30.12.2006 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 394/5 RECOMMENDATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18 December 2006 on transnational mobility within the Community for education and training purposes: European Quality Charter for Mobility (2006/961/EC) (Τext with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 149(4) and Article 150(4) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 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 procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3), Whereas: (1) Mobility in education and training is an integral part of the freedom of movement of persons — a fundamental freedom protected by the Treaty — and one of the main objectives of the European Union's action in the field of education and training, based both on common values and on respect for diversity. It is an essential tool for creating a genuine European area of lifelong learning, for promoting employment and reducing poverty, and for helping to promote active European citizenship. (2) Mobility brings citizens closer to one another and improves mutual understanding. It promotes solidarity, the exchange of ideas and a better knowledge of the different cultures which make up Europe; thus, mobility furthers economic, social and regional cohesion. (3) Intensifying European mobility and exchanges for education and training purposes, and events such as the 2006 European Year of Workers' Mobility, have a key role to play in achieving the Lisbon goal of making Europe the most innovative and competitive knowledge-based economy by 2010. (4) Providing a better framework for mobility for education and training purposes within the EU will help to contribute towards the achievement of a knowledge-based economy central to the creation of employment, sustainable development, research and innovation in the Member States. (5) Increased support from all stakeholders, including public authorities, for mobility within the EU is needed to improve the quality and effectiveness of education and training systems in Europe. (6) Recommendation 2001/613/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 July 2001 on mobility within the Community for students, persons undergoing training, volunteers, teachers and trainers (4) was the first recommendation adopted with the aim of facilitating Community action to encourage mobility. (7) The work of the group of experts set up by the Commission in accordance with point III(a) of that Recommendation, and the first follow-up report, while showing the progress made both at national and at European level as regards mobility for education and training purposes, demonstrate the need to focus not only on increasing mobility in quantitative terms but, above all, on improving its quality. (8) This objective may be pursued, inter alia, by adopting, in the form of a Recommendation, a Quality Charter for Mobility, laying down a set of principles in this field, to be implemented on a voluntary basis. (9) The European Quality Charter for Mobility (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Charter’) should also allow for the specific needs of people with disabilities and for disadvantaged groups. (10) The Charter should help increase exchanges, facilitate the recognition of periods dedicated to education or training, and the recognition of titles and qualifications, and establish mutual trust so as to improve and strengthen cooperation between the relevant authorities, organisations and all the stakeholders in mobility. Attention should be paid to the issue of the portability of loans, grants and social security benefits. (11) The Charter is intended to complement, but not replace, the specific provisions outlined in the Erasmus Student Charter. (12) The Charter, in the respective languages of the recipients, should be made readily available by the authorities to all students and persons undergoing training, organisations and other stakeholders in mobility in countries of origin and host countries, and should be treated as a basic reference framework. (13) The advantages of mobility strongly depend on the quality of the practical provisions: information, preparation, support and recognition of the experience and qualifications acquired by participants during the study and training periods. The people and organisations involved can considerably improve its value by careful planning and suitable evaluation. (14) Europass (5) is a particularly useful instrument for developing transparency and recognition in order to aid mobility. (15) It is desirable that the principles laid down in the Charter apply not only to the period of mobility itself but also to the periods preceding and following it. (16) A learning plan should be drawn up in advance. General preparation of the participants is also necessary, taking account of linguistic preparation. In this regard, the competent authorities and organisations should provide assistance. (17) All administrative and financial questions, such as what financial support is available, who bears the costs, and insurance cover in the host country, should be solved before departure. (18) For the period spent abroad, the quality of mobility can be enhanced by the provision of schemes such as mentoring for participants. (19) A detailed and clear description of any courses or training followed in the host country, including the duration of the course or training, should help to facilitate their recognition on returning to the home country. (20) Transparency and good administration call for a clear definition of the stakeholders responsible for each stage and action of the mobility programme. (21) In order to ensure the overall quality of mobility, it is desirable to ensure freedom of movement for all EU citizens and to apply as far as possible the principles laid down in the Charter and the relevant recommendations to all types of mobility for learning or professional development purposes: education or training; formal or non-formal learning, including voluntary work and projects; short or long mobility periods; school, higher education or job-related learning; measures in connection with lifelong learning. (22) In view of the diversity of the nature and duration of mobility activities, Member States may adjust the implementation of the Charter according to circumstances, namely to adapt it to specific situations and programmes. Member States may make some of the points compulsory and consider others as optional. (23) Since the objectives of this Recommendation cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the scale and effects of this Recommendation, be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, the present Recommendation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives, HEREBY RECOMMEND THAT THE MEMBER STATES: 1. adopt and promote the use of the attached Charter as a means to enhance personal and professional development; 2. report on their implementation of this Recommendation and any complementary measures they may choose to take in favour of mobility, particularly in relation to the quality aspects thereof, in their national contributions to the Education and Training 2010 work programme, as from the second year following the adoption of this Recommendation; 3. continue to cooperate closely and coordinate their actions with a view to eliminating obstacles which directly or indirectly impede the mobility of EU citizens; 4. provide appropriate support and suitable infrastructures for mobility for education and training purposes in order to enhance the education and training levels of their citizens; 5. take any necessary steps to promote mobility, to ensure that all relevant information is easily understandable and accessible to all, for instance by means of an introductory guide to mobility or a list of supporting organisations, and to improve the conditions for mobility, HEREBY INVITE THE COMMISSION TO: 1. encourage the use of the Charter by national agencies and other organisations working in the field of education and training and mobility; 2. continue to cooperate with the Member States and the social partners, so that useful information and experience concerning the implementation of the measures advocated in this Recommendation may be exchanged; 3. improve or develop in close cooperation with the relevant authorities gender-specific statistical data on mobility for education and training purposes; 4. consider the present Recommendation as forming a whole with Recommendation 2001/613/EC and therefore to include the biennial reports requested therein in the general reports of the Education and Training 2010 work programme. Done at Brussels, 18 December 2006. For the European Parliament The President J. BORRELL FONTELLES For the Council The President J.