title: 2009/77/EC: Commission Decision of 23 January 2009 establishing the Committee of European Securities Regulators (Text with EEA relevance)

text:
               29.1.2009

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 25/18

      COMMISSION DECISION

   of 23 January 2009
   establishing the Committee of European Securities Regulators
   (Text with EEA relevance)
   (2009/77/EC)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               As part of the so-called Lamfalussy process, the Commission adopted Decision 2001/527/EC of 6 June 2001 establishing the Committee of European Securities Regulators (1) (hereinafter ‘the Committee’). The Committee took up its duties on 7 June 2001, serving as an independent body for reflection, debate and advice of the Commission in the securities field.

               (2)

               Fulfilling the provisions of Directive 2005/1/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2005 amending Council Directives 73/239/EEC, 85/611/EEC, 91/675/EEC, 92/49/EEC and 93/6/EEC and Directives 94/19/EC, 98/78/EC, 2000/12/EC, 2001/34/EC, 2002/83/EC and 2002/87/EC in order to establish a new organisational structure for financial services committees (2), the Commission carried out a review of the Lamfalussy process in 2007 and presented its assessment in a Communication of 20 November 2007 entitled ‘Review of the Lamfalussy process — Strengthening supervisory convergence’ (3).

               (3)

               In the Communication, the Commission pointed out the importance of the Committee of European Securities Regulators, the Committee of European Banking Supervisors and the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors (hereinafter ‘the Committees of Supervisors’) in an increasingly integrated European financial market. A clear framework for the activities of these Committees in the area of supervisory convergence and cooperation was deemed necessary.

               (4)

               While reviewing the functioning of the Lamfalussy process, the Council invited the Commission to clarify the role of the Committees of Supervisors and consider all different options to strengthen the working of those Committees, without unbalancing the current institutional structure or reducing the accountability of supervisors (4).

               (5)

               At its meeting of 13 and 14 March 2008, the European Council called for swift improvements to the functioning of the Committees of Supervisors (5).

               (6)

               On 14 May 2008 (6), the Council invited the Commission to revise the Commission Decisions establishing the Committees of Supervisors so as to ensure coherence and consistency in their mandates and tasks as well as to strengthen their contributions to supervisory cooperation and convergence. The Council noted that specific tasks could be explicitly given to the Committees to foster supervisory cooperation and convergence, and enhance their role in assessing risks to financial stability. Therefore a reinforced legal framework regarding the role and tasks of the Committee in this respect should be provided.

               (7)

               The Committee should serve as an independent advisory group of the Commission in the securities field.

               (8)

               The Committee should also contribute to the common and uniform day-to-day implementation of Community legislation and its consistent application by the supervisory authorities.

               (9)

               The Committee does not have any regulatory powers at Community level. It should carry out peer reviews, promote best practices and issue non-binding guidelines, recommendations and standards in order to increase convergence across the Community.

               (10)

               Enhanced bilateral and multilateral supervisory cooperation depends on the mutual understanding and trust between supervisory authorities. The Committee should contribute to the improvement of such cooperation.

               (11)

               The Committee should also foster supervisory convergence across the Community. In order to be more specific about this objective, an indicative and open-ended list of tasks to be carried out by the Committee should be established.

               (12)

               In order to resolve disputes of a cross-border nature between supervisory authorities, in particular within colleges of supervisors, a voluntary and non-binding mediation mechanism should be provided by the Committee.

               (13)

               To benefit from the expertise acquired by the Committee and without prejudice to the powers of supervisory authorities, the supervisory authorities should be able to refer matters to the Committee with a view to obtaining its non-binding opinion.

               (14)

               The exchange of information between the supervisory authorities is fundamental to their functions. It is central for the efficient supervision of securities markets and for financial stability. Whilst the securities legislation imposes clear legal obligations on supervisory authorities to cooperate and exchange information, the Committee should facilitate practical day-to-day exchange of information between them, subject to relevant confidentiality provisions set out in the applicable legislation.

               (15)

               In order to reduce the duplication of supervisory tasks and thereby streamline the supervisory process as well as reduce the burden imposed on market participants, the Committee should facilitate the delegation of tasks between supervisory authorities, in particular in cases specified in the relevant legislation.

               (16)

               With a view to fostering convergence and consistency across the colleges of supervisors and thereby ensuring a level playing field, the Committee should monitor their functioning without constraining the independence of the members of the college.

               (17)

               Quality, comparability and consistency of supervisory reporting are central to the cost-efficiency of Community supervisory arrangements and the compliance burden on cross-border institutions. The Committee should contribute to ensuring that overlap and duplication is eliminated and that the reporting data is comparable and of appropriate quality.

               (18)

               Financial systems in the Community are closely linked and events in one Member State can have a significant impact on financial institutions and markets in other Member States. The continuing emergence of financial conglomerates and the blurring of distinctions between the activities of firms in the banking, securities and insurance sectors give rise to additional supervisory challenges at national and Community level. In order to safeguard financial stability, a system is needed at the level of the Committee, the Committee of European Banking Supervisors and the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors in order to identify potential risks, across borders and across sectors, at an early stage and, where necessary, inform the Commission and the other Committees. Furthermore, it is essential that the Committee ensures that finance ministries and national central banks of the Member States are informed. The Committee has its role to play in this respect by identifying risks in the securities sectors and regularly reporting on the outcome to the Commission. The Council should also be informed of these assessments. The Committee should also cooperate with the European Parliament and provide it with periodic information on the situation in the securities sector. The Committee should not, in this context, disclose information on individual supervised entities.

