title: 2007/825/EC: Council Decision of 8 November 2007 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas

text:
               19.12.2007

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 334/136

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 8 November 2007
   on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas
   (2007/825/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 62(2)(b)(i) and (ii), in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 300(3) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament (1),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Commission has negotiated on behalf of the European Community an Agreement with the Republic of Serbia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

               (2)

               The Agreement was signed, on behalf of the European Community, on 18 September 2007 subject to its possible conclusion at a later date, in accordance with a Council Decision adopted on 18 September 2007.

               (3)

               The Agreement should be approved.

               (4)

               The Agreement establishes a Joint Committee for the management of the Agreement, which may adopt its rules of procedure. It is appropriate to provide for a simplified procedure for the establishment of the Community position in this case.

               (5)

               In accordance with the Protocol on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the Protocol integrating the Schengen acquis into the framework of the European Union, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community, the United Kingdom and Ireland are not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and are not bound by it or subject to its application.

               (6)

               In accordance with the Protocol on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Denmark does not take part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.
   The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   The President of the Council shall give the notification provided for in Article 14(1) of the Agreement (2).
   Article 3
   The Commission, assisted by experts from Member States, shall represent the Community in the Joint Committee of experts established by Article 12 of the Agreement.
   Article 4
   The position of the Community within the Joint Committee of experts with regard to the adoption of its rules of procedure as required under Article 12(4) of the Agreement shall be taken by the Commission after consultation with a special committee designated by the Council.
   Article 5
   This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 8 November 2007.

            For the Council

            The President

         R. PEREIRA

      (1)  Opinion delivered on 24 October 2007 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

      (2)  The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.
   AGREEMENT
   between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas
   THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Community’;
   and
   THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Parties’;
   HAVING REGARD to the European perspective of the Republic of Serbia, the opening of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations between the European Community/the EU Member States and the Republic of Serbia and the European Partnership adopted by the Council in January 2006,
   REAFFIRMING the intention to cooperate closely within the framework of the future SAA structures for the liberalization of the visa regime between the Republic of Serbia and the European Union, in line with the conclusions of the EU-Western Balkans Summit held in Thessaloniki on 21 June 2003,
   DESIRING, as a first concrete step towards the visa free travel regime, to facilitate people-to-people contacts as an important condition for a steady development of economic, humanitarian, cultural, scientific and other ties, by facilitating the issuing of visas to citizens of the Republic of Serbia,
   BEARING IN MIND that, all EU citizens are exempted from the visa requirement when travelling to the Republic of Serbia for a period of time not exceeding 90 days or transiting through the territory of the Republic of Serbia,
   RECOGNISING that if the Republic of Serbia was to reintroduce the visa requirement for EU citizens, the same facilitations granted under this agreement to the citizens of the Republic of Serbia would automatically, on the basis of reciprocity, apply to EU citizens,
   RECOGNISING that visa facilitation should not lead to illegal migration and
   PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION to security and readmission,
   TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the Protocol on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland and the Protocol integrating the Schengen acquis into the framework of the European Union, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community and confirming that the provisions of this agreement do not apply to the United Kingdom and Ireland,
   TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the Protocol on the position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community and confirming that the provisions of this agreement do not apply to the Kingdom of Denmark,
   HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Purpose and scope of application
   1.   The purpose of this Agreement is to facilitate the issuance of visas for an intended stay of no more than 90 days per period of 180 days to the citizens of the Republic of Serbia.
   2.   If the Republic of Serbia was to reintroduce the visa requirement for EU citizens or certain categories of EU citizens, the same facilitations granted under this agreement to the citizens of the Republic of Serbia would automatically, on the basis of reciprocity, apply to EU citizens concerned.
   Article 2
   General clause
   1.   The visa facilitations provided in this Agreement shall apply to citizens of the Republic of Serbia only insofar as they are not exempted from the visa requirement by the laws and regulations of the Community or the Member States, the present agreement or other international agreements.
   2.   The national law of the Republic of Serbia, or of the Member States or Community law shall apply to issues not covered by the provisions of this Agreement, such as the refusal to issue a visa, recognition of travel documents, proof of sufficient means of subsistence and the refusal of entry and expulsion measures.
   Article 3
   Definitions
   For the purpose of this Agreement:

               (a)

               ‘Member State’ shall mean any Member State of the European Union, with the exception of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom;

               (b)

               ‘citizen of the European Union’ shall mean a national of a Member State as defined in point (a);

               (c)

               ‘citizen of the Republic of Serbia’: shall mean any person who holds the nationality of the Republic of Serbia in accordance with its national legislation;

               (d)

               ‘visa’ shall mean an authorization issued by a Member State or a decision taken by such State which is required with a view to:

                           —

                           entry for an intended stay in that Member State or in several Member States of no more than 90 days in total,

                           —

                           entry for transit through the territory of that Member State or several Member States;

               (e)

               ‘legally residing person’ shall mean a citizen of the Republic of Serbia authorized or entitled to stay for more than 90 days in the territory of a Member State, on the basis of Community or national legislation.

         Article 4
   Documentary evidence regarding the purpose of the journey
   1.   For the following categories of citizens of the Republic of Serbia the following documents are sufficient for justifying the purpose of the journey to the other Party:

               (a)

               for members of official delegations who, following an official invitation addressed to the Republic of Serbia, shall participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations or exchange programmes, as well as in events held in the territory of the Member States by intergovernmental organisations:

                           —

                           a letter issued by an authority from the Republic of Serbia confirming that the applicant is a member of its delegation travelling to the other Party to participate in the aforementioned events, accompanied by a copy of the official invitation;

               (b)

               for business people and representatives of business organisations:

                           —

                           a written request from a host legal person or company, organisation or an office or branch of such legal person or company, state or local authorities of the Member States or organising committees of trade and industrial exhibitions, conferences and symposia held in the territories of the Member States, endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Serbia;

               (c)

               for drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services to the territories of the Member States in vehicles registered in the Republic of Serbia;

                           —

                           a written request from a national company or association of carriers of the Republic of Serbia providing for international road transportation, proving the purpose, duration and frequency of the trips;

               (d)

               for members of train, refrigerator and locomotive crews travelling to the territories of the Member States:

                           —

                           a written request from the competent railway company of the Republic of Serbia, stating the purpose, duration and frequency of the trips;

               (e)

               for journalists:

                           —

                           a certificate or other document issued by a professional organisation proving that the person concerned is a qualified journalist and document issued by his/her employer, stating that the purpose of the journey is to carry out journalistic work;

               (f)

               for persons participating in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, including university and other exchange programmes:

                           —

                           a written request from the host organisation to participate in those activities;

               (g)

               for pupils, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purposes of study or educational training, including in the framework of exchange programmes, as well as other school-related activities:

                           —

                           a written request or certificate of enrolment from the host university, college or school, or student cards or certificates of the courses to be attended;

               (h)

               for participants in international sport events and persons accompanying them in a professional capacity:

                           —

                           a written request from the host organisation: competent authorities, national sport Federations or National Olympic Committees of the Member States;

               (i)

               for participants in official exchange programmes organised by twin municipalities and cities:

                           —

                           a written request of the Head of Administration/Mayor of these municipalities and cities;

               (j)

               for close relatives — spouse, children (including adopted), parents (including custodians), grandparents and grandchildren, visiting citizens of the Republic of Serbia legally residing in the territories of the Member States:

                           —

                           a written request from the host person;

               (k)

               for visiting military and civil burial grounds:

                           —

                           an official document confirming the existence and preservation of the grave, as well as family or other relationship between the applicant and the buried;

               (l)

               for persons attending burial ceremonies:

