title: 2009/300/EC: Commission Decision of 12 March 2009 establishing the revised ecological criteria for the award of the Community Eco-label to televisions (notified under document number C(2009) 1830) (Text with EEA relevance)

text:
               28.3.2009

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 82/3

      COMMISSION DECISION

   of 12 March 2009
   establishing the revised ecological criteria for the award of the Community Eco-label to televisions
   (notified under document number C(2009) 1830)
   (Text with EEA relevance)
   (2009/300/EC)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 July 2000 on a revised Community Eco-label award scheme (1), and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) thereof,
   After consulting the European Union Eco-labelling Board,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Under Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000 the Community Eco-label may be awarded to a product possessing characteristics which enable it to contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

               (2)

               Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000 provides that specific Eco-label criteria, drawn up on the basis of the criteria drafted by the European Union Eco-labelling Board, are to be established according to product groups.

               (3)

               It also provides that the review of Eco-label criteria, as well as of the assessment and verification requirements related to those criteria, is to take place in due time before the end of the period of validity of the criteria specified for the product group concerned.

               (4)

               Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000, a timely review has been carried out of the ecological criteria, as well as of the related assessment and verification requirements established by Commission Decision 2002/255/EC of 25 March 2002 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Eco-label to televisions (2).

               (5)

               In the light of this review, it is appropriate, in order to take account of scientific and market developments, to establish new ecological criteria.

               (6)

               Furthermore, it is appropriate to modify the definition of the product group laid down in that Decision to take account of new technologies.

               (7)

               In the interests of clarity, Decision 2002/255/EC should therefore be replaced. Since the period of validity of the ecological criteria set in that Decision has been prolonged until 31 October 2009, that Decision should be replaced as from 1 November 2009.

               (8)

               The ecological criteria, as well as the related assessment and verification requirements, should be valid until 31 October 2013.

               (9)

               The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee instituted by Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The product group ‘televisions’ shall comprise:

      ‘Mains powered electronic equipment, the primary purpose and function of which is to receive, decode and display TV transmission signals.’

   Article 2
   In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label under Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000, a television must fall within the product group ‘televisions’ and must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to this Decision.
   Article 3
   The ecological criteria for the product group ‘televisions’, as well as the related assessment and verification requirements, shall be valid until 31 October 2013.
   Article 4
   For administrative purposes the code number assigned to televisions shall be ‘022’.
   Article 5
   Decision 2002/255/EC is repealed.
   Article 6
   This Decision shall apply from 1 November 2009.
   Article 7
   This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

      Done at Brussels, 12 March 2009.

            For the Commission

         Stavros DIMAS

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 237, 21.9.2000, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ L 87, 4.4.2002, p. 53.

      ANNEX
      FRAMEWORK
      The aims of the criteria
      In order to be awarded an Ecolabel, the product shall comply with the criteria of this Annex, which are aimed at promoting:

                  —

                  reduction of environmental damage or risks related to the use of energy (global warming, acidification, depletion of non-renewable energy sources) by reducing energy consumption,

                  —

                  reduction of environmental damage related to the use of natural resources,

                  —

                  reduction of environmental damage related to the use of hazardous substances by reducing the use of such substances,

            Additionally, the criteria encourage the implementation of best practice (optimal environmental use) and enhance consumers’ environmental awareness.
      The competent bodies are recommended to take into account the implementation of recognised environmental management schemes, such as EMAS or EN ISO 14001, when assessing applications and monitoring compliance with the criteria set out in this Annex (note: it is not required to implement such management schemes).
      Assessment and verification requirements
      The specific assessment and verification requirements are indicated within each criterion.
      Where possible, testing should be performed by appropriately accredited laboratories or laboratories that meet the requirements expressed in standard EN ISO 17025 and are competent to perform the relevant tests.
      Where appropriate, competent bodies may require supporting documentation and may carry out independent verifications.
      The competent bodies are recommended to take into account the implementation of recognised environmental management schemes, such as EMAS or ISO 14001, when assessing applications and monitoring compliance with the criteria (note: it is not required to implement such management schemes).
      CRITERIA
      1.   Energy savings
      a)   Passive Standby

                  i.

                  The passive standby consumption of the television shall be ≤ 0,30 W except where the condition in part ii is fulfilled.

                  ii.

                  For televisions with an easily visible hard off-switch, such that when the switch is operated to the off position, the television’s energy consumption is < 0,01 W, the passive standby consumption of the television shall be ≤ 0,50 W.

            b)   Maximum energy consumption
      Televisions shall have energy consumption in on-mode of ≤ 200 W.
      c)   Energy Efficiency
      Until 31 December 2010, televisions placed on the market bearing the Ecolabel shall have an on-mode power consumption equal to or lower than 0,64 · (20 W + A · 4,3224 W/dm2).
      From 1 January 2011, until 31 December 2012 televisions placed on the market bearing the Ecolabel shall have an on-mode power consumption equal to or lower than 0,51 · (20 W + A · 4,3224 W/dm2).
      From 1 January 2013, televisions placed on the market bearing the Ecolabel shall have an on-mode power consumption equal to or lower than 0,41 · (20 W + A · 4,3224 W/dm2).
      Where A is the visible screen area (1) expressed in dm2.

         Assessment and verification (points a) to c)): the television shall be tested for its on-mode power consumption in its condition as delivered to the customer, according to the revised IEC62087 standard, using the dynamic broadcast video signal (Methods of Measurement for the Power Consumption of Audio, Video and Related Equipment). If the television has a forced menu upon initial start up, the default shall be the setting which is recommended by the manufacturer for normal home use. A test report shall be provided by the applicant to the awarding competent body demonstrating that the television meets the requirements set out in points a) to c).
      For meeting the conditions of a) ii), the applicant shall declare that their television complies with the requirement and provide photographic evidence regarding the hard off-switch.
      For meeting the conditions of c), the applicant shall demonstrate that any of their Ecolabelled televisions when first placed on the market after the dates shown in the criterion will meet the appropriate energy efficiency criterion. If this cannot be demonstrated the competent body will only issue the Ecolabel licence for the period for which compliance can be demonstrated.
      2.   Mercury Content of Fluorescent Lamps
      The total amount of mercury (Hg), in all lamps, per screen, shall be no greater than 75 mg for screens with a visible screen diagonal of up to and including 40 inches (101 cm).
      The total amount of mercury (Hg), in all lamps, per screen, shall be no greater than 99 mg for screens with a visible screen diagonal of greater than 40 inches (101 cm).

         Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a signed declaration that their television complies with these requirements. It shall include documentation on the number of lamps used and the total mercury content of the lamps, from suppliers.
      3.   Life-time extension
      The manufacturer shall offer a commercial guarantee to ensure that the television will function for at least two years. This guarantee shall be valid from the date of delivery to the customer.
      The availability of compatible electronic replacement parts shall be guaranteed for seven years from the time that production ceases.

         Assessment and verification: the applicant shall declare the compliance of the product with these requirements.
      4.   Design for disassembly
      The manufacturer shall demonstrate that the television can be easily dismantled by professionally trained recyclers using the tools usually available to them, for the purpose of:

                  —

                  undertaking repairs and replacements of worn-out parts,

                  —

                  upgrading older or obsolete parts, and

                  —

                  separating parts and materials, ultimately for recycling.

            To facilitate the dismantling:

                  —

                  Fixtures within the television shall allow for its disassembly, e.g. screws, snap-fixes, especially for parts containing hazardous substances.

                  —

                  Plastic parts shall be of one polymer or be of compatible polymers for recycling and have the relevant ISO11469 marking if greater than 25 g in mass.

                  —

                  Metal inlays that cannot be separated shall not be used.