               (19)

               In order to adequately deal with cross-sector issues, the activities of the Committee should be coordinated with those of the Committee of European Banking Supervisors, the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors and the Banking Supervision Committee of the European System of Central Banks. This is of particular importance in addressing possible cross-sectoral risks to financial stability.

               (20)

               To avoid duplication of work, to prevent inconsistencies, to keep the Committee abreast of progress and to give it the opportunity to exchange information with the Committee of European Banking Supervisors and the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors with regard to supervision of financial conglomerates, the Committee may participate in the Joint Committee on Financial Conglomerates.

               (21)

               Given the globalisation of financial services and the increased importance of international standards, the Committee should also foster dialogue and cooperation with supervisors outside the Community.

               (22)

               The accountability of the Committee towards the Community Institutions is of high importance and should be of a well established standard while respecting the independence of supervisors.

               (23)

               The Committee should draw up its own rules of procedure and fully respect the prerogatives of the institutions and the institutional balance established by the Treaty. The enhanced framework of the activities of the Committee should be accompanied by improved working processes. To this end, if consensus cannot be reached, decisions should be taken by qualified majority corresponding to the rules set out in the Treaty.

               (24)

               For reasons of legal security and clarity Decision 2001/527/EC should be repealed,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   An independent advisory group on securities in the Community, called ‘the Committee of European Securities Regulators’ (hereinafter ‘the Committee’) is hereby established.
   Article 2
   The Committee shall advise the Commission, in particular as regards the preparation of draft implementing measures in the field of securities, including those relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS), on its own initiative or at the request of the Commission.
   Where the Commission requests advice from the Committee, it may lay down a time limit within which the Committee shall provide such advice. Such time limit shall be laid down taking into account the urgency of the matter.
   Article 3
   The Committee shall fulfil the tasks assigned to it and contribute to the common and uniform implementation and consistent application of Community legislation by issuing non-binding guidelines, recommendations and standards.
   Article 4
   1.   The Committee shall enhance cooperation between national supervisory authorities in the securities field and foster the convergence of Member States' supervisory practices and approaches throughout the Community. To this effect, it shall carry out, at least, the following tasks:

               (a)

               mediate or facilitate mediation between supervisory authorities in cases specified in the relevant legislation or at the request of a supervisory authority;

               (b)

               provide opinions to supervisory authorities in cases specified in the relevant legislation or at their request;

               (c)

               promote the effective bilateral and multilateral exchange of information between supervisory authorities subject to applicable confidentiality provisions;

               (d)

               facilitate the delegation of tasks between supervisory authorities, in particular by identifying tasks which can be delegated and by promoting best practices;

               (e)

               contribute to ensuring the efficient and consistent functioning of colleges of supervisors in particular through setting guidelines for the operational functioning of colleges, monitoring the coherence of the practices of the different colleges and sharing best practices;

               (f)

               contribute to developing high quality and common supervisory reporting standards;

               (g)

               review the practical application of the non-binding guidelines, recommendations and standards issued by the Committee.

