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Document L:2008:051:FULL

    Official Journal of the European Union, L 51, 26 February 2008


    Display all documents published in this Official Journal
     

    ISSN 1725-2555

    Official Journal

    of the European Union

    L 51

    European flag  

    English edition

    Legislation

    Volume 51
    26 February 2008


    Contents

     

    I   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory

    page

     

     

    REGULATIONS

     

     

    Commission Regulation (EC) No 168/2008 of 25 February 2008 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

    1

     

    *

    Commission Regulation (EC) No 169/2008 of 25 February 2008 excluding ICES Subdivisions 27 and 28.2 from certain fishing effort limitations and recording obligations for 2008, pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007 establishing a multiannual plan for the cod stocks in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks

    3

     

     

    II   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory

     

     

    DECISIONS

     

     

    Council

     

     

    2008/157/EC

     

    *

    Council Decision of 18 February 2008 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with the Republic of Turkey and repealing Decision 2006/35/EC

    4

     

     

    2008/158/EC

     

    *

    Council Decision of 18 February 2008 extending the period of application of the measures in Decision 2002/148/EC concluding consultations with Zimbabwe under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement

    19

     

     

    Commission

     

     

    2008/159/EC

     

    *

    Commission Decision of 22 February 2008 amending Decision 2007/683/EC approving the plan for the eradication of classical swine fever in feral pigs in certain areas of Hungary (notified under document number C(2008) 675)

    21

     

     

    III   Acts adopted under the EU Treaty

     

     

    ACTS ADOPTED UNDER TITLE V OF THE EU TREATY

     

    *

    Council Common Position 2008/160/CFSP of 25 February 2008 concerning restrictive measures against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova

    23

     

     

    Corrigenda

     

    *

    Corrigendum to Council Regulation (EC) No 711/2006 of 20 March 2006 concerning the implementation of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the United States of America pursuant to Article XXIV:6 and Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 relating to the modification of concessions in the schedules of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic in the course of their accession to the European Union, amending and supplementing Annex I to Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff ( OJ L 124, 11.5.2006 )

    26

     

    *

    Corrigendum to Council Regulation (EC) No 838/2006 of 20 March 2006 concerning the implementation of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the People's Republic of China pursuant to Article XXIV:6 and Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 relating to the modification of concessions in the schedules of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic in the course of their accession to the European Union, amending and supplementing Annex I to Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff ( OJ L 154, 8.6.2006 )

    26

    EN

    Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

    The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.


    I Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory

    REGULATIONS

    26.2.2008   

    EN

    Official Journal of the European Union

    L 51/1


    COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 168/2008

    of 25 February 2008

    establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

    THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

    Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

    Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1580/2007 of 21 December 2007 laying down implementing rules of Council Regulations (EC) No 2200/96, (EC) No 2201/96 and (EC) No 1182/2007 in the fruit and vegetable sector (1), and in particular Article 138(1) thereof,

    Whereas:

    (1)

    Regulation (EC) No 1580/2007 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in the Annex thereto.

    (2)

    In compliance with the above criteria, the standard import values must be fixed at the levels set out in the Annex to this Regulation,

    HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

    Article 1

    The standard import values referred to in Article 138 of Regulation (EC) No 1580/2007 shall be fixed as indicated in the Annex hereto.

    Article 2

    This Regulation shall enter into force on 26 February 2008.

    This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

    Done at Brussels, 25 February 2008.

    For the Commission

    Jean-Luc DEMARTY

    Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development


    (1)   OJ L 350, 31.12.2007, p. 1.


    ANNEX

    to Commission Regulation of 25 February 2008 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

    (EUR/100 kg)

    CN code

    Third country code (1)

    Standard import value

    0702 00 00

    JO

    72,2

    MA

    49,3

    TN

    125,1

    TR

    91,2

    ZZ

    84,5

    0707 00 05

    JO

    190,5

    MA

    64,7

    TR

    174,4

    ZZ

    143,2

    0709 90 70

    MA

    68,8

    TR

    141,5

    ZZ

    105,2

    0709 90 80

    EG

    396,9

    ZZ

    396,9

    0805 10 20

    AR

    69,8

    EG

    47,9

    IL

    58,1

    MA

    53,7

    TN

    49,6

    TR

    93,7

    ZA

    57,8

    ZZ

    61,5

    0805 20 10

    IL

    113,6

    MA

    107,1

    ZZ

    110,4

    0805 20 30 , 0805 20 50 , 0805 20 70 , 0805 20 90

    EG

    82,4

    IL

    80,7

    MA

    130,6

    PK

    43,5

    TR

    78,0

    ZZ

    83,0

    0805 50 10

    AR

    48,9

    EG

    85,4

    IL

    112,0

    MA

    114,0

    TR

    117,3

    UY

    52,4

    ZA

    79,7

    ZZ

    87,1

    0808 10 80

    CL

    63,5

    CN

    83,3

    MK

    42,4

    US

    108,3

    UY

    77,0

    ZA

    106,7

    ZZ

    80,2

    0808 20 50

    AR

    95,1

    CN

    73,7

    US

    123,2

    ZA

    104,0

    ZZ

    99,0


    (1)  Country nomenclature as fixed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1833/2006 (OJ L 354, 14.12.2006, p. 19). Code ‘ ZZ ’ stands for ‘of other origin’.


    26.2.2008   

    EN

    Official Journal of the European Union

    L 51/3


    COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 169/2008

    of 25 February 2008

    excluding ICES Subdivisions 27 and 28.2 from certain fishing effort limitations and recording obligations for 2008, pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007 establishing a multiannual plan for the cod stocks in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks

    THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

    Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

    Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007 of 18 September 2007 establishing a multiannual plan for the cod stocks in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks, amending Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 779/97 (1), and in particular Article 29(2) thereof,

    Having regard to the reports submitted by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden,

    Having regard to the opinion of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF),

    Whereas:

    (1)

    Provisions for setting fishing effort limitations for the cod stocks in the Baltic Sea and on the recording of related fishing effort data are set out in Council Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007.

    (2)

    On the basis of (EC) No 1098/2007, Annex II to Council Regulation (EC) No 1404/2007 (2) has established fishing effort limitations for 2008 in the Baltic Sea.

    (3)

    According to Article 29(2) and Article 29(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007 the Commission may exclude Subdivisions 27 and 28.2 from the scope of certain fishing effort limitations and recording obligations when the catches of cod were below a certain threshold in the last reporting period.

    (4)

    Taking into account the reports submitted by Member States and the advice from the STECF, Subdivisions 27 and 28.2 should be excluded in 2008 from the scope of those fishing effort limitations and recording obligations.

    (5)

    In order to ensure that account could be taken of the latest information made available by the Member States and to allow the scientific advice to be based on the most accurate information, the ultimate date laid down in Article 29(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007 for the final conclusion concerning the need to exclude the respective Subdivisions could not be met.

    (6)

    Regulations (EC) No 1098/2007 and (EC) No 1404/2007 apply from 1 January 2008. In order to ensure coherence with those Regulations, this Regulation should apply retroactively from that date.