                           —

                           an official document confirming the fact of death, as well as confirmation of the family or other relationship between the applicant and the buried;

               (m)

               for persons visiting for medical reasons and necessary accompanying persons:

                           —

                           an official document of the medical institution confirming the necessity of medical care in this institution and the necessity of being accompanied and proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment;

               (n)

               for representatives of civil society organisations when undertaking trips for the purposes of educational training, seminars, conferences, including in the framework of exchange programmes:

                           —

                           a written request issued by the host organisation, a confirmation that the person is representing the civil society organisation and the certificate on establishment of such organisation from the relevant Register issued by a state authority in accordance with the national legislation;

               (o)

               for representatives of the religious communities in the Republic of Serbia:

                           —

                           a written request from a religious community registered in the Republic of Serbia, stating the purpose, duration and frequency of trips;

               (p)

               for members of the professions participating in international exhibitions, conferences, symposia, seminars or other similar events held in the territory of the Member States:

                           —

                           a written request from the host organisation confirming that the person concerned is participating in the event;

               (q)

               for persons travelling for tourism:

                           —

                           a certificate or voucher from a travel agency or a tour operator accredited by Member States in the framework of the local consular cooperation confirming the booking of an organized trip.

         2.   The written request mentioned in paragraph 1 of this Article shall contain the following items:

               (a)

               for the invited person: name and surname, date of birth, sex, citizenship, number of the identity document, time and purpose of the journey, number of entries and where relevant the name of the spouse and children accompanying the invited person;

               (b)

               for the inviting person — name, surname and address; or

               (c)

               for the inviting legal person, company or organisation — full name and address and:

                           —

                           if the invitation is issued by an organisation, the name and position of the person who signs the invitation,

                           —

                           if the inviting person is a legal person or company or an office or a branch of such legal person or company established in the territory of a Member State, the registration number as required by the national law of the Member State concerned.

         3.   For the categories of persons mentioned in paragraph 1 of this article, all categories of visa are issued according to the simplified procedure without requiring any other justification, invitation or validation concerning the purpose of the journey, provided for by the legislation of the Member States.
   Article 5
   Issuance of multiple-entry visas
   1.   Diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Member States shall issue multiple-entry visas with a term of validity of up to five years to the following categories of persons:

               (a)

               for members of national and provincial/regional Governments and Parliaments, the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Cassation in case they are not exempted from the visa requirement by the present Agreement, in the exercise of their duties, with the term of validity limited to their term of office if this is less than five years;

               (b)

               for permanent members of official delegations who, following an official invitation addressed to the Republic of Serbia, shall regularly participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations or exchange programmes, as well as in events held in the territory of the Member States by intergovernmental organisations;

               (c)

               for spouses and children (including adopted), who are under the age of 21 or are dependent and parents visiting citizens of the Republic of Serbia legally residing in the territory of the Member States with the term of validity limited to the duration of the validity of their authorization for legal residence.

         2.   Diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Member States shall issue multiple-entry visas with a term of validity of up to one year to the following categories of persons, provided that during the previous year they have obtained at least one visa, have made use of it in accordance with the laws on entry and stay of the visited State and that there are reasons for requesting a multiple-entry visa:

               (a)

               for members of official delegations who, following an official invitation addressed to the Republic of Serbia, shall regularly participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations or exchange programmes, as well as in events held in the territory of the Member States by intergovernmental organisations;

               (b)

               for business people and representatives of business organisations who regularly travel to Member States;

               (c)

               for drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services to the territories of the Member States in vehicles registered in the Republic of Serbia;

               (d)

               for members of train, refrigerator and locomotive crews in international trains, travelling to the territories of the Member States;

               (e)

               for journalists;

               (f)

               for persons participating in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, including university and other exchange programmes who regularly travel to Member States;

               (g)

               for students and post-graduate students who regularly travel for the purposes of study or educational training, including in the framework of exchange programmes;

               (h)

               for participants in international sport events and persons accompanying them in a professional capacity;

               (i)

               for participants in official exchange programmes organised by twin municipalities and cities;

               (j)

               for persons needing to visit regularly for medical reasons and necessary accompanying persons;

               (k)

               for representatives of civil society organisations travelling regularly to Member States for the purposes of educational training, seminars, conferences, including in the framework of exchange programmes;

               (l)

               for representatives of religious communities registered in the Republic of Serbia, who regularly travel to the Member States;

               (m)

               for members of the professions participating in international exhibitions, conferences, symposia, seminars or other similar events who regularly travel to the Member States.

         3.   Diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Member States shall issue multiple-entry visas with a term of validity of a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years to the categories of persons referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, provided that during the previous two years they have made use of the one year multiple-entry visas in accordance with the laws on entry and stay of the visited State and that the reasons for requesting a multiple-entry visa are still valid.
   4.   The total period of stay of persons referred to in paragraphs 1-3 of this Article shall not exceed 90 days per period of 180 days in the territory of the Member States.
   Article 6
   Fees for processing visa applications
   1.   The fee for processing visa applications of citizens of the Republic of Serbia shall amount to € 35.
   The aforementioned amount may be reviewed in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 14(4).
   If the Republic of Serbia was to reintroduce the visa requirement for EU citizens, the visa fee to be charged by the Republic of Serbia shall not be higher than €35 or the amount agreed if the fee is reviewed in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 14(4).
   2.   Fees for processing the visa application are waived for the following categories of persons:

               (a)

               for members of official delegations who, following an official invitation addressed to the Republic of Serbia, shall participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations or exchange programmes, as well as in events held in the territories of the Member States by intergovernmental organisations;

               (b)

               for members of national and provincial/regional Governments and Parliaments, the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Cassation, in case they are not exempted from the visa requirement by the present Agreement;

               (c)

               for persons participating in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, including university and other exchange programmes;

               (d)

               for pupils, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purposes of study or educational training, including in the framework of exchange programmes, as well as other school-related activities;

               (e)

               for participants in international sport events and persons accompanying them in a professional capacity;

               (f)

               for participants in official exchange programmes organised by twin municipalities and cities;

               (g)

               for disabled persons and the person accompanying them, if necessary;

               (h)

               for representatives of civil society organisations travelling to attend meetings, seminars, exchange programs or training courses;

               (i)

               for persons who have presented documents proving the necessity of their travel on humanitarian grounds, including to receive urgent medical treatment and the person accompanying such person, or to attend a funeral of a close relative or to visit a seriously ill close relative;

               (j)

               for journalists;

               (k)

               for drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services to the territories of the Member States in vehicles registered in the Republic of Serbia;

               (l)

               for members of train, refrigerator and locomotive crews travelling to the territories of the Member States;

               (m)

               for close relatives — spouse, children (including adopted), parents (including custodians), grandparents and grandchildren, visiting citizens of the Republic of Serbia legally residing in the territories of the Member States.

               (n)

               for representatives of religious communities registered in the Republic of Serbia, who regularly travel to the Member States;

               (o)

               for members of the professions participating in international exhibitions, conferences, symposia, seminars or other similar events held in the territory of the Member States;

               (p)

               for pensioners;

               (q)

               for children under six years of age.

