2.7.2009 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 172/18 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2009/71/EURATOM of 25 June 2009 establishing a Community framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Articles 31 and 32 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, drawn up after obtaining the opinion of a group of persons appointed by the Scientific and Technical Committee from among scientific experts in the Member States, and after having consulted the European Economic and Social Committee (1), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2), Whereas: (1) Article 2(b) of the Treaty provides for the establishment of uniform safety standards to protect the health of workers and of the general public. (2) Article 30 of the Treaty provides for the establishment of basic standards within the Community for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionizing radiations. (3) Council Directive 96/29/Euratom of 13 May 1996 laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionizing radiation (3) establishes the basic safety standards. The provisions of that Directive have been supplemented by more specific legislation. (4) As recognised by ‘the Court of Justice’ of the European Communities (hereinafter referred to as the Court of Justice) in its case-law (4), the Community shares competences, together with its Member States, in fields covered by the Convention on Nuclear Safety (5). (5) As recognised by the Court of Justice in its case-law, the provisions of Chapter 3 of the Treaty, related to health and safety, form a coherent whole conferring upon the Commission powers of some considerable scope in order to protect the population and the environment against risks of nuclear contamination. (6) As recognised by the Court of Justice in its case-law, the tasks imposed on the Community by Article 2(b) of the Treaty to lay down uniform safety standards to protect the health of the population and of workers does not mean that, once such standards have been defined, a Member State may not provide for more stringent measures of protection. (7) Council Decision 87/600/Euratom of 14 December 1987 on Community arrangements for the early exchange of information in the event of a radiological emergency (6) established a framework for notification and provision of information to be used by the Member States in order to protect the general public in case of a radiological emergency. Council Directive 89/618/Euratom of 27 November 1989 on informing the general public about health protection measures to be applied and steps to be taken in the event of a radiological emergency (7) imposed obligations on the Member States to inform the general public in the event of a radiological emergency. (8) National responsibility of Member States for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations is the fundamental principle on which nuclear safety regulation has been developed at the international level, as endorsed by the Convention on Nuclear Safety. That principle of national responsibility, as well as the principle of prime responsibility of the licence holder for the nuclear safety of a nuclear installation under the supervision of its national competent regulatory authority, should be enhanced and the role and independence of the competent regulatory authorities should be reinforced by this Directive. (9) Each Member State may decide on its energy mix in accordance with relevant national policies. (10) When developing the appropriate national framework under this Directive, national circumstances will be taken into account. (11) The Member States have already implemented measures enabling them to achieve a high level of nuclear safety within the Community. (12) While this Directive concerns principally the nuclear safety of nuclear installations, it is also important to ensure the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, including at storage and disposal facilities. (13) Member States should assess, where appropriate, the relevant fundamental safety principles set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (8) which should constitute a framework of practices that Member States should have regard to when implementing this Directive. (14) It is useful to build on the process where the national safety authorities of the Member States having nuclear power plants on their territory have been working together in the context of Western European Nuclear Regulators′ Association (WENRA) and have defined many safety reference levels for power reactors. (15) Following the Council’s invitation to set up a High Level Group at EU level, as recorded in its Conclusions of 8 May 2007 on nuclear safety and safe management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG) was established by Commission Decision 2007/530/Euratom of 17 July 2007 on establishing the European High Level Group on Nuclear Safety and Waste Management (9) to contribute to the achievement of the Community objectives in the field of nuclear safety. (16) It is useful to establish a unified structure for reports of Member States to the Commission on the implementation of this Directive. Given its members′ wide experience ENSREG could make a valuable contribution in this respect, thereby facilitating consultation and cooperation of national regulatory authorities. (17) On 15 October 2008 at its fifth meeting ENSREG adopted 10 principles to be used when drafting a nuclear safety Directive, as noted in its minutes dated 20 November 2008. (18) Advances in nuclear technology, lessons learnt from operating experience and safety research and improvements in regulatory frameworks could have the potential to further improve safety. In keeping with the commitment to maintain and improve safety, Member States should take those factors into account