         2.   The Committee shall review the Member States' supervisory practices and assess their convergence on an ongoing basis. The Committee shall report annually on progress achieved and identify the remaining obstacles.
   3.   The Committee shall develop new practical convergence tools to promote common supervisory approaches.
   Article 5
   1.   The Committee shall monitor and assess developments in the securities sector and, where necessary, inform the Committee of European Banking Supervisors, the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors and the Commission. The Committee shall ensure that the finance ministries and national central banks of the Member States are informed about potential or imminent problems.
   2.   The Committee shall, at least twice a year, provide to the Commission assessments of micro-prudential trends, potential risks and vulnerabilities in the securities sector.
   The Committee shall include in these assessments a classification of the main risks and vulnerabilities and indicate to what extent such risks and vulnerabilities pose a threat to financial stability and, where necessary, propose preventative or remedial actions.
   The Council shall be informed of these assessments.
   3.   The Committee shall have in place procedures enabling the supervisory authorities to react promptly. Where appropriate, the Committee shall facilitate a joint assessment amongst supervisors within the Community on risks and vulnerabilities which may negatively affect the stability of the financial system of the Community.
   4.   The Committee shall ensure an adequate coverage of cross-sectoral developments, risks and vulnerabilities by closely cooperating with the Committee of European Banking Supervisors, the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors and the Banking Supervision Committee of the European System of Central Banks.
   Article 6
   1.   The Committee shall contribute to the development of common supervisory practices in the field of securities as well as on a cross-sectoral basis in close cooperation with the Committee of European Banking Supervisors and the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors.
   2.   To this effect, it shall in particular establish sectoral and cross-sectoral training programmes, facilitate personnel exchanges and encourage competent authorities to intensify the use of secondment schemes, joint inspection teams and supervisory visits and other tools.
   3.   The Committee shall, as appropriate, develop new instruments to promote the development of common supervisory practices.
   4.   The Committee shall enhance cooperation with the supervisory authorities of third countries, in particular by their participation in common training programmes.
   Article 7
   1.   The Committee shall be composed of high-level representatives from the national public authorities competent in the field of securities, including UCITS. Each Member State shall designate a high-level representative from its competent authority to participate in the meetings of the Committee.
   2.   The Commission shall be present at the meetings of the Committee and shall designate a high-level representative to participate in its debates.
   3.   The Committee shall elect a chairperson from among its members.
   4.   The Committee may invite experts and observers to attend its meetings.
   Article 8
   1.   The members of the Committee shall be required not to disclose information covered by the obligation of professional secrecy. All participants in the discussions shall be obliged to comply with the applicable rules of professional secrecy.
   2.   Whenever discussion of an item on the agenda entails the exchange of confidential information concerning a supervised institution, participation in such discussion may be restricted to members directly involved.
   Article 9
   1.   The Committee shall regularly inform the Commission about the outcome of its activities. It shall have regular contacts with the European Securities Committee established by Commission Decision 2001/528/EC (7) and the competent Committee of the European Parliament.
   2.   The Committee shall ensure cross-sectoral consistency of work in the financial services sectors by regular and close cooperation with the Committee of European Banking Supervisors and the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors.
   3.   The chairperson of the Committee shall have regular contact with the chairpersons of the Committee of European Banking Supervisors and the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors, at least once a month.
   Article 10
   The Committee may set up working groups. The Commission shall be invited to the meetings of the working groups as an observer.
   Article 11
   The Committee may participate in the Joint Committee on Financial Conglomerates.
   Article 12
   Before transmitting its opinion to the Commission, the Committee shall, at an early stage, consult market participants, consumers and end-users extensively and in an open and transparent manner. The Committee shall publish the results of the consultations, unless the respondent requests otherwise.
   Article 13
   The Committee shall establish an annual work programme and transmit it to the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission by the end of October each year. The Committee shall periodically and at least annually inform the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on the achievement of the activities set out in the work programme.
   Article 14
   The Committee shall work by consensus of its members. If no consensus can be reached, decisions shall be taken by qualified majority. The votes of the representatives of the Members of the Committee shall correspond to the votes of the Member States as laid down in Articles 205(2) and (4) of the Treaty.
   Members of the Committee which do not follow the guidelines, recommendation, standards and other measures agreed by the Committee shall be prepared to present the reasons for this choice.
   Article 15
   The Committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure and organise its own operational arrangements.
   With regard to decisions concerning amendments to the rules of procedure and elections to and dismissals from the Board of the Committee, the rules of procedure may foresee decision-making procedures that are different from those set out in Article 14.
   Article 16
   Decision 2001/527/EC is repealed.
   Article 17
   This Decision shall take effect on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Brussels, 23 January 2009.

            For the Commission

         Charlie McCREEVY

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 191, 13.7.2001, p. 43.

      (2)  OJ L 79, 24.3.2005, p. 9.

      (3)  COM(2007) 727 final.

      (4)  Council Conclusions 15698/07 of 4 December 2007.

      (5)  Council Conclusions 7652/1/08 Rev 1.

      (6)  Council Conclusions 8515/3/08 Rev 3.

      (7)  OJ L 191, 13.7.2001, p. 45.


title: 2012/571/EU: Decision of the European Parliament of 10 May 2012 on the closure of the accounts of the European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2010

text:
               17.10.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 286/183

         DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 10 May 2012
   on the closure of the accounts of the European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2010
   (2012/571/EU)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

               —

               having regard to the final annual accounts of the European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2010,

               —

               having regard to the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts of the European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2010, together with the Agency’s replies (1),

               —

               having regard to the Council’s recommendation of 21 February 2012 (06083/2012 – C7-0051/2012),

               —

               having regard to 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 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency, and in particular Article 60 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 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (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 Transport and Tourism (A7-0124/2012),

               1.

               Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2010;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this Decision to the Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency, 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

         Martin SCHULZ

            The Secretary-General

         Klaus WELLE

      (1)  OJ C 366, 15.12.2011, p. 21.

      (2)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ L 79, 19.3.2008, p. 1.

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


title: Commission Decision of 23 May 2017 notifying the Republic of Liberia of the possibility of being identified as a non-cooperating third country in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

text:
               30.5.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 169/11

         COMMISSION DECISION
   of 23 May 2017
   notifying the Republic of Liberia of the possibility of being identified as a non-cooperating third country in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
   (2017/C 169/12)
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 of 29 September 2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, amending Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1936/2001 and (EC) No 601/2004 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 1093/94 and (EC) No 1447/1999 (1), and in particular Article 32 thereof,
   Whereas:
   1.   INTRODUCTION

               (1)

               Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 (the IUU Regulation) establishes a Union system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

               (2)

               Chapter VI of the IUU Regulation lays down the procedure to identify non-cooperating third countries, the démarches in respect of such countries, the establishment of a list of such countries, the removal from that list, the publicity of that list and any emergency measures.

               (3)

               Pursuant to Article 31 of the IUU Regulation, the Commission is to identify third countries that it considers as non-cooperating in fighting IUU fishing. A third country is to be identified as non-cooperating if it fails to discharge the duties incumbent upon it under international law as flag, port, coastal or market State, to take action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.

