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32001H0194

Commission Recommendation of 5 March 2001 on the results of the risk evaluation and the risk reduction strategies for the substances: diphenylether/pentabromo derivative and cumene (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(2001) 439)

Official Journal L 069 , 10/03/2001 P. 0030 - 0036

Commission Recommendationof 5 March 2001on the results of the risk evaluation and the risk reduction strategies for the substances: diphenylether/pentabromo derivative and cumene(notified under document number C(2001) 439)(Text with EEA relevance)(2001/194/EC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 of 23 March 1993 on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances(1), and in particular Article 11(2) thereof,Whereas:(1) Article 10 of Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 establishes the procedure to be followed for the risk evaluation of the substances on the priority lists at the level of the Member State designated as rapporteur.(2) Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94(2) outlines the principles for the assessment of risks to man and the environment of existing substances in accordance with Regulation (EEC) No 793/93.(3) The Member State rapporteur, after evaluating the risk of a given priority substance to man and the environment, should suggest, where appropriate, a strategy for limiting the risk, including control measures and/or surveillance programmes.(4) Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 provides that the results of the risk evaluation and the recommended strategy for limiting risks in respect to substances on the priority lists should be adopted at Community level in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 15 and be published by the Commission.(5) Article 1 of Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 provides that that Regulation should apply without prejudice to Community legislation on the protection of consumers and on safety and protection of health of workers at work, in particular Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work(3).(6) A first priority list identifying substances requiring attention has been adopted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1179/94(4). This priority list provides, among other substances, for the evaluation of the following:- cumene.(7) A second priority list identifying substances requiring attention has been adopted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2268/95(5). This second priority list provides, among other substances, for the evaluation of the following:- diphenylether, pentabromo derivative.(8) The rapporteur Member States have completed all the risk evaluation activities with regard to man and the environment for the above two substances(6) and where appropriate, have suggested strategies for limiting the risks.(9) The results of the risk evaluation of the two substances and the recommened risk reduction strategies for one of the two substances concerned should be adopted at the Community level.(10) In accordance with Article 11(3) of Regulation (EEC) No 793/93, the Commission will consider the results of the risk evaluation and the recommended strategy for limiting the risks, when proposing Community measures in the framework of Council Directive 76/769/EEC of 27 July 1976 on the approximation of the laws, Regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations(7) and in the framework of Directive 89/391/EEC, as well as in the framework of other relevant existing Community instruments.(11) The Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE) has been consulted and has issued an opinion with respect to the risk assessment reports referred to in this recommendation.(12) The measures provided for in this recommendation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee set up pursuant to Article 15 of Regulation (EEC) No 793/93,HEREBY RECOMMENDS:1. All sectors importing, producing, transporting, storing, formulating into a preparation or other processing, using disposing or recovering the following substance:- diphenylether, pentabromo derivativeCAS No 32534-81-9Einecs No 251-084-2should take into account the results of the risk evaluation as summarised in Section I (human health/environment) of Annex I. These results were formulated in the light of the opinions delivered by the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE)(8).2. The risk reduction strategies described in Section II (strategy for limiting risks) of Annex I should be implemented.3. All sectors importing, producing, transporting, storing, formulating into a preparation or other processing, using, disposing or recovering the following substance:- CumeneCAS No 98-82-8Einecs No 202-704-5should take into account the results of the risk evaluation as summarised in Section I (human health/environment) of Annex II. These results were formulated in the light of the opinion delivered by the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE)(9).Done at Brussels, 5 March 2001.For the CommissionMargot WallströmMember of the Commission(1) OJ L 84, 5.4.1993, p. 1.(2) OJ L 161, 29.6.1994, p. 3.(3) OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1.(4) OJ L 131, 26.5.1994, p. 3.(5) OJ L 231, 28.9.1995, p. 18.(6) The comprehensive risk assessment reports as forwarded to the Commission by the rapporteur Member States are publicly available. Short summaries are also available. Both can be found on the Internet site of the European Chemicals Bureau, Institute for Health and Consumer protection of the Joint Research Centre in Inspra, Italy (http://ecb.ei.jrc.it/existing-chemicals/).(7) OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 201.(8) The environment risk assessment report was peer-reviewed by the CSTEE and its opinion was expressed at the 13th plenary meeting held in Brussels on 4 February 2000 and the human health risk assessment report was peer-reviewed by the CSTEE and its opinion was expressed at the 16th plenary meeting held in Brussels on 19 June 2000. The CSTEE opinions can be found on the Internet site:(http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/sct/outcome_en.html).(9) The risk assessment report was peer-reviewed by the CSTEE and its opinion was expressed at the 15th plenary meeting held in Brussels on 5 May 2000. The CSTEE opinions can be found on the Internet site:(http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/sct/outcome_en.html).ANNEX I>TABLE>The risk assessment is based on current practices related to the life-cycle of the substance produced in or imported into the European Community as described in the risk assessment forwarded to the Commission by the Member State rapporteur.The risk assessment has, based on the available information, determined that in the European Community the substance is used as a flame retardant additive in the manufacture of polyurethane foam in applications such as furniture and upholstery. Use as a flame retardant additive in epoxy resins, phenolic resins, unsaturated polyesters and textiles has been quoted in other reviews but has not been known of by industry supplying to the EU for more than 20 years. It was not possible to obtain information on the use of the total volume of substance produced in or imported into the European Community, therefore, some uses may exist which are not covered by this risk assessment.I. RISK ASSESSMENTA. HUMAN HEALTHThe conclusion of the assessment of the risks toWORKERSis that there is a need for further information and/or testing. This conclusion is reached because:- there is a need for better information to adequately characterise the risks regarding the lifetime exposure to the substance.The information requirements are:- dermal exposure data on workers,- the extent of dermal absorption (quantitative data) should be clarified by the conduct of an appropriate dermal absorption study; depending upon the outcome of this study (i.e. an indication of significant skin absorption) then it may be necessary to undertake an oral toxicokinetic study in order to provide adequate comparative information for interpretation of the oral dosing toxicity studies available,- health surveillance data are required to investigate signs of chloracne in workers,- risk characterisation methodology for bioaccumulative substance (lifetime exposure); this may involve the conduct of a lifetime study in rodents depending upon the way in which the methodology for assessing lifetime exposure is developed and any data requirements that may be indicated for such a methodology.The conclusion of the assessment of the risks toCONSUMERSis that there is at present no need for further information and/or testing or for risk reduction measures beyond those which are being applied. This conclusion is reached because:- the risk assessment shows that risks are not expected. Risk reduction measures already being applied are considered sufficient.The conclusions of the assessment of the risks toMAN EXPOSED VIA THE ENVIRONMENTare that there is a need for further information and/or testing. This conclusion is reached because:- there is a need for better information to adequately characterise the risks regarding the lifetime exposure to the substance.The information requirements are:- risk characterisation methodology for bioaccumulative substance (lifetime exposure); this may involve the conduct of a lifetime study in rodents depending upon the way in which the methodology for assessing lifetime exposure is developed and any data requirements that may be indicated for such a methodology,- actual measured exposure data from local sources.The conclusion of the assessment of the risks toINFANTS EXPOSED VIA MILKis that there is a need for further information and/or testing. This conclusion is reached because:- there is a need for better information to adequately characterise the risks regarding the exposure of infants to the substance via breast milk and cows' milk.The information requirements are:- information on the toxicokinetics of the substance with respect to breast milk including uptake from breast milk into the infant, the time course of the excretion via breast milk during lactation in humans and the future trends in levels in human breast milk,- information on the relative toxicity to the liver of the substance in young (neonatal) and adult animals,- further studies on potential effects on behaviour following neonatal dosing in order to determine the reproducibility of effects, the effects of repeated dosing and the significance of the effects to human development,- a multi-generation reproduction study in order to investigate whether or not other effects might be observed through exposure to breast milk. Designed correctly, such a study could address the issue of whether or not the young animal is more sensitive to liver effects and whether or not differences in behaviour are produced,- exposure estimates from local and regional sources on the concentration of the substance in cows' milk.However, the strategy for limiting risks for the environment in Part II of Annex I will eliminate the need for further information requirements.The conclusion of the assessment of the risks toHUMAN HEALTH (physico-chemical properties)is that there is at present no need for further information and/or testing or for risk reduction measures beyond those which are being applied. This conclusion is reached because:- the risk assessment shows that risks are not expected. Risk reduction measures already being applied are considered sufficient.B. ENVIRONMENTThe conclusion of the assessment of the risks to the environment forATMOSPHEREis that there is at present no need for further information and/or testing or for risk reduction measures beyond those which are being applied. This conclusion is reached because:- the risk assessment shows that risks are not expected. Risk reduction measures already being applied are considered sufficient.The conclusion of the assessment of the risks to the environment forAQUATIC ECOSYSTEM AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMis that there is a need for specific measures to limit the risks. This conclusion is reached because of:- concerns for effects on the local aquatic (sediment) and terrestrial environment as a consequence of exposure arising from polyurethane foam production,- concerns for secondary poisoning to the environmental spheres mentioned above both locally and regionally as a consequence of exposure arising from production and/or use of polyurethane foams.The conclusion of the assessment of the risks to the environment forMICRO-ORGANISMS IN THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTis that there is a need for better information to adequately characterise the risk to micro-organisms in the sewage treatment plant;- a test on sewage treatment plant micro-organisms would be required if this data gap is to be filled.However, the strategy for limiting risks for the environment in Part II of Annex I will eliminate the need for further information requirements.II. STRATEGY FOR LIMITING RISKSFor HUMAN HEALTHWhile the formal outcome of the human health risk assessment of the substance is that further information/testing is required, Member States noted the uncertainties regarding the risk characterisation for infants exposed to the substance from milk. In particular, there was concern about whether the concentration in human breast milk might increase during the time it would take to obtain the information needed to refine the risk characterisation and to remove some of the uncertainties. Any risk reduction measures proposed for the substance must take account of the concerns about infants exposed via milk.For THE ENVIRONMENTMarketing and use restrictions should be considered at Community level for the substance, and articles containing the substance, for controlling secondary poisoning risks arising from the production and use of polyurethane foams(1).The measures identified to protect the environment will also reduce human exposure to the substance.Any future use of the substance should be monitored.Consideration should be given to the monitoring of imports of articles from outside the EU.(1) Whereas the risk assessment and risk reduction strategy only identified the production and use of the substance in polyurethane foams, all other uses resulting in emissions, discharges and losses to the environment would be unacceptable.ANNEX II>TABLE>The risk assessment is based on current practices related to the life-cycle of the substance produced in or imported into the European Community as described in the risk assessment forwarded to the Commission by the Member State rapporteur.The risk assessment has, based on the available information, determined that in the European Community the substance is mainly used as an intermediate in chemical industry for the production of phenol and acetone. Other uses are as a starting material for detergent production, in the synthesis of α-methylstyrene, acetophenone and di-isopropylbenzene and as a catalyst for acrylic polyester-type resins. It was not possible to obtain information on the use of the total volume of substance produced in or imported into the European Community, therefore, some uses may exist which are not covered by this risk assessment.The risk assessment has identified other sources of exposure of the substance to man and the environment, in particular, in petroleum products, which does not result from the life-cycle of the substance produced in or imported into the European Community. The assessment of the risks arising from these exposures are not part of this risk assessment. The comprehensive Risk Assessment Reports as forwarded to the Commission by the Member State rapporteur does however provide information which could be used to assess these risks.I. RISK ASSESSMENTA. HUMAN HEALTHThe conclusion of the evaluation of the risks toWORKERS, CONSUMERS and MAN EXPOSED VIA THE ENVIRONMENTis that there is at present no need for further information and/or testing or for risk reduction measures beyond those which are being applied. This conclusion is reached because:- the risk assessment shows that risks are not expected. Risk reduction measures already being applied are considered sufficient(1).B. ENVIRONMENTThe conclusion of the evaluation of the risks to the environment forATMOSPHERE, AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM and TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMis that there is at present no need for further information and/or testing or for risk reduction measures beyond those which are being applied. This conclusion is reached because:- the risk assessment shows that risks related to the environmental spheres mentioned above are not expected. Risk reduction measures already being applied are considered sufficient.The conclusion of the evaluation of the risks to the environment forMICRO-ORGANISMS IN THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTis that there is at present no need for further information and/or testing or for risk reduction measures beyond those which are being applied. This conclusion is reached because:- the risk assessment shows that risks related to the environmental spheres mentioned above are not expected. Risk reduction measures already being applied are considered sufficient.II. STRATEGY FOR LIMITING RISKSNone(1) These measures include the use of occupational exposure limit values established at Community level for the protection of workers from chemical risks. Cumene is included in the Annex to Commission Directive 2000/39/EC of 8 June 2000 (OJ L 142, 16.6.2000, p. 47), establishing a first list of indicative occupational exposure limit values, pursuant to Council Directive 98/24/EC (OJ L 131, 5.5.1998, p. 11) on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work.