when extending their nuclear power programme or deciding to use nuclear power for the first time. (19) The establishment of a strong safety culture within a nuclear installation is one of the fundamental safety management principles necessary for achieving its safe operation. (20) Maintenance and further development of expertise and skills in nuclear safety should be based, inter alia, on a process of learning from past operating experience and employing developments in methodology and science, as appropriate. (21) In the past, self-assessments have been carried out in Member States in close connection with international peer reviews under the auspices of the IAEA as International Regulatory Review Team or Integrated Regulatory Review Service missions. These self-assessments were carried out and these missions were invited by Member States on a voluntary basis in the spirit of openness and transparency. Self-assessments and accompanying peer reviews of the legislative, regulatory and organisational infrastructure should be aimed at strengthening and enhancing the national framework of Member States, whilst recognising their competencies in ensuring nuclear safety of nuclear installations on their territory. The self-assessments followed by international peer reviews are neither an inspection nor an audit, but a mutual learning mechanism that accepts different approaches to the organisation and practices of a competent regulatory authority, while considering regulatory, technical and policy issues of a Member State that contribute to ensuring a strong nuclear safety regime. The international peer reviews should be regarded as an opportunity to exchange professional experience and to share lessons learned and good practices in an open and cooperative spirit through advice by peers rather than control or judgement. Recognising a need for flexibility and appropriateness in regard to different existing systems in Member States, a Member State should be free to determine the segments of its system being subject to the specific peer review invited, with the aim of continuously improving nuclear safety. (22) In accordance with point 34 of the Interinstitutional Agreement on better law-making (10), Member States are encouraged to draw up, for themselves and in the interests 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, HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: CHAPTER 1 OBJECTIVES, DEFINITIONS AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION Article 1 Objectives The objectives of this Directive are: (a) to establish a Community framework in order to maintain and promote the continuous improvement of nuclear safety and its regulation; (b) to ensure that Member States shall provide for appropriate national arrangements for a high level of nuclear safety to protect workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionizing radiations from nuclear installations. Article 2 Scope 1. This Directive shall apply to any civilian nuclear installation operating under a licence as defined in Article 3(4) at all stages covered by this licence. 2. This Directive does not prevent Member States from taking more stringent safety measures in the subject-matter covered by this Directive, in compliance with Community law. 3. This Directive supplements the basic standards referred to in Article 30 of the Treaty as regards the nuclear safety of nuclear installations and is without prejudice to Directive 96/29/Euratom. Article 3 Definitions For the purposes of this Directive the following definitions shall apply: 1. ‘nuclear installation’ means: (a) an enrichment plant, nuclear fuel fabrication plant, nuclear power plant, reprocessing plant, research reactor facility, spent fuel storage facility; and (b) storage facilities for radioactive waste that are on the same site and are directly related to nuclear installations listed under point (a); 2. ‘nuclear safety’ means the achievement of proper operating conditions, prevention of accidents and mitigation of accident consequences, resulting in protection of workers and the general public from dangers arising from ionizing radiations from nuclear installations; 3. ‘competent regulatory authority’ means an authority or a system of authorities designated in a Member State in the field of regulation of nuclear safety of nuclear installations as referred to in Article 5; 4. ‘licence’ means any legal document granted under the jurisdiction of a Member State to confer responsibility for the siting, design, construction, commissioning and operation or decommissioning of a nuclear installation; 5. ‘licence holder’ means a legal or natural person having overall responsibility for a nuclear installation as specified in a licence. CHAPTER 2 OBLIGATIONS Article 4 Legislative, regulatory and organisational framework 1. Member States shall establish and maintain a national legislative, regulatory and organisational framework (hereinafter referred to as the ‘national framework’) for nuclear safety of nuclear installations that allocates responsibilities and provides for coordination between relevant state bodies. The national framework shall establish responsibilities for: (a) the adoption of national nuclear safety requirements. The determination on how they are adopted and through which instrument they are applied rests with the competence of the Member States; (b) the provision of a system of licensing and prohibition of operation of nuclear installations without a licence; (c) the provision of a system of nuclear safety supervision; (d) enforcement actions, including suspension of operation and modification or revocation of a licence. 