Avis juridique important

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31981D1055

81/1055/EEC: Council Decision of 21 December 1981 on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters providing for provisional application of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Senegal and the European Economic Community amending the Agreement on fishing off the coast of Senegal, and of the Protocol thereto

Official Journal L 379 , 31/12/1981 P. 0064 - 0064

COUNCIL DECISION of 21 December 1981 on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters providing for provisional application of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Senegal and the European Economic Community amending the Agreement on fishing off the coast of Senegal, and of the Protocol thereto (81/1055/EEC)    THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,  Having regard to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Senegal and the European Economic Community on fishing off the coast of Senegal (1), and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 17 thereof,  Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,  Whereas, pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 17 of the Agreement on fishing off the coast of Senegal, the Community and Senegal negotiated to determine the amendments or additions to be made to the Annexes or the Protocol referred to in Article 9 thereof;  Whereas, as a result of these negotiations, an Agreement amending the abovementioned Agreement on fishing and a Protocol were initialled on 12 November 1981;  Whereas under that Agreement Community fishermen retain the fishing possibilities open to them in the waters under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of Senegal;  Whereas, in order to avoid any interruption in the fishing activities of Community vessels, the Agreement amending the Agreement and the Protocol in question should be approved as soon as possible;  Whereas, consequently, the two Parties initialled an exchange of letters providing for the provisional application of the initalled Agreement and Protocol, from the date of expiry of the arrangement laid down by the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters approved by Decision 81/860/EEC (2) ; whereas that Agreement and the Protocol thereto should be approved provisionally pending a final decision pursuant to Article 43 of the Treaty,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:     Article 1 The Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters providing for provisional application of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Senegal and the European Economic Community amending the Agreement on fishing off the coast of Senegal, and of the Protocol thereto, is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.  The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.    Article 2 The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the persons empowered to sign the Agreement in order to bind the Community.     Done at Brussels, 21 December 1981.  For the Council  The President  N. RIDLEY  (1) OJ No L 226, 29.8.1980, p. 17. (2) OJ No L 319, 7.11.1981, p. 22.


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/659 of 16 March 2015 on the signing and conclusion on behalf of the Union of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Central African Republic on the status in the Central African Republic of the European Union CSDP Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA)

text:
               28.4.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 108/1

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/659
   of 16 March 2015
   on the signing and conclusion on behalf of the Union of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Central African Republic on the status in the Central African Republic of the European Union CSDP Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 37 thereof, in conjunction with Article 218(5) and (6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 19 January 2015, the Council adopted Decision 2015/78/CFSP (1), which provides that the status of units and personnel of the CSDP Military Advisory Mission EUMAM RCA placed under Union control, including the privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the fulfilment and smooth functioning of their mission, is to be the subject of an agreement concluded pursuant to Article 37 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

               (2)

               Following the adoption on 19 January 2015 of a Decision by the Council authorising the opening of negotiations, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in accordance with Article 37 TEU, negotiated an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the Union and the Central African Republic on the status of EUMAM RCA.

               (3)

               In accordance with Article 5 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, Denmark does not participate in the elaboration and the implementation of decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications. Denmark does not participate in the implementation of this Decision and therefore does not participate in the financing of this mission.

               (4)

               The Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters should be approved,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Central African Republic on the status in the Central African Republic of the European Union CSDP Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA) is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.
   The text of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters is attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the respective letter in order to bind the Union.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 16 March 2015.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Council Decision 2015/78/CFSP of 19 January 2015 on a European Union CSDP Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA) (OJ L 13, 20.1.2015, p. 8).


title: 2007/641/EC: Council Decision of 1 October 2007 on the conclusion of consultations with the Republic of the Fiji Islands under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and Article 37 of the Development Cooperation Instrument

text:
               5.10.2007

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 260/15

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 1 October 2007
   on the conclusion of consultations with the Republic of the Fiji Islands under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and Article 37 of the Development Cooperation Instrument
   (2007/641/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   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 revised in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (2) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement’), and in particular Article 96 thereof,
   Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (3), and in particular Article 3 thereof,
   Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (4) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Development Cooperation Instrument’), and in particular Article 37 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The essential elements referred to in Article 9 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement have been violated.

               (2)

               The values referred to in Article 3 of the Development Cooperation Instrument have been violated.

               (3)

               On 18 April 2007, pursuant to Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and Article 37 of the Development Cooperation Instrument, formal consultations began with the ACP countries and the Republic of the Fiji Islands during which the Fijian authorities gave specific commitments to remedy the problems identified by the European Union and to implement them.

               (4)

               Some substantive initiatives have been taken in respect of some of the commitments referred to above; nevertheless many important commitments concerning essential elements of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and the Development Cooperation Instrument have yet to be implemented,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Consultations with the Republic of the Fiji Islands under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and Article 37 of the Development Cooperation Instrument are hereby concluded.
   Article 2
   The appropriate measures set out in the annexed letter are hereby adopted as appropriate measures under Article 96(2)(c) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and Article 37 of the Development Cooperation Instrument.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
   It shall expire on 1 October 2009. It shall be reviewed regularly at least once every six months.
   Article 4
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Luxembourg, 1 October 2007.

            For the Council

            The President

         M. LINO

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

      (2)  OJ L 287, 28.10.2005, p. 4.

      (3)  OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 376.

      (4)  OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 41.

      ANNEX

                  H.E. Ratu Josefa ILOILO

                  President of the Republic of the Fiji Islands

                  Suva

                  Fiji

            Excellency,
      The European Union attaches great importance to the provisions of Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement and Article 3 of the Development Cooperation Instrument. The ACP-EC partnership is founded on respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, which form the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement, and form the basis of our relations.
      On 11 December 2006 the Council of the European Union condemned the military takeover in Fiji.
      Under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, and considering that the military takeover which took place on 5 December 2006 constituted a violation of the essential elements listed in Article 9 of that Agreement, the EU invited Fiji to consultations in order, as provided for in the Agreement, to thoroughly examine the situation and, where necessary, take steps to remedy it.
      The formal part of those consultations began in Brussels on 18 April 2007. The Interim Government of Fiji made a presentation based on a submission dated 18 April 2007 on the reasons for the military takeover of 5 December 2006, on developments in the country’s situation since the takeover, and on the Interim Government’s programme for the transitional period.
      The EU took note of the Interim Government’s submission of 18 April 2007 to the EU.
      For its part, the EU was pleased that the Interim Government confirmed a number of key commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for democratic principles and the rule of law, as noted below, and proposed positive steps regarding their implementation. Fiji also agreed to close cooperation regarding the monitoring and verification of the commitments.
      Most of the commitments made in the context of the consultations will be implemented over an extended period, and it is consequently necessary to monitor and verify their implementation closely over time. The EU underlines that, following the credible general elections held in Fiji as recently as May 2006 and in the light of the findings and recommendations of the EU Election Monitoring Mission, and notably the final report from the EU Chief Observer, MEP Istvan Szent-Ivanyi, the EU is of the view that new and credible elections can be held well within the agreed deadline of 28 February 2009.
      The EU stresses the importance of early and full compliance with the agreed commitments listed in annex.
      The EU notes that the Interim Government, in accordance with the agreed commitments, had lifted the Public Emergency Regulations on 31 May 2007 and that it accepted the findings and recommendations of the Pacific Islands Forum independent election experts on 19 June 2007.
      The EU is concerned about the recent lack of progress by the interim Government on process and the substance of the commitments it has agreed to. The interim Government committed to regular dialogue and to giving full information to the EU on all matters linked to its other commitments. On substance, the EU notes in particular that the interim Government has yet to undertake a tribunal pursuant to Section 138(3) of the constitution due by 15 July 2007 and looks forward to a decision as soon as possible.
      In the spirit of partnership that underlies the Cotonou Agreement and in the light of the positive outcome of the consultations, the EU expressed its readiness to support implementation of Fiji’s commitments. The EU looks forward to regular dialogue meetings being resumed on a regular basis, in accordance with the commitment made by the Interim Government.
      The EU has adopted the following appropriate measures under Article 96(2)(c) of the revised Cotonou Agreement and Article 37 of the Development Cooperation Instrument:

                  —

                  humanitarian aid as well as direct support to civil society may continue,

                  —

                  cooperation activities under way and/or in preparation, in particular under the 8th and 9th EDFs may continue,

                  —

                  the 9th EDF End-of-term Review may proceed,

                  —

                  cooperation activities, which would help the return to democracy and improve governance, may be pursued, save under very exceptional circumstances,