title: Council Recommendation of 10 July 2012 on the National Reform Programme 2012 of Bulgaria and delivering a Council opinion on the Convergence Programme of Bulgaria, 2012-15

text:
               24.7.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 219/9

         COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
   of 10 July 2012
   on the National Reform Programme 2012 of Bulgaria and delivering a Council opinion on the Convergence Programme of Bulgaria, 2012-15
   2012/C 219/03
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 121(2) and 148(4) thereof,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,
   Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (2), and in particular Article 6(1) thereof,
   Having regard to the recommendation of the European Commission,
   Having regard to the conclusions of the European Council,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Employment Committee,
   After consulting the Economic and Financial Committee,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 26 March 2010, the European Council agreed to the Commission’s proposal to launch a new strategy for jobs and growth, Europe 2020, based on enhanced coordination of economic policies, which focuses on the key areas where action is needed to boost Europe’s potential for sustainable growth and competitiveness.

               (2)

               On 13 July 2010, the Council adopted a recommendation on the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and the Union (2010 to 2014) and, on 21 October 2010, adopted a decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (3), which together form the ‘integrated guidelines’. Member States were invited to take the integrated guidelines into account in their national economic and employment policies.

               (3)

               On 12 July 2011, the Council adopted a recommendation (4) on Bulgaria’s National Reform Programme for 2011 and delivered its opinion on Bulgaria’s updated Convergence Programme for 2011-14.

               (4)

               On 23 November 2011, the Commission adopted the second Annual Growth Survey, marking the start of the second European Semester of ex ante and integrated policy coordination, which is anchored in the Europe 2020 strategy. On 14 February 2012, the Commission, on the basis of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011, adopted the Alert Mechanism Report, in which it identified Bulgaria as one of the Member States for which an in-depth review would be carried out.

               (5)

               On 1 December 2011, the Council adopted conclusions calling the Social Protection Committee, in cooperation with the Employment and other Committees, to present its views on actions recommended within the Europe 2020 policy cycle. These views form part of the opinion of the Employment Committee.

               (6)

               The European Parliament has been duly involved in the European Semester, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, and, on 15 February 2012, adopted a resolution on employment and social aspects in the Annual Growth Survey 2012 and a resolution on the contribution to the Annual Growth Survey 2012.

               (7)

               On 2 March 2012, the European Council endorsed the priorities for ensuring financial stability, fiscal consolidation and action to foster growth (in line with the Council’s conclusions of 9 December 2011 and further to the Commission’s Annual Growth Survey 2012). It underscored the need to pursue differentiated, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, to restore normal lending conditions to the economy, to promote growth and competitiveness, to tackle unemployment and the social consequences of the crisis, and to modernise public administration.

               (8)

               On 2 March 2012, the European Council also invited the Member States participating in the Euro Plus Pact to present their commitments in time to be included in their Stability or Convergence Programmes and their National Reform Programmes.

               (9)

               On 12 April 2012, Bulgaria submitted its Convergence Programme covering the period 2012-15 and its 2012 National Reform Programme. In order to take account of their interlinkages, the two Programmes have been assessed at the same time. The Commission has also assessed, in an in-depth review under Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011, whether Bulgaria is affected by macroeconomic imbalances. The Commission concluded in its in-depth review that Bulgaria is experiencing an internal macroeconomic imbalance, although not an excessive one.

               (10)

               According to the first 2012 notification of deficit and debt figures by Bulgaria for the years 2008-11 for the application of the excessive deficit procedure (EDP), the general government deficit in 2011 was below the 3 % of GDP reference value of the Treaty. Moreover, the Commission services’ 2012 spring forecast projects the general government deficit to stay below the reference value of the Treaty and to further decline over the forecast period. As a result, and in line with the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact, on 30 May 2012 the Commission adopted a recommendation for a Council decision (5) abrogating the decision on the existence of an excessive deficit under Article 126(12) of the Treaty.