    (7)

    The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture,

    HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

    Article 1

    Article 8(1)(b), (3), (4) and (5) and Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1098/2007 shall not apply to ICES Subdivisions 27 and 28.2.

    Article 2

    This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

    It shall apply from 1 January 2008.

    This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

    Done at Brussels, 25 February 2008.

    For the Commission

    Joe BORG

    Member of the Commission


    (1)   OJ L 248, 22.9.2007, p. 1.

    (2)   OJ L 312, 30.11.2007, p. 1.


    II Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory

    DECISIONS

    Council

    26.2.2008   

    EN

    Official Journal of the European Union

    L 51/4


    COUNCIL DECISION

    of 18 February 2008

    on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with the Republic of Turkey and repealing Decision 2006/35/EC

    (2008/157/EC)

    THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

    Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

    Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 390/2001 of 26 February 2001 on assistance to Turkey in the framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of an Accession Partnership (1), and in particular Article 2 thereof,

    Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

    Whereas:

    (1)

    Regulation (EC) No 390/2001 provides that the Council is to decide, by a qualified majority and acting on a proposal from the Commission, on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership, as it will be submitted to Turkey, as well as on subsequent significant adjustments applicable to it.

    (2)

    On that basis the Council adopted an Accession Partnership with Turkey in 2001 and 2003 (2).

    (3)

    The Commission’s 2004 recommendation on Turkey stressed that the European Union should continue the monitoring of the political reform process and that a revised Accession Partnership should be proposed in 2005. Following that, the Council adopted a revised Partnership in January 2006 (3).

    (4)

    In December 2004 the European Council concluded that the European Union would continue to monitor closely progress of the political reforms on the basis of an Accession Partnership setting out priorities for the reform process.

    (5)

    On 3 October 2005 the Member States started negotiations with Turkey on its accession to the European Union. The progress of the negotiations will be guided by Turkey’s progress in preparing for accession, which will be measured, inter alia, against the implementation of the Accession Partnership, as regularly revised.

    (6)

    The Commission’s Communication on Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2006-2007 indicated that the Partnerships would be updated at the end of 2007.

    (7)

    On 11 December 2006 the Council agreed that the Member States within the Intergovernmental Conference would not decide on opening eight chapters covering policy areas relevant to Turkey’s restrictions as regards the Republic of Cyprus, nor would they decide on provisionally closing chapters, until the Commission verified that Turkey had fulfilled its commitments related to the Additional Protocol.

    (8)

    On 17 July 2006 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 establishing an instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) (4), which sets out a new framework for financial assistance to pre-accession countries.

    (9)

    It is therefore appropriate to adopt a revised Accession Partnership which updates the current Partnership in order to identify renewed priorities for further work on the basis of the findings of the 2007 Progress Report on Turkey’s preparations for further integration with the European Union.

    (10)

    In order to prepare for membership, Turkey should develop a plan with a timetable and specific measures to address the priorities of the Accession Partnership.

    (11)

    Decision 2006/35/EC should be repealed,

    HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

    Article 1

    In accordance with Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 390/2001, the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership for Turkey are set out in the Annex hereto.

    Article 2

    The implementation of the Accession Partnership shall be examined and monitored in the bodies established under the Association Agreement and by the Council on the basis of annual reports presented by the Commission.

    Article 3

    Decision 2006/35/EC shall be repealed.

    Article 4

    This Decision shall take effect on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

    Done at Brussels, 18 February 2008.

    For the Council

    The President

    D. RUPEL


    (1)   OJ L 58, 28.2.2001, p. 1.

    (2)  Decision 2001/235/EC (OJ L 85, 24.3.2001, p. 13) and Decision 2003/398/EC (OJ L 145, 12.6.2003, p. 40).

    (3)  Decision 2006/35/EC (OJ L 22, 26.1.2006, p. 34).

    (4)   OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 82.


    ANNEX

    TURKEY 2007 ACCESSION PARTNERSHIP

    1.   INTRODUCTION

    At its meeting in Luxembourg in December 1997, the European Council decided that the Accession Partnership would be the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy, mobilising all forms of assistance to the candidate countries within a single framework. In this manner, the Community targets its assistance towards the specific needs of each candidate so as to provide support for overcoming particular problems with a view to accession.

    The first Accession Partnership for Turkey was adopted by the Council in March 2001. In the Commission’s Strategy Paper on enlargement of October 2002, it was stated that the Commission would propose a revised Accession Partnership for Turkey. A revised Accession Partnership was then presented by the Commission in March 2003 and adopted by the Council in May of the same year. In its recommendation of October 2004 the Commission proposed that, with a view to guaranteeing the sustainability and irreversibility of the political reform process, the EU should continue to monitor closely progress of the political reforms. In particular, the Commission proposed the adoption of a revised Accession Partnership in 2005 which was adopted by the Council in January 2006. Following the expected progress in the implementation of the short-term priorities of the Partnerships, it is the practice to update the partnerships every other year. Therefore, the Commission proposes to renew the Accession Partnership.

    Turkey should develop a plan including a timetable and specific measures intended to address the Accession Partnership priorities.

    The revised Accession Partnership provides the basis for a number of policy/financial instruments which will be used to help Turkey in the preparations for membership. In particular, the revised Accession Partnership will serve as a basis for future political reforms and as a yardstick against which to measure future progress.

    2.   PRINCIPLES

    The main priorities identified for Turkey relate to its capacity to meet the criteria defined by the Copenhagen European Council of 1993 and the requirements of the negotiating framework adopted by the Council on 3 October 2005.

    3.   PRIORITIES

    The priorities listed in this Accession Partnership have been selected on the basis that it is realistic to expect that the country can complete them or take them substantially forward over the next few years. A distinction is made between short-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within one to two years, and medium-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within three to four years. The priorities concern both legislation and the implementation thereof.

    The revised Accession Partnership indicates the priority areas for Turkey’s membership preparations. Turkey will, nevertheless, ultimately have to address all the issues identified in the progress reports, including consolidating the political reform process in order to guarantee its irreversibility and ensure its uniform implementation throughout the country and at all levels of the administration. It is also important that Turkey fulfil the commitments of legislative approximation and implementation of the acquis in accordance with the commitments made under the Association Agreement, Customs Union and related decisions of the EC-Turkey Association Council, for example on the trade regime for agricultural products.

    3.1.   SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES

    Political dialogue

    Democracy and the rule of law

    Public administration

    Pursue reform of public administration and personnel policy in order to ensure greater efficiency, accountability and transparency,

    strengthen local administrations by reforming the central administration, devolving powers to local administrations and providing them with adequate resources,

    implement legislation aimed at establishing a fully operational Ombudsman system,

    adopt and implement legislation on the Court of Auditors.

    Civilian oversight of the security forces

    Strengthen efforts to align civilian control of the military in line with the practice in EU Member States. Ensure that the military does not intervene in political issues and that civilian authorities fully exercise supervisory functions on security matters, including as regards the formulation of the national security strategy and its implementation,

    take steps towards bringing about greater accountability and transparency in the conduct of security affairs,

    establish full parliamentary oversight of military and defence policy and all related expenditure, including by external audit,

    limit the jurisdiction of military courts to military duties of military personnel.

