Avis juridique important

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31989H0542

89/542/EEC: Commission Recommendation of 13 September 1989 for the labelling of detergents and cleaning products

Official Journal L 291 , 10/10/1989 P. 0055 - 0056

*****COMMISSION  RECOMMENDATION  of 13 September 1989  for the labelling of detergents and cleaning products  (89/542/EEC)  THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 155, second indent thereof,  Whereas detergents and cleaning products are already subject to certain Community provisions concerning labelling, in particular Council Directive 73/404/EEC of 22 November 1973 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to detergents (1), as last amended by Directive 86/94/EEC (2), and Council Directive 88/379/EEC of 7 June 1988 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations (3), as last amended by Directive 89/178/EEC (4);  Whereas separate Community requirements apply to cosmetic products, which are not covered by this recommendation;  Whereas the information to consumers could be improved by more detailed labelling of detergents and cleaning products and whereas this labelling should be uniformly applied in the Community;  Whereas this will make it possible for these products to be used with greater discernment, which will have a direct impact on water quality and on the environment in general;  Whereas there are within each Member State national associations representative of the great majority of the undertakings in the detergents and cleaning products industry in that Member State, each of which national association is a member of either AIS (Association Internationale de la Savonnerie et de la Détergence) or FIFE (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Fabricants de Produits d'Entretien);  Whereas AIS and FIFE together represent over 90 % of the detergents and cleaning products industries in the Community;  Whereas following the adoption of Directive 88/379/EEC this recommendation should take effect as soon as possible in order to complete Community provisions in this field,  HEREBY FORMULATES THIS RECOMMENDATION:  Article 1  For the purposes of this recommendation 'detergents and cleaning products' means products sold both to the general public and to the industrial sector which are intended for washing and cleaning purposes or for use in connection with the washing and cleaning process and which according to experience can end up in the aquatic environment after their use.  Article 2  1. The packaging of detergents and cleaning products should indicate the content, according to the following percentage ranges:  - less than 5 %,  - 5 but less than 15 %,  - 15 but less than 30 %,  - 30 % and more  of the constituents as defined hereafter where they are added in a concentration above 0,2 %:  - phosphates,  - phosphonates,  - anionic surfactants,  - cationic surfactants,  - amphoteric surfactants,  - non-ionic surfactants,  - oxygen-based bleaching agents,  - chlorine-based bleaching agents,  - EDTA,  - nitrilotriacetic acid,  - phenols and halogenated phenols,  - paradichlorobenzene,  - aromatic hydrocarbons,  - aliphatic hydrocarbons,  - halogenated hydrocarbons,  - soap,  - zeolites,  - polycarboxyiates.  The following classes of compounds if added should be labelled irrespective of their concentration:  - enzymes,  - preservatives / disinfectants.  2. For detergents and cleaning agents used only in the industrial sector the abovementioned requirements do not have to be fulfilled if the equivalent information is provided by means of technical data sheets, safety data sheets, or in a similar appropriate manner.  3. Additionally the packaging of detergents or cleaning products sold to the general public intended to be used as laundry detergents should bear the following information:  the recommended quantities and/or dosage instructions expressed in millilitres or grams appropriate to a standard washing machine load, for specified water hardness classes and making provision for one or two cycles washing processes. The content of any measuring cup which is provided shall also be indicated in millilitres or grams.  Article 3  1. Member States and the European industry associations concerned (AIS and FIFE), in collaboration with the Commission, should ensure the implementation of this recommendation. This implementation should be assured on the one hand by the undertaking to the Commission by AIS and FIFE to ensure compliance with the provisions of this recommendation and on the other hand by the national associations who will inform the authorities of the Member States on the implementation of these provisions.  This information will enable the Member States' authorities to monitor the implementation of these provisions. AIS and FIFE and the national associations will similarly acquaint all identifiable non-members engaged in the industry with the provisions of this recommendation and urge them to respect its requirements.  The Member States should be informed by national associations, and the Commission by AIS and FIFE, of the extent to which the provisions of this recommendation are complied with.  2. Member States should inform the Commission of the measures taken to implement this recommendation.  3. Periodically, and starting not later than one year after this recommendation takes effect, Member States and AIS and FIFE should hold consultations with the Commission on the state of implementation of this recommendation.  Article 4  This recommendation takes effect on 15 October 1989.  Done at Brussels, 13 September 1989.  For the Commission  Martin BANGEMANN  Vice-President  (1) OJ No L 347, 17. 12. 1973, p. 51.  (2) OJ No L 80, 25. 3. 1986, p. 51.  (3) OJ No L 187, 16. 7. 1988, p. 14.  (4) OJ No L 64, 8. 3. 1989, p. 18.


Avis juridique important

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31989H0349

89/349/EEC: Commission Recommendation of 13 April 1989 on the reduction of chlorofluorocarbons by the aerosol industry

Official Journal L 144 , 27/05/1989 P. 0056 - 0058

*****COMMISSION  RECOMMENDATION  of 13 April 1989  on the reduction of chlorofluorocarbons by the aerosol industry  (89/349/EEC)  THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 155 thereof,  Whereas the Community and all its Member States has signed the Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer;  Whereas the Community and all its Member States has signed the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer;  Whereas on 14 October 1988 the Council adopted Decision 88/540/EEC (1) which is concerned with the conclusion and ratification of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol;  Whereas on 14 October 1988 the Council also adopted Regulation (EEC) No 3322/88 (2) which implements the Montreal Protocol in the Community;  Whereas recent scientific studies have confirmed that some depletion of the ozone layer has already occurred and that the changes observed may be due, wholly or in part, to the increased presence in the atmosphere of trace gases, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)  Whereas it is important to achieve the greatest feasible substitution of chlorofluorocarbons listed in Annex I and halons in all areas of their use;  Whereas a number of Member States have concluded voluntary agreements with the manufacturers of aerosols for the progressive reduction, and where possible the subsequent elimination, of the chlorofluorocarbons listed in Annex I in these products;  Whereas Council resolution 88/C 285/01 of 14 October 1988 on restricting the use of chlorofluorocarbons and halons calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, to initiate discussions on voluntary agreements at Community level with all the industries concerned, with a view to substituting wherever feasible the chlorofluorocarbons listed in Annex I and halons in products such as aerosols, or in equipment or processes using them;  Whereas the resolution calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, to initiate discussions with the industries concerned with a view to concluding a voluntary agreement on a common Community label for 'CFC-free products',  HEREBY RECOMMENDS:  I. that aerosol manufacturers in the Community:  1. seek to limit the use in aerosols of the chlorofluorocarbons listed in Annex I to applications for which these substances are essential;  2. reduce the use of fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons for the filling of aerosols by at least 90 % compared with 1976 levels, bearing in mind that:  - in 1976, use of the chlorofluorocarbons listed in Annex I for the filling of aerosols was 200 211 ODP-weighed tonnes (ODP, ozone depletion potential),  - the 90 % reduction in this weighted figure should be achieved by 31 December 1990,  - the restriction does not apply to pharmaceutical and electronic uses or specialized industrial uses (see list in Annex II) for which no satisfactory alternatives yet exist,  - should such alternatives be found, this exemption will become null and void;  3. no later than one year following publication of this recommendation in the Official Journal of the European Communities, label aerosol cans containing the chlorofluorocarbons listed in Annex I as follows: 'Contains CFC 11 (12, 113, 114 or 115) which damages ozone'. The label should be indelible, clearly visible and legible, and stand out sharply from the background, it being understood that this warning shall be without prejudice to existing provisions in this field.  II. that the Federation of European Aerosol Associations:  1. exert all possible influence to ensure that the aerosol industry in the Community minimizes its use of controlled substances for the filling of aerosols and achieves the reduction referred to in I.2;  2. present an annual statistical report to the Commission from 1989 onwards on the progress made on reductions, the first control period for verifying that the 90 % reduction has been achieved being 1 January to 31 December 1991;  3. ensure that all supporting documents relating to the gathering of statistics are kept, and forwarded to the Commission if the Commission wishes to examine them.  III. that Member States make every effort to ensure that the aims of the recommendation are achieved within their respective territories.  Done at Brussels, 13 April 1989.  For the Commission  Carlo RIPA DI MEANA  Member of the Commission  (1) OJ No L 297, 31. 10. 1988, p. 8.  (2) OJ No L 297, 31. 10. 1988, p. 1.  ANNEX I  Substances covered by this recommendation  1.2 //  //  // Substance  // Ozone depletion potential (ODP)  //    //  1.2.3 // CFCl3   // (CFC-11)   // 1,0   // CF2Cl2  // (CFC-11)   // 1,0   // C2F3Cl3   // (CFC-113)   // 0,8  // C2F4Cl2   // (CFC-114)   // 1,0   // C2F5Cl   // (CFC-115)  // 0,6   //    //   //  ANNEX II  Industrial specialized uses  Waterproofing, adhesives, antistatic, belt dressing, solvent cleaners, diamond powder polishing, flow detection, freezing, insulation, lubrication, mould release, marking, rust prevention, welding, mining and insecticides used for aircraft windows.


title: Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/1936 of 18 October 2017 on immediate steps to prevent misuse of explosives precursors (Text with EEA relevance. )

text:
               24.10.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 273/12

         COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (EU) 2017/1936
   of 18 October 2017
   on immediate steps to prevent misuse of explosives precursors
   (Text with EEA relevance)
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 292 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Recent terrorist attacks and incidents indicate that the threat posed by home-made explosives in Europe remains high. Explosives precursor substances continue to be accessed and used for the purpose of making home-made explosives, in spite of efforts to effectively restrict and control access to them.

