title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/51 of 18 January 2016 in support of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) in the framework of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

text:
               19.1.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 12/50

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2016/51
   of 18 January 2016
   in support of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) in the framework of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 26(2) and 31(1) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (‘the EU Strategy’) (1), Chapter III of which contains a list of measures to combat such proliferation.

               (2)

               The Union is actively implementing the EU Strategy and is giving effect to the measures listed in Chapter III thereof, in particular those measures related to the reinforcement, implementation and universalisation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC).

               (3)

               On 27 February 2006, the Council adopted Joint Action 2006/184/CFSP in support of the BTWC, in the framework of the EU Strategy against the proliferation of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (2). Since the adoption of Joint Action 2006/184/CFSP, seven more States have become States Parties to the BTWC. Joint Action 2006/184/CFSP expired on 26 August 2007.

               (4)

               In March 2006, the Council adopted an Action Plan on biological and toxin weapons, complementary to Joint Action 2006/184/CFSP in support of the BTWC (3). The Action Plan provided for an efficient use of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General investigation mechanism for alleged use of biological weapons.

               (5)

               On 10 November 2008, the Council adopted Joint Action 2008/858/CFSP in support of the BTWC, in the framework of the EU Strategy against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (4). Three more States have become States Parties to the BTWC since the adoption of Joint Action 2008/858/CFSP, and several States benefited from assistance provided by Union experts.

               (6)

               The Sixth Review Conference of the BTWC decided to establish the Implementation Support Unit (ISU), with a 5-year mandate (2007-2011), within the Geneva Branch of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UN ODA) in order to provide administrative support to meetings agreed by the Sixth Review Conference, as well as support for the comprehensive implementation and universalisation of the BTWC and the exchange of CBMs.

               (7)

               On 18 July 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/429/CFSP (5), relating to the position of the European Union for the Seventh Review Conference of the States Parties to the BTWC (hereinafter the ‘Seventh Review Conference’).

               (8)

               The Seventh Review Conference decided to renew the mandate of the ISU for another 5-year term (2012-2016) and decided to expand its tasks to include the implementation of the decision to establish and administer the database for assistance requests and offers, and facilitating the associated exchange of information among States Parties, as well as supporting, as appropriate, the implementation by States Parties of the decisions and recommendations of the Seventh Review Conference.

               (9)

               On 23 July 2012, the Council adopted Decision 2012/421/CFSP (6) in support of the BTWC, in the framework of the EU Strategy against the proliferation of WMD. Six more States have become States Parties to the BTWC since the adoption of Decision 2012/421/CFSP and several States benefited from assistance provided by Union experts.

               (10)

               The objectives of Decision 2011/429/CFSP and Decision 2012/421/CFSP, in particular those aspects on which consensus was reached at the Seventh Review Conference, should be carried forward,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   1.   For the purpose of giving immediate and practical application to some elements of the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, and building on the successful implementation of Joint Actions 2006/184/CFSP, 2008/858/CFSP and Council Decision 2012/421/CFSP, this Decision serves as an operational policy tool for carrying forward the objectives of Decision 2011/429/CFSP and focuses in particular on those aspects on which consensus was reached at the Seventh Review Conference, as reflected in its Final Document.
   This Decision is guided by the following principles:

               (a)

               making best use of the experience gained through Joint Actions 2006/184/CFSP, 2008/858/CFSP and Decision 2012/421/CFSP;

               (b)

               reflecting on specific needs expressed by the States Parties as well as States not party to the BTWC with respect to the better implementation and universalisation of the BTWC;

               (c)

               encouraging national and regional ownership of the projects in order to ensure their long-term sustainability and to build a partnership between the European Union and third parties in the framework of the BTWC;

               (d)

               focusing on those activities that bring concrete results and/or contribute to an early framing of common understandings relevant to the 2016 BTWC review conference;

               (e)

               including measurable indicators of results, to be defined before starting the activities, and including those related to the impact of awareness and education programmes whenever possible;

               (f)

               supporting the Chair of the States Parties' meetings towards the Eighth Review Conference and making best use of the mandate of the ISU as agreed at the Sixth Review Conference and renewed and expanded at the Seventh Review Conference.

         2.   The European Union shall support the following projects corresponding to measures of the EU Strategy:

               —

               promoting universal adherence to the BTWC by encouraging States not party to better understand the benefits of joining the BTWC and getting more involved in BTWC meetings and other activities,

               —

               enhancing interaction with non-governmental stakeholders on science and technology and biosafety and biosecurity,

               —

               developing national capacities for BTWC implementation — in particular in developing countries, and on areas such as Articles VII and X — by improving the quality and quantity of declarations submitted under the Confidence-Building Measures system in order to enhance confidence in compliance with the BTWC,

               —

               supporting the intersessional programme and the preparations for the Eighth Review Conference,

               —

               strengthening the United Nations Secretary-General's Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical, Biological and Toxin Weapons (SGM),

               —

               enabling tools for awareness-raising, education and engagement.

         A detailed description of these projects is set out in the Annex.
   Article 2
   1.   The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.
   2.   The technical implementation of the activities referred to in Article 1 shall be entrusted to the UN ODA. It shall perform its task under the responsibility of the HR. For this purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the UN ODA.
   Article 3
   1.   The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 2 340 000.
   2.   The expenditure financed by the amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
   3.   The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the UN ODA. The agreement shall stipulate that the UN ODA is to ensure the visibility of the Union contribution appropriate to its size.
   4.   The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this Decision. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.
   Article 4
   The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the UN ODA. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council. The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the projects referred to in Article 1(2).
   Article 5
   1.   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
   2.   This Decision shall expire 36 months after the date of the conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3) or 6 months after the date of its adoption if no financing agreement has been concluded within that period.

      Done at Brussels, 18 January 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Council Document 15708/03. Not yet published in the Official Journal, but available at http://register.consilium.europa.eu

      (2)  OJ L 65, 7.3.2006, p. 51.