    Judicial system

    Strengthen efforts, including through training, to ensure that interpretation by the judiciary of legislation related to human rights and fundamental freedoms is in line with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), and with Article 90 of the Turkish Constitution,

    ensure that the judiciary is independent of other state institutions, in particular as regards the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors and the inspection system. More specifically, ensure that the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors represents the judiciary as a whole,

    strengthen the efficiency of the judiciary through, in particular, reinforcing its institutional capacity and adopting a new Code of civil procedure,

    proceed with the establishment of regional intermediate courts of appeal.

    Anti-corruption policy

    Develop a comprehensive anti-corruption strategy, including the fight against high-level corruption, and a central body to oversee and monitor its implementation, including through establishing statistical data. Improve coordination between all institutions involved,

    ensure implementation of the Regulation on Principles of Ethical Behaviour for Civil Servants and extend its provisions to elected officials, judiciary, academics and military personnel,

    limit the immunities granted to politicians and public officials in line with European best practices and improve legislation on transparency in political party and election campaign financing.

    Human rights and the protection of minorities

    Observance of international human rights law

    Ratify the optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture which provides for the establishment of a system of independent monitoring of detention facilities.

    European Court of Human Rights

    Comply with the ECHR, and ensure full execution of the judgments of the ECtHR,

    amend the criminal procedure Code so as to enforce the right to retrial in line with the relevant judgments of the ECtHR.

    Promotion and enforcement of human rights

    Establish an independent, adequately resourced national human rights institution in accordance with relevant UN principles. Monitor human rights cases, including through statistical data,

    continue the training of law enforcement agencies on human rights issues and investigation techniques.

    Civil and political rights

    Prevention of torture and ill-treatment

    Ensure implementation of the measures adopted in the context of the ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards torture and ill-treatment in line with the ECHR and the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture,

    ensure implementation of the Istanbul Protocol throughout the country, in particular by increasing medical expertise,

    intensify the fight against impunity. Ensure that prosecutors conduct timely and effective investigations of alleged cases, leading to identification and punishment of perpetrators by the courts.

    Access to justice

    Strengthen efforts to ensure adequate legal aid and qualified interpretation services.

    Freedom of expression

    In view of ensuring full respect of freedom of expression, revise and implement legislation on freedom of expression, including freedom of the press, in line with the ECHR and with the case law of the ECtHR,

    remedy the situation of those persons prosecuted or sentenced for non-violent expression of opinion.

    Freedom of assembly and association

    Continue implementation of all reforms concerning freedom of association and peaceful assembly in accordance with the ECHR and its related case law. Implement measures to prevent the excessive use of force by security forces,

    align with best practices in EU Member States as regards legislation on political parties.

    Civil society organisations

    Further strengthen the domestic development of civil society and its involvement in the shaping of public policies,

    facilitate and encourage open communication and cooperation between all sectors of Turkish civil society and European partners.

    Freedom of religion

    Take the necessary measures to establish an atmosphere of tolerance conducive to the full respect of freedom of religion in practice.

    In line with the ECHR and the case law of the ECtHR:

    Revise and implement legislation on foundations,

    interpret and apply current legislation pending the adoption and implementation of the new law on foundations,

    ensure that non-Muslim religious communities can acquire legal personality and exercise their rights,

    ensure the possibility of religious education for non-Muslim minorities, including the training of their clergy,

    ensure equal treatment of Turkish and foreign nationals as regards their ability to exercise the right to freedom of religion through participation in the life of organised religious communities,

    adopt legislation to prevent repeated prosecutions and convictions of those who refuse to perform military service for conscientious or religious reasons.

    Economic and social rights

    Women’s rights

    Pursue measures to implement current legislation relating to women’s rights and against all forms of violence against women, including crimes committed in the name of honour. Ensure specialised training for judges and prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, municipalities and other responsible institutions and strengthen efforts to establish shelters for women at risk of violence in all larger municipalities, in line with current legislation,

    further increase the awareness of the general public, and of men in particular, concerning gender issues, and promote the role of women in society, including through ensuring equal access to education and participation in the labour market and in political and social life; support the development of women’s organisations to fulfil these goals.

    Children’s rights

    Ensure the full implementation of the Law on Child Protection and promote protection of children’s rights in line with EU and international standards,

    continue efforts to tackle the problem of child labour and child poverty and improve the situation of street children.

    Labour rights and trade unions

    Ensure that full trade union rights are respected in line with EU standards and the relevant ILO Conventions, in particular as regards the right to organise, the right to strike and the right to bargain collectively,

    further reinforce social dialogue, facilitate and encourage cooperation with EU partners.

    Anti-discrimination policies

    Guarantee in law and in practice the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all individuals, without discrimination and irrespective of language, political opinion, sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation,

    strengthen efforts to revise curricula and textbooks so that discriminatory language is eliminated.

    Minority rights, cultural rights and protection of minorities

    Ensure cultural diversity and promote respect for and protection of minorities in accordance with the ECHR and the principles laid down in the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and in line with best practice in Member States,

    guarantee legal protection of minorities, in particular as regards the peaceful enjoyment of possessions, in line with Protocol No 1 to the ECHR.

    Cultural rights

    Improve effective access to radio and TV broadcasting in languages other than Turkish, in particular by removing remaining legal restrictions,

    adopt appropriate measures to support the teaching of languages other than Turkish.

    Situation in the east and south-east

    Develop a comprehensive approach to reducing regional disparities, and in particular to improving the situation in southeast Turkey, with a view to enhancing economic, social and cultural opportunities for all Turkish citizens, including those of Kurdish origin,

    abolish the village guard system in the south-east,

    clear the area of landmines.

    Internally displaced persons

    Pursue measures to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their original settlements in line with the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Displaced Persons,

    continue implementation of the law on the compensation of losses due to terrorism and the fight against terrorism. Ensure fair and prompt compensation of victims.

    Regional issues and international obligations

    Cyprus

    Actively support efforts to implement the agreed 8th July process leading to a comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded, including concrete steps to contribute to a favourable climate for such a comprehensive settlement,

    implement fully the Protocol adapting the Ankara Agreement to the accession of the new EU Member States, including removal of all existing restrictions on Cyprus-flagged vessels and vessels serving the Cyprus trade (1),

    take concrete steps for the normalisation of bilateral relations between Turkey and all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus, as soon as possible (1).

    Peaceful settlement of border disputes

    Pursue further efforts to resolve any outstanding border disputes in conformity with the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter including, if necessary, jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice,

    unequivocally commit to good neighbourly relations; address any sources of friction with neighbours; and refrain from any threat or action which could adversely affect the process of peaceful settlement of border disputes.

    Obligations under the Association Agreement

    Ensure implementation of commitments undertaken under the Association Agreement, including the Customs Union.