                  —

                  Data on the nature and amount of hazardous substances in the television shall be gathered in accordance with Council Directive 2006/121/EC (2) and the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

         Assessment and verification: A test report shall be submitted with the application detailing the dismantling of the television. It shall include an exploded diagram of the television labelling the main components as well as identifying any hazardous substances in components. It can be in written or audiovisual format. Information regarding hazardous substances shall be provided to the awarding competent body in the form of a list of materials identifying material type, quantity used and location.
      5.   Heavy Metals and Flame Retardants

                  (a)

                  Cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium 6 + or poly-brominated biphenyl (PBB) or poly-brominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, as listed in Article 4(1) of Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (3), shall not be used in the television unless the applications of those substances are listed in the Annex to that Directive as exempted from the requirements of Article 4(1) of that Directive or unless their maximum concentration value is equal to or lower than the threshold specified in that same Annex. Regarding the Annex, for PBBs and PBDEs, the maximum concentration value shall be < 0,1 %.

                  (b)

                  Plastic parts shall not contain flame retardant substances, or preparations containing substances, that are assigned or may be assigned, at the time of application, any of the following risk phrases or combinations thereof:

                              —

                              R40 (possible risk of cancer),

                              —

                              R45 (may cause cancer),

                              —

                              R46 (may cause heritable genetic damage),

                              —

                              R50 (very toxic to aquatic organisms),

                              —

                              R51 (toxic to aquatic organisms),

                              —

                              R52 (harmful to aquatic organisms),

                              —

                              R53 (may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment),

                              —

                              R60 (may impair fertility),

                              —

                              R61 (may cause harm to the unborn child),

                              —

                              R62 (possible risk of impaired fertility),

                              —

                              R63 (possible risk of harm to the unborn child),

                        as defined in Directive 2006/121/EC. This requirement shall not apply to reactive flame retardants i.e. those which upon use change their properties (i.e. are actually not contained in the final product in a concentration > 0,1 %) such that the identified R-phrases above no longer apply.

         Assessment and verification: A certificate signed by the television manufacturer declaring compliance with these requirements shall be submitted to the awarding competent body. A declaration of compliance signed by the plastic and flame retardant suppliers and copies of relevant safety data sheets about materials and substances shall also be provided to the awarding competent body. All flame retardants used shall be clearly indicated.
      6.   User instructions
      The television shall be sold with relevant user information that provides advice on its proper environmental use. The information shall be located in a single, easy-to-find place in the user instructions as well as on the manufacturer’s website. The information will include in particular:

                  (a)

                  The television’s power consumption in the various modes: on, off, passive standby, including information on energy savings possible in different modes.

                  (b)

                  The television’s average annual energy consumption expressed in kWh, calculated on the basis of the on-mode power consumption, operating 4 hours a day and 365 days a year.

                  (c)

                  Information that energy efficiency cuts energy consumption and thus saves money by reducing electricity bills.

                  (d)

                  The following indications on how to reduce power consumption when the television is not being watched:

                              —

                              turning the television off at its mains supply, or un-plugging it, will cut energy use to zero for all televisions, and is recommended when the television is not being used for a long time, e.g. when on holiday,

                              —

                              using the hard off-switch will reduce energy use to near zero (where one is fitted),

                              —

                              putting the television into standby mode, will reduce energy consumption, but will still draw some power,

                              —

                              reducing the brightness of the screen will reduce energy use.

                  (e)

                  The position of the hard off-switch (where one is fitted).

                  (f)

                  Repair information regarding who is qualified to repair televisions, including contact details as appropriate.

                  (g)

                  End-of-life instructions for the proper disposal of televisions at civic amenity sites or through retailer take-back schemes as applicable, which shall comply with Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (4).

                  (h)

                  Information that the product has been awarded the flower (the EU Ecolabel) with a brief explanation as to what this means together with an indication that more information on the Ecolabel can be found at the website address http://www.ecolabel.eu

         Assessment and verification: The applicant shall declare compliance of the product with these requirements and shall provide a copy of the instruction manual to the competent body assessing the application.
      7.   Information appearing on the Ecolabel
      Box 2 of the Ecolabel shall include the following text:

                  —

                  High energy efficiency,

                  —

                  Reduced CO2 emissions,

                  —

                  Designed to facilitate repair and recycling.

         Assessment and Verification: The applicant shall declare the compliance of the product with this requirement, and shall provide a copy of the Ecolabel as it appears on the packaging and/or product and/or accompanying documentation to the awarding competent body.

         (1)  Screen Area: This is the area of the screen in dm2. It is equal to [screen size × screen size × 0,480] for a standard screen (4:3 aspect ratio) and [screen size × screen size × 0,427] for a wide screen (16:9 aspect ratio).

         (2)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 850. Corrected by OJ L 136, 29.5.2007, p. 281.

         (3)  OJ L 37, 13.2.2003, p. 19.

         (4)  OJ L 37, 13.2.2003, p. 24.


title: Council Decision 2013/34/CFSP of 17 January 2013 on a European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali)

text:
               18.1.2013

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 14/19

         COUNCIL DECISION 2013/34/CFSP
   of 17 January 2013
   on a European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 42(4) and 43(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 23 July 2012, the Council recognised that the dramatic changes in Mali required a review of the actions the Union should undertake in order to support the restoration of democratic government and the rule of law throughout the territory of Mali. It requested the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) and the Commission to make concrete proposals for Union action in a number of areas to respond to the changing situation.

               (2)

               By letter dated 18 September 2012, the President of the Republic of Mali requested Union support with a view to restoring the Malian territorial integrity.

               (3)

               In its Resolution 2071 (2012) on the situation in Mali, adopted on 12 October 2012, the United Nations Security Council, while expressing its grave concern about the consequences of instability in the north of Mali on the region and beyond, and stressing the need to respond swiftly in order to preserve stability across the Sahel region, invited international partners, including the Union, to provide assistance, expertise, training and capacity-building support to the Malian army and security forces.

               (4)

               In its conclusions of 15 October 2012, the Council requested that work on planning a possible Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military mission be pursued and extended as a matter of urgency, in particular by developing a crisis management concept relating to the reorganisation and training of the Malian defence forces, taking account of the conditions necessary for the success of any such mission, which include the full support of the Malian authorities and the definition of an exit strategy.

               (5)

               In its conclusions of 19 November 2012, the Council welcomed the presentation of the Crisis Management Concept by the HR and called on the relevant groups to examine it as a matter of urgency so that it could be approved by the Council in December 2012.

               (6)

               On 10 December 2012, the Council approved a Crisis Management Concept on a possible military CSDP training mission in Mali. The Council emphasised that a mission in Mali would be an essential element in the Union’s comprehensive approach as elaborated in the Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel.

               (7)

               By letter dated 24 December 2012, the President of the Republic of Mali addressed an invitation letter to the HR welcoming the deployment of an EU military training mission in Mali.

               (8)

               The Political and Security Committee (PSC) should exercise, under the responsibility of the Council and of the HR, political control over the Union military mission, provide it with strategic direction and take the relevant decisions in accordance with the third paragraph of Article 38 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU).

               (9)

               It is necessary to negotiate and conclude international agreements relating to the status of EU units and personnel and to the participation of third States in Union missions.

               (10)

               The operational expenditure arising from this Decision, which has military or defence implications, should be borne by the Member States pursuant to Article 41(2) TEU and in accordance with Council Decision 2011/871/CFSP of 19 December 2011 establishing a mechanism to administer the financing of the common costs of European Union operations having military or defence implications (Athena) (1).