                  —

                  implementation of the sugar reform accompanying measures for 2006 may proceed. The financing agreement was signed at the technical level by Fiji on 19 June 2007. It is noted that the financing agreement includes a suspension clause,

                  —

                  the Interim Government’s acceptance on 19 June 2007 of the report of 7 June 2007 by the Pacific Islands Forum’s independent election experts is in line with Commitment No 1 agreed on 18 April 2007 between the Interim Government and the EU. Consequently, the preparation and eventual signing of the multi-annual indicative programme for sugar reform accompanying measures for 2008-2010 can proceed,

                  —

                  the finalisation, signing at the technical level and implementation of the Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme for the 10th EDF with an indicative financial envelope, as well as the possible allocation of an incentive tranche of up to 25 % of this sum, will be subject to respect of the commitments made with regard to human rights and the rule of law; notably that the Interim Government upholds the Constitution, that the independence of the judiciary is fully respected and that the Public Emergency Regulations, reintroduced on 6 September 2007, are lifted as soon as possible, that all allegations of human rights infringements are investigated or dealt with in accordance with the various procedures and forums under the laws of the Fiji Islands and that the Interim Government shall use best endeavours to prevent statements by security agencies destined to intimidate,

                  —

                  the 2007 sugar allocation will be zero,

                  —

                  the 2008 sugar allocation will become available, subject to evidence of credible and timely preparation of elections in accordance with the agreed commitments; notably regarding census, redrafting of boundaries and electoral reform in accordance with the Constitution, that measures will be taken to ensure the functioning of the Elections Office, including the appointment by a Supervisor of Elections by 30 September 2007 in accordance with the Constitution,

                  —

                  the 2009 sugar allocation will become available subject to a legitimate government being in place,

                  —

                  the 2010 sugar allocation will depend on progress made in implementing the 2009 sugar allocation and the continuation of the democratic process,

                  —

                  additional support for the preparation and implementation of key commitments, in particular in support of the preparation and/or holding of elections, could be considered over and above what is described in this letter,

                  —

                  regional cooperation, and Fiji’s participation in it, is unaffected,

                  —

                  cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the Centre for the Development of Enterprise may continue subject to the timely fulfilment of commitments made.

            Follow-up of the commitments will be in accordance with the commitments on monitoring in terms of regular dialogue, cooperation with missions and reporting, as referred to in Annex.
      Furthermore, the EU expects Fiji to cooperate fully with the Pacific Islands Forum regarding the implementation of the recommendations by the Eminent Persons’ Group, as endorsed by the Forum Foreign Ministers at their meeting in Vanuatu on 16 March 2007.
      The European Union will continue to follow the situation in Fiji closely. Under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement, an enhanced political dialogue will be conducted with Fiji to ensure the respect for human rights, restoration of democracy and respect for the rule of law until both parties conclude that the enhanced nature of dialogue has served its purpose.
      If there is a slowing down, breakdown or reversal in the implementation by the Interim Government of the commitments made, the EU reserves the right to adjust the appropriate measures.
      The EU stresses that Fiji’s privileges in its cooperation with the EU depend on respect for the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement and for the values referred to in the Development Cooperation Instrument. In order to convince the EU that the interim government is fully prepared to follow-up on the commitments given, it is essential that early and substantial progress is made in the fulfilment of the agreed commitments.
      Yours sincerely,
      Done at Brussels,

            For the Commission

            For the Council

         Annex to the Annex
         AGREED COMMITMENTS WITH THE REPUBLIC OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
         A.   Respect for democratic principles
         Commitment No 1
         That free and fair parliamentary elections take place within 24 months from 1 March 2007 subject to the findings of the assessment to be carried out by the independent auditors appointed by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. The processes leading to and the holding of the elections shall be jointly monitored, adapted and revised as necessary on the basis of mutually agreed benchmarks. This implies in particular:

                     —

                     that by 30 June 2007 the Interim Government will adopt a schedule setting out dates for the completion of the various steps to be taken in preparation for the new Parliamentary Elections,

                     —

                     that the schedule specifies the timing of census, redrafting of boundaries and electoral reform,

                     —

                     that determination of boundaries and electoral reform shall be carried out in accordance with the Constitution,

                     —

                     that measures will be taken to ensure the functioning of the Elections Office including the appointment of a Supervisor of Elections by 30 September 2007 in accordance with the Constitution,

                     —

                     that the appointment of the Vice-President shall be made in accordance with the Constitution.

               Commitment No 2
         That the Interim Government, when adopting major legislative, fiscal and other policy initiatives and changes, shall take into account consultations with civil society and all other relevant stakeholders.
         B.   Rule of law
         Commitment No 1
         That the Interim Government shall use best endeavours to prevent statements by security agencies destined to intimidate.
         Commitment No 2
         That the Interim Government upholds the 1997 Constitution and guarantees the normal and independent functioning of Constitutional institutions, such as the Fiji Human Rights Commission, Public Service Commission, Constitutional Offices Commission. The substantial independence and functioning of the Great Council of Chiefs will be preserved.
         Commitment No 3
         That the independence of the judiciary is fully respected, that it is allowed to work freely and that its rulings are respected by all concerned parties, in particular:

                     —

                     that the Interim Government undertakes that the tribunal pursuant to Section 138(3) of the Constitution be appointed by 15 July 2007,

                     —

                     that any appointment and/or dismissal of judges is henceforth carried out in strict conformity with Constitutional provisions and procedural rules,

                     —

                     that no instances whatsoever occur, of whatever form, of interference by the military and the police or by the Interim Government with the judicial process, including full respect for the legal profession.

               Commitment No 4
         That all criminal proceedings linked to corruption are dealt with through the appropriate judicial channels and that any other bodies that may be set up to investigate alleged cases of corruption will operate within constitutional boundaries.
         C.   Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
         Commitment No 1
         The Interim Government will take all necessary steps to facilitate that all allegations of human rights infringements are investigated or dealt with in accordance with the various procedures and forums under the laws of the Fiji Islands.
         Commitment No 2
         The Interim Government intends to lift the Public Emergency Regulations in May 2007 subject to any threats to national security, public order and safety.
         Commitment No 3
         The Interim Government is committed to ensuring that the Fiji Human Rights Commission functions with full independence and in accordance with the Constitution.
         Commitment No 4
         That the freedom of expression and the freedom of the media, in all its forms are fully respected as provided in the Constitution.
         D.   Follow-up of commitments
         Commitment No 1
         That the Interim Government undertakes to maintain a regular dialogue to allow verification of progress made and gives EU and EC authorities/representatives full access to information on all matters linked to human rights, the peaceful restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Fiji.
         Commitment No 2
         That the Interim Government cooperates fully with eventual missions from the EU and the EC for assessing and monitoring progress.
         Commitment No 3
         That the Interim Government sends progress reports every three months starting 30 June 2007 regarding the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement and the commitments.
         It is noted that certain issues can only be effectively addressed through a pragmatic approach which acknowledges the realities of the present and which focuses on the future.


Avis juridique important

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31981D0240

81/240/EEC: Council Decision of 9 April 1981 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation extending the Agreement on a concerted action project in the field of registration of congenital abnormalities (medical and public health research)

Official Journal L 113 , 25/04/1981 P. 0044 Spanish special edition: Chapter 16 Volume 1 P. 0075  Portuguese special edition Chapter 16 Volume 1 P. 0075

