28.12.2020 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 437/108 DECISION (EU) 2020/2228 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 23 December 2020 on a European Year of Rail (2021) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 91 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments, Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2), Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (3), Whereas: (1) In its communication of 11 December 2019, entitled ‘The European Green Deal’ (the ‘communication on the European Green Deal’), the Commission set out a European Green Deal for the Union and its citizens. The European Green Deal is a new growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. (2) In its conclusions of 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050. (3) In its resolution of 15 January 2020, the European Parliament welcomed the communication on the European Green Deal and called for the necessary transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050. (4) In line with the objectives set out in the communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, a share that is still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90 % reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable intermodal transport requires putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier, cleaner and more energy-efficient alternatives to their current mobility habits, while encouraging those who are already using sustainable transport modes, such as walking, cycling and public transport. (5) The European Green Deal implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility in order to address those challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75 % of inland freight carried today by road should be shifted onto rail and inland waterways. For that shift to take place, significant investments are needed, including investments made in the context of the recovery, and an essential part of them will relate to the implementation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and efforts to increase the efficiency of the rail freight corridors. (6) Rail has a significant role to play as a game changer in achieving the climate neutrality objective by 2050. It is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air. It is the only transport mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions since 1990. In addition, rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990 and 2016 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources. (7) The COVID-19 crisis has hit the transport sector exceptionally hard. Despite operational and financial constraints, the sector has maintained crucial connections both for the transport of people and of essential goods. This has been possible mainly thanks to the employees who have continued working under difficult and uncertain conditions. The strategic role played by rail during the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted that achieving the single European railway area, established by Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), is necessary both for facilitating the supply of essential goods, such as food, medicines and fuel, particularly in exceptional circumstances, and for achieving wider transport policy objectives. (8) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral, mountainous and remote regions and territories, including at regional and local level, and by establishing and reinstating missing regional cross-border rail links, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion on continental, national, regional and local level. Furthermore, in remote and rural areas, the networks that guarantee the provision of basic services to the population are often fewer in number and less well-developed. Peripheral regions are often faced with the doubly difficult situation of being rural in character and at the periphery of national networks. (9) While the share of rail passengers in Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of rail freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieving a true single European railway area. The rail sector is sometimes hampered inter alia by outdated business and operational practices, by ageing infrastructure and rolling stock and by noisy wagons. Overcoming those obstacles together with reducing costs, studying Union schemes to supplement national mechanisms for non-discriminatory support for rail operators, and accelerating innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential, while ensuring the functioning of the internal market, increasing rail traffic and further improving the already high safety levels. The rail sector therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers, employees and businesses alike. (10) Transport ministers from a majority of Member States expressed their commitment to supporting a European agenda for international passenger rail, through a political statement presented at the informal video conference of EU transport ministers on 4 June 2020. (11) In order to promote rail transport in line with the objectives set out in the communication on the European Green Deal, including with regard to sustainable and smart mobility, the year 2021 should be designated as the European Year of Rail (the ‘European Year’). The year 2021 will be important for the Union rail policy, since it will represent the first full year where the rules agreed under the Fourth Railway Package will be implemented throughout the Union, namely on the opening of the market of domestic passenger services, on reducing costs and administrative burden for railway undertakings operating across the Union and on providing the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) with additional tasks that aim to lower technical barriers. There is a growing public interest in railways, including in night trains, in a number of Member States, as illustrated by the popularity of DiscoverEU. Moreover, the international arts festival Europalia will dedicate its 2021 edition to the influence of railways on the arts and highlight the role of rail as a powerful promotor of social, economic, industrial and ecological change. The European Year should contribute to a pan-European debate on the future of railways. (12) At Union level, the necessary financial allocation for the implementation of this Decision will involve appropriate funding to be determined in the context of the budgetary procedure for 2021 in accordance with the 2021 to 2027 multiannual financial framework. Without prejudice to the powers of the budgetary authority, the aim should be to provide funding for the implementation of this Decision from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022 of at least EUR 8 million. (13) Commuters account for 80 % to 90 % of all rail passengers. This means that urban agglomerations are significant contributors to the overall performance of passenger rail transport. Smart urban mobility depends on modernising and renovating under-used suburban and regional lines to deliver low ecological impact and social and economic cohesion. (14) During the European Year, the Commission should consider initiating a study on the feasibility of creating a European label to promote goods and products transported by rail so as to encourage businesses to switch their transport to rail. Likewise, the Commission should consider initiating a feasibility study with a view to introducing a rail connectivity index, with the aim of categorising the level of integration achieved through the use of services on the rail network. (15) The role of motivated staff cannot be overestimated, since they guarantee the smooth running of operations. In order to reach its full potential, the rail sector needs to diversify its workforce and, in particular, to attract women and young workers. That policy should be promoted at all institutional levels. (16) Enhancing the attractiveness of rail requires services to be user-centred and to be organised and designed in a way that delivers good value, consistent dependability, excellent quality of service and attractive pricing. (17) Since the objectives of this Decision, namely to promote