2. Member States shall ensure that the national framework is maintained and improved when appropriate, taking into account operating experience, insights gained from safety analyses for operating nuclear installations, development of technology and results of safety research, when available and relevant. Article 5 Competent regulatory authority 1. Member States shall establish and maintain a competent regulatory authority in the field of nuclear safety of nuclear installations. 2. Member States shall ensure that the competent regulatory authority is functionally separate from any other body or organisation concerned with the promotion, or utilisation of nuclear energy, including electricity production, in order to ensure effective independence from undue influence in its regulatory decision making. 3. Member States shall ensure that the competent regulatory authority is given the legal powers and human and financial resources necessary to fulfil its obligations in connection with the national framework described in Article 4(1) with due priority to safety. This includes the powers and resources to: (a) require the licence holder to comply with national nuclear safety requirements and the terms of the relevant licence; (b) require demonstration of this compliance, including the requirements under paragraphs 2 to 5 of Article 6; (c) verify this compliance through regulatory assessments and inspections; and (d) carry out regulatory enforcement actions, including suspending the operation of nuclear installation in accordance with conditions defined by the national framework referred to in Article 4(1). Article 6 Licence holders 1. Member States shall ensure that the prime responsibility for nuclear safety of a nuclear installation rests with the licence holder. This responsibility cannot be delegated. 2. Member States shall ensure that the national framework in place requires licence holders, under the supervision of the competent regulatory authority, to regularly assess and verify, and continuously improve, as far as reasonably achievable, the nuclear safety of their nuclear installations in a systematic and verifiable manner. 3. The assessments referred to in paragraph 2 shall include verification that measures are in place for prevention of accidents and mitigation of consequences of accidents, including verification of the physical barriers and licence holder’s administrative procedures of protection that would have to fail before workers and the general public would be significantly affected by ionizing radiations. 4. Member States shall ensure that the national framework in place requires licence holders to establish and implement management systems which give due priority to nuclear safety and are regularly verified by the competent regulatory authority. 5. Member States shall ensure that the national framework in place requires licence holders to provide for and maintain adequate financial and human resources to fulfil their obligations with respect to nuclear safety of a nuclear installation, laid down in paragraphs 1 to 4. Article 7 Expertise and skills in nuclear safety Member States shall ensure that the national framework in place requires arrangements for education and training to be made by all parties for their staff having responsibilities relating to the nuclear safety of nuclear installations in order to maintain and to further develop expertise and skills in nuclear safety. Article 8 Information to the public Member States shall ensure that information in relation to the regulation of nuclear safety is made available to the workers and the general public. This obligation includes ensuring that the competent regulatory authority informs the public in the fields of its competence. Information shall be made available to the public in accordance with national legislation and international obligations, provided that this does not jeopardise other interests such as, inter alia, security, recognised in national legislation or international obligations. Article 9 Reporting 1. Member States shall submit a report to the Commission on the implementation of this Directive for the first time by 22 July 2014, and every three years thereafter, taking advantage of the review and reporting cycles under the Convention on Nuclear Safety. 2. On the basis of the Member States′ reports, the Commission shall submit a report to the Council and the European Parliament on progress made with the implementation of this Directive. 3. Member States shall at least every 10 years arrange for periodic self-assessments of their national framework and competent regulatory authorities and invite an international peer review of relevant segments of their national framework and/or authorities with the aim of continuously improving nuclear safety. Outcomes of any peer review shall be reported to the Member States and the Commission, when available. CHAPTER 3 FINAL PROVISIONS Article 10 Transposition 1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 22 July 2011. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof. When Member States adopt these measures, they 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 and of any subsequent amendments to those provisions. Article 11 Entry into force This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Article 12 Addressees This Directive is addressed to the Member States. Done at Luxembourg, 25 June 2009. For the Council The President L. MIKO (1) Opinion of 10 June 2009 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (2) Opinion of the European Parliament of 22 April 2009 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (3) OJ L 159, 29.6.1996, p. 1. (4) C-187/87 (1988 ECR p. 5013), C-376/90 (1992 ECR I-6153) and C-29/99 (2002 ECR I-11221). (5) OJ L 318, 11.12.1999, p. 21. (6) OJ L 371, 30.12.1987, p. 76. (7) OJ L 357, 7.12.1989, p. 31. (8) IAEA Safety Fundamentals: Fundamental safety principles, IAEA Safety Standard Series No SF-1 (2006). (9) OJ L 195, 27.7.2007, p. 44. (10) OJ C 321, 31.12.2003, p. 1.