      (3)  OJ C 57, 9.3.2006, p. 1.

      (4)  OJ L 302, 13.11.2008, p. 29.

      (5)  Council Decision 2011/429/CFSP of 18 July 2011 relating to the position of the European Union for the Seventh Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons and on their destruction (BTWC) (OJ L 188, 19.7.2011, p. 42).

      (6)  Council Decision 2012/421/CFSP of 23 July 2012 in support of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), in the framework of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (OJ L 196, 24.7.2012, p. 61).

      ANNEX
      1.   PROJECTS
      1.1.   Project 1: Support for BTWC universalisation

      1.1.1.   Project purpose

      To promote universal adherence to the BTWC by encouraging States not party to the BTWC better to understand the benefits of joining the BTWC and getting more involved in BTWC meetings and other activities. This project will support the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the Seventh Review Conference concerning universalisation of the BTWC.
      1.1.2.   Expected results of the project

                  (a)

                  Increased adherence to the BTWC in all geographic regions;

                  (b)

                  Enhanced understanding of the BTWC among the relevant national authorities, including parliamentarians, and/or strengthened sub-regional networking concerning the BTWC in order to promote membership and implementation of the BTWC;

                  (c)

                  An increased number of States which have committed to joining the BTWC and which are taking steps to that end;

                  (d)

                  An increased number of States not party to the BTWC engaging in BTWC activities and meetings;

                  (e)

                  Voluntary implementation of the BTWC by States prior to their accession thereto.

            1.1.3.   Project description

      The BTWC Review Conferences have regularly asserted that increasing the membership of the BTWC is of great importance. However, there are still 24 States not party to the BTWC, mostly in Africa and the Pacific. This project therefore involves specific programmes to target those States. The programmes would work closely with other relevant actors, including the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 Committee, the CBRN Centres of Excellence and civil society organisations (e.g. VERTIC and the Institute for Security Studies) to develop ongoing working relationships with relevant regional and sub-regional bodies, provide tailored informational materials where necessary and engage directly with States in the targeted region.
      A number of in-country universalisation activities will be conducted at the request of States not party to the BTWC, starting with those which are close to BTWC membership. Those activities would build on the discussions and outcomes from previous regional workshops, transferring them to a national context, and be tailored to national circumstances. They would involve the preparation of a universalisation work plan for each State involved, with the involvement of national stakeholders. If possible and appropriate, those visits could be a joint activity between States with ongoing close cooperation and similar national circumstances. Focus areas for the activities will be the provision of specific informational materials on the benefits of joining the BTWC, awareness-raising among national stakeholders, including parliamentarians and other political decision makers, the establishment of national coordination, and sponsorship for key individuals to attend BTWC meetings or other relevant events.
      1.2.   Project 2: Interaction with non-governmental stakeholders on science and technology

      1.2.1.   Project purpose

      To enhance the interaction between the BTWC process and non-governmental stakeholders, such as the scientific community and industry, through the organisation of regional workshops on scientific and technological issues and on biosafety and biosecurity in the run up to the Eighth Review Conference. This project would furthermore directly engage scientists and biosafety professionals in developing countries in order to raise awareness of the BTWC, to develop capacities for more effective implementation of the BTWC and to facilitate international cooperation for peaceful purposes.
      1.2.2.   Expected results of the project

                  (a)

                  Increased awareness among the scientific community of the BTWC and industry, and related issues and increased involvement of the scientific community and national and regional scientific, professional and industrial associations in BTWC implementation;

                  (b)

                  A broader and deeper understanding of the relevance of scientific and technological issues to the implementation of the BTWC among national policymakers and officials;

                  (c)

                  Constructive input into the consideration of the standing agenda item on science and technology at BTWC meetings, as well as input into consideration by the Eighth Review Conference of ways in which to strengthen reviews of scientific and technological developments relevant to the BTWC;

                  (d)

                  Increased interaction between the scientific community, academia, research organisations, professional associations, industry and regulatory agencies and policymakers at a national and regional level and enhanced input into reviews of scientific and technological developments relevant to the BTWC;

                  (e)

                  Promotion of linkages with other multilateral and regional initiatives in the area of science and technology; and

                  (f)

                  Increased international cooperation on scientific and technological issues that could support capacity building in developing countries in areas of relevance to the BTWC, particularly Articles VII and X, such as detection, diagnosis and prevention of disease outbreaks, vaccines, therapeutics, analytical methods, preparedness and response.

            1.2.3.   Project description and implementation

      A maximum of five workshops, organised in collaboration with global and regional scientific associations, industry (represented by global or regional relevant industrial federations and professional associations such as biosafety-associations) and academic experts, would focus on the topics identified under the standing agenda item on science and technology and its impact on biosafety and biosecurity, and would encourage a regional dialogue on such issues while at the same time raising awareness amongst the scientific and professional community within the regions. Such workshops will, as appropriate, be convened adjacent to relevant scientific conferences or biosafety conferences to maximise outreach possibilities and to minimise costs. A key element of these workshops will be active participation by scientists and regulatory professionals from developing countries, which will require sponsorship. To further sustain the engagement of the aforementioned stakeholders, small grants will be made available in order for them to conduct subsequent research leading to publications on topics discussed at the workshops.
      The sustainability of this project will be addressed through the establishment of a virtual network of experts drawn from participants in the workshops. Such experts could also be included on national delegations to BTWC meetings and could contribute to the review of scientific and technological developments.
      1.3.   Project 3: Capacity development for BTWC implementation