-E. ENESTAM (1) OJ C 88, 11.4.2006, p. 20. (2) OJ C 206, 29.8.2006, p. 40. (3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 26 September 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 18 December 2006. (4) OJ L 215, 9.8.2001, p. 30. (5) Decision No 2241/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2004 on a single Community framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences (Europass) (OJ L 390, 31.12.2004, p. 6). ANNEX EUROPEAN QUALITY CHARTER FOR MOBILITY INTRODUCTION Strengthened by the Mobility Action Plan of 2000 (1) and by Recommendation 2001/613/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 10 July 2001 on mobility within the Community for students, persons undergoing training, volunteers, teachers and trainers (2), mobility has always been of considerable interest to stakeholders. That Recommendation was broad in scope, addressed a range of important questions associated with mobility and was targeted at anyone who might benefit from a period of learning abroad (formal and non-formal), including students, teachers, trainers, volunteers and people undergoing training. Recommendation 2006/961/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 18 December 2006 on transnational mobility within the Community for education and training purposes: European Quality Charter for Mobility (3), of which this Charter constitutes an integral part, has the same scope but focuses on the quality aspects of mobility, as proposed by an expert group established following the first Recommendation. It should help to ensure that participants have a positive experience, both in the host country and in their country of origin once they return. This Charter offers guidance for mobility undertaken by individual young people or adults, for the purposes of formal and non-formal learning and for their personal and professional development. It has been designed as a basic reference document, which takes account of national situations and respects Member States' competences. Its scope and content may be adapted to suit the duration of the mobility and the particularities of the various educational, training and youth activities as well as the needs of the participants. Although primarily addressing mobility for learning purposes, it is felt that this guidance could also be useful for other types of mobility, such as mobility for work. 1. Information and guidance Potential candidates for mobility should have equal access, at all levels, to reliable sources of information and guidance for mobility and the conditions in which it can be taken up. Among other things, clear information should be provided on each of the points contained in this Charter, about the role and tasks of the sending and hosting organisations and about the various education and training systems. 2. Learning plan Before undertaking mobility for education or training purposes, a learning plan, taking account of linguistic preparation, should be drawn up and agreed by the sending and hosting organisations and the participants. A learning plan is particularly important in the case of long-term mobility and may also be useful in the case of short-term mobility. The plan should outline the objectives and expected learning outcomes, as well as how these should be achieved and implemented. Any significant modification of the learning plan should be agreed by all parties. When drawing up the learning plan, the issues of reintegration into the home country and evaluation should be borne in mind. 3. Personalisation Mobility undertaken for education or training purposes should fit in as much as possible with the personal learning pathways, skills and motivation of the participants, and should develop or supplement them. 4. General preparation Prior preparation of the participants is advisable, and should be tailored to their specific needs. It should include linguistic, pedagogical, administrative, legal, personal and cultural aspects, and information on financial aspects, as necessary. 5. Linguistic aspects Language skills are important for effective learning, intercultural communication and a better understanding of the host country's culture. Participants, and their sending and hosting organisations, should pay special attention to appropriate linguistic preparation. Wherever possible, mobility arrangements should include: — language assessment before departure and an opportunity to follow courses in the language of the host country and/or the language of instruction, if different; — in the host country, linguistic support and advice. 6. Logistical support Where necessary, adequate logistical support should be provided to the participants. This could include information and assistance concerning travel arrangements, insurance, residence or work permits, social security, the portability of government grants and loans from the country of origin to the host country, accommodation, and any other practical aspects, including safety issues relevant to their stay, as appropriate. 7. Mentoring The hosting organisation (educational establishment, youth organisation, company, etc.) should provide schemes such as mentoring to advise participants and help with their effective integration into the host environment, and should act as a contact point for obtaining ongoing assistance. 8. Recognition If a study or placement period abroad is an integral part of a formal study or training programme, this fact should be stated in the learning plan, and participants should be provided with assistance to facilitate recognition and certification, where appropriate. In the learning plan, the sending organisation should undertake to recognise successful periods of mobility. For other types of mobility, and particularly those in the context of non-formal education and training, an appropriate document should be issued so that the participant is able to demonstrate his or her active participation and learning outcomes in a satisfactory and credible way. In this context, the use of the Europass (4) should be encouraged. 9. Reintegration and evaluation On return to the home country, particularly after long-term mobility, participants should be given guidance on how to make use of competences and skills acquired during the stay. Where necessary, help with reintegration into the social, educational or professional environment of the home country should be made available to people returning after long-term mobility. The experience gained should be properly evaluated by participants, together with the organisations responsible, to assess whether the aims of the learning plan have been met. 10. Commitments and responsibilities The responsibilities arising from these quality criteria should be agreed by the sending and hosting organisations and the participants. They should preferably be confirmed in writing, so that responsibilities are clear to all concerned. (1) Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 14 December 2000, concerning an action plan for mobility (OJ C 371, 23.12.2000, p. 4). (2) OJ L 215, 9.8.2001, p. 30. (3) See page 5 of this Official Journal (4) Decision No 2241/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2004 on a single Community framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences (Europass) (OJ L 390, 31.12.2004, p. 6).

