associated with the Schengen acquis.

      DECLARATION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION ON THE TRANSMISSION OF PROPOSALS
      When forwarding proposals relating to this Agreement to the Council of the European Union and to the European Parliament, the Commission shall forward copies of such proposals to Liechtenstein.
      Participation in Committees that assist the European Commission in the exercise of its executive powers:
      The Council authorised the Commission on 1 June 2006 to open negotiations with the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein with a view to concluding an agreement on the latters’ association with the work of the committees which assist the European Commission in the exercise of its executive powers as regards the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis.
      Until conclusion of such an agreement, the agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the Council of the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the committees that assist the European Commission in the exercise of its executive powers applies to Liechtenstein taking into account that as far as Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data (1) is concerned, the participation of Liechtenstein is laid down by Article 100 of the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

      COMMON DECLARATION ON JOINT MEETINGS
      The delegations representing the Governments of the Member States of the European Union,
      The delegation of the European Commission,
      The delegations representing the Governments of the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway,
      The delegation representing the Government of the Swiss Confederation,
      The delegation representing the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein,
      Note that Liechtenstein accedes to the Mixed Committee established by the Agreement on the association of Switzerland with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis by way of a protocol to this Agreement.
      Have decided to organise the meetings of the Mixed Committees, established by the Agreement on the association of Iceland and Norway with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis, on the one hand, and the Agreement on the association of Switzerland with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis as complemented by the Protocol on the association of Liechtenstein, on the other hand, jointly, no matter the level of the meeting.
      Note that holding these meetings jointly calls for pragmatic arrangements regarding the office of presidency of such meetings when that presidency is to be held by the associated States according to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the latter's association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis as complemented by the Protocol on the association of Liechtenstein or the Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latter's association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis.
      Note the wish of the associated States to cede, as necessary, the exercise of their presidencies and rotate it among them in alphabetical order of name as of the entry into force of the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the latter's association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis and as of the entry into force of the Protocol on the association of Liechtenstein.

      (1)  OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31. Directive as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).
    ---documentbreak---

               18.6.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 160/1

         PROTOCOL
   between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis

   THE EUROPEAN UNION
   and
   THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
   and
   THE SWISS CONFEDERATION
   and
   THE PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN,
   hereinafter referred to as ‘the Contracting Parties’,
   HAVING REGARD TO the Agreement signed on 26 October 2004 between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis
       (1) (‘the Association Agreement’),
   RECALLING that Article 16 thereof provides for the possibility of the Principality of Liechtenstein acceding to the Association Agreement by way of a Protocol,
   CONSIDERING the geographical situation of the Principality of Liechtenstein,
   CONSIDERING the close ties between the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Swiss Confederation, expressed by an area without internal border controls between the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Swiss Confederation,
   CONSIDERING the wish of the Principality of Liechtenstein to maintain and establish an area without border control with all Schengen countries and therefore to be associated with the Schengen acquis,
   WHEREAS the Agreement concluded on 18 May 1999 by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway (2) associated the latter two States with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis,
   WHEREAS it is desirable that the Principality of Liechtenstein be associated on an equal footing with Iceland, Norway and Switzerland in the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis,
   WHEREAS a protocol should be concluded between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein providing for Liechtenstein to enjoy rights and obligations similar to those agreed between the Council of the European Union, of the one part, and Iceland and Norway, as well as Switzerland of the other part,
   WHEREAS the provisions of Title IV of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the acts adopted on the basis of that Title do not apply to the Kingdom of Denmark pursuant to the Protocol on the position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and whereas the decisions designed to develop the Schengen acquis in application of that Title which Denmark has transposed into its domestic law are only liable to create international-law obligations between Denmark and the other Member States,
   WHEREAS Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland participate in certain provisions of the Schengen acquis, in accordance with the decisions taken pursuant to the Protocol integrating the Schengen acquis into the framework of the European Union annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community (3),
   WHEREAS it is necessary to ensure that the States with which the European Union has established an association for the purpose of implementing, applying and developing the Schengen acquis also apply that acquis in their relations with each other,
   WHEREAS the smooth operation of the Schengen acquis requires that this Protocol be applied simultaneously with the agreements between the various parties associated with or participating in the implementation and development of the Schengen acquis governing their mutual relations,
   HAVING REGARD TO the Protocol on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in one of the Member States or in Switzerland (4),
   BEARING IN MIND the link between the Schengen acquis and the Community acquis concerning the establishment of criteria and mechanisms for determining the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in one of the Member States and concerning the setting-up of the ‘Eurodac’ system,
   WHEREAS that link requires that the Schengen acquis be applied simultaneously with the Community acquis concerning the establishment of criteria and mechanisms for determining the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in one of the Member States and concerning the setting-up of the ‘Eurodac’ system,
   HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   In accordance with Article 16 of the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis (‘the Association Agreement’), the Principality of Liechtenstein (hereinafter referred to as ‘Liechtenstein’) accedes to the Association Agreement under the terms and conditions set out in this Protocol.
   This accession creates reciprocal rights and obligations between the Contracting Parties in accordance with the rules and procedures set out herein.
   Article 2
   1.   The provisions of the Schengen acquis listed in Annex A and Annex B to the Association Agreement as they apply to the Member States of the European Union shall be implemented and applied by Liechtenstein under the conditions envisaged in those Annexes.
   2.   In addition, the provisions of the acts of the European Union and of the European Community listed in the Annex to this Protocol which have replaced or developed provisions of the Schengen acquis shall be implemented and applied by Liechtenstein.
   3.   The acts and measures taken by the European Union and the European Community amending or developing the provisions of the Schengen acquis, to which the procedures set out in the Association Agreement, in conjunction with this Protocol, have been applied, shall also, without prejudice to Article 5, be accepted, implemented and applied by Liechtenstein.
   Article 3
   The rights and obligations set out in Article 3(1) to (4), Articles 4 to 6, Articles 8 to 10, Article 11(2), (3) and (4), and Article 13 of the Association Agreement shall apply to Liechtenstein.
   Article 4
   The office of the President of the Mixed Committee as established by Article 3 of the Association Agreement shall, at the level of experts, be held by the representative of the European Union. At the level of senior officials and Ministers it shall alternately, for a period of 6 months, be held by the representative of the European Union and by the representative of the Government of Liechtenstein or Switzerland, respectively.
   Article 5
   1.   The adoption of new acts or measures related to the matters referred to in Article 2 shall be reserved to the competent institutions of the European Union. Subject to paragraph 2 of this article, such acts or measures shall enter into force simultaneously for the European Union, the European Community and their respective Member States concerned and for Liechtenstein, unless those acts or measures explicitly state otherwise. In this context, due account shall be taken of the period of time indicated by Liechtenstein in the Mixed Committee as being necessary to enable it to fulfil its constitutional requirements.