    Economic criteria

    Continue to implement appropriate fiscal and monetary policies with a view to taking adequate measures to preserve macroeconomic stability and predictability. Implement a sustainable and effective social security system,

    further strengthen economic policy coordination across different institutions and policy areas in order to provide a consistent and sustainable economic policy framework for the economy,

    continue privatisation of state-owned enterprises,

    continue with market liberalisation, and price reforms, in particular in the areas of energy and agriculture,

    address labour market imbalances. To this end, improve incentive structures and flexibility in the labour market to increase participation and employment rates; improve education and professional training efforts, thereby encouraging the shift from agriculture to a service-based economy,

    improve the business climate. To this end, improve the functioning of the commercial judiciary and safeguard the independence of market regulatory authorities; improve bankruptcy procedures to address impediments to market exit,

    identify and implement means to address the informal economy.

    Ability to assume the obligations of membership

    Chapter 1:   Free movement of goods

    Abolish import permits or licence requirements, as well as disproportionate requirements for certificates in respect of products other than used motor vehicles,

    submit to the Commission a plan for abolishing import permits on used motor vehicles,

    complete the identification of measures contrary to Articles 28 to 30 of the EC Treaty, draw up a plan for their removal and introduce the mutual recognition clause into the Turkish legal order,

    address the remaining issue on regulatory data protection for pharmaceutical products.

    Chapter 3:   Right of establishment and freedom to provide services

    Present a detailed strategy which should include a timetable of all necessary steps in terms of legislative alignment and institutional capacity in order to comply with the acquis covered by this chapter,

    continue alignment with the acquis for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, in particular by providing for a procedure for professional recognition distinct from academic recognition and by adopting the minimum training requirements set out in Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications (2),

    begin alignment with the acquis on postal services.

    Chapter 4:   Free movement of capital

    Continue to remove restrictions affecting foreign direct investments originating from the EU,

    start to align payment systems legislation with the acquis.

    Chapter 5:   Public procurement

    Give an organisation for procurement the task of guaranteeing a coherent policy and steering its implementation,

    present a comprehensive strategy which will include all reforms necessary for legislative alignment and institutional capacity building in order to comply with the acquis.

    Chapter 6:   Company law

    Adopt the new Commercial Code.

    Chapter 7:   Intellectual property law

    Improve the capacity of police, customs and the judiciary to enforce intellectual property rights, including strengthening coordination between these bodies,

    address, in particular, the counterfeiting of trade marks and piracy.

    Chapter 8:   Competition policy

    Adopt a State aid law in line with the acquis requirements and set up an operationally independent state aid monitoring authority able to fulfil existing transparency commitments,

    finalise and adopt the National Steel Restructuring Programme in line with EU requirements.

    Chapter 9:   Financial services

    Continue alignment with the new capital requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and with the other related directives (deposit guarantee scheme, winding up and reorganisation, financial conglomerates, bank accounts),

    strengthen prudential and supervisory standards both in banking and in the non-bank financial sector. Establish an independent regulatory and supervisory authority in the insurance and pension sector.

    Chapter 10:   Information society and media

    Adopt a new Electronic Communications Law aligned with the current EU Regulatory Framework,

    complete the adoption and implementation of the key ‘starting conditions’ for the 2002 EU regulatory framework,

    continue alignment of legislation in the field of audiovisual policy, in particular with regard to the Television without Frontiers Directive.

    Chapter 11:   Agriculture and rural development

    Establish an IPARD agency (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance Rural Development Component) accredited in compliance with EU requirements,

    lift restrictions on trade in beefmeat, live bovine animals and by-products.

    Chapter 12:   Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy

    Adopt a framework law on food, feed and veterinary matters compliant with EU requirements and which allows a complete transposition of the EU acquis,

    ensure the operationality of the system for the identification and registration of bovines and registration of their movement in compliance with the EU acquis, and start the implementation of an appropriate system for sheep and goats in order to trace movements,

    take the necessary measures to allow the Thrace region to be recognised by the World Organisation on Animal Health as a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone with vaccination,

    classify all agri-food establishments by category based on the EU acquis and prepare a National Programme for upgrading those establishments.

    Chapter 13:   Fisheries

    Reinforce the administrative structures in particular by creating a central unit in charge of all fisheries matters. Particular attention also needs to be paid to strengthening fisheries inspection and control services,

    adopt the revised Fisheries Law in line with EU requirements, including in the field of resource and fleet management, as well as inspection and control.

    Chapter 14:   Transport policy

    Adopt the Railways Framework Law in order gradually to open the Turkish rail transport market and provide for the separation of functions regarding infrastructure management and provision of services,

    continue alignment with, and implementation in, the maritime sector paying special attention to the effective implementation of pollution prevention. Further strengthen maritime administration, including the improvement of the safety record of the Turkish fleet and the implementation of the maritime security acquis,

    in the field of aviation, work towards a technical solution to ensure the necessary communication in order to guarantee the appropriate level of air safety in the South Eastern Mediterranean region,

    engage in a process towards the recognition of ‘Community designation’ and provide a clear strategy for the progressive alignment to the acquis on the Single European Sky,

    align with, and implement, the relevant provisions and specificities of the European Civil Aviation Conference’s policy statement in the field of civil aviation security.

    Chapter 15:   Energy

    Continue alignment with, and implementation of, the acquis on the internal gas and electricity market and on cross-border exchanges in electricity, also with a view to possible membership of the Energy Community Treaty. Ensure the implementation of fair and non-discriminatory rules for the transmission of gas,

    continue to develop the capacities of the different regulatory authorities and ensure their independence,

    strengthen administrative capacity and continue alignment in the energy efficiency field, promote high-efficiency cogeneration, and develop renewable energy in transport, electricity and heating/cooling, including the setting of appropriate and ambitious targets and incentives,

    accede to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management.

    Chapter 16:   Taxation

    Take practical steps leading to a substantial reduction in discriminatory taxation of alcoholic products, imported tobacco and imported cigarettes, and present a plan with clear milestones, and agreed with the Commission, for the rapid elimination of any residual discriminatory taxation,

    pursue alignment of VAT and excise duties, in particular on structure and applied rates,

    continue strengthening and modernising the tax administration, including the IT sector, in order to increase compliance and improve collection of tax revenues and to reduce the informal economy.

    Chapter 18:   Statistics

    Produce timely key national accounts indicators in accordance with ESA 95,

    align the methodology and the organisational set-up for collecting information to provide agriculture statistics in line with EU requirements,

    finalise establishment of the business register.

    Chapter 19:   Social policy and employment

    Establish conditions for an effective social dialogue at all levels, inter alia, by adopting new legislation eliminating restrictive provisions on trade union activities and ensuring full trade union rights,

    provide an analysis of undeclared work in Turkey and draw up a plan to tackle this problem in the context of an overall action plan for the enforcement of the acquis for the benefit of the entire workforce,

    finalise the work on the Joint Inclusion Memorandum (JIM) and the Joint Assessment Paper on Employment Policy Priorities (JAP) and actively implement both follow-up processes.

    Chapter 20:   Enterprise and Industrial policy

    Adopt a revised comprehensive industrial policy strategy.