rail transport as a sustainable, innovative, interconnected and intermodal, safe and affordable mode of transport and as an important element in maintaining and developing good relations between the Union and its neighbouring countries, as well as to highlight the European, cross-border dimension of rail and to enhance the contribution of rail to the Union economy, industry and society, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the need for transnational exchange of information and Union-wide dissemination of best practices, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives, HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 Subject matter The year 2021 shall be designated as the ‘European Year of Rail’ (the ‘European Year’). Article 2 Objectives The general objective of the European Year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of the Union, Member States, regional and local authorities, and other organisations to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail. The specific objectives of the European Year shall be to: (a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative, interconnected and intermodal, safe and affordable mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail: (i) as a game changer helping to achieve the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050; (ii) as a pillar of an efficient logistic network, capable of guaranteeing essential services, even during unexpected crises; and (iii) as a transport mode that reaches out to the wider public, especially the young, inter alia presenting rail as an attractive career opportunity; (b) highlight the European, cross-border dimension of rail, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters socio-economic and territorial cohesion and contributes to integrating the Union internal market, in particular by ensuring better connectivity within and with its geographical periphery, including through regional cross-border connections; (c) enhance the contribution of rail to the Union’s economy, to its industry, including to its global competitiveness, to its commerce and to its society, in particular those aspects related to regional and local development, sustainable tourism, education, youth and culture, and to improving accessibility for persons with disabilities or persons with reduced mobility, and in particular paying attention to the needs of elderly people; (d) contribute to promoting rail as an important element in relations between the Union and its neighbouring countries, building on interests and needs in partner countries and on expertise in rail transport, both within and beyond the Union; (e) build on rail’s power to stimulate the collective imagination, particularly through rail’s history and its cultural heritage, recalling the contribution that rail has made to the creation of European prosperity and the role of the rail in developing cutting-edge technologies; (f) promote the attractiveness of the railway professions, in particular by highlighting the demand for new skills and the importance of fair and safe working conditions and of addressing the need to increase diversity in the workforce; (g) promote the key role of railways in international passenger transport within the Union; (h) promote a Union night train network and encourage initiatives that underline its cross-border nature by using symbols that represent the Union; (i) create public awareness of rail’s potential role in the development of sustainable tourism in Europe; (j) promote the key role of railways in sustainable end-to-end mobility, connecting hubs and allowing attractive and smart transfer between modes of transport; (k) contribute to the implementation of the Fourth Railway Package and to raising awareness of the measures required to establish the single European railway area, based on a well-functioning TEN-T; (l) stimulate discussion on how to modernise rolling stock and on how to further develop and increase the capacity of railway infrastructure in order to facilitate the broader use of passenger and freight transport by rail, underlining in that context the importance of the cooperation among infrastructure managers, research and innovation and the role of the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking established by Council Regulation (EU) No 642/2014 (5); (m) promote events and initiatives to disseminate information on the rights of rail passengers and to stimulate cooperation among all actors in order to improve customer information and ticketing, including the offer of through-tickets and developing innovative digital multi-modal tickets, as well as to provide information about current challenges in that respect, such as the need for data sharing among actors. Article 3 Content of measures 1. The measures to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in Article 2 shall be closely coordinated with on-going activities promoting rail transport. Those measures shall include the following activities at Union, national, regional or local level, organised in partnerships or individually, and linked to the objectives of the European Year: (a) initiatives and events to promote debate, build a positive image, raise awareness and facilitate the engagement of citizens, businesses and public authorities in order to increase trust in rail, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, and to promote the attractiveness of rail for the transport of more people and goods as a means of combating climate change, through multiple channels and tools, including events in Member States, while also highlighting the safety and comfort of travelling by rail; (b) initiatives in Members States to encourage, in both the public and private sector, business-travel and commuting patterns by rail; (c) informative exhibitions, inspirational, educational and awareness-raising campaigns, as well as the use of demonstration and information trains to encourage changes in passenger, consumer and business behaviour and to stimulate the general public to actively contribute to achieving the objectives of more sustainable transport; (d) sharing the experience and best practices of national, regional and local authorities, civil society, businesses and schools as regards promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels; (e) undertaking studies and innovative activities, and disseminating their results on a European or national scale; (f) promoting projects and networks related to the European Year, including via the media, social networks and other online communities; (g) partnerships and events such as those set out in the Annex; (h) identifying and promoting best practices to create a level-playing field for different modes of transport; (i) promoting projects and activities to raise awareness of sustainable end-to-end mobility that delivers seamless ‘door-to-door’ travel solutions in combination with other modes of transport, including active travel, and sustainable and smart logistics; (j) promoting projects and activities fostering awareness of the importance of the single European railway area, in particular as regards its on-going implementation, actions facilitating international railway journeys and actions for digital passenger information, such as those providing real-time information about journey offers, fares and timetables, including from independent providers, facilitating comparison; and (k) promoting projects and activities with a view to the realisation of an extended, modernised and interoperable railway infrastructure, including a European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), terminals offering modal shift options, as well as modernised rolling stock. 2. The Commission shall consider initiating, during the European Year: (a) a study on the feasibility of creating a European label to promote goods and products transported by rail so as to encourage businesses to switch their transport to rail; and (b) a feasibility study with a view to introducing a rail connectivity index, with the aim of categorising the level of integration achieved through the use of services on the rail network and showing the potential of rail to compete with other modes of transport. By 31 March 2021, the Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of its plans. 