****( 1 ) OJ NO L 43 , 14 . 2 . 1981 , P . 12 .        COUNCIL DECISION   OF 9 APRIL 1981   ON THE CONCLUSION OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE SWISS CONFEDERATION EXTENDING THE AGREEMENT ON A CONCERTED ACTION PROJECT IN THE FIELD OF REGISTRATION OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES ( MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH )  ( 81/240/EEC )   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN   COMMUNITIES ,   HAVING REGARD TO THE TREATY ESTABLISHING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ,   HAVING REGARD TO COUNCIL DECISION 81/21/EEC OF 20 JANUARY 1981 AMENDING DECISION 78/167/EEC ADOPTING A CONCERTED PROJECT OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY IN THE FIELD OF REGISTRATION OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES ( MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH ) ( 1 ),   HAVING REGARD TO THE DRAFT DECISION SUBMITTED BY THE COMMISSION ,   WHEREAS , ON 1 AUGUST 1980 , THE SWISS CONFEDERATION ACCEDED TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC ON A CONCERTED ACTION PROJECT IN THE FIELD OF REGISTRATION OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES ( MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH ), IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 6  ( 3 ) OF THAT AGREEMENT ; WHEREAS , THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC BECAME A MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ON 1 JANUARY 1981 , IT IS ADVISABLE TO CONCLUDE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND THE SWISS CONFEDERATION ;   WHEREAS THAT AGREEMENT SHOULD BE APPROVED ,   HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :   ARTICLE 1   THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE SWISS CONFEDERATION EXTENDING THE AGREEMENT ON A CONCERTED ACTION PROJECT IN THE FIELD OF REGISTRATION OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES ( MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH ) IS HEREBY APPROVED ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY .   THE TEXT OF THE AGREEMENT IS ATTACHED TO THIS DECISION .   ARTICLE 2   THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO DESIGNATE THE PERSONS EMPOWERED TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT IN ORDER TO BIND THE COMMUNITY .   DONE AT LUXEMBOURG , 9 APRIL 1981 .   FOR THE COUNCIL   THE PRESIDENT   D . F . VAN DER MEI ****    AGREEMENT   BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE SWISS CONFEDERATION EXTENDING THE AGREEMENT ON A CONCERTED ACTION PROJECT IN THE FIELD OF REGISTRATION OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES ( MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH )   THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ,   OF THE ONE PART , AND   THE SWISS CONFEDERATION ,   OF THE OTHER PART ,   CONSIDERING THAT , BY ITS DECISION OF 13 FEBRUARY 1978 , THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ADOPTED A COMMUNITY CONCERTED ACTION PROJECT IN THE FIELD OF REGISTRATION OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES ( MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH );   CONSIDERING THAT , AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC ON THE ABOVEMENTIONED CONCERTED ACTION PROJECT WAS SIGNED ON 14 DECEMBER 1979 ;   CONSIDERING THAT , ON 1 AUGUST 1980 , THE SWISS CONFEDERATION ACCEDED TO THAT AGREEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 6 ( 3 ) THEREOF ;   CONSIDERING THAT , BY ITS DECISION OF 20 JANUARY 1981 , THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES EXTENDED UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 1981 THE COMMUNITY CONCERTED ACTION PROJECT IN THE FIELD OF REGISTRATION OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES ( MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH ;   CONSIDERING THAT , BEARING IN MIND THE PRESENT STATE OF THE WORK PROVIDED FOR IN THE ABOVEMENTIONED AGREEMENT , THE EXTENSION OF THE DURATION OF THE LATTER BY ONE YEAR WOULD ENABLE THE GREATEST BENEFIT TO BE DERIVED FROM THE EFFORT MADE ;   CONSIDERING THAT , THIS EXTENSION WILL NOT GIVE RISE TO ANY INCREASE IN FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS EITHER OF THE COMMUNITY OR OF THE SWISS CONFEDERATION ;   CONSIDERING THAT , THE AGREEMENT IN QUESTION SHOULD THEREFORE BE EXTENDED UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 1981 ,   HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS :   ARTICLE 1   THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE SWISS CONFEDERATION ON A CONCERTED ACTION PROJECT IN THE FIELD OF REGISTRATION OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES ( MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH ) SHALL BE EXTENDED UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 1981 .   ARTICLE 2   THIS AGREEMENT , DRAWN UP IN A SINGLE ORIGINAL IN THE DANISH , DUTCH , ENGLISH , FRENCH , GERMAN , GREEK AND ITALIAN LANGUAGES , EACH TEXT BEING EQUALLY AUTHENTIC , SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE ARCHIVES OF THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES , WHICH SHALL TRANSMIT A CERTIFIED COPY TO EACH OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES .


Avis juridique important

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31993D0521

93/521/EEC: Commission Decision of 3 September 1993 accepting undertakings given in connection with the anti-dumping review in respect of imports of binder and baler twine originating in Brazil, terminating the anti- subsidy review proceeding with regard to these imports and terminating the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy review in respect of imports of binder and baler twine originating in Mexico

