51999PC0111

Proposal for a Council Decision concerning Community participation in the European Audiovisual Observatory

(1999/C 110/10)

COM(1999) 111 final - 1999/0066(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission on 12 March 1999)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 130(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee,

(1) Whereas Resolution (97)4 adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 20 March 1997 confirmed the continuation of the European Audiovisual Observatory initially established by Resolution (92)70 adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 15 December 1992;

(2) Whereas all the Member States are members of the European Audiovisual Observatory;

(3) Whereas the Council adopted on ... Decision .../.../EC establishing a Community statistical information infrastructure relating to the industry and markets of the audiovisual and related sectors(1);

(4) Whereas it is necessary to ensure complementarity between the work undertaken under the aforementioned Council Decision and the European Audiovisual Observatory;

(5) Whereas the European Audiovisual Observatory contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of the Community's audiovisual industry notably by improving the transfer of information with the industry and promoting a clearer view of the market.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The Community shall be a member of the European Audiovisual Observatory.

Article 2

The Commission shall represent the Community in its relations with the Observatory.

Article 3

The appropriations required for the Community's financial contribution to the Observatory's operating budget shall be authorised by the budgetary authority in accordance with the financial perspective in force.

Article 4

This Decision shall expire on the last day of the last month of the fifth year following the year of its adoption.

Article 5

Before the end of the third year following the year of adoption of this Decision, as well as upon expiry of this Decision, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee a report on its implementation.

(1) OJ L ...