               (11)

               In accordance with Article 5 of the Protocol on the position of Denmark annexed to the TEU and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Denmark does not participate in the elaboration and 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,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Mission
   1.   The Union shall conduct a military training mission (EUTM Mali), to provide, in the South of Mali, military and training advice to the Malian Armed Forces (MAF) operating under the control of legitimate civilian authorities, in order to contribute to the restoration of their military capacity with a view to enabling them to conduct military operations aiming at restoring Malian territorial integrity and reducing the threat posed by terrorist groups. EUTM Mali shall not be involved in combat operations.
   2.   The objective of EUTM Mali shall be to respond to the operational needs of the MAF through the provision of:

               (a)

               training support for the benefit of the MAF;

               (b)

               training and advice on command and control, logistical chain and human resources, as well as training on International Humanitarian Law, protection of civilians and human rights.

         3.   EUTM Mali shall aim at strengthening conditions for proper political control by legitimate civilian authorities of the MAF.
   4.   The activities of EUTM Mali shall be conducted in close coordination with other actors involved in the support to the MAF, in particular the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
   Article 2
   Appointment of the EU Mission Commander
   1.   Brigadier General François LECOINTRE is hereby appointed EU Mission Commander.
   2.   The EU Mission Commander shall exercise the functions of EU Operation Commander and EU Force Commander.
   Article 3
   Designation of the Mission Headquarters
   1.   The Mission Headquarters of EUTM Mali shall be located in Mali. It shall perform the functions of both Operational Headquarters and Force Headquarters.
   2.   The Mission Headquarters shall include a support cell in Brussels.
   Article 4
   Planning and launch of EUTM Mali
   The Decision to launch EUTM Mali shall be adopted by the Council following approval of the Mission Plan and of the Rules of Engagement.
   Article 5
   Political control and strategic direction
   1.   Under the responsibility of the Council and of the HR, the PSC shall exercise the political control and strategic direction of EUTM Mali. The Council hereby authorises the PSC to take the relevant decisions in accordance with Article 38 TEU. This authorisation shall include the powers to amend the planning documents, including the Mission Plan, and the Chain of Command. It shall also include the powers to take decisions on the appointment of the subsequent EU Mission Commanders. The powers of decision with respect to the objectives and termination of EUTM Mali shall remain vested in the Council.
   2.   The PSC shall report to the Council at regular intervals.
   3.   The PSC shall, at regular intervals, receive reports from the chairman of the EU Military Committee (EUMC) regarding the conduct of EUTM Mali. The PSC may invite the EU Mission Commander to its meetings, as appropriate.
   Article 6
   Military direction
   1.   The EUMC shall monitor the proper execution of EUTM Mali conducted under the responsibility of the EU Mission Commander.
   2.   The EUMC shall, at regular intervals, receive reports from the EU Mission Commander. It may invite the EU Mission Commander to its meetings, as appropriate.
   3.   The chairman of the EUMC shall act as the primary point of contact with the EU Mission Commander.
   Article 7
   Consistency of the Union’s response and coordination
   1.   The HR shall ensure the implementation of this Decision and its consistency with the Union’s external action as a whole, including the Union’s development programmes.
   2.   Without prejudice to the chain of command, the EU Mission Commander shall receive local political guidance from the Head of the Union Delegation in Bamako in close coordination with the EU coordinator for Sahel.
   3.   EUTM Mali shall coordinate with Union CSDP mission in Niger (EUCAP SAHEL Niger) with a view to exploring possible synergies.
   4.   EUTM Mali shall coordinate its activities with Member States’ bilateral activities in Mali, as well as with other international actors in the region, in particular the UN, the African Union (AU), ECOWAS and bilateral actors including the United States and Canada, and with key regional actors.
   Article 8
   Participation of third States
   1.   Without prejudice to the decision-making autonomy of the Union and its single institutional framework, and in accordance with the relevant guidelines of the European Council, third States may be invited to participate in EUTM Mali.
   2.   The Council hereby authorises the PSC to invite third States to offer contributions and to take the relevant decisions on acceptance of the proposed contributions, upon the recommendation of the EU Mission Commander and the EUMC.
   3.   Detailed arrangements regarding the participation of third States shall be covered by agreements concluded pursuant to Article 37 TEU and in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 218 TFEU. Where the Union and a third State have concluded an agreement establishing a framework for the latter’s participation in crisis management missions of the Union, the provisions of such an agreement shall apply in the context of EUTM Mali.
   4.   Third States making significant military contributions to EUTM Mali shall have the same rights and obligations in terms of the day-to-day management of EUTM Mali as Member States taking part in EUTM Mali.
   5.   The Council hereby authorises the PSC to take relevant decisions on the setting-up of a Committee of Contributors, should third States make significant military contributions.
   Article 9
   Status of EU-led personnel
   The status of EU-led units and personnel, including the privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the fulfilment and smooth functioning of their mission, shall be the subject of an agreement concluded pursuant to Article 37 TEU and in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 218 TFEU.
   Article 10
   Financial arrangements
   1.   The common costs of EUTM Mali shall be administered in accordance with Decision 2011/871/CFSP.
   2.   The financial reference amount for the common costs of EUTM Mali shall be EUR 12,3 million. The percentage of the reference amount referred to in Article 25(1) of Decision 2011/871/CFSP shall be 50 %, and the percentage for commitment referred to in Article 32(3) of Decision 2011/871/CFSP shall be 70 %.
   Article 11
   Release of information
   1.   The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision, as appropriate and in accordance with the needs of EUTM Mali, EU classified information generated for the purposes of EUTM Mali, in accordance with Council Decision 2011/292/EU of 31 March 2011 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (2):

               (a)

               up to the level provided in the applicable security of information agreements concluded between the Union and the third State concerned; or

               (b)

               up to the ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL’ level in other cases.

         2.   The HR shall also be authorised to release to the UN and ECOWAS in accordance with the operational needs of EUTM Mali, EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level which are generated for the purposes of EUTM Mali, in accordance with Decision 2011/292/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of the UN and ECOWAS shall be drawn up for this purpose.
   3.   In the event of a specific and immediate operational need, the HR shall also be authorised to release to the host State any EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level which are generated for the purposes of EUTM Mali, in accordance with Decision 2011/292/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of the host State shall be drawn up for this purpose.
   4.   The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision any EU non-classified documents connected with the deliberations of the Council relating to EUTM Mali and covered by the obligation of professional secrecy pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Council’s Rules of Procedure (3).
   5.   The HR may delegate the powers referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4, as well as the ability to conclude the arrangements referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 to staff of the European External Action Service and/or to the EU Mission Commander.
   Article 12
   Entry into force and termination
   1.   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
   2.   The mandate of EUTM Mali shall end 15 months after the adoption of the Council Decision to launch EUTM Mali.
   3.   This Decision shall be repealed as from the date of closure of the Mission Headquarters in accordance with the plans approved for the termination of EUTM Mali, and without prejudice to the procedures regarding the audit and presentation of the accounts of EUTM Mali, laid down in Decision 2011/871/CFSP.

      Done at Brussels, 17 January 2013.

            For the Council

            The President

         C. ASHTON

      (1)  OJ L 343, 23.12.2011, p. 35.

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

      (3)  Council Decision 2009/937/EU of 1 December 2009 adopting the Council’s Rules of Procedure (OJ L 325, 11.12.2009, p. 35).


title: Communicating Europe in partnership European Parliament decision of 9 October 2008 on the approval of the joint declaration on Communicating Europe in Partnership (2007/2222(ACI))#ANNEX COMMUNICATING EUROPE IN PARTNERSHIP

text:
               15.1.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               CE 9/65

         Thursday 9 October 2008Communicating Europe in partnership
   P6_TA(2008)0463
   European Parliament decision of 9 October 2008 on the approval of the joint declaration on Communicating Europe in Partnership (2007/2222(ACI))
   2010/C 9 E/11

      The European Parliament,
   having regard to Article 255 of the EC-Treaty,
   having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2002 on the Commission communication on a new framework for cooperation on activities concerning the information and communication policy of the European Union (1),
   having regard to its resolution of 10 April 2003 on an information and communication strategy for the European Union (2),
   having regard to its resolution of 12 May 2005 on the implementation of the European Union’s information and communication strategy (3),
   having regard to its resolution of 16 November 2006 on the White Paper on a European communication policy (4),
   having regard to the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 25 September 2008,
   having regard to the proposed joint declaration on Communicating Europe in Partnership,
   having regard to Rule 120(1) and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure,
   having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A6-0372/2008),

               A.

               whereas communication is an important element of both representative and participatory democracy,

               B.

               whereas one of strengths of the democratic elements of the EU is connected to communication structures at the European level which link the institutions with citizens,

               C.

               whereas the experience gained from past European elections and referendums suggests that those who are aware of, and interested in, EU issues are more likely to participate, while those who are not as well informed are less likely to do so; whereas this was once again confirmed by research done following the Irish referendum,

               D.

               whereas communicating on the European Union requires the political commitment of EU Institutions and Member States at all levels,

               1.