    Chapter 22:   Regional policy and coordination of structural instruments

    Reinforce the establishment of institutional structures and strengthen administrative capacity in the areas of programming, project preparation, monitoring, evaluation and financial management and control, particularly at the level of line ministries, to implement EU pre-accession programmes as a preparation for the implementation of the Community’s cohesion policy.

    Chapter 23:   Judiciary and fundamental rights

    Strengthen efforts to align its legislation with the acquis on the protection of personal data and to establish an independent data protection supervisory authority.

    See for other priorities the section on political criteria.

    Chapter 24:   Justice, freedom and security

    Continue to strengthen all law enforcement institutions and align their status and functioning with European standards, including through developing inter-agency cooperation. Adopt a code of ethics and establish an independent and effective complaints system to ensure greater accountability covering all law enforcement bodies,

    continue efforts to implement the National Action Plan on Asylum and Migration (including through the adoption of a roadmap), increase capacity to combat illegal migration in line with international standards,

    conclude urgently a readmission agreement with the EU,

    make progress in the preparations for the adoption of a comprehensive asylum law in line with the acquis including the establishment of an asylum authority,

    continue efforts to implement the National Action Plan on integrated border management including through the definition of a precise road map. Steps should be taken to establish the new border law enforcement authority,

    implement the national strategy on organised crime. Strengthen the fight against organised crime, drugs, trafficking in persons, fraud, corruption and money-laundering.

    Chapter 26:   Education and Culture

    Enhance the administrative capacity of the Lifelong Learning and Youth in Action National Agency in order to be able to deal with the increased workload.,

    Chapter 27:   Environment

    Adopt a comprehensive strategy for the gradual transposition, implementation and enforcement of the acquis, including plans for building up the necessary administrative capacity at national, regional and local level and required financial resources, with an indication of milestones and timetables,

    continue transposition, implementation and enforcement of the acquis, in particular horizontal and framework legislation, such as the environmental impact assessment, including transboundary aspects, as well as strengthening of administrative capacity,

    adopt the National Waste Management Plan.

    Chapter 28:   Consumer and health protection

    Further align with the consumer and health acquis, including in the areas of blood, tissues and cells and tobacco, and ensure adequate administrative structures and enforcement capacity,

    strengthen the courts’ capacity, including through training, to ensure consistency in interpretation of consumer legislation.

    Chapter 29:   Customs Union

    Align legislation on free zones with the relevant acquis, particularly for rules concerning customs controls and tax auditing,

    strengthen the enforcement capacity of the customs administration, particularly regarding the fight against illegal trade and counterfeit. Continue the preparations for interconnectivity of the IT systems with the EU,

    eliminate customs duty relief for goods covered by the Customs Union and which are sold in duty-free shops to travellers entering in Turkey.

    Chapter 30:   External relations

    Align with the EU position in the World Trade Organisation, as regards the Doha Development Agenda and in the OECD,

    complete the alignment with the European Community regime on generalised system of preferences (GSP),

    continue efforts to conclude outstanding free trade agreements with third countries in line with the acquis.

    Chapter 31:   Foreign, security and defence policy

    Continue to align with EU common positions, declarations, statements and démarches on Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP),

    align policies towards third countries and positions within international organisations with those of the EU and its Member States including in relation to the membership by all EU Member States of relevant organisations and arrangements such as Wassenaar.

    Chapter 32:   Financial control

    Adopt an updated Public Internal Financial Control (PIFC) Policy Paper and derived PIFC legislation,

    adopt pending legislation to guarantee the functioning of the Turkish Court of Accounts in line with the International organisation of supreme audit institutions (INTOSAI) standards and guidelines,

    set up an operationally independent anti-fraud coordination structure for the protection of EU financial interests.

    3.2.   MEDIUM-TERM PRIORITIES

    Economic criteria

    Complete the privatisation programme,

    ensure the sustainability of public finance,

    continue to improve the general level of education and health, paying particular attention to the younger generation and women,

    upgrade the country’s infrastructure, in particular in energy and transport, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the economy at large.

    Ability to assume the obligations of membership

    Chapter 2:     Freedom of movement for workers

    Ensure that the Public Employment Services have adequate capacity to guarantee participation in the EURES (European Employment Services) network,

    continue to strengthen administrative structures, in particular for the coordination of social security schemes.

    Chapter 3:     Right of establishment and freedom to provide services

    Further remove restrictions on the right of establishment and the freedom to provide cross-border services,

    continue alignment on the acquis for postal services,

    continue alignment with the acquis for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and, in particular, work towards repealing nationality requirements.

    Chapter 5:     Public procurement

    Implement the public procurement strategy,

    promote the use of electronic means in procurement procedures.

    Chapter 6:     Company law

    Adopt a general-purpose financial reporting framework in the area of corporate accounting and auditing in line with EU standards,

    strengthen disclosure requirements. In particular, adopt a general requirement for companies to file audited legal entity and consolidated financial statements in order to make them publicly available.

    Chapter 7:     Intellectual property law

    Continue alignment and ensure an effective enforcement of intellectual property rights.

    Chapter 8:     Competition policy

    align secondary legislation in the State aid field,

    ensure transparency in the area of state aid in line with existing bilateral commitments. Inform the Community of all aid schemes in force and notify in advance any individual aid to be granted.

    Chapter 10:     Information society and media

    Continue the transposition and implementation of the acquis in the electronic communications area and prepare for full liberalisation of the markets,

    further align with the audiovisual acquis and strengthen the independence and administrative capacity of the regulatory authority.

    Chapter 11:     Agriculture and rural development

    Continue developing the system of land identification and the National Farmer Registration System to prepare for controls on agricultural land,

    start preparing the implementation of pilot actions relating to environment and the countryside, in view of future implementation of agri-environmental measures.

    Chapter 12:     Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy

    Adopt control measures for animal diseases and set up eradication plans where this is justified by the animal health situation,

    enhance laboratory and control capacities in the food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary domain,in particular as regards reference laboratories, residue testing (including control plans) and sampling procedures,

    align the legislation on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) and animal by-products and start to set up the necessary collection and treatment system.

    Chapter 13:     Fisheries

    Set up a reliable stock assessment system to provide accurate information on marine resources,

    adapt the existing fleet register to EU requirements.

    Chapter 14:     Transport policy

    continue the legislative and administrative alignment to the transport acquis in particular as regards road transport and air safety,

    strengthen the capacity to implement EU acquis, including control measures, in line with EU standards.

    Chapter 15:     Energy

    Ensure the establishment of a competitive internal energy market, in compliance with the electricity and gas directives. Further strengthen administrative and regulatory structures needed for a functional and competitive energy market,

    adopt a nuclear law which ensures a high level of nuclear safety in line with EU standards.

    Chapter 16:     Taxation

    Continue alignment of excise duties and VAT, in particular as regards deductions, exemptions, special schemes, tax refunds and the application of reduced rates.

    Chapter 18:     Statistics

    Reinforce the coordinating role and improve the administrative capacity of Turkstat to ensure more timely collection, processing and dissemination of data.