               (2)

               In its Resolution 2370 (2017), the UN Security Council stresses the paramount need to prevent terrorists from using or seeking access to raw materials and components that can be used to manufacture explosives and calls for enhanced vigilance, including through the issuance of good practices, sharing information across borders and establishment of partnerships.

               (3)

               Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) establishes harmonised rules concerning the making available, introduction, possession and use of substances or mixtures that could be misused for the illicit manufacture of explosives, with a view to limiting their availability to the general public, and ensuring the appropriate reporting of suspicious transactions throughout the supply chain.

               (4)

               Proper application of Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 by all Member States is necessary to achieve its objective of improving the free movement of chemical substances and mixtures within the internal market and removing distortions of competition, while ensuring a high level of protection of the safety of the general public. It will also further the objectives of Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) to prevent terrorist offences, involving the manufacture, possession, acquisition, transport, supply or use of explosives, as well as the provision and reception of instructions on making or using explosives.

               (5)

               This Recommendation aims to ensure that the objective of Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 can be more effectively achieved by providing guidance to Member States on its application. This Recommendation complements the Guidelines (3) adopted by the Commission and the Standing Committee on Precursors (4) and takes into account the discussions held in that committee and during a series of regional workshops involving Member State authorities, organised in 2016 and 2017.

               (6)

               The availability of explosives precursors to the general public should be restricted to prevent terrorists to acquire explosives precursors. Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 restricts the access to, and use of, seven chemical substances (restricted explosives precursors listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 98/2013) (5) by members of the general public.

               (7)

               Notwithstanding this prohibition, Member States may decide to grant access by the public to those substances only through a system of licences and registration. As of 1 January 2017, 16 Member States have licensing and/or registration regimes in place instead of a prohibition (6). Thus, in those Member States, restricted explosives precursor substances and mixtures are still accessed and used by members of the general public.

               (8)

               Member States should identify and promote lower concentrations and alternative substances with less concern to security and establish conditions on the storage of explosives precursors. Member States which have a licensing regime should carry out checks on the background of the individual asking for a licence.

               (9)

               This Recommendation also calls for improved enforcement of the restrictions and controls laid down in Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 and cross-sectoral cooperation. Increasing the level of awareness among all actors in the supply chain, including those operating online, will better enable them to comply with their obligations under Regulation (EU) No 98/2013.

               (10)

               Without prejudice to the legal frameworks for the cross-border exchange of information in the context of criminal investigations concerning a terrorist offence (7) or in the area of customs (8), this Recommendation calls for the exchange of information on suspicious transactions, disappearances, thefts, and other suspicious incidents or licence applications, when this appears to have a cross-border element.

               (11)

               Although recent attacks and incidents have mostly involved triacetone triperoxide (TATP), the threat concerns a wider range of home-made explosives and explosives precursor substances. The Union and its Member States must remain vigilant by detecting and addressing developments in this area, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders and users.

               (12)

               Since the adoption of the Regulation, the Commission has monitored and facilitated its application in close collaboration with the Standing Committee on Precursors. In February 2017, the Commission adopted a report (9) which concluded that, although the entry into force of the Regulation has contributed to reducing the threat posed by explosives precursors in Europe, it is necessary to identify measures and actions which strengthen the system of controls around homemade explosives. In May 2017, the Commission has started its work to review the Regulation (10) on Explosives Precursors with an evaluation that will be followed by an impact assessment during the first half of 2018. The evaluation will examine the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and added value of the Regulation as well as identify problems and obstacles that might require further action. The impact assessment will examine various policy options to address any problems and obstacles identified. Pending the outcome of this review, the Recommendation recommends that Member States take immediate steps to effectively restrict the availability of explosives precursors to the general public within the framework of the existing Regulation,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:

      Limiting the availability of explosives precursors to the general public

               1.

               Member States should take all necessary measures under Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 to restrict the availability of explosives precursors to the general public and prevent terrorists from accessing explosives precursors, as well as ensuring the appropriate reporting of suspicious transactions throughout the supply chain. To this end, Member States should carefully assess whether the prohibition, licensing or registration system that they have put in place is effectively meeting these objectives. Member States should inform the Commission of the results of their assessment within four months after the adoption of this Recommendation. This information will contribute to the assessment of possible further measures at EU level.

               2.

               In addition, Member States should urgently take the following actions:

                           (a)

                           promote and, where possible and appropriate, require the use of alternative substances or lower concentrations which can be used for the same legitimate activity with less concern to security;

                           (b)

                           lay down security conditions on the storage of explosives precursors for economic operators, professional users, and members of the general public who are legally in possession of explosives precursors;

                           (c)

                           provide clear guidance to economic operators about how to effectively and efficiently verify whether a person is a member of the general public or not. To that end, Member States could apply a notion of ‘professional user’ which implies that a person has a need for a restricted explosives precursor for purposes connected with trade, business or profession;

                           (d)

                           where a licensing scheme is in place pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Regulation (EU) No 98/2013, carry out checks on the background of the individual applying for a licence, in particular verifying the criminal records of the applicant in all states of residence during the preceding five years; and

                           (e)

                           set up inspection systems to identify non-compliance by economic operators.

      Strengthening cooperation and engaging with the supply chain

               3.

               In order to strengthen cooperation and engage with the supply chain, Member States should:

                           (a)

                           provide training to ensure that law enforcement, first responders and customs authorities are able to recognise explosives precursor substances and mixtures during the course of their duties and to react in a timely and appropriate manner to suspicious activity;

                           (b)

                           in addition to the existing reporting obligations in Article 9(4) of Regulation (EU) No 98/2013, encourage end-users of explosives precursors to report significant disappearances and thefts;

                           (c)

                           insofar as not already covered by existing obligations in Union legislation, exchange information on suspicious transactions, disappearances, thefts and other suspicious incidents or licence applications, whenever these might have cross-border elements, with other Member States concerned, as soon as possible and in accordance with national law and relevant international legal instruments; and

                           (d)

                           identify all sectors of relevance, including those operating online, target awareness-raising actions to the specificities of each different sector, and maintain a dialogue with the supply chain and with end-users to improve understanding of the legitimate professional and non-professional uses of explosives precursors.

      Done at Brussels, 18 October 2017.

            For the Commission

         Julian KING

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors (OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p. 1).

      (2)  Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on combating terrorism and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA and amending Council Decision 2005/671/JHA (OJ L 88, 31.3.2017, p. 6).

      (3)  https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/crisis-and-terrorism/explosives/explosives-precursors/docs/guidelines_on_the_marketing_and_use_of_explosives_precursors_en.pdf

      (4)  http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm?do=groupDetail.groupDetail=3245

      (5)  Hydrogen peroxide, Nitromethane, Nitric acid, Potassium chlorate, Potassium perchlorate, Sodium chlorate, Sodium perchlorate in a concentration higher than the corresponding limit value set out in Annex I and including a mixture or another substance in which such a listed substance is present in a concentration higher than the corresponding limit value.

      (6)  Report from the Commission on the application of, and delegation of power under, Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the marketing and use of explosives precursors, COM(2017) 103 final of 28 February 2017.

      (7)  Council Decision 2005/671/JHA of 20 September 2005 on the exchange of information and cooperation concerning terrorist offences (OJ L 253, 29.9.2005, p. 22).

      (8)  Council Regulation (EC) No 515/97 of 13 March 1997 on mutual assistance between the administrative authorities of the Member States and cooperation between the latter and the Commission to ensure the correct application of the law on customs and agricultural matters (OJ L 82, 22.3.1997, p. 1).

      (9)  Report from the Commission on the application of, and delegation of power under, Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the marketing and use of explosives precursors, COM(2017) 103 final of 28 February 2017.