Summary: European Quality Charter for Mobility European Quality Charter for Mobility Focusing on the quality aspects of mobility, the European Quality Charter for Mobility constitutes a reference document for stays abroad in order to ensure that participants, both young people and adults, have a positive experience. Its scope covers stays by young people and adults for the purposes of both formal and non-formal learning and hence for their personal and professional development. It offers guidance designed to respond to participants' expectations and the legitimate requirements of education bodies and institutions. The Charter thus provides a better framework for free movement of persons in the field of education and training, so as to consolidate the creation of a true European area of education and training and enhance economic, social and regional cohesion. ACT Recommendation (EC) No 2006/961 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on transnational mobility within the Community for education and training purposes: European Quality Charter for Mobility [Official Journal L 394 of 30.12.2006]. SUMMARY The European Quality Charter for Mobility constitutes the quality reference document for education and training stays abroad. It complements, from the quality point of view, the 2001 Recommendation on mobility for students, persons undergoing training, volunteers, teachers and trainers and has the same scope. The Charter is addressed to the Member States, particularly their organisations responsible for stays abroad, and provides guidance on mobility arrangements for learning or other purposes, such as professional betterment, to both young and adult participants. This is in order to enhance personal and professional development. By involving the stakeholders more, it also aims to improve the quality and efficiency of education and training systems. It should help to ensure that mobility participants always have a positive experience both in the host country and in their country of origin on their return, and that the number and depth of education and training exchanges are stepped up. It offers guidance designed to respond to: participants' expectations as regards pre-departure information, suitable infrastructure in the host country and the exploitation of acquired knowledge following their return to their country of origin; the legitimate requirements of education bodies and institutions, mainly in the host country, which expect that mobility participants will not arrive without being properly prepared and that their mobility period will be positive both for themselves and for the host body, institution or company. This guidance consists of ten principles implemented on a voluntary and flexible basis, being adaptable to the nature and peculiarities of each stay. These principles are: information and guidance: every candidate should have access to clear and reliable sources of information and guidance on mobility and the conditions in which it can be taken up, including details of the Charter itself and the roles of sending and hosting organisations; learning plan: a plan is drawn up and signed by the sending and hosting organisations and participants before every stay for education or training purposes. It must describe the objectives and expected outcomes, the means of achieving them, and evaluation, and must also take account of reintegration issues; personalisation: mobility must fit in with personal learning pathways, skills and motivation of participants, and should develop or supplement them; general preparation: before departure, participants should receive general preparation tailored to their specific needs and covering linguistic, pedagogical, legal, cultural or financial aspects; linguistic aspects: language skills make for more effective learning, intercultural communication and a better understanding of the host country's culture. Arrangements should therefore include a pre-departure assessment of language skills, the possibility of attending courses in the language of the host country and/or language learning and linguistic support and advice in the host country; logistical support: this could include providing participants with information and assistance concerning travel arrangements, insurance, the portability of government grants and loans, residence or work permits, social security and any other practical aspects; mentoring: the hosting organisation should provide mentoring to advise and help participants throughout their stay, also to ensure their integration; recognition: if periods of study or training abroad are an integral part of a formal study or training programme, the learning plan must mention this, and participants should be provided with assistance regarding recognition and certification. For other types of mobility, and particularly those in the context of non-formal education and training, certification by an appropriate document, such as the Europass, is necessary; reintegration and evaluation: on returning to their country of origin, participants should receive guidance on how to make use of the competences acquired during their stay and, following a long stay, any necessary help with reintegration. Evaluation of the experience acquired should make it possible to assess whether the aims of the learning plan have been achieved; commitments and responsibilities: the responsibilities arising from these quality criteria must be agreed and, in particular, confirmed in writing by all sides (sending and hosting organisations and participants). Implementation of the Charter includes the elimination by the Member States of mobility obstacles and the provision of support and infrastructures to help raise education and training levels in the European Union (EU). It also includes measures to promote mobility by providing easily accessible information. The Commission is called upon to encourage application of the Charter in the Member States, to continue to cooperate with the Member States and social partners, particularly with regard to the exchange of information and experience relating to the implementation of measures, and to develop statistical data on mobility. Implementation of the Charter and its evaluation are part of the Education and Training 2010 work programme. Background Mobility has an important impact in that, as part of the freedom of movement of persons, it is a means of promoting employment, reducing poverty, and promoting active European citizenship by improving mutual and intercultural understanding in the EU and boosting economic, social and regional cohesion. As an objective of the Education and Training 2010 work programme, mobility contributes to the creation of the European Area of Education and Training and plays an essential part in achieving the Lisbon strategic objectives. Mobility and an increase in exchanges are promoted through measures such as the 2000 action plan for mobility and the above-mentioned 2001 Recommendation on mobility for students, persons undergoing vocational training, volunteers and teachers, as well as events such as the 2006 European Year of Worker's Mobility. The Charter consolidates and complements these measures and the Erasmus Student Charter from the quality point of view. RELATED ACTS Council Resolution of 3 June 2002 on skills and mobility [Official Journal C 162 of 6.07.2002]. Communication from the Commission of 13 February 2002 to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Commission's Action Plan for skills and mobility [COM(2002) 72 final - not published in the Official Journal]. Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 July 2001 on mobility within the Community for students, persons undergoing training, volunteers, teachers and trainers [Official Journal L 215 of 09.08.2001]. Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 14 December 2000 concerning an action plan for mobility [Official Journal C 371 of 23.12.2000]. Last updated: 02.02.2007


14.10.2006 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 283/40 COUNCIL DECISION of 5 October 2006 on the establishment of a mutual information mechanism concerning Member States' measures in the areas of asylum and immigration (2006/688/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 66 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1), Whereas: (1) On 4 November 2004 the European Council endorsed a multi-annual programme, known as the Hague Programme, for strengthening the area of freedom, security and justice, which calls for the development of the second phase of a common policy in the field of asylum, migration, visas and borders, which started on 1 May 2004, based, inter alia, on closer practical cooperation between Member States and an improved exchange of information. (2) The development of common asylum and immigration policies since the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam has resulted in closer interdependency between Member States' policies in these areas, making the need for a more coordinated approach of national policies essential for strengthening the area of freedom, security and justice. (3) In conclusions adopted at its meeting of 14 April 2005, the Justice and Home Affairs Council called for the establishment of a system of mutual information between those in charge of migration and asylum policy in the Member States, based on the necessity to communicate information on measures considered likely to have a significant impact on several Member States or on the European Union as a whole and allowing for an exchange of views between Member States and the Commission at