               2.

                           (a)

                           The Council of the European Union (‘the Council’) shall notify Liechtenstein immediately of the adoption of the acts or measures referred to in paragraph 1 to which the procedures set out in this Protocol have been applied. Liechtenstein shall decide whether to accept their contents and to implement them in its internal legal order. That decision shall be notified to the Council and to the Commission of the European Communities (‘the Commission’) within thirty days of the adoption of the acts or measures concerned.

                           (b)

                           If the contents of such an act or measure can become binding on Liechtenstein only after the fulfilment of constitutional requirements, Liechtenstein shall inform the Council and the Commission of this at the time of its notification. Liechtenstein shall promptly inform the Council and the Commission in writing upon fulfilment of all constitutional requirements. Where a referendum is not required, notification shall, at the latest, take place thirty days after the referendum deadline expires. If a referendum is required, Liechtenstein shall have eighteen months from the date of the Council’s notification within which to make its notification. From the date laid down for the entry into force of the act or measure for Liechtenstein and until it has given notification that the constitutional requirements have been met, Liechtenstein shall, where possible, implement the act or measure in question on a provisional basis.

         If Liechtenstein cannot implement the act or measure at issue on a provisional basis, and if this causes difficulties that disrupt the operation of Schengen cooperation, the situation shall be examined by the Mixed Committee. The European Union and the European Community may take proportionate, appropriate measures against Liechtenstein to ensure that Schengen cooperation operates smoothly.
   3.   Acceptance by Liechtenstein of the acts and measures referred to in paragraph 2 creates rights and obligations between Liechtenstein, on the one hand, and the European Union, the European Community and the Member States, in so far as they are bound by those acts and measures, and Switzerland on the other hand.
   4.   Where:

               (a)

               Liechtenstein notifies its decision not to accept the contents of an act or measure referred to in paragraph 2 and to which the procedures set out in this Protocol have been applied; or

               (b)

               Liechtenstein does not carry out notification within the thirty-day time limit referred to in paragraphs 2(a) or 5(a); or

               (c)

               Liechtenstein does not carry out the notification at the latest thirty days after the referendum deadline has expired or, in the case of a referendum, within the eighteen months time limit set out in paragraph 2(b), or does not provide for provisional implementation as envisaged in the same paragraph from the date laid down for the entry into force of the act or measure concerned.

         This Protocol shall be considered terminated unless the Mixed Committee, after carrying out a careful examination of ways of continuing the Protocol, decides otherwise within ninety days. Termination of this Protocol shall take effect 3 months after the expiry of the ninety-day period.

               5.

                           (a)

                           If provisions of a new act or measure have the effect of no longer allowing Member States to subject compliance with requests for mutual assistance in criminal matters or the recognition of orders from other Member States to search premises and/or to seize items of evidence to the conditions set out in Article 51 of the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement (5), Liechtenstein may notify the Council and the Commission within the period of thirty days referred to in paragraph 2, point (a) that it will not accept or implement those provisions in its internal legal order where they apply to search and seizure requests or orders made for the purposes of investigating or prosecuting offences in the field of direct taxation which, if committed in Liechtenstein, would not be punishable under Liechtenstein law with a custodial penalty. In that case this Protocol shall not be considered terminated, contrary to the provisions of paragraph 4.

                           (b)

                           The Mixed Committee shall convene within 2 months following a request by one of its members and, taking into account international developments, shall discuss the situation resulting from a notification pursuant to point (a).