      (10)  https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-is-new/work-in-progress/initiatives/revision-regulation-marketing-and-use-explosives-precursors_en


				|

		52013DC0370

			Recommendation for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on Austria’s 2013 national reform programme and delivering a Council opinion on Austria’s stability programme for 2012-2017 /* COM/2013/0370 final */

Recommendation for a
COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
on Austria’s 2013 national reform
programme
and delivering a Council opinion on Austria’s stability programme for 2012-2017
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 5(2)
thereof,
Having regard to the recommendation of the
European Commission[2],
Having regard to the resolutions of the
European Parliament[3],
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 growth and jobs, Europe 2020, based on enhanced coordination of economic
policies, which will focus on the key areas where action is needed to boost Europe’s potential for sustainable growth and competitiveness.
(2)       On 13 July 2010, on the
basis of the Commission's proposals, 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[4],
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 29 June 2012, the Heads
of State or Government decided on a Compact for Growth and Jobs, providing a
coherent framework for action at national, EU and euro area levels using all
possible levers, instruments and policies. They decided on action to be taken
at the level of the Member States, in particular expressing full commitment to
achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy and to implementing the
country-specific recommendations.
(4)       On 6 July 2012, the
Council adopted a recommendation on Austria’s national reform programme for 2012
and delivered its opinion on Austria’s updated stability programme for 2011-2016.
(5)       On 28 November 2012, the
Commission adopted the Annual Growth Survey[5],
marking the start of the 2013 European Semester of economic policy
coordination. Also on 28 November 2012, the Commission, on the basis of
Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011, adopted the Alert Mechanism Report[6], in which it did not identify Austria as one of the Member States for which an in-depth review would be carried out.
(6)       On 14 March 2013, the
European Council endorsed the priorities for ensuring financial stability,
fiscal consolidation and action to foster growth. 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.
(7)       On 16 April 2013, Austria submitted its 2013 stability programme covering the period 2012-2017 and its 2013
national reform programme. In order to take account of their interlinkages, the
two programmes have been assessed at the same time.
(8)       Based on the assessment of
the 2013 stability programme pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97,
the Council is of the opinion that Austria undertook considerable consolidation
efforts to bring the budget on a path to correct the excessive deficit. With
regard to the 2013 programme, the macroeconomic scenario underpinning the
budgetary projections is optimistic. The main objective of the budgetary
strategy outlined in the programme is to gradually reduce the general
government deficit to reach a balanced budget in nominal terms by 2016 and to
meet the medium-term objective (MTO) by 2015. The programme confirms the
previous MTO of a structural deficit of 0.45% of GDP. The MTO is in line with
the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. Based on current
projections, Austria is on track to correct its excessive deficit by 2013 given
that the general government deficit is at 2.5% of GDP in 2012 and is expected
to further decrease to 2.2% of GDP in 2013 and to 1.8% of GDP in 2014
respectively according to the Commission forecast. However, there are possible
additional costs relating to the unwinding of a large bank which could have a significant
deficit-increasing impact. After a strong improvement exceeding the adjustment
path required in the EDP in 2012, the structural balance deficit is projected
to increase in 2013 up to 1.8%. A slight increase of the structural deficit in
2013 is confirmed also by the Commission forecast. According to the information
of the programme from 2014 onwards, the recalculated structural balance
foresees a structural adjustment exceeding 0.5% in 2014 and 2015 enabling Austria to reach the MTO two years in advance in comparison to the scenario presented in
the programme, i.e. in 2015 instead of 2017. As for the expenditure benchmark
according to the information provided in the programme the growth rate of
government expenditure, net of discretionary measures, over years 2014 and 2016
is expected to contribute to an annual structural adjustment towards the MTO by
0.5% of GDP. However, the projected significant decline in the expenditure/GDP
ratio in the programme scenario is very ambitious since expenditure is
estimated to attain in terms of GDP one of the lowest level in more than
fifteen years. Austria can be expected to be in transition period from 2014 to
2016 regarding compliance with the debt criterion and plans would ensure
sufficient progress towards compliance.
The
strengthening of the budgetary framework has left the fiscal relations between
layers of government largely unchanged and overlapping responsibilities and
inconsistencies between funding and spending responsibilities remain a
challenge. The complex mechanism of continuous agreements between the national
government, social insurance providers and the sub-federal level, constitute an
implementation risk to measures aimed at containing health expenditure. In
education, the negotiations on a 6-point proposal including the abolition of school
authorities at district level are a welcome step towards streamlining of
responsibilities between different layers of government, but further
simplification would be needed to reduce fragmentation more substantially.
(9)       The Austrian labour force
potential is projected to shrink from 2020 and the economy is becoming more
skills-intensive. There is scope to optimise the use of its working-age
population, in particular women, migrants and older workers.
(10)     Older workers have an
employment rate below the EU average (43.1% v. 48.8%) and almost 30% of people
spend between 1.5 and three years in unemployment or on sick leave just before
retiring. The still relatively widespread use of early retirement and
invalidity pension schemes as well as a relatively low statutory retirement age
for women (60), which is going to increase only very gradually in the future, has
a negative impact on the labour supply of older workers.
(11)     Although the female
employment rate in Austria is relatively high (70.3 % compared to 62.4 %
at EU level in 2012), there is still scope for increasing it by reducing gender
segmentation in the labour market. The share of women in part-time employment
is among the highest in the EU and availability of childcare and long-term care
services is limited. Female employment rates measured in full-time equivalents
(55.6 % in 2012) suggest that Austria has particular difficulties in fully
tapping the potential of its female labour force. Moreover, women are found
almost twice as often in marginal employment and are highly concentrated in
low-wage employment. This pattern results in a gender pay gap of 24 %,
which is the third highest in the EU. A reduction of the tax burden for low
income earners could provide higher incentives to increase labour market participation.
The structure of the Austrian tax system provides the space to shift taxation
towards other sources which are less detrimental to growth. In fact, property
tax revenues in Austria account for 0.5% of GDP and are significantly below the
EU average of 2.1% of GDP. In particular, revenues from recurrent taxes on
immovable property which are considered to be the least detrimental to growth
are the third lowest in the EU, representing 0.2% of GDP in 2011 (EU average:
1.3%).
(12)     With 19 % of the working
age population in 2011 being foreign born, Austria has one of the largest
shares of working-age immigrants in the OECD. Migrants often face difficulties
on the labour market and have significantly higher unemployment rates (9.7 %
vs 3.6 %) and lower employment rates (non-EU 27 nationals: 62.8 % vs
Austrians: 76.4 %) Additionally, people with a migrant background are
three times more often employed and paid below their actual qualification
levels than Austrians (2008: 27.5 % vs 9.7 %). Also their education
out comes are lower and their poverty risk is twice as high (26.6% v. 12.6%).
(13)     Medium and long-term
pension and health care expenditure projections pose a risk to the
sustainability of public finances. Long-term care expenditure projections also
point to a sustainability risk, although to a lesser extent. The recent reforms
to the pension system are likely to reduce the sustainability risks to some
degree, if accompanied by improvements in labour market conditions that allow
older workers to stay longer in employment. However, an accelerated
harmonisation of retirement ages between men and women as well as a link of the
statutory retirement age to gains in life expectancy is still missing. The
issue of the fiscal sustainability of the health care and long-term care system
has to be addressed, also in view of the increasing need and demand for long-term
care provision. The recent policy measures taken in the health sectors are
likely to go in the right direction, although careful assessment of their
effectiveness has to be carried out in the coming years. There is scope to
enhance prevention, rehabilitation and independent living to contain future
costs of long-term care.
(14)     According to comparative
international studies and tests, education outcomes in Austria are below average for 10- to 15-year-olds despite the fact that Austria’s spending on
education is, at 6.01 % of GDP, well above the EU average of 5.41 %.
More than 25 % of young people aged 15 have poor reading skills and
outcomes are only slightly better in mathematics. Achievement
gaps between young people with a migration background and their native peers are
among the highest in the EU. In higher education
increasing student numbers are putting pressure on financial and organisational
systems but the share of students completing their studies successfully is low.
The division of responsibilities in the management and funding of the education
system is also fragmented.
(15)     Austria is one of the
Member States that would see most benefit (in GDP) from reduced barriers to
cross-border service provision. However, there are still significant barriers
to entry and effective competition in the services sector. These barriers are
especially pronounced in the liberal professions and railway transport.
Professional services play an important role in the business service markets,
accounting for 10 % of GDP and 11 % of total employment. Restrictions
on gaining access to and practising professions in the services sector, e.g. as
regards legal form and shareholding requirements, persist. There is a strong
case for assessing how justified these restrictions are and if the same public
interest objectives cannot be reached with lighter regulatory regimes. While a
recent change in competition law will strengthen the powers of the Austrian competition
authority, its financial and human resources are still below the levels
observed in economies of a similar or even smaller size.
(16)     Austria has made progress
in the cross-border home-host financial supervisory cooperation. Moreover,
further headway has been made with the restructuring of nationalised or partly
nationalised banks which have benefitted from restructuring aid. However, due
to risks associated with a further deterioration in asset quality of these banks,
there are still remaining pockets of vulnerability which need to be closely
monitored.
(17)     In the context of the
European Semester, the Commission has carried out a comprehensive analysis of Austria’s economic policy. It has assessed the stability programme and national reform
programme. It has taken into account not only their relevance for sustainable
fiscal and socio-economic policy in Austria but also their compliance with EU
rules and guidance, given the need to reinforce the overall economic governance
of the European Union by providing EU-level input into future national
decisions. Its recommendations under the European Semester are reflected in
recommendations (1) to (7) below.
(18)     In the light of this
assessment, the Council has examined Austria’s stability programme, and its
opinion[7]
is reflected in particular in recommendation (1) below,
(19)     In the context of the
European Semester the Commission has also carried out an analysis of the
economic policy of the euro area as a whole. On this basis the Council has
issued specific recommendations addressed to the Member States whose currency
is the euro. Austria also should ensure the full and timely implementation of
these recommendations.