               (4)

               Prior to identifying third countries as non-cooperating under Article 31 of the IUU Regulation, the Commission is to first notify third countries of the possibility of being identified as non-cooperating countries in accordance with Article 32 of that Regulation. Such notification is of a preliminary nature. The notification is to be based on the criteria laid down in Article 31 of the IUU Regulation. The Commission is also to take into account all the démarches set out in Article 32 of that Regulation with respect to the notified third countries. In particular, the Commission is to include in the notification information concerning the essential facts and considerations underlying such identification, provide those countries with the opportunity to respond and provide evidence refuting the identification or, where appropriate, a plan of action to improve and measures taken to rectify the situation. The Commission is to give to the notified third countries adequate time to answer the notification and reasonable time to remedy the situation.

               (5)

               The identification of non-cooperating third countries under Article 31 of the IUU Regulation is to be based on the review of all information as set out under Article 31(2) of that Regulation.

               (6)

               In accordance with Article 33 of the IUU Regulation, the Council is to establish a list of non-cooperating third countries. The measures set out, inter alia, in Article 38 of the IUU Regulation apply to those countries.

               (7)

               Pursuant to Article 20(1) of the IUU Regulation, the acceptance of validated catch certificates from third country flag States is subject to a notification to the Commission of the arrangements for the implementation, control and enforcement of laws, regulations and conservation and management measures which must be complied with by the fishing vessels of the concerned third countries.

               (8)

               In accordance with Article 20(4) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission is to cooperate administratively with third countries in areas pertaining to the implementation of that Regulation.

         2.   PROCEDURE WITH RESPECT TO THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

               (9)

               The Republic of Liberia (hereafter ‘Liberia’) has not submitted its notification as a flag State pursuant to Article 20 of the IUU Regulation to the Commission.

               (10)

               From 5 February 2014 to present the Commission cooperated administratively with the authorities of Liberia in the context of administrative cooperation provided for in Article 20(4) of the IUU Regulation. This cooperation covered issues pertaining to the implementation, control and enforcement of laws, regulations and conservation and management measures by Liberia. It entailed exchange of oral and written comments as well as a visit to Liberia between 19 and 23 October 2015, where the Commission sought and verified all information deemed necessary concerning the measures taken by Liberia in order to implement its obligations in the fight against IUU fishing.

               (11)

               Liberia is a contracting party of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT); a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) and the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO); and a Cooperating Non-Member of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) as well as the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). Liberia has ratified the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA) (2).

               (12)

               In order to evaluate the compliance of Liberia with its international obligations as flag, port, coastal or market State as set out in the international agreements referred to in recital 11 and established by the relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), the Commission sought, collected and analysed all necessary information required for the purpose of this exercise.

         3.   POSSIBILITY OF LIBERIA BEING IDENTIFIED AS A NON-COOPERATING THIRD COUNTRY

               (13)

               Pursuant to Article 31(3) of the IUU Regulation, the Commission analysed the duties of Liberia as flag, port, coastal or market State. For the purpose of this review the Commission took into account the criteria listed in Article 31(4) to (7) of the IUU Regulation.

         3.1.   Measures taken in respect of recurrence of IUU fishing activities and IUU trade flows (Article 31(4) of the IUU Regulation)

               (14)

               The Liberian national fisheries legal framework (‘the 2010 Fisheries Regulations’ defines fishing vessels as ‘any vessel used for fishing or related activities’. The scope of the 2010 Fisheries Regulations covers all fishing and fishing related activities in waters under the jurisdiction of Liberia as well as the activities of all Liberian vessels and persons in any area beyond the jurisdiction of Liberia, in so far as this is not in conflict with the jurisdiction of another State.

               (15)

               While the Liberian national authority in charge of national vessel registration consults with the fisheries authorities about the registration of new fishing vessels that will operate in national waters, the entity in charge of the international vessel registry (Liberian Maritime Authority) (3) does not consult the national fisheries authorities (4) before registering any fishing vessel which will operate outside Liberia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This prevents the establishment of a consolidated list containing all fishing vessels flying the flag of Liberia. It appears that the national fisheries authority does not have any information on Liberian fishing vessels operating beyond the Liberian EEZ. The apparent lack of cooperation between Liberian Maritime Authority and the national fisheries authorities could be considered as a situation compromising Liberia's ability to monitor the size and activities of its fleet, potentially allowing illegal operators to use the flag of Liberia without proper control.

               (16)

               The Commission established that there are over 100 Liberian flagged fishing vessels operating beyond Liberia's EEZ without authorisation from the relevant Liberian fisheries authorities. The Liberian fisheries authorities acknowledged that while the Liberian Maritime Authority does monitor the international Liberian flagged fleet, the fishing vessels operating beyond the EEZ are not subject to monitoring, control and surveillance by the fisheries authority. They do not report their geographic position to Liberia's fisheries monitoring centre or share information with Liberia's fisheries authorities on catch data, landings or transhipments.

               (17)

               Pursuant to Article 31(4)(b) of the IUU Regulation the Commission examined the measures taken by Liberia in respect of access of fisheries products stemming from IUU fishing to its market.

               (18)

               Liberian vessels operating beyond the EEZ of Liberia are not subject to any form of control by Liberia's fisheries authorities. These vessels do not report or transmit any information regarding their activities, landings and transhipments to the Liberian fisheries authorities. Therefore it is unlikely that the traceability of fish or fish products stemming from these vessels can be guaranteed.