         3.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1 above, Bulgaria and Romania which are bound by the Schengen acquis but which do not yet issue Schengen visas, may waive the fees for processing national short stay visa applications for citizens of the Republic of Serbia, until the day to be determined by the Council Decision for their full implementation of the Schengen acquis on visa policy.
   Article 7
   Length of procedures for processing visa applications
   1.   Diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Member States shall take a decision on the request to issue a visa within 10 calendar days of the date of the receipt of the application and documents required for issuing the visa.
   2.   The period of time for taking a decision on a visa application may be extended to up to 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed.
   3.   The period of time for taking a decision on a visa application may be reduced to three working days or less in urgent cases.
   Article 8
   Departure in case of lost or stolen documents
   Citizens of the European Union and of the Republic of Serbia who have lost their identity documents, or from whom these documents have been stolen while staying in the territory of the Republic of Serbia or the Member States, may leave that territory on the basis of valid identity documents entitling them to cross the border issued by diplomatic missions or consular posts of the Member States or of the Republic of Serbia without any visa or other authorization.
   Article 9
   Extension of visa in exceptional circumstances
   The citizens of the Republic of Serbia who do not have the possibility to leave the territory of the Member States by the time stated in their visas for reasons of force majeure shall have the term of their visas extended free of charge in accordance with the legislation applied by the receiving State for the period required for their return to the State of their residence.
   Article 10
   Diplomatic passports
   1.   Citizens of the Republic of Serbia, holders of valid diplomatic passports can enter, leave and transit through the territories of the Member States without visas.
   2.   Persons mentioned in paragraph 1 of this Article may stay in the territories of the Member States for a period not exceeding 90 days per period of 180 days.
   Article 11
   Territorial validity of visas
   Subject to the national rules and regulations concerning national security of the Member States and subject to EU rules on visas with limited territorial validity, citizens of the Republic of Serbia shall be entitled to travel within the territory of the Member States on an equal basis with European Union citizens.
   Article 12
   Joint Committee for management of the Agreement
   1.   The Parties shall set up a Joint Committee of experts (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Committee’), composed of representatives of the European Community and of the Republic of Serbia. The Community shall be represented by the Commission of the European Communities, assisted by experts from the Member States.
   2.   The Committee shall, in particular, have the following tasks:

               (a)

               monitoring the implementation of the present Agreement;

               (b)

               suggesting amendments or additions to the present Agreement;

               (c)

               settling disputes arising out of the interpretation or application of the provisions in this Agreement.

         3.   The Committee shall meet whenever necessary at the request of one of the Parties and at least once a year.
   4.   The Committee shall establish its rules of procedure.
   Article 13
   Relation of this Agreement with bilateral Agreements between Member States and the Republic of Serbia
   1.   As from its entry into force, this Agreement shall take precedence over provisions of any bilateral or multilateral agreements or arrangements concluded between individual Member States and the Republic of Serbia, insofar as the provisions of the latter agreements or arrangements cover issues dealt with by the present Agreement.
   2.   The provisions of bilateral Agreements or arrangements between individual Member States and the Republic of Serbia signed before 1 January 2007 providing for the exemption of the holders of service passports from the visa requirement, shall continue to apply for a period of five years from the entry into force of this Agreement without prejudice to the right of the Member States concerned or the Republic of Serbia to denounce or suspend these bilateral agreements during this period of five years.
   Article 14
   Final clauses
   1.   This Agreement shall be ratified or approved by the Parties in accordance with their respective procedures and shall enter into force on the first day of the second month following the date on which the Parties notify each other that the procedures referred to above have been completed.
   2.   By way of derogation to paragraph 1 of this Article, the present agreement shall only enter into force on the date of the entry into force of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia on readmission of persons if this date is after the date provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article.
   3.   This Agreement is concluded for an indefinite period of time, unless terminated in accordance with paragraph 6 of this Article.
   4.   This Agreement may be amended by written agreement of the Parties. Amendments shall enter into force after the Parties have notified each other of the completion of their internal procedures necessary for this purpose.
   5.   Each Party may suspend in whole or in part this Agreement for reasons of public order, protection of national security or protection of public health. The decision on suspension shall be notified to the other Party not later than 48 hours before its entry into force. The Party that has suspended the application of this Agreement shall immediately inform the other Party once the reasons for the suspension no longer apply.
   6.   Each Party may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other Party. This Agreement shall cease to be in force 90 days after the date of such notification.

      Done at Brussels on the eighteenth day of September in the year two thousand and seven in duplicate in each of the official languages of the Parties, each of these texts being equally authentic.

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

         За Република Сърбия
         Por la República de Serbia
         Za Republiku Srbsko
         For Republikken Serbien
         Für die Republik Serbien
         Serbia Vabariigi nimel
         Για τη Δημοκρατία της Σερβίας
         For the Republic of Serbia
         Pour la République de Serbie
         Per la Repubblica di Serbia
         Serbijas Republikas vārdā
         Serbijos Respublikos vardu
         A Szerb Köztársaság részéről
         Għar-Repubblika tas-Serbja
         Voor de Republiek Servië
         W imieniu Republiki Serbii
         Pela República da Sérvia
         Pentru Republica Serbia
         Za Srbskú republiku
         Za Republiko Srbijo
         Serbian tasavallan puolesta
         För Republiken Serbien
         За Република Србиjу

   ANNEX
   PROTOCOL TO THE AGREEMENT ON THE MEMBER STATES THAT DO NOT FULLY APPLY THE SCHENGEN ACQUIS

   Those Member States which are bound by the Schengen acquis but which do not issue yet Schengen visas, while awaiting the relevant decision of the Council to that end, shall issue national visas the validity of which is limited to their own territory.
   These Member States may unilaterally recognise Schengen visas and residence permits for the transit through their territory, in accordance with European Parliament and Council Decision No 895/2006/EC of 14 June 2006.
   As European Parliament and Council Decision No 895/2006/EC of 14 June 2006 does not apply to Romania and Bulgaria; similar provisions will be proposed by the European Commission in order to enable these countries to unilaterally recognise Schengen visas and residence permits and other similar documents issued by other Member States not yet fully integrated into the Schengen area for the purpose of transit through their territory.
   JOINT DECLARATION CONCERNING DENMARK
   The Parties take note that the present Agreement does not apply to the procedures for issuing visas by the diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Kingdom of Denmark.
   In such circumstances, it is desirable that the authorities of Denmark and of the Republic of Serbia conclude, without delay, a bilateral agreement on the facilitation of the issuance of short-stay visas in similar terms as the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia.
   JOINT DECLARATION CONCERNING THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND
   The Parties take note that the present Agreement does not apply to the territory of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
   In such circumstances, it is desirable that the authorities of the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Republic of Serbia, conclude bilateral agreements on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.
   JOINT DECLARATION CONCERNING ICELAND AND NORWAY
   The Parties take note of the close relationship between the European Community and Norway and Iceland, particularly by virtue of the Agreement of 18 May 1999 concerning the association of these countries with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis.
   In such circumstances, it is desirable that the authorities of Norway, Iceland and the Republic of Serbia conclude, without delay, bilateral agreements on the facilitation of the issuance of short-stay visas in similar terms as the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia.
   JOINT DECLARATION CONCERNING SWISS CONFEDERATION AND LIECHTENSTEIN
   (if needed)
   If the Agreement between the EU, the EC and the Swiss Confederation concerning the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis and the Protocols to this Agreement concerning Liechtenstein has entered into force by the time negotiations with the Republic of Serbia have concluded, a similar declaration will also be made in respect of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
   EUROPEAN COMMUNITY DECLARATION ON REVIEWING THE VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF SERVICE PASSPORTS
   As the exemption of the holders of service passports from the visa requirement provided in bilateral Agreements or arrangements between individual Member States and the Republic of Serbia which have been signed before 1 January 2007 shall only continue to apply for a period of five years from the entry into force of this Agreement without prejudice to the right of the Member States concerned or the Republic of Serbia to denounce or suspend these bilateral agreements during this period of five years, the European Community will reassess the situation of the holders of service passports at the latest four years after the entry into force of this Agreement, in view of a possible amendment of the Agreement to that end in accordance with the procedure provided in Article 14(4).
   EUROPEAN COMMUNITY DECLARATION ON ACCESS OF VISA APPLICANTS AND HARMONISATION OF INFORMATION ON PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING SHORT-STAY VISAS AND DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED WHEN APPLYING FOR SHORT-STAY VISAS
   Recognizing the importance of transparency for visa applicants, the European Community recalls that the legislative proposal on the recast of the Common Consular Instructions on visas for the diplomatic missions and consular posts has been adopted on 19 July 2006 by the European Commission and currently under discussions between the European Parliament and the Council, addresses the issue of conditions of access of visa applicants to diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Member States.
   Regarding the information to be provided to visa applicants the European Community considers that appropriate measures should be taken:
   In general, to draw up basic information for applicants on the procedures and conditions for applying for visas and on their validity.
   The European Community will draw up a list of minimum requirements in order to ensure that Serbian applicants are given coherent and uniform basic information and are required to submit, in principle, the same supporting documents.
   The information mentioned above including the list of accredited travel agencies and tour operators in the framework of local consular cooperation is to be disseminated widely (on the notice boards of consulates, in leaflets, on websites etc.).
   The diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Member States shall provide information about existing possibilities under the Schengen acquis for facilitation of the issuing of short-stay visas on a case-by-case basis.
   The European Community takes note of the readiness expressed by the Serbian authorities to assist in the dissemination of the above mentioned information.
   EUROPEAN COMMUNITY DECLARATION ON FACILITATIONS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND BONA FIDE APPLICANTS
   The European Community takes note of the suggestion of the Republic of Serbia to give a wider definition to the notion of family members that should benefit from visa facilitation as well as of the importance that the Republic of Serbia attaches to the simplification of movement of this category of persons.
   In order to ease the mobility of an extended number of persons which have family links (in particular sisters and brothers and their children) with citizens of Serbia legally residing in the territories of Member States, the European Community invites the Member States’ consular offices to make full use of the existing possibilities in the acquis communautaire for facilitating the issuance of visas to this category of persons, including in particular, the simplification of documentary evidence requested for the applicants, exemptions from handling fees and where appropriate the issuing of multiple entry visas.
   In addition, the European Community also invites the Member States’ consular offices to make full use of these possibilities for the facilitation of the issuance of visas to bona fide applicants.
   POLITICAL DECLARATION FROM BULGARIA, HUNGARY AND ROMANIA ON LOCAL BORDER TRAFFIC
   Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania declare their willingness to enter into negotiations of bilateral agreements with the Republic of Serbia for the purpose of implementing the local border traffic regime established by the EC Regulation No 1931/2006 of 20 December 2006 laying down rules on local border traffic at the external land borders of the Member States and amending the provisions of the Schengen Convention.