      1.3.1.   Project purpose

      The Seventh Review Conference reaffirmed that the enactment and implementation of necessary national measures would strengthen the effectiveness of the BTWC. The Conference called upon States Parties to adopt legislative, administrative, judicial and other measures, including awareness-raising and codes of conduct, designed to enhance domestic implementation of the BTWC and to ensure the safety and security of microbial or other biological agents or toxins. Based on experiences gained through Joint Action 2008/858/CFSP and Council Decision 2012/421/CFSP, extended national BTWC implementation assistance programmes will be provided to a maximum of eight countries.
      1.3.2.   Expected results of the project

                  (a)

                  The adoption of appropriate legislative or administrative measures, including criminal law provisions, which encompass the full scope of the prohibitions and preventive measures provided for in the BTWC and elaborated by the Seventh Review Conference;

                  (b)

                  Effective implementation and enforcement to prevent violations of the BTWC and to impose sanctions in cases of breaches;

                  (c)

                  Better coordination and networking among all stakeholders involved in the BTWC process, including national and regional bio-safety associations, parliamentarians and the private sector, in order to promote effective implementation;

                  (d)

                  Promotion of awareness-raising programmes, codes of conduct and standards for bio-safety and bio-security;

                  (e)

                  The creation or enhancement of national mechanisms for the compilation of the required information and for the annual submissions of CBMs;

                  (f)

                  An increased number of States Parties participating in the CBM exchange on a regular basis and an increased quality of the information submitted;

                  (g)

                  An increase in the number of States Parties submitting their CBM returns electronically;

                  (h)

                  An increase in the number of States Parties actively contributing to the review of developments in science and technology in the framework of the BTWC;

                  (i)

                  Increased scientific collaboration among countries in areas relevant to the BTWC; and

                  (j)

                  Improved technical competence and understanding by scientists from developing countries participating in such programmes.

            1.3.3.   Project description

      Each programme will run for approximately 12 months, involving participation by EU delegations and CBRN Centres of Excellence in beneficiary countries, and the UN regional disarmament centres where appropriate, and will comprise:

                  (a)

                  an initial national workshop, to gather all the relevant domestic agencies and stakeholders, to introduce the BTWC, to identify motivated and reliable local partners, and to make an initial assessment of needs and priorities;

                  (b)

                  use of the existing CBM-guide and the National Implementation Guide, and appropriate information or e-training for BTWC points of contact on how to use the electronic platform, when the latter is operational;

                  (c)

                  the development of a structured Action Plan, tailored for the beneficiary country, that would involve visits and/or workshops by various assistance providers over the duration of the programme, as well as training provided in EU Member States or elsewhere;

                  (d)

                  the execution of the Action Plan, with assistance providers conducting the respective assistance activities (e.g. drafting of legislation, bio-safety/bio-security training, dual use export control, CBM preparation and submission, police training, awareness-raising for scientists, emergency response planning, etc.); and

                  (e)

                  a wrap-up workshop following the conclusion of the activities, where the threads will be drawn together, agencies will report on their activities and progress, and any needs for further or continuing assistance will be assessed.

            To ensure efficient and productive assistance, a workshop for EU experts assisting beneficiary countries under this project will be organised with the objective of discussing best practices and appropriate preparations for assistance activities.
      1.4.   Project 4: Support for the intersessional programme and preparations for the Eighth Review Conference

      1.4.1.   Project purpose

      This programme focuses on mobilising BTWC States Parties for active participation in the Eighth Review Conference through organising regional/sub-regional workshops and offering opportunities to reflect on and discuss key topics of the 2012-2015 inter-sessional programme.
      It also includes practical support for topics which have been discussed during the intersessional programme, such as Article VII and the concept of a peer review mechanism.
      1.4.2.   Expected results of the project

                  (a)

                  Increased awareness of the BTWC and the Eighth Review Conference in 2016 and its significance for the future evolution of the BTWC;

                  (b)

                  Comprehensive and cross-regional dialogue on issues to be considered at the Eighth Review Conference;

                  (c)

                  The development of a number of proposals for new initiatives to be implemented after the Eighth Review Conference, and broad support for their adoption by the Eighth Review Conference;

                  (d)

                  The further elaboration of the concept of a peer review mechanism in the framework of the BTWC. Support could be given, for instance, to the organisation of one or several such exercises in third countries and the identification of useful lessons to be learnt regarding the relevance of the concept; and

                  (e)

                  The identification of lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa which are relevant to implementation of Articles VII and X of the BTWC.

            1.4.3.   Project description

      A series of regional/sub-regional workshops will be organised to address the topics of the 2012-2015 inter-sessional programme and to help the President of the next Review Conference ahead of and during the Eighth Review Conference, with a view to the future evolution of the BTWC, and will have as their objective to facilitate common understandings on a regional/sub-regional basis by discussing proposals for moving issues forward. Such workshops could take place adjacent to the science and technology workshops described above to take maximum advantage of resources and experts and to encourage dialogue and interaction among scientists, irrespective of their institutional affiliation, and policymakers. Events will also be organised in Geneva as appropriate. Therefore these workshops should also aim at the participation of scientists and representatives from industry and professional associations. It would encourage the formation of a broad constituency of States Parties in favour of the incremental strengthening of the BTWC. A Sponsorship programme would be linked with the workshops, to enable participants from developing States Parties to attend the workshops and the Eighth Review Conference. In this context it can be examined how sponsored participants could be connected with members of delegations of EU Member States during BTWC meetings.
      Consideration of how to operationalise Article VII of the BTWC would be valuable, taking into account the wealth of experience being generated by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. A lessons-learned study will be undertaken focusing on the implications of the outbreak and the international response thereto for the implementation of Article VII of the BTWC, but also covering aspects of relevance to Article X in terms of scientific cooperation and the development of therapeutics and vaccines. A report will be produced for consideration by States Parties in their preparations for the Eighth Review Conference.
      At least one exercise among interested States Parties of the peer review mechanism will be undertaken in order to broaden support for this concept and to further explore the relevance of the concept. The exercise will build upon the exercise conducted in France in 2013, and that conducted by the BENELUX countries in 2015, with a view to producing a report for the consideration of States Parties in advance of the Eighth Review Conference. A study will also be made of how to make the provisions of Article V of the BTWC regarding consultation among States Parties more effective.
      1.5.   Project 5: Support to the UN Secretary-General's Mechanism