               Approves the joint declaration on Communicating Europe in Partnership annexed to this decision and decides to annex the declaration to its Rules of Procedure; calls for the declaration to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision and the annex hereto to the Council and the Commission.

      (1)  OJ C 47 E, 27.2.2003, p. 400.

      (2)  OJ C 64 E, 12.3.2004, p. 591.

      (3)  OJ C 92 E, 20.4.2006, p. 403.

      (4)  OJ C 314 E, 21.12.2006, p. 369.

      Thursday 9 October 2008ANNEX
      COMMUNICATING EUROPE IN PARTNERSHIP

         Objectives and principles

                  1.

                  The European Parliament, Council and the European Commission attach the utmost importance to improving communication on EU issues in order to enable European citizens to exercise their right to participate in the democratic life of the Union, in which decisions are taken as openly as possible and as closely as possible to the citizens, observing the principles of pluralism, participation, openness and transparency.

                  2.

                  The three Institutions wish to encourage the convergence of views on the communication priorities of the European Union as a whole, to promote the added value of an EU approach to communication on European issues, to facilitate exchanges of information and best practices and develop synergies between the Institutions when carrying out communication relating to these priorities, as well as to facilitate cooperation among the Institutions and Member States where appropriate.

                  3.

                  The three Institutions recognise that communicating on the European Union requires a political commitment of EU Institutions and Member States, and that Member States have their responsibility to communicate with citizens about the EU.

                  4.

                  The three Institutions believe that information and communication activities on European issues should give everyone access to fair and diverse information about the European Union and enable citizens to exercise their right to express their views and to participate actively in the public debate on European Union issues.

                  5.

                  The three Institutions promote the respect of multilingualism and cultural diversity when implementing information and communication actions.

                  6.

                  The three Institutions are politically committed to achieving the above objectives. They encourage the other EU institutions and bodies to support their efforts and to contribute, if they so wish, to this approach.

         A partnership approach

                  7.

                  The three Institutions recognise the importance of addressing the communication challenge on EU issues in partnership between Member States and the EU institutions to ensure effective communication with, and objective information to, the widest possible audience at the appropriate level.
                  They wish to develop synergies with national, regional and local authorities as well as with representatives of civil society.
                  They would like for that purpose to foster a pragmatic partnership approach.

                  8.

                  They recall in this respect the key role of the Inter-institutional Group on Information (IGI) serving as a high-level framework for the Institutions to encourage political debate on EU-related information and communication activities in order to foster synergy and complementarity. To that purpose, the IGI, co-chaired by representatives of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, and with the participation of the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee as observers, meets in principle twice a year.

         A framework for working together

      The three Institutions intend to cooperate on the following basis:

                  9.

                  Whilst respecting the individual responsibility of each EU institution and Member State for its own communication strategy and priorities, the three Institutions will, in the framework of the IGI, identify yearly a limited number of common communication priorities.

                  10.

                  These priorities will be based on communication priorities identified by the EU Institutions and bodies following their internal procedures and complementing, where appropriate, Member States’ strategic views and efforts in this field, taking into account citizens’ expectations.

                  11.

                  The three Institutions and the Member States will endeavour to promote appropriate support for communication on the priorities identified.

                  12.

                  The services responsible for communication in Member States and EU institutions should liaise with each other to ensure successful implementation of the common communication priorities, as well as other activities linked to EU communication, if need be on the basis of appropriate administrative arrangements.

                  13.

                  The Institutions and Member States are invited to exchange information on other EU related communication activities, in particular on sectoral communication activities envisaged by the Institutions and bodies, when they result in information campaigns in Member States.

                  14.

                  The Commission is invited to report back at the beginning of each year to the other EU Institutions on the main achievements of the implementation of the common communication priorities of the previous year.

                  15.

                  This political declaration has been signed on [date].


title: Decision No 1098/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) (Text with EEA relevance)

text:
               7.11.2008

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 298/20

      DECISION No 1098/2008/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

   of 22 October 2008
   on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010)
   (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 137(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),
   Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),
   Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The fight against poverty and social exclusion is one of the key commitments of the European Union and its Member States.

               (2)

               The Amsterdam Treaty in 1997 added new provisions on the fight against social exclusion to the existing fields of activity covered by the social policy provisions of the EC Treaty, in particular Articles 136 and 137, and provided a new legal framework and basis for new policy commitments in this area.

               (3)

               The European Council meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000 recognised that the extent of poverty and social exclusion was unacceptable. Building a more inclusive European Union was thus considered to be an essential element in achieving the Union’s 10-year strategic goal of economic growth, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.

               (4)

               The Lisbon European Council invited Member States and the Commission to take steps to make ‘a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty’ by 2010. The Lisbon European Council thus agreed to adopt an Open Method of Coordination (OMC) in this area.

               (5)

               From the outset, the OMC on Social Protection and Social Inclusion has been an important tool for supporting this political commitment and strengthening the capacity of the EU to support Member States in their drive for greater social cohesion in Europe.

               (6)

               The OMC helps to deepen mutual learning and has increased awareness of the multidimensional nature of exclusion and poverty. The OMC thus creates the conditions to produce more impact on the ground and to make the EU’s attachment to social values more visible to its citizens.

               (7)

               Despite these achievements, significant parts of the population are still suffering from deprivation or limited and unequal access to services, or are excluded from society. The Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008 highlights the fact that 78 million people in the European Union live at risk of poverty, 19 million of whom are children. The gender gap is approximately two percentage points.

               (8)

               In addition, wealth inequalities and severe poverty are matters of growing concern across the Union.

               (9)

               There is a need, in the interest of social and economic cohesion, for support to be provided for less-favoured regions, for areas with permanent structural disadvantages, for outermost regions, for certain islands and island Member States and for areas that have been affected by recent deindustrialisation or industrial conversion.

               (10)

               Social exclusion damages the well-being of citizens, hampering their ability to express themselves and to participate in society. This aspect should therefore be given appropriate visibility in the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (hereinafter, the European Year).

               (11)

               In its Resolution of 15 November 2007 on social reality stocktaking, the European Parliament stressed that the strengthening of social cohesion and the eradication of poverty and social exclusion must become a political priority for the European Union.

               (12)

               The fight against poverty and social exclusion is to be pursued both within the European Union and externally, in accordance with the UN Millennium Development Goals to which the European Union and the Member States have subscribed.

               (13)

               The problem of poverty and social exclusion has broad, complex and multidimensional forms. They relate to a large number of factors, such as income and living standards, the need for educational and decent work opportunities, effective social protection systems, housing, access to good quality health and other services, as well as active citizenship. Stakeholders across all relevant policy areas should therefore be involved.

               (14)

               Consequently, the prevention of and the fight against poverty require multidimensional policies at national, regional and local level which ensure a balance between economic and social policies and targeted strategies for groups or persons in particularly vulnerable situations. The European Year may help to stimulate such multidimensional policies as well as the further development of relevant indicators.