HEREBY RECOMMENDS that Austria should take action within the period 2013-2014 to:
1.           Implement the budget for
the year 2013 as envisaged so as to correct the excessive deficit in a
sustainable manner and achieve the structural adjustment effort specified in
the Council recommendations under the Excessive Deficit Procedure. After correction
of the excessive deficit, pursue the structural adjustment effort at an
appropriate pace so as to reach the MTO by 2015. Streamline fiscal relations
between layers of government, for example simplifying the organisational setting
and aligning spending and funding responsibilities.
2.           Bring forward the
harmonisation of pensionable age for men and women, link the statutory
retirement age to life expectancy, implement and monitor the recent reforms
restricting access to early retirement and improve older workers’ employability
in order to raise the effective retirement age and the employment rate of older
workers.
3.           Take new measures to increase
the labour market participation of women, namely by further improving child
care and long-term care services and address the high gender pay and pension
gaps. Fully use the labour market potential of people with a migrant background
by improving the recognition of their qualifications and their education
outcomes. Reduce the effective tax and social security burden on labour for low-income
earners in a budget-neutral way by relying more on other sources of taxation less
detrimental to growth, such as recurrent property taxes.
4.           Effectively implement the
recent reforms of the health care system to make sure that the expected cost efficiency
gains materialise. Develop a financially sustainable model for the provision of
long-term care and put a stronger focus on prevention, rehabilitation and
independent living.
5.           Improve educational outcomes,
in particular of disadvantaged young people, including by enhancing early
childhood education and reducing the negative effects of early tracking.
Further improve strategic planning in higher education and enhance measures to
reduce drop-outs.
6.           Further strengthen the
powers and resources of the federal competition authority and monitor the
implementation of the competition law reform. Remove excessive barriers for
service providers. This includes reviewing whether existing restrictions on
entry and conduct in regulated professions are justified by general interest
and fostering competition notably in the railway sector.
7.           With a view to maintaining
financial stability continue to closely oversee the nationalised and partly
nationalised banks and speed up their restructuring.
Done at Brussels,
                                                                       For
the Council
                                                                       The
President
[1]               OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1.
[2]               COM(2013)370 final.
[3]               P7_TA(2013)0052 and P7_TA(2013)0053.
[4]               Council Decision 2013/208/EU of 22 April 2013.
[5]               COM(2012) 750 final.
[6]               COM(2012) 751 final.
[7]               Under Article 5(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No
1466/97.


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31994H0313

94/313/EC: Council Recommendation of 30 May 1994 concerning a discontinuation of certain economic and financial relations with Haiti

Official Journal L 139 , 02/06/1994 P. 0007 - 0007

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION of 30 May 1994 concerning a discontinuation of certain economic and financial relations with Haiti (94/313/EC)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 73g thereof,  Having regard to Council Decision 94/315/CFSP of 30 May 1994 concerning the common position defined on the basis of Article J.2 of the Treaty on European Union regarding the reduction of economic relations with Haiti (1),  Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,  HEREBY RECOMMENDS:  1. The Member States and the Commission will inform each other and concert regarding the measures to be taken in order to implement Article 1 (2) of Decision 94/315/CFSP and exchange all relevant information concerning the implementation of this  recommendation.  2. The funds and financial resources referred to in paragraph 4 of United Nations Security Council resolution 917 (1994) should be construed as meaning funds or financial resources of whatever kind or origin including, but not limited to, cash, liquid  assets, payment claims, guarantees and documentary credits, funds derived or generated from real property, investments, shares, bonds and other securities, as well as gold and other precious metals.  3. Member States are to ensure that, subject to the granting of authorization by their competent authorities, the measures which they take do not apply to:  (a) exceptions requested by President Aristide and the Prime Minister-in-Office, Mr Malval;  (b) payments of due interest or of similar remuneration on the funds and financial resources referred to in point 2, provided that they take place within the Community and are made to the persons or bodies entitled thereto;  (c) the debiting of accounts in relation to the maintenance of deposits or in relation to other financial services rendered in respect of those accounts.  Done at Brussels, 30 May 1994 For the Council The President G. MORAITIS  (1) See page 10 of this Offical Journal.


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		52013DC0605

			RECOMMENDATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL to authorise the Commission to negotiate on behalf of the European Union amendments to the Energy Community Treaty /* COM/2013/0605 final - 2013/ () */

			   	RECOMMENDATION
FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL
to
authorise the Commission to negotiate on behalf of the European Union
amendments to the Energy Community Treaty

1.
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The
Treaty establishing the Energy Community was signed on 25 October 2005 in Athens by the European Community and then nine Contracting Parties from South East Europe
and it entered into force on 1 Jul 2006. Article 16 of the Treaty defines the
"acquis communautaire on environment" as meaning:
·
Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on
the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the
environment, as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 and
Directive 2003/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May
2003,
·
Council Directive 1999/32/EC of 26 April 1999
relating to a reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels and
amending Directive 93/12/EEC,
·
Directive 2001/80/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain
pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (LCP
Directive),
·
Article 4(2) of Directive 79/409/EEC of the
Council of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds.
Article
12 of the Treaty establishing the Energy Community states that Each Contracting
Party shall implement the acquis communautaire on environment in compliance
with the timetable set out in Annex II of the treaty.
The LCP
Directive was replaced by Chapter III, Article 72(3) and
(4), and Annex V of Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution
prevention and control) with effect from 7 January 2013 for new plants and from
1 January 2016 for existing plants. The LCP Directive is
repealed with effect from this latter date. Therefore, the
acquis communautaire on environment set out in Article 16
of the Treaty establishing the Energy Community, and
the timetable for implementation set out in Annex II thereof, should be amended
accordingly.
On 29
April 2013, the Commission adopted a Decision C(2013) 2364 final establishing
the Commission Proposals to the Ministerial Council of the Energy Community on
the implementation of Directive 2001/80/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain
pollutants into the air from large combustion plants, and on the implementation
of Chapter III, Annex V and Article 72(3)-(4) of Directive 2010/75/EU of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial
emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and amending Article 16
and Annex II of the Energy Community Treaty.
Article
5(2) of Council Decision 2006/500 of 29 May 2006 on the conclusion by the
European Community of the Energy Community Treaty sets out the procedure to be
applied before a position can be taken at the Energy Community on amendments to
the Energy Community Treaty.
In this
context, the Commission recommends that the Council authorise it to deliberate
within the institutions of the Energy Community on necessary amendments of the
Energy Community Treaty.

2.
RECOMMENDATION

The
Commission recommends that:
·      the Council authorise the Commission to negotiate on behalf of the
European Union necessary amendments to the Treaty establishing the Energy Community;
·      in accordance with the Treaty, the Council authorise the Commission
to act as negotiator representing the European Union and negotiate the amendments to the Energy Community Treaty as
set out in the negotiating directives annexed to this Recommendation (the
"negotiating directives ");
·      the Council designate a committee in consultation with which the
negotiation will be conducted; and
·      the Council issue the negotiating directives.
ANNEX
Directives
for the negotiation of amendments to
the Treaty establishing the Energy Community
Amendments to be agreed on behalf of the
European Union should be based on those proposed in Commission Decision C(2013)
2364 final and aim to ensure within the shortest possible time frame
convergence with the updated acquis communautaire on environment
concerning emissions from large combustion plants.