Official Journal L 251 , 08/10/1993 P. 0028 - 0034

COMMISSION DECISION of 3 September 1993 accepting undertakings given in connection with the anti-dumping review in respect of imports of binder and baler twine originating in Brazil, terminating the anti-subsidy review proceeding with regard to  these imports and terminating the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy review in respect of imports of binder and baler twine originating in Mexico(93/521/EEC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,  Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2423/88 of 11 July 1988 on protection against dumped or subsidized imports from countries not members of the European Economic Community (1), and in particular Articles 9, 10, 14 and 15 thereof,  After consultation within the Advisory Committee as provided for under the above Regulation,  Whereas:   A. PROCEDURE  (1) In January 1987, by Decision 87/66/EEC (2), the Community terminated the investigations in connection with the review of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures concerning imports of binder and baler twine originating in Brazil and  Mexico on the grounds that the Brazilian and Mexican producers gave and had confirmed undertakings which were considered acceptable.  (2) Following the publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities in August 1991 of a notice of the impending expiry of the measures in force (3), the Commission received a request for a review lodged by the Liaison Committee of EEC  Twine and Cordage Industries (Eurocord) on behalf of producers representing substantially all production of the product concerned in the Community. Subsequently, in a notice published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (4), the  Commission announced the initiation of a review of Decision 87/66/EEC concerning imports of binder and baler twine originating in Brazil and Mexico.  (3) The Commission officially advised the representative of the exporting countries, the Brazilian and Mexican producers, the sole importer known to be concerned and the Community producers, of the above initiation.  It called on the parties concerned to reply to the questionnaires sent to them, and gave them the opportunity to make known their views in writing and to request a hearing.  (4) The Brazilian and Mexican authorities made their views known in writing and cooperated with the Commission.  All Community producers replied to the questionnaires and made their views known in writing. The Brazilian producers and their main agent in the Community made their views known in writing and requested and were granted a hearing.  (5) The following Brazilian companies which had offered undertakings in 1987, comprising all Brazilian producers known to export to the Community and their main agent in the Community, Vendcord Ltd, Farnham, Surrey (United Kingdom), cooperated with the  Commission:  - Brascorda SA, Bayeux (Paraíba),  - Cisaf SA, Natal (Rio Grande do Norte),  - Cisal SA, Bayeux (Paraíba),  - Cosiba SA, Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro),  - Fibrasa SA, Bayeux (Paraíba),  - Fisalplast SA, Salvador (Bahia), (company acting also on behalf of Unisal SA, Salvador (Bahia)),  - Sisalana SA, Simões Filho (Bahia),  - Stella Azzurra SA, Simões Filho (Bahia).  (6) The Mexican authorities informed the Commission that Cordemex SA de CV (Mérida, Yucatán), the producer in Mexico that had offered an undertaking in 1977 which was confirmed in 1987, had now ceased to exist and that three of its factories had been  sold. These producers were contacted by the Commission but having just started operations were unable to supply any relevant data.  (7) The Commission sought and verified all the information available for the purpose of determining dumping and all the information it deemed necessary for the purpose of determining injury and the threat of injury and carried out inspections at the  premises of the following Community producers, representing at least 70 % of Community production of the product concerned:  - Bihr Frères SA, Uriménil, France,  - Cordex SA, Esmoriz, Portugal,  - Corfi SA, Espinho, Portugal,  - Filatures et Corderies de Sainte Germaine SA, Bruges, France,  - Quintas &  Quintas SA, Povóa de Varzim, Portugal,  - L. P. Weidemann &  Soenner I/S, Rudkoebing, Denmark.  (8) The period selected for the investigation of dumping and subsidization was 1 October 1990 to 30 September 1991.   B. DUMPING   1. Brazil  (9) No Brazilian producer provided the necessary information regarding its domestic selling prices, selling prices to third countries and costs of production in Brazil. As a result, the Commission was unable to make an examination of normal  value as provided for in Article 2 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 2423/88. On the basis of the information submitted neither the appropriateness of any method for establishing normal value could be determined nor individual dumping calculations completed.  Accordingly, individual findings regarding dumping by the Brazilian producers had to be established in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 (7) (b) of Regulation (EEC) No 2423/88.  (10) For the purpose of determining dumping, the only verified facts available were the findings from the previous investigation, as detailed in recital 17 of Decision 87/66/EEC. No Brazilian producer questioned the conclusion that dumping persisted at  least at this level. Indeed, this conclusion was confirmed by the examination of official statistical data regarding Brazilian sales to the United States in 1991. A global comparison on that basis with export prices to the Community during the  investigation period showed an even higher dumping margin concerning Brazilian exports of binder and baler twine taken as a whole.  Furthermore, each Brazilian producer informed the Commission that they were ready to offer a new undertaking in respect of their exports of binder and baler twine to the Community and none of them questioned the fact that this offer implied a  recognition of the persistence of dumping at a level which was at least equal to that established during the previous investigation.   2. Mexico  (11) As no producing companies in Mexico were fully operational during the period of investigation and as no imports into the Community of binder and baler twine originating in Mexico have been registered since 1989, no investigation into  dumping could be carried out.   C. SUBSIDIES   1. Brazil  (12) Without any new allegations from the Community industry regarding subsidies, the Commission examined the current situation of the Brazilian schemes that had been found to constitute countervailable subsidies during the previous  investigation.  (a) Income tax relief on profits from exports (13) It was established during the previous investigation that a scheme created by Decree Law No 1158 of 16 March 1971 (and subsequently extended by laws in 1977 and 1986) provided for exemption from income tax for profits earned on exports. The  exporters of binder and baler twine benefited from this exemption, which was found to constitute a countervailable export subsidy.  (14) The Brazilian authorities provided evidence to the Commission that, from February 1988, a gradually increasing rate of income tax was levied on profits earned from exports, until, by Law No 8034 of 12 April 1990, the system of reduced tax rates on  profits from exports was effectively abolished and such profits were taxed at the normal rate of income tax.  (b) IPI tax credit premium (15) The Brazilian authorities produced evidence to confirm that this credit premium system was terminated on 1 May 1985, as stated in Decision 87/66/EEC.  (c) Concessionary financing system for exports (16) It was established in the previous investigation that the system of granting loans at preferential rates to exports constituted an export subsidy. Indeed, in accordance with Resolution No 1009 of the Central Bank of Brazil of 2 May 1985, exporters  in receipt of such loans were paying interest at the market rate minus an equalization rate of 15 %. The amount of this equalization rate was paid by the fund for the financing of exports (Finex) to the commercial banks providing the loans to, among  others, the exporters of binder and baler twine.  (17) The Brazilian authorities showed that the programme in question was terminated by Resolution No 1744 of 30 March 1990 and that Finex was abolished in October 1990. Finex has been replaced by Proex (programme for financing of exports), for which it  has been shown the exporters of binder and baler twine are not eligible.  (d) Conclusion (18) In view of the above, the Commission considered that no countervailable subsidies were granted to exporters of binder and baler twine in Brazil during the investigation period.   2. Mexico  (19) Without any new allegations from the Community industry concerning subsidies, the Commission examined the current situation regarding subsidization of binder and baler twine exports from Mexico. In this respect, the 'Secretaria de  Comercio y Fomento Industrial' of Mexico certified that no subsidies were given by the government of Mexico for the production or export of binder and baler twine.   D. EFFECTS OF THE EXPIRY OF THE UNDERTAKINGS   1. Current situation regarding the market and Community industry  (a) Apparent consumption (20) Between the agricultural season 1986/87 (1 October 1986 to 30 September 1987) and the investigation period, the consumption of binder and baler twine in the Community decreased by 29 % (i.e. by 16 948 tonnes). This reflected a world-wide trend,  which was slightly more pronounced within the Community.  In addition, contrary to what was generally expected six years ago, this decrease was not due to a switch to synthetic agricultural twine but mainly to changes in harvesting methods. Indeed, during the abovementioned period, the consumption of synthetic  agricultural twine increased by only 8,9 % (i.e. by 3 779 tonnes, representing 7 558 tonnes of sisal equivalent).  (b) Capacity, capacity utilization and production (21) Between 1987 and 1991, the Community spinning industry carried on with the restructuring process initiated in the early 1980s. The following Community producers ceased production of binder and baler twine:  - Bridon Fibres Ltd, Doncaster, United Kingdom,  - Campanini Ugo Spa, Pieve di Cento, Italy,  - Irish Ropes Ltd, Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland,  - Lankhorst Touwfabrieken bv, Sneek, Netherlands,  - Ostend Stores nv, Oostende, Belgium,  - Sisal Spa, Piacenza, Italy,  - Filariane, Saint-Ouen, France.  In addition, one Community producer, Filature du Vert Gazon SA, Valenciennes, France, shut down completely.  (22) The restructuring process helped the remaining producers to maintain their production and capacity utilization rate at about 60 % of their installed capacity, although the overall production in the Community was reduced from 40 400 tonnes in  1986/87 to 38 550 tonnes in 1990/91.  (c) Stocks (23) The examination of stock levels at the end of the four last agricultural seasons revealed that the Community industry was encountering increasing difficulties in selling its production.  (d) Sales and market share (24) During the period 1986/87 to 1990/91, Community producers taken as a whole reduced their sales but were able to maintain their market share at about 60 % of the apparent consumption of binder and baler twine in the Community.  (e) Price suppression (25) Over the period 1987/88 to 1990/91, Community producers' selling prices in the Community increased, on average, by 12,4 %. However their total costs increased, on average, by 21,5 %.  (26) The Commission therefore considered that, despite the price increase, Community producers suffered from price suppression during the last four agricultural seasons, since they were prevented from passing on to their customers the full amount of  their cost increase.  (f) Profitability (27) The Commission found that the Community industry's financial results for the binder and baler twine sector, already at a low level between 1986 and 1988, deteriorated during the agricultural season 1989/90, then slightly improved during the  reference period.  (g) Employment (28) The abovementioned restructuring process in the Community resulted in job losses (about 300 according to best estimates), worsened by the fact that the remaining producers were also obliged (or decided within the framework of plans aiming at an  improved productivity) to reduce their personnel employed in the sisal sector by about 13 % between 1987 and 1991.  (h) Conclusion (29) The examination of the above indicators led the Commisison to conclude that the Community industry was still in a relatively weak position, from the point of view of employment, capacity utilization, stocks and profitability. The restructuring  process benefited the remaining producers, but appeared to have reached its efficiency limits.   