Summary: Safety of nuclear installations Safety of nuclear installations The European Union has issued a directive aimed at ensuring the safety of nuclear installations (nuclear power stations, enrichment and reprocessing plants, etc.). The aim is to protect the population and workers against the risks those facilities present. ACT Council Directive 2009/71/Euratom of 25 June 2009 establishing a Community framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations. SUMMARY WHAT IS THE AIM OF THIS DIRECTIVE? The directive establishes a European framework for maintaining and promoting consistent improvement of nuclear safety and its regulation. It sets an ambitious safety goal across the EU in order to prevent accidents and avoid radioactive waste from nuclear installations. KEY ASPECTS Obligations incumbent upon EU countries to put in place a national framework for the safety of nuclear installations; to establish an independent national safety authority, responsible for supervising the activities of nuclear power operators; to carry out an initial safety assessment prior to construction of a nuclear facility and to re-assess installation safety at least every 10 years; to ensure workers and citizens have access to transparent information on nuclear installations, both during normal operation and in case of incident or accident; to hold periodic self-evaluations of their national framework and regulatory authorities every 10 years; to request a peer review on specific safety issues, to be carried out every 6 years by safety authorities in EU countries, having recourse to the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (Ensreg) and based on the expertise of the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association (WENRA); the first review will begin in 2017; to plan an organisational structure within their national framework in order to prepare for emergency situations and interventions on-site. Responsibilities incumbent upon other stakeholders The permit holder is chiefly responsible for nuclear safety and can in no event delegate this responsibility. S/he is responsible for assessing and continuously improving the safety of nuclear installations. The directive highlights the importance of the human factor in promoting a culture of nuclear safety through education and continuous training of staff responsible for facility safety. FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY? Directive 2009/71/Euratom came into force on 22.7.2009 and Directive 2014/87/Euratom on 14.8.2014. BACKGROUND A framework for ensuring nuclear safety within the EU has been adopted since 2009. After the accident in Fukushima in 2011, the Commission conducted a comprehensive assessment campaign of the risks concerning the safety of nuclear installations across the EU. Based on these tests, the Commission aimed to improve the regulation in force. Additional information can be found on the Ensreg and WENRA websites. See also the Commission’s DG Energy site, under the Nuclear safety tab, as well as the Commission’s press release on the new EU directive on nuclear safety and the Council’s press release on the adoption of this directive. REFERENCES Act Entry into force Transposition in the Member States Official journal Directive 2009/71/Euratom 22.7.2009 22.7.2011 OJ L 172, 2.7.2009, pp. 18-22 Council Directive 2014/87/Euratom 14.8.2014 15.8.2017 OJ L 219, 25.7.2014, pp. 42-52 last update 05.01.2015


9.12.2009 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 322/28 COUNCIL DECISION of 1 December 2009 laying down measures for the implementation of the European Council Decision on the exercise of the Presidency of the Council, and on the chairmanship of preparatory bodies of the Council (2009/908/EU) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 16(9) thereof, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 236(b) thereof, Having regard to the European Council Decision of 1 December 2009 on the exercise of the Presidency of the Council (1), and in particular Article 2, third subparagraph, and Article 4 thereof, Whereas: (1) Measures should be laid down for the implementation of the European Council Decision on the exercise of the Presidency of the Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the European Council Decision’). (2) Those implementing measures include the order in which the pre-established groups of three Member States are to hold the Presidency in turn for consecutive periods of 18 months taking into account the fact that there exist since 1 January 2007, in accordance with the Council's Rules of Procedure, a system of Council 18-month programmes agreed between the three Presidencies which hold office during the period concerned. (3) In accordance with Article 1 of the European Council Decision, the composition of the groups must take account of the diversity of the Member States and geographical balance within the Union. (4) The division of responsibilities among the Member States within each group is determined by Article 1(2) of the European Council Decision. In either of the situations provided for in Article 2(1) of this Decision, the Member States within each group will by common accord determine the practical arrangements for their collaboration. (5) In addition, those implementing measures should include specific rules with regard to the chairing of preparatory bodies of the Foreign Affairs Council as provided for in Article 2, third subparagraph, of the European Council Decision. (6) Most of those preparatory bodies should be chaired by a representative of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (hereinafter ‘the High Representative’) while the rest of them should continue to be chaired by the six-monthly Presidency. Where the chair of such bodies is a representative of the High Representative, a transitional period may apply. (7) Preparatory bodies which are not chaired by the six-monthly