Recommendation for a Council opinion in accordance with the third paragraph of Art. 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the updated stability programme of Ireland, 2005-2008


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31993H0404

93/404/EEC: Council Recommendation of 30 June 1993 on access to continuing vocational training

Official Journal L 181 , 23/07/1993 P. 0037 - 0040

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION of 30 June 1993 on access to continuing vocational trainingTHE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 128 thereof,  Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),  Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),  Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),  Whereas the first principle established by Council Decision 63/266/EEC of 2 April 1963 laying down general principles for implementing a common vocational training policy (4) states that every person should receive adequate training, with particular  reference to the need to promote basic and advanced vocational training and, where appropriate, retraining suitable for the various stages of working life, and the need to offer to every person, by means of permanent facilities for vocational  advancement, the opportunity to gain promotion or to receive instruction for a new and higher level of activity;  Whereas, under the terms of Decision 63/266/EEC, it is the responsibility of the Member States and the competent institutions of the Community to apply such general principles within the framework of the Treaty;  Whereas the development of human resources by means of vocational training is one of the essential elements in increasing the competitiveness of the European economy; whereas, as affirmed by the European Council meeting in Hanover on 27 and 28 June  1988, the achievement of the Single Market must be accompanied by increased access to continuing training;  Whereas technological developments, their impact on employees' skills and the growth of unemployment make it necessary to develop access to continuing vocational training;  Whereas point 15 of the Community Charter of the fundamental social rights of workers, adopted by the Heads of State and Government of 11 Member States at the European Council meeting in Strasbourg on 9 December 1989, states in particular that:  'Every worker of the European Community must be able to have access to vocational training and to benefit therefrom throughout his working life. In the conditions governing access to such training there may be no discrimination on grounds of  nationality.  The competent public authorities, undertakings or the two sides of industry, each within their own sphere of competence, should set up continuing and permanent training systems enabling every person to undergo retraining, more especially through leave  for training purposes, to improve his skills or to acquire new skills, particularly in the light of technical developments.';  Whereas vocational training remains of constant concern to both employers and workers in the context of the dialogue between the two sides of industry (5);  Whereas the Economic and Social Committee adopted a report on 22 October 1992 on vocational training as a means of promoting vocational qualifications and a strategic instrument for the economic and social development of the European Community;  Whereas on 21 April 1993 the European Parliament adopted an own-initiative report on vocational training policy in the European Community for the 1990s, in which the subject of access to continuing training is considered;  Whereas transnational cooperation measures have been undertaken at Community level (6);  Whereas demographic trends will significantly reduce the number of young people entering the Community labour market, which, together with changes in the working environment, must lead to an updating and greater adaptation of skills among the working  population;  Whereas it has been noted throughout the Community that the problems faced by women in gaining access to employment are largely attributable to their limited access to vocational training; whereas particular attention must be devoted to ensuring that  women have effective access to continuing vocational training; whereas the increase in the number of working women should also be taken into account (7);  Whereas cooperation in the field of continuing vocational training should also be based on existing provisions in force in the Member States, while respecting the diversity of national legal systems and practices, the powers under national law of the  parties concerned and contractual autonomy; whereas the initiatives taken at national level by the Member States and the two sides of industry are many and varied; whereas it appears, as regards the Community Charter of the fundamental social rights of  workers, and taking into account the international dimension of the action, that they should be supported at Community level; whereas, finally, it is essential to encourage a synergy of resources and promote partnerships between the public and private  sectors;  Whereas the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training has been consulted; whereas it has recognized the strategic importance of the question of continuing vocational training in undertakings, for the Member States and for the Community, and the  necessity for the Community to be seen to play an active role in this area,  I. RECOMMENDS that Member States, taking into account the resources available and the respective responsibilities of the competent public authorities, undertakings and the two sides of industry, while respecting the diversity of national legal systems  and/or practices, gear their vocational training policies to ensuring that every worker of the Community must be able to have access to continuing vocational training without any form of discrimination and to benefit therefrom throughout his or her  working life;  II. RECOMMENDS that, in order to provide easy access for as many employees as possible, Member States:  1. raise awareness among undertakings about the links between workers' skills and the competitiveness of undertakings to encourage them to give priority to improving the quality and skills of their employees and to establish training plans and  programmes appropriate to their size and business objectives, making their managers aware of requirements in this respect and informing them accordingly.  These plans and programmes may be established by taking into account available human and financial resources, the organization of work, future skill requirements, the need to anticipate industrial and technological change and the transnational dimension  of continuing vocational training;  2. make provision for specific incentives and technical support measures for small and medium-sized undertakings.  These could include, for example, assistance with regard to advice on training and assistance with regard to analysis of training needs;  3. encourage undertakings to give impetus to the continuing vocational training necessary for their development, taking account of the particular situation of the employees of the undertakings, particularly in order to promote, where appropriate, the  measures described below;  4. make provision for specific incentives and technical support measures which are appropriate, necessary and adequate for undertakings facing industrial change, in order to encourage vocational training and retraining for their employees;  5. develop continuing vocational training in order to make it an important feature of regional and local development, taking into account the specific needs of employees and undertakings;  support the establishment of partnerships, particularly at regional or local level, to analyse the requirements of undertakings and employees and to provide up-to-date information on training opportunities in order to match supply and demand as closely  as possible;  6. impress on employers that they should inform their employees as soon as possible and, if necessary, at the time of their recruitment, about the undertaking's policy and activities in the field of continuing vocational training and staff development  and about the terms of access to continuing vocational training, including the possibility of being assigned non-active status for the purpose of continuing vocational training;  7. support initiatives which enable workers who so desire to assess their continuing vocational training needs.  This assessment should be carried out within or outside the undertaking and/or in partnership with specialized institutions.  The use of the results must be confidential;  8. encourage the information and consultation of employees' representatives or, in the absence of such representatives, the employees themselves on the development and implementation of the training plans and programmes of the undertaking concerned;  9. make employees and undertakings more aware of the importance of continuing vocational training leading to qualifications relevant to the employment market.  To this end, it should be ensured that training is not directed specifically towards the post in question alone but that it provides the means of anticipating and mastering developments in production systems and the organization of work in order to  strengthen the competitiveness of undertakings and improve employees' job prospects;  10. encourage the development of the most suitable teaching and learning methods in continuing vocational training which will facilitate access to continuing vocational training for employees, e.g. methods of self-training on the job, distance learning,  media-assisted learning, etc;  11. help less-qualified employees, whatever their status, to benefit from continuing vocational training measures enabling them to achieve a basic level of qualification and giving them the basis for mastery of new technologies.  Particular attention should be paid to providing access to continuing training for employees or groups of employees who have not benefited from training for a certain length of time or who have limited opportunities for employment and job prospects;  12. encourage access for, and effective participation by, women in continuing vocational training.  This may in particular help to open up new professional fields to women and encourage the resumption of a professional activity after a break in such activity;  13. promote access to continuing vocational training for young people with a vocational qualification or work experience, whatever their level of skills, and encourage their participation therein, in order to enable them to realise their full potential  and acquire skills for the present and the future;  14. encourage access to, and participation in, continuing vocational training by the unemployed.  Particular attention should be paid to the long-term unemployed with inadequate and/or unsuitable qualifications, in order to improve their occupational integration or reintegration.  The continuing vocational training of the unemployed which involves action by undertakings is particularly suited to promoting reintegration into the labour market;  15. encourage, in policies on access to continuing vocational training, a transnational dimension, in particular to assist the free movement of workers;  III. 1. INVITES the Commission to reinforce cooperation with Member States and the two sides of industry, in particular within the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training, in order to support the implementation of point II;  2. INVITES the Commission to this end, in concert with the Member States and by utilizing the existing Community action programmes and initiatives in the field of training including, where appropriate, the European Social Fund, and specialized bodies  within the Community such as the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), to:  (a) disseminate and add to the body of comparative information on continuing vocational training systems, including existing provisions and methods for integrating young job-seekers and the long-term unemployed into the labour market;  (b) facilitate suitable exchanges of experience in and methods for significant innovations in continuing training;  (c) support transfers of know-how between Member States, which are important for implementing point II, by means of transnational partnerships and networks, especially for the benefit of regions, sectors, types of undertaking and groups of employees for  whom access to continuing training is least developed;  3. Also INVITES the Commission to support moves by both sides of industry at Community level, within the dialogue between them, to discuss access to continuing training in greater depth; such dialogue could, if the two sides consider it desirable, lead  to relations based on agreement;  IV. 1. INVITES Member States to provide the Commission, three years after the date of adoption of this recommendation, with a report setting out the measures taken under the terms of points I and II;  2. INVITES the Commission:  (a) on the basis of the reports from the Member States and the results of the dialogue between the two sides of industry, to draw up an assessment report on progress made on the basis of the recommendation in points I and II in the sphere of access to  continuing vocational training in the Community;  (b) to submit this assessment report, not later than one year after the date referred to in point IV.1, to the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training;  3. INVITES the Commission to submit this report to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee and to send it to the two sides of industry at Community level.  Done at Luxembourg, 30 June 1993.  For the Council The President S. BERGSTEIN (1) OJ No C 23, 27. 1. 1993, p. 8.(2) OJ No C 150, 31. 5. 1993.(3) OJ No C 129, 10. 5. 1993, p. 57.(4) OJ No 63, 20. 4. 1963, p. 1338/63.(5) See following texts: - joint opinion of 6 March 1987 on training and motivation, information and  consultation, - joint opinion of 13 February 1990 on the creation of a European occupational and geographical mobility area and improving the operation of the labour market in Europe, - joint opinion of 19 June 1990 on basic education and initial,  vocational and adult training, - joint opinion of 21 September 1991 on ways of facilitating the broadest possible effective access to training opportunities, - agreement of 31 October 1991 between the two sides of industry at European level, - European  Framework Agreement of 6 September 1990 between the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the European Centre of Public Enterprises (CEEP) on training in public enterprises.(6) See following texts: - Council Decision 90/267/EEC of 29 May 1990  establishing an action programme for the development of continuing vocational training in the European Community (Force) (OJ No L 156, 21. 6. 1990, p. 1), - Council Decision 89/657/EEC of 18 December 1989 establishing an action programme to promote  innovation in the field of vocational training resulting from technological change in the European Community (Eurotecnet) (OJ No L 393, 30. 12. 1989, p. 29), both as amended by Decision 92/170/EEC (OJ No L 75, 21. 3. 1992, p. 51), - Council Decision  89/27/EEC of 16 December 1988 adopting the second phase of the programme on cooperation between universities and industry regarding training in the field of technology (Comett II) (OJ No L 13, 17. 1. 1989, p. 28), - Council Decision 91/387/EEC of 22  July 1991 amending Decision 87/569/EEC concerning an action programme for the vocational training of young people and their preparation for adult and working life (Petra) (OJ No L 214, 2. 8. 1991, p. 69), - Council Regulation (EEC) No 4255/88 of 19  December 1988 laying down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 as regards the European Social Fund (OJ No L 374, 31. 12. 1988, p. 21).(7) Commission of the European Communities: Employment in Europe (1992).