3. The Union institutions and bodies, as well as Member States, at Union and national level respectively, may refer to the European Year and make use of its visual identity in promoting the activities referred to in paragraph 1. Article 4 Coordination at Member State level The organisation of participation in the European Year at national level is a responsibility of Member States. They shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national level and shall appoint national contact persons to ensure coordination at Union level. Article 5 Coordination at Union level 1. The Commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national contact persons in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the European Year at Union and national level. Representatives of the European Parliament may participate in those meetings as observers. 2. The coordination of the European Year at Union level shall be transversal in approach with a view to creating synergies between the various Union programmes and initiatives that fund projects in the field of rail transport or that have a rail dimension. 3. The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational networks, relevant non-governmental organisations, universities and technology centres, as well as representatives of youth organisations and communities, organisations representing persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level. 4. The Commission may, if the budget allows, organise calls for proposals and projects that can receive support for their outstanding contribution to the objectives of the European Year. Article 6 International cooperation For the purpose of the European Year, the Commission shall, where necessary, cooperate with competent international organisations, while ensuring the visibility of the Union’s participation. Article 7 Monitoring and evaluation By 31 December 2022, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament, to the Council, to the European Economic and Social Committee and to the Committee of the Regions on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the initiatives provided for in this Decision. For the evaluation of the initiatives, the Commission shall establish key performance indicators. Those key performance indicators shall be set out in the Commission’s report. For the purpose of that report, Member States shall provide information to the Commission on the activities for which they have been responsible. Article 8 Entry into force This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Done at Brussels, 23 December 2020. For the European Parliament The President D. M. SASSOLI For the Council The President M. ROTH (1) OJ C 364, 28.10.2020, p. 149. (2) Opinion of 14 October 2020 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (3) Position of the European Parliament of 15 December 2020 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 17 December 2020. (4) Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 establishing a single European railway area (OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 32). (5) Council Regulation (EU) No 642/2014 of 16 June 2014 establishing the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (OJ L 177, 17.6.2014, p. 9). ANNEX PARTNERSHIPS AND EVENTS This Annex sets out the following indicative list of partnerships and events linked to the European Year: (1) partnerships with film festivals throughout Europe to highlight the prominent place of rail in cinema production; (2) cooperation with European railway museums and existing cultural events such as film festivals and art exhibitions; (3) partnerships with ERA to emphasise: (a) the performance of the rail sector in Europe; (b) the know-how of actors in the rail sector, in particular of rail workers; (c) the advantages of rail in terms of safety and environmental protection; and (d) career opportunities in the rail sector for pupils, students and apprentices; (4) mobile exhibition trains in the Union to inform the public about the objectives of the European Year and to highlight the attractiveness of its many messages; (5) provision of Interrail passes for young people in connection with Erasmus studies or competitions to extend the reach of the European Year; (6) the use of stations as places of art, urban meeting places and economic, cultural and civic hub, and the use of railway museums to relay the messages of the European Year.

Summary: European Year of Rail (2021) European Year of Rail (2021) SUMMARY OF: Decision (EU) 2020/2228 on a European Year of Rail (2021) WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION? In line with the objectives of the European Green Deal (see summary), the main aim of the European Year of Rail is to encourage and support the efforts of the European Union (EU), EU countries, regional and local authorities and other organisations to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail. KEY POINTS Objectives The decision has a number of specific objectives, including: to promote rail as a sustainable, innovative, interconnected and intermodal, safe and affordable mode of transport, specifically by highlighting the role of rail: as a game changer helping to achieve the EU’s climate-neutrality objective by 2050,as a pillar of an efficient logistics network, capable of guaranteeing essential services, even during unexpected crises,as a transport mode that reaches out to the wider public, especially the young, including by presenting rail as an attractive career opportunity; to highlight the European, cross-border dimension of rail, which brings citizens closer together; to enhance the contribution of rail to the EU’s economy, industry and society; to promote the key role of railways in international passenger transport within the EU and beyond; to contribute to implementing the fourth railway package and to raising awareness of the measures required to establish the single European railway area (see summary), based on a properly functioning trans-European transport network. Measures A number of measures at the EU, national, regional and local levels are planned to achieve these objectives. They will be coordinated with existing efforts to promote rail transport. These measures include: initiatives and events to promote debate, build a positive image, raise awareness and facilitate the engagement of citizens, businesses and public authorities to increase trust in rail, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, and to promote the attractiveness of rail for the transport of more people and goods as a means of combating climate change; initiatives in EU countries to encourage, in both the public and private sectors, business travel and commuting patterns by rail; informative exhibitions and inspirational, educational and awareness-raising campaigns. The European Commission will also consider feasibility studies on: creating a European label to promote goods and products transported by rail to encourage businesses to switch their transport to rail; introducing a rail connectivity index, with the aim of categorising the level of integration achieved through the use of services on the rail network and showing the potential of rail to compete with other modes of transport. FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY? It has applied since 29 December 2020. BACKGROUND For further information, see: European Year of Rail (European Commission). MAIN DOCUMENT Decision (EU) 2020/2228 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 December 2020 on a European Year of Rail (2021) (OJ L 437, 28.12.2020, pp. 108-115) RELATED DOCUMENTS Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — The European Green Deal (COM(2019) 640 final, 11.12.2019) Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 establishing a single European railway area (OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, pp. 32-77) Successive amendments to Directive 2012/34/EU have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. last update 08.03.2021