the request of any one of the Member States or the Commission. (4) The information mechanism should be based on solidarity, transparency and mutual confidence and should provide a flexible, rapid and non-bureaucratic channel for exchanging information and views on national asylum and immigration measures at European Union level. (5) For the purposes of the application of this Decision, national asylum and immigration measures which are likely to have a significant impact on several Member States or on the European Union as a whole may comprise policy intentions, long-term programming, draft and adopted legislation, final decisions of the highest courts or tribunals which apply or interpret measures of national law and administrative decisions affecting a significant number of persons. (6) Communication of the relevant information should take place at the latest when the measures concerned become publicly available. Member States are however encouraged to transmit it as soon as possible. (7) For reasons of efficiency and accessibility, a web-based network should be an essential element of the information mechanism concerning national measures in the areas of asylum and immigration. (8) The exchange of information on national measures through a web-based network should be complemented by the possibility of exchanging views on such measures. (9) The information mechanism established by this Decision should be without prejudice to the right of Member States to request ad-hoc discussions in the Council on national measures at any time, in accordance with the Council's rules of procedure. (10) Since the objectives of this Decision, namely secure information exchange and consultation between Member States, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the effects of this Decision, be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiary as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. 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. (11) The United Kingdom and Ireland, in accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community, have given notice of their wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Decision. (12) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol on the position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Denmark does not take part in the adoption of this Decision and is therefore not bound by it or subject to its application, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 Subject matter and scope 1. This Decision establishes a mechanism for the mutual exchange of information concerning national measures in the areas of asylum and immigration that are likely to have a significant impact on several Member States or on the European Union as a whole. 2. The mechanism referred to in paragraph 1 allows for the preparation of exchanges of views and debates on such measures. Article 2 Information to be submitted 1. Member States shall communicate to the Commission and the other Member States information on the measures which they intend to take, or have recently taken, in the areas of asylum and immigration, where these measures are publicly available and are likely to have a significant impact on several Member States or on the European Union as a whole. Such information shall be transmitted as soon as possible and at the latest when it becomes publicly available. This paragraph is subject to any confidentiality and data protection requirements that may apply to a particular measure. Each Member State shall be responsible for evaluating whether its national measures are likely to have a significant impact on several Member States or on the European Union as a whole. 2. The information pursuant to paragraph 1 shall be communicated through the network referred to in Article 3, using the reporting form annexed to this Decision. 3. The Commission or a Member State may request additional information concerning the information communicated by another Member State through the network. In such a case, the Member State concerned shall provide additional information within one month. Information on final decisions of the highest Courts which apply or interpret measures of national law shall not be the subject of a request for additional information under this paragraph. 4. The possibility for providing additional information referred to in paragraph 3 may also be used by the Member States to provide information on measures not covered by the obligation referred to in paragraph 1, on their own initiative or upon request of the Commission or another Member State. Article 3 The network 1. The network for the exchange of information in accordance with this Decision shall be web-based. 2. The Commission shall be responsible for the development and management of the network, including the structure and content of the network and access to it. The network shall include appropriate measures to guarantee the confidentiality of all or part of the information in the network. 3. For the practical set up of the network, the Commission shall make use of the existing technical platform within the Community framework of the trans-European telematic network for the interchange of information between the Member States authorities. 4. A specific functionality of the network shall be provided in order to allow the Commission and the Member States to request from one or more Member States additional information on communicated measures, as indicated in Article 2(3), and other information, as indicated in Article 2(4). 5. Member States shall designate national contact points having access to the network and notify the Commission thereof. 6. When necessary for the development of the network the Commission may conclude agreements with Institutions of the European Community, as well as with bodies governed by public law established under the Treaties establishing the European Communities or established within the framework of the European Union. The Commission shall inform the Council whenever a request for such access is submitted and when access to such Institutions and/or bodies is granted. Article 4 Exchanges of views, the general report and discussions at ministerial level 1. The Commission shall, once a year, prepare a general report summarizing the most relevant information transmitted by the Member States. With a view to preparing such a report and identifying issues of common interest, Member States shall be associated with the Commission for this preparatory work, which may include technical meetings throughout the reporting period consisting in an exchange of views with Member States' experts on information submitted under Article 2. The general report shall be transmitted to the European Parliament and to the Council. 2. Without prejudice to the possibility of holding ad-hoc consultations within the Council, the general report prepared by the Commission shall constitute the basis for a debate on national asylum and immigration policies at ministerial level. Article 5 Evaluation and Review The Commission shall evaluate the functioning of the mechanism two years after the entry into force of this Decision and regularly thereafter. If appropriate, the Commission shall propose amendments to it. Article 6 Entry into force This Decision shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Article 7 Addressees This Decision is addressed to the Member States in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community. Done at Luxembourg, 5 October 2006. For the Council The President K. RAJAMÄKI (1) Opinion delivered on 3 May 2006. Not yet published in the Official Journal. ANNEX

Summary: Mutual information mechanism for national asylum and immigration measures Mutual information mechanism for national asylum and immigration measures SUMMARY OF: Decision 2006/688/EC establishing a mutual information mechanism concerning EU countries' measures in the areas of asylum and immigration WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION? It aims to improve the sharing of information between EU countries concerning national asylum and immigration measures. It sets up a formal information procedure between EU countries and the European Commission, with the aim of improving the coordination of immigration and asylum policies between EU countries. KEY POINTS Information sharing and transmission The mutual information mechanism (MIM) permits the sharing of information between the Commission and EU countries concerning national laws on asylum and immigration. EU countries are required to transmit the measures they intend to take or have recently taken: through a web-based network; and using the report form annexed to the decision. This information should be transmitted as soon as possible and at the latest when it becomes publicly available. EU countries are required to communicate to the Commission and the other EU countries only measures that are likely to have a significant impact: in other EU countries; at the level of the EU as a whole. Development and management of the network The Commission is responsible for developing and managing the network. In setting up the network, it was to make use of the existing technical platform of the trans-European telematic network for the exchange of information between EU country authorities (known as CIRCA). The network allows the Commission and EU countries to request from one or more countries additional information on measures communicated. Any specific national measure notified in this way may give rise to an exchange of views between EU country experts and the Commission. In addition to these technical