(1)

The Convention of 20 May 1987 on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods (1) and the Convention of 20 May 1987 on a common transit procedure (2) (together, the ‘Conventions’), concluded between the European Economic Community, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation, entered into force on 1 January 1988.

(2)

The Republic of Moldova and Montenegro have expressed their wish to accede to the Conventions once they have complied with the requirements for their accession.

(3)

Pursuant to Article 11(3) of the Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods, the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by that Convention may, by decision, adopt invitations to third countries to accede to that Convention.

(4)

Pursuant to Article 15(3), point (e), of the Convention on a common transit procedure, the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by that Convention may, by decision, adopt invitations to third countries to accede to that Convention.

(5)

Pursuant to Article 15(3), point (a), of the Convention on a common transit procedure, the EU-CTC Joint Committee established by that Convention may, by decision, adopt amendments to the Appendices to that Convention. Upon the accessions of the Republic of Moldova and of Montenegro to the Convention on a common transit procedure, the respective adaptation of the guarantee documents and, as regards Montenegro, the insertion of certain technical terms in Montenegrin, will be required.

(6)

In accordance with Article 11a(2) and (3) of the Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods and Article 15a(2) and (3) of the Convention on a common transit procedure, a third country invited to become a contracting party is to do so by lodging an instrument of accession and the accession is to become effective on the first day of the second month following the lodging of the instrument of accession.

(7)

It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf within the EU-CTC Joint Committees established by the Conventions (the ‘Joint Committee’), as the decisions to invite the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro to accede to the Conventions and to amend the Convention on a common transit procedure have legal effects.

(8)

The Conventions will ensure efficient border crossing procedures between the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro and the parties to the Conventions.

(9)

The position of the Union within the Joint Committee as regards the adoption of decisions to invite the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro to accede to the Conventions and to amend the Convention on a common transit procedure should be based on the attached draft decisions.

(10)

As the Joint Committee’s decisions will amend the Convention on a common transit procedure, it is appropriate to publish them in the Official Journal of the European Union after their adoption.

(11)

In the Joint Committee, the Union is to be represented by the Commission in accordance with Article 17(1) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU).

(12)

In order to facilitate the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro’s timely accession to the Conventions, it is necessary to adopt this Decision without delay,