Presidency should also be listed in this Decision, as provided for in Article 2, third subparagraph, of the European Council Decision. (8) The chairmanship of preparatory bodies not listed in this Decision will be chaired in accordance with Article 2 of the European Council Decision, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The order in which the Member States shall hold the Presidency of the Council as from 1 January 2007 is set out in Council Decision of 1 January 2007 determining the order in which the office of President of the Council shall be held (2). The division of this order of Presidencies into groups of three Member States, in accordance with Article 1(1) of the European Council Decision, is set out in Annex I to this Decision. Article 2 1. Each member of a group as referred to in Article 1, second subparagraph, shall in turn chair for a six-month period all configurations of the Council, with the exception of the Foreign Affairs configuration. The other members of the group shall assist the Chair in all its responsibilities on the basis of the Council's 18-month programme. 2. The members of a group as referred to in Article 1 may decide upon alternative arrangements among themselves. 3. In either of the situations provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2, the Member States within each group shall by common accord determine the practical arrangements for their collaboration. Article 3 The order in which the Member States will hold the Presidency as from 1 July 2020 shall be decided by the Council before 1 July 2017. Article 4 The preparatory bodies of the Foreign Affairs Council shall be chaired in accordance with the rules set out in Annex II. Article 5 The Council preparatory bodies listed in Annex III shall be chaired by fixed chairs as set out in that Annex. Article 6 This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. It shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Done at Brussels, 1 December 2009. For the Council The President B. ASK (1) OJ L 315, 2.12.2009, p. 50. (2) OJ L 1, 4.1.2007, p. 11. ANNEX I Germany January-June 2007 Portugal July-December 2007 Slovenia January-June 2008 France July-December 2008 Czech Republic January-June 2009 Sweden July-December 2009 Spain January-June 2010 Belgium July-December 2010 Hungary January-June 2011 Poland July-December 2011 Denmark January-June 2012 Cyprus July-December 2012 Ireland January-June 2013 Lithuania July-December 2013 Greece January-June 2014 Italy July-December 2014 Latvia January-June 2015 Luxembourg July-December 2015 Netherlands January-June 2016 Slovakia July-December 2016 Malta January-June 2017 United Kingdom July-December 2017 Estonia January-June 2018 Bulgaria July-December 2018 Austria January-June 2019 Romania July-December 2019 Finland January-June 2020 ANNEX II CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PREPARATORY BODIES OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL (1) The chairmanship of the preparatory bodies of the Foreign Affairs Council referred to in categories 1 to 4 in the table below shall be organised as follows: 1. Category 1 (preparatory bodies in the area of trade and development): The preparatory bodies shall be chaired by the six-monthly Presidency. 2. Category 2 (geographic preparatory bodies) The preparatory bodies shall be chaired by a representative of the High Representative. 3. Category 3 (horizontal preparatory bodies, mainly CFSP) The preparatory bodies shall be chaired by a representative of the High Representative, except the following preparatory bodies, which shall be chaired by the six-monthly Presidency: — Working Party of Foreign Relations Counsellors (RELEX), — Working Party on Terrorism (International Aspects) (COTER), — Working Party on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism (COCOP), — Working Party on Consular Affairs (COCON), — Working Party on Public International Law (COJUR), and — Working Party on the Law of the Sea (COMAR). 4. Category 4 (CSDP-related preparatory bodies) The CSDP-related preparatory bodies shall be chaired by a representative of the High Representative (2). The High Representative and the six-monthly Presidency shall closely cooperate in order to ensure coherence among all the preparatory bodies for the Foreign Affairs Council. For categories 3 and 4, the six-monthly Presidency shall continue to chair the preparatory bodies during a transitional period of up to six months after the adoption of the Council Decision on the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service (EEAS). For category 2 this transitional period shall last up to 12 months. Modalities for appointment of chairs Where the European Council Decision or this Decision stipulates that a preparatory body (PSC and relevant working parties) shall be chaired by a representative of the High Representative, the responsibility for appointing the chair shall belong to the High Representative. These appointments shall be made on the basis of competence, while ensuring adequate geographical balance and transparency. The High Representative shall ensure that the person he or she intends to appoint as chairperson will enjoy the confidence of Member States. If that person is not yet a member of the EEAS, he or she shall become one in accordance with the EEAS recruitment procedures, at least for the time of the appointment. An evaluation of the functioning of this arrangement shall be made in the framework of the status report on the EEAS foreseen for 2012. 