         Once the Mixed Committee has unanimously reached an agreement on the full acceptance and implementation by Liechtenstein of the relevant provisions of the new act or measure, paragraphs 2, point (b), 3 and 4 shall apply. The information referred to in the first sentence of paragraph 2, point (b) shall be provided within thirty days of the agreement reached in the Mixed Committee.
   Article 6
   In fulfilling its obligation with regard to the Schengen Information System and the Visa Information System, Liechtenstein may use the technical infrastructure of Switzerland for its access to these systems.
   Article 7
   As regards the administrative costs associated with implementing this Protocol, Liechtenstein shall make an annual contribution to the general budget of the European Union of 0,071 % of an amount of EUR 8 100 000, subject to annual adjustment to reflect inflation in the European Union.
   Article 8
   1.   This Protocol shall not affect the Agreement on the European Economic Area or any other agreement concluded between the European Community and Liechtenstein.
   2.   This Protocol shall not affect the agreements binding Liechtenstein, of the one part, and one or more Member States, of the other part, in so far as they are compatible with this Protocol. If such agreements are incompatible with this Protocol, the latter shall prevail.
   3.   This Protocol shall not affect in any respect any future agreements concluded with Liechtenstein by the European Community, or between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and Liechtenstein, of the other part, or agreements concluded on the basis of Articles 24 and 38 of the Treaty on European Union.
   4.   This Protocol shall not affect agreements between Liechtenstein and Switzerland insofar as they are compatible with this Protocol. If such agreements are incompatible with this Protocol, the latter shall prevail.
   Article 9
   1.   This Protocol shall enter into force 1 month after the day on which the Secretary-General of the Council, in his capacity as its depositary, has established that all the formal requirements have been met as regards the expression of consent by, or on behalf of, the Parties to be bound by this Protocol.
   2.   Articles 1, 4, and Article 5(2)(a) first sentence, of this Protocol and the rights and obligations set out in Articles 3(1) to (4), and Articles 4 to 6 of the Association Agreement shall apply provisionally to Liechtenstein as of the date on which this Protocol is signed.
   3.   With respect to acts or measures adopted after this Protocol has been signed but before it enters into force, the thirty-day period referred to in Article 5(2)(a), last sentence shall start to run from the day of entry into force of this Protocol.
   Article 10
   1.   The provisions referred to in Article 2 shall be put into effect by Liechtenstein on a date to be fixed by the Council, acting by unanimity of its Members representing the governments of those Member States which apply all the provisions referred to in Article 2 after consulting the Mixed Committee and after having satisfied itself that the preconditions for implementation of the relevant provisions have been fulfilled by Liechtenstein.
   The Members of the Council representing the governments of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland respectively shall be involved in taking this decision insofar as it relates to the provisions of the Schengen acquis and the acts based on it or related to it in which those Member States participate.
   The Members of the Council representing the governments of the Member States to which, in accordance with their Treaty of Accession, only some of the provisions referred to in Article 2 apply shall be involved in taking this decision insofar as it relates to the provisions of the Schengen acquis that are already applicable to their respective Member States.
   2.   Implementation of the provisions referred to in paragraph 1 shall create rights and obligations between Switzerland and Liechtenstein, of the one part and between Liechtenstein, and, the European Union, the European Community and the Member States, as appropriate, insofar as they are bound by these provisions, of the other part.
   3.   This Protocol shall be applied only if the Agreements to be concluded by Liechtenstein and referred to in Article 13 of the Association Agreement are implemented.
   4.   Moreover, this Protocol shall be applied only if the Protocol between the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Switzerland is also implemented.
   Article 11
   1.   This Protocol may be denounced by Liechtenstein or by Switzerland or by decision of the Council acting by unanimity of its Members. The depositary shall be notified of denunciation, which shall take effect 6 months after notification.
   2.   In case of denunciation by Switzerland of this Protocol or of the Association Agreement, or in case of the termination of the Association Agreement with respect to Switzerland, the Association Agreement and this Protocol shall remain in force with respect to the relations between the European Union and the European Community on the one part and Liechtenstein on the other part. In such a case, the Council shall decide, after consulting Liechtenstein, on the necessary measures. However, those measures shall be binding upon Liechtenstein only if Liechtenstein accepts them.
   3.   This Protocol shall be considered to have been terminated if Liechtenstein terminates one of the agreements referred to in Article 13 of the Association Agreement that have been concluded by Liechtenstein or terminates the Protocol referred to in Article 10(4).
   Article 12
   This Protocol shall be drawn up in triplicate in the Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish languages, each text being equally authentic.
   In witness whereof, the undersigned plenipotentiaries have hereunto set their hands.

      Съставено в Брюксел на двадесет и осми февруари две хиляди и осма година.
      Hecho en Bruselas, el veintiocho de febrero de dos mil ocho.
      V Bruselu dne dvacátého osmého února dva tisíce osm.
      Udfærdiget i Bruxelles den otteogtyvende februar to tusind og otte.
      Geschehen zu Brüssel am achtundzwanzigsten Februar zweitausendacht.
      Kahe tuhande kaheksanda aasta veebruarikuu kahekümne kaheksandal päeval Brüsselis.
      Έγινε στις Βρυξέλλες, στις είκοσι οκτώ Φεβρουαρίου δύο χιλιάδες οκτώ.
      Done at Brussels on the twenty-eighth day of February in the year two thousand and eight.
      Fait à Bruxelles, le vingt-huit février deux mille huit.
      Fatto a Bruxelles, addì ventotto febbraio duemilaotto.
      Briselē, divtūkstoš astotā gada divdesmit astotajā februārī.
      Priimta du tūkstančiai aštuntų metų vasario dvidešimt aštuntą dieną Briuselyje.
      Kelt Brüsszelben, a kétezer-nyolcadik év február huszonnyolcadik napján.
      Magħmul fi Brussell, fit-tmienja u għoxrin jum ta’ Frar tas-sena elfejn u tmienja.
      Gedaan te Brussel, de achtentwintigste februari tweeduizend acht.
      Sporządzono w Brukseli dnia dwudziestego ósmego lutego roku dwa tysiące ósmego.
      Feito em Bruxelas, em vinte e oito de Fevereiro de dois mil e oito.
      Încheiat la Bruxelles, la douăzeci și opt februarie în anul două mii opt.
      V Bruseli dňa dvadsiateho ôsmeho februára dvetisícosem.
      V Bruslju, dne osemindvajsetega februarja leta dva tisoč osem.
      Tehty Brysselissä kahdentenakymmenentenäkahdeksantena päivänä helmikuuta vuonna kaksituhattakahdeksan.
      Som skedde i Bryssel den tjugoåttonde februari tjugohundraåtta.