discussions, each year, the Commission must prepare a report summarising the most relevant information transmitted by EU countries. This report is submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for use as the basis of ministerial discussions on national asylum and immigration policies. Evaluation The Commission published a report in 2009 evaluating the MIM’s operation. Between April 2007 and 30 September 2009, only 16 EU countries had transmitted information via the MIM on only 45 measures. No communications were made on final decisions of the highest courts or tribunals. The format in which the communications were made was rarely homogeneous, with the reporting form annexed to the decision not always being used. At times, only the English title and the text in the original language were provided, resulting in problems of comprehension. There were also differences in the content of the reporting forms submitted: some were fairly comprehensive, while others only provided a cursory description without an indication of the nature of the measure. The report concluded that MIM had not fulfilled its objectives since the quantity of information submitted was nominal. However, since it had only been operational for a short period, the Commission considered it premature to propose amendments to the decision. The Mutual information mechanism for national asylum and immigration measures was not activated by either the Commission nor the EU countries, not even during the two years of the very high influx of migrants into Europe, in 2015 and 2016. Instead, the EU countries (European Union Presidencies) seemed to prefer to use the European Union crisis information mechanism to exchange data about migration flows. This request for information was then gradually taken over by the relevant European Union Agencies, EASO and FRONTEX, who today provide the bulk of the migration data needed for today's migration flow. Further information about important developments in the migration field in EU countries is regularly updated through the European Migration Network’s news bulletins that are regularly produced each quarter. Nonetheless, it cannot be excluded that the MIM mechanism may prove useful in future migration information exchanges between the EU countries and the European Commission and therefore its existence is still justifiable. FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY? It has applied since 3 November 2006. BACKGROUND National measures in the areas of immigration and asylum are likely to have an impact on other EU countries. This is due to: the absence of border checks in the Schengen area; the close economic and social relations between EU countries; and the development of common visa, immigration and asylum policies. For more information, see: European Migration Network at the national level (European Commission). MAIN DOCUMENT Council Decision 2006/688/EC of 5 October 2006 on the establishment of a mutual information mechanism concerning Member States’ measures in the areas of asylum and immigration (OJ L 283, 14.10.2006, pp. 40-43) RELATED DOCUMENT Report from the Commission pursuant to Article 4 and Article 5 of the Council Decision of 5 October 2006 on the establishment of a mutual information mechanism concerning Member States’ measures in the areas of asylum and immigration (COM(2009) 687 final, 17.12.2009) last update 22.11.2018


6.11.2007 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 288/27 DIRECTIVE 2007/60/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (Text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 175(1) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (2), Whereas: (1) Floods have the potential to cause fatalities, displacement of people and damage to the environment, to severely compromise economic development and to undermine the economic activities of the Community. (2) Floods are natural phenomena which cannot be prevented. However, some human activities (such as increasing human settlements and economic assets in floodplains and the reduction of the natural water retention by land use) and climate change contribute to an increase in the likelihood and adverse impacts of flood events. (3) It is feasible and desirable to reduce the risk of adverse consequences, especially for human health and life, the environment, cultural heritage, economic activity and infrastructure associated with floods. However, measures to reduce these risks should, as far as possible, be coordinated throughout a river basin if they are to be effective. (4) Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (3) requires river basin management plans to be developed for each river basin district in order to achieve good ecological and chemical status, and it will contribute to mitigating the effects of floods. However, reducing the risk of floods is not one of the principal objectives of that Directive, nor does it take into account the future changes in the risk of flooding as a result of climate change. (5) The Commission Communication of 12 July 2004 to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘Flood risk management — Flood prevention, protection and mitigation’ sets out its analysis and approach to managing flood risks at Community level, and states that concerted and coordinated action at Community level would bring considerable added value and improve the overall level of flood protection. (6) Effective flood prevention and mitigation requires, in addition to coordination between Member States, cooperation with third countries. This is in line with Directive 2000/60/EC and international principles of flood risk management as developed notably under the United Nations Convention on the protection and use of transboundary water courses and international lakes, approved by Council Decision 95/308/EC (4), and any succeeding agreements on its application. (7) Council Decision 2001/792/EC, Euratom of 23 October 2001 establishing a Community mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions (5) mobilises support and assistance from Member States in the event of major emergencies, including floods. Civil protection can provide adequate response to affected populations and improve preparedness and resilience. (8) Under Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (6) it is possible to grant rapid financial assistance in the event of a major disaster to help the people, natural zones, regions and countries concerned to return to conditions that are as normal as possible. However the Fund may only intervene for emergency operations, and not for the phases preceding an emergency. (9) In developing policies referring to water and land uses Member States and the Community should consider the potential impacts that such policies might have on flood risks and the management of flood risks. (10) Throughout the Community different types of floods occur, such as river floods, flash floods, urban floods and floods from the sea in coastal areas. The damage caused by flood events may also vary across the countries and regions of the Community. Hence, objectives regarding the management of flood risks should be determined by the Member States themselves and should be based on local and regional circumstances. (11) Flood risks in certain areas within the Community could be considered not to be significant, for example in thinly populated or unpopulated areas or in areas with limited economic assets or ecological value. In each river basin district or unit of management the flood risks and need for further action — such as the evaluation of flood mitigation potential — should be assessed. (12) In order to have available an effective tool for information, as well as a valuable basis for priority setting and further technical, financial and political decisions regarding flood risk management, it is necessary to provide for the establishing of flood hazard maps and flood risk maps showing the potential adverse consequences associated with different flood scenarios, including information on potential sources of environmental pollution as a consequence of floods. In this context, Member States should assess activities that have the effect of increasing flood risks. (13) With a view to avoiding and reducing the adverse impacts of floods in the area concerned it is appropriate to provide for flood risk management plans. The causes and consequences of flood events vary across the countries and regions of the Community. Flood risk management plans should therefore take into account the particular characteristics of the areas they cover and provide for tailored solutions according to the needs and priorities of those areas, whilst ensuring relevant coordination within river basin districts and promoting the achievement of environmental objectives laid down in Community legislation. In particular, Member States should refrain from taking measures or engaging in actions which significantly increase the risk of flooding in other Member States, unless these measures have been coordinated and an agreed solution has been found among the Member States concerned. (14) Flood risk management plans should focus on prevention, protection and preparedness. With a view to giving rivers more space, they should consider where possible the maintenance and/or restoration of floodplains, as well as measures to prevent and reduce damage to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity. The elements of flood risk management plans should be periodically reviewed and if necessary updated, taking into account the likely impacts of climate change on the occurrence of