      1.5.1.   Project purpose

      To support strengthening of the United Nations Secretary-General's Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical, Biological and Toxin Weapons (SGM).
      1.5.2.   Expected results of the project

      Strengthening the preparedness of the SGM, including activities pursuant to the outcomes of the lessons-learned exercise for the 2013 UN Investigation Mission in Syria:

                  (a)

                  expanded roster of trained experts (basic and specialised training events — estimated three training courses convened);

                  (b)

                  convene inaugural meeting of SGM stakeholders (one meeting): meeting to serve as an intra- and inter-organisational mechanism for cooperation, including when the SGM is not activated, to assess and further strengthen the SGM on a regular basis;

                  (c)

                  cross-organisational training events: coorganised trainings by the UN and other international organisations to utilise and better coordinate existing resources and best practices in order to maximise efficiency and avoid duplication of efforts (estimated two training events convened).

            1.5.3.   Project description

      In addition to the continuation of support provided to regular basic and specialised training courses offered to experts nominated to the SGM Roster, there are several SGM-related events that can be identified as important activities under this project. Activities aimed at implementing, inter alia, the above-referenced conclusions of the lessons-learned exercise from the UN Mission in Syria and thereby strengthening the SGM over the long-term, are of particular importance in this regard.
      1.6.   Project 6: Enabling tools for awareness-raising, education and engagement

      1.6.1.   Project purpose

      To produce concrete and practical tools, materials and approaches to enable the activities described in the projects above. Such tools will be produced in formats appropriate to their audiences, including printed versions, and will, in general, require translation to all official languages of the United Nations. To promote the use of the tools which were produced during the former EU-actions: the CBM-guide and the national implementation guide.
      1.6.2.   Expected results of the project

                  (a)

                  Support to the projects described above;

                  (b)

                  Increased awareness of the issues of biological weapons, responsible conduct of science, and ethical issues among students and their teachers;

                  (c)

                  Wide dissemination of informational materials about the BTWC and the wider issues relating to the potential misuse of biology.

            1.6.3.   Project description

      A number of projects can already be identified, while others will emerge once the project is underway. In the former category for example, is the production of a web-based educational resource and educational materials for university students and/or secondary school biology students and teachers. The utilisation of techniques such as active learning and blended learning will be important here, as will coordination with existing initiatives such as the work undertaken by the University of Bradford in cooperation with other partners. Translation of the BTWC website and materials produced under this and earlier Council Decisions is also an identifiable and necessary project.
      2.   PROCEDURAL ASPECTS, COORDINATION
      The implementation of the projects will be initiated by a Steering Committee with an objective of determining procedures and modalities for cooperation. The Steering Committee will review the implementation of the projects regularly, at least once every 6 months, including by using electronic communication means.
      The Steering Committee will be composed of representatives of the HR and UNODA/BWC-ISU.
      The applications of States Parties, which are not EU Member States, for any assistance and cooperation under this decision shall be addressed to the UNODA/BWC-ISU. The UNODA/BWC-ISU will review and assess those applications, as appropriate, and submit recommendations to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will examine the applications for assistance as well as the Action Plans and their implementation. On the proposal of the HR, and taking into account the outcomes of discussions in the Steering Committee, the HR will make the final decision on the beneficiary countries in consultation with the competent working parties of the Council.
      To ensure a strong ownership and sustainability of EU-initiated activities by beneficiary countries, it is envisaged that whenever possible and appropriate, selected beneficiaries will be asked to prepare the Action Plans, which will, inter alia, specify the timetable for carrying out funded activities (including those funded through national resources), the scope and the duration of the project and the main stakeholders. The UNODA/BWC-ISU, or EU Member States as appropriate, will be associated with the preparation of those Action Plans. The implementation of the projects will be carried out in accordance with the Action Plans.
      3.   REPORTING AND ASSESSMENT
      The UNODA/BWC-ISU will submit to the HR 6-monthly progress reports on the implementation of the projects. In addition, reports will be submitted on individual assistance activities taking place under the established Actions Plans for beneficiary countries. The reports will be transmitted to the relevant working party of the Council for assessment of progress and overall evaluation of projects and possible follow-up.
      Whenever possible, the BTWC States Parties will be informed about the implementation of the projects, including through electronic means. Beneficiary States will be expected to report to BTWC meetings on the conduct and outcome of activities implemented for their benefit and to give due acknowledgement to the support of the EU.
      4.   PARTICIPATION OF EXPERTS COMING FROM EU MEMBER STATES
      The active involvement of experts coming from EU Member States is necessary for successful implementation of the Decision. The UNODA/BWC-ISU will be encouraged to make use of those experts. Their mission costs related to the implementation of projects will be covered by this Decision.
      It is expected that when assistance visits are envisaged (such as legal assistance or assistance with CBMs), a visit by a maximum of three experts for a maximum duration of 5 days will be considered as standard practice.
      To ensure efficient and productive assistance, a workshop for EU experts assisting beneficiary countries under this project will be organised with the objective of discussing best practices and appropriate preparations for assistance activities and the compilation of a set of assistance materials such as presentations and publications.
      5.   DURATION
      The total estimated duration of the projects' implementation is 36 months.
      6.   BENEFICIARIES
      The beneficiaries of Project 1 will be States not party to the BTWC (both signatory States and non-signatory States) for universalisation activities, including the private sector, academia and NGOs where appropriate.
      The beneficiaries of Project 2 will be States Parties who will be assisted in their assessments of the implications of scientific and technological developments for the BTWC, representatives of the scientific community, international, regional and national scientific associations, academia and industries.
      The beneficiaries of Project 3 in relation to capacity development activities are States Parties to the BTWC, with particular attention being paid to States that have recently acceded to the BTWC, while the beneficiaries of Article X activities will be individual scientists, scientific conferences and institutions.
      The beneficiaries of Project 4 will be States Parties, particularly officials working on BTWC issues such as those designated as National Contact Points and those in Permanent Missions in Geneva, experts invited to participate in the workshops and in the peer review mechanism exercise and those involved in the preparation of the studies on Articles V and VII.
      The beneficiaries of Project 5 will be experts on the SGM roster, participants in the SGM training courses and events, and participants in the stakeholder meeting.
      The beneficiaries of Project 6 will be those who produce the relevant materials as well as those who make use of them, e.g. students and teachers, industry officials and NGOs.
      7.   THIRD PARTY REPRESENTATIVES
      In order to promote regional ownership and the sustainability of the projects, the participation of non-EU experts, including those from relevant regional and international organisations, will be funded by this Decision. The participation by UNODA/BWC-ISU in BTWC workshops and meetings will be funded. The participation of the Chair of BTWC meetings may be funded on a case-by-case basis.
      8.   IMPLEMENTING ENTITY — STAFF ISSUES
      Given the extra-budgetary character of the activities envisaged in this Decision for the UNODA, additional staff will be required.
      9.   EU VISIBILITY
      UNODA shall take all appropriate measures to publicise the fact that the Action has been funded by the European Union. Such measures will be carried out in accordance with the Commission Communication and Visibility Manual for EU External Actions laid down and published by the European Commission. UNODA will thus ensure the visibility of the Union contribution with appropriate branding and publicity, highlighting the role of the Union, ensuring the transparency of its actions, and raising awareness of the reasons for the Decision as well as Union support for the Decision and the results of this support. Material produced by the project will prominently display the Union flag in accordance with Union guidelines for the accurate use and reproduction of the flag.