         За Европейския съюз
         Por la Unión Europea
         Za Evropskou unii
         For Den Europæiske Union
         Für die Europäische Union
         Euroopa Liidu nimel
         Για την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση
         For the European Union
         Pour l'Union européenne
         Per l'Unione europea
         Eiropas Savienības vārdā
         Europos Sajungos vardu
         Az Európai Unió részéről
         Għall-Unjoni Ewropea
         Voor de Europese Unie
         W imieniu Unii Europejskiej
         Pela União Europeia
         Pentru Uniunea Europeană
         Za Európsku úniu
         Za Evropsko unijo
         Euroopan unionin puolesta
         På Europeiska unionens vägnar

         За Европейската общност
         Por la Comunidad Europea
         Za Evropské společenství
         For Det Europæiske Fællesskab
         Für die Europäische Gemeinschaft
         Euroopa Ühenduse nimel
         Για την Ευρωπαϊκή Κοινότητα
         For the European Community
         Pour la Communauté européenne
         Per la Comunità europea
         Eiropas Kopienas vārdā
         Europos bendrijos vardu
         Az Európai Közösség részéről
         Għall-Komunità Ewropea
         Voor de Europese Gemeenschap
         W imieniu Wspólnoty Europejskiej
         Pela Comunidade Europeia
         Pentru Comunitatea Europeană
         Za Európske spoločenstvo
         Za Evropsko skupnost
         Euroopan yhteisön puolesta
         På Europeiska gemenskapens vägnar

         За Конфедерация Швейцария
         Por la Confederación Suiza
         Za Švýcarskou konfederaci
         For Det Schweiziske Forbund
         Für die Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft
         Šveitsi Konföderatsiooni nimel
         Για την Ελβετική Συνομοσπονδία
         For the Swiss Confederation
         Pour la Confédération Suisse
         Per la Confederazione svizzera
         Šveices Konfederācijas vārdā
         Šveicarijos Konfederacijos vardu
         A Svájci Államszövetség részéről
         Għall-Konfederazzjoni Żvizzera
         Voor de Zwitserse Bondsstaat
         W imieniu Konfederacji Szwajcarskiej
         Pela Confederação Suíça
         Pentru Confederația Elvețiană
         Za Švajčiarskou konfederáciu
         Za Švicarsko konfederacijo
         Sveitsin valaliiton puolesta
         För Schweiziska edsförbundet

         За Княжество Лихтенщайн
         Por el Principado de Liechtenstein
         Za Lichtenštejnské knížectví
         For Fyrstendømmet Liechtenstein
         Für das Fürstentum Liechtenstein
         Liechtensteini Vürstiriigi nimel
         Για το Πριγκιπάτο του Λιχτενστάιν
         For the Principality of Liechtenstein
         Pour la Principauté de Liechtenstein
         Per il Principato del Liechtenstein
         Lihtenšteinas Firstistes vārdā
         Lichtenšteino Kunigaikštystės vardu
         A Liechtensteini Hercegség részéről
         Għall-Prinċipat ta’ Liechtenstein
         Voor het Vorstendom Liechtenstein
         W imieniu Księstwa Liechtensteinu
         Pelo Principado do Liechtenstein
         Pentru Principatul Liechtenstein
         Za Lichtenštajnské kniežatstvo
         Za Kneževino Lihtenštajn
         Liechtensleinin ruhtinaskunnan puolesta
         För Furstendömet Liechtenstein

      (1)  OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 52.

      (2)  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 36.

      (3)  OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 20 and OJ L 131, 1.6.2000, p. 43, respectively.

      (4)  See page 39 of this Official Journal.

      (5)  Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 19).
   ANNEX

      Annex to the protocol on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation's association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis

   Provisions referred to in Article 2(2), to be applied by Liechtenstein from the date set by the Council in accordance with Article 10:

               —

               Council Regulation No 2007/2004/EC of 26 October 2004 establishing a European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (OJ L 349, 25.11.2004, p. 1),

               —

               Council Regulation No 2252/2004/EC of 13 December 2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by Member States (OJ L 385, 29.12.2004, p. 1); Commission Decision of 28 February 2005 laying down the technical specifications on the standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by Member States (C(2005) 409 final) and Commission Decision of 28 June 2006 laying down the technical specifications on the standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by Member States (C(2006) 2909 final),

               —

               Council Decision No 2005/211/JHA of 24 February 2005 concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism (OJ L 68, 15.3.2005, p. 44),

               —

               Council Decision 2005/719/JHA of 12 October 2005 fixing the date of application of certain provisions of Decision 2005/211/JHA concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism (OJ L 271, 15.10.2005, p. 54),

               —

               Council Decision 2005/727/JHA of 12 October 2005 fixing the date of application of certain provisions of Decision 2005/211/JHA concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including the fight against terrorism (OJ L 273, 19.10.2005, p. 25),

               —

               Council Decision 2006/228/JHA of 9 March 2006 fixing the date of application of certain provisions of Decision 2005/211/JHA concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including the fight against terrorism (OJ L 81, 18.3.2006, p. 45),

               —

               Council Decision 2006/229/JHA of 9 March 2006 fixing the date of application of certain provisions of Decision 2005/211/JHA concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism (OJ L 81, 18.3.2006, p. 46),

               —

               Council Decision 2006/631/JHA of 24 July 2006 fixing the date of application of certain provisions of Decision 2005/211/JHA concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism (OJ L 256, 20.9.2006, p. 18),

               —

               Council Decision 2005/267/EC of 16 March 2005 establishing a secure web-based Information and Coordination Network for Member States’ Migration Management Services (OJ L 83, 1.4.2005, p. 48),

               —

               Commission Decision of 15 December 2005 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Decision 2005/267/EC establishing a secure web-based Information and Coordination Network for Member States’ Migration Management Services (C(2005) 5159 final),

               —

               Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement as regards the reciprocity mechanism (OJ L 141, 4.6.2005, p. 3),

               —

               Council Decision 2005/451/JHA of 13 June 2005 fixing the date of application of certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 871/2004 concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism (OJ L 158, 21.6.2005, p. 26),

               —

               Regulation (EC) No 1160/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 on the gradual abolition of checks at common borders, as regards access to the Schengen Information System by the services in the Member States responsible for issuing registration certificates for vehicles (OJ L 191, 22.7.2005, p. 18),

               —

               Recommendation 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research (OJ L 289, 3.11.2005, p. 23),