floods. (15) The solidarity principle is very important in the context of flood risk management. In the light of it Member States should be encouraged to seek a fair sharing of responsibilities, when measures are jointly decided for the common benefit, as regards flood risk management along water courses. (16) To prevent duplication of work, Member States should be entitled to use existing preliminary flood risk assessments, flood hazard and risk maps and flood risk management plans for the purposes of achieving the objectives and satisfying the requirements of this Directive. (17) Development of river basin management plans under Directive 2000/60/EC and of flood risk management plans under this Directive are elements of integrated river basin management. The two processes should therefore use the mutual potential for common synergies and benefits, having regard to the environmental objectives of Directive 2000/60/EC, ensuring efficiency and wise use of resources while recognising that the competent authorities and management units might be different under this Directive and Directive 2000/60/EC. (18) Member States should base their assessments, maps and plans on appropriate ‘best practice’ and ‘best available technologies’ not entailing excessive costs in the field of flood risk management. (19) In cases of multi-purpose use of bodies of water for different forms of sustainable human activities (e.g. flood risk management, ecology, inland navigation or hydropower) and the impacts of such use on the bodies of water, Directive 2000/60/EC provides for a clear and transparent process for addressing such uses and impacts, including possible exemptions from the objectives of ‘good status’ or of ‘non-deterioration’ in Article 4 thereof. Directive 2000/60/EC provides for cost recovery in Article 9. (20) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Directive should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (7). (21) In particular, the Commission should be empowered to adapt the Annex to scientific and technical progress. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive, they must be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC. (22) This Directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In particular, it seeks to promote the integration into Community policies of a high level of environmental protection in accordance with the principle of sustainable development as laid down in Article 37 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. (23) Since the objective of this Directive, namely the establishment of a framework for measures to reduce the risks of flood damage, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can by reason of scale and effects of actions be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. (24) In accordance with the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity and the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality attached to the Treaty, and in view of existing capabilities of Member States, considerable flexibility should be left to the local and regional levels, in particular as regards organisation and responsibility of authorities. (25) In accordance with point 34 of the Interinstitutional Agreement on better law-making (8), Member States are encouraged to draw up, for themselves and in the interest of the Community, their own tables illustrating, as far as possible, the correlation between this Directive and the transposition measures, and to make them public, HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 The purpose of this Directive is to establish a framework for the assessment and management of flood risks, aiming at the reduction of the adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity associated with floods in the Community. Article 2 For the purpose of this Directive, in addition to the definitions of ‘river’, ‘river basin’, ‘sub-basin’ and ‘river basin district’ as set out in Article 2 of Directive 2000/60/EC, the following definitions shall apply: 1. ‘flood’ means the temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water. This shall include floods from rivers, mountain torrents, Mediterranean ephemeral water courses, and floods from the sea in coastal areas, and may exclude floods from sewerage systems; 2. ‘flood risk’ means the combination of the probability of a flood event and of the potential adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity associated with a flood event. Article 3 1. For the purposes of this Directive Member States shall make use of the arrangements made under Article 3(1), (2), (3), (5) and (6) of Directive 2000/60/EC. 2. However, for the implementation of this Directive, Member States may: (a) appoint competent authorities different from those identified pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 2000/60/EC; (b) identify certain coastal areas or individual river basins and assign them to a unit of management different from those assigned pursuant to Article 3(1) of Directive 2000/60/EC. In these cases, Member States shall, by 26 May 2010, communicate to the Commission the information referred to in Annex I to Directive 2000/60/EC. For this purpose, any reference to competent authorities and river basin districts shall be taken as references to the competent authorities and unit of management referred to in this Article. Member States shall inform the Commission of any changes in the information provided pursuant to this paragraph within three months of the change coming into effect. CHAPTER II PRELIMINARY FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT Article 4 1. Member States shall, for each river basin district, or unit of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b), or the portion of an international river basin district lying within their territory, undertake a preliminary flood risk assessment in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article. 2. Based on available or readily derivable information, such as records and studies on long term developments, in particular impacts of climate change on the occurrence of floods, a preliminary flood risk assessment shall be undertaken to provide an assessment of potential risks. The assessment shall include at least the following: (a) maps of the river basin district at the appropriate scale including the borders of the river basins, sub-basins and, where existing, coastal areas, showing topography and land use; (b) a description of the floods which have occurred in the past and which had significant adverse impacts on human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity and for which the likelihood of similar future events is still relevant, including their flood extent and conveyance routes and an assessment of the adverse impacts they have entailed; (c) a description of the significant floods which have occurred in the past, where significant adverse consequences of similar future events might be envisaged; and, depending on the specific needs of Member States, it shall include: (d) an assessment of the potential adverse consequences of future floods for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity, taking into account as far as possible issues such as the topography, the position of watercourses and their general hydrological and geo-morphological characteristics, including floodplains as natural retention areas, the effectiveness of existing man-made flood defence infrastructures, the position of populated areas, areas of economic activity and long-term developments including impacts of climate change on the occurrence of floods. 3. In the case of international river basin districts, or units of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b) which are shared with other Member States, Member States shall ensure that exchange of relevant information takes place between the competent authorities concerned. 4. Member States shall complete the preliminary flood risk assessment by 22 December 2011. Article 5 1. On the basis of a preliminary flood risk assessment as referred to in Article 4, Member States shall, for each river basin district, or unit of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b), or portion of an international river basin district lying within their territory, identify those areas for which they conclude that potential significant flood risks exist or might be considered likely to occur. 2. The identification under paragraph 1 of areas belonging to an international river basin district, or to a unit of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b) shared with another Member State, shall be coordinated between the Member States concerned. CHAPTER III FLOOD HAZARD MAPS AND FLOOD RISK MAPS Article 6 1. Member States shall, at the level of the river basin district, or unit of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b), prepare flood hazard maps and flood risk maps, at the most appropriate scale for the areas identified under Article 5(1). 2. The preparation of flood hazard maps and flood risk maps for areas identified under Article 5 which are shared with other Member States shall be subject to prior exchange of information between the Member States concerned. 3. Flood hazard maps shall cover the geographical areas which could be flooded according to the following scenarios: (a) floods with a low probability, or extreme event scenarios; (b) floods with a medium probability (likely return period ≥ 100 years); (c) floods with a high probability, where appropriate. 