               (19)

               The performance of Liberia described in recitals 15 to 17 is not in line with Articles 94(1) and (2) of UNCLOS which provide that every State shall effectively ensure its jurisdiction and control over ships flying its flag. It is also not in line with point 24 of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations' (FAO) International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IPOA IUU) (5) that provides for the obligation to undertake comprehensive and effective control of fishing activities and with point 35 of the IPOA IUU that provides that a flag State should ensure that, before it registers a vessel, it can exercise its responsibility to ensure that the vessel does not engage in IUU fishing. It also contravenes point 36 of the IPOA IUU, that provides that flag States should avoid flagging vessels with a history of non-compliance and point 42 of IPOA IUU which provides that every State shall maintain a register of ships containing the names and particulars of ships flying its flag. It also fails to comply with point 71 of the IPOA IUU which advises States to take steps to improve the transparency of their markets in order to ensure the traceability of fish or fish products. Equally, it fails to comply with Article 11 of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (FAO Code of Conduct) which sets good practices for post-harvest activities and responsible international trade.

               (20)

               In view of the considerations presented in this Section and on the basis of all factual elements gathered by the Commission as well as all the statements made by the country, it could be established, pursuant to Article 31(3), (4)(a) and (4)(b) of the IUU Regulation, that Liberia failed to discharge its duties under international law as a flag, port, coastal and market State in respect of IUU vessels and IUU fishing carried out or supported by vessels flying its flag or by its nationals and to prevent access of fisheries products stemming from IUU fishing to its market.

         3.2.   Failure to cooperate and to enforce (Article 31(5) of the IUU Regulation)

               (21)

               While the fisheries authorities of Liberia were generally cooperative with the Commission and responded to requests for information and provided feedback, their capacity to reply to certain requests was limited by the status of the international vessel registry and the lack of cooperation between the Liberian Maritime Authority and the national fisheries authorities, as established in Section 3.1.

               (22)

               Liberia is a significant flag State, operating the second largest international registry in the world attracting vessels from third countries with no direct link to the country. As explained in recital 16, these vessels operate beyond the EEZ of Liberia, on the high seas and in the waters of third countries. Liberia is also a member or party to six RFMOs and cooperates with other countries at sub-regional level through the Fishery Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC). However, the Commission found that the Liberian fisheries authorities do not appear to cooperate or to be in a position to cooperate with third countries in all regions where Liberian fishing vessels operate except in the east Atlantic. This apparent lack of cooperation subsists despite the fact Liberia is a member or party to six RFMOs, and may result from the fact that Liberia's fisheries authorities seem to have no information about vessels flying the flag of Liberia operating outside the national EEZ and the area under the responsibility of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, due to the lack of internal administrative coordination with the Liberian Maritime Authority registered vessels.

               (23)

               The 2010 Fisheries Regulations are outdated, and need to be revised to ensure consistency between national law and international and regional applicable rules. The definition of fishing activities provided by the 2010 Fisheries Regulations includes searching for, catching, taking and harvesting fish as well as any activity in support of or preparation of these activities, including through the use of aircraft. The definition of fishing vessels includes vessels conducting fishing related activities. Fishing related activities include transhipment, storage, processing, transportation and refuelling and supplying fishing vessels. The sanctioning system is categorised in terms of severity of the offence reflected by the amount of the fine for each type of offence and sanctions may be deterrent and proportionate as required by international obligations. However, these texts do not specifically define IUU fishing activities or serious infringements in line with international law.

               (24)

               The Liberian Bureau of National Fisheries operates a Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) to comply with fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) duties. The FMC is equipped to carry out MCS functions. However, only vessels licensed to operate in the national EEZ are monitored by the FMC; Liberian flagged vessels operating in the high seas or in the waters of third countries are not monitored by the FMC. Furthermore, due to limited funding, in particular for aerial surveillance, certain MCS functions appear to be constrained. This impedes Liberia from ensuring an effective and comprehensive MCS system for fishing vessels flying its flag. Therefore, Liberia seems to lack or fails to allocate adequate resources to fight IUU fishing.

               (25)

               The Liberian legal framework and enforcement measures appear not to comply with the basic requirements in Articles 61, 62 and 117 to 119 of UNCLOS. The facts described in recitals 20 to 23 indicate that Liberia fails to fulfil the conditions of Article 94 of UNCLOS, which requires the flag State to assume jurisdiction under its internal law over each ship flying its flag and its master, officers and crew, and breaches Article 18(3) of UNFSA, which specifies the measures to be taken by a State in respect of vessels flying its flag. Liberia appears to fail to take into consideration the recommendations in point 24 of the IPOA IUU which advises flag States to ensure comprehensive and effective monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing, from the catch to the point of landing, to final destination, including through the use of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) on board fishing vessels in accordance with the relevant national, regional and international standards.

               (26)

               In view of the considerations presented in this Section and on the basis of all factual elements gathered by the Commission as well as all the statements made by the country, it could be established, pursuant to Article 31(3) and (5) of the IUU Regulation, that Liberia failed to discharge its duties under international law with respect to cooperation and enforcement.

         3.3.   Failure to implement international rules (Article 31(6) of the IUU Regulation)

               (27)

               The Commission analysed all information deemed relevant with respect to the status of Liberia as a contracting party of UNCLOS, UNFSA and ICCAT; as a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party of NEAFC, SPRFMO and IOTC and as a Cooperating Non-Member of WCPFC and IATTC.