Important legal notice

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52005SC0142

Recommendation for a Council opinion in accordance with the third paragraph of Art. 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 On the updated stability programme of Ireland, 2004-2007  /* SEC/2005/0142 final */

	Brussels, 2.2.2005SEC(2005) 142 finalRecommendation for aCOUNCIL OPINIONin accordance with the third paragraph of Art. 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 On the updated stability programme of Ireland, 2004-2007(presented by the Commission)EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUMCouncil Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies[1] stipulates that participating Member States, that is, those which have adopted the single currency, had to submit stability programmes to the Council and the Commission by 1 March 1999. In accordance with Article 5 of this Regulation, the Council had to examine each stability programme based on assessments prepared by the Commission and the Committee set up by Article 114 of the Treaty (the Economic and Financial Committee). On the basis of a recommendation from the Commission and after having consulted the Economic and Financial Committee, the Council delivered an opinion, following its examination of the programme. According to the Regulation, Member States need to submit annual updates of their stability programmes, which may also be examined by the Council in accordance with these same procedures.The first stability programme of Ireland, covering the period 1999-2001, was submitted on 2 December 1998 and assessed by the Council on 18 January 1999. Updates were presented every following year. Ireland submitted the most recent update of its stability programme on 1 December 2004. The Commission services have carried out a technical evaluation of this update, taking into account the results of the Commission services Autumn 2004 economic forecasts, and having regard to the code of conduct[2], the commonly agreed methodology for the estimation of potential output and cyclically-adjusted balances, the recommendations in the broad economic policy guidelines for the period 2003-2005 and the principles laid down in the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 27 November 2002 on strengthening the coordination of budgetary policies[3], endorsed by the Council. This evaluation is as follows:-  The new update of the Irish stability programme, covering the period to 2007, was released and presented to the Commission on 1 December 2004, the date coinciding with the government’s presentation of the budget for 2005. The update complies with the data requirements of the “code of conduct[4] on the content and format of stability and convergence programmes”.-  The prospects for the Irish economy set out in the programme have been upgraded compared with those foreseen in the 2003 update. Real GDP growth is estimated to have rebounded to 5.3% in 2004, compared with 3.3% expected in the previous programme, reflecting both a higher domestic and external contribution. For the period 2005 to 2007, the update envisages real growth to remain around 5.2% p.a. on average in GDP terms. The potential growth rate derived by applying the agreed methodology to the programme data initially exceeds but for later years gradually approaches the rates of growth projected in the programme. HICP inflation is assumed to fall, compared with a higher and flatter profile in the Commission services autumn 2004 forecast (which pre-dates the Irish budget), and to decline below 2% by the end of the programme period. Overall, on the basis of currently available information, the macroeconomic scenario underlying the programme appears plausible, broadly in line with the Commission services evaluation including the autumn 2004 forecast, though the projection for HICP inflation seems on the low side.-  The update estimates a general government surplus of 0.9% of GDP in 2004, significantly better than previous official forecasts (and 2.0 percentage points stronger than the deficit target set in the 2003 update). This outturn is due to higher than expected tax receipts, including the impact of one-off factors and notably receipts arising from the special investigations by the Revenue Commissioners (estimated in the update to have yielded 0.5% of GDP), and to lower than budgeted expenditures, especially on public investment. Over the period 2005 to 2007, the budgetary strategy envisages a general government deficit of 0.8% in 2005 and 0.6% of GDP in the final two years of the programme. As compared to the previous programme, the projected general government deficit ratios in 2005 and 2006 are closer to balance by 0.6 and 0.5 percentage points of GDP respectively against a more favourable macroeconomic scenario. Apart from an initial increase in the expenditure ratio in 2005 as a result of recent budgetary measures, both expenditure and revenue ratios are on a declining trend. Adjusting for the estimated impact of the cycle using the common methodology, the cyclically-adjusted balance is in surplus throughout the projection period, with the exception of a small deficit of 0.2% of GDP in 2005. However, the special features of the Irish economy imply that the estimates of the output gap underlying such calculations are subject to an unusually high margin of uncertainty. The projected budget deficits in Ireland need to be further qualified, as a significant programme of public investment is being implemented, which results in an average general government investment ratio over the programme period well above the EU average of recent years.-  The risks attached to the budgetary projections appear broadly balanced. On the one hand, the forecast of receipts appears to be plausible and the existence of the contingency provisions might point to a better than projected outturn. As regards expenditures, Ireland has also recently shown encouraging progress in adhering to expenditure targets, suggesting that various measures taken to strengthen control are proving effective. On the other hand, there are also some risks that the general government balance might turn out weaker than projected in the update. In particular, the growth rate of spending appears somewhat restrained in the later years of the programme. In the light of the risk assessment, the budgetary stance in the programme seems sufficient to maintain the close-to-balance-or-surplus requirement of the Stability and Growth Pact throughout the programme period. Furthermore, there is a sufficient safety margin against breaching the 3% of GDP deficit threshold with normal macroeconomic fluctuations.-  General government gross debt is estimated to have fallen to 30.5% of GDP in 2004, well below the 60% of GDP Treaty reference value. The debt ratio is projected to broadly stabilise at close to 30% of GDP over the period 2005 to 2007. As in the previous programme, both the primary balance and the interaction between interest payments and nominal GDP growth are projected to contribute to lowering the debt ratio, but this is broadly offset by sizeable stock-flow adjustments. The latter reflect mainly the impact of the acquisition of non-general government assets by the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) , established in 2001 to pre-fund future pension liabilities and which receives an equivalent of 1% of GNP annually from general government resources. Without the accumulation of non-general government assets in this fund, the gross debt ratio would be falling throughout the programme period.-  The update provides an overview of the government’s structural reform programme that is oriented towards enhancing the quality of public services, increasing the efficiency of public spending and addressing the infrastructural needs of the Irish economy. The update also reviews, as one of the elements in the drive for value for money, the ongoing reform in the health services. Overall, the economic policies outlined in the update are broadly consistent with the country-specific 2003-2005 Broad Economic Policy Guidelines in the area of public finances, which recommended the Irish authorities to enhance the efficiency of public spending, improve the medium-term budgetary framework and prioritise the infrastructural elements of the National Development Plan.