               (11)

               Based on the assessment of the Convergence Programme pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, the Council is of the opinion that compared with the Commission services’ 2012 spring forecast the macroeconomic scenario underpinning the budgetary projections in the Convergence Programme is optimistic for the 2012-13 period, when annual growth is expected to reach 1,4 % in 2012 and 2,5 % in 2013. The Commission services’ 2012 spring forecast foresees a GDP growth of 0,5 % in 2012 and 1,9 % in 2013. After the correction of the excessive deficit in 2011, the objective of the budgetary strategy outlined in the programme is to achieve a budgetary position which is close to balance, both in terms of the structural and headline budget balances, by the end of the programme period. The medium-term budgetary objective (MTO), defined in structural terms, has been marginally revised from a deficit of 0,6 % of GDP to a deficit of 0,5 % of GDP. The new MTO adequately reflects the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. Based on the (recalculated) structural budget balance (6), Bulgaria plans to achieve its MTO over the Convergence Programme period.
               In 2012-14, the growth rate of government expenditure, taking into account discretionary revenue measures, would respect the expenditure benchmark of the Stability and Growth Pact, yet breach it in 2015. Planned fiscal consolidation faces a number of risks stemming from (i) lower revenue given the optimistic macroeconomic scenario and the less tax-rich underlying growth structure of the economy, and (ii) inefficiencies in the public sector, particularly with respect to arrears in healthcare, which may lead to considerable expenditure pressures. The debt ratio is below 60 % of GDP and, according to the Convergence Programme, it is expected to peak at close to 20 % of GDP in 2012 and then to decrease over the programme period. There is considerable scope for improvement in tax compliance and advancing in this area would allow Bulgaria to support higher growth enhancing expenditures. A requirement to keep the budget deficit below 2 % and limiting government expenditure to 40 % of GDP was adopted as an amendment to the Organic Budget Law, thus strengthening the binding nature of the fiscal framework and improving the predictability of budgetary planning. However, challenges remain with respect to further improving the contents of the medium-term budgetary framework and strengthening the reporting on accrual basis including through improving the quality and timeliness of reporting by state-owned enterprises and sub-national governments.

               (12)

               The Government has made considerable progress on some of the pension-reform measures including those on the pensionable age for both men and women and on the length of service for army and police-sector employees. However, addressing the shortcomings in the adequacy of pension provision remains a key challenge in the medium term. The changes do not envisage steps to make the statutory retirement age the same for men and women. Also, they fall short in reducing effectively early retirement options for employees. A key challenge remains the inclusion of people not paying contributions, as well as tightening controls and criteria for the allocation of invalidity pensions.

               (13)

               Bulgaria has the highest rate of people at risk of severe material deprivation in the Union, with the elderly and children being particularly affected. Comprehensive measures are needed. Priority should be given to making social transfers more effective. Only half of the economically active Roma are employed. The recently adopted National Strategy for Roma Integration targets multiple barriers but still needs to be underpinned by a detailed Action Plan if it is to be operational over the period 2012-20.

               (14)

               The crisis has had a particularly strong impact on low-skilled workers (who account for the largest group of the unemployed) and has significantly raised youth unemployment. Moreover, since 2009, the increase in long-term unemployment has been significantly faster than in the rest of the Union and principally reflecting an increase in skills and geographical mismatches as job cuts were concentrated in the low-skilled segment. A review of the system setting minimum thresholds for social security contributions should be undertaken to balance the need to reduce undeclared work and to ensure that low-skilled workers are not priced out. Measures undertaken by the Government to freeze the public sector wage bill in 2010-12 have constituted a relevant and adequate response, also contributing to bring labour costs closer to productivity levels. A national initiative has been launched to comprehensively address the integration of young people in the labour market. Public employment services are still of relatively low quality and staff training should be intensified, in particular with respect to ‘Roma mediators’. Further measures are needed to improve services dealing with activation, job search, matching, retraining and individualised services for the low-skilled.

               (15)

               Bulgaria has the highest share of low achievers in reading and in mathematics and science in the Union (according to the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (‘PISA’) 2009), indicating the existence of considerable structural obstacles to ensuring quality education. The low educational achievements are linked to weak access to education of disadvantaged groups, in particular the Roma population, insufficient autonomy of schools, lack of incentives for better performance, a poor national assessment system and insufficient accountability. In higher education, progress remains very limited even though some promising efforts have been made recently. The planned amendments to the Higher Education Act need to be implemented as a top priority for growth and accompanied by adequate governance, investment and political determination.

               (16)

               Bulgaria has a low level of investments in research and innovation (R&I). The R&I investment have to be raised in order to reach a national target of 1,5 % of GDP by 2020 and an appropriate innovation strategy must be elaborated. The R&I administration in Bulgaria is fragmented. Bulgaria needs to strengthen its universities and develop a strategy to engage higher education institutions in innovation activities. Frameworks fostering collaboration between universities and the private sector have to be further developed, and funding should be allocated in a competitive, merit-based and transparent way. Bottlenecks remain for start-up companies and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking finance. Public financial instruments and guarantees for young and innovative enterprises are in the early stage of implementation and their effect needs to be seen.

               (17)

               Currently, the administrative capacity of Bulgaria is insufficient to properly manage and maintain road, rail and water infrastructures projects. The administrative reform has focused mainly on reducing public sector staff with limited attempts to remove other sources of inefficiency. The use of EU funds remains low despite consistent progress in the last two years. The main reasons are the existence of complicated administrative procedures and the difficulty encountered by enterprises in securing co-financing. Significant challenges also remain in terms of further improving the business and regulatory environment and achieving progress in increasing the administrative capacity of the public sector. The implementation of e-government has been delayed many times. The tax system in Bulgaria is characterised by significant tax evasion and low administrative efficiency. Administrative costs for tax collection are high, as are the time costs businesses face in paying taxes.

               (18)

               The new legislation on public procurement is an important step towards a better system for the monitoring, prevention and sanctioning of irregularities. These efforts should be supplemented on two fronts: (i) the sanctions foreseen need to be effectively applied; and (ii) ex officio powers should be entrusted to the Public Procurement Agency.

               (19)

               Despite initiated reforms, Bulgaria still maintains some restrictions to entry into network sectors such as rail transport, telecommunications and energy. The functioning of energy markets at both wholesale and retail levels remains problematic. Areas of particular concern in need of improvement include the lack of electricity and gas exchanges and of a functioning balancing market as well as regulated prices for consumers. Moreover, Bulgaria should ensure regulatory independence for the transmission system. Bulgaria is highly dependent on a single energy route and its domestic energy market functions inadequately, exposing it to risks of significant supply shocks. Existing measures aimed at addressing energy dependency need to be improved. So far, the construction of new gas infrastructure has been too slow. Although some desirable reforms were formally adopted and the share of renewable energy increased in 2011, their implementation remains unsatisfactory due to procurement, the capture of public policies by private interests, and poor management of state-owned energy companies.

               (20)

               Bulgaria has made a number of commitments under the Euro Plus Pact. These commitments, and the implementation of the commitments presented in 2011, relate to improved public finance sustainability, fostering employment, boosting public-sector competitiveness and reinforcing financial stability. The Commission has assessed the implementation of the Euro Plus Pact commitments. The results of this assessment have been taken into account in the recommendations.

               (21)

               In the context of the European Semester, the Commission has carried out a comprehensive analysis of Bulgaria’s economic policy. It has assessed the Convergence Programme and the National Reform Programme, and presented an in-depth review. It has taken into account not only their relevance for sustainable fiscal and socioeconomic policy in Bulgaria but also their compliance with EU rules and guidance, given the need to reinforce the overall economic governance of the Union by providing EU-level input into future national decisions. Its recommendations under the European Semester are reflected in recommendations (1) to (7) below.

               (22)

               In the light of this assessment, the Council has examined the Convergence Programme, and its opinion (7) is reflected in particular in recommendation (1) below.

               (23)

               In the light of the Commission’s in-depth review and this assessment, the Council has examined the National Reform Programme and the Convergence Programme. Its recommendations under Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 are reflected in particular in recommendations (3) and (5) below,

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS that Bulgaria take action within the period 2012-13 to:

               1.

               Continue with sound fiscal policies to achieve the MTO by 2012. To this end, implement the budgetary strategy as envisaged, ensuring compliance with the expenditure benchmark, and stand ready to take additional measures in case risks to the budgetary scenario materialise. Strengthen efforts to enhance the quality of public spending, particularly in the education and health sectors and implement a comprehensive tax-compliance strategy to further improve tax revenue and address the shadow economy. Further improve the contents of the medium-term budgetary framework and the quality of the reporting system.

               2.

               Take further steps to reduce risks to the sustainability and to improve adequacy of the pension system by making the statutory retirement age the same for men and women with full career contributions. Introduce stricter criteria and controls for the allocation of invalidity pensions.

               3.