               (28)

               Between 2014 and 2016 Liberia became cooperating party, cooperating non-contracting party or cooperating non-member of six RFMOs (6). However, during the evaluation mission to Monrovia between the 19 and 23 October 2015 it transpired that it was the Liberian Maritime Authority that had taken the steps to join all these RFMOs, except ICCAT, without consulting the national fisheries authorities. The national fisheries authorities were responsible for joining ICCAT. This situation risks to impede Liberia's ability to meet their compliance commitments in each RFMO and has resulted in late report submission (ICCAT) or failure to report (SPRFMO) in breach of their obligations under the respective RFMO.

               (29)

               Liberia has ratified two international legal instruments related to fisheries management: UNCLOS and UNFSA. The performance of Liberia in implementing international instruments is not in accordance with the recommendations of point 11 of the IPOA IUU which encourages States, as a matter of priority, to ratify, accept or accede not only to UNCLOS and UNFSA, but also to the FAO Agreement to promote compliance with international conservation and management measures by fishing vessels on the high seas. It also contravenes point 14 of the IPOA IUU which provides that States should fully and effectively implement the Code of Conduct and its associated International Plans of Action.

               (30)

               Liberia has not ratified the 2009 FAO Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). While direct landings of fisheries products in Liberia are not frequent at present, some landings do occur and Liberia is developing landing facilities under an international project. They will then need to be able to carry out their port State obligations.

               (31)

               Contrary to the recommendations in points 25 to 27 of the IPOA IUU, Liberia has not developed a national plan of action against IUU fishing.

               (32)

               Furthermore, the Liberian authorities explained to the Commission during the evaluation meeting held on 24 March 2015 that the management of Liberia's international registry is carried out by a private company located outside of Liberia. During this meeting and subsequent exchanges Liberia failed to demonstrate how it ensures that fishing vessels flying its flag have a genuine link with the country. This contravenes Article 91 of UNCLOS which provides that a genuine link must exist between the flag State and its ships.

               (33)

               In view of the considerations presented in this Section and on the basis of all factual elements gathered by the Commission as well as all the statements made by the country, it could be established pursuant to Article 31(3) and (6) of the IUU Regulation, that Liberia failed to discharge the duties incumbent upon it under international law with respect to international rules, regulations and conservation and management measures.

         3.4.   Specific constraints of developing countries (Article 31(7) of the IUU Regulations)

               (34)

               According to the United Nations Human Development Index (UNHDI) (7), in 2015 Liberia was considered to be a low human development country ranked 177 out of 188 countries.

               (35)

               Although specific capacity constraints may exist with respect to monitoring, control and surveillance, the specific constraints of Liberia derived from its level of development do not justify all the deficiencies identified in the previous sections. This concerns especially the lack of internal coordination regarding registration of fishing vessels under the Liberian international registry and the lack of consolidated information on the identity of these vessels, with the consequent inability to exercise effective control.

               (36)

               It appears that the shortcomings identified result primarily from an inadequate administrative environment to ensure the effective performance by Liberia of its duties as flag, coastal, port and market State. Liberia has received support from regional initiatives which aim to strengthen governance and fight IUU fishing including through improved MCS, as well as sectoral support under the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) concluded with the European Union. It also received support for aerial surveillance through the United Nations Mission in Liberia. However, the drawdown of that Mission has brought an end to that support and no national support has been provided to maintain this MCS activity, thereby impeding Liberian MCS from operating effectively.

               (37)

               In view of the considerations presented in this Section and on the basis of all factual elements gathered by the Commission as well as the statements made by the country, it could be established, pursuant to Article 31(7) of the IUU Regulation, that the development status and overall performance of Liberia with respect to fisheries management may be impaired by its level of development. However, account taken of the nature of the established shortcomings of Liberia, the development level of Liberia cannot fully excuse or otherwise justify its overall performance as flag, port, coastal or market State with respect to fisheries and the insufficiency of its actions to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.

         4.   CONCLUSION ON THE POSSIBLE IDENTIFICATION AS A NON-COOPERATING THIRD COUNTRY

               (38)

               In view of the conclusions reached with regard to the failure of Liberia to discharge its duties under international law as flag, port, coastal or market State and to take action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing, Liberia should be notified, in accordance with Article 32 of the IUU Regulation, of the possibility of being identified by the Commission as a non-cooperating third country in fighting IUU fishing.

               (39)

               The Commission should also take all the démarches set out in Article 32 of the IUU Regulation with respect to Liberia. In the interest of sound administration, a period should be fixed within which that country may respond in writing to the notification and rectify the situation.

               (40)

               Furthermore, the notification to Liberia of the possibility of being identified as a country which the Commission considers to be a non-cooperating third country for the purposes of this Decision does neither preclude nor automatically entail any subsequent step taken by the Commission or the Council for the purpose of the identification and the establishment of a list of non-cooperating third countries,

         HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Sole Article
   Liberia shall be notified of the possibility of being identified by the Commission as a non-cooperating third country in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

      Done at Brussels, 23 May 2017.

            For the Commission

         Karmenu VELLA

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 286, 29.10.2008, p. 1.