20.10.2020 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 348/1 COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2020/1515 of 19 October 2020 establishing a European Security and Defence College, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382 THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 42(4) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1) On 18 July 2005, the Council adopted Joint Action 2005/575/CFSP (1) establishing the European Security and Defence College ('ESDC'). That Joint Action was replaced on 23 June 2008 by Council Joint Action 2008/550/CFSP (2), which, in turn, was replaced by Council Decision 2013/189/CFSP (3). Finally, Decision 2013/189/CFSP was replaced by Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382 (4). (2) On 10 and 11 November 2008, the Council adopted the European Young Officers Exchange Scheme, inspired by the Erasmus programme and agreed that an implementing working party will meet within the framework of the Executive Academic Board of the ESDC. (3) On 26 June 2020, the ESDC Steering Committee ('Steering Committee') agreed on recommendations on the future perspectives of the ESDC. (4) Whilst the staff of the ESDC should consist mainly of seconded national experts, it may be necessary to fill certain critical posts by contracted staff members. (5) Pursuant to Council Decision 2010/427/EU (5), which establishes the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EEAS should provide the ESDC with the support previously provided by the General Secretariat of the Council. (6) Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382 should therefore be repealed, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: CHAPTER I Establishment, mission, objectives and tasks Article 1 Establishment A European Security and Defence College (ESDC) is hereby established. Article 2 Mission The ESDC shall provide training and education in the field of the Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in the wider context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) at European level in order to develop and promote a common understanding of CFSP and CSDP among civilian and military personnel and to identify and disseminate best practices in relation to various CFSP and CSDP, issues through its training and education activities ('ESDC training and education activities'). Article 3 Objectives The ESDC shall have the following objectives: (a) to further enhance the common European security and defence culture within the Union and to promote the principles laid down in Article 21(1) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) outside the Union; (b) to promote a better understanding of CSDP as an essential part of CFSP; (c) to provide Union instances with knowledgeable personnel able to work efficiently on all CSDP matters within the wider context of CFSP; (d) to provide Member States' administrations and staff with knowledgeable personnel familiar with Union policies, institutions and procedures in the field of CSDP; (e) to provide CSDP Missions' and Operations' personnel with a common understanding of CSDP Missions' and Operations' functioning principles and a sense of common European identity; (f) to provide training and education responding to training and educational needs of CSDP Missions and Operations; (g) to support Union partnerships in the field of CSDP, in particular partnerships with those countries participating in CSDP missions; (h) to support civilian crisis management including in the field of conflict prevention, and establishing or preserving the conditions necessary for sustainable development; (i) to promote the European Initiative for the Exchange of Young Officers; (j) to promote PhD-level research in domains related to CSDP; (k) to provide Member States' and Union administrations with knowledgeable personnel familiar with Union policies, institutions, procedures and best practices in the field of cyber security and defence; (l) to help promote professional relations and contacts among training and education participants. Where appropriate, attention shall be paid to ensuring consistency with other activities of the Union. Article 4 Tasks of the ESDC 1. The main tasks of the ESDC shall be, in accordance with its mission and objectives, to organise and conduct ESDC training and education activities in the field of the CSDP in the wider context of CFSP. 2. The ESDC training and education activities shall include: (a) basic and advanced level courses promoting generic understanding of CFSP and CSDP; (b) courses developing leadership; (c) courses directly supporting CSDP Missions and Operations, including pre‐deployment and in-mission/in-operation training and education; (d) courses supporting EU partnerships and countries participating in CSDP Missions and Operations; (e) modules supporting civilian and military training and education in the field of CSDP; (f) CSDP courses, seminars, programmes and conferences for specialised audiences or with specific focus; (g) common modules run under the European Initiative for the Exchange of Young Officers, inspired by the Erasmus programme; although formally not ESDC training and education activities, the ESDC will also support and promote European semesters and joint master's degrees making use of the common modules referred to in this point; (h) cyber awareness and advanced level courses, including in support of CSDP missions and operations; (i) courses and seminars aimed at supporting PhD-level research through exchange of best practices and experience. Other training and education activities shall be undertaken, as decided by the Steering Committee referred to in Article 9. 3. In addition to the activities referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, the ESDC shall, in particular: (a) support the relations to be established between the institutes referred to in Article 5(1) engaged in the network referred to in that paragraph ('the network'); (b) run and further develop an e-Learning system to support CSDP training and education activities or, in exceptional circumstances, be used as stand-alone training and education activities; (c) develop and produce training and educational material in the field of CSDP also drawing on already existing relevant material; (d) support an Alumni Association between former training participants; (e) support exchange programmes in the field of CSDP between the Member States' training and educational institutes; (f) act as compartment administrator of the Schoolmaster module of the Goalkeeper project and provide contributions to the annual Union Training Programme in CSDP through this module; (g) act as administrator of the Union-instance of the CD-TXP platform for the exchange of cyber related training opportunities; (h) provide support to the management of training and education in the field of conflict prevention, civilian crisis management, establishing or preserving the conditions necessary for sustainable development and Security Sector Reform initiatives, as well as promotion of cyber security and hybrid threats' awareness; (i) organise and run an annual network conference bringing together civilian and military training and education experts in CFSP and CSDP from Member States' training and educational institutes and ministries, and relevant external training and education actors as appropriate; (j) maintain relationships with relevant actors in the field of Freedom Security and Justice, in the field of Development and Cooperation, and with relevant International Organisations; (k) support the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management and the EU Civilian Training Group by administering and managing the travel and accommodation costs relating to the activities of the Civilian Coordinators for Training; (l) participate in the meetings of the Union civilian and military training groups, derive civilian/military training requirements from their output and take the results of the requirements analysis into account during the annual prioritisation exercise of ESDC activities and for the development of ESDC curricula; and (m) further elaborate, maintain and promote the sectoral qualification framework for military officers. CHAPTER II Organisation Article 5 Network 1. The ESDC shall be organised as a network bringing together civilian and military institutes, colleges, academies, universities, institutions, centres of excellence and other actors dealing with security and defence policy issues within the Union as identified by Member States, as well as the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). The ESDC shall establish close links with the Union institutions and relevant Union agencies, in particular with, but not limited to: — the Union Agency for law enforcement training (CEPOL), — the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX), — the European Defence Agency (EDA), — the European Satellite Centre (EU SatCen), and — the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol). 