    Chapter 19:     Social policy and employment

    Continue transposition of the acquis and strengthen the related administrative and enforcement structures including the labour inspectorates, in association with social partners,

    enhance capacity to assess and monitor labour market and social developments and address structural problems.

    Chapter 21:     Trans-European networks

    Give priority to projects identified under the Transport Infrastructure Needs Assessment (TINA) and to projects of common interest listed in the European Community TEN-Energy Guidelines.

    Chapter 22:     Regional policy and coordination of structural policy instruments

    Develop at central, regional and local level the administrative capacity for the implementation of possible future Community cohesion policy.

    Chapter 24:     Justice, freedom and security

    Accelerate efforts to set up an integrated border management system in line with the acquis, based on close interagency coordination and professionalism of staff, covering, inter alia, a pre-screening mechanism to identify persons in need of international protection at borders,

    continue with alignment with the acquis in the field of asylum, in particular through the lifting of the geographical limitation to the Geneva Convention and through strengthening protection, social support and integration measures for refugees,

    ensure compatibility of Turkish legislation with the acquis in civil matters and strengthen the capacity of the judiciary to apply the acquis.

    Chapter 27:     Environment

    Continue to transpose and implement the acquis related to the framework legislation, international environmental conventions and legislation on nature protection, water quality, chemicals, industrial pollution and risk management and waste management,

    pursue integration of environmental requirements into other sectoral policies.

    Chapter 28:     Consumer and health protection

    Ensure a high level of protection through the effective enforcement of consumer protection rules and involvement of relevant consumer organisations,

    in the area of mental health, develop community-based services as an alternative to institutionalisation, and ensure allocation of sufficient financial resources for mental health care.

    Chapter 29:     Customs Union

    Complete alignment of customs legislation on dual-use goods and technologies, precursors and counterfeit and pirated goods.

    Chapter 32:     Financial control

    Align the Turkish Criminal Code with the protection of the European Communities financial interests Convention (PIF Convention) and its protocols.

    4.   PROGRAMMING

    Financial assistance for the priorities identified in the Accession Partnership will be made available through two financial instruments: programmes adopted before and in 2006 will be implemented in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 2500/2001 of 17 December 2001 concerning pre-accession financial assistance for Turkey (3). Programmes and projects adopted as from 2007 will be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006. Under both instruments, the Commission has adopted respectively will adopt financing decisions, followed by a financing agreements signed by the Commission and Turkey. The financing agreements serve as legal basis for the implementation of the concrete programmes.

    Turkey has also access to funding from multi-country and horizontal programmes.

    5.   CONDITIONALITY

    Community assistance for financing projects through the pre-accession instruments is conditional on the respect by Turkey of its commitments under the EC-Turkey Agreements, including Customs Union Decision 1/95 and other decisions, further concrete steps towards satisfying effectively the Copenhagen criteria and, in particular, progress in meeting the specific priorities of this revised Accession Partnership.

    Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council to suspend financial assistance on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 2500/2001 or on the basis of Article 21 of Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006. Specific conditions are also included in individual annual programmes. The financing decisions will be followed by a financing agreement signed with Turkey.

    6.   MONITORING

    The implementation of the Accession Partnership shall be examined using the mechanisms established under the Association Agreement as appropriate and through the Commission’s progress reports.

    The Association Agreement sub-committees provide the possibility of reviewing implementation of the Accession Partnership priorities and progress as regards legal approximation, implementation and enforcement. The Association Committee discusses overall developments, progress and problems in meeting the Accession Partnership priorities as well as more specific issues referred to it by the sub-committees.

    The monitoring of the pre-accession financial assistance programmes shall be carried out jointly by Turkey and the Commission through a joint monitoring committee (JMC)/IPA Monitoring Committee. In order to ensure the effectiveness of monitoring, projects being funded under each financing agreement must incorporate verifiable and measurable indicators of achievements. Monitoring based on these indicators will assist the Commission, the JMC/IPA Monitoring Committee and Turkey in subsequently reorienting programmes where necessary and in the design of new programmes. The JMC/IPA Monitoring Committee ensures that actions financed under the pre-accession programmes are compatible with the Accession Partnership.

    The Accession Partnership will continue to be adjusted as necessary in accordance with Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 390/2001.


    (1)  See also the declaration by the European Community and its Member States of 21 September 2005.

    (2)   OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22. Directive as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1430/2007 (OJ L 320, 6.12.2007, p. 3).

    (3)   OJ L 342, 27.12.2001, p. 1. Regulation repealed by Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006.


    26.2.2008   

    EN

    Official Journal of the European Union

    L 51/19


    COUNCIL DECISION

    of 18 February 2008

    extending the period of application of the measures in Decision 2002/148/EC concluding consultations with Zimbabwe under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement

    (2008/158/EC)

    THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

    Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 300(2) thereof,

    Having regard to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (1) and revised in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (2),

    Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (3), and in particular Article 3 thereof,

    Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

    Whereas:

    (1)

    By Council Decision 2002/148/EC (4), the consultations with the Republic of Zimbabwe under Article 96(2)(c) of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement were concluded and appropriate measures, as specified in the Annex to that Decision, were taken.

    (2)

    By Decision 2007/127/EC the application of the measures referred to in Article 2 of Decision 2002/148/EC, which had been extended until 20 February 2004 by Article 1 of Decision 2003/112/EC (5), until 20 February 2005 by Article 1 of Decision 2004/157/EC (6), until 20 February 2006 by Article 1 of Decision 2005/139/EC (7) and until 20 February 2007 by Article 1 of Decision 2006/114/EC (8), were extended for a further period of twelve months until 20 February 2008.

    (3)

    The essential elements cited in Article 9 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement continue to be violated by the Government of Zimbabwe, and the current conditions in Zimbabwe do not ensure respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.

    (4)

    The period of application of the measures should therefore be extended,

    HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

    Article 1

    The period of application of the measures referred to in Article 2 of Decision 2002/148/EC shall be extended until 20 February 2009. The measures shall be kept under constant review.

    The letter in the Annex to this Decision shall be addressed to the President of Zimbabwe.

    Article 2

    This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

    It shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

    Done at Brussels, 18 February 2008.

    For the Council

    The President

    D. RUPEL


    (1)   OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3. Agreement as last amended by Decision No 4/2007 (OJ L 25, 30.1.2008, p. 11).

    (2)   OJ L 209, 11.8.2005, p. 26.

    (3)   OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 376. Internal Agreement as last amended by Internal Agreement of 10 April 2006 (OJ L 247, 9.9.2006, p. 48).

    (4)   OJ L 50, 21.2.2002, p. 64. Decision as last amended by Decision 2007/127/EC (OJ L 53, 22.2.2007, p. 23).

    (5)   OJ L 46, 20.2.2003, p. 25.

    (6)   OJ L 50, 20.2.2004, p. 60.

    (7)   OJ L 48, 19.2.2005, p. 28.

    (8)   OJ L 48, 18.2.2006, p. 26.


    ANNEX

    Brussels, …

    The European Union attaches the utmost importance to the provisions of Article 9 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement. As essential elements of the Partnership Agreement, respect for human rights, democratic institutions and the rule of law form the basis of our relations.