      (2)  https://treaties.un.org/

      (3)  This is implemented through the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry

      (4)  Bureau of National Fisheries

      (5)  International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, 2001

      (6)  Contracting party of ICCAT; Cooperating Non-Contracting Party of NEAFC, SPRFMO and IOTC; Cooperating Non-Member of WCPFC and IATTC. Liberia is not a member/Cooperating-non member to CCSBT, but 18 vessels are authorised to operate in this RFMO.

      (7)  Information from: http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/2015_human_development_report_1.pdf


title: 2012/299/EU: Council Decision of 7 June 2012 on the launch of automated data exchange with regard to DNA data in Estonia

text:
               12.6.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 151/31

         COUNCIL DECISION
   of 7 June 2012
   on the launch of automated data exchange with regard to DNA data in Estonia
   (2012/299/EU)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to Council Decision 2008/615/JHA of 23 June 2008 on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime (1), in particular Article 2(3) and Article 25 thereof,
   Having regard to Council Decision 2008/616/JHA of 23 June 2008 on the implementation of Decision 2008/615/JHA (2), in particular Article 20 and Chapter 4 of the Annex thereto,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               According to the Protocol on Transitional Provisions annexed to the Treaty on European Union, to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, the legal effects of the acts of the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union adopted prior to the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon are preserved until those acts are repealed, annulled or amended in implementation of the Treaties.

               (2)

               Accordingly, Article 25 of Decision 2008/615/JHA is applicable and the Council must unanimously decide whether the Member States have implemented the provisions of Chapter 6 of that Decision.

               (3)

               Article 20 of Decision 2008/616/JHA provides that decisions referred to in Article 25(2) of Decision 2008/615/JHA are to be taken on the basis of an evaluation report based on a questionnaire. With respect to automated data exchange in accordance with Chapter 2 of Decision 2008/615/JHA, the evaluation report is to be based on an evaluation visit and a pilot run.

               (4)

               Estonia has informed the General Secretariat of the Council of the national DNA analysis files to which Articles 2 to 6 of Decision 2008/615/JHA apply and the conditions for automated searching as referred to in Article 3(1) of that Decision in accordance with Article 36(2) of that Decision.

               (5)

               According to Chapter 4, point 1.1, of the Annex to Decision 2008/616/JHA, the questionnaire drawn up by the relevant Council Working Group concerns each of the automated data exchanges and has to be answered by a Member State as soon as it believes it fulfils the prerequisites for sharing data in the relevant data category.

               (6)

               Estonia has completed the questionnaire on data protection and the questionnaire on DNA data exchange.

               (7)

               A successful pilot run has been carried out by Estonia with the Netherlands.

               (8)

               An evaluation visit has taken place in Estonia and a report on the evaluation visit has been produced by the Dutch evaluation team and forwarded to the relevant Council Working Group.

               (9)

               An overall evaluation report, summarising the results of the questionnaire, the evaluation visit and the pilot run concerning DNA data exchange has been presented to the Council,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   For the purposes of automated searching and comparison of DNA data, Estonia has fully implemented the general provisions on data protection of Chapter 6 of Decision 2008/615/JHA and is entitled to receive and supply personal data pursuant to Articles 3 and 4 of that Decision as from the date of the entry into force of this Decision.
   Article 2
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

      Done at Luxembourg, 7 June 2012.

            For the Council

            The President

         M. BØDSKOV

      (1)  OJ L 210, 6.8.2008, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ L 210, 6.8.2008, p. 12.


title: 2011/614/EU: Decision of the European Parliament of 10 May 2011 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines for the financial year 2009

text:
               27.9.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 250/250

         DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 10 May 2011
   on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines for the financial year 2009
   (2011/614/EU)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,
   having regard to the final annual accounts of the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines for the financial year 2009,
   having regard to the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts of the Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking for the financial year ended 31 December 2009, together with the replies of the Joint Undertaking (1),
   having regard to the Council’s recommendation of 15 February 2011 (05894/2011 — C7-0051/2011),
   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 Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2008 of 20 December 2007 setting up the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines (3), and in particular Article 11(4) 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 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (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 (A7-0129/2011),

               1.

               Grants the Executive Director of the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2009;

               2.

               Sets out its observations in the resolution below;

               3.

               Instructs its President to forward this Decision and the resolution that forms an integral part of it to the Executive Director of the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines, the Council, the Commission and the Court of Auditors, and to arrange for their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (L series).

            The President

         Jerzy BUZEK

            The Secretary-General

         Klaus WELLE

      (1)  OJ C 342, 16.12.2010, p. 15.

      (2)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ L 30, 4.2.2008, p. 38.

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

               27.9.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 250/252

         RESOLUTION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 10 May 2011
   with observations forming an integral part of its Decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines for the financial year 2009
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,
   having regard to the final annual accounts of the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines for the financial year 2009,
   having regard to the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts of the Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking for the financial year ended 31 December 2009, together with the replies of the Joint Undertaking (1),
   having regard to the Council’s recommendation of 15 February 2011 (05894/2011 — C7-0051/2011),
   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 Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2008 of 20 December 2007 setting up the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines (3), and in particular Article 11(4) thereof,
   having regard to the Financial Rules of the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines adopted by Decision of its Governing Board on 2 February 2009,
   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 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (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 (A7-0129/2011),

               A.

               whereas the Court of Auditors stated that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the annual accounts for the financial year 2009 are reliable and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular,

               B.

               whereas the Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking was set up in February 2007 to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the drug development process with the long-term aim that the pharmaceutical sector produces more effective and safer innovative medicines,

               C.

               whereas the Joint Undertaking is in a start-up phase and had not yet fully established its internal control and financial reporting systems by the end of 2009,

      Implementation of the budget

               1.