4. For each scenario referred to in paragraph 3 the following elements shall be shown: (a) the flood extent; (b) water depths or water level, as appropriate; (c) where appropriate, the flow velocity or the relevant water flow. 5. Flood risk maps shall show the potential adverse consequences associated with flood scenarios referred to in paragraph 3 and expressed in terms of the following: (a) the indicative number of inhabitants potentially affected; (b) type of economic activity of the area potentially affected; (c) installations as referred to in Annex I to Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (9) which might cause accidental pollution in case of flooding and potentially affected protected areas identified in Annex IV(1)(i), (iii) and (v) to Directive 2000/60/EC; (d) other information which the Member State considers useful such as the indication of areas where floods with a high content of transported sediments and debris floods can occur and information on other significant sources of pollution. 6. Member States may decide that, for coastal areas where an adequate level of protection is in place, the preparation of flood hazard maps shall be limited to the scenario referred to in paragraph 3(a). 7. Member States may decide that, for areas where flooding is from groundwater sources, the preparation of flood hazard maps shall be limited to the scenario referred to in paragraph 3(a). 8. Member States shall ensure that the flood hazard maps and flood risk maps are completed by 22 December 2013. CHAPTER IV FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLANS Article 7 1. On the basis of the maps referred to in Article 6, Member States shall establish flood risk management plans coordinated at the level of the river basin district, or unit of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b), for the areas identified under Article 5(1) and the areas covered by Article 13(1)(b) in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article. 2. Member States shall establish appropriate objectives for the management of flood risks for the areas identified under Article 5(1) and the areas covered by Article 13(1)(b), focusing on the reduction of potential adverse consequences of flooding for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity, and, if considered appropriate, on non-structural initiatives and/or on the reduction of the likelihood of flooding. 3. Flood risk management plans shall include measures for achieving the objectives established in accordance with paragraph 2 and shall include the components set out in Part A of the Annex. Flood risk management plans shall take into account relevant aspects such as costs and benefits, flood extent and flood conveyance routes and areas which have the potential to retain flood water, such as natural floodplains, the environmental objectives of Article 4 of Directive 2000/60/EC, soil and water management, spatial planning, land use, nature conservation, navigation and port infrastructure. Flood risk management plans shall address all aspects of flood risk management focusing on prevention, protection, preparedness, including flood forecasts and early warning systems and taking into account the characteristics of the particular river basin or sub-basin. Flood risk management plans may also include the promotion of sustainable land use practices, improvement of water retention as well as the controlled flooding of certain areas in the case of a flood event. 4. In the interests of solidarity, flood risk management plans established in one Member State shall not include measures which, by their extent and impact, significantly increase flood risks upstream or downstream of other countries in the same river basin or sub-basin, unless these measures have been coordinated and an agreed solution has been found among the Member States concerned in the framework of Article 8. 5. Member States shall ensure that flood risk management plans are completed and published by 22 December 2015. Article 8 1. For river basin districts, or units of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b), which fall entirely within their territory, Member States shall ensure that one single flood risk management plan, or a set of flood risk management plans coordinated at the level of the river basin district, is produced. 2. Where an international river basin district, or unit of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b), falls entirely within the Community, Member States shall ensure coordination with the aim of producing one single international flood risk management plan, or a set of flood risk management plans coordinated at the level of the international river basin district. Where such plans are not produced, Member States shall produce flood risk management plans covering at least the parts of the international river basin district falling within their territory, as far as possible coordinated at the level of the international river basin district. 3. Where an international river basin district, or unit of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b), extends beyond the boundaries of the Community, Member States shall endeavour to produce one single international flood risk management plan or a set of flood risk management plans coordinated at the level of the international river basin district; where this is not possible, paragraph 2 shall apply for the parts of the international river basin falling within their territory. 4. The flood risk management plans referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 shall be supplemented, where considered appropriate by countries sharing a sub-basin, by more detailed flood risk management plans coordinated at the level of the international sub-basins. 5. Where a Member State identifies an issue which has an impact on the management of flood risks of its water and that issue cannot be resolved by that Member State, it may report the issue to the Commission and any other Member State concerned and may make recommendations as to how the issue should be resolved. The Commission shall respond to any report or recommendations from Member States within a period of six months. CHAPTER V COORDINATION WITH DIRECTIVE 2000/60/EC, PUBLIC INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION Article 9 Member States shall take appropriate steps to coordinate the application of this Directive and that of Directive 2000/60/EC focusing on opportunities for improving efficiency, information exchange and for achieving common synergies and benefits having regard to the environmental objectives laid down in Article 4 of Directive 2000/60/EC. In particular: 1. the development of the first flood hazard maps and flood risk maps and their subsequent reviews as referred to in Articles 6 and 14 of this Directive shall be carried out in such a way that the information they contain is consistent with relevant information presented according to Directive 2000/60/EC. They shall be coordinated with, and may be integrated into, the reviews provided for in Article 5(2) of Directive 2000/60/EC; 2. the development of the first flood risk management plans and their subsequent reviews as referred to in Articles 7 and 14 of this Directive shall be carried out in coordination with, and may be integrated into, the reviews of the river basin management plans provided for in Article 13(7) of Directive 2000/60/EC; 3. the active involvement of all interested parties under Article 10 of this Directive shall be coordinated, as appropriate, with the active involvement of interested parties under Article 14 of Directive 2000/60/EC. Article 10 1. In accordance with applicable Community legislation, Member States shall make available to the public the preliminary flood risk assessment, the flood hazard maps, the flood risk maps and the flood risk management plans. 2. Member States shall encourage active involvement of interested parties in the production, review and updating of the flood risk management plans referred to in Chapter IV. CHAPTER VI IMPLEMENTING MEASURES AND AMENDMENTS Article 11 1. The Commission may, in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 12(2), adopt technical formats for the purpose of processing and transmission of data, including statistical and cartographic data, to the Commission. The technical formats should be adopted at least two years before the dates indicated respectively in Articles 4(4), 6(8) and 7(5), taking into account existing standards as well as formats developed under relevant Community acts. 2. The Commission may, taking into account the periods for review and updating, adapt the Annex to scientific and technical progress. These measures, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 12(3). Article 12 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the committee established under Article 21 of Directive 2000/60/EC. 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5a(1) to (4) and Article 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. CHAPTER VII TRANSITIONAL MEASURES Article 13 1. Member States may decide not to undertake the preliminary flood risk assessment referred to in Article 4 for those river basins, sub-basins or coastal areas where they have either: (a) already undertaken a risk assessment to conclude, before 22 December 2010, that a potential significant flood risk exists or might be considered likely to occur leading to the identification of the area among those referred to in Article 5(1) or (b) decided, before 22 December 2010, to prepare flood hazard maps and flood risk maps and to establish flood risk management plans in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Directive. 