title: Decision (EU) 2017/1403 of the European Central Bank of 23 June 2017 amending Decision ECB/2012/6 on the establishment of the TARGET2-Securities Board (ECB/2017/20)

text:
                  29.7.2017

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 199/24

            DECISION (EU) 2017/1403 OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
      of 23 June 2017
      amending Decision ECB/2012/6 on the establishment of the TARGET2-Securities Board (ECB/2017/20)
      THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,
      Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
      Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular Articles 3.1, 12.1 and 12.3 and Articles 17, 18 and 22 thereof,
      Having regard to Guideline ECB/2012/13 of 18 July 2012 on TARGET2-Securities (1),
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  On 16 March 2016, the Governing Council approved the establishment of a ‘Market Infrastructure Board’, a new governance body responsible for technical and operational management tasks in the field of market infrastructures and platforms.

                  (2)

                  Accordingly, Decision ECB/2012/6 (2) should be amended, to reflect the establishment of the Market Infrastructure Board, and the operation of the T2S Board as one of the dedicated formats of the Market Infrastructure Board,

            HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
      Article 1
      Amendments
      Decision ECB/2012/6 is amended as follows:

                  1.

                  Article 1 is replaced by the following:
                  ‘Article 1
                  Definitions
                  Terms used in this Decision shall have the same meaning as in Guideline ECB/2012/13 (*1) and in the T2S Framework Agreement endorsed by the Governing Council on 17 November 2011.

                     (*1)  Guideline ECB/2012/13 of the European Central Bank of 18 July 2012 on TARGET2-Securities (OJ L 215, 11.8.2012, p. 19).’;"

                  2.

                  in Article 2, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:
                  ‘1.   The T2S Board shall be established as a governance body with the task of developing proposals for the Governing Council on key strategic issues and executing tasks of a purely technical nature assigned to it by the Governing Council. It shall operate as one of the dedicated formats of the Market Infrastructure Board (MIB).’;

                  3.

                  in Annex I, under the section ‘Composition’, the fourth paragraph is replaced by the following:
                  ‘The mandate of a T2S Board member lasts for 24 months and may be renewed. The Governing Council may decide on a shorter mandate, including when members resign or retire before the expiry of their mandate.’;

                  4.

                  Annex II is amended as follows:

                              (a)

                              in Article 1, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:
                              ‘3.   Members shall not be directly involved in the oversight of T2S or of central securities depositories that outsource settlement operations to T2S, to the extent that such involvement could give rise to actual or potential conflicts with their functions as T2S Board Members. Appropriate measures shall be put in place to identify and avoid any such conflicts. Members shall not be part of the Internal Auditors Committee (IAC), nor shall they be involved in Level 3 Activities on a day-to-day basis.’;

                              (b)

                              in Article 2, paragraph 1 is deleted.

            Article 2
      Final provision
      This Decision shall enter into force on 23 June 2017.

         Done at Frankfurt am Main, 23 June 2017.

               The President of the ECB

            Mario DRAGHI

         (1)  OJ L 215, 11.8.2012, p. 19.

         (2)  Decision ECB/2012/6 of 29 March 2012 on the establishment of the TARGET2-Securities Board and repealing Decision ECB/2009/6 (OJ L 117, 1.5.2012, p. 13).


title: Commission Decision of 23 February 2017 as regards the granting of individual licences to all Coordinators of the European Reference Networks to use the European Reference Network trademark

text:
               24.2.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 60/7

         COMMISSION DECISION
   of 23 February 2017
   as regards the granting of individual licences to all Coordinators of the European Reference Networks to use the European Reference Network trademark
   (2017/C 60/06)
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to the Decision of the Commission of 19 September 2001 (PV1536) conferring to the Directors-General and Heads of Services the power to decide on the need to file an application for protection of intellectual property rights resulting from the activities or programmes for which they are responsible, the granting of licences related thereto, the acquisition, transfer or surrender or abandoning of rights, and to the Directors-General the power of administrative execution related thereto,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provides that the Commission is to support the development of European Reference Networks (ERNs) between highly specialised healthcare providers of the Member States.