               Notes that the Joint Undertaking final 2009 budget included commitment appropriations of EUR 82 000 000 and payment appropriations of EUR 82 000 000; further acknowledges that the utilisation rates for commitment and payment appropriations were 97 % and 1 % respectively;

               2.

               Recognises that the Joint Undertaking is still in a start-up period; is, nevertheless, concerned that the rate for payment appropriations was only 1 %;

      Members’ contribution

               3.

               Calls on the Joint Undertaking to harmonise the presentation of members’ contributions in the accounts under the guidance of the Commission;

               4.

               Calls, in addition, on the Joint Undertaking to further develop provisions on membership and co-financing and, in particular, on:

                           —

                           the arrangements for the accession of new members,

                           —

                           the in-kind contributions by members,

                           —

                           the terms and conditions under which the Joint Undertaking may audit the contributions of the members,

                           —

                           the conditions under which the Governing Board may approve co-financing;

      Internal control systems

               5.

               Urges the Joint Undertaking to complete the implementation of its internal controls and financial information system;

               6.

               Calls, in addition, on the Joint Undertaking to include in its Financial Rules a specific reference to the powers of the Internal Audit Service (IAS) as its Internal Auditor, on the basis of the provision set out in the framework Financial Regulation for Community bodies;

               7.

               Considers, in particular, that the role of the IAS as Internal Auditor should be to advise the Joint Undertaking on dealing with risks, by issuing independent opinions on the quality of management and control systems and by issuing recommendations for improving the conditions of implementation of operations and promoting sound financial management; considers it to be also essential that the Joint Undertaking submit to the discharge authority a report drawn up by its Executive Director summarising the number and the type of internal audits conducted by the Internal Auditor, the recommendations made and the actions taken regarding these recommendations;

               8.

               Is of the opinion that, in view of the size of its budget and the complexity of its tasks, the Joint Undertaking should establish an audit committee, reporting directly to the Governing Board;

      Lack of host agreement

               9.

               Urges the Joint Undertaking to rapidly conclude a host agreement with Belgium concerning office accommodation, privileges and immunities and other support to be provided by Belgium to the Joint Undertaking as provided by the Regulation (EC) No 73/2008 setting up the Joint Undertaking.

      (1)  OJ C 342, 16.12.2010, p. 15.

      (2)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

      (3)  OJ L 30, 4.2.2008, p. 38.

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


title: Decision (EU, Euratom) 2017/1710 of the European Parliament of 27 April 2017 on the closure of the accounts of the Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2015

text:
               29.9.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 252/302

         DECISION (EU, Euratom) 2017/1710 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
   of 27 April 2017
   on the closure of the accounts of the Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2015
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

               —

               having regard to the final annual accounts of the Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2015,

               —

               having regard to the Court of Auditors' report on the annual accounts of the Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2015, together with the Agency's reply (1),

               —

               having regard to the statement of assurance (2) as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions provided by the Court of Auditors for the financial year 2015, pursuant to Article 287 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to the Council's recommendation of 21 February 2017 on discharge to be given to the Agency in respect of the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2015 (05873/2017 — C8-0069/2017),

               —

               having regard to Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

               —

               having regard to Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community,

               —

               having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (3), and in particular Article 1(2) thereof,

               —

               having regard to Council Decision 2008/114/EC, Euratom of 12 February 2008 establishing Statutes for the Euratom Supply Agency (4), and in particular Article 8 of the Annex thereto,

               —

               having regard to Rule 94 of and Annex IV to its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control (A8-0126/2017),

               1.

               Approves the closure of the accounts of the Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2015;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Director-General of the Euratom Supply Agency, 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

         Antonio TAJANI

            The Secretary-General

         Klaus WELLE

      (1)  OJ C 449, 1.12.2016, p. 184.

      (2)  See footnote 1.

      (3)  OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.

      (4)  OJ L 41, 15.2.2008, p. 15.


title: Commission Decision of 21 December 2012 on public holidays for 2014 for the institutions of the European Union

text:
               12.2.2013

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 39/26

      COMMISSION DECISION

   of 21 December 2012
   on public holidays for 2014 for the institutions of the European Union
   2013/C 39/03

      PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR 2014

               1 January

               Wednesday, New Year’s Day

               2 January

               Thursday, the day following New Year’s Day

               17 April

               Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday

               18 April

               Good Friday

               21 April

               Easter Monday

               1 May

               Thursday, Labour Day

               9 May

               Friday, Anniversary of the Declaration made by President Robert Schuman in 1950

               29 May

               Thursday, Ascension Day

               30 May

               Friday, the day following Ascension Day

               9 June

               Whit Monday

               21 July

               Monday, Belgian National Holiday

               15 August

               Friday, Assumption Day

               24 December to 31 December

               Wednesday
               6 end-of-year days
               Wednesday

               TOTAL

               18 days

         Luxembourg: same days apply as in Brussels.
   Work will resume as normal on Monday 5 January 2015.
   Without prejudice to the schedule of public holidays for 2015, Friday 2 January 2015 will be a holiday.
   The Commission reserves the right to modify these provisions, should the needs of the service so require.