2. Current situation regarding the volume, market share and prices of imports  (a) Volume and market share of imports (30) Considered as a whole during the same period, imports from third countries have decreased by 30 %, i.e. in very close proportion to the decrease in consumption on the Community market. Indeed:  - Mexico has ceased to supply the Community market since 1989,  - Brazil's deliveries increased between the agricultural seasons 1986/87 and 1987/88, then substantially decreased mainly because of the impact on consumption of weather conditions in 1989/90 in the Community. Since the beginning of 1991, this decrease  should be related to the withdrawal of tariff concession. Indeed, by Council Regulation (EEC) No 283/91 (5), the conventional rate applicable to binder and baler twine (12 %) was suspended, the autonomous duty restored and increased from 16 to 25 %  regarding sisal products. Meanwhile, the Brazilian producers' market share (calculated on apparent consumption) dropped to 17,8 % during the agricultural season 1989/90 and 12,5 % during the season 1990/91,  - other third countries supplying binder and baler twine to the Community, mainly Tanzania (country benefiting from the GSP scheme) maintained their positions or even increased their deliveries. Taken as a whole, imports from third countries other than  Brazil, which in 1986/87 represented a market share of 14 % (on apparent consumption), reached 17,6 % in 1989/90 and 22 % in 1990/91.  (b) Prices of imports (31) During calendar years 1990 and 1991, the average selling prices (in ecus) of Brazilian producers within the Community, after release into free circulation, decreased by 11,5 %. This price decrease means that the increase in Community customs duty  had no impact on the price finally paid by their customers in the Community.  (32) For the purposes of calculating whether undercutting had occurred, the weighted average sales prices of the six main Brazilian producers were compared with the weighted average sales prices of Community producers' like products on the Belgian,  Danish, French, German and United Kingdom markets (Member States where the Brazilian producers sold binder and baler twine during the reference period). The comparison was made on the same types of products and the same level of trade was respected in  all cases. The comparison was made at the customs cleared stage for the Brazilian sales (i.e. taking account of the 25 % duty applicable to these imports since February 1991) and at the delivered stage for the products sold by Community producers.  The comparison confirmed the existence of undercutting practices regarding all Brazilian exports to the Community. The weighted average level of price undercutting was found to be 13,1 %.  (33) As far as the other third countries supplying binder and baler twine to the Community are concerned (mainly Tanzania), it was found that their imports had been made at prices markedly higher than those for the product originating in Brazil.  (c) Conclusion (34) From the above, it appeared that the weak position of Community industry during the investigation period was related to a substantial extent to the prices of Brazilian imports. Since the market is very price-transparent and price-sensitive, the  Brazilian low-priced deliveries due to dumping had a negative effect, in the form of price suppression, on the prices of the Community industry.  Indeed, the price pressure exerted by Brazilian imports prevented Community producers from taking full account of their increasing costs. They managed to maintain their market share, but given the depressive effect of the Brazilian imports, did so to  the detriment of their profitability.   3. Foreseeable effects of the expiry of the undertakings concerning Brazil  (35) The Commission examined, whether, considering the above data, the expiry of the anti-dumping measures in force regarding Brazil would lead again to material injury being  caused to the Community industry. This forecast was mainly based on recent developments concerning Brazilian exports on third countries' markets and on the information provided by Brazilian producers regarding their available production capacity and  capacity utilization rate.  (a) Developments of Brazilian exports on third countries' markets (36) The examination of recent developmens on other third countries' markets where the Brazilian producers were very active, mainly the USA and Sweden, led the Commisison to consider that the risk of the disappearance of the Community industry was not  theoretical.  (37) On the United States market, where the last domestic producers disappeared in the early 1980s, Brazilian spinners have now established a steady market share ranging between 60 to 75 % of total consumption (corresponding to annual deliveries of  about 50 000 tonnes).  In recent years, Brazilian prices on the United States market increased steadily, reaching ECU 744 per tonne in 1991 (US $ 0,922 per kg in 1991, while the average price of total imports was US $ 0,884 per kg). This price of ECU 744 per tonne was 37 %  higher than their average selling price to the Community (ECU 543,8 per tonne) during the same period. Such a pricing policy on the United States market certainly facilitated the practice by Brazilian producers of dumped prices on the Community market.   (38) In Sweden, where the sole domestic producer has also disappeared, Brazilian producers have now gained a major market share. In 1991/92, a slight price increase for Brazilian deliveries was noticed, together with a further increase in market share,  which reached 72 %.  (39) This situation was made worse by the fact that Brazil is the major producer of both sisal fibre and twine in the world and constitutes a threat to a Community industry that could be the victim, in the near future, of a similar strategy as the one  that Brazilian producers appear to have applied on the United States and Swedish markets.  (b) Available capacities (40) The Brazilian producers did not make the same efforts as Community producers to reduce their over-capacity. They still have an overall annual production capacity of at least 120 000 tonnes and no domestic outlet at all for this capacity. In  addition, their average capacity utilization rate appears to be below 55 %. In these conditions, it is highly foreseeable that they could use this capacity to increase their penetration on the Community market at low prices.  (c) Conclusion (41) Considering the relatively weak situation (still caused by dumped imports) of the Community industry in a declining market which has been highly influenced by the prices of imports from Brazil, and the trends or facts set out above, it appeared  that, if the measure concerning Brazil was allowed to lapse, the risk of recurrence of material injury was, in the short term, considerable. This threat is therefore both foreseeable and, should the measure lapse, imminent.   E. COMMUNITY INTEREST  (42) In considering the extent to which it would be in the Community interest to maintain measures in force, the Commission has taken account of the interest of the Community industry producing binder and baler twine and of the  consumers of the product concerned. In this respect it is recalled that, in Decision 87/66/EEC, the Council had established that measures are in the Community interest.  The underlying elements for that conclusion have not changed substantially. Indeed, the investigation has shown that, in the absence of measures, a continuation of the trends observed would lead to the most negative consequences for the Community  industry concerned and, following a period of severe restructuring, would endanger its continued viability. The loss of this industry would have serious consequences from the point of view of employment and investment expenditure.  (43) As far as consumers are concerned, it appeared that the product in question was generally traded by farmers' cooperatives and companies specialized in harvesting machinery. Neither these intermediaries nor any end users' representatives manifested  themselves thoughout the proceeding.  (44) During the previous investigation, it was considered that, as binder and baler twine appeared to be substitutable with synthetic twine and the latter less expensive, Community producers were likely to convert production, if not in the short term,  at least in the forthcoming years. Then, the only reasons for farmers' possible reluctance in adopting synthetic twine were found in tradition which was limited to certain areas. The measures were therefore set up with a view to permitting a smoother  conversion to the alternative product (see recital 35 of Decision 87/66/EEC).  (45) This forecast has turned out to be inaccurate. Firstly, in the meantime increasing ecological concerns are now militating in favour of the use of natural products. Secondly, the replacement by farmers of their machinery was delayed by the  difficulties encountered by this sector, which are not likely to disappear in the short term. As only the highest segment of the most modern harvesting machinery requires a thin synthetic twine, it appears that sisal agricultural twine still has a  future and will remain a product that Community producers, considered as a whole, should be able to offer. Otherwise, the overall survival of the Community spinning industry, including synthetic, could be threatened.  (46) From all the above considerations, the Commission concluded that the interest of the Community clearly lies in maintaining protection for its binder and baler twine industry against unfair imports originating in Brazil.   F. TERMINATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF UNDERTAKING  (47) In view of the above findings, the Commission concluded that the anti-subsidy review proceeding should be terminated with regard to both Brazil and Mexico.  (48) Since there was no indication of dumping by Mexican producers, the Commission also concluded that the review of Decision 87/66/EEC as it concerned imports of binder and baler twine originating in Mexico should be terminated without imposing  protective measures, with the effect that the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures in force with regard to Mexico lapse.  (49) As grounds for maintaining measures regarding Brazil were found within the framework of the anti-dumping review investigation, the Commission considered that the measures in force in respect of Brazil should be renewed in such a way that they will  remain proportionate to the threat of injury found during the investigation in relation to dumping.  (50) For this purpose, the Commission examined whether price undertakings could replace the existing quantitative undertakings. In this respect, the Commission found that the arguments which had previously led to the acceptance of quantitative  undertakings were still valid. Indeed, in the absence of an international spot quotation concerning sisal fibre, variations in price of the prime material cannot be monitored and create a factor of unpredictability as to whether a price undertaking  would still be effective shortly after its acceptance. On the other hand, the quantitative measures in force in respect of Brazil were to a certain extent effective and could be adapted to changes in the size of the Community market.  The Commission examined the new undertakings offered by the Brazilian producers (see recital 10) and considered that the new terms and conditions of these undertakings, which would maintain the level of imports up to an amount that should avoid the  reappearance of material injury to the Community industry, were acceptable.  In addition, these undertakings were considered as a proportionate and appropriate remedy since their correct observance can be effectively monitored by the Commission. To this effect, the Brazilian producers have undertaken to submit to the Commission  detailed and regular reports on their exports to the Community.  (51) Should these undertakings not be complied with or be withdrawn by one or several producers concerned, the Commission could, in accordance with Article 10 (6) of Regulation (EEC) No 2423/88, immediately impose on imports from the producers concerned  a provisional anti-dumping duty on the basis of the results and conclusions of the investigation set out in recitals 9 and 10.  (52) When the Advisory Committee was consulted on the acceptance of the undertakings offered, three Member States raised objections. Therefore, in accordance with Article 9 and 10 (1) of Regulation (EEC) No 2423/88, the Commission sent a report to the  Council on the results of the consultations and a proposal that the investigation be terminated by the acceptance of undertakings. As the Council has not decided otherwise within one month, the present Decision should stand adopted,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:   Article 1  The undertakings given by:  - Brascorda SA, Bayeux (Paraíba),  - Cisaf SA, Natal (Rio Grande do Norte),  - Cisal SA, Bayeux (Paraíba),  - Cosibra SA, Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro),  - Fibrasa SA, Bayeux (Paraíba),  - Fisalplast SA, Salvador (Bahia),  - Sisalana SA, Simões Filho (Bahia),  - Stella Azzurra SA, Simões Filho (Bahia),  - Unisal SA, Salvador (Bahia),  in connection with the anti-dumping review of Decision 87/66/EEC, as regards imports of binder and baler twine falling within CN code ex 5607 21 00 originating in Brazil, are hereby accepted.   Article 2  The anti-subsidy review proceeding with regard to imports of binder and baler twine falling within CN code ex 5607 21 00, originating in Brazil, is hereby terminated.   Article 3  The anti-dumping and anti-subsidy review of Decision 87/66/EEC, as regards imports of binder and baler twine falling within CN code ex 5607 21 00 originating in Mexico, is hereby terminated, with the effect that the anti-dumping and  anti-subsidy measures in force concerning these imports lapse.   Article 4  This Decision shall take effect on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.  Done at Brussels, 3 September 1993.  For the Commission Leon BRITTAN Vice-President  (1) OJ No L 209, 2. 8. 1988, p. 1.  (2) OJ No L 34, 5. 2. 1987, p. 55.  (3) OJ No C 206, 7. 8. 1991, p. 2.  (4) OJ No C 111, 30. 4. 1992, p. 11.  (5) OJ No L 35, 7. 2. 1991, p. 1.