-  Ireland appears to be in a relatively favourable position with regard to the long-term sustainability of its public finances, despite significant projected budgetary costs of an ageing population. The relatively low debt ratio in Ireland, the pension reform measures already enacted and the accumulation of resources in the NPRF all contribute to budgetary sustainability and help cope with the impact of ageing. The strategy outlined in the programme is mainly based on conformity to the Stability and Growth Pact framework and further asset accumulation in the NPRF. Ireland’s relatively low tax ratio should ease the accommodation of any sustainability gap that arises in the longer term.Based on this assessment, the Commission has adopted the attached recommendation for a Council Opinion on the updated stability programme of Ireland and is forwarding it to the Council.Recommendation for aCOUNCIL OPINIONin accordance with the third paragraph of Art. 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 On the updated stability programme of Ireland, 2004-2007THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,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[5], and in particular Article 5(3) thereof,Having regard to the recommendation of the Commission,After consulting the Economic and Financial Committee,HAS DELIVERED THIS OPINION:On [ 17 February 2005] the Council examined the updated stability programme of Ireland, which covers the period 2004 to 2007. The programme complies with the data requirements of the “code of conduct on the content and format of stability and convergence programmes”.The macro-economic scenario underlying the programme envisages real GDP growth of 5.3% in 2004 and to stabilise around 5.2% on average over the rest of the programme period. On the basis of currently available information, this scenario seems to reflect plausible growth assumptions. The programme’s projections for HICP inflation nevertheless seem on the low side.After an initially unplanned surplus in 2004, reflecting stronger than expected receipts, including from one-off factors, and some shortfall in budgeted expenditure, the strategy in the update envisages a modest and broadly stable deficit from 2005 onwards. Both expenditure and revenue ratios are on a declining trend over the programme period, although the former increases in 2005 as a result of recent budgetary measures. At the same time, a significant programme of public investment is being implemented, which results in an average general government investment ratio over the programme period of just below 4% of GDP. Adjusting for the estimated impact of the cycle using the common methodology, the cyclically-adjusted balance is in surplus throughout the projection period, with the exception of a small deficit in 2005. It should nevertheless be noted that the estimation of the output gap and hence of the cyclically-adjusted balances presents unusually high margins of uncertainty due to the special features of the Irish economy. Compared with the previous programme, the current update envisages stronger general government balances against a more favourable macroeconomic scenario.The risks attached to the budgetary projections appear broadly balanced. On the one hand, the forecast of receipts appears to be plausible and the inclusion of contingency provisions in the projections for 2006 and 2007 might point to the possibility of a better than projected outturn. As regards expenditures, Ireland has also recently shown encouraging progress in adhering to expenditure targets, suggesting that recent measures taken to strengthen spending controls are proving effective. On the other hand, there are also some risks of higher headline deficits. In particular, the growth rate of spending appears somewhat restrained in the later years of the programme.In view of this risk assessment, the budgetary stance in the programme seems sufficient to maintain the Stability and Growth Pact’s medium-term objective of a position of close to balance or surplus over the period to 2007. It also provides a sufficient safety margin against breaching the 3% of GDP deficit threshold with normal macroeconomic fluctuations throughout the programme period.General government debt is estimated to have fallen to 30.5% of GDP in 2004, well below the 60% of GDP Treaty reference value. The programme projects the debt ratio to stabilise close to 30% of GDP over the period 2005 to 2007. In the absence of acquisition of non-general government assets by the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) , the debt ratio would be falling significantly throughout the programme period.Ireland appears to be in a relatively favourable position with regard to the long-term sustainability of its public finances. The relatively low debt ratio in Ireland, the pension reform measures already enacted and the accumulation of reserves in the NPRF will contribute to budgetary sustainability and help cope with the impact of ageing. The strategy outlined in the programme is mainly based on conformity to the Stability and Growth Pact framework and further asset accumulation in the NPRF. Overall, Ireland’s relatively low tax ratio should ease the accommodation of any sustainability gap that arises in the longer term.The update provides an overview of the government’s structural reform programme that is oriented towards enhancing the quality of public services, increasing the efficiency of public spending and addressing the infrastructural needs of the Irish economy. Overall, the economic policies outlined in the update are broadly consistent with the country-specific 2003-2005 Broad Economic Policy Guidelines in the area of public finances, which recommended the Irish authorities to enhance the efficiency of public spending, improve the medium-term budgetary framework and prioritise the infrastructural elements of the National Development Plan.Comparison of key macroeconomic and budgetary projections2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |Real GDP (% change) | SP December 2004 | 5.3 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.4 |COM2 | 5.2 | 4.8 | 5.0 | n.a. |SP December 2003 | 3.3 | 4.7 | 5.2 | n.a. |HICP inflation (%) | SP December 2004 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 1.9 |COM Oct 20042 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 2.4 | n.a. |SP December 2003 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 2.0 | n.a. |General government balance (% of GDP) | SP December 2004 | 0.9 | -0.8 | -0.6 | -0.6 |COM Oct 20042 | -0.2 | -0.6 | -0.5 | n.a. |SP December 2003 | -1.1 | -1.4 | -1.1 | n.a. |Primary balance (% of GDP) | SP December 2004 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 |COM Oct 20042 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.8 | n.a. |SP December 2003 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | n.a. |Cyclically-adjusted balance (% of GDP) | SP December 20041 | 1.2 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 |COM Oct 20042 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.3 | n.a. |SP December 20031 | -0.7 | -0.8 | -0.5 | n.a. |Government gross debt (% of GDP) | SP December 2004 | 30.5 | 30.1 | 30.1 | 30.0 |COM Oct 20042 | 30.7 | 30.7 | 30.6 | n.a. |SP December 2003 | 33.3 | 33.5 | 33.3 | n.a. |Notes: 1 Commission services calculations on the basis of the information in the programme 2 Commission services autumn 2004 forecast Sources: Updated Irish Stability Programme, December 2003 and December 2004 (SP); Commission services autumn 2004 economic forecasts (COM); Commission services calculations |[1] OJ L209, 2.8.1997. All the documents referred to in this text can be found at the following website:http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/about/activities/sgp/main_en.htm.[2] Revised Opinion of the Economic and Financial Committee on the content and format of stability and convergence programmes, endorsed by the ECOFIN Council on 10.7.2001.[3] COM(2002) 668 final, 27.11.2002.[4] Revised Opinion of the Economic and Financial Committee on the content and format of stability and convergence programmes, endorsed by the ECOFIN Council on 10.7.2001.[5] OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1. The documents referred to in this text can be found at the following website:http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/about/activities/sgp/main_en.htm.