               (2)

               Article 7 of Commission Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU (2) provides that the Commission licenses to Networks and their members the use of a unique graphic identifier (‘logo’).

               (3)

               The logo ‘European Reference Network’ was registered as a figurative trademark (reg. no 012252128) in the territory of European Union by the Commission.

               (4)

               The European Union is the legitimate owner of the trademark and is willing to grant a licence to use it to all Coordinators of the European Reference Networks,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   All Coordinators of the European Reference Networks approved by the ERN Board of Member States shall have a non-exclusive, royalty-free, conditional right to use the trademark ‘European Reference Network’ (reg. no 012252128) for initiatives related to the activities of the European Reference Networks in accordance with the objectives set out in Article 12 of Directive 2011/24/EU.
   Article 2
   All Coordinators of the European Reference Networks approved by the ERN Board of Member States are authorised to sub-license to members of their respective Networks the right to use the trademark for initiatives related to the activities of their Networks.

      Done at Brussels, 23 February 2017.

            For the Commission

         Vytenis ANDRIUKAITIS

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 on the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare (OJ L 88, 4.4.2011, p. 45).

      (2)  Commission Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU of 10 March 2014 setting out criteria for establishing and evaluating European Reference Networks and their Members and for facilitating the exchange of information and expertise on establishing and evaluating such Networks (OJ L 147, 17.5.2014, p. 79).


Avis juridique important

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32001D0909

2001/909/EC,Euratom: Council Decision of 26 November 2001 appointing a French member of the Economic and Social Committee

Official Journal L 337 , 20/12/2001 P. 0037 - 0037

Council Decisionof 26 November 2001appointing a French member of the Economic and Social Committee(2001/909/EC, Euratom)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 258 thereof,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 166 thereof,Having regard to the Council Decision of 15 September 1998 appointing the members of the Economic and Social Committee for the period from 21 September 1998 to 20 September 2002(1),Whereas a member's seat on that Committee has fallen vacant following the resignation of Mr Bernard MALIBIRADE, of which the Council was informed on 14 September 2000;Having regard to the nominations submitted by the Government of the French Republic,Having obtained the opinion of the Commission of the European Communities,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Sole ArticleMr Laurent GENSOU is hereby appointed a member of the Economic and Social Committee in place of Mr Bernard MALIBIRADE for the remainder of the latter's term of office, which ends on 20 September 2002.Done at Brussels, 26 November 2001.For the CouncilThe PresidentR. Landuyt(1) OJ L 257, 19.9.1998, p. 37.


title: 2014/318/EU: Council Decision of 17 February 2014 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation on drug precursors

text:
               4.6.2014

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 165/6

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 17 February 2014
   on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation on drug precursors

      (2014/318/EU)

   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 207(4), in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
   Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The European Union and the Russian Federation should strengthen their cooperation to prevent diversion of drug precursors from the legal trade, in order to counter the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

               (2)

               In accordance with Council Decision 2013/263/EU (1), the Agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation on drug precursors (‘the Agreement’) was signed on 4 June 2013, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

               (3)

               The Agreement should ensure full respect of fundamental rights, in particular a high level of protection for the processing and transfer of personal data between the Parties to the Agreement.

               (4)

               The Agreement should be approved on behalf of the European Union,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   The Agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation on drug precursors is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.
   The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.
   Article 2
   The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the European Union, give the notification provided for in Article 11 of the Agreement (2).
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

      Done at Brussels, 17 February 2014.

            For the Council

            The President

         A. TSAFTARIS

      (1)  Council Decision 2013/263/EU of 13 May 2013 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation on drug precursors (OJ L 154, 6.6.2013, p. 5).

      (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.


title: Decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States of the European Coal and Steel Community, meeting within the Council, of 28 June 1977 extending the period of validity of Decision 76/566/ECSC opening tariff preferences for products covered by that Community and originating in Morocco

text:
No L 169 /26                      Official Journal of the European Communities                        7 . 7 . 77
                                                      DECISION
           OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER
           STATES OF THE EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY, MEETING
                                              WITHIN THE COUNCIL ,
                                                    of 28 June 1977
           extending the period of validity of Decision 76/ 566/ ECSC opening tariff prefer
              ences for products covered by that Community and originating in Morocco
                                                     (77/41 8 /ECSC)
           THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE
           EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,
           Whereas, pending the entry force of the Agreement between the Member States of the
           European Coal and Steel Community and the Kingdom of Morocco signed on 27 April
            1976, the representatives of the Governments of the Member States adopted autonom
           ously and concomitantly Decision 76/ 566/ ECSC opening tariff preferences for products
           covered by that Community and originating in Morocco ('), which is applicable until 30
           June 1977 at the latest ;
           Whereas the said Agreement has not yet entered into force ; whereas the period of validity
           of the autonomous measures should be extended by one year ;
            In agreement with the Commission ,
            HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :
                                                        Article 1
            In Article 4 of Decision 76/ 566/ ECSC the date '30 June 1977' is hereby replaced by '30
           June 1978 '.
                                                        Article 2
            Member States shall adopt all the measures necessary for the implementation of this Deci
            sion .
            Done at Luxembourg, 28 June 1977 .
                                                                         The President
                                                                         W. RODGERS
            (') OJ No L 175 , 1 . 7 . 1976, p. 10 .


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2006 of 10 November 2015 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa

text:
               11.11.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 294/58

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/2006
   of 10 November 2015
   extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 33 and Article 31(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 8 December 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/819/CFSP (1) appointing Mr Alexander RONDOS as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Horn of Africa. The EUSR's mandate is to expire on 31 October 2015.

               (2)

               The mandate of the EUSR should be extended for a further period of 16 months.