               Accelerate the implementation of the national Youth Employment Initiative. Ensure that the minimum thresholds for social security contributions do not discourage declared work. Step up efforts to improve the Public Employment Service’s performance. To alleviate poverty, improve the effectiveness of social transfers and the access to quality social services for children and the elderly and implement the National Roma Integration Strategy.

               4.

               Speed up the reform of relevant legal acts on schools and higher education and of accompanying measures by focusing on modernising curricula, improving teacher training, and ensuring effective access to education for disadvantaged groups. Improve the access to finance for start-ups and SMEs, in particular those involved in innovative activities.

               5.

               Step up efforts to enhance administrative capacity and reforms by reducing red tape and the cost of tax compliance and collection, and further improving the absorption of EU funds, in particular in road and rail transport and water management. Improve the quality and independence of the judicial system and speed up the introduction of e-government. Strengthen public administrative capacity in key transport sectors and regulatory authorities.

               6.

               Ensure sound implementation of public procurement legislation. Strengthen the prevention of irregularities and effectively apply the sanctions under the Public Procurement Law and those of the Law on Conflict of Interest.

               7.

               Take measures to remove market barriers, guaranteed profit arrangements and price controls. Ensure the independence of transmission and distribution system operators; complete the market design in particular for the energy exchanges and balancing markets. Improve electricity and gas connections, boost energy efficiency and enhance the capacity to cope with disruptions.

      Done at Brussels, 10 July 2012.

            For the Council

            The President

         V. SHIARLY

      (1)  OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1.

      (2)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25.

      (3)  Maintained for 2012 by Council Decision 2012/238/EU of 26 April 2012 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (OJ L 119, 4.5.2012, p. 47).

      (4)  OJ C 209, 15.7.2011, p. 5.

      (5)  The resulting Council Decision 2012/370/EU was adopted on 22 June 2012 (OJ L 179, 11.7.2012, p. 19).

      (6)  Cyclically-adjusted balance net of one-off and temporary measures, recalculated by the Commission services on the basis of the information provided in the Programme, using the commonly agreed methodology.

      (7)  Under Article 9(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1466/97.