2. Where appropriate, international, intergovernmental, governmental or non-governmental organisations may obtain the status of 'associate network partner' (ANP), the detailed arrangements for which will be agreed by the Steering Committee. 3. The ESDC shall work under the overall responsibility of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy ('HR'). Article 6 Role of European Union Institute for Security Studies 1. As part of the ESDC network, the EUISS shall cooperate with the ESDC by making its expertise and knowledge-gathering capabilities available for ESDC training activities, including through EUISS publications, within the limits of its own capabilities. 2. In particular, the EUISS shall provide lectures given by EUISS analysts and contribute to the further development of the ESDC e-Learning content. 3. The EUISS shall support the ESDC Alumni Association. Article 7 Legal capacity 1. The ESDC shall have the necessary legal capacity in order to: (a) fulfil its tasks and meet its objectives; (b) enter into contracts and administrative arrangements necessary for its functioning including to implement staff secondments and recruit contract staff; acquire equipment, in particular teaching equipment; (c) hold bank accounts; and (d) be a party to legal proceedings. 2. Any liability that may arise from contracts concluded by the ESDC, shall be covered by the funds available to it pursuant to Articles 16 and 17. Article 8 Structure The following structure shall be set up under the ESDC: (a) the Steering Committee with responsibility for the overall coordination and direction of the ESDC training and education activities; (b) the Executive Academic Board ('the Board') with responsibility for ensuring the quality and coherence of the ESDC training and education activities; (c) the Head of the ESDC ('the Head'), sole legal representative of the ESDC, with responsibility for the financial and administrative management of the ESDC, as well as advising the Steering Committee and the Board on the organisation and management of ESDC activities; (d) the ESDC Secretariat ('the Secretariat') which is to assist the Head in fulfilling the Head's tasks and in particular in assisting the Board to ensure the overall quality and coherence of the ESDC training and education activities. Article 9 Steering Committee 1. The Steering Committee shall be composed of one representative appointed by each Member State and shall be the decision-making body of the ESDC. Each member of the Committee may be represented or accompanied by an alternate member. 2. Members of the Steering Committee may be accompanied by experts to meetings of the Committee. 3. The Steering Committee shall be chaired by a representative of the HR who has appropriate experience. It shall meet at least four times a year. 4. Representatives from countries acceding to the Union may attend the Steering Committee's meetings as active observers. 5. The Head, other ESDC staff, the Chairperson of the Board and, when appropriate, the Chairpersons of its different configurations as well as a representative of the Commission and other Union institutions, including EEAS, shall participate in the meetings of the Steering Committee without the right to vote. 6. The tasks of the Steering Committee shall be to: (a) approve and keep under regular review the ESDC training and education activities reflecting the agreed CSDP training and education requirements; (b) approve the annual academic programme of the ESDC; (c) select and prioritise the training and education activities to be run under the ESDC, taking into account the resources made available to the ESDC and the training and education requirements identified; (d) select the Member State(s) hosting the ESDC training and education activities and the institutes conducting them; (e) decide on opening specific ESDC training and education activities to third- country participation within the general political framework set by the Political and Security Committee; (f) adopt the curricula for all ESDC training and education activities; (g) take note of the course evaluation reports; (h) take note of the general annual report on ESDC training and education activities and adopt the recommendations therein, to be forwarded to the relevant Council bodies; (i) provide overall guidance to the work of the Board; (j) appoint the Chairpersons of the Board and its different configurations; (k) take the necessary decisions with regard to the functioning of the ESDC in so far as these are not attributed to other bodies; (l) approve the annual budget and any amending budget, acting on proposals from the Head; (m) approve the annual accounts and give a discharge to the Head; (n) approve additional rules applicable to expenditure managed by the ESDC; (o) approve any financing agreement and/or technical arrangement with the Commission, the EEAS, a Union Agency or a Member State regarding the financing and/or the implementation of the ESDC expenditure; (p) contribute to the selection process of the Head as defined in Article 11(3); (q) evaluate the performance of his or her tasks by the Head as regards the potential extension of his or her mandate as referred in Article 11(4). 7. The Steering Committee shall approve its Rules of Procedure. 8. Except for the case provided for in Article 2(6) of the Financial Rules applicable to expenditure funded by the ESDC and to the financing of the expenditure of the ESDC, which are set out in the Annex to this Decision (the "Financial Rules"), the Steering Committee shall act by qualified majority, as defined in Article 16(4) TEU. Article 10 Executive Academic Board 1. The Board shall be composed of senior representatives from those civilian and military institutes and other actors identified by Member States to support the conduct of ESDC training and education activities and of the Director of EUISS or the Director's representative. 2. The Chairperson of the Board shall be appointed by the Steering Committee among the members of the Board. 3. Representatives of the Commission and of EEAS shall be invited to attend the meetings of the Board. 4. Senior representatives of the associate network partners shall be invited to attend the meetings of the Board as active observers. 5. Academic experts and senior officials from Union and national institutions may be invited to attend the meetings of the Board, as observers. When appropriate and on a case-by-case basis, academic experts and senior officials who are representatives of institutes that are not a member of the network may be invited to participate in the meetings of the Board. 6. The tasks of the Board shall be to: (a) provide academic advice and recommendations to the Steering Committee; (b) implement, through the network, the agreed annual academic programme; (c) oversee the e-Learning system; (d) develop curricula for all ESDC training and education activities; (e) ensure general coordination of ESDC training and education activities among all institutes; (f) review standards of the training and education activities undertaken in the previous academic year; (g) submit proposals to the Steering Committee for training and education activities in the next academic year; (h) ensure a systematic evaluation of all ESDC training and education activities and approve the course evaluation reports; (i) contribute to the draft general annual report on ESDC activities; (j) support the implementation of the European Initiative for the Exchange of Young Officers, inspired by the Erasmus programme. 