2. Member States may decide to make use of flood hazard maps and flood risk maps finalised before 22 December 2010, if such maps provide a level of information equivalent to the requirements of Article 6. 3. Member States may decide to make use of flood risk management plans finalised before 22 December 2010, provided the content of these plans is equivalent to the requirements set out in Article 7. 4. Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall apply without prejudice to Article 14. CHAPTER VIII REVIEWS, REPORTS AND FINAL PROVISIONS Article 14 1. The preliminary flood risk assessment, or the assessment and decisions referred to in Article 13(1), shall be reviewed, and if necessary updated, by 22 December 2018 and every six years thereafter. 2. The flood hazard maps and the flood risk maps shall be reviewed, and if necessary updated, by 22 December 2019 and every six years thereafter. 3. The flood risk management plan(s) shall be reviewed, and if necessary updated, including the components set out in part B of the Annex, by 22 December 2021 and every six years thereafter. 4. The likely impact of climate change on the occurrence of floods shall be taken into account in the reviews referred to in paragraphs 1 and 3. Article 15 1. Member States shall make available the preliminary flood risk assessment, the flood hazard maps, the flood risk maps and flood risk management plans referred to in Articles 4, 6 and 7, as well as their review and, where applicable, their updates to the Commission within three months after the dates indicated respectively in Articles 4(4), 6(8), 7(5) and 14. 2. Member States shall inform the Commission of the decisions taken in accordance with Article 13(1), (2) and (3) and make available the relevant information thereon by the dates indicated respectively in Articles 4(4), 6(8) and 7(5). Article 16 The Commission shall, by 22 December 2018, and every six years thereafter, submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the implementation of this Directive. The impact of climate change shall be taken into account in drawing up this report. Article 17 1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive before 26 November 2009. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof. When they are adopted by Member States, these measures shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by Member States. 2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive. Article 18 This Directive shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Article 19 This Directive is addressed to the Member States. Done at Strasbourg, 23 October 2007. For the European Parliament The President H.-G. PÖTTERING For the Council The President M. LOBO ANTUNES (1) OJ C 195, 18.8.2006, p. 37. (2) Opinion of the European Parliament of 13 June 2006 (OJ C 300 E, 9.12.2006, p. 123). Council Common Position of 23 November 2006 (OJ C 311 E, 19.12.2006, p. 10) and Position of the European Parliament of 25 April 2007. Council Decision of 18 September 2007. (3) OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1. Directive as amended by Decision No 2455/2001/EC (OJ L 331, 15.12.2001, p. 1). (4) OJ L 186, 5.8.1995, p. 42. (5) OJ L 297, 15.11.2001, p. 7. (6) OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3. (7) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11). (8) OJ C 321, 31.12.2003, p. 1. (9) OJ L 257, 10.10.1996, p. 26. Directive as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 33, 4.2.2006, p. 1). ANNEX A. Flood risk management plans I. Components of the first flood risk management plans: 1. the conclusions of the preliminary flood risk assessment as required in Chapter II in the form of a summary map of the river basin district, or the unit of management referred to in Article 3(2)(b), delineating the areas identified under Article 5(1) which are the subject of this flood risk management plan; 2. flood hazard maps and flood risk maps as prepared under Chapter III, or already in place in accordance with Article 13, and the conclusions that can be drawn from those maps; 3. a description of the appropriate objectives of flood risk management, established in accordance with Article 7(2); 4. a summary of the measures and their prioritisation aiming to achieve the appropriate objectives of flood risk management, including the measures taken in accordance with Article 7, and flood related measures taken under other Community acts, including Council Directives 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (1) and 96/82/EC of 9 December 1996 on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances (2), Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (3) and Directive 2000/60/EC; 5. when available, for shared river basins or sub-basins, a description of the methodology, defined by the Member States concerned, of cost-benefit analysis used to assess measures with transnational effects. II. Description of the implementation of the plan: 1. a description of the prioritisation and the way in which progress in implementing the plan will be monitored; 2. a summary of the public information and consultation measures/actions taken; 3. a list of competent authorities and, as appropriate, a description of the coordination process within any international river basin district and of the coordination process with Directive 2000/60/EC. B. Components of the subsequent update of flood risk management plans: 1. any changes or updates since the publication of the previous version of the flood risk management plan, including a summary of the reviews carried out in compliance with Article 14; 2. an assessment of the progress made towards the achievement of the objectives referred to in Article 7(2); 3. a description of, and an explanation for, any measures foreseen in the earlier version of the flood risk management plan which were planned to be undertaken and have not been taken forward; 4. a description of any additional measures since the publication of the previous version of the flood risk management plan. (1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. Directive as last amended by Directive 2003/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 156, 25.6.2003, p. 17). (2) OJ L 10, 14.1.1997, p. 13. Directive as last amended by Directive 2003/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 345, 31.12.2003, p. 97). (3) OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30.

Summary: Flood-risk management in the EU Flood-risk management in the EU Floods are a threat to human health, cultural heritage, the economy and the environment. Here, the EU establishes a framework for assessing, mapping and planning for the reduction of the risk of floods in Europe. ACT Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks. SUMMARY WHAT DOES THIS DIRECTIVE DO? This directive aims to establish a framework for measures to reduce the risk of floods in the EU by assessing the risk of flooding in river basins and coastal regions, mapping out areas that are prone to significant floods and drawing up flood-risk management plans based on close cooperation between the EU countries. KEY POINTS This directive requires EU countries to assess the risk of flooding in coastal regions and river basins by collecting information on those areas, such as past flood history and maps showing borders, land use and topography, and determining the likelihood of future significant floods and their consequences. First published by 22 December 2011, these assessments will be reviewed by 22 December 2018 and then reviewed every 6 years thereafter. EU countries must also produce maps that identify areas prone to significant flood risks and indicate scenarios (based on high, medium or low probability) of a flood occurring there. First published by 22 December 2013, these maps must be reviewed every 6 years. EU countries must also establish flood-risk management plans that are coordinated at the level of the river basin or coastal districts. These plans establish objectives for the management of flood risks, focusing mainly on prevention (e.g. avoiding construction in areas that may flood), protection (measures to reduce the likelihood of floods in a specific place) and preparedness (informing the public about flood risks and what do to in the event of flooding). These plans must be completed by 22 December 2015 and are also to be reviewed every 6 years. Both the flood-risk maps and the management plans are coordinated with the water framework directive (WFD). The implementation of the WFD, this directive and other water-related directives is guided by the common implementation strategy, which also aims to integrate water policies with other policies in the EU, such as agriculture, transport or research and regional development. BACKGROUND Although floods are natural phenomena that cannot be fully prevented, human activity is increasing their likelihood and impact. The risk of flooding and the scale of damage will increase in the future, as a result of climate change, inappropriate river management, construction in flood risk areas and the increase in people and property in these areas. Considering that most of the river basins in Europe are shared between countries, action is more effective at the EU level, since this allows better risk assessment and the coordination of measures taken by the EU countries. For more information, see the European Commission’s website on the EU floods directive. REFERENCES Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal Directive 2007/60/EC 26.11.2007 25.11.2009 OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, pp. 27-34 last update 22.04.2015