               (3)

               The EUSR will implement the mandate 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
   European Union Special Representative
   The mandate of Mr Alexander RONDOS as the EUSR for the Horn of Africa is extended until 28 February 2017. The Council may decide that the mandate of the EUSR be terminated earlier, based on an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).
   For the purposes of the mandate of the EUSR, the Horn of Africa is defined as comprising the Republic of Djibouti, the State of Eritrea, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Kenya, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Uganda. For issues with broader regional implications, the EUSR shall engage with countries and regional entities beyond the Horn of Africa, as appropriate.
   Article 2
   Policy objectives
   1.   The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union in relation to the Horn of Africa, as set out in its Strategic Framework, adopted on 14 November 2011, the Horn of Africa Regional Action Plan 2015-2020, adopted on 26 October 2015, and in relevant Council conclusions, namely to contribute actively to regional and international efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence and lasting peace, security and development within and among the countries in the region. The EUSR shall furthermore contribute to enhancing the quality, intensity, impact and visibility of the Union's multi-faceted engagement in the Horn of Africa.
   2.   The policy objectives to which the EUSR shall contribute shall include, inter alia:

               (a)

               the continued stabilisation of the Horn of Africa, taking into account broader regional dynamics;

               (b)

               the resolution of conflicts, specifically those in Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, and the prevention and early warning of potential conflicts between or within countries in the region;

               (c)

               support for political, security and economic regional cooperation;

               (d)

               improved management of mixed migration flows from and within the Horn of Africa, addressing also the root causes of such flows.

         Article 3
   Mandate
   1.   In order to achieve the Union's policy objectives in relation to the Horn of Africa, the mandate of the EUSR shall be to:

               (a)

               on the basis of the Strategic Framework and its Regional Action Plan, engage with all relevant stakeholders in the region, governments, regional authorities, international and regional organisations, civil society and diasporas, with a view to furthering the Union's objectives, and contribute to a better understanding of the role of the Union in the region;

               (b)

               engage with major actors outside the region with influence within the Horn of Africa, in the interests of tackling issues of broader regional stability, including with regard to the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. Those contacts shall include bilateral engagement with the United States of America, the countries of the Gulf, Egypt, Turkey and China, regional contacts with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and interaction with other relevant actors as they emerge;

               (c)

               represent the Union in relevant international fora, as appropriate, and ensure visibility for Union support to crisis management, as well as conflict resolution and prevention;

               (d)

               encourage and support effective political and security cooperation and economic integration in the region through the Union's partnership with the African Union (AU) and regional organisations, in particular the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD);

               (e)

               follow political developments in the region and contribute to the development of the Union's policy towards the region, including in relation to Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea, the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute and implementation of the Algiers Agreement, the Djibouti-Eritrea border dispute, the Nile Basin initiative and other concerns in the region that impact on its security, stability and prosperity;

               (f)

               examine trans-boundary challenges, in particular on migration and, upon request, engage in dialogues on migration with relevant stakeholders and contribute more generally to the Union's policy on migration and refugees with respect to the region, in line with the Union's political priorities, in order to increase cooperation, including on return and readmission;

               (g)

               with regard to Somalia, and working in close coordination with the Head of the Union Delegation to Somalia and relevant regional and international partners, including the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Special Representative for Somalia, the AU and IGAD, continue to contribute actively to actions and initiatives leading to further stabilisation and post-transition arrangements for Somalia, building on the New Deal Compact of 2013 and the progress in federal state-formation, and with a view to achieving a credible and inclusive electoral process in Somalia in 2016. In addition, the EUSR shall continue to support the development of the security sector in Somalia, including through the Union's CSDP missions deployed in the region;

               (h)

               with regard to Sudan, and working in close cooperation with the Heads of the Union Delegation in Khartoum and to the AU in Addis Ababa, contribute to the coherence and effectiveness of Union policy towards Sudan and support political solutions to the ongoing conflicts in Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, and national reconciliation through a holistic political process. In this regard, the EUSR shall contribute to a coherent international approach with the AU and in particular the AU High Level Implementation Panel for Sudan and South Sudan (AUHIP), the UN and other leading regional and international stakeholders, keeping in mind also the need to support the peaceful coexistence of Sudan and South Sudan, in particular through implementation of the Addis Agreements and resolution of the outstanding issues following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement;

               (i)

               with regard to South Sudan, building on the recently-signed Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict (ARC) in South Sudan, continue to engage at a regional level, particularly with IGAD, the AU, UN, South Sudan's neighbours and other leading international partners, to ensure implementation of the agreement. In this regard the EUSR shall work in close cooperation with the Heads of the EU Delegations in Juba and to the AU in Addis Ababa;

               (j)

               follow closely other trans-boundary challenges affecting the Horn of Africa, with a focus on radicalisation and terrorism, but looking also at maritime security and piracy, organised crime, smuggling and trafficking of weapons, wildlife products, drugs and other contraband, and any political and security consequences of humanitarian crises;

               (k)

               promote humanitarian access throughout the region;

               (l)

               contribute to the implementation of Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP (2) and the Union's human rights policy, in cooperation with the EUSR for Human Rights, including the EU Guidelines on human rights, in particular the EU Guidelines on children and armed conflict as well as the EU Guidelines on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them, and the Union's policy regarding UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), including by monitoring and reporting on developments as well as formulating recommendations in this regard.

         2.   For the purpose of the fulfilment of the mandate, the EUSR shall, inter alia:

               (a)

               advise and report on the definition of Union positions in international fora, as appropriate, in order to promote proactively the Union's comprehensive policy approach towards the Horn of Africa;

               (b)

               maintain an overview of all activities of the Union.