               —

               Commission Decision of 29 September 2005 (2005/687/EC) on the format for the report on the activities of immigration liaison officers networks and on the situation in the host country in matters relating to illegal immigration (OJ L 264, 8.10.2005, p. 8),

               —

               Council Decision 2005/728/JHA of 12 October 2005 fixing the date of application of certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 871/2004 concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism (OJ L 273, 19.10.2005, p. 26),

               —

               Regulation (EC) No 2046/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2005 relating to measures envisaged to facilitate the procedures for applying for and issuing visas for members of the Olympic family taking part in the 2006 Olympic and/or Paralympic Winter Games in Turin (OJ L 334, 20.12.2005, p. 1),

               —

               Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ L 105, 13.4.2006, p. 1),

               —

               Council Decision (2006/440/EC) of 1 June 2006 amending Annex 12 to the Common Consular Instructions and Annex 14a to the Common Manual on the fees to be charged corresponding to the administrative costs of processing visa applications (OJ L 175, 29.6.2006, p. 77),

               —

               Council Decision (2006/628/EC) of 24 July 2006 fixing the date of application of Article 1(4) and (5) of Regulation (EC) No 871/2004 concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism (OJ L 256, 20.9.2006, p. 15),

               —

               Commission Decision (2006/648/EC) of 22 September 2006 laying down the technical specifications on the standards for biometric features related to the development of the Visa Information System, (OJ L 267, 27.9.2006, p. 41),

               —

               Corrigendum to Council Decision 2004/512/EC of 8 June 2004 establishing the Visa Information System (VIS) (OJ L 271, 30.9.2006, p. 85),

               —

               Commission Decision (2006/757/EC) of 22 September 2006 on amending the Sirene Manual (OJ L 317, 16.11.2006, p. 1),

               —

               Commission Decision (2006/758/EC) of 22 September 2006 on amending the Sirene Manual (OJ L 317, 16.11.2006, p. 41),

               —

               Council Decision (2006/684/EC) of 5 October 2006 amending Annex 2, Schedule A, to the Common Consular Instructions on the visa requirements for holders of Indonesian diplomatic and service passports (OJ L 208, 12.10.2006, p. 29),

               —

               Commission Decision (2006/752/EC) of 3 November 2006 establishing the sites for the Visa Information System during the development phase (OJ L 305, 4.11.2006, p. 13),

               —

               Commission Recommendation of 6 November 2006 establishing a common ‘Practical Handbook for Border Guards (Schengen Handbook)’ to be used by Member States’ competent authorities when carrying out the border control of persons (C(2006) 5186 final),

               —

               Council Framework Decision 2006/960/JHA of 18 December 2006 on simplifying the exchange of information and intelligence between law enforcement authorities of the Member States of the European Union, (OJ L 386, 29.12.2006, p. 89 and Corrigendum in OJ L 75, 15.3.2007, p. 26),

               —

               Regulation (EC) No 1986/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 regarding access to the Second Generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) by the services in the Member States responsible for issuing vehicle registration certificates (OJ L 381, 28.12.2006, p. 1),

               —

               Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (OJ L 381, 28.12.2006, p. 4),

               —

               Regulation (EC) No 1931/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 laying down rules on local border traffic at the external land borders of the Member States and amending the provisions of the Schengen Convention (OJ L 405, 30.12.2006, p. 1. Corrected version in OJ L 29, 3.2.2007, p. 3),

               —

               Council Regulation (EC) No 1932/2006 of 21 December 2006 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement (OJ L 405, 30.12.2006, p. 23. Corrected version in OJ L 29, 3.2.2007, p. 10),

               —

               Council Regulation (EC) No 1988/2006 of 21 December 2006 amending Regulation (EC) No 2424/2001 on the development of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (OJ L 411, 30.12.2006, p.1. Corrected version in OJ L 27, 2.2.2007, p. 3),

               —

               Council Decision 2006/1007/JHA of 21 December 2006 amending Decision 2001/886/JHA on the development of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (OJ L 411, 30.12.2006, p.78. Corrected version in OJ L 27, 2.2.2007, p. 43),

               —

               Commission Decision (2007/170/EC) of 16 March 2007 laying down the network requirements for the Schengen Information System II (1st pillar) (OJ L 79, 20.3.2007, p. 20),

               —

               Commission Decision (2007/171/EC) of 16 March 2007 laying down the network requirements for the Schengen Information System II (3rd pillar) (OJ L 79, 20.3.2007, p. 29),

               —

               Decision No 574/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 May 2007 establishing the External Borders Fund for the period 2007 to 2013 as part of the General programme ‘Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows’ (OJ L 144, 6.6.2007, p. 22),

               —

               Council Decision 2007/533/JHA of 12 June 2007 on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (OJ L 205, 7.8.2007, p. 63),

               —

               Council Decision 2007/472/EC of 25 June 2007 amending the Decision of the Executive Committee set up by the 1990 Schengen Convention, amending the Financial Regulation on the costs of installing and operating the technical support function for the Schengen Information System (C.SIS) (OJ L 179, 7.7.2007, p. 50),

               —

               Regulation (EC) No 863/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2007 establishing a mechanism for the creation of Rapid Border Intervention Teams and amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004 as regards that mechanism and regulating the tasks and powers of guest officers (OJ L 199, 31.7.2007, p. 30),

               —

               Council Decision 2007/519/EC of 16 July 2007 amending Part 2 of the Schengen consultation network (technical specifications) (OJ L 192, 24.7.2007, p. 26),

               —

               Commission Decision (2007/599/EC) of 27 August 2007 implementing Decision No 574/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the adoption of strategic guidelines for 2007 to 2013 (OJ L 233, 5.9.2007, p. 3),

               —

               Council Decision (2007/866/EC) of 6 December 2007 amending Part 1 of the Schengen consultation network (technical specifications) (OJ L 340, 22.12.2007, p. 92).


title: Council Decision of 15 October 2007 of appointing the United Kingdom member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

text:
               19.1.2008

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 14/21

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 15 October 2007
   of appointing the United Kingdom member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
   (2008/C 14/07)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of 10 February 1975 establishing the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and in particular Article 4 thereof (1),
   Having regard to the nomination submitted by the United Kingdom Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By its Decision of 18 September 2006 (2), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2006 to 17 September 2009.