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/1783 of 4 August 2016 on the signing and the conclusion on behalf of the Union of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the extension of the agreement on the status of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN)

text:
               8.10.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 273/1

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2016/1783
   of 4 August 2016
   on the signing and the conclusion on behalf of the Union of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the extension of the agreement on the status of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 37 thereof, in conjunction with Article 218(5) and (6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 30 May 2007, by Joint Action 2007/369/CFSP (1), the Council established the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN). The mandate of EUPOL AFGHANISTAN, as amended by Council Decision 2014/922/CFSP (2), expires on 31 December 2016.

               (2)

               On 14 October 2010, the Union and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan signed an Agreement (3) on the Status of EUPOL AFGHANISTAN (SOMA). That Agreement expires on 14 October 2016.

               (3)

               Following the adoption of a Decision by the Council on 26 October 2015 authorising the opening of negotiations, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in accordance with Article 37 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), negotiated an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the Union and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with a view to extending SOMA in order to finalise the mandate of EUPOL AFGHANISTAN and to wind up EUPOL AFGHANISTAN.

               (4)

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

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the extension of the Agreement between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the status of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN) is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.
   The text of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters is attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters in order to bind the Union.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 4 August 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         M. LAJČÁK

      (1)  Council Joint Action 2007/369/CFSP of 30 May 2007 on establishment of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGANISTAN) (OJ L 139, 31.5.2007, p. 33).

      (2)  Council Decision 2014/922/CFSP of 17 December 2014 amending and extending Decision 2010/279/CFSP on the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN) (OJ L 363, 18.12.2014, p. 152).

      (3)  Agreement between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the Status of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan, EUPOL AFGHANISTAN (OJ L 294, 12.11.2010, p. 2).


title: Council Decision of 14 November 2011 appointing and replacing members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

text:
               30.11.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 349/2

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 14 November 2011
   appointing and replacing members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
   2011/C 349/02
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of 10 February 1975 establishing the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and in particular Article 4 thereof (1),
   Having regard to the nomination submitted to the Council by the Commission in the category of Employees' representatives,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               By its Decision of 14 September 2009 (2), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2009 to 17 September 2012.

               (2)

               A member's seat on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Employees' representatives has become vacant as a result of the resignation of Ms Leslie MANASSEH,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Sole Article
   The following person is hereby appointed as a member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of the term of office, which runs until 17 September 2012:

      REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYEES' ORGANISATIONS:

               UNITED KINGDOM

               Mr Iain MURRAY
               TUC (UK)

      Done at Brussels, 14 November 2011.

            For the Council

            The President

         M. SAWICKI

      (1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ C 226, 19.9.2009, p. 2.


title: 2014/466/CFSP: Political and Security Committee Decision EUFOR RCA/4/2014 of 10 July 2014 on the acceptance of a third State's contribution to the European Union military operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA)

text:
               18.7.2014

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 212/11

         POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE DECISION EUFOR RCA/4/2014
   of 10 July 2014
   on the acceptance of a third State's contribution to the European Union military operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA)

      (2014/466/CFSP)

   THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular the third subparagraph of Article 38 thereof,
   Having regard to Council Decision 2014/73/CFSP of 10 February 2014 on a European Union military operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) (1), and in particular Article 8(2) thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Pursuant to Article 8(2) of Decision 2014/73/CFSP, the Council authorised the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to take the relevant decisions on the acceptance of proposed contributions by third States.

               (2)

               Following the recommendation on a contribution from Turkey by the EUFOR RCA EU Operation Commander and the advice from the European Union Military Committee, the contribution from Turkey to the European Union military operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) should be accepted.

               (3)

               In accordance with Article 5 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark does not participate in the elaboration and implementation of decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   1.   The contribution from Turkey to EUFOR RCA is accepted and is considered to be significant.
   2.   Turkey is exempted from financial contributions to the budget of EUFOR RCA.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 10 July 2014.

            For the Political and Security Committee

            The Chairperson

         W. STEVENS

      (1)  OJ L 40, 11.2.2014, p. 59.


title: 2007/181/EC: Council Decision of 19 March 2007 appointing a Netherlands alternate member to the Committee of the Regions

text:
               24.3.2007

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 84/36

      COUNCIL DECISION

   of 19 March 2007
   appointing a Netherlands alternate member to the Committee of the Regions
   (2007/181/EC)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 263 thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Netherlands Government,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 24 January 2006 the Council adopted Decision 2006/116/EC appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2006 to 25 January 2010 (1).

               (2)

               An alternate member’s seat has become vacant following the resignation of Ms P.C. KRIKKE,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The following person is hereby appointed to the Committee of the Regions as an alternate member for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2010:
   Mr B. VERKERK, burgemeester van Delft
   replacing Ms P.C. KRIKKE.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall take effect on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 19 March 2007.

            For the Council

            The President

         Horst SEEHOFER

      (1)  OJ L 56, 25.2.2006, p. 75.


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/1193 of 4 July 2017 amending Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP on establishing a European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah)

text:
               5.7.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 172/12

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2017/1193
   of 4 July 2017
   amending Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP on establishing a European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 28, Article 42(4) and Article 43(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 12 December 2005, the Council adopted Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP (1) establishing a European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah).