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32000H0207

2000/207/EC: Commission Recommendation of 22 February 2000 on a coordinated programme for the official control of foodstuffs for 2000 (notified under document number C(2000) 356) (Text with EEA relevance)

Official Journal L 063 , 10/03/2000 P. 0034 - 0041

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONof 22 February 2000on a coordinated programme for the official control of foodstuffs for 2000(notified under document number C(2000) 356)(Text with EEA relevance)(2000/207/EC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Directive 89/397/EEC of 14 June 1989 on the official control of foodstuffs(1), and in particular Article 14(3) thereof,After consultation of the Standing Committee for Foodstuffs,Whereas:(1) It is necessary, with a view to the sound operation of the internal market, to arrange for coordinated food inspection programmes at Community level.(2) Such programmes place emphasis on compliance with Community legislation, the protection of public health, consumer interests and fair trade practices.(3) Article 3 of Council Directive 93/99/EEC of 29 October 1993 on the subject of additional measures concerning the official control of foodstuffs(2) requires the laboratories referred to in Article 7 of Directive 89/397/EEC to comply with the criteria in European Standard EN45000 series. Only such laboratories may be considered as laboratories suitable to carry out analyses within the coordinated programme of official controls.(4) The results from simultaneous implementation of national programmes and coordinated programmes can provide information and experience on which to base future control activities,HEREBY RECOMMENDS:1. During 2000 Member States should carry out controls including, where indicated, taking samples and analysing such samples in laboratories and carrying out audits and/or inspections, to monitor compliance with the following Community measures:(a) Article 3(2) of Council Directive 93/43/EEC of 14 June 1993 on the hygiene of foodstuffs(3) concerning the application of the principles of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system in certain types of food businesses;(b) Paragraph 2 of Chapter IV of the Annex to Directive 93/43/EEC concerning the bulk transport of foodstuffs;(c) Council Directive 90/496/EEC of 24 September 1990 on nutrition labelling for foodstuffs(4) concerning nutritional claims on fruit-flavoured milk drinks, yoghurts and soft drinks.2. Although sampling and/or inspection rates have not been set, Member States should ensure that they are sufficient to provide an overview of the subject under consideration in each Member State. Suggestions will be made for the methods of analysis.3. Member States should provide information as requested following the format of the record sheets provided in the Annex to this recommendation to help enhance the comparability of results.4. Foodstuffs submitted for analysis under this programme should be submitted to laboratories complying with the provisions of Article 3 of Directive 93/99/EEC.5. HACCP in certain food businesses5.1. Scope of the programmeArticle 3(2) of Directive 93/43/EEC requires food business operations covered by the Directive to apply certain principles of HACCP to their businesses in addition to the general hygiene requirements contained in the Annex to that Directive. Since December 1995, food business operators habe been required to have in place systems for the analysis and control of food safety hazards which may be based on voluntary industry guides to good hygiene practice, where such guides exist. Article 5 of Directive 93/43/EEC requires Member States to encourage the development of sectoral voluntary Guides to Good Hygiene Practice which elaborate, for the sector concerned, the general hygiene principles of the Annex to the Directive and the requirements relating to the application of the principles of HACCP in Article 3(2).Article 3(2) of Directive 93/43/EEC applies to all food businesses covered by the Directive regardless of size or type of business. As the range of businesses which must comply with the provision is broad, for the sake of comparability of results only, certain types and sizes of food businesses have been selected. This selection does not in any way indicate that other businesses have more or less responsability under that provision.5.2. MethodThe competent authorities of the Member States in the normal course of their duties should visit the food business operations covered by Directive 93/43/EEC in the following categories:(a) mass/industrial catering establishments,(b) retail butchers selling directly to the consumer.The results of the control should be recorded on the record sheets in the Annex.6. Transport of bulk foodstuffs6.1. Scope of the programmeChapter IV of the Annex to Directive 93/43/EEC specifically requires bulk foodstuffs in liquid, granulate or powdered form to the transported in receptacles and/or containers/tankers reserved for the transport of foodstuffs. For two classes of foodstuffs derogations to this provision have been adopted by the Commission, namely in relation to the transport by sea of edible oils and fats, and raw sugar. This element of the coordinated programme is designed to check whether foodstuffs which are not covered by the derogations made under Article 4 of Directive 93/43/EEC comply with the requirements relating to transport.6.2. MethodThe results of the following controls should be recorded on the record sheets in the Annex:- on the premises of manufacturers of bulk foodstuffs of non-animal origin (oil, flour, starch, etc.), controls should be carried out to check the condition, repair and cleanliness of the receptacles in line with the general provisions of Chapter IV of the Annex to Directive 93/43/EEC and a record kept. Controls should be carried out to establish whether the manufacturer has satisfactory procedures in place to ensure that the receptacles or vessels used for the transport of the foodstuffs are reserved for foodstuffs only;- controls should be undertaken on the premises of carriers, in order to check the types of goods carried by the examination of transport documents and by direct observation.7. Nutrition labelling7.1. Scope of the programmeDirective 90/496/EEC lays down specific labelling requirements for nutrients present in a food when the labelling or presentation of the food comprises a nutrition claim. Foodstuffs for special nutritional uses within the scope of Council Directive 89/398/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses(5) are excluded.7.2. MethodFoods in two categories, fruit and vegetables juices, and fruit-flavoured milk drinks and yoghurts, which are labelled claiming certain nutritional qualities should be sampled to examine whether the nutritional claim is authorised and the wording is in conformity with the provisions of Directive 90/496/EEC. In addition, the sample should be analysed in order to establish whether the values in the nutritional claim are accurate or within accepted tolerances. The results should be recorded on the record sheets in the Annex.Done at Brussels, 22 February 2000.For the CommissionErkki LIIKANENMember of the Commission(1) OJ L 186, 30.6.1989, p. 23.(2) OJ L 290, 24.11.1993, p. 14.(3) OJ L 175, 19.7.1993, p. 1.(4) OJ L 276, 6.10.1990, p. 40.(5) OJ L 186, 30.6.1989, p. 27.ANNEX>PIC FILE= "L_2000063EN.003702.EPS">>PIC FILE= "L_2000063EN.003801.EPS">>PIC FILE= "L_2000063EN.003901.EPS">>PIC FILE= "L_2000063EN.004001.EPS">>PIC FILE= "L_2000063EN.004101.EPS">


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31998Y1231(04)

Recommendation of the European Central Bank of 12 November 1998 on the external auditors of the national central banks (ECB/1998/5)

Official Journal C 411 , 31/12/1998 P. 0011 - 0011

RECOMMENDATION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK of 12 November 1998 on the external auditors of the national central banks (ECB/1998/5) (98/C 411/08)THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank and in particular to Article 27.1 thereof;(1) Whereas the accounts of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of the national central banks (NCBs) shall be audited by independent external auditors recommended by the Governing Council of the ECB and approved by the Council of the European Union;(2) Whereas the external auditors recommended herein reflect the current appointments made by each participating NCB and do not pre-empt the right of the ECB to adopt an amended ECB recommendation whenever this is required by a change of circumstances,HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:KPMG Reviseurs d'Entreprises s.c., Antwerp, and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu s.c., Brussels, are recommended as the external auditors of the Banque Nationale de Belgique/Nationale Bank van België;KPMG Deutsche Treuhandgesellschaft AG and PwC Deutsche Revision AG are recommended as the external auditors of the Deutsche Bundesbank;Coopers & Lybrand, belonging to the international firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, is recommended as the external auditor of the Banco de España;Mazars & Guérard, Paris, and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu - Audit, Neuilly, are recommended as the external auditors of the Banque de France;PricewaterhouseCoopers, Dublin, is recommended as the external auditor of the Central Bank of Ireland;Reconta Ernst & Young s.p.a., Rome, is recommended as the external auditor of the Banca d'Italia;PricewaterhouseCoopers Sarl (Société à responsabilité limitée), Réviseur d'Entreprises, Luxembourg, is recommended as the external auditor of the Banque centrale du Luxembourg;Prof. Drs. J. A. van Manen RA (Registered Accountant) is recommended as the external auditor of De Nederlandsche Bank, acting on a personal assignment, partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers;Prof. DDr. Kurt Neuner, Dr. Pipin Henzl, Dr. Peter Wolf, Mag. Christian Hofer, Dkfm. Dr. Peter Christian Gormasz and Dkfm. Leopold Wundsam, all of whom are registered certified public accountants, are recommended as the external auditors of the Österreichische Nationalbank;PricewaterhouseCoopers - Auditores e Consultores Lda., is recommended as the external auditor of the Banco de Portugal; andArthur Andersen Oy is recommended as the external auditor of Suomen Pankki.This recommendation shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.This recommendation is addressed to the Council of the European Union.Done at Frankfurt am Main on 12 November 1998.The President of the ECBWillem F. DUISENBERG


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32000H1013

2000/612/EC: Recommendation of the European Central Bank of 5 October 2000 on the external auditors of the national central banks (ECB/2000/10)

Official Journal L 259 , 13/10/2000 P. 0065 - 0065

Recommendation of the European Central Bankof 5 October 2000on the external auditors of the national central banks(ECB/2000/10)(2000/612/EC)THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank and in particular to Article 27.1 thereof,Whereas:(1) The accounts of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of the national central banks (NCBs) shall be audited by independent external auditors recommended by the Governing Council of the ECB and approved by the Council of the European Union.(2) Pursuant to Council Decision 2000/427/EC of 19 June 2000 in accordance with Article 122(2) of the Treaty on the adoption by Greece of the single currency on 1 January 2001(1), Greece now fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency, and the derogation in favour of Greece laid down in recital 4 of Council Decision 98/317/EC(2) in accordance with Article 109j(4) of the Treaty shall be abrogated with effect from 1 January 2001.(3) The external auditors recommended in Recommendation ECB/1998/5 of 12 November 1998 on the external auditors of the national central banks(3) reflect the current appointments made by each participating NCB.(4) An external auditor must be recommended for the Bank of Greece for the annual accounts starting from the financial year 2001.(5) It is necessary to recommend an amendment to Council Decision 1999/70/EC of 25 January 1999 concerning the external auditors of the national central banks(4), as amended by Decision 2000/223/EC(5) to take into account Member States whose derogation has been abrogated thereafter,HEREBY RECOMMENDS:- Ernst &  Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors SA and Mr Charalambos Stathakis, who is a registered certified public accountant, as the external auditors of the Bank of Greece for the annual accounts starting from the financial year 2001,- that the Council of the European Union amend its Decision 1999/70/EC accordingly.This recommendation shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.This recommendation is addressed to the Council of the European Union.Done at Frankfurt am Main, 5 October 2000.The President of the ECBWillem F. Duisenberg(1) OJ L 167, 7.7.2000, p. 19.(2) OJ L 139, 11.5.1998, p. 30.(3) OJ C 411, 31.12.1998, p. 11.(4) OJ L 22, 29.1.1999, p. 69.(5) OJ L 71, 18.3.2000, p. 24.


Recommendation for a Council opinion in accordance with the third paragraph of Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) n°1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the updated stability programme of France, 2003 2007