               (15)

               The Social Agenda 2005-10, which complements and supports the Lisbon Strategy, has a key role in promoting the social dimension of economic growth and the active participation of citizens in society and in the labour market. One of the priorities of the Social Agenda is the promotion of equal opportunities for all as a vector for social and intergenerational solidarity and the creation of a poverty-free and more inclusive society.

               (16)

               In their National Action Plans on Social Inclusion, several Member States highlight the high poverty and/or exclusion risk faced by particular groups, including children, early school-leavers, single parents, large families, families with a single income, young people, in particular young women, older people, migrants and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and their carers, the homeless, the unemployed, in particular the long-term unemployed, prisoners, women and children who are victims of violence, and severe substance abusers. National policies and supporting measures targeted at the most vulnerable groups could play an important role in fighting against poverty and social exclusion.

               (17)

               Decent employment can significantly reduce the poverty risk for the individual. However employment in itself is not always a sufficient condition to lift people out of poverty, and the at-risk-of-poverty rate is still relatively high even for those in work. In-work poverty is linked to low pay, the gender pay gap, low skills, limited professional training opportunities, the need to combine a job with a family, precarious employment and working conditions, and also to difficult household conditions. Quality employment and social and economic support are thus essential for lifting individuals out of poverty.

               (18)

               The lack of basic competences and qualifications adapted to the changing needs of the labour market is also a major barrier to inclusion in society. There is a growing danger of new cleavages in society emerging between those who have access to lifelong learning to enhance their employability and adaptability, and to facilitate their personal development and active citizenship, and those who remain excluded and face various forms of discrimination. Those without adequate skills find it more difficult to enter the labour market and find a quality job, are more likely to spend long periods out of work and, if they do work, are more likely to find themselves in low-paid jobs.

               (19)

               The availability of and the ability to use information and communication technology (ICT) is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for inclusion. A ministerial declaration approved on 11 June 2006 in Riga calls for an information society for all.

               (20)

               Key to the successful impact of Community action to fight poverty and social exclusion is the extent to which it enjoys broad popular and political support. Moreover, the effective implementation of EU legislation on equal opportunities and non-discrimination also supports the aims of the European Year. The European Year should, therefore, act as a catalyst for raising awareness, for building momentum and for exchanging best practices between the Member States, local and regional authorities and international organisations involved in the fight against poverty. It should help to focus political attention and mobilise everyone concerned in order to drive forward and strengthen the OMC on Social Protection and Social Inclusion as well as to promote further actions and initiatives at Community and national level in that field, in association with the people affected by poverty and their representatives.

               (21)

               The European Year should boost active inclusion policies as a means of preventing poverty and social exclusion and should help to promote best practices in this field within the OMC.

               (22)

               The varying levels of progress made at national level and the differing national socioeconomic and cultural contexts and sensitivities call for a considerable part of the activities of the European Year to be decentralised at national level, through a system of indirect centralised management in accordance with the procedures laid down in Article 54(2)(c) of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and in Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down the detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (5).

               (23)

               However, the definition of policy priorities at national level should be monitored by the Commission with a view to guaranteeing consistency with the strategic objectives agreed for the European Year and ultimately with the Common Objectives established for the OMC.

               (24)

               Effective coordination of all partners contributing at Community, national, regional and local level is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring the effectiveness of the European Year. Local and regional partners have a particular role to play in promoting the interests of people living in poverty or social exclusion.

               (25)

               Participation in the European Year should be open to the Member States, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States that are parties to the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of that Agreement, to the candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy and countries from the Western Balkans, in line with the conditions laid down in their respective agreements, and to the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), in accordance with the provisions of the May 2004 Strategy Paper and the Country Action Plans.

               (26)

               The European Year can help to improve the coordination between existing programmes and initiatives for fighting against poverty and social exclusion at Community level, including the OMC on Social Protection and Social Inclusion.

               (27)

               Consistency and complementarity with other Community action should be ensured, in particular with the PROGRESS programme, the Structural Funds and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), action to combat discrimination and to promote gender equality and fundamental rights, and action in the areas of education and training, culture and intercultural dialogue, youth, citizenship, immigration and asylum, and research.

               (28)

               The European Year should continue the best practices derived from previous European Years, including the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007) and the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008).

               (29)

               This Decision establishes a financial envelope for the entire duration of the programme, which is to be the prime reference for the budgetary authority within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (6).

               (30)

               The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (7).

               (31)

               Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States due to the need, among other things, for multilateral partnerships and for the transnational exchange of information and the Community-wide dissemination of good practice, and can therefore, by reason of the scale of the action, be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives,

         HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The European Year
   With a view to supporting Community action to combat social exclusion, the year 2010 shall be designated as the ‘European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion’ (hereinafter, the European Year).
   Article 2
   Objectives and guiding principles
   1.   The objectives and guiding principles of the European Year shall be as follows:

               (a)

               Recognition of rights — recognising the fundamental right of people in a situation of poverty and social exclusion to live in dignity and to play a full part in society. The European Year will increase public awareness of the situation of people experiencing poverty, particularly that of groups or persons in vulnerable situations, and will help to promote their effective access to social, economic and cultural rights as well as to sufficient resources and quality services. The European Year will also help to combat stereotypes and stigmatisation;

               (b)

               Shared responsibility and participation — increasing public ownership of social inclusion policies and actions, emphasising both collective and individual responsibility in the fight against poverty and social exclusion, as well as the importance of promoting and supporting voluntary activities. The European Year will promote the involvement of public and private actors, inter alia, through proactive partnerships. It will foster awareness and commitment and create opportunities for contributions by all citizens, in particular people with direct or indirect experience of poverty;

               (c)

               Cohesion — promoting a more cohesive society by raising public awareness of the benefits for all of a society where poverty is eradicated, fair distribution is enabled and no one is marginalised. The European Year will foster a society that sustains and develops quality of life, including quality of skills and employment, social well-being, including the well-being of children, and equal opportunities for all. It will, moreover, ensure sustainable development and solidarity between and within generations and policy coherence with EU action worldwide;

               (d)

               Commitment and concrete action — reiterating the strong political commitment of the EU and the Member States to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty and social exclusion and promoting this commitment and actions at all levels of governance. Building upon the achievements and potential of the OMC on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, the European Year will strengthen the political commitment, by focusing political attention on and mobilising all interested parties, in the prevention of and fight against poverty and social exclusion and give further impetus to the Member States’ and the European Union’s action in this field.

         2.   When implementing these objectives, the Community and the Member States shall take into account the priorities listed in Part IV of the Annex.
   Article 3
   Content of actions
   1.   The actions at Community and national level designed to meet the objectives set out in Article 2 may, in particular, include the following:

               (a)

               meetings and events;

               (b)

               information, promotional and educational campaigns;

               (c)

               surveys and studies on a Community or nationwide scale, based on gender-disaggregated data collection where appropriate.