         Article 4
   Implementation of the mandate
   1.   The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.
   2.   The PSC shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.
   3.   The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its relevant departments, Union delegations in the region and the Commission.
   Article 5
   Financing
   1.   The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the mandate of the EUSR for the period from 1 November 2015 to 28 February 2017 shall be EUR 3 500 000.
   2.   The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
   3.   The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.
   Article 6
   Constitution and composition of the team
   1.   Within the limits of the EUSR's mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting his team. The team shall include the expertise on specific policy and security issues as required by the mandate. The EUSR shall promptly and regularly inform the Council and the Commission of the composition of his team.
   2.   Member States, the institutions of the Union and the EEAS may propose the secondment of staff to work with the EUSR. The salary of such seconded personnel shall be covered by the Member State, the institution of the Union concerned or the EEAS, respectively. Experts seconded by Member States to the institutions of the Union or the EEAS may also be posted to the EUSR. International contracted staff shall have the nationality of a Member State.
   3.   All seconded personnel shall remain under the administrative authority of the sending Member State, the sending institution of the Union or the EEAS, and shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the mandate of the EUSR.
   4.   The EUSR staff shall be co-located with the relevant EEAS departments or Union delegations in order to contribute to the coherence and consistency of their respective activities.
   Article 7
   Privileges and immunities of the EUSR and the staff of the EUSR
   The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the mission of the EUSR and the members of the EUSR's staff shall be agreed with the host countries, as appropriate. Member States and the EEAS shall grant all necessary support to such effect.
   Article 8
   Security of EU classified information
   The EUSR and the members of his team shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2013/488/EU (3).
   Article 9
   Access to information and logistical support
   1.   Member States, the Commission, the EEAS and the General Secretariat of the Council shall ensure that the EUSR is given access to any relevant information.
   2.   The Union delegations in the region and the Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.
   Article 10
   Security
   In accordance with the Union's policy on the security of personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational capacity under Title V of the Treaty, the EUSR shall take all reasonably practicable measures, in accordance with the EUSR's mandate and the security situation in the area of responsibility, for the security of all personnel under the direct authority of the EUSR, in particular by:

               (a)

               establishing a specific security plan based on guidance from the EEAS, including specific physical, organisational and procedural security measures, governing the management of the secure movement of personnel to, and within, the area of responsibility as well as the management of security incidents and including a contingency and evacuation plan;

               (b)

               ensuring that all personnel deployed outside the Union are covered by high-risk insurance, as required by the conditions in the area of responsibility;

               (c)

               ensuring that all members of the EUSR's team to be deployed outside the Union, including locally contracted personnel, have received appropriate security training before or upon arriving in the area of responsibility, based on the risk ratings assigned to that area by the EEAS;

               (d)

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

         Article 11
   Reporting
   1.   The EUSR shall regularly provide the HR and the PSC with oral and written reports. The EUSR shall also report to Council working parties, as necessary. Regular reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. The EUSR may provide the Foreign Affairs Council with reports. In accordance with Article 36 of the Treaty, the EUSR may be involved in briefing the European Parliament.
   2.   The EUSR shall report on the best way of pursuing Union initiatives, such as the contribution of the Union to reforms, and including the political aspects of relevant Union development projects, in coordination with the Union delegations in the region.
   Article 12
   Coordination
   1.   The EUSR shall contribute to the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the Union's actions and shall help ensure that all Union instruments and Member States' action are engaged consistently, to attain the Union's policy objectives. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with those of Union delegations and of the Commission. The EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States' missions and Union delegations in the region.
   2.   In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the Heads of the Union delegations and the Heads of Member States' missions. They shall make every effort to assist the EUSR in the implementation of the mandate. The EUSR, in close coordination with the relevant Union delegations, shall provide local political guidance to the Force Commander of EUNAVFOR Atalanta, the EU Mission Commander of EUTM Somalia and the Head of Mission of EUCAP NESTOR. The EUSR, the EU Operations Commanders and the Civilian Operations Commander shall consult each other as required.
   3.   The EUSR shall closely cooperate with the authorities of the countries involved, the UN, the AU, IGAD, other national regional and international stakeholders, and also with civil society in the region.
   Article 13
   Review
   The implementation of this Decision and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present the Council, the HR and the Commission with a progress report by the end of June 2016 and a comprehensive mandate implementation report by the end of November 2016.
   Article 14
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
   It shall apply from 1 November 2015.

      Done at Brussels, 10 November 2015.

            For the Council

            The President

         P. GRAMEGNA

      (1)  Council Decision 2011/819/CFSP of 8 December 2011 appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa (OJ L 327, 9.12.2011, p. 62).

      (2)  Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP of 21 March 2011 on the International Criminal Court and repealing Common Position 2003/444/CFSP (OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 56).

      (3)  Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1).


title: 2010/519/EU: Decision of the European Parliament of 5 May 2010 on the closure of the accounts of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for the financial year 2008

text:
               25.9.2010

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 252/145

         DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 5 May 2010
   on the closure of the accounts of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for the financial year 2008
   (2010/519/EU)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,
   having regard to the final annual accounts of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for the financial year 2008,
   having regard to the Court of Auditors’ report on the final annual accounts of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for the financial year 2008, together with the Centre’s replies (1),
   having regard to the Council’s recommendation of 16 February 2010 (5827/2010 — C7-0061/2010),
   having regard to Article 276 of the EC Treaty and Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (2), and in particular Article 185 thereof,
   having regard to Regulation (EC) No 851/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 establishing a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (3), and in particular Article 23 thereof,
   having regard to Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002 of 19 November 2002 on the framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (4), and in particular Article 94 thereof,
   having regard to Rule 77 of, and Annex VI to, its Rules of Procedure,
   having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control and the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A7-0104/2010),

               1.

               Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for the financial year 2008;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this Decision to the Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the Council, the Commission and the Court of Auditors, and to arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series).

            The President

         Jerzy BUZEK

            The Secretary-General

         Klaus WELLE

      (1)  OJ C 304, 15.12.2009, p. 112.

      (2)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ L 142, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

      (4)  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 72.