               (2)

               On 7 July 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/1107 (2) amending Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP and extending it until 30 June 2017.

               (3)

               Following the Strategic Review of EU BAM Rafah, the Mission should be extended for a further period of 12 months, until 30 June 2018.

               (4)

               Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly.

               (5)

               EU BAM Rafah will be conducted in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the achievement of the objectives of the Union's external action as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP is amended as follows:

               (1)

               in Article 13(1), the following subparagraph is added:
               ‘The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to EU BAM Rafah for the period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 shall be EUR 1 980 000.’;

               (2)

               in Article 16, the second paragraph is replaced by the following:
               ‘It shall expire on 30 June 2018.’.

         Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
   It shall apply from 1 July 2017.

      Done at Brussels, 4 July 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         M. MAASIKAS

      (1)  Council Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP of 12 December 2005 on establishing a European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah) (OJ L 327, 14.12.2005, p. 28).

      (2)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/1107 of 7 July 2016 amending Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP on establishing a European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah) (OJ L 183, 8.7.2016, p. 64).


title: 2007/766/EC: Commission Decision of 14 November 2007 drawing up the list of regions and areas eligible for financing under the Cross-border Cooperation Component of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance for the purpose of cross-border cooperation between Member States and beneficiary countries for the period 2007 to 2013

text:
               28.11.2007

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 310/15

      COMMISSION DECISION

   of 14 November 2007
   drawing up the list of regions and areas eligible for financing under the Cross-border Cooperation Component of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance for the purpose of cross-border cooperation between Member States and beneficiary countries for the period 2007 to 2013
   (2007/766/EC)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 of 17 July 2006 establishing an Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) (1),
   Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 718/2007 of 12 June 2007 implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 (2), and in particular Article 88(1) thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Pursuant to Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006, the IPA Cross-border Cooperation component may support cross-border cooperation between beneficiary countries and Member States. In that event, assistance pursuant to the IPA Cross-border cooperation component shall cover the regions on both sides of the respective border or borders, either terrestrial or maritime.

               (2)

               Pursuant to Article 88(1) of Regulation (EC) No 718/2007, for the purpose of cross-border cooperation between Member States and beneficiary countries, the eligible areas for financing shall be the NUTS level 3 regions or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas, along land borders between the Community and the beneficiary countries and along maritime borders between the Community and the beneficiary countries separated, as a general rule, by a maximum of 150 kilometres, taking into account potential adjustment needed to ensure the coherence and continuity of the cooperation action.

               (3)

               Article 88(1) of Regulation (EC) No 718/2007 provides that, immediately after its entry into force, the Commission should adopt the list of the eligible regions in the Community and in the beneficiary countries, which shall be valid until 31 December 2013,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Sole Article
   For the purposes of cross-border cooperation between Member States and IPA beneficiary countries as referred to in Article 88(1) of Regulation (EC) No 718/2007, the areas eligible for financing under the IPA Cross-border Cooperation component shall be those listed in Annex I (Member States) and in Annex II (beneficiary countries).

      Done at Brussels, 14 November 2007.

            For the Commission

         Olli REHN

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 82.

      (2)  OJ L 170, 29.6.2007, p. 1.

      ANNEX I
      LIST OF NUTS LEVEL 3 REGIONS IN MEMBER STATES ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCING FOR THE PURPOSE OF CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION BETWEEN MEMBER STATES AND IPA BENEFICIARY COUNTRIES

                  BG412

                  Sofia

                  BG414

                  Pernik

                  BG415

                  Kyustendil

                  BG341

                  Burgas

                  BG343

                  Yambol

                  BG311

                  Vidin

                  BG312

                  Montana

                  BG413

                  Blagoevgrad

                  BG422

                  Haskovo

                  GR111

                  Evros

                  GR112

                  Xanthi

                  GR113

                  Rodopi

                  GR115

                  Kavala

                  GR123

                  Kilkis

                  GR124

                  Pella

                  GR126

                  Serres

                  GR127

                  Chalkidiki

                  GR132

                  Kastoria

                  GR134

                  Florina

                  GR143

                  Magnisia

                  GR212

                  Thesprotia

                  GR213

                  Ioannina

                  GR222

                  Kerkyra

                  GR242

                  Evvoia

                  GR411

                  Lesvos

                  GR412

                  Samos

                  GR413

                  Chios

                  GR421

                  Dodekanisos

                  GR422

                  Kyklades

                  ITD35

                  Venezia

                  ITD36

                  Padova

                  ITD37

                  Rovigo

                  ITD42

                  Udine

                  ITD43

                  Gorizia

                  ITD44

                  Trieste

                  ITD56

                  Ferrara

                  ITD57

                  Ravenna

                  ITD58

                  Forlì-Cesena

                  ITD59

                  Rimini

                  ITE31

                  Pesaro-Urbino

                  ITE32

                  Ancona

                  ITE33

                  Macerata

                  ITE34

                  Ascoli Piceno

                  ITF12

                  Teramo

                  ITF13

                  Pescara

                  ITF14

                  Chieti

                  ITF22

                  Campobasso

                  ITF41

                  Foggia

                  ITF42

                  Bari

                  ITF44

                  Brindisi

                  ITF45

                  Lecce

                  CY000

                  Kypros/Kibris

                  HU223

                  Zala

                  HU231

                  Baranya

                  HU232

                  Somogy

                  HU331

                  Bács-Kiskun

                  HU333

                  Csongrád

                  RO413

                  Mehedinți

                  RO422

                  Caraș-Severin

                  RO424

                  Timiș

                  SI011

                  Pomurska

                  SI012

                  Podravska

                  SI014

                  Savinjska

                  SI016

                  Spodnjeposavska

                  SI018

                  Notranjsko-kraška

                  SI024

                  Obalno-kraška

                  SI017

                  Jugovzhodna Slovenija

      ANNEX II
      LIST OF AREAS EQUIVALENT TO NUTS LEVEL 3 REGIONS IN THE IPA BENEFICIARY COUNTRIES, ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCING FOR THE PURPOSE OF CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION BETWEEN MEMBER STATES AND IPA BENEFICIARY COUNTRIES
      Albania

         Regions of:

                  Durrës

                  Fier

                  Gjirokastër

                  Korçë

                  Lezhë

                  Shkodër

                  Tirana

                  Vlorë

            Bosnia and Herzegovina

         Herzegovina Economic Region, which includes the following municipalities:

                  Bileča

                  Čapljina

                  Čitluk

                  Gacko

                  Grude

                  Jablanica

                  Konjic

                  Kupres

                  Livno

                  Ljubinje

                  Ljubuški

                  Mostar

                  Istočni Mostar

                  Neum

                  Nevesinje

                  Posušje

                  Prozor/Rama

                  Ravno

                  Široki Brijeg

                  Stolac

                  Berkovići

                  Tomislav grad

                  Trebinje

            The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

         Regions of:

                  East

                  North-east

                  Pelagonija

                  South-east

                  Vardar

            Croatia

         Counties of:

                  Dubrovnik-Neretva

                  Istria

                  Karlovac

                  Koprivnica-Križevci

                  Krapina-Zagorje

                  Lika-Senj

                  Međimurje

                  Osijek-Baranja

                  Primorje-Gorski kotar

                  Šibenik-Knin

                  Split-Dalmatia

                  Varaždin

                  Virovitica-Podravina

                  Zadar

                  Zagreb

            Montenegro

         Municipalities of:

                  Bar

                  Budva

                  Cetinje

                  Danilovgrad

                  Herceg Novi

                  Kotor

                  Nikšić

                  Podgorica

                  Tivat

                  Ulcinj

            Serbia, including Kosovo (1)

         Districts of:

                  Borski

                  Branicevski

                  Central Banat

                  Jablanicki

                  Nisavski

                  North Backa

                  North Banat

                  Pcinjski

                  Pirotski

                  South Backa

                  South Banat

                  West Backa

                  Zajecarski

            Turkey

         Provinces of:

                  Antalya

                  Aydin

                  Balikesir

                  Canakkale

                  Edirne

                  Izmir

                  Kirklareli

                  Mersin (Içel)

                  Mugla

         (1)  As defined in UNSCR 1244.