         2.   Details of the actions referred to in paragraph 1 are set out in the Annex.
   3.   All actions addressed to a wider public shall be easily accessible to all, including people experiencing poverty and people with disabilities.
   Article 4
   Gender mainstreaming
   The European Year shall take account of the different risks and dimensions of poverty and social exclusion experienced by women and men. The Community and the Member States shall take account of gender mainstreaming in the implementation of the European Year.
   Article 5
   Cooperation and implementation at Community level
   1.   The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 7(2).
   2.   The Commission shall ensure that Community actions covered by this Decision are implemented in conformity with the Annex.
   3.   In particular, the Commission shall make the necessary arrangements to ensure the consistency and complementarity of the Community actions and initiatives referred to in Article 10 with a view to meeting the objectives set out in Article 2.
   4.   The Commission shall conduct a regular exchange of views with stakeholders including those working with people living in poverty, particularly at European level, on the design, implementation, follow-up and assessment of the European Year. It shall make all relevant information available to the public.
   5.   The Commission shall closely involve the Social Protection Committee in the preparation and implementation of the European Year and, where appropriate, inform or involve other relevant committees.
   6.   The Commission shall, as appropriate, cooperate with other EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies.
   Article 6
   Cooperation and implementation at national level
   1.   Each Member State shall appoint a National Implementing Body to organise its participation in the European Year and ensure coordination at national level. That National Implementing Body shall be responsible for defining the National Programme and the priorities for the European Year and for selecting the individual actions to be proposed for Community funding. The national strategy and priorities for the European Year shall be set out in accordance with the objectives listed in Article 2.
   2.   The procedure for awarding Community funding for actions at national level is set out in Part II of the Annex.
   3.   In carrying out its tasks, in particular when drawing up the National Programme and whenever appropriate during the implementation of the European Year, the National Implementing Body shall closely consult and cooperate with a broad range of relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations and organisations defending or representing the interests of those who experience poverty and social exclusion, the social partners, and regional and local authorities.
   Article 7
   Committee
   1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee).
   2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.
   3.   Each Member State’s representative on the Committee shall be designated, where possible, from the National Implementing Body referred to in Article 6(1).
   Article 8
   Financial provisions
   1.   Actions on a Community scale, as set out in Part I of the Annex, may be subsidised up to 80 % or give rise to a procurement contract financed from the general budget of the European Union.
   2.   Actions at national, regional or local level may be co-financed from the general budget of the European Union up to a maximum of 50 % of the total eligible costs of the actions in accordance with the procedure set out in Part II of the Annex.
   Article 9
   Application and selection procedure
   1.   Decisions on the financing of actions pursuant to Article 8(1) shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 7(2).
   2.   Requests for financial assistance for actions pursuant to Article 8(2) shall be submitted to the Commission by the National Implementing Bodies in accordance with the procedure set out in Part II of the Annex.
   Article 10
   Consistency and complementarity
   1.   The Commission, together with the participating countries, shall ensure that the measures provided for in this Decision are consistent with other Community, national, regional and local actions and initiatives.
   2.   They shall further ensure that the European Year fully complements the existing Community, national and regional initiatives and resources, where they can help to attain the objectives of the European Year.
   Article 11
   Participating countries
   Participation in the European Year shall be open to:

               (a)

               Member States;

               (b)

               candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy, in accordance with the general principles and the general terms and conditions for the participation of those countries in Community Programmes laid down, respectively, by the Framework Agreement and by decisions of the Association Councils;

               (c)

               the countries of the western Balkans, in accordance with the arrangements to be established with those countries under the framework agreements on the general principles for their participation in Community programmes;

               (d)

               EFTA States that are parties to the EEA Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of that Agreement;

               (e)

               the ENP partner countries, in accordance with the general principles and the general terms and conditions for the participation of those countries in Community programmes laid down in the May 2004 Strategy Paper and the Country Action Plans. Any Community financial support for actions in ENP partner countries in this context shall be covered by the ENP Instrument, in accordance with the priorities and procedures established for the overall cooperation with those countries.

         Article 12
   Budget
   1.   The financial envelope for the implementation of the actions referred to in this Decision for the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2010 shall be EUR 17 000 000, of which EUR 6 500 000 shall be for the period until 31 December 2009.
   2.   Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the Financial Framework 2007-13.
   Article 13
   International cooperation
   For the purpose of the European Year, the Commission may cooperate with relevant international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe, the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations.
   Article 14
   Protection of Community financial interests
   The Commission shall ensure that, when actions financed under this Decision are implemented, the financial interests of the Community are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and by the recovery of the amounts unduly paid and, if irregularities are detected, by effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (8) and Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (9), and with Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (10).
   Article 15
   Monitoring and evaluation
   1.   By 31 December 2011, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the actions provided for in this Decision.
   2.   The report shall also provide information on how the gender dimension has been mainstreamed in the activities of the European Year and how the European Year has been of benefit to groups or individuals in vulnerable situations.
   Article 16
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Strasbourg, 22 October 2008.

            For the European Parliament

            The President

         H.-G. PÖTTERING

            For the Council

            The President

         J.-P. JOUYET

      (1)  OJ C 224, 30.8.2008, p. 106.

      (2)  Opinion of 18 June 2008 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

      (3)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 17 June 2008 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 2 October 2008.

      (4)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

      (5)  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1.

      (6)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

      (7)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

      (8)  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

      (9)  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

      (10)  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

      ANNEX
      Details of the actions referred to in Article 3 of this Decision
      I.   ACTIONS ON A COMMUNITY SCALE
      1.   Meetings and events
      Organisation of meetings and events at Community level, intended to raise awareness about issues related to the European Year and about poverty and social exclusion, as well as to provide for a forum for exchange of ideas. They will gather relevant stakeholders and will be planned together with people experiencing poverty and civil society organisations representing them. These meetings and events will facilitate the development of social empowerment measures and practices for all and help to address policy gaps, as well as to raise awareness among relevant actors and institutions regarding the multiple dimensions of poverty and social exclusion (especially among women and children), including factors such as access to employment, housing, social protection, family support, health and social services.
      2.   Information and promotional campaigns involving:

                  —

                  the organisation of various solidarity initiatives for poverty alleviation and social inclusion to give all citizens the opportunity to contribute directly or through their organisations, even modestly and in whatever form. Media campaigns at Community and national level may support fundraising operations within the framework of the European Year,

                  —

                  the development of a logo, available in a variety of formats, and slogans for the European Year, for use in connection with any action linked to the European Year,

                  —

                  an information campaign at Community level with positioning at national and local level, based on both traditional and new communication channels and new technologies,

                  —

                  the production of communication and media tools available throughout the Community to stimulate public interest,

                  —

                  appropriate measures and initiatives for providing information, publicising the results and improving the visibility of Community programmes, actions and initiatives contributing to the objectives of the European Year,

                  —

                  appropriate initiatives by educational institutions, non-governmental organisations and charities at Community and national level, to disseminate information on the European Year and on measures to fight poverty and social exclusion,

                  —

                  the organisation of European competitions highlighting achievements and experiences in connection with the themes of the European Year,

                  —

                  a strong link with organisations and sectors not usually engaged with issues of poverty and social exclusion (e.g. sport, art), including the use of testimonials and ‘ambassadors’,

                  —

                  the establishment of an information website on Europa.

            3.   Other actions

                  —

                  Community-wide surveys and studies, based on gender-disaggregated data collection where appropriate, to assess and report on the preparation, effectiveness and immediate and long-term impact of the European Year. To facilitate the identification of innovative solutions, one such survey will also gauge public opinion on policy to prevent and combat poverty and social exclusion, including, where appropriate, social protection systems, and on the potential role of the Union in the fight against poverty and exclusion. That survey will be conducted in 2009 so that its results can be presented at the Opening Conference of the European Year,

                  —

                  The promotion of studies on the link between severe poverty and fundamental rights,

                  —

                  Cooperation with the private sector, broadcasters and other media as partners in spreading information about the European Year as well as in actions aiming for long-term dialogue on social issues,

                  —

                  Technical assistance to facilitate the transfer of learning,

                  —

                  An evaluation report on the effectiveness and impact of the European Year.

            Specific links could be established with the organisation of events at European and international level, in particular, by creating synergies between the European Year and the activities developed around the annual UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October.
      The Commission may make use of technical and/or administrative assistance for the mutual benefit of the Commission and the participating countries, for example by financing outside expertise on a specific subject.
      4.   Funding
      Subject to the provisions of Articles 8 and 12 of this Decision, funding may be in the form of:

                  —

                  the purchase of goods and services, in particular in the field of communications, by way of calls for tender,

                  —

                  the purchase of consultancy services, by way of calls for tender,

                  —

                  subsidies allocated to cover the expenses of special events at Community level to highlight and raise awareness of the European Year. Such funding will not exceed 80 % of the total expenditure incurred by the recipient.