                 EUROPEAN COMMISSION
                                               Brussels, 26.7.2011
                                               SEC(2011) 969 final
      RECOMMENDATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL
on the approval of an Agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy
 between the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the Government of
                                      Canada
 ---pagebreak---            RECOMMENDATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL
    on the approval of an Agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy
     between the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the Government of
                                                Canada
   1.       INTRODUCTION
   The Agreement between Euratom Atomic Energy Community and the Government of Canada
   for cooperation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy covers most fields of mutual interest.
   The Agreement has been amended five times since it was signed fifty years ago and these
   successive modifications make it difficult to implement. The negotiating mandate was
   adopted by the Council on 27 July 2009. The aim of the negotiations was to simplify the
   Agreement, provided that additional provisions (in particular, on technology transfer) are
   incorporated.
   The Agreement provides for a broad cooperation in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear
   energy setting up the overall framework for political, technical and industrial cooperation. It
   will create a legal framework both for the governments and the industrial operators of the
   Parties which will facilitate the cooperation in this field between the Parties.
   2.       IMPORTANCE OF THE AGREEMENT
   The importance of concluding this Agreement is mainly based on commercial needs.
   Canada has been the world's second largest uranium producer for many years, accounting for
   about 22% of world output. Production is expected to increase significantly from 2013 as new
   mines will come into operation. With known uranium resources of 572,000 tonnes of U3O8
   (485,000 tU), and continued exploration, Canada will have a significant role in meeting future
   world demand.
   For many years, Canada has been a leader in nuclear research and technology, exporting full
   reactor systems. The country also plans to expand its nuclear capacity over the next 10 years
   by building nine new reactors.
   For Euratom, the interest in signing this Agreement stems from the fact that Canada is one of
   its main suppliers of natural uranium. Facilitating trade in the nuclear domain contributes to
   the Community's policy of security of energy supply and diversification of energy sources.
   Furthermore, the conclusion of the present Agreement reaffirms the non-proliferation
   commitment of Canada, the Community and the Governments of the Member States of the
   European Union, the strengthening and strict application of safeguards and export control as
   well as physical protection arrangements.
EN                                                  2                                              EN
 ---pagebreak---    3.        GENERAL SCHEME OF THE AGREEMENT
   The Agreement has as its objective cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy
   between Euratom and Canada. The scope of cooperation (Article III) mainly comprises
   nuclear safety, the supply of nuclear material, technology transfer, transfer of equipment and
   the transfer of tritium and tritium-related equipment.
   The Agreement further defines the Items subject to this Agreement (Article IV) – different
   forms of nuclear and non-nuclear material, equipment, tritium and tritium-related equipment –
   and describes in detail modalities concerning the issue of enrichment (Article VI). The
   Agreement contains a series of provisions determining criteria for the transfer of nuclear
   material as well as the way of resolving conflicting situations. It is underlined that nuclear
   material shall be used for peaceful purposes and in compliance with the safeguards
   agreements (for the Community: the Euratom safeguards pursuant to the Euratom Treaty and
   to the IAEA safeguards and its Additional Protocols1).
   International transfers and trade in nuclear materials are explicated in Article VII. The
   Agreement restates the principles of free movement of nuclear materials within the
   Community and tackles the issue of Reprocessing in Article VIII. Intellectual property issues
   (Article IX) are dealt with in detail, as well as the modalities of Exchange of Information
   between the Parties (Article X).
   In order to guarantee the smooth implementation of the Agreement, a specific article on
   Consultation and Arbitration (Article XII) is inserted to address questions on the correct
   application of the Agreement. The duration of the Agreement is set with an initial period of 10
   years, thereafter automatically renewed for additional periods of five years (Article XIV).
   4.        CONCLUSION
   The Commission considers that the Agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear
   energy between the European Atomic Energy Community and the Government of Canada, the
   adoption of which is proposed:
   – is in conformity with the negotiating directives issued by the Council on 27 July 2009;
   – fulfils the goals of simplifying, updating and extending the current Agreement;
   – confirms the clear commitment of the two Parties in favour of non-proliferation and a high
       level of nuclear safety in order to guarantee the peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy;
   – is in line with the Community's policy on energy security of supply;
   – will further strengthen the very good relations between the EU and the Canada in the field
       of energy policy cooperation.
   The Commission therefore recommends to the Council to approve, pursuant to the second
   paragraph of Article 101 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community,
   1
            INFCIRC/540.
EN                                                  3                                              EN
 ---pagebreak---    the Agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy between the European
   Atomic Energy Community and the Government of Canada, in Annex.
EN                                             4                                             EN
 ---pagebreak---                                              ANNEX
         AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE
          EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY (EURATOM) FOR CO-
              OPERATION IN THE PEACEFUL USES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
                                           PREAMBLE
   The Government of Canada and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom),
   hereinafter referred to as "the Community",
   CONSIDERING that the Government of Canada and the Community have expressed their
   mutual desire for the development of close co-operation in the peaceful and non-explosive
   uses of nuclear energy;
   DESIRING to collaborate with each other in order to promote and enlarge the contribution
   which the development of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy can make to welfare and
   prosperity in Canada and within the Community;
   RECOGNIZING that the Agreement between Canada and the European Atomic Energy
   Community for co-operation in the area of nuclear research signed in 1998 provides for co-
   operation in the fields of common interest of Parties in the peaceful, non-explosive, non-
   military uses of nuclear energy;
   REAFFIRMING the strong commitment of the Government of Canada, the Community and
   the Governments of its Member States to nuclear non-proliferation including the
   strengthening and efficient application of the related safeguards and export control regimes
   under which co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy between Canada and the
   Community should be carried out;
   REAFFIRMING the support of the Government of Canada, the Community and the
   Governments of its Member States for the objectives of the International Atomic Energy
   Agency (hereinafter referred to as "IAEA") and its safeguards system;
   WHEREAS Canada and all Member States of the Community are Parties to the Treaty on the
   Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, hereinafter referred to as "NPT";
   NOTING that nuclear safeguards are applied in all Member States of the Community pursuant
   both the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (hereinafter referred to
   as "the Euratom Treaty") and under safeguards agreements concluded between the
   Community, its Member States and the IAEA;
   NOTING that account should be taken of the commitments made by the Government of
   Canada and the Government of each Member State of the Community in the framework of the
   Nuclear Suppliers Group;
EN                                               5                                              EN
 ---pagebreak---    RECOGNIZING the principle of the free movement of nuclear material, equipment,
   non-nuclear material, and technology within the Community;
   AGREEING that the Agreement should be in compliance with international obligations of the
   European Union and the Government of Canada under the World Trade Organisation;
   REITERATING commitments of the Government of Canada and the Governments of
   Member States of the Community to their bilateral agreements in the peaceful uses of nuclear
   energy;
   CONSIDERING that an arrangement providing for co-operation in the peaceful uses of
   nuclear energy would reinforce an existing fruitful exchange of experience, provide
   opportunities for mutually beneficial action and reinforce solidarity within Europe and across
   the Atlantic;
   HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
                                                Article I
                                              Definitions
   For the purpose of this Agreement, except as otherwise specified therein,
   1.       "Parties" means the Government of Canada on the one hand and the Community on
            the other hand; the term "Party" means one of the above "Parties";
            "the Community" means both:
                  (a)   the legal person created by the Euratom Treaty; and
                  (b)   the territories to which the Euratom Treaty applies;
   2.       "persons" means any natural person, undertaking or other entity governed by the
            applicable laws and regulations in the respective territorial jurisdiction of the Parties,
            but does not include the Parties;
   3.       "competent authority" means:
                  (a)   for the Government of Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Safety
                        Commission;
                  (b)   for the Community, the European Commission
            or such other authority as the Party concerned may at any time notify in writing to
            the other Party;
   4.       "equipment" means items of machinery or plant, as listed in Annex A.1 to this
            agreement, specially suitable for use in nuclear energy projects;
   5.       "non-nuclear material" means:
EN                                                  6                                                  EN
 ---pagebreak---        Deuterium and heavy water: deuterium, heavy water (deuterium oxide) and any other
       deuterium compound in which the ratio of deuterium to hydrogen exceeds 1:5000,
       for use in a nuclear reactor,
       Nuclear grade graphite: graphite, for use in a nuclear reactor as moderator material,
       having a purity level better than 5 parts per million boron equivalent and with a
       density greater than 1.50 grams per cubic centimetre;
   6.  "nuclear material" means any source material or special fissionable material as those
       terms are defined in Article XX of the Statute of the IAEA. Any determination by the
       Board of Governors of the IAEA under Article XX of the IAEA's Statute that
       amends the list of material considered to be "source material" or "special fissionable
       material", shall only have effect under this Agreement when the Parties have
       informed each other in writing that they accept that determination;
   7.  "technology" has the meaning defined in Annex A of IAEA Information Circular
       INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part 1 (Guidelines for Nuclear Transfers);
   8.  "fusion programme" means the Euratom programme for research and training in the
       field of controlled thermonuclear fusion as adopted by Decision of the Council of the
       European Union, pursuant to Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty, as well as any further
       programme in that field adopted by Council Decision;
   9.  "tritium" refers to compounds and mixtures that contain tritium in which the ratio of
       tritium to hydrogen by atoms is greater than 1 part per 1000;
   10. "tritium-related equipment and technology" means equipment especially designed or
       prepared for the production, recovery, extraction, concentration or handling of
       tritium and its compounds and mixtures in the framework of the specific needs of the
       fusion programme or the operation of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors;
   11. "by-product" means special fissionable material derived by one or more processes,
       whether successive or not, from nuclear material transferred pursuant to this
       Agreement.
                                         Article II
                                         Objective
   1.  The objective of this Agreement is to provide a framework for co-operation between
       the Parties in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy on the basis of mutual benefit and
       reciprocity and without prejudice to the respective competences of each Party.
   2.  Nuclear material, equipment, non-nuclear material, tritium and tritium-related
       equipment transferred pursuant to this Agreement or nuclear material produced as a
       by-product shall not be used other than for peaceful purposes; nor shall they be used
       for any nuclear explosive device, for research or for development of any such device.
EN                                            7                                               EN
 ---pagebreak---                                               Article III
                                        Scope of co-operation
   The co-operation intended by this Agreement relates to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy
   and may include, inter alia:
   (a)     the supply of information related to:
           (i)    health and safety,
           (ii)   equipment, facilities and devices (including the supply of designs, drawings,
                  and specifications),
           (iii) uses of nuclear material, non-nuclear material, equipment, facilities and
                  devices (including manufacturing processes and specifications); and
           (iv) external nuclear assistance programmes of the Parties;
   (b)     the supply of nuclear material, non-nuclear material, and equipment;
   (c)     technology transfer, including the supply of information as defined in point (a) of
           this article, provided that the individual Member States of the Community involved
           accept placing such transfers in the framework of this Agreement;
   (d)     transfer of equipment which has been designated by the Parties as equipment
           designed, constructed or operated on the basis of or by the use of information
           obtained from the other Party and which is within the jurisdiction of one of the
           Parties at the time of designation;
   (e)     the procurement of equipment and devices;
   (f)     the use of intellectual property rights;
   (g)     access to and use of equipment and facilities;
   (h)     direct or indirect transfer of tritium for its use in the fusion programme and of
           tritium-related equipment and technology for its use in the fusion programme or the
           operation of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors, or its return to the supplying Party;
   (i)     cooperation in planning and execution of the Parties' external nuclear assistance
           programmes;
   (j)     other areas relevant to the subject of this Agreement.
                                              Article IV
                                  Items subject to the Agreement
   1.      Nuclear material, non-nuclear material, equipment, tritium and tritium-related
           equipment transferred between the Parties or their respective persons, whether
           directly or through a third country, shall become subject to this Agreement upon their
EN                                                  8                                             EN
 ---pagebreak---       entry into the territorial jurisdiction of the receiving Party, provided that the
      supplying Party has notified the receiving Party in writing of the intended transfer
      and that the receiving Party has confirmed in writing that such item will be held
      subject to this Agreement, and that the proposed recipient, if other than the receiving
      Party, will be an authorised person under the territorial jurisdiction of the receiving
      Party.
   2. Nuclear material, non-nuclear material, equipment, tritium and tritium-related
      equipment referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall remain subject to the
      provisions of this Agreement until it has been determined, in accordance with the
      procedures set out in the Administrative Arrangement:
      –      that such item has been re-transferred beyond the jurisdiction of the receiving
