[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |

Brussels, 30.3.2009

COM(2009) 144 final

Proposal for a

COUNCIL AND COMMISSION DECISION

on a Community Position concerning a Decision of the EU – Albania Stabilisation and Association Council on its Rules of Procedure

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, will enter into force on 1 April 2009, following the completion of its ratification by all Member States on 26 February 2009.

The Stabilisation and Association Council established by Article 116 of the said Agreement supervises the implementation of the Agreement and examines any major issues arising within its framework, and any other bilateral or international issues of mutual interest.

As provided in Article 117 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the Stabilisation and Association Council shall establish its rules of procedure. In conformity with Article 120 of the Agreement, these rules of procedure determine the duties of the Stabilisation and Association Committee, which shall assist the Stabilisation and Association Council in the performance of its duties.

As laid down by Article 2(1) of Council Decision of 26 February 2009 on the conclusion of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the Community position in the Stabilisation and Association Council will be established by decision of the Council, acting on a proposal from the Commission.

The Council is therefore invited to approve the attached proposal.

Proposal for a

COUNCIL AND COMMISSION DECISION

on a Community Position concerning a Decision of the EU – Albania Stabilisation and Association Council on its Rules of Procedure

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom),

Having regard to Council Decision of 26 February 2009 on the conclusion of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania (hereinafter referred to as “Albania”), of the other part, and in particular Article 2(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

(1) Article 116 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement establishes a Stabilisation and Association Council.

(2) Article 117 of the said Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council shall adopt its own rules of procedures.

(3) Article 120 of the said Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council shall be assisted by a Stabilisation and Association Committee.

(4) Article 120 of the said Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council shall, in its rules of procedure, determine the duties of the Stabilisation and Association Committee and that the Stabilisation and Association Council may delegate any of its powers to the Stabilisation and Association Committee,

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The position to be adopted by the Community within the Stabilisation and Association Council established by Article 116 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, in relation to the rules of procedures of the said Stabilisation and Association Council and to the delegation of its powers to the Stabilisation and Association Committee referred to in Article 120 of the said Agreement shall be based on the draft decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council, annexed to this Decision. Minor amendments to this draft decision may be accepted without further decision of the Council.

Done at Brussels,

For the Commission | For the Council |

The President | The President |