Avis juridique important

|

31991D0677

91/677/Euratom: Council Decision of 19 December 1991 approving amendments to the Statutes of the Joint European Torus (JET), Joint Undertaking

Official Journal L 375 , 31/12/1991 P. 0009 - 0010 Finnish special edition: Chapter 12 Volume 2 P. 0150  Swedish special edition: Chapter 12 Volume 2 P. 0150

COUNCIL DECISION of 19 December 1991 approving amendments to the  Statutes of the Joint European Torus (JET), Joint Undertaking, (91/677/Euratom) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular  Article 50 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas, for the purpose, of implementing the JET Project, the Council, by Decision 78/471/Euratom  (4), established the Joint European Torus (JET), Joint Undertaking, and adopted the Statutes  thereof, as last amended by Decision 88/447/Euratom (5); Whereas, both to achieve fully the aims of the JET Project as defined in Decision 78/471/Euratom  and to establish reliable methods of impurity control of a plasma before proceeding to the  construction of a Next-Step fusion device, it is necessary to introduce a new phase into the JET  programme, the objective of when would be to establish the effective control of impurities in  operation conditions close to those of the Next Step; Whereas, by its Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC (6), the Council adopted a third Framework Programme  of Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1990-1994),  specifying inter alia, the possible extension of the JET Joint Undertaking; whereas this Decision  should be taken in the light of the grounds set out in the preamble to that Decision; Whereas the Commission has arranged for the evaluation and appraisal provided for in Article 3 of  Council Decision 88/448/Euratom, EEC of 25 July 1988 adopting a multiannual research and training  programme in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion (7) and is submitting this proposal on  the basis of that evaluation and appraisal; Whereas, the JET Council has, for that purpose, approved an extension of the Joint Undertaking to  31 December 1996 and the corresponding amendments to the JET Statutes; Whereas, the 'Swedish Natural Science Research Council` replaces the 'Swedish Energy Research  Commission` as the Swedish Member of the Joint Undertaking from 1 July 1987; Whereas, the 'Kernforschunsanlage Juelich GmbH` changed its name to 'Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH`  on 1 January 1990; Whereas the 'Comitato nazionale per la ricerca e per lo sviluppo dell'energia nucleare e  dell'energie alternative (ENEA)` changed its name to 'Ente per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e  l'ambiente (ENEA)` on 14 September 1991, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The amendments to the Statutes of the 'Joint European Torus (JET),  Joint Undertaking`, annexed to this Decision, are hereby approved. Article 2 This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in  the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 19 December 1991. For the CouncilThe PresidentP. DANKERT    (1)OJ N° C 261, 16. 10. 1990, p. 8.  (2)Opinion delivered on 10 December 1991 (not yet published in the Official Journal).  (3)OJ N° C 120, 6. 5. 1991, p. 1.  (4)OJ N° L 151, 7. 6. 1978, p. 10.  (5)OJ N° L 222, 12. 8. 1988, p. 4.  (6)OJ N° L 177, 8. 5. 1990, p. 28.  (7)OJ N° L 222, 12. 8. 1988, p. 5.   ANNEX 1. Article 1.3 of the Statutes of the Joint European Torus (JET), Joint Undertaking  shall be replaced by the following: '1.3 The Joint Undertaking shall have the following Members: - the European Atomic Energy Community (herinafter referred to as 'Euratom`), - the Belgian State (hereinafter referred to as 'Belgium`), acting for its own part ('Laboratoire  de physique des plasmas de l'Ecole Royale Militaire - Laboratorium voor plasmaphysica van de  Koninklijke Militaire School`) and on behalf of the 'Université libre de Bruxelles` ('Service de  physique statistique, plasmas et optique non-linéaire de l'ULB`) und des 'Centre d'Etude de  l'Energie Nucléaire` (CEN)/'Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie` (SCK), - the 'Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas`, Spanien (hereinafter  referred to as 'Ciemat`), - das 'Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique`, France (herinafter referred to as 'CEA`), - the 'Ente per le Nuova Tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente` (herinafter referred to as 'ENEA`  which, since 1 Januare 1986, has represented all Italian activities falling within the Euratom  Fusion programme, including that of the 'Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche`, CNR), - the Hellenic Republic (hereinafter referred to as 'Greece`), - the 'Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH`, Federal Republic of Germany (herinafter referred to as 'KFA`  and which, until 1 January 1990, was known as 'Kernforschungsanlage Juelich GmbH`), - the 'Forskningscenter Risoe`, Denmark (hereinafter referred to as 'Risoe`), - the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (hereinafter referred to as 'Luxembourg`), - the 'Junta Nacional de Investigaçao Cientifica e Tecnologica`, Portugal (hereinafter referred to  as 'JNICT`), - Ireland, - the 'Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften eV - Institut fuer Plasmaphysik`,  Federal Republic of Germany (herinafter referred to as 'IPP`), - the 'Swedish Natural Science Research Council` (hereinafter referred to as 'NFR` which succeeded  the 'Swedish Energy Research Commission` on 1 July 1987, and which, in turn, succeeded the  'National Swedish Board of Energy Source Development` on 1 July 1982), - the Swiss Confederation (hereinafter referred to as 'Switzerland`), - the 'Stichting voor Fundamenteel Onderzoek der Materie`, Niederlande (herinafter referred to as  'FOM`), - the 'United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority` (herinafter referred to as 'the Authority` or 'the  Host Organization`).` 2. In Article 4.1.1, the reference to `SERC` shall be replaced by 'NFR` 3. Article 19.1 of the Statutes of the Joint European Torus (JET), Joint Undertaking shall be  replaced by the following: '19.1 The Joint Undertaking shall be established for a period until 31 December 1996.`


title: Commission Decision (EU) 2016/1796 of 7 July 2016 amending Decisions 2011/263/EU, 2011/264/EU, 2012/720/EU and 2012/721/EU in order to take account of developments in the classification of substances (notified under document C(2016) 4131) (Text with EEA relevance)

text:
                  11.10.2016

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 274/55

            COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2016/1796
      of 7 July 2016
      amending Decisions 2011/263/EU, 2011/264/EU, 2012/720/EU and 2012/721/EU in order to take account of developments in the classification of substances

            (notified under document C(2016) 4131)

      (Text with EEA relevance)
      THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
      Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
      Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the EU Ecolabel (1), and in particular Article 8(2) thereof,
      After consulting the European Union Ecolabelling Board,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  In accordance with Article 6(6) of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, the EU Ecolabel may not be awarded to goods containing substances or preparations/mixtures meeting the criteria for classification as toxic, hazardous to the environment, carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) or to goods containing substances referred to in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3).

                  (2)

                  In accordance with Article 6(7) of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, for specific categories of goods containing those substances, where it is not technically feasible to substitute those goods as such or via the use of alternative materials or designs, or in the case of products which have a significantly higher overall environmental performance compared with other goods of the same category, the Commission may adopt measures to grant derogations from Article 6(6) of that Regulation.

                  (3)

                  Subtilisin is a hazardous substance with a harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. This includes the following hazard classes: Respiratory sensitisation Category 1, Serious eye damage Category 1, Skin irritation Category 2 and Specific Target Organ Toxicity Single Exposure for respiratory tract Category 3.