title: Council Decision of 12 October 2017 amending Decision 1999/70/EC concerning the external auditors of the national central banks, as regards the external auditors of the Banco de Portugal

text:
               18.10.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 350/2

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 12 October 2017
   amending Decision 1999/70/EC concerning the external auditors of the national central banks, as regards the external auditors of the Banco de Portugal
   (2017/C 350/03)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to Protocol No 4 on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 27.1 thereof,
   Having regard to the Recommendation of the European Central Bank of 24 August 2017 to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of the Banco de Portugal (ECB/2017/24) (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The accounts of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of the national central banks of the Member States whose currency is the euro are to be audited by independent external auditors recommended by the ECB’s Governing Council and approved by the Council of the European Union.

               (2)

               The mandate of the Banco de Portugal’s current external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers & Associados — Sociedade de Revisores Oficiais de Contas, Lda., ended after the audit for the financial year 2016. It is therefore necessary to appoint external auditors for the Banco de Portugal from the financial year 2017.

               (3)

               Banco de Portugal has selected Deloitte & Associados — Sociedade de Revisores Oficiais de Contas SA as its external auditors for the financial years 2017 to 2021.

               (4)

               The Governing Council of the ECB has recommended that Deloitte & Associados — Sociedade de Revisores Oficiais de Contas SA should be appointed as the external auditors of the Banco de Portugal for the financial years 2017 to 2021.

               (5)

               Following the recommendation of the Governing Council of the ECB, Council Decision 1999/70/EC (2) should be amended accordingly,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   In Article 1 of Decision 1999/70/EC, paragraph 10 is replaced by the following:

      ‘10.   Deloitte & Associados — Sociedade de Revisores Oficiais de Contas SA is hereby approved as the external auditors of the Banco de Portugal for the financial years 2017 to 2021.’.

   Article 2
   This Decision shall take effect on the date of its notification.
   Article 3
   This Decision is addressed to the ECB.

      Done at Luxembourg, 12 October 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         U. REINSALU

      (1)  OJ C 292, 2.9.2017, p. 1.

      (2)  Council Decision 1999/70/EC of 25 January 1999 concerning the external auditors of the national central banks (OJ L 22, 29.1.1999, p. 69).


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32004D0626

Decision No 626/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 amending Decision No 508/2000/EC establishing the Culture 2000 programme (Text with EEA relevance)

Official Journal L 099 , 03/04/2004 P. 0003 - 0003

Decision No 626/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Councilof 31 March 2004amending Decision No 508/2000/EC establishing the Culture 2000 programme(Text with EEA relevance)THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 151 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions(1),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty(2),Whereas:(1) Decision No 508/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 February 2000 establishing the Culture 2000 programme(3) set up a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation for a period running from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2004.(2) It is important to ensure the continuity of Community cultural action in implementation of the Community's responsibilities under Article 151 of the Treaty.(3) The Culture 2000 programme should therefore be extended for two years until 31 December 2006.(4) The revision of the financial perspective with a view to enlargement provides for an increased ceiling on heading 3 which has to be respected by the legislative authority when extending existing programmes.(5) It is essential that the Commission provide a full and detailed assessment report on the Culture 2000 Programme by 31 December 2005, so as to enable the European Parliament and the Council to consider the proposal for a new framework programme for Community action on culture, announced for 2004 and planned to enter into force in 2007,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1Decision No 508/2000/EC is hereby amended as follows:1. in Article 1, first paragraph, the date of 31 December 2004 is replaced by 31 December 2006;2. in Article 3, first paragraph, the amount of EUR 167 million is replaced by EUR 236,5 million.Article 2This Decision shall enter into force on the 20th day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.It shall apply from 1 January 2005.Done at Strasbourg, 31 March 2004.For the European ParliamentThe PresidentP. CoxFor the CouncilThe PresidentD. Roche(1) OJ C 23, 27.1.2004, p. 20.(2) Opinion of the European Parliament of 16 December 2003 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 8 March 2004.(3) OJ L 63, 10.3.2000, p. 1.


title: Appointment of the Commission European Parliament decision of 9 February 2010 giving consent to the appointment of the Commission

text:
               16.12.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               CE 341/79

         Tuesday 9 February 2010Appointment of the Commission
   P7_TA(2010)0010
   European Parliament decision of 9 February 2010 giving consent to the appointment of the Commission
   2010/C 341 E/17

      The European Parliament,
   having regard to Article 17(7) of the EU Treaty and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty,
   having regard to Council Decision 2009/532/EC (1), meeting in the composition of Heads of State or Government, of 9 July 2009 nominating Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso as President of the Commission,
   having regard to the ‘Political Guidelines for the next Commission’ presented by the President-elect of the Commission on 3 September 2009,
   having regard to its decision of 16 September 2009 (2) electing Mr Durão Barroso as President of the Commission,
   having regard to European Council Decision 2009/950/EU, taken with the agreement of the President of the Commission, of 4 December 2009 appointing the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (3),
   having regard to Council Decision 2010/41/EU, Euratom, taken by common accord with the President-elect of the Commission, of 22 January 2010 adopting the list of the other persons whom the Council proposes for appointment as Members of the Commission (4),
   having regard to the hearings of the Commissioners-designate before the parliamentary committees responsible, held from 11 January to 3 February 2010, and to the committees’ evaluations of the Commissioners-designate after the hearings,
   having regard to the evaluations conducted at the meetings of the Conference of Presidents of 21 January and 4 February 2010,
   having regard to the statement made in plenary sitting by the President-elect of the Commission on 9 February 2010,
   having regard to Rule 106 of, and Annex XVII to, its Rules of Procedure,

               1.

               Gives its consent to the appointment of the President, the Vice-President for External Relations (High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) and the other Members of the Commission, as a body, for the term of office running to 31 October 2014;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision to the European Council and the Council of Ministers.

      (1)  OJ L 179, 10.7.2009, p. 61.

      (2)  Minutes of that date, P7_PV(2009)09-16, Item 7.1.

      (3)  OJ L 328, 15.12.2009, p. 69.

      (4)  OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 5.


title: Council Decision (EU) 2016/2342 of 12 December 2016 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, of the Protocol to the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union

text:
               21.12.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 348/1

         COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2016/2342
   of 12 December 2016
   on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, of the Protocol to the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 207 and 209, in conjunction with point (a) of Article 218(6) thereof,
   Having regard to the Act of Accession of the Republic of Croatia, and in particular Article 6(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               In accordance with Council Decision 2014/717/EU (2), the Protocol to the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’) has been signed, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

               (2)

               The Protocol should be approved,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The Protocol to the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union is hereby approved on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
   The text of the Protocol is attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to deposit, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, the instrument of approval provided for in Article 4(1) of the Protocol.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 12 December 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Consent of 17 December 2015 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

      (2)  Council Decision 2014/717/EU of 8 October 2014 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, of the Protocol to the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (OJ L 300, 18.10.2014, p. 1).


