32003D0624

Council Decision 2003/624/CFSP

of 15 July 2003

concerning the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Estonia on the participation of the Republic of Estonia in the European Union-led Forces (EUF) in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 24 thereof,

Having regard to the recommendation from the Presidency,

Whereas:

(1) On 27 January 2003, the Council adopted Joint Action 2003/92/CFSP on the European Union Military Operation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)(1).

(2) Article 8 of that Joint Action provides that the detailed arrangements regarding the participation of third States shall be the subject of an agreement in conformity with Article 24 of the Treaty.

(3) Following the Council Decision of 18 March 2003 authorising the Secretary-General/High Representative to open negotiations, the Secretary-General/High Representative negotiated an agreement with the Republic of Estonia on the participation of the Republic of Estonia in the European Union-led Forces (EUF) in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

(4) The Agreement should be approved,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Estonia on the participation of the Republic of Estonia in the European Union-led Forces (EUF) in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is hereby approved on behalf of the European Union.

The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.

Article 2

The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person empowered to sign the Agreement in order to bind the European Union.

Article 3

This Decision shall take effect on the day of its adoption.

Article 4

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

Done at Brussels, 15 July 2003.

For the Council

The President

G. Tremonti

(1) OJ L 34, 11.2.2003, p. 26.