             Party;
      –      that nuclear material is no longer usable for any nuclear activity relevant from
             the point of view of safeguards referred to in subparagraph a) of paragraph 6 of
             Article VII or has become practically irrecoverable;
      –      that equipment and non-nuclear material are no longer usable for nuclear
             purposes;
      –      that tritium and tritium-related equipment are no longer usable for the fusion
             programme or the operation of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors;
      –      or that the Parties agree that it should no longer be subject to this Agreement.
   3. Technology transfer shall be subject to this Agreement for the Member States of the
      Community which agree to place such transfers in the framework of this Agreement.
      Technology transferred between the Parties or their respective persons, whether
      directly or through a third country, shall become subject to this Agreement upon its
      entry into the territorial jurisdiction of the receiving Party, provided that the
      supplying Party has notified the receiving Party in writing of the intended transfer
      and that the receiving Party has confirmed in writing that such item will be held
      subject to this Agreement, and that the proposed recipient, if other than the receiving
      Party, will be an authorized person under the territorial jurisdiction of the receiving
      Party.
   4. Tritium and tritium-related equipment and technology will be used solely for the
      Fusion Programme and Pressurized Heavy Water reactors.
   5. In addition to the items subject to this Agreement pursuant to paragraph 1 above, the
      following material, nuclear material and equipment will be subject to this
      Agreement:
      i)     Non-nuclear material or nuclear material that is produced or processed by the
             use of the installations subject to this Agreement listed in Annex A.2;
      ii)    Nuclear material that is produced or processed by the use of any nuclear
             material or non-nuclear material subject to this Agreement; and
EN                                              9                                             EN
 ---pagebreak---       iii)   Equipment which the recipient Party, or the supplying Party after consultation
             and agreement with the recipient Party, has designated as being designed,
             constructed, manufactured or operated on the basis of, or by the use of
             technology subject to this Agreement, transferred pursuant to paragraph 1
             above.
                                        Article V
                             Implementation arrangements
   1. The provisions of this Agreement shall be implemented in good faith in such a
      manner as to avoid hampering, delay or undue interference in the nuclear activities in
      Canada and in the Community and so as to be consistent with the prudent
      management practices required for the economic and safe conduct of nuclear
      activities.
   2. The provisions of this Agreement shall not be used for the purpose of seeking
      commercial or industrial advantages, nor of interfering with the commercial or
      industrial interests, whether domestic or international, of either Party or authorised
      persons, nor of interfering with the nuclear policy of either Party or of the
      Governments of the Member States of the Community, nor of hindering the
      promotion of the peaceful and non-explosive uses of nuclear energy, nor of hindering
      the movement of items subject to or notified to be made subject to this Agreement
      either within the respective territorial jurisdiction of the Parties or between the
      Government of Canada and the Community.
   3. In implementing the provisions of this Agreement, Canada, the Community and its
      Member States shall act in conformity with the provisions of the Convention on
      Nuclear Safety (IAEA Information Circular INFCIRC/449), the Joint Convention on
      the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste
      Management (IAEA Information Circular INFCIRC/546), the Convention on
      Assistance in the case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (IAEA
      Information Circular INFCIRC/336), and the Convention on Early Notification of a
      Nuclear Accident (IAEA Information Circular INFCIRC/335).
   4. The competent authorities of both Parties shall establish an administrative
      arrangement to ensure the effective implementation of the provisions of this
      Agreement and shall consult regularly or at any other time at the request of either
      competent authority.
   5. Consistent with the laws, regulations and policies of the Parties, the administrative
      arrangement may include procedures to, inter alia:
      (a)    obtain written consent of the other Party prior to the transfer of any nuclear
             material, non-nuclear material, equipment or technology subject to the
             Agreement as specified in Article VII, paragraph (6)(d);
      (b)    manage generic retransfers of nuclear material, non-nuclear material,
             equipment or technology;
EN                                         10                                                EN
 ---pagebreak---             (c)   report on and account for holdings of nuclear material subject to this
                  Agreement according to the principles of equivalence, fungibility, and
                  proportionality.
            (d)   determine that an item is no longer subject to the Agreement in accordance
                  with the provisions of Article IV, paragraph 2.
   6.       An administrative arrangement established pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article
            may be amended by written agreement between the competent authorities of the
            Parties.
                                              Article VI
                                             Enrichment
   Prior to the enrichment of any nuclear material subject to this Agreement to twenty (20)
   percent or more in the isotope U 235, the written consent of both Parties shall be obtained and
   the IAEA shall be notified. Such consent shall describe the conditions under which the
   uranium enriched to twenty (20) percent or more may be used. An agreement to facilitate the
   implementation of this provision may be established by the Parties.
                                             Article VII
                       International transfers and trade in nuclear materials
   1.       Any nuclear transfer carried out pursuant to the co-operation activities shall be made
            in accordance with the relevant international commitments of the Community, the
            Member States of the Community, and the Government of Canada in relation to
            peaceful uses of nuclear energy as listed in paragraph 6 of this Article.
   2.       The Parties shall, to such extent as is practicable, assist each other in the
            procurement, by either Party or by persons within the Community or under the
            jurisdiction of the Government of Canada, of nuclear material, non-nuclear material,
            equipment and other requisites for nuclear energy research, development and
            production within the Community or in Canada.
   3.       The continuation of the co-operation envisaged in the present Agreement shall be
            contingent upon the mutually satisfactory application of the system for safeguards
            and control established by the Community in accordance with the Euratom Treaty
            and of the measures for accounting for the use of nuclear material, non-nuclear
            material or equipment established by the Government of Canada.
   4.       The provisions of this Agreement shall not be used to impede the free movement of
            nuclear material, non-nuclear material, equipment, tritium, tritium-related equipment
            and technology within the territory of the Community.
   5.       Transfers of nuclear material and appropriate services shall be carried out under fair
            commercial conditions. The implementation of this paragraph shall be without
            prejudice to the Euratom Treaty and its derived legislation.
   6.       a) Transfer of nuclear material shall be subject to the following conditions:
EN                                                11                                               EN
 ---pagebreak---       i)    In the Community, to the Euratom safeguards pursuant to the Euratom
            Treaty and to the IAEA safeguards pursuant to the following safeguards
            agreements, as relevant, and as they may be revised and replaced, so long
            as coverage as required by the Non-Proliferation Treaty is provided for:
      –     The Agreement between the Community's non-nuclear weapon Member
            States, European Atomic Energy Community and the International
            Atomic Energy Agency, which entered into force on 21 February 1977
            (published as INFCIRC/193);
      –     The Agreement between France, Euratom Atomic Energy Community
            and the International Atomic Energy Agency, which entered into force on
            12 September 1981 (published as INFCIRC/290) and constitutes France's
            voluntary offer agreement with the Agency. The Agreement between the
            United Kingdom, European Atomic Energy Community and the
            International Atomic Energy Agency, which entered into force on 14
            August 1978 (published as INFCIRC/263) and constitutes United
            Kingdom’s voluntary offer agreement with the Agency.
      –     The Additional Protocols concluded on 22 September 1998 which
            entered into force on 30 April 2004 on the basis of the document
            published as INFCIRC/540 (Strengthened Safeguards System, Part II);
      ii)   In Canada, to the IAEA safeguards pursuant to the Agreement between
            Canada and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application
            of Safeguards in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of
            Nuclear Weapons, which entered into force on 21 February 1972
            (published as INFCIRC/164); supplemented by an Additional Protocol
            concluded on 24 September 1998 on the basis of the document published
            as INFCIRC/164/Add.1 (Strengthened Safeguards System, Part II) which
            entered into force on 8 September 2000.
   b) In the event of the application of any of the Agreements with the IAEA
      referred to in paragraph 6 a) of this article being suspended or terminated for
      any reason within the Community or Canada, the relevant Party shall enter into
      an agreement with the IAEA which provides for effectiveness and coverage
      equivalent to that provided by the safeguards agreements referred to in
      provisions i) or ii) of paragraph 6 a) of this article, or, if that is not possible,
      - the Community, as far as it is concerned, shall apply safeguards based on the
      Euratom safeguards system, which provides for effectiveness and coverage
      equivalent to that provided by the safeguards agreements referred to in
      provision i) of paragraph 6 a) of this article or, if that is not possible,
      - the Parties shall enter arrangements for the application of safeguards, which
      provide for effectiveness and coverage equivalent to that provided by the
      safeguards agreements referred to in provisions i) or ii) of paragraph 6 a).
   c) Application of physical protection measures shall be at all times at levels which
      satisfy as a minimum the criteria set out in Annex C to IAEA Information
      Circular INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part 1 (Guidelines for Nuclear Transfers);
EN                                    12                                                   EN
 ---pagebreak---                    supplementary to this document, the Member States of the Community, the
                   European Commission, as appropriate, and Canada will refer when applying
                   physical protection measures to the recommendations in IAEA Information
                   Circular INFCIRC/225/Rev.5 (Nuclear Security Recommendations on Physical
                   Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities). International transport
                   shall be subject to the provisions of the International Convention on the
                   Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (IAEA Information Circular
                   INFCIRC/274/Rev.1) and to the IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of
                   Radioactive Materials (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. TS-R-1).
            d)     Nuclear material, non-nuclear material, equipment and technology subject to
                   this Agreement shall not be transferred beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the
                   receiving Party without the prior written consent of the supplier Party, except
                   in accordance with sub-paragraph (e).
            e)     Upon entry into force of this agreement, the competent authorities of both
                   Parties shall exchange lists of third countries to which retransfers of natural
                   uranium, depleted uranium, other source materials, uranium enriched to less
                   than 20% in the isotope U235, and non-nuclear materials are authorised by the
                   other Party. The competent authorities of each Party shall notify the other of
                   changes to its list of third countries. Procedures acceptable to the Parties
                   related to such retransfers shall be established.
            f)     Retransfers of any items subject to this Agreement outside the jurisdiction of
                   the Parties shall only be made under the framework of the commitments
                   undertaken by the group of nuclear supplier countries known as the Nuclear
                   Suppliers Group, as set out in IAEA Information Circular INFCIRC/254/Rev.
                   9/Part 1.
            g)     Retransfers of tritium and tritium-related equipment outside the territories of
                   the Parties are subject to the prior written consent of the relevant Party.
                                               Article VIII
                                               Reprocessing
   The Parties grant their consent to the reprocessing of nuclear fuel containing nuclear material
   subject to this agreement provided that such reprocessing takes place in accordance with the
   conditions set out in Annex B.
                                                Article IX
                                         Intellectual Property
   The Parties shall ensure the adequate and effective protection of intellectual property created
   and technology transferred pursuant to the co-operation under this Agreement in accordance
   with the relevant international agreements and the laws and regulations in force in Canada and
   in the European Union and Community or their Member States.
                                                 Article X
                                       Exchange of information
EN                                                   13                                               EN
 ---pagebreak---    1. (a)    The Parties may make available to each other and to persons within the
             Community or under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada,
             information at their disposal on matters within the scope of this Agreement.
      (b)    The supply of information received from any third party under terms
             preventing such supply shall be excluded from the scope of Agreement.
      (c)    Information regarded by the supplying Party as being of commercial value
             shall be supplied only under the terms and conditions specified by the Parties.
   2. (a)    The Parties shall encourage and facilitate the exchange of information between
             persons under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada on the one hand
             and persons within the Community on the other hand on matters within the
             scope of this Agreement.
      (b)    Information owned by such persons shall be supplied only with the consent of
             and under the terms and conditions to be specified by those persons.
   3. The Parties shall to such extent as is practicable provide technical advice to each
      other or to persons within the Community or under the jurisdiction of the
      Government of Canada by the secondment of experts or in such other ways as may
      be agreed.
   4. Each Party shall, wherever possible, provide in its own schools or facilities, and
      assist in obtaining elsewhere in Canada or within the Community, training in subjects
      relevant to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for students and trainees
      recommended by the other.
                                         Article XI
                                      Applicable law
   1. The co-operation provided for in this Agreement shall be in accordance with the
      laws, regulations in force in Canada and within the European Union and Community
      as well as with the international agreements entered into by the Parties. For the
      Community, the applicable law includes the Euratom Treaty and its derived
      legislation.
   2. Each Party shall be responsible toward the other for ensuring that the provisions of
      this Agreement are accepted and complied with as to Canada by all of its