7. To fulfil its tasks, the Board may meet in different project-focused configurations. The Board shall draw up the rules and arrangements governing the creation and functioning of these configurations to be agreed by the Steering Committee. Each configuration shall report its activities back to the overall Board at least once every year, after which its mandate may be extended. 8. Members of the Secretariat shall support and assist the Board and each of its configurations. Those members shall attend the meetings without the right to vote. If no other candidate can be identified, a member may, at the same time, chair the meetings. 9. The Rules of Procedure of the Board and each of its configurations shall be adopted by the Steering Committee. Article 11 Head of the ESDC 1. The Head shall: (a) be responsible for the ESDC activities; (b) be the sole legal representative of the ESDC; (c) be responsible for the financial and administrative management of the ESDC; (d) advise the Steering Committee and the Board and support their work; and (e) act as the representative of the ESDC for training and education activities within and outside the network. 2. Candidates for the position of Head shall be persons with recognised long‐standing expertise and experience in training and education. Member States may put forward candidates for the position of Head. Staff of the Union institutions and the EEAS may apply for this position, in accordance with the applicable rules. 3. The pre-selection process shall be organised under the responsibility of the HR. The pre-selection panel shall be composed of three representatives of the EEAS. It shall be chaired by the Chair of the Steering Committee. On the basis of the pre-selection results, the HR shall submit to that Committee a recommendation with a shortlist of at least three candidates, drawn-up in the order of the pre-selection panel's preference. At least half of the candidates on the shortlist should come from Member States. During the selection process, the candidates shall present their vision for the ESDC to that Committee, after which Member States shall be invited to rank the candidates in a written, secret vote. The Head shall be appointed by the HR as a member of the EEAS staff for a period not exceeding three years. 4. Before the end of the period referred to in paragraph 3, the performance of his or her tasks by the Head shall be evaluated by the Steering Committee, in particular against the objectives set in the vision he or she presented during the selection process. On the basis of this evaluation, that Committee shall then either propose to extend the mandate of the current head or to launch a new selection procedure to select a new Head. In the latter case, the current Head may not apply for that position. In case of extension, the total duration of the mandate of the Head shall not exceed five years. 5. The tasks of the Head shall in particular be to: (a) take all necessary steps, including the adoption of internal administrative instructions and the publication of notices, to ensure the effective functioning of ESDC activities; (b) draw up the preliminary draft annual report of the ESDC and its preliminary draft work programme to be submitted to the Steering Committee on the basis of the proposals submitted by the Board; (c) co-ordinate the implementation of the ESDC work programme; (d) maintain contacts with the relevant authorities in Member States; (e) maintain contacts with relevant external training and education actors in the field of CFSP and CSDP; (f) conclude where necessary technical arrangements on ESDC training and education activities with the relevant authorities and training and education actors in the field of CFSP and CSDP; (g) perform any other task attributed to him or her by the Steering Committee. 6. The Head shall be responsible for the financial and administrative management of the ESDC, and in particular shall: (a) draw up and submit to the Steering Committee any draft budget; (b) adopt the budgets after their approval by the Steering Committee; (c) be the authorising officer for the ESDC budget; (d) open one or more bank accounts on behalf of the ESDC; (e) negotiate, submit to the Steering Committee and conclude any financing agreement and/or technical arrangement with the Commission, the EEAS or a Member State regarding the financing and/or the implementation of the ESDC expenditure; (f) select the staff of the Secretariat, assisted by a selection panel; (g) negotiate and sign on behalf of the ESDC any Exchange of Letters for the secondment to the ESDC of Secretariat staff; (h) negotiate and sign on behalf of the ESDC any contract of employment for staff paid from the ESDC budget; (i) generally, represent the ESDC for the purpose of all legal acts with financial implications; (j) submit to the Steering Committee the ESDC annual accounts. 7. The Head shall be accountable to the Steering Committee for his or her activities. Article 12 ESDC Secretariat 1. The Secretariat shall assist the Head in fulfilling the tasks of the Head. 2. The Secretariat shall provide support to the Steering Committee, to the Board including its configurations and to institutes for the management, coordination and organisation of the ESDC training and education activities. 3. The Secretariat shall support and assist the Board in ensuring the overall quality and coherence of ESDC training and education activities and in ensuring that they remain in line with the Union's policy developments. In particular, they shall help to ensure that all steps in the delivery of a training and education activity, from curriculum development and the content to the methodologic approach, shall reflect the highest possible standards. 4. Each institute forming the ESDC network shall designate a point of contact with the Secretariat to deal with the organisational and administrative issues connected with the organisation of the ESDC training and education activities. 5. The Secretariat shall closely co-operate with the Commission and the EEAS. Article 13 ESDC Staff 1. The ESDC staff shall consist of: (a) staff seconded to the ESDC by Union institutions, the EEAS and Union agencies; (b) national experts seconded to the ESDC by Member States; (c) contracted staff when no national expert has been identified and following approval by the Steering Committee. 2. The ESDC may receive interns and visiting fellows. 3. The number of ESDC staff shall be decided by the Steering Committee together with the budget for the next year and have a clear link to the number of ESDC training and education activities and other tasks as defined in Article 4. 4. The Decision of the HR establishing the rules applicable to national experts seconded to the EEAS shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to national experts seconded to the ESDC by Member States. The Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and the Conditions for Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (6), shall apply for personnel seconded to the ESDC by Union institutions, including for contracted staff paid from the ESDC budget. 5. The Steering Committee, acting on a proposal from the HR, shall define in so far as necessary the conditions applicable to interns and visiting fellows. 6. ESDC staff cannot conclude contracts or engage in any kind of financial obligations on behalf of the ESDC without prior written authorisation by the Head. CHAPTER III Financing Article 14 Contributions in kind to training and education activities 1. Each Member State, Union institution, Union agency and institute, and EEAS shall bear all costs related to its participation in the ESDC, including salaries, allowances, travel and subsistence expenses and costs related to organisational and administrative support of the ESDC training and education activities. 2. Each participant in ESDC training and education activities shall bear all costs related to his or her participation. Article 15 Support by the EEAS 1. The EEAS shall bear the costs arising from the hosting of the Head and the Secretariat within its premises, including information technology costs, the secondment of the Head and the secondment of one assistant staff member to the Secretariat. 