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31999D0729

1999/729/CFSP: Council Decision of 15 November 1999 implementing Council Common Position 1999/728/CFSP concerning EU support for the implementation of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement and the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Official Journal L 294 , 16/11/1999 P. 0004 - 0004

COUNCIL DECISIONof 15 November 1999implementing Council Common Position 1999/728/CFSP concerning EU support for the implementation of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement and the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo(1999/729/CFSP)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to Common Position 1999/728/CFSP concerning EU support for the implementation of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement and the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in particular Article 3, in conjunction with Article 23(2) of the Treaty on European Union.Whereas:(1) In accordance with Article 3 of Common Position 1999/728/CFSP the Union intends to support the Joint Military Commission (JMC) set up in the Lusaka ceasefire agreement to allow it to fulfil its tasks as specified in its Rules of Procedure;(2) The European Union intends therefore to offer financial support and technical assistance to non-military aspects of the JMC activities,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 11. The European Union shall contribute towards operational, non-military expenditure to enable the Joint Military Commission to deploy its observers in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a six month period and fulfil its tasks as specified in its Rules of Procedure.2. The funds shall be channelled through the organisation for African Unity (OAU) and be covered by a separate agreement with the OAU with appropriate provisions for disbursement, accounting and auditing.Article 21. The financial reference amount for the purposes referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 1200000.2. The expenditure financed by the amount stipulated in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the European Union.Article 3This Decision shall take effect on the date of its adoption.It shall expire on 8 May 2000.Article 4This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal.Done at Brussels, 15 November 1999.For the CouncilThe PresidentT. HALONEN


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31977D0586

77/586/EEC: Council Decision of 25 July 1977 concluding the Convention for the protection of the Rhine against chemical pollution and an Additional Agreement to the Agreement, signed in Berne on 29 April 1963, concerning the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine against Pollution

Official Journal L 240 , 19/09/1977 P. 0035 - 0052 Spanish special edition: Chapter 15 Volume 2 P. 0046  Portuguese special edition Chapter 15 Volume 2 P. 0046  DA L 240 19/09/1977 P. 0051-0052 DE L 240 19/09/1977 P. 0051-0052 EN L 240 19/09/1977 P. 0035-0036 FR L 240 19/09/1977 P. 0035-0036 IT L 240 19/09/1977 P. 0051-0052 NL L 240 19/09/1977 P. 0051-0052

COUNCIL DECISION  of 25 July 1977  concluding the Convention for the protection of the Rhine against chemical pollution and an Additional Agreement to the Agreement, signed in Berne on 29 April 1963, concerning the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine against Pollution  (77/586/EEC)  THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof,  Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,  Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),  Having regard to the declaration of the Council of the European Communities and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting in the Council of 22 November 1973 on the European Communities action programme on the environment (2),  Whereas, in particular, this programme emphasizes that the entire Community is concerned to prevent and reduce freshwater pollution;  Whereas Council Directive 76/464/EEC of 4 May 1976 on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community (3) provides that certain measures are to be implemented by the Community in order to reduce the various types of pollution, in particular that of inland surface waters and territorial seas;  Whereas the Convention on the protection of the Rhine against chemical pollution, signed in Bonn on 3 December 1976, provides in particular that suitable measures should be adopted to prevent and reduce pollution of inland surface waters and sea water ; whereas some of the measures concern substances to which the abovementioned Directive applies;  Whereas Community participation in the implementation of the Convention in question requires that the Community become party to the Agreement concerning the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine against Pollution signed in Berne on 29 April 1963;  Whereas that Agreement was amended accordingly by an Additional Agreement signed in Bonn on 3 December 1976;  Whereas it appears necessary for the Community to conclude this Convention and Additional Agreement in order to attain, in the course of the operation of the common market, one of the objectives of the Community as regards the protection of the environment and of the quality of life ; whereas, moreover, provision is not made in the Treaty for the powers necessary to this end;  Whereas the Convention and the Additional Agreement have been signed on behalf of the Community,  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:    Article 1 The Convention for the protection of the Rhine against chemical pollution and the Additional Agreement to the Agreement, signed in Berne on 29 April 1963, concerning the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine against Pollution are hereby concluded on behalf of the European Economic Community.  The texts of the Convention and the Additional Agreement are annexed to this Decision.   Article 2 The President of the Council of the European Communities shall, on behalf of the European  (1)OJ No C 293, 13.12.1976, p. 63. (2)OJ No C 112, 20.12.1973, p. 1. (3)OJ No L 129, 18.5.1976, p. 23.   Economic Community, deposit the instrument of conclusion provided for in Article 17 of the Convention and Article 4 of the Additional Agreement (1).   Article 3 The Community shall be represented by the Commission in the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine against Pollution.  The Commission shall in that body put forward the position of the Community in accordance with such directives as the Council may give it.     Done at Brussels, 25 July 1977.  For the Council  The President  H. SIMONET  (1)The date of the entry into force of the Convention and the Additional Agreement will be published by the General Secretariat of the Council in the Official Journal of the European Communities.


title: 2012/731/EU: Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (application EGF/2012/003 DK/Vestas from Denmark)

text:
               28.11.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 328/19

         DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
   of 21 November 2012
   on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (application EGF/2012/003 DK/Vestas from Denmark)
   (2012/731/EU)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (1), and in particular point 28 thereof,
   Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2), and in particular Article 12(3) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

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

               (2)

               The Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 allows the mobilisation of the EGF within the annual ceiling of EUR 500 000 000.

               (3)

               Denmark submitted an application on 14 May 2012 to mobilise the EGF, in respect of redundancies in the enterprise Vestas Group and supplemented it by additional information up to 10 July 2012. This application complies with the requirements for determining the financial contributions as laid down in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006. The Commission, therefore, proposes to mobilise an amount of EUR 7 488 000.

               (4)

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

         HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   For the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2012, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund shall be mobilised to provide the sum of EUR 7 488 000 in commitment and payment appropriations.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Strasbourg, 21 November 2012.

            For the European Parliament

            The President

         M. SCHULZ

            For the Council

            The President

         A. D. MAVROYIANNIS

      (1)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

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


title: 2013/669/EU: Council Decision of 15 November 2013 appointing a Danish member of the European Economic and Social Committee

text:
               21.11.2013

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 312/46

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 15 November 2013
   appointing a Danish member of the European Economic and Social Committee
   (2013/669/EU)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 302 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal of the Danish Government,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Commission,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 13 September 2010 the Council adopted Decision 2010/570/EU, Euratom appointing the members of the European Economic and Social Committee for the period from 21 September 2010 to 20 September 2015 (1).

               (2)

               A member’s seat on the European Economic and Social Committee has become vacant following the end of the term of office of Mr Peder Munch HANSEN,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Mr Bernt FALLENKAMP is hereby appointed as a member of the European Economic and Social Committee for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 20 September 2015.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 15 November 2013.

            For the Council

            The President

         R. ŠADŽIUS

      (1)  OJ L 251, 25.9.2010, p. 8.


Avis juridique important

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31994D0367

94/367/CFSP: Council Decision of 14 June 1994 on the continuation of the joint action adopted by the Council on the basis of Article J.3 of the Treaty on European Union on the inaugural conference on the Stability Pact

Official Journal L 165 , 01/07/1994 P. 0002 - 0006 Finnish special edition: Chapter 11 Volume 32 P. 0069  Swedish special edition: Chapter 11 Volume 32 P. 0069