               (2)

               A member's seat on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Government representatives has become vacant as a result of the resignation of Ms Pauline CHARLES.

               (3)

               The United Kingdom member of the Governing Board of the aforementioned Centre should be appointed for the remainder of the current term of office, which expires on 17 September 2009,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Sole Article
   The following person is hereby appointed member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of the term of office, which runs until 17 September 2009:
   I.   GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE
   UNITED KINGDOM: Ms Nicola SAMS

      Done at Luxembourg, 15 October 2007.

            For the Council

            The President

         L. AMADO

      (1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2051/2004 (OJ L 355, 1.12.2004, p. 1).

      (2)  OJ C 240, 5.10.2006, p. 1.


title: Council Decision 2012/173/CFSP of 23 March 2012 on the activation of the EU Operations Centre for the Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operation in the Horn of Africa

text:
               27.3.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 89/66

         COUNCIL DECISION 2012/173/CFSP
   of 23 March 2012
   on the activation of the EU Operations Centre for the Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operation in the Horn of Africa
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 42(4) and 43(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 17 December 2004, the European Council endorsed the proposals allowing for the establishment of an operations centre and its terms of reference.

               (2)

               On 18 June 2007, the Council approved the Guidelines for Command and Control Structure for the EU Civilian Operations in Crisis Management.

               (3)

               On 7 April 2008, by Decision 2008/298/CFSP (1) the Council amended Decision 2001/80/CFSP of 22 January 2001 on the establishment of the Military Staff of the European Union (2) to specify, inter alia, the tasks of the Military Staff of the European Union (EUMS) in relation to the EU Operations Centre.

               (4)

               On 10 November 2008, the Council adopted Joint Action 2008/851/CFSP (3) establishing operation Atalanta with the purpose of deterring piracy off the Somali coast.

               (5)

               On 15 February 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/96/CFSP (4) on an EU military mission to contribute to the training of Somali security forces (EUTM Somalia).

               (6)

               On 14 November 2011, the Council adopted a Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa to guide the EU’s engagement in the region.

               (7)

               On 1 December 2011, the Council agreed to accelerate planning for the activation of the EU Operations Centre for the Horn of Africa Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operation, in accordance with its terms of reference.

               (8)

               On 16 December 2011, the Council agreed the Crisis Management Concept for the Regional Maritime Capacity Building (RMCB) mission, as a civilian CSDP mission with military expertise.

               (9)

               On 23 January 2012, the Council agreed that the EU Operations Centre should be activated for the Horn of Africa CSDP missions and operation.

               (10)

               The EU Operations Centre should facilitate coordination and improve synergies amongst the Horn of Africa CSDP missions and operation, in the context of the Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa and in close liaison with the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Horn of Africa.

               (11)

               The EU Operations Centre should be supported by the existing structures of the EUMS, reinforced by the EUTM Somalia Support Element and the Atalanta Liaison Team.

               (12)

               Bearing in mind the requirement to optimise its support for all CSDP missions and operations, the EUMS should provide support to the EU Operations Centre within its means and capabilities,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Activation of the EU Operations Centre
   1.   The EU Operations Centre shall be activated in support of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operation in the Horn of Africa, namely Operation Atalanta, EUTM Somalia, and the planned civilian CSDP mission on Regional Maritime Capacity Building (RMCB).
   2.   The activation of the EU Operations Centre shall be without prejudice to the respective military and civilian chains of command of the missions and the operation, referred to in paragraph 1.
   Article 2
   Mandate and tasks
   1.   The EU Operations Centre shall provide support in the field of operational planning and conduct of Operation Atalanta, EUTM Somalia, and the future civilian CSDP mission on Regional Maritime Capacity Building (RMCB), with a view to increasing efficiency, coherence and synergies. In this framework the EU Operations Centre shall help facilitate information exchange and improve coordination and strengthen civil-military synergies.
   2.   The EU Operations Centre shall perform the following tasks:

               (a)

               to provide, using its military expertise and specialised planning expertise, direct support to the Civilian Operations Commander for the operational planning and conduct of the RMCB mission;

               (b)

               to provide support to the EUTM Mission Commander and enhance strategic coordination between EUTM Somalia and the other CSDP mission and operation in the Horn of Africa;

               (c)

               to liaise with Operation Atalanta;

               (d)

               to provide support to the Crisis Management and Planning Directorate (CMPD), at its request, in its strategic planning for the CSDP missions and operation in the Horn of Africa;

               (e)

               to facilitate interaction between the Horn of Africa CSDP missions and operation and the Brussels-based structures;

               (f)

               to facilitate coordination and improve synergies amongst Operation Atalanta, EUTM Somalia, and RMCB, in the context of the Horn of Africa Strategy and in liaison with the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa.

         Article 3
   Head of the EU Operations Centre
   1.   Captain (Navy) Ad VAN DER LINDE is hereby appointed Head of the EU Operations Centre for a period of two years, which may be renewed if the Council so decides.
   2.   The Head of the EU Operations Centre shall carry out his functions under the political control and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee (PSC), and, as appropriate, under the military direction of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC).
   3.   The Head of the EU Operations Centre shall exercise authority over the staff of the EU Operations Centre for all issues related to the mandate and tasks of the EU Operations Centre.
   4.   The Head of the EU Operations Centre shall be responsible for responding to the requests addressed to the EU Operations Centre by the Civilian Operation Commander, the Operation Commander for Operation Atalanta, the EUTM Mission Commander, and CMPD. He shall ensure the proper functioning of the EU Operations Centre and coordinate the efficient use of its capacities. The final responsibility for operational planning documents and decisions on the conduct of the missions and the operation shall remain respectively with the Civilian Operation Commander, the EUTM Mission Commander, and the Operation Commander for Operation Atalanta.
   5.   Within the limits of his responsibility, the Head of the EU Operations Centre shall regularly report to EUMC and to PSC.
   Article 4
   Staff
   1.   The Human resources of the EU Operations Centre shall comprise:

               (a)

               staff provided by the EUMS;

               (b)

               the EUTM Support Element;

               (c)

               the Atalanta Liaison Team;

               (d)

               staff seconded by Member States.