            II.   CO-FINANCING OF ACTIONS AT NATIONAL LEVEL
      These actions should take account of the need to provide funding opportunities that ensure access for organisations ‘on the ground’ and projects involving the most marginalised groups.
      1.   Actions at national, regional or local level may qualify for financing from the Community budget up to a maximum of 50 % of the total eligible costs per participating country. National co-funding should match the EU funding with at least 50 % from public or private sources. When selecting actions, National Implementing Bodies will be free to decide whether or not, and at what level, to request co-funding from the organisation responsible for implementing individual actions.
      2.   Following the adoption of this Decision, the Commission will prepare a Strategic Framework Document, which, alongside the objectives set out in Article 2 of this Decision, will establish the key priorities for the implementation of the European Year activities, including minimum standards in terms of participation in national bodies and actions.
      3.   In response to the Strategic Framework Document, each National Implementing Body will produce, after consulting civil society, a National Programme for implementing the European Year, in close coordination and consistent with the National Strategies on Social Protection and Social Inclusion.
      4.   Each National Implementing Body will submit a single application for Community funding. That grant application will describe the National Programme and priorities for the European Year, and the actions proposed for funding. The grant application will be accompanied by a detailed budget setting out the total costs of the actions proposed and the amount and sources of co-funding. Eligible costs may include personnel and administrative costs incurred by the National Implementing Body.
      5.   The release of global grants to participating countries will depend on the extent to which the objectives set out in Article 2 of this Decision and developed in the Strategic Framework Document are adequately met in the National Programme for implementing the European Year.
      6.   The Commission will evaluate the applications for Community funding submitted by the National Implementing Bodies, including by checking their compliance with the objectives referred to in Article 2 of this Decision. If necessary, the Commission shall request modifications to the applications.
      7.   Actions under point 1 above may include:

                  (a)

                  meetings and events connected with the objectives of the European Year, including national events to launch and promote the European Year, create a catalyst effect and provide open spaces for debate around concrete action to combat poverty and social exclusion;

                  (b)

                  mutual learning seminars at national, regional and local level;

                  (c)

                  other events connected with the preparation of Community-level initiatives (e.g. the yearly European Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion and the European Meeting of People Experiencing Poverty);

                  (d)

                  information, educational and promotional campaigns and other actions in schools and measures with a strong multiplier effect to disseminate the principles and underlying values celebrated by the European Year at national, regional and local levels, including the organisation of awards and competitions;

                  (e)

                  surveys and studies other than those mentioned in point 3 of Part I, to examine in greater depth the key issues of the European Year;

                  (f)

                  training opportunities for civil servants, social partners, the media, non-governmental organisations’ representatives and other actors to increase their knowledge of poverty and social exclusion phenomena, of European and national social inclusion policies and of the different policy tools available, to increase their capacity to deal with poverty-related issues, and to encourage them to play an active role in the fight against poverty and social exclusion;

                  (g)

                  cooperation with the media;

                  (h)

                  development of pilot regional and local action plans for social inclusion.

            III.   NON-FINANCIAL SUPPORT
      The Community will grant non-financial support, including written authorisation to use the specific logo created for the European Year and other materials associated with the European Year, for initiatives undertaken by public or private organisations, insofar as the latter can provide assurances to the Commission — on the basis of specific criteria set out in the Strategic Framework Document — that the initiatives in question are or will be carried out during the period of the European Year and are likely to make a significant contribution to achieving one or more of its objectives.
      Initiatives organised in third countries in association or cooperation with the European Year may also receive non-financial support from the Community and use the logo and other materials associated with the European Year.
      IV.   PRIORITIES FOR THE EUROPEAN YEAR ACTIVITIES
      Taking into account the multidimensional nature of poverty and social exclusion and with a view to mainstreaming the prevention of and fight against poverty and exclusion within other policies, the European Year activities should aim to produce a clear added value and provide an effective complement to the OMC on Social Protection and Social Inclusion. These activities should therefore focus on a limited number of priority areas.
      In line with the analysis carried out and the priorities identified in the Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, the European Year should focus on the following themes:

                  —

                  promoting multidimensional integrated strategies to prevent and reduce poverty, in particular severe poverty, and approaches which would be mainstreamed across all relevant policy areas,

                  —

                  fighting child poverty including the intergenerational transmission of poverty as well as poverty within families, paying special attention to large families, single parents and families caring for a dependent person, as well as poverty experienced by children in institutions,

                  —

                  promoting inclusive labour markets, addressing in-work poverty and the need to make work pay,

                  —

                  eradicating disadvantages in education and training, including digital literacy training and promoting equal access for all to ICT, with particular focus on the specific needs of disabled people,

                  —

                  tackling the gender and age dimensions of poverty,

                  —

                  ensuring equal access to adequate resources and services, including decent accommodation, health and social protection,

                  —

                  facilitating access to culture and leisure opportunities,

                  —

                  overcoming discrimination and promoting the social inclusion of immigrants and ethnic minorities,

                  —

                  promoting integrated approaches to active inclusion,

                  —

                  addressing the needs of people with disabilities and their families, the homeless, as well as other groups or persons in vulnerable situations.

            In planning the European Year activities in line with the above priorities, the participating countries will adapt them to the national, regional and local situations and challenges, including considerations of territorial cohesion.
      In the light of the objectives set out in Article 2 of this Decision, the issue of participation should be mainstreamed throughout all the priorities.
      Under Article 4 of this Decision, the Commission and the Member States are to take into account, in implementing the European Year activities, the different ways in which women and men experience poverty and social exclusion. They will also ensure that gender is mainstreamed throughout the European Year priorities with a view to promoting gender equality.


title: 2005/117/EC: Commission Decision of 8 February 2005 on the continuation in the year 2005 of Community comparative trials and tests on propagating and planting material of Prunus domestica under Council Directive 92/34/EEC started in 2003

text:
               9.2.2005

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 36/11

      COMMISSION DECISION

   of 8 February 2005
   on the continuation in the year 2005 of Community comparative trials and tests on propagating and planting material of Prunus domestica under Council Directive 92/34/EEC started in 2003
   (2005/117/EC)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   Having regard to Council Directive 92/34/EEC of 28 April 1992 on the marketing of fruit plant propagating material and fruit plants intended for fruit production (1),
   Having regard to Commission Decision 2002/745/EC of 5 September 2002 setting out the arrangements for Community comparative trials and tests on propagating and planting material of fruit plants under Council directive 92/34/EEC (2), and in particular Article 3 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Decision 2002/745/EC sets out the arrangements for the comparative trials and tests to be carried out under Directive 92/34/EEC as regards Prunus domestica from 2003 to 2007.

               (2)

               Tests and trials carried out in 2003 and 2004 should be continued in 2005,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Sole Article
   Community comparative trials and tests which began in 2003 on propagating and planting material of Prunus domestica shall be continued in 2005 in accordance with Decision 2002/745/EC.

      Done at Brussels, 8 February 2005.

            For the Commission

         Markos KYPRIANOU

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 157, 10.6.1992, p. 10. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2003/111/EC (OJ L 311, 27.11.2003, p. 12).

      (2)  OJ L 240, 7.9.2002, p. 65.


Avis juridique important

|

41988D0080

88/80/ECSC: Decision of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 8 February 1988 suspending the generalized tariff preferences for 1988 for steel products originating in the Republic of Korea

Official Journal L 040 , 13/02/1988 P. 0038 - 0038

*****DECISION  OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL  of 8 February 1988  suspending the generalized tariff preferences for 1988 for steel products originating in the Republic of Korea  (88/80/ECSC)  THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,  In agreement with the Commission,  HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:  Article 1  The generalized tariff preferences granted by Decision 87/564/ECSC (1) shall be suspended for products originating in the Republic of Korea.  Article 2  This Decision shall enter into force on 15 February 1988.  It shall not apply to goods in respect of which proof is furnished that they were dispatched to the Community before 14 December 1987.  Done at Brussels, 8 February 1988.  The President  I. KIECHLE  (1) OJ No L 350, 12. 12. 1987, p. 111.