2. The EEAS shall provide the ESDC with the administrative support necessary to recruit and manage its staff and to implement its budget. Article 16 Contribution from the general budget of the European Union 1. The ESDC shall receive an annual or multi-annual contribution from the general budget of the European Union. That contribution may cover, in particular, costs of supporting training and education activities and the costs of national experts seconded by Member States to the ESDC and up to one contracted staff member. 2. The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure of the ESDC during the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 shall be EUR 2 055 156. The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure of the ESDC for subsequent periods shall be decided by the Council. 3. Following the decision by the Council as referred to in paragraph 2, a financing agreement with the Commission shall be negotiated by the Head. Article 17 Voluntary contributions 1. For the purpose of financing specific activities, the ESDC may receive and manage voluntary contributions from Member States and institutes or other donors. Such contributions shall be specifically designated by the ESDC. 2. Technical arrangements for the contributions referred to in paragraph 1 shall be negotiated by the Head. Article 18 Implementation of projects 1. The ESDC can apply for research and other projects in the field of CFSP. The ESDC can act as a project coordinator or a member. The Head can be attached to the 'advisory board' of such a project. The Head may delegate this task to one of the Chairpersons of the Board configurations or to a member of the Secretariat. 2. Contribution coming from those projects has to be made visible in the amending budget of the ESDC and used according to the tasks and objectives of the ESDC. Article 19 Financial rules The Financial Rules shall apply to expenditure funded by the ESDC and to the financing of such expenditure. CHAPTER IV Miscellaneous provisions Article 20 Participation in ESDC training and education activities 1. All ESDC training and education activities shall be open to participation by nationals of all Member States and acceding States. The organising and conducting institutes shall ensure that this principle applies without any exception. 2. The ESDC training and education activities shall also be open in principle to participation by nationals of countries that are candidates for accession to the Union and, as appropriate, of other third States and organisations, in particular for those training and education activities referred to in point (d) of Article 4(2). 3. Participants shall be civilian/diplomatic/police/military personnel dealing with aspects in the field of CSDP and CFSP, and experts to be deployed in CSDP missions or operations. Representatives of, inter alia, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and the media, as well as members of the business community, may be invited to participate in ESDC training and education activities. 4. A certificate signed by the HR shall be awarded to a participant who has completed an ESDC course. The modalities of the certificate shall be kept under review by the Steering Committee. The certificate shall be recognised by Member States and by the Union institutions. Article 21 Cooperation The ESDC shall cooperate with and draw on the expertise of international organisations and other relevant actors, such as national training and education institutes of third States, in particular but not limited to those referred to in Article 5(2). Article 22 Security regulations Council Decision 2013/488/EU (7) shall apply to the ESDC. CHAPTER V Final provisions Article 23 Continuity The rules and regulations adopted for the implementation of Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382 shall remain in force for the purpose of implementing this Decision in so far as they are compatible with this Decision and until they are amended or repealed. Article 24 Repeal Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382 is hereby repealed. Article 25 Review 1. No later than 20 October 2024, the Head shall initiate a review of the training and education activities, consulting all stakeholders. 2. The review shall be submitted to the Steering Committee. Article 26 Entry into force This Decision shall enter into force upon the date of adoption. Article 27 Publication This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Done at Luxembourg, 19 October 2020. For the Council The President J. KLOECKNER (1) Council Joint Action 2005/575/CFSP of 18 July 2005 establishing a European Security and Defence College (ESDC) (OJ L 194, 26.7.2005, p. 15). (2) Council Joint Action 2008/550/CFSP of 23 June 2008 establishing a European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and repealing Joint Action 2005/575/CFSP (OJ L 176, 4.7.2008, p. 20). (3) Council Decision 2013/189/CFSP of 22 April 2013 establishing a European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and repealing Joint Action 2008/550/CFSP (OJ L 112, 24.4.2013, p. 22). (4) Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382 of 21 December 2016 establishing a European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and repealing Decision 2013/189/CFSP (OJ L 352, 23.12.2016, p. 60). (5) Council Decision 2010/427/EU of 26 July 2010 establishing the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service (OJ L 201, 3.8.2010, p. 30). (6) Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68 of the Council of 29 February 1968 laying down the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions for Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities and instituting special measures temporarily applicable to officials of the Commission (OJ L 56, 4.3.1968, p. 1). (7) Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1). ANNEX FINANCIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO EXPENDITURE FUNDED BY THE ESDC AND TO THE FINANCING OF THE EXPENDITURE OF THE ESDC Article 1 Budgetary principles 1. The ESDC budget, drawn up in euro, is the act which for each financial year lays down and authorises all the ESDC revenue and all expenditure funded by the ESDC. 2. Budget revenue and expenditure shall be in balance. 3. No revenue or expenditure funded by the ESDC may be implemented other than by allocation to a heading in the ESDC budget. Article 2 Adoption of budgets 1. Each year the Head shall draw up a draft budget for the following financial year, which begins on 1 January and ends on 31 December of the same year. The draft budget shall include the appropriations deemed necessary to cover the expenditure to be funded by the ESDC during that period and a forecast of the revenue expected to cover such expenditure. 2. Appropriations shall be classified as necessary by type or purpose in chapters and articles. Detailed comments by article shall be included in the draft. 3. Revenue shall consist of Member States' or other donors' voluntary contributions as well as the annual contribution from the general budget of the European Union. 4. The Head shall submit a detailed budget report on the previous financial year by 31 March. The Head shall propose the draft budget for the following financial year to the Steering Committee by 31 July. 5. The Steering Committee shall approve the draft budget by 31 October. 6. Where the ESDC receives a multi-annual contribution from the general budget of the European Union, the Steering Committee shall approve the annual budget by consensus. Article 3 Transfers of appropriations In the event of unforeseen circumstances, transfers of appropriations between budget lines or budget headings of the contribution referred to in Article 16, not exceeding 25 % of these budget lines or headings, may be decided by the Head, who shall keep the Steering Committee informed of such transfers. Transfers of appropriations between budget lines or headings exceeding 25 % of the budget lines or headings shall be submitted to the Steering Committee in an amending budget of the ESDC for approval. Article 4 Carryovers of appropriations 1. Appropriations necessary to pay for legal obligations entered into by 31 December of a financial year shall be carried over to the next financial year. 2. Appropriations coming from voluntary contributions shall be carried over to the next financial year. 3. Appropriations coming from projects shall be carried over to the next financial year. 4. The Head may carry over other appropriations in the budget to the next financial year with the approval of the Steering Committee. 