         2.   The human resources put at the disposal of the EU Operations Centre shall cover all military expertise required to implement its mandate and tasks properly on the basis of an implementation plan presented to the PSC and shall be subject to regular review. The precise definition of the expertise required shall be the responsibility of the Head of the EU Operations Centre, in close consultation with the Operation and Mission Commanders, the Civilian Operation Commander, and the EUMS.
   3.   All staff 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 (5).
   Article 5
   Organisation
   The EU Operations Centre shall be organised along functional responsibilities corresponding to the requirements of the CSDP missions and operation which it supports.
   Article 6
   Support by the EUMS
   The EUMS shall, within its means and capabilities, provide support to the EU Operations Centre in accordance with its terms of reference through:

               (a)

               ensuring availability and readiness of the staff, facilities and equipment of the EU Operations Centre;

               (b)

               maintaining, updating and replacing the equipment of the EU Operations Centre;

               (c)

               maintaining the premises used by the EU Operations Centre.

         Article 7
   Financing
   1.   The staff provided by EUMS shall be financed in accordance with the rules applicable to the EUMS.
   2.   The staff provided by Member States shall be seconded national experts on free secondment.
   3.   Travel and other costs not covered by the budgets of the respective CSDP mission and operation shall be borne by the budget of the European External Action Service, subject to the applicable financial rules.
   Article 8
   Review
   The mandate, tasks, functioning and financing of the EU Operations Centre, in the context of the overall EU crisis management structures, shall be reviewed on 24 September 2012 and thereafter at regular intervals. This Decision may be revised as appropriate.
   Article 9
   Entry into force and duration
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
   It shall apply for an initial period of two years.

      Done at Brussels, 23 March 2012.

            For the Council

            The President

         C. ASHTON

      (1)  OJ L 102, 12.4.2008, p. 25.

      (2)  OJ L 27, 30.1.2001, p. 7.

      (3)  OJ L 301, 12.11.2008, p. 33.

      (4)  OJ L 44, 19.2.2010, p. 16.

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


title: 2010/365/: Council Decision of 29 June 2010 on the application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to the Schengen Information System in the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania

text:
               1.7.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 166/17

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 29 June 2010
   on the application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to the Schengen Information System in the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania
   (2010/365/EU)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the 2005 Act of Accession, and in particular Article 4(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Article 4(2) of the 2005 Act of Accession provides that the provisions of the Schengen acquis, other than those mentioned in Annex II to that Act, shall apply in Bulgaria and Romania (hereinafter the ‘Member States concerned’) only pursuant to a Council Decision to that effect, after verification that the necessary conditions for the application of that acquis have been met.

               (2)

               The Council has verified that the Member States concerned ensure satisfactory levels of data protection by taking the following steps:
               A full questionnaire was forwarded to the Member States concerned, whose replies were recorded, and verification and evaluation visits were made to those Member States, in accordance with the applicable Schengen evaluation procedures as set out in the Decision of the Executive Committee setting up a Standing Committee on the evaluation and implementation of Schengen (SCH/Com-ex (98) 26 def.) (2), in the area of Data Protection.

               (3)

               On 26 April 2010, the Council concluded that the conditions in this area had been fulfilled by the Member States concerned. It is therefore possible to set a date from which the Schengen acquis relating to the Schengen Information System (SIS) may apply in those Member States.

               (4)

               The entry into force of this Decision should allow for real SIS data to be transferred to the Member States concerned. The concrete use of this data should allow the Council, through the applicable Schengen evaluation procedures as set out in SCH/Com-ex (98) 26 def., to verify the correct application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to the SIS in the Member States concerned. Once these evaluations have been carried out, the Council should decide on the lifting of checks at the internal borders with those Member States.

               (5)

               A separate Council Decision should be adopted setting a date for the lifting of checks at internal borders. Until the date set out in that Decision, certain restrictions on the use of the SIS should be imposed.

               (6)

               As regards Iceland and Norway, this Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latters’ association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis
                   (3) which fall within the area referred to in Article 1, point G, of Council Decision 1999/437/EC (4) on certain arrangements for the application of that Agreement.

               (7)

               As regards Switzerland, this Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis
                   (5), which fall within the area referred to in Article 1, point G of Council Decision 1999/437/EC of 17 May 1999, read in conjunction with Article 3 of Council Decision 2008/149/JHA (6) and with Article 3 of Council Decision 2008/146/EC (7),

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   1.   From 15 October 2010, the provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to the SIS, as referred to in Annex I, shall apply to the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania amongst themselves and in their relations with the Kingdom of Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Estonia, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of France, the Italian Republic, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Republic of Hungary, Malta, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Poland, the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden as well as the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation.
   2.   The provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to the SIS, as referred to in Annex II, shall apply from the date specified therein to the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania amongst themselves and in their relations with the Kingdom of Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Estonia, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of France, the Italian Republic, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Republic of Hungary, Malta, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Poland, the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden as well as the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation.
   3.   From 29 June 2010 real SIS data may be transferred to the Member States concerned.
   From 15 October 2010, the Member States concerned, like the Member States in respect of which the Schengen acquis has already been implemented, shall be able to enter data into the SIS and use SIS data, subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.
   4.   Until the date of the lifting of checks at internal borders with the Member States concerned, those Member States:

               (a)

               shall not be obliged to refuse entry to their territory or to expel nationals of third States for whom a SIS alert has been issued by another Member State for the purposes of refusing entry;

               (b)

               shall refrain from entering the data covered by the provisions of Article 96 of the Convention of 19 June 1990 implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the governments of the States of Benelux economic union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders (hereinafter the ‘Schengen Convention’) (8).

         Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Luxembourg, 29 June 2010.

            For the Council

            The President

         E. ESPINOSA

      (1)  Opinion delivered on 17 June 2010 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

      (2)  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 138.

      (3)  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 36.

      (4)  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 31.

      (5)  OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 52.

      (6)  OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 50.

      (7)  OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 1.

      (8)  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 19.

      ANNEX I

         List of the provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to the SIS within the meaning of Article 4(2) of the 2005 Act of Accession to be rendered applicable to the Member States concerned

                  1.

                  In respect of the provisions of the Schengen Convention:
                  Article 64 and Articles 92 to 119 of the Schengen Convention;

                  2.

                  Other provisions concerning SIS:

                              (a)

                              Decisions of the Executive Committee established by the Schengen Convention:
                              Decision of the Executive Committee of 15 December 1997 amending the financial regulation on C. SIS (SCH/Com-ex(97)35) (1);

                              (b)

                              Declarations of the Executive Committee established by the Schengen Convention:

                                          (i)

                                          Declaration of the Executive Committee of 18 April 1996 defining the concept of an alien (SCH/Com-ex (96) decl. 5) (2),

                                          (ii)

                                          Declaration of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the structure of the SIS (SCH/Com-ex (99) decl. 2 rev) (3),

                              (c)

                              other instruments:

                                          (i)

                                          Council Decision 2000/265/EC of 27 March 2000 on the establishment of a financial regulation governing the budgetary aspects of the management by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Council, of contracts concluded in his name, on behalf of certain Member States, relating to the installation and the functioning of the communication infrastructure for the Schengen environment, ‘Sisnet’ (4),

                                          (ii)

                                          The SIRENE Manual (5),

                                          (iii)

                                          Council Regulation (EC) No 871/2004 of 29 April 2004 concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism (6), and any subsequent decisions on the date of application of those functions,

                                          (iv)

                                          Council Decision 2005/211/JHA of 24 February 2005 concerning the introduction of some new functions for the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism (7), and any subsequent decisions on the date of application of those functions,

                                          (v)

                                          Regulation (EC) No 1160/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 on the gradual abolition of checks at common borders, as regards access to the Schengen Information System by the services in the Member States responsible for issuing registration certificates for vehicles (8),

                                          (vi)

                                          Article 5(4)(a) and the provisions of Title II and the annexes thereto referring to the Schengen Information System (SIS) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (9),

                                          (vii)

                                          Council Regulation (EC) No 1104/2008 of 24 October 2008 on migration from the Schengen Information System (SIS 1+) to the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (10),

                                          (viii)

                                          Council Decision 2008/839/JHA of 24 October 2008 on migration from the Schengen Information System (SIS 1+) to the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (11).

         (1)  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 444.

         (2)  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 458.

         (3)  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 459.

         (4)  OJ L 85, 6.4.2000, p. 12.

         (5)  Parts of the SIRENE manual were published in OJ C 38, 17.2.2003, p. 1. The manual was amended by Commission Decisions 2006/757/EC (OJ L 317, 16.11.2006, p. 1) and 2006/758/EC (OJ L 317, 16.11.2006, p. 41).

         (6)  OJ L 162, 30.4.2004, p. 29.

         (7)  OJ L 68, 15.3.2005, p. 44.

         (8)  OJ L 191, 22.7.2005, p. 18.

         (9)  OJ L 105, 13.4.2006, p. 1.

         (10)  OJ L 299, 8.11.2008, p. 1.

         (11)  OJ L 299, 8.11.2008, p. 43.

      ANNEX II

         List of the provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to the SIS within the meaning of Article 4(2) of the 2005 Act of Accession to be rendered applicable to the Member States concerned from the date provided in those provisions

                  1.

                  Regulation (EC) No 1986/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 regarding access to the Second Generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) by the services in the Member States responsible for issuing vehicle registration certificates (1);

                  2.

                  Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (2);

                  3.

                  Decision 2007/533/JHA of the Council of 12 June 2007 on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (3).

         (1)  OJ L 381, 28.12.2006, p. 1.

         (2)  OJ L 381, 28.12.2006, p. 4.

         (3)  OJ L 205, 7.8.2007, p. 63.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2015/214 of 10 February 2015 endorsing the Shift2Rail Master Plan

text:
               12.2.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 36/7

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2015/214
   of 10 February 2015
   endorsing the Shift2Rail Master Plan
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 642/2014 of 16 June 2014 establishing the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking, and in particular Article 1(4) of Annex I thereto (1),
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Shift2Rail Master Plan should be established and developed by the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking, in consultation with the European Railway Agency and the European Rail Research Advisory Council (ERRAC) Technology Platform, to drive innovation in the rail sector in the long term.

               (2)

               The Shift2Rail Master Plan should identify the key priorities and the essential operational and technological innovations required from all stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking outlined in Regulation (EU) No 642/2014.

               (3)

               The Shift2Rail Master Plan should be performance driven and structured around a limited number of key thematic areas or Innovation Programmes as identified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 642/2014.

               (4)

               The version of the Shift2Rail Master Plan approved by the Governing Board on 24 September 2014 and integrating major contributions from relevant stakeholders, constitutes the basis for the call for associated members launched by the Commission on 6 October 2014 in accordance with Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 642/2014 and the basis for establishing the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking's work plan,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Sole Article
   The Shift2Rail strategic Master Plan is hereby endorsed.

      Done at Brussels, 10 February 2015.

            For the Council

            The President

         E. RINKĒVIČS

      (1)  OJ L 177, 17.6.2014, p. 9.