Avis juridique important

|

41995D0581

95/581/EC: Decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 20 December 1995 on the provisional application of certain provisions of the internal agreement (Eighth EDF) relating to programming of the Agreement amending the Fourth ACP-EC Convention

Official Journal L 327 , 30/12/1995 P. 0016 - 0016

DECISION OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL of 20 December 1995 on the provisional application of certain provisions of the internal agreement (Eighth EDF) relating to programming of the Agreement amending the Fourth ACP-EC Convention (95/581/EC)THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,Having regard to the Fourth ACP-EC Convention, signed at Lomé on 15 December 1989, as amended by the Agreement amending the said Convention, signed in Mauritius on 4 November 1995,Having regard to the Internal Agreement on the Financing and Administration of Community Aid under the Second Financial Protocol to the Fourth ACP-EC Convention,Whereas the transitional measures to be adopted by the ACP-EC Council of Ministers provide for the provisional application of the provisions on programming in the Agreement amending the Fourth ACP-EC Convention;Whereas it is therefore important, pending the entry into force of the Internal Agreement, that some provisions of the said Agreement be applied provisionally,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1The provisions of the Internal Agreement (Eighth EDF) relating to the programming process, as set out in Articles 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23 of the said Agreement and in the statements thereon, shall be applied provisionally.Article 2This Decision shall enter into force on the same day as the transitional measures which are to be adopted by the ACP-EC Council.Done at Brussels, 20 December 1995.The PresidentJ. L. DICENTA BALLESTER


title: 2010/120/CFSP: Council Decision 2010/120/CFSP of 25 February 2010 extending and amending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan

text:
               26.2.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 49/28

         COUNCIL DECISION 2010/120/CFSP
   of 25 February 2010
   extending and amending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28, 31(2) and 33 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 24 July 2008, the Council adopted Joint Action 2008/612/CFSP (1) appointing Mr Ettore F. SEQUI as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Afghanistan for the period from 1 September 2008 to 28 February 2009.

               (2)

               On 16 February 2009, the Council adopted Joint Action 2009/135/CFSP (2) extending the mandate of the EUSR for Afghanistan until 28 February 2010.

               (3)

               On the basis of a review of Joint Action 2009/135/CFSP, on 15 June 2009 the Council adopted Joint Action 2009/467/CFSP (3), expanding the mandate of the EUSR for Afghanistan to include Pakistan.

               (4)

               The mandate of the EUSR should be extended until 31 March 2010.

               (5)

               The EUSR for Afghanistan and Pakistan will implement his mandate in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could harm the Common Foreign and Security Policy objectives set out in Article 21 of the Treaty,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Joint Action 2009/467/CFSP is hereby amended as follows:

               1.

               Article 1 is replaced by the following:
               ‘Article 1
               European Union Special Representative
               The mandate of Mr Ettore F. SEQUI as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Afghanistan and Pakistan is hereby extended until 31 March 2010.’;

               2.

               Article 2, point (e) is replaced by the following:

                           ‘(e)

                           support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) in the region.’

               3.

               Article 4 is replaced by the following:
               ‘Article 4
               Implementation of the mandate
               1.   The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate acting under the authority of the HR.
               2.   The Political and Security Committee (PSC) shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.’

               4.

               Article 5(1) and (2) is replaced by the following:
               ‘1.   The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the mandate of the EUSR in the period from 1 March 2009 to 31 March 2010 shall be EUR 2 830 000.’;
               ‘2.   The expenditure financed by the amount stipulated in paragraph 1 shall be eligible as from 1 March 2009. The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the European Union.’

               5.

               Article 6(1) shall be replaced by the following:
               ‘1.   Within the limits of his mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting his team. The team shall include the expertise on specific policy issues as required by the mandate. The EUSR shall keep the Council and the Commission promptly informed of the composition of his team.’

               6.

               Article 9(2) is replaced by the following:
               ‘2.   The Union delegations and/or Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.’

               7.

               Article 10, point (d) is replaced by the following:

                           ‘(d)

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

               8.

               Article 11 is replaced by the following:
               ‘Article 11
               Reporting
               The EUSR shall regularly provide oral and written reports to the HR and the PSC. The EUSR shall also report as necessary to Council working parties. Regular written reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. Upon recommendation of the HR or the PSC, the EUSR may provide reports to the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC).’

               9.

               Article 12 is replaced by the following:
               ‘Article 12
               Coordination
               1.   The EUSR shall promote overall Union political coordination. He shall help to ensure that all Union instruments in the field are engaged coherently to attain the Union's policy objectives. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with those of the Commission, as well as with those of the EUSR for Central Asia. The EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States' missions and the Union's delegations.
               2.   In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the Union and Member States' Heads of Mission. They shall make best efforts to assist the EUSR in the implementation of the mandate. The EUSR shall provide the Head of the EU Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN) with local political guidance. The EUSR and the Civilian Operation Commander shall consult each other as required. The EUSR shall also liaise with other international and regional actors in the field.’

         Article 2
   The EUSR shall present the HR, the Council and the Commission with a mandate implementation report at the end of the mandate.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
   It shall apply from 1 March 2010.
   Article 4
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 25 February 2010.

            For the Council

            The President

         A. PÉREZ RUBALCABA

      (1)  OJ L 197, 25.7.2008, p. 60.

      (2)  OJ L 46, 17.2.2009, p. 61.

      (3)  OJ L 151, 16.6.2009, p. 41.


title: Council Decision of 24 June 2014 renewing the term of office of the President of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (trade marks and designs) and appointing a Chairman of a Board of Appeal of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (trade marks and designs)

text:
               22.7.2014

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 236/2

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 24 June 2014
   renewing the term of office of the President of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (trade marks and designs) and appointing a Chairman of a Board of Appeal of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (trade marks and designs)
   2014/C 236/03
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 of 26 February 2009 on the Community trade mark (1), and in particular Article 125(1) and (2) and Article 136 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By Decision of 25 May 2010 (2), the Council appointed Mr António-Serge DE PINHO CAMPINOS as President of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (trade marks and designs) (‘the Office’).

               (2)

               On 20 May 2014,the Administrative Board of the Office submitted to the Council its proposals concerning the renewal of the term of office of the President of the Office and the appointment of a Chairman of a Board of Appeal of the Office.

               (3)

               The term of office of Mr António-Serge DE PINHO CAMPINOS as President of the Office should be renewed for a period of 5 years.

               (4)

               Mr Gordon David Thomas HUMPHREYS should be appointed chairman of a Board of Appeal of the Office,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The term of office of Mr António-Serge DE PINHO CAMPINOS, born in Poitiers (France) on 24 October 1968, as President of the Office is hereby renewed for the period from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2020.
   Article 2
   Mr Gordon David Thomas HUMPHREYS, born in London (United Kingdom) on 1 March 1964, is hereby appointed chairman of a Board of Appeal of the Office for a term of 5 years.
   The date on which the 5-year term referred to in the first paragraph shall commence shall be determined by the Administrative Board of the Office.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Luxembourg, 24 June 2014.

            For the Council

            The President

         E. VENIZELOS

      (1)  OJ L 78, 24.3.2009, p. 1.

      (2)  Council Decision of 25 May 2010 appointing the President, the Vice-President, the President of the Boards of Appeal and three chairmen of a Board of Appeal of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (trade marks and designs) (OJ C 152, 11.6.2010, p. 1).