                  (4)

                  Commission Decisions 2011/263/EU (4) and 2011/264/EU (5), as amended through Commission Decision 2012/49/EU (6) include already a derogation for the enzyme subtilisin, classified as H400: Very toxic to aquatic life, for established ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for detergents for dishwashers and laundry detergents, as subtilisin had been recognised as an important ingredient of these detergents and had been previously derogated. Moreover, with the same intention of allowing subtilisin in EU Ecolabel products, Commission Decisions 2012/720/EU (7) and 2012/721/EU (8) allowed enzymes classified as H400: Very toxic to aquatic life in for industrial and institutional automatic dishwasher detergents and industrial and institutional laundry detergents. Those derogations were granted recognizing the important function of subtilisin in the above mentioned detergent groups and its high level of degradation/inactivation in waste water treatment plants, and during detergents' use and transport to sewer systems. The derogations were needed because subtilisin was classified as Aquatic Acute 1 (M factor 1) (H400) by self-classification when it was registered under the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, which would have prevented its inclusion in products bearing the EU Ecolabel.

                  (5)

                  Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 was amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 286/2011 (9). The amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 became applicable in respect of substances from 1 December 2012 and in respect of mixtures from 1 June 2015. Regulation (EU) No 286/2011 added new classification criteria for long-term aquatic hazard based on chronic aquatic toxicity and biodegradability data. On the basis of the new criteria, a recent study conducted by the REACH SIEF for subtilisin indicated that subtilisin has to be classified also as hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic), Category 2. The substance is readily biodegradable and should not cause a risk to the environment because it is almost entirely deactivated in the sewage plants. As a result of this classification, subtilisin would be banned from the use in products bearing the EU Ecolabel. This would make it difficult for the established ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for detergents for dishwashers, laundry detergents, industrial and institutional automatic dishwasher detergents, and industrial and institutional laundry detergents to correspond indicatively to the best 10-20 % of detergents and cleaning products available on the Union market in terms of environmental performance throughout their life-cycle.

                  (6)

                  Subtilisin enhances the cleaning performance of detergents by effectively breaking down proteinous stain components. The enzyme delivers excellent performance even at low temperatures with the required dosage that allows the respect of low temperature, compaction, and performance criteria under the EU Ecolabel scheme. At the moment, there is no alternative ingredient or technology. Other enzymes with different catalytic activities, e.g. alpha-amylase, lipase, pectate lyase can remove other types of deposits and stains, e.g. starch, fat and pectin stains, but they cannot remove proteinous stains.

                  (7)

                  The review of the criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for detergents for dishwashers and laundry detergents, set out in Decisions 2011/263/EU and 2011/264/EU, and the development of criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for industrial and institutional automatic dishwasher detergents and industrial and institutional laundry detergents and the related amendments did not take into account the new criteria for environmental classification introduced by Regulation (EU) No 286/2011.

                  (8)

                  This amendment shall apply retroactively from 1 December 2012, in order to ensure the continuity of the validity of the EU Ecolabel criteria for detergents for dishwashers, laundry detergents, industrial and institutional automatic dishwasher detergents, and industrial and institutional laundry detergents.

                  (9)

                  Commission Decisions 2011/263/EU, 2011/264/EU, 2012/720/EU and 2012/721/EU should therefore be amended accordingly.

                  (10)

                  The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010,

            HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
      Article 1
      The Annex to Decision 2011/263/EU is amended as set out in Annex I to this Decision.
      Article 2
      The Annex to Decision 2011/264/EU is amended as set out in Annex II to this Decision.
      Article 3
      The Annex to Decision 2012/720/EU is amended as set out in Annex III to this Decision.
      Article 4
      The Annex to Decision 2012/721/EU is amended as set out in Annex IV to this Decision.
      Article 5
      This Decision shall apply from 1 December 2012.
      Article 6
      This decision is addressed to Member States.

         Done at Brussels, 7 July 2016.

               For the Commission

            Karmenu VELLA

               Member of the Commission

         (1)  OJ L 27, 30.1.2010, p. 1.

         (2)  Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1).

         (3)  Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1).

         (4)  Commission Decision 2011/263/EU of 28 April 2011 on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel to detergents for dishwashers (OJ L 111, 30.4.2011, p. 22).

         (5)  Commission Decision 2011/264/EU of 28 April 2011 on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for laundry detergents (OJ L 111, 30.4.2011, p. 34).

         (6)  Commission Decision 2012/49/EU of 26 January 2012 amending Decisions 2011/263/EU and 2011/264/EU in order to take account of developments in enzymes classification in accordance with Annex I to Council Directive 67/548/EEC and Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 36).

         (7)  Commission Decision 2012/720/EU of 14 November 2012 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for Industrial and Institutional Automatic Dishwasher Detergents (OJ L 326, 24.11.2012, p. 25).

         (8)  Commission Decision 2012/721/EU of 14 November 2012 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for Industrial and Institutional Laundry Detergents (OJ L 326, 24.11.2012, p. 38).

         (9)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 286/2011 of 10 March 2011 amending, for the purposes of its adaptation to technical and scientific progress, Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (OJ L 83, 30.3.2011, p. 1).

         ANNEX I
         The Annex to Decision 2011/263/EU is amended as follows:
         For the sake of clarity and legal certainty, it is appropriate to replace the entire table of derogations in Criterion 2, point (b), fifth paragraph, with the following table that takes into account the changes introduced by Commission Decision 2014/313/EU (1):

                        ‘Subtilisin

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R50-53

                        Surfactants in total concentrations < 25 % in the final product

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        Surfactants in total concentrations < 25 % in the final product (*)

                        H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R52-53

                        Biocides used for preservation purposes (**)

                        H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R50-53

                        H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R51-53

                        H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R52-53

                        Fragrances

                        H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R52-53

                        Enzymes (***)

                        H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled

                        R42

                        H317: May cause allergic skin reaction

                        R43

                        NTA as an impurity in MGDA and GLDA (****)

                        H351: Suspected of causing cancer

                        R40

            (1)  Commission Decision 2014/313/EU of 28 May 2014 amending Decisions 2011/263/EU, 2011/264/EU, 2011/382/EU, 2011/383/EU, 2012/720/EU and 2012/721/EU in order to take account of developments in the classification of substances (OJ L 164, 3.6.2014, p. 74).

            (*)  This derogation is applicable provided that they are ready degradable and anaerobically degradable.

            (**)  Referred to in Criterion 2(e). This derogation is applicable provided that biocides' bioaccumulation potentials are characterised by log Pow (log octanol/water partition coefficient) < 3,0 or an experimentally determined bioconcentration factor (BCF) ≤ 100.

            (***)  Including stabilisers and other auxiliary substances in the preparations.

            (****)  In concentrations lower than 1,0 % in the raw material as long as the total concentration in the final product is lower than 0,10 %.’

         ANNEX II
         The Annex to Decision 2011/264/EU is amended as follows:
         For the sake of clarity and legal certainty, it is appropriate to replace the entire table of derogations in Criterion 4, point (b), fifth paragraph, with the following table that takes into account the changes introduced by Decision 2014/313/EU:

                        ‘Subtilisin

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R50-53

                        Surfactants in total concentrations < 25 % in the final product

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        Surfactants in total concentrations < 25 % in the final product (*)

                        H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R52-53

                        Biocides used for preservation purposes (**)

                        H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R50-53

                        H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R51-53

                        H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R52-53

                        Fragrances

                        H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R52-53

                        Enzymes (***)

                        H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled

                        R42

                        H317: May cause allergic skin reaction

                        R43

                        Bleach catalysts (***)

                        H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled

                        R42

                        H317: May cause allergic skin reaction

                        R43

                        NTA as an impurity in MGDA and GLDA (****)

                        H351: Suspected of causing cancer

                        R40

                        Optical brighteners (only for heavy duty laundry detergent)

                        H413: May cause long lasting effects to aquatic life

                        R53

            (*)  This derogation is applicable provided that they are ready degradable and anaerobically degradable.