    By letter of 19 February 2002, the European Union informed you of its decision to conclude the consultations held under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and to take certain ‘appropriate measures’ within the meaning of Article 96(2)(c) of that Agreement.

    By letters of 19 February 2003, 19 February 2004, 18 February 2005, 15 February 2006 and 21 February 2007, the European Union informed you of its decisions not to revoke the ‘appropriate measures’ and to extend the period of application until 20 February 2004, 20 February 2005, 20 February 2006, 20 February 2007 and 20 February 2008 respectively.

    Twelve months later, the European Union considers that no significant progress has been made in the five areas referred to in the Council Decision of 18 February 2002.

    In the light of the above, the European Union does not consider that the appropriate measures can be revoked and has decided to extend their period of application until 20 February 2009. The European Union’s position will be kept under constant review, including on the basis of an in-depth assessment of the situation after the completion of the SADC initiative on Zimbabwe and the upcoming elections.

    The European Union would once again emphasise that it is not penalising the Zimbabwean people and that it will continue its contribution to operations of a humanitarian nature and projects in direct support of the population, in particular projects in the social sectors, democratisation, respect for human rights and the rule of law, which are not affected by these measures.

    The European Union wishes to reiterate that the application of appropriate measures within the meaning of Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement is no obstacle to political dialogue as provided for in Article 8 of that Agreement.

    With this in mind, the European Union wishes to underline once again the importance that it attaches to future EC-Zimbabwe cooperation and to confirm its willingness to make continued use of the opportunity provided by the ongoing 10th EDF programming exercise to carry on the dialogue and make progress in the near future towards a situation where the resumption of full cooperation becomes possible.

    Yours faithfully,

    For the Commission

    For the Council


    Commission

    26.2.2008   

    EN

    Official Journal of the European Union

    L 51/21


    COMMISSION DECISION

    of 22 February 2008

    amending Decision 2007/683/EC approving the plan for the eradication of classical swine fever in feral pigs in certain areas of Hungary

    (notified under document number C(2008) 675)

    (Only the Hungarian text is authentic)

    (2008/159/EC)

    THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

    Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

    Having regard to Council Directive 2001/89/EC of 23 October 2001 on Community measures for the control of classical swine fever (1), and in particular Article 16(1) thereof,

    Whereas:

    (1)

    Commission Decision 2007/683/EC (2) was adopted as one of a number of measures to combat classical swine fever.

    (2)

    Slovakia has informed the Commission about the recent evolution of that disease in feral pigs in certain areas bordering Hungary.

    (3)

    Hungary has informed the Commission that in the light of the epidemiological situation, the measures set out in the plan for the eradication of classical swine fever in feral pigs need to be extended to certain areas of the Pest County in Hungary.

    (4)

    Decision 2007/683/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.

    (5)

    The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

    HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

    Article 1

    The Annex to Decision 2007/683/EC is replaced by the text in the Annex to this Decision.

    Article 2

    This Decision is addressed to the Republic of Hungary.

    Done at Brussels, 22 February 2008.

    For the Commission

    Markos KYPRIANOU

    Member of the Commission


    (1)   OJ L 316, 1.12.2001, p. 5. Directive as last amended by Commission Decision 2007/729/EC (OJ L 294, 13.11.2007, p. 26).

    (2)   OJ L 281, 25.10.2007, p. 27.


    ANNEX

    ‘ANNEX

    Areas where the plan for the eradication of classical swine fever in feral pigs is to be implemented

    The territory of the county of Nógrád and the territory of the county of Pest located north and east of the Danube, south of the border with Slovakia, west of the border with the county Nógrád and north of the motorway E 71.’.


    III Acts adopted under the EU Treaty

    ACTS ADOPTED UNDER TITLE V OF THE EU TREATY

    26.2.2008   

    EN

    Official Journal of the European Union

    L 51/23


    COUNCIL COMMON POSITION 2008/160/CFSP

    of 25 February 2008

    concerning restrictive measures against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova

    THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

    Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 15 thereof,

    Whereas:

    (1)

    On 27 February 2003, the Council adopted Common Position 2003/139/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova (1). Those measures (restrictions on admission) were renewed by Council Common Position 2004/179/CFSP (2) of 23 February 2004. They expire on 27 February 2008.

    (2)

    On 26 August 2004, the Council adopted Common Position 2004/622/CFSP (3) amending Common Position 2004/179/CFSP by which it extended the restrictions on admission on persons who are responsible for the design and implementation of the intimidation and closure campaign against Latin-script Moldovan schools in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.

    (3)

    Although negotiations on constitutional changes have started, there has been no substantial progress in the situation regarding the Transnistrian conflict in the Republic of Moldova.

    (4)

    The EU remains committed to contributing to the objective of reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict, in full respect of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and within the framework of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

    (5)

    The EU considers unacceptable the continued position of the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova and its unwillingness to engage fully in efforts to reach a peaceful and comprehensive solution to the Transnistrian conflict.

    (6)

    On the basis of a re-examination of Common Position 2004/179/CFSP, the restrictive measures should be renewed for a further period of 12 months. The Council considers that it is appropriate to delete six persons from the list in Annex I and to add six other persons to the lists in Annexes I and II.

    (7)

    For the sake of clarity, the restrictive measures should be consolidated into a single legal act,

    HAS ADOPTED THIS COMMON POSITION:

    Article 1

    1.   Member States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into, or transit through, their territories of the persons who are responsible:

    (i)

    for preventing progress in arriving at a political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict in the Republic of Moldova, as listed in Annex I;

    (ii)

    for the design and implementation of the campaign of intimidation and closure against Latin-script Moldovan schools in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, as listed in Annex II.

    2.   Paragraph 1 will not oblige a Member State to refuse its own nationals entry into its territory.

    3.   Paragraph 1 shall be without prejudice to the cases where a Member State is bound by an obligation of international law, namely:

    (i)

    as a host country of an international intergovernmental organisation;

    (ii)

    as a host country to an international conference convened by, or under the auspices of, the United Nations;

    (iii)

    under a multilateral agreement conferring privileges and immunities; or

    (iv)

    under the 1929 Treaty of Conciliation (Lateran pact) concluded by the Holy See (State of the Vatican City) and Italy.

    4.   Paragraph 3 shall be considered as applying also in cases where a Member State is host country of the OSCE.

    5.   The Council shall be duly informed in all cases where a Member State grants an exemption pursuant to paragraphs 3 or 4.

    6.   Member States may grant exemptions from the measures imposed in paragraph 1 where travel is justified on the grounds of urgent humanitarian need, or on grounds of attending intergovernmental meetings, including those promoted by the European Union, or hosted by a Member State holding the Chairmanship in office of the OSCE, where a political dialogue is conducted that directly promotes democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the Republic of Moldova.

    7.   A Member State wishing to grant exemptions referred to in paragraph 6 shall notify the Council in writing. The exemption shall be deemed to be granted unless one or more of the Council Members raises an objection in writing within two working days of receiving notification of the proposed exemption. In the event that one or more of the Council members raises an objection, the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may decide to grant the proposed exemption.