      governmental enterprises and by all persons under its jurisdiction, and as to the
      Community by all persons within the Community to whom authorisation has been
      granted pursuant to this Agreement.
   3. The revised versions of the IAEA documents and Information Circulars mentioned in
      this Agreement will be taken into account and made applicable when agreed by the
      Parties.
                                        Article XII
                              Consultation and arbitration
EN                                           14                                              EN
 ---pagebreak---    1.      At the request of either Party, representatives of the Parties shall meet when
           necessary to consult with each other on matters arising out of the application of the
           present Agreement, to supervise its operation and to discuss arrangements for co-
           operation additional to those provided in the present Agreement. Such consultations
           may take also the form of an exchange of correspondence.
   2.      Any dispute arising out of the interpretation or application of this Agreement which
           is not settled by negotiation or as may otherwise be agreed between the Parties shall,
           on the request of either Party, be submitted to an arbitral tribunal which shall be
           composed of three arbitrators. Each Party shall designate one arbitrator and the two
           arbitrators so designated shall elect a third, not a national of either Party, who shall
           be the Chairman. If within thirty days of the request for arbitration either Party has
           not designated an arbitrator, the other Party to the dispute may request the President
           of the International Court of Justice to appoint an arbitrator to the Party which has
           not designated an arbitrator. If within thirty days of the designation or appointment
           of arbitrators for both the Parties the third arbitrator has not been elected, either Party
           may request the President of the International Court of Justice to appoint the third
           arbitrator. A majority of the members of the arbitral tribunal shall constitute a
           quorum, and all decisions shall be made by majority vote of all the members of the
           arbitral tribunal. The arbitral procedure shall be fixed by the tribunal. The decisions
           of the tribunal shall be binding on both Parties and implemented by them. The
           remuneration of the arbitrators shall be determined on the same basis as that for ad
           hoc judges of the International Court of Justice.
                                              Article XIII
                                           Status of Annexes
   The Annexes to this Agreement form an integral part of this Agreement. They may be
   modified by mutual consent in writing of the Government of Canada and the European
   Commission without amendment of this Agreement.
                                              Article XIV
                                   Entry into force and duration
   1.      This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of the latter written notification that
           internal procedures necessary for its entry into force have been completed by the
           Parties.
   2.      This Agreement shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Thereafter this
           Agreement shall be automatically renewed for additional periods of five years,
           unless, at least six months before the expiration of any such additional period, a Party
           notifies the other Party of its intention to terminate the Agreement.
   3.      If either Party or any Member State of the Community violates any of the material
           provisions of the Agreement, the other Party may, on giving written notice to that
           effect, suspend or terminate in whole or in part co-operation under this Agreement.
           Before either Party takes action to that effect, the Parties shall consult with a view to
           reaching agreement on the corrective measures to be taken and on the time-scale
           within which such measures shall be taken. Such action shall be taken only if there
EN                                                 15                                                  EN
 ---pagebreak---             has been failure to take agreed measures within the agreed time or, in the event of
            failure to reach agreement after the lapse of a period of time defined by the Parties.
   4.       The present Agreement replaces the Agreement signed by the Parties on the 6th day
            of October, 19592 and amended on 1959, 1978, 1981, 1985 and 1991.
   This Agreement shall be drawn up in duplicate, in the Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch,
   English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian,
   Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish languages,
   all twenty-two texts being equally authentic.
   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto have signed the
   present Agreement.
   For the European Atomic Energy Community              For the Government of Canada
   2
           OJ 1165/59
EN                                                 16                                              EN
 ---pagebreak---                                       ANNEX A.1 - Equipment
   1.       Nuclear reactors and especially designed or prepared equipment and components
            therefor
   1.1.     Complete nuclear reactors
   1.2.     Nuclear reactor vessels
   1.3.     Nuclear reactor fuel charging and discharging machines
   1.4.     Nuclear reactor control rods and equipment
   1.5.     Nuclear reactor pressure tubes
   1.6.     Zirconium tubes
   1.7.     Primary coolant pumps
   1.8.     Nuclear reactor internals
   1.9.     Heat exchangers
   1.10.    Neutron detection and measuring instruments
   2.       Plants for the reprocessing of irradiated fuel elements, and equipment especially
            designed or prepared therefor
   2.1.     Irradiated fuel element chopping machines
   2.2.     Dissolvers
   2.3.     Solvent extractors and solvent extraction equipment
   2.4.     Chemical holding or storage vessels
   3.       Plants for the fabrication of nuclear reactor fuel elements, and equipment especially
            designed or prepared therefor
   4.       Plants for the separation of isotopes of natural uranium, depleted uranium or special
            fissionable material and equipment, other than analytical instruments, especially
            designed or prepared therefor
   4.1.     Gas centrifuges and assemblies and components especially designed or prepared for
            use in gas centrifuges
   4.1.1.   Rotating components
   4.1.2.   Static components
   4.2. Especially designed or prepared auxiliary systems, equipment and components for gas
   centrifuge enrichment plants
EN                                                17                                              EN
 ---pagebreak---    4.2.1. Feed systems/product and tails withdrawal systems
   4.2.2. Machine header piping systems
   Especially designed or prepared piping systems and header systems for handling UF6 within
   the centrifuge cascades.
   4.2.3 Special shut-off and control valves
   4.2.4. UF6 mass spectrometers/ion sources
   4.2.5. Frequency changers
   4.3. Especially designed or prepared assemblies and components for use in gaseous diffusion
   enrichment
   4.3.1. Gaseous diffusion barriers
   4.3.2. Diffuser housings
   4.3.3. Compressors and gas blowers
   4.3.4. Rotary shaft seals
   4.3.5. Heat exchangers for cooling UF6
   4.4. Especially designed or prepared auxiliary systems, equipment and components for use in
   gaseous diffusion enrichment
   4.4.1. Feed systems/product and tails withdrawal systems
   Especially designed or prepared process systems, capable of operating at pressures of 300kPa
   (45psi) or less.
   4.4.2. Header piping systems
   4.4.3. Vacuum systems
   4.4.4. Special shut-off and control valves
   4.4.5. UF6 mass spectrometers/ion sources
   4.5. Especially designed or prepared systems, equipment and components for use in
   aerodynamic enrichment plants
   4.5.1. Separation nozzles
   4.5.2. Vortex tubes
   4.5.3. Compressors and gas blowers
   4.5.4. Rotary shaft seals
EN                                               18                                             EN
 ---pagebreak---    4.5.5. Heat exchangers for gas cooling
   4.5.6. Separation element housings
   4.5.7. Feed systems/product and tails withdrawal systems
   4.5.8. Header piping systems
   4.5.9. Vacuum systems and pumps
   4.5.10. Special shut-off and control valves
   4.5.11. UF6 mass spectrometers/Ion sources
   4.5.12. UF6/carrier gas separation systems
   4.6. Especially designed or prepared systems, equipment and components for use in chemical
   exchange or ion exchange enrichment plants
   4.6.1. Liquid-liquid exchange columns (Chemical exchange)
   4.6.2. Liquid-liquid centrifugal contactors (Chemical exchange)
   4.6.3. Uranium reduction systems and equipment (Chemical exchange)
   4.6.4. Feed preparation systems (Chemical exchange)
   4.6.5. Uranium oxidation systems (Chemical exchange)
   4.6.6. Fast-reacting ion exchange resins/adsorbents (Ion exchange)
   4.6.7. Ion exchange columns (Ion exchange)
   4.6.8. Ion exchange reflux systems (Ion exchange)
   4.7. Especially designed or prepared systems, equipment and components for use in laser-
   based enrichment plants
   4.7.1. Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS)
   4.7.2. Liquid uranium metal handling systems (AVLIS)
   4.7.3. Uranium metal 'product' and 'tails' collector assemblies (AVLIS)
   4.7.4. Separator module housings (AVLIS)
   4.7.5. Supersonic expansion nozzles (MLIS)
   4.7.6. Uranium pentafluoride product collectors (MLIS)
   4.7.7. UF6/carrier gas compressors (MLIS)
   4.7.8. Rotary shaft seals (MLIS)
EN                                                 19                                         EN
 ---pagebreak---    4.7.9. Fluorination systems (MLIS)
   4.7.10. UF6 mass spectrometers/ion sources (MLIS)
   4.7.11. Feed systems/product and tails withdrawal systems (MLIS)
   4.7.12. UF6/carrier gas separation systems (MLIS)
   4.7.13. Laser systems (AVLIS, MLIS and CRISLA)
   4.8. Especially designed or prepared systems, equipment and components for use in plasma
   separation enrichment plants
   4.8.1. Microwave power sources and antennae
   Especially designed or prepared microwave power sources and antennae for producing or
   accelerating ions.
   4.8.2. Ion excitation coils
   4.8.3. Uranium plasma generation systems
   4.8.4. Liquid uranium metal handling systems
   4.8.5. Uranium metal 'product' and 'tails' collector assemblies
   4.8.6. Separator module housings
   4.9. Especially designed or prepared systems, equipment and components for use in
   electromagnetic enrichment plants
   4.9.1. Electromagnetic isotope separators
   4.9.2. High voltage power supplies
   4.9.3. Magnet power supplies.
   5. Plants for the production or concentration of heavy water, deuterium and deuterium
   compounds and equipment especially designed or prepared therefor
   5.1. Water - Hydrogen Sulphide Exchange Towers
   5.2. Blowers and Compressors
   5.3. Ammonia-Hydrogen Exchange Towers
   5.4. Tower Internals and Stage Pumps
   5.5. Ammonia Crackers
   5.6. Infrared Absorption Analyzers
   5.7. Catalytic Burners
EN                                                 20                                       EN
 ---pagebreak---    5.8. Complete heavy water upgrade systems or columns therefor
   6. Plants for the conversion of uranium and plutonium for use in the fabrication of fuel
   elements and the separation of uranium isotopes as defined in sections 4 and 5 respectively,
   and equipment especially designed or prepared therefor
   6.1. Plants for the conversion of uranium and equipment especially designed or prepared
   therefor
   6.1.1. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of uranium ore concentrates
   to UO3
   6.1.2. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of UO3 to UF6
   6.1.3. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of UO3 to UO2
   6.1.4. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of UO2 to UF4
   6.1.5. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of UF4 to UF6
   6.1.6. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of UF4 to U metal
   6.1.7. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of UF6 to UO2
   6.1.8. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of UF6 to UF4
   6.1.9. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of UO2 to UCl4
   6.2. Plants for the conversion of plutonium and equipment especially designed or prepared
   therefor
   6.2.1. Especially designed or prepared systems for the conversion of plutonium nitrate to
   oxide
   6.2.2. Especially designed or prepared systems for plutonium metal production
EN                                              21                                               EN
 ---pagebreak---                            ANNEX A.2 - Complete installations
   1. Nuclear reactors;
   2. Plants for the reprocessing of irradiated fuel elements;
   3. Plants for the fabrication of nuclear reactor fuel elements;
   4. Plants for the separation of isotopes of natural uranium, depleted uranium or special
      fissionable material;
   5. Plants for the production or concentration of heavy water, deuterium and deuterium
      compounds;
   6. Plants for the conversion of plutonium.
EN                                           22                                             EN
 ---pagebreak---                                      ANNEX B - Reprocessing
   The guidelines set forth below should cover reprocessing and plutonium storage and use:
   (a)     an effective commitment to non-proliferation should have been made and should
           continue to be maintained by the party envisaging reprocessing and plutonium
           storage and use;
   (b)     all nuclear material subject to a peaceful uses commitment in facilities involved in
           reprocessing and the storage and use of plutonium should be subject to IAEA
           safeguards;
   (c)     all nuclear material subject to a peaceful uses commitment in facilities involved in
           reprocessing and the subsequent storage and use activities, including related
           transport, should be subject to adequate physical protection measures;
   (d)     mutually satisfactory notification and material reporting procedures should be in
           place between the parties ;
   (e)     a description of the current and planned nuclear energy programme including in
           particular a detailed description of the policy, legal and regulatory elements relevant
           to reprocessing and plutonium storage and use should be provided by the party
           envisaging such activities.,
   (f)     the parties should agree to periodic and timely consultations at which inter alia the
           information provided under guideline (e) should be updated and significant changes
           in the nuclear energy programme would receive the fullest possible consideration ;
   (g)     the reprocessing and plutonium storage envisaged should only take place so long as
           the commitment of the party in question to non-proliferation does not change and so
           long as the commitment to periodic and timely consultations referred to in guideline
           (f) is honoured.
EN                                                23                                               EN
 ---pagebreak---                                      DRAFT AGREED MINUTES
   In connection with the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the European
   Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear
   Energy, signed at […] (hereinafter referred to as "the Agreement"), the undersigned hereby
   record the following understandings:
   (1)       With reference to the provisions of paragraph 3 of Article IV, it is confirmed that
             they are applicable only to technology transfers made between Canada and the
             Member States having expressed their willingness to place such transfers in the
             framework of the Agreement which are listed in the Annex to these Agreed Minutes.
   (2)       With reference to the provisions of paragraph 5, sub-paragraph (i), of Article IV, it is
             understood that it is the Parties' intent to treat foreign-origin nuclear material and
             non-nuclear material produced or processed in a complete installation as per Annex
             A.2 supplied by the other Party as being subject to the obligations set out in the
             Agreement, notably the accountancy and reporting obligations of Article V,
             paragraph 5.c).
   (3)       For the purpose of paragraph 5, sub-paragraph (ii), of Article IV, the Parties wish to
             emphasize that "non-nuclear material" refers to non-nuclear material supplied in
             significant quantities to the other Party for the purpose of being used as moderator.
   (4)       With reference to the list set out in Annex A.2, it is confirmed that this list does not
             apply to the transfer of equipment listed in Annex A.1 and that the sole purpose of
             the list set out in Annex A.2 is in relation to the application of paragraph 5, sub-
             paragraphs i) and iii), of Article IV, which is limited to full installations.
   SIGNED at Brussels, […]
   For the European Atomic Energy Community                 For the Government of Canada
   ANNEX
   List of EU Member States that have expressed their willingness to place technology transfer
   in the framework of the Agreement.
EN                                                  24                                                EN