            (**)  Referred to in Criterion 4(e). This derogation is applicable provided that biocides' bioaccumulation potentials are characterised by log Pow (log octanol/water partition coefficient) < 3,0 or an experimentally determined bioconcentration factor (BCF) ≤ 100.

            (***)  Including stabilisers and other auxiliary substances in the preparations.

            (****)  In concentrations lower than 1,0 % in the raw material as long as the total concentration in the final product is lower than 0,10 %.’

         ANNEX III
         The Annex to Decision 2012/720/EU is amended as follows:
         For the sake of clarity and legal certainty, it is appropriate to replace the entire table of derogations Criterion 3, point (b), sixth paragraph, with the following table that takes into account the changes introduced by Decision 2014/313/EU:

                        ‘Subtilisin

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R50-53

                        Surfactants in total concentrations < 15 % in the final product

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        Surfactants in total concentrations < 25 % in the final product

                        H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R52-53

                        Biocides for preservation purpose (*)

                        (only for liquids with pH between 2 and 12 and maximum 0,10 % w/w of active material)

                        H331: Toxic if inhaled

                        R23

                        H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled

                        R42

                        H317: May cause allergic skin reaction

                        R43

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        Enzymes (**)

                        H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled

                        R42

                        H317: May cause allergic skin reaction

                        R43

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        NTA as an impurity in MGDA and GLDA (***)

                        H351: Suspected of causing cancer

                        R40

            (*)  Derogation is only for criterion 3(b). Biocides shall comply with criterion 3(d).

            (**)  Including stabilisers and other auxiliary substances in the preparations.

            (***)  In concentrations lower than 1,0 % in the raw material as long as the total concentration in the final product is lower than 0,10 %’

         ANNEX IV
         The Annex to Decision 2012/721/EU is amended as follows:
         For the sake of clarity and legal certainty, it is appropriate to replace the entire table of derogations in Criterion 4, point (b), sixth paragraph, is replaced by the following table:

                        ‘Subtilisin

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R50-53

                        Surfactants in total concentrations < 20 % in the final product

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        Surfactants in total concentrations < 25 % in the final product (*)

                        H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

                        R52-53

                        Biocides for preservations purposes (**)

                        (only for liquids with pH between 2 and 12 and maximum 0,10 % w/w of active material)

                        H331: Toxic if inhaled

                        R23

                        H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled

                        R42

                        H317: May cause allergic skin reaction

                        R43

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        Enzymes (***)

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled

                        R42

                        H317: May cause allergic skin reaction

                        R43

                        Bleach catalysts (***)

                        H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

                        R50

                        NTA as an impurity in MGDA and GLDA (****)

                        H351: Suspected of causing cancer

                        R40

            (*)  This derogation is applicable provided that surfactants comply with criterion 3(a) and they are anaerobically degradable.

            (**)  Derogation is only for criterion 4(b). Biocides shall comply with criterion 4(e).

            (***)  Including stabilisers and other auxiliary substances in the preparations.

            (****)  In concentrations lower than 1,0 % in the raw material as long as the total concentration in the final product is lower than 0,10 %.’


title: 2006/644/EC: Commission Decision of 20 September 2006 setting up the High Level Group on Multilingualism

text:
               23.9.2006

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 263/12

      COMMISSION DECISION

   of 20 September 2006
   setting up the High Level Group on Multilingualism
   (2006/644/EC)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Article 149(2) of the Treaty establishing the European Community assigned the Community the task of developing the European dimension in education, particularly through the teaching and dissemination of the languages of the Member States.

               (2)

               With a view to developing a new strategy for multilingualism, in accordance with the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘A new framework strategy for multilingualism’ (1), the Commission may need to call upon the expertise of specialists in an advisory body.

               (3)

               It is therefore necessary to set up a group of experts in the field of multilingualism and to define its tasks and its structure.

               (4)

               The group should help to provide support and advice in developing initiatives, as well as fresh impetus and ideas for a comprehensive approach to multilingualism in the European Union.

               (5)

               The group should be composed of eight to twelve members.

               (6)

               Rules on disclosure of information by members of the group should be provided for, without prejudice to the Commission’s rules on security as set out in the Annex to Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom (2).

               (7)

               Personal data relating to members of the group should be processed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (3),

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   The High Level Group on Multilingualism
   The High Level Group on Multilingualism, hereinafter referred to as ‘the group’, is hereby set up.
   Article 2
   Task
   The group’s task shall be to bring about an exchange of ideas, experience and good practice in the field of multilingualism and to make recommendations to the Commission for actions in this domain.
   Article 3
   Consultation
   1.   The Commission may consult the group on any matter relating to multilingualism.
   2.   The Chairperson of the group may advise the Commission that it is desirable to consult the Group on a specific question.
   Article 4
   Composition — Appointment
   1.   The group shall be composed of eight to twelve members.
   2.   The members of the group shall be appointed by the Commission from specialists with competence in multilingualism.
   3.   The members shall be appointed in a personal capacity and shall advise the Commission independently of any outside influence.
   4.   Members of the group shall remain in office until such time as they are replaced or their mandate is renewed.
   5.   Members who are no longer capable of contributing effectively to the group’s deliberations, who resign or who do not comply with the conditions set out in paragraph 3 of this Article or Article 287 of the Treaty may be replaced for the remainder of their term of office.
   6.   Members appointed in a personal capacity shall each year sign an undertaking to act in the public interest and a declaration indicating the absence or existence of any interest which may undermine their objectivity.
   7.   The names of members appointed individually shall be published on the Internet site of DG EAC. The names of members shall be collected, processed and published in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 (4).
   Article 5
   Operation
   1.   The group shall be chaired by the member of the Commission responsible for multilingualism.
   2.   In agreement with the Commission, sub-groups may be set up to examine specific questions under terms of reference established by the group. Such groups shall be dissolved as soon as their mandates are fulfilled.
   3.   The Commission’s representative may ask experts or observers with specific competence on a subject on the agenda to participate in the group’s or sub-group’s deliberations if this is useful and/or necessary.
   4.   Information obtained by participating in the deliberations of a group or sub-group may not be divulged if, in the opinion of the Commission, that information relates to confidential matters.
   5.   The group and its sub-groups shall normally meet on Commission premises in accordance with the procedures and schedule established by it. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the group and its sub-groups.
   6.   The group shall adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure adopted by the Commission.
   7.   The Commission may publish [on the Internet], in the original language of the document concerned, any summary, conclusion, or partial conclusion or working document of the group.
   Article 6
   Meeting expenses
   The Commission shall reimburse travel and, where appropriate, subsistence expenses for members, experts and observers in connection with the group’s activities in accordance with the Commission’s rules on the compensation of external experts.
   The members, experts and observers shall not be remunerated for the services they render.
   Meeting expenses are reimbursed within the limits of the annual budget allocated to the group by the responsible Commission services.
   Article 7
   Entry into force
   The Decision shall take effect on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 20 September 2006.

            For the Commission

         Ján FIGEĽ

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  COM(2005) 596 final.

      (2)  OJ L 317, 3.12.2001, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision 2006/548/EC, Euratom (OJ L 215, 5.8.2006, p. 38).

      (3)  OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.

      (4)  In duly substantiated cases, exemptions may be made to the rule governing publication of the names of members.