5. Other appropriations shall be cancelled at the end of the financial year. Article 5 Implementation of the budget and staff management For the purpose of implementing its budget and managing its staff, the ESDC shall use existing administrative structures of the Union, in particular the EEAS, to the greatest possible extent. Article 6 Bank accounts 1. Any ESDC bank account shall be opened at a first-rate financial institution with its head office in a Member State and shall be a current or short-term account in euro. 2. No ESDC bank account shall be overdrawn. Article 7 Payments Any payment from an ESDC bank account shall require the joint signature of the Head and another member of the ESDC staff. Article 8 Accounting 1. The Head shall ensure that accounts showing the ESDC revenue, expenditure and inventory of assets are kept in accordance with the internationally accepted accounting standards for the public sector. 2. The Head shall submit to the Steering Committee the annual accounts for a given financial year no later than the following 31 March, together with the detailed report referred to in Article 2(4) of these Financial Rules. 3. If necessary, accounting services may be outsourced. Article 9 Auditing 1. An audit of the ESDC accounts shall be conducted annually. 2. The necessary auditing services shall be outsourced. 3. The audit reports shall be made available to the Steering Committee together with the detailed report referred to in Article 2(4) of these Financial Rules. Article 10 Discharge 1. The Steering Committee shall decide on the basis of the detailed report, the annual accounts and the annual audit report whether to grant the Head a discharge in respect of the implementation of the ESDC budget. 2. The Head shall take all appropriate steps to satisfy the Steering Committee that a discharge may be granted and to act on the observations in the decisions giving discharge, if any.

Summary: European Security and Defence College European Security and Defence College SUMMARY OF: Decision (CFSP) 2020/1515 establishing a European Security and Defence College WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION? The decision sets up the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), which aims to develop and promote a common understanding among civilians and military personnel of the common security and defence policy (CSDP) and the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) of the European Union (EU) through training and education activities. KEY POINTS Objectives The ESDC has a number of objectives, including: further enhancing the common European security and defence culture within the EU and promoting the principles set out in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union; promoting a better understanding of CSDP as an essential part of CFSP; providing EU Member States’ administrations with people who are familiar with EU policies, institutions and procedures in the CSDP field; providing CSDP missions and operations personnel with a common understanding of the functioning principles and a sense of common European identity; providing training and education that meet the needs of CSDP missions and operations; supporting EU partnerships in the field of CSDP, in particular with those countries participating in CSDP missions; supporting civilian crisis management — including in the field of conflict prevention — and establishing or preserving the conditions necessary for sustainable development; promoting the European initiative for the exchange of young officers; helping to promote professional relations and contacts among the participants. Tasks of the ESDC The main task of the ESDC is to provide training and education. The decision sets out a number of specific tasks, including: basic- and advanced-level courses that promote a generic understanding of CFSP and CSDP; leadership courses; courses that directly support CSDP missions and operations, including pre‐deployment and in-mission / in-operation training and education; courses that support EU partnerships and the countries participating in CSDP missions and operations; modules that support civilian and military training and education in the field of CSDP; CSDP courses, seminars, programmes and conferences for specialised audiences; common modules that run under the European initiative for the exchange of young officers, which was inspired by the Erasmus+ programme; cyber awareness and advanced courses, including in support of CSDP missions and operations; courses and seminars that support PhD-level research through the exchange of best practices and experience. Network The ESDC is organised as a network of various educational institutions — including those dealing with security and defence policies within the EU, as identified by the Member States — and the European Union Institute for Security Studies. The ESDC is closely linked with several EU institutions and agencies, including: the European Border and Coast Guard Agency — Regulation (EU) 2019/1896, see summary; the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) — Regulation (EU) 2016/794, see summary; the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training — Regulation (EU) 2015/2219, see summary; the European Defence Agency — Decision (CFSP) 2015/1835, see summary; the European Union Satellite Centre — Decision 2014/401/CFSP, see summary.. The ESDC is under the overall responsibility of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY? It has applied since 19 October 2020. Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1515 repeals Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382. BACKGROUND For further information, see: European Security and Defence College (European Commission). MAIN DOCUMENT Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1515 of 19 October 2020 establishing a European Security and Defence College, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382 (OJ L 348, 20.10.2020, pp. 1–14). Successive amendments to Decision (CFSP) 2020/1515 have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. RELATED DOCUMENTS Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624 (OJ L 295, 14.11.2019, pp. 1–131). Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union — Title V — General Provisions on the Union’s External Action and Specific Provisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy — Chapter 2 — Specific Provisions on the common foreign and security policy — Section 1 — Common provisions — Article 28 (ex Article 14 TEU) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 32). Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union — Title V — General Provisions on the Union’s External Action and Specific Provisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy — Chapter 2 — Specific Provisions on the common foreign and security policy — Section 2 — Provisions on the common security and defence policy — Article 42 (ex Article 17 TEU) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, pp. 38–39). Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and replacing and repealing Council Decisions 2009/371/JHA, 2009/934/JHA, 2009/935/JHA, 2009/936/JHA and 2009/968/JHA (OJ L 135, 24.5.2016, pp. 53–114). Regulation (EU) 2015/2219 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) and replacing and repealing Council Decision 2005/681/JHA (OJ L 319, 4.12.2015, pp. 1–20). Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1835 of 12 October 2015 defining the statute, seat and operational rules of the European Defence Agency (OJ L 266, 13.10.2015, pp. 55–74). See consolidated version. Council Decision 2014/75/CFSP of 10 February 2014 on the European Union Institute for Security Studies (OJ L 41, 12.2.2014, pp. 13–17). last update 08.12.2021