title: Council Recommendation of 17 February 2015 concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (eighth EDF) for the financial year 2013

text:
               24.2.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 66/1

         COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
   of 17 February 2015
   concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (eighth EDF) for the financial year 2013
   (2015/C 66/01)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to the fourth ACP-EEC Convention, signed at Lomé on 15 December 1989 (1) and amended by the Agreement signed in Mauritius on 4 November 1995 (2),
   Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing and administration of the Community aid under the Second Financial Protocol to the fourth ACP-EC Convention (3) (the ‘Internal Agreement’) setting up, amongst others, the eighth European Development Fund (eighth EDF), and in particular Article 33(3) thereof,
   Having regard to the Financial Regulation 98/430/EC of 16 June 1998 applicable to development finance cooperation under the fourth ACP-EC Convention (4), and in particular Articles 66 to 74 thereof,
   Having examined the revenue and expenditure account and the balance sheet relating to the operations of the eighth EDF as at 31 December 2013 and the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on the activities funded by the 8th, 9th and 10th European Development Funds (EDFs) concerning the financial year 2013, together with the Commission’s replies contained in that Annual Report (5),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Pursuant to Article 33(3) of the Internal Agreement, the discharge for the financial management of the eighth EDF is to be given to the Commission by the European Parliament on the recommendation of the Council.

               (2)

               The overall implementation by the Commission of the operations of the eighth EDF during the financial year 2013 has been satisfactory,

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS that the European Parliament give the Commission a discharge in respect of the implementation of the operations of the eighth EDF for the financial year 2013.

      Done at Brussels, 17 February 2015.

            For the Council

            The President

         J. REIRS

      (1)  OJ L 229, 17.8.1991, p. 3.

      (2)  OJ L 156, 29.5.1998, p. 3.

      (3)  OJ L 156, 29.5.1998, p. 108.

      (4)  OJ L 191, 7.7.1998, p. 53.

      (5)  OJ C 398, 12.11.2014, p. 289.