    8.   In cases where pursuant to paragraphs 3, 4, 6 and 7, a Member State authorises the entry into, or transit through, its territory of persons listed in Annexes I and II, the authorisation shall be limited to the purpose for which it is given and to the persons concerned thereby.

    Article 2

    The Council, acting upon a proposal by a Member State or the Commission, shall adopt modifications to the lists contained in Annex I and Annex II as required by political developments in the Republic of Moldova.

    Article 3

    This Common Position shall take effect on 27 February 2008 and apply until 27 February 2009. It shall be kept under constant review. It shall be renewed, or amended as appropriate, if the Council deems that its objectives have not been met.

    Article 4

    This Common Position shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

    Done at Brussels, 25 February 2008.

    For the Council

    The President

    A. VIZJAK


    (1)   OJ L 53, 28.2.2003, p. 60.

    (2)   OJ L 55, 24.2.2004, p. 68. Common Position as last amended by Common Position 2007/121/CFSP (OJ L 51, 20.2.2007, p. 31).

    (3)   OJ L 279, 28.8.2004, p. 47.


    ANNEX I

    List of persons referred to in Article 1(1)(i)

    1.

    SMIRNOV, Igor Nikolayevich, ‘President’, born on 23 October 1941 in Khabarovsk, Russian Federation, Russian passport No 50No0337530.

    2.

    SMIRNOV, Vladimir Igorevich, son of No 1 and ‘Chairman of the State Customs Committee’, born on 3 April 1961 in Kupiansk, Kharkovskaya oblast or Novaya Kakhovka, Khersonskaya oblast, Ukraine, Russian passport No 50No00337016.

    3.

    SMIRNOV, Oleg Igorevich, son of No 1 and ‘Adviser to the State Customs Committee’, ‘Member of the Supreme Soviet’, born on 8 August 1967 in Novaya Kakhovka, Khersonskaya oblast, Ukraine, Russian passport No 60No1907537.

    4.

    MARAKUTSA, Grigory Stepanovich, ‘Member of the Supreme Soviet’, ‘Special Representative of the Supreme Soviet for Interparliamentary Relations’, born on 15 October 1942 in Teya, Grigoriopolsky rayon, Republic of Moldova, old Soviet passport No 8BM724835.

    5.

    LITSKAI, Valery Anatolyevich, ‘Minister for Foreign Affairs’, born on 13 February 1949 in Tver, Russian Federation, Russian passport No 51No0076099, issued 9 August 2000.

    6.

    KHAZHEYEV, Stanislav Galimovich, ‘Minister for Defence’, born on 28 December 1941 in Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation.

    7.

    ANTYUFEYEV, Vladimir Yuryevich, alias SHEVTSOV, Vadim, ‘Minister for State Security’, born in 1951 in Novosibirsk, Russian Federation, Russian passport.

    8.

    KOROLYOV, Alexandr Ivanovich, ‘Vice-President’, born on 24 October 1958 in Wroclaw, Poland, Russian passport.

    9.

    BALALA, Viktor Alekseyevich, former ‘Minister of Justice’, born in 1961 in Vinnitsa, Ukraine.

    10.

    ZAKHAROV, Viktor Pavlovich, ‘Prosecutor of Transnistria’, born in 1948 in Kamenka, Republic of Moldova.

    11.

    GUDYMO, Oleg Andreyevich, ‘Member of the Supreme Soviet’, ‘Chairman of the Committee on Security, Defence and Peacekeeping of the Supreme Soviet’, former ‘Deputy Minister of Security’, born on 11 September 1944 in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, Russian passport No 51No0592094.

    12.

    KRASNOSELSKY, Vadim Nikolayevich, ‘Minister of Internal Affairs’, born on 14 April 1970 in Dauriya, Zabaykalskyi rayon, Chitinskaya oblast, Russian Federation.

    13.

    ATAMANIUK, Vladimir, ‘Deputy Minister of Defence’.


    ANNEX II

    List of persons referred to in Article 1(1)(ii)

    1.

    URSKAYA, Galina Vasilyevna, ‘Minister of Justice’, born on 10 December 1957 in Pyatiletka village, Brianskyi rayon, Brianskaya oblast, Russian Federation.

    2.

    MAZUR, Igor Leonidovich, ‘Head of State Administration in Dubossary Rayon’, born on 29 January 1967 in Dubossary, Republic of Moldova.

    3.

    PLATONOV, Yuri Mikhailovich, known as Yury PLATONOV, ‘Head of State Administration in Rybnitsa Rayon and Rybnitsa City’, born on 16 January 1948 in Klimkovo, Poddorsky rayon, Novgorodskaya oblast, Russian passport No 51No0527002, issued by the Russian Embassy in Chisinau on 4 May 2001.

    4.

    CHERBULENKO, Alla Viktorovna, ‘Deputy Head of State Administration of Rybnitsa’, responsible for education issues.

    5.

    KOGUT, Vecheslav Vasyilevich, ‘Head of State Administration in Bender’, born on 16 February 1950 in Taraclia, Chadir-Lunga rayon, Republic of Moldova.

    6.

    KOSTIRKO, Viktor Ivanovich, ‘Head of State Administration in Tiraspol’, born on 24 May 1948, Komsomolsk na Amure, Habarovsky kray, Russian Federation.


    Corrigenda

    26.2.2008   

    EN

    Official Journal of the European Union

    L 51/26


    Corrigendum to Council Regulation (EC) No 711/2006 of 20 March 2006 concerning the implementation of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the United States of America pursuant to Article XXIV:6 and Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 relating to the modification of concessions in the schedules of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic in the course of their accession to the European Union, amending and supplementing Annex I to Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff

    ( Official Journal of the European Union L 124 of 11 May 2006 )

    On page 7, in the Annex, footnote (2), CN code 2008 79 19 in the third column:

    for:

    ‘ 2008 79 19: EUR 25,6 + 4,2/100 kg/net’,

    read:

    ‘ 2008 70 19: EUR 25,6 + 4,2/100 kg/net’.


    26.2.2008   

    EN

    Official Journal of the European Union

    L 51/26


    Corrigendum to Council Regulation (EC) No 838/2006 of 20 March 2006 concerning the implementation of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the People's Republic of China pursuant to Article XXIV:6 and Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 relating to the modification of concessions in the schedules of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic in the course of their accession to the European Union, amending and supplementing Annex I to Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff

    ( Official Journal of the European Union L 154 of 8 June 2006 )

    On page 4, in the Annex, point (b), last entry ‘Tariff item numbers (1)’, column ‘Other terms and conditions’:

    for:

    ‘Open a tariff rate quota of 2 838 tonnes (erga omnes), in quota rate 20 %. The existing out of quota rates of the EC shall apply’,

    read:

    ‘Implemented through Council Regulation (EC) No 711/2006’.

    and footnote (1), CN code 2008 79 19, in the third column:

    for:

    ‘ 2008 79 19: EUR 25,6 + 4,2 100 kg/net’,

    read:

    ‘ 2008 70 19: EUR 25,6 + 4,2 100 kg/net’.


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