COUNCIL DECISION of 14 June 1994 on the continuation of the joint action adopted by the Council on the basis of Article J.3 of the Treaty on European Union on the inaugural conference on the Stability Pact (94/367/CFSP)THE COUNCIL OF THE  EUROPEAN UNION,  Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles J.3 and J.11 thereof,  Having regard to the conclusions of the European Council meetings on 21 and 22 June 1993, on 29 October 1993 and on 10 and 11 December 1993,  Having regard to Council Decision 93/728/CFSP of 20 December 1993 (1),  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:   Article 1  The joint action agreed on by the abovementioned Council Decision shall be continued with a view to the conclusion of the Stability Pact.   Article 2  The action shall be conducted in accordance with the concluding documents adopted by the inaugural conference on the Stability Pact in Paris on 27 May 1994, as annexed hereto.   Article 3  The Council requests the Commission to direct its activity towards attainment of the objectives of the joint action by means of appropriate economic measures, in the framework of the implementation of Community programmes.   Article 4  Expenditure relating to the organization of meetings convened by the Union in the context of the Conference on Stability away from the seats of the institutions shall constitute administrative expenditure in so far as such expenditure exceeds  the costs usually borne by host countries. Regular reports shall be submitted to the Council on financial arrangements in connection with follow-up to the Conference.   Article 5  The Council shall examine the progress made in achieving the objective of the joint action in due course and at the latest in a year's time.   Article 6  This Decision shall enter into force as of today's date.   Article 7  This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal.  Done at Luxembourg, 14 June 1994.  For the Council The President Th. PANGALOS  (1) OJ No L 339, 31. 12. 1993, p. 1.      ANNEX   I. CONCLUDING DOCUMENT OF THE INAUGURAL CONFERENCE FOR A PACT ON STABILITY IN EUROPE   Part 1: Aims and principles of the inaugural conference for a Pact on Stability in Europe  1.1. We, Ministers for Foreign Affairs and representantives of States participating in the Conference, have decided to meet in Paris in response to the European  Union's call for the conclusion of a Pact on Stability in Europe.  1.2. We are today at a turning point in the history of the European continent. Considerable progress has been made along the road to democracy, peace and the unity of Europe. The Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris, the Copenhagen Document, the  Helsinki 1992 Document, as well as bilateral agreements on good neighbourly relations, are milestones in this process. But we must go further and make these achievements irreversible.  1.3. We believe that the time has come to provide a new impetus to overcoming any remaining divisive tendencies which history has bequeathed to the European continent by means of preventive measures, and we affirm our will to create a climate of  confidence which will be favourable to the strengthening of democracy, to respect for human rights and to economic progress and peace, while at the same time respecting the identities of peoples.  1.4. We welcome the efforts deployed for that aim in fora such as the CSCE and the Council of Europe. We note the prospects of accession to the European Union which were offered by the Copenhagen European Council to the associated countries of central  and eastern Europe which desire it and the steps of the countries which are drawing closer to the European Union with accession as their goal: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. With this  perspective in mind, we have decided to hold a conference on Stability in Europe, which following a consultation and negotiation process organized within its framework, should lead to the adoption of a Pact on Stability.  1.5. The objectives of stability will be achieved through the promotion of good neighbourly relations, including questions related to frontiers and minorities, as well as regional cooperation and the strengthening of democratic institutions through  cooperation arrangements to be established in the different fields that can contribute to the objective.  1.6. We agree that the reference principles of the Pact on stability, concerning good neighbourly relations, will be the existing principles and commitments established by the UN, the CSCE and the Council of Europe, in particular those principles  contained in the Helsinki Final Act, in the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, in the Copenhagen document, in the Helsinki 1992 Document and the 1993 Vienna Declaration of the Council of Europe Summit, referring respectively, to inviolability of  frontiers, territorial integrity and respect of existing borders, and to national minorities.   1.7. We have decided as our method to proceed in a pragmatic manner. The discussions in progress on the various draft agreements and arrangements could also be facilitated by including them in the Pact process. Our aim is to encourage countries which  have not yet concluded cooperation and good neighbourliness agreements and arrangements, including minority and border issues, to do so, through a process of bilateral negotiation and regional tables, the composition and agenda for which will have been  freely chosen by the participating countries.  1.8. All the agreements and arrangements reached, will be included in the Pact on Stability, to the content of which all the countries concluding the Pact will be committed to giving their full political support. Countries which have already concluded  bilateral agreements with their neighbours may also, if they wish, have these agreements included in the Pact. It will become for all those countries which conclude it an essential reference point to give a new quality founded on the respect for  differences and shared values to relations between the peoples of the whole of Europe.  1.9. We hope that our continent, which has for so long been torn by war, will become an example of accepted diversity for the international community.   Part 2: Operational decisions  2.1. In this spirit our countries have held intensive consultations over the last few months to decide on the problems to be dealt with, the procedures and the timetable to be observed to achieve the goals set. Those  consultations have enabled us to agree on the way forward. They bear testimony to the constructive spirit and will to cooperate actively and to succeed which animate our countries.  2.2. Against this background, we note the willingness of the States referred to in point 1.4 to further develop their relations in the spirit of good-neighbourly relations, according to treaties and agreements already concluded, to continue or launch  bilateral negotiations and to participate in round tables.  2.3. We also note the willingness of the neighbouring States of the countries referred to in point 1.4 to take part in the process of negotiations when the nature of the problems in question requires their participation, and the willingness of other  States to make their contribution to this process of negotiations.  2.4. We take note of the fact that the European Union is ready to play an active role in the bilateral or regional talks. The European Union expresses its readiness to play the role of moderator in the bilateral talks at the request of the interested  parties. We take note that the European Union is already contributing to the economic restructuring and the strengthening of democratic institutions in the region and is also prepared to put at the disposal of the countries concerned, in the framework  of the existing Europe Agreements, other agreements and programmes, the appropriate support to facilitate the achievement of the objectives of the Pact.  2.5. Other existing regional structures and international institutions could also contribute, through their activities, to promote constructive cooperation and good neighbourly relations at a regional level.  2.6. We have agreed that the procedures will call on the concept of the negotiation tables developed on the basis of the 1992 Helsinki Document, which pointed out regional cooperation as a valuable means of promoting pluralistic structures of stability.  These tables will aim on the one hand to improve good-neighbourly relations and on the other hand to identify the projects of common interest for the participating countries.  ACCORDINGLY 2.7. We, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and representatives of states participating in the Conference, have agreed to set up regional round tables. Their composition, the fields of cooperation and the working procedures are defined in a document for the  organisation of regional round tables.  2.8. The aim of these round tables is to create favourable conditions for the establishment and the improvement of good neighbourly relations, including questions related to miniorities and borders.  2.9. We take note of the willingness of the countries referred to in 1.4 to include the existing good neighbourly relations agreements in the Pact, if the parties agree, or in the absence of such agreements, to intensify or launch negotiations.  2.10. The countries referred to in point 1.4 willing to negotiate may invite neighbouring or other countries as well as relevant international organizations and institutions to join them at their regional round tables, if they so wish, in order to  contribute to the pursuit of good neighbourly relations, bilaterally and at regional level.  2.11. The regional round tables will be convened at the earliest opportunity at the invitation of the European Union. In so doing, the Union will closely consult with the CSCE which participate through its institutions.   Part 3:  3.1. We ask the European Institutions, and the CSCE and Council of Europe in particular, to help to ensure the smooth functioning of the negotiations.   Part 4: Assessment of the negotiations  4.1. We are determined to achieve our objective, which is the conclusion of the Pact on Stability, as swiftly as possible.  4.2. Accordingly:  - The European Union will set up a group, open to interested States and the CSCE, which will meet regularly during the process to see to it that it advances and to facilitate its operation.  - This group could call an interim conference in order to assess progress achieved.   Part 5: The final conference and the role of the CSCE  5.1. The final Conference will be held, if the progress of the proceedings so permits, within one year of the inaugural Conference. It will be responsible for adopting the Pact on Stability.  5.2. The Pact on Stability in Europe will be entrusted to the CSCE which will be requested to be responsible for evaluating and for monitoring, according to its procedures, the implementattion of the agreements and arrangements as well as the  commitments which comprise them, placing the follow-up activities and meetings within the susbstantive and organizational context of the CSCE.  5.3. We are mindful of the political importance of the proposed Pact on Stability and have adopted the concluding documents to guide us in this important endeavour.   II. DOCUMENT FOR THE ORGANISATION OF REGIONAL ROUND TABLES  The present document refers to the document of the inaugural Conference for a Pact on Stability in Europe and in particular to its following points 1.7, 2.6 and 2.7 to 2.11.  A. The countries referred to in point 1.4 of the Document are willing to participate in the regional round tables. Their neighbouring countries, other countries willing to give their contribution as well as relevant international organizations and  institutions which so wish, could also be invited, without any commitment in this respect ensuring from that for the future, and without prejudice to the content of their contribution.  The objective of the regional round tables will be the identification of arrangements and projects aimed at facilitating the achievement and the realization of agreements and measures for good neighbourly relations in areas such as those listed below,  which are merely indicative:  (a) regional transborder cooperation;  (b) questions relating to minorities;  (c) cultural cooperation, including language training;  (d) economic cooperation and administrative training;  (e) legal cooperation and administrative training;  (f) environmental problems.  B. For the countries referred to in point 1.4, there will be two round tables:  - one for the baltic region,  - one for the other central and eastern European countries,  The round tables will be composed of the interested countries in the region mentioned in point 1.4, with the participation of the European Union, of relevant international organizations and institutions and of countries which with the agreement of the  interested countries wish to contribute to the project.  The Baltic round table should discuss general political issues of the region and should promote regional cooperation relating for example to integration of populations of foreign origin, national minorities, language training, ombudsman, transborder  activities and maritime cooperation, cooperation among regions of neighbouring countries.  C. The round table meetings should be grouped both in terms of location and timing, attendance depending on the items to be discussed. The modalities will be determined by the participants of the round tables.  They could be chaired by the European Union and take place either in rotation in the countries of the region or at the invitation of individual countries or of the European Union or possibly in Vienna, at the seat of the Permanent Committee of the CSCE.   The host country, or host organization, should provide at its expense meeting facilities, such as conference rooms, secretarial assistance and interpretation. The European Union has expressed its readiness to bear such expenses when meetings are held at  the seat of its institutions.