1. Preparatory bodies in the areas of trade and development Article 207 Committee ACP Working Party Working Party on Development Cooperation (DEVGEN) Working Party on EFTA Working Party on Dual-Use Goods Working Party on Trade Questions Working Party on Commodities Working Party on the Generalised System of Preferences Working Party on Preparation for International Development Conferences/UNCCD Desertification/UNCTAD Working Party on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid Export Credits Group 2. Geographic preparatory bodies Mashreq/Maghreb Working Party (COMAG/MaMa ) Working Party on Eastern Europe and Central Asia (COEST) Working Party on the Western Balkans Region (COWEB) Middle East/Gulf Working Party (COMEM/MOG) Asia-Oceania Working Party (COASI) Working Party on Latin America (COLAT) Working Party on Transatlantic Relations (COTRA) Africa Working Party (COAFR) 3. Horizontal preparatory bodies (mostly CFSP) Working Party of Foreign Relations Counsellors (RELEX) Nicolaidis Group Working Party on Global Disarmament and Arms Control (CODUN) Working Party on Non-Proliferation (CONOP) Working Party on Conventional Arms Export (COARM) Working Party on Human Rights (COHOM) Working Party on Terrorism (International Aspects) (COTER) (3) Working Party on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism (COCOP) (3) Working Party on OSCE and the Council of Europe (COSCE) United Nations Working Party (CONUN) Ad hoc Working Party on the Middle East Peace Process (COMEP) Working Party on Public International Law (COJUR, COJUR-ICC) Working Party on the Law of the Sea (COMAR) Working Party on Consular Affairs (COCON) Working Party on CFSP Administrative Affairs and Protocol (COADM) 4. CSDP-related preparatory bodies Military Committee (EUMC) Military Committee Working Group (EUMCWG) Politico-Military Working Party (PMG) Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) Working Party on European Arms Policy (1) A review of the scope and organisation of the working structures in the area of foreign affairs should be conducted swiftly after 1 December 2009, in particular as concerns the area of development. The arrangements on the chairmanship of the working parties reviewed should, if needed, be adapted according to the general principles set out in this Annex. (2) The Military Committee (EUMC) and the Military Committee Working Group (EUMCWG) shall continue to be chaired by an elected chair, as shown in Annex III, as was the case before the entry into force of this Decision. (3) The question of the Working Party on Terrorism (International Aspects) (COTER) and of the Working Party on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism (COCOP) will also be dealt with in the framework of the discussion on the JHA working structures. ANNEX III CHAIRPERSONS OF COUNCIL PREPARATORY BODIES WITH A FIXED CHAIR Elected chairs Economic and Financial Committee Employment Committee Social Protection Committee Military Committee (1) Economic Policy Committee Financial Services Committee Military Committee Working Group (1) Code of Conduct Group (Business Taxation) Chaired by the General Secretariat of the Council Security Committee Working Party on Information Working Party on Legal Data Processing Working Party on Electronic Communications Working Party on Codification of Legislation Working Party of Legal-Linguistic Experts Working Party on New Buildings (1) See also Annex II.

Summary: Foreign and security policy — the role of the Council and the European Council Foreign and security policy — the role of the Council and the European Council SUMMARY OF: Treaty on European Union — Article 15 Treaty on European Union — Article 21 Treaty on European Union — Article 26 Decision 2001/78/CFSP — setting up the Political and Security Committee Decision 2001/79/CFSP — setting up the Military Committee of the European Union Decision 2000/354/CFSP — setting up a Committee for civilian aspects of crisis management Decision 2009/908/EU — laying down measures for the implementation of the European Council Decision on the exercise of the Presidency of the Council, and on the chairmanship of preparatory bodies of the Council WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE ARTICLES AND DECISIONS? The treaty articles set out the roles of the European Council and the Council of the European Union (Council) in the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP), which includes the common security and defence policy. The decisions provide the legal bases for setting up some of the Council’s main committees and preparatory bodies dealing with foreign and security policy, and set out how these are chaired. KEY POINTS The roles of the European Council and Council within the CFSP are defined by Article 26: the European Council sets the overall political direction and establishes priorities; the Council defines and implements those priorities. European Council Article 26 requires the European Council to identify the EU’s strategic interests;set out the objectives of and general guidelines for CFSP, including for defence matters;adopt the necessary relevant decisions. These guidelines and objectives are based on EU external action’s principles and its goals set out in Article 21, which include: safeguarding EU values, fundamental interests, security, independence and integrity;consolidating and supporting democracy, the rule of law and human rights;preserving peace, preventing conflicts and strengthening international security;promoting an international system based on stronger multilateral cooperation and good global governance. The EU’s core interests and principles are currently set out in the EU’s Global Strategy for foreign and security policy. The President of the European Council represents the EU internationally in matters concerning CFSP at the level of Heads of State and/or Government, without any effect on the powers of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The High Representative takes part in the work of the European Council. Council When it sets out and implements the guidelines of the European Council, the Council must ensure that EU action is united, consistent and effective. The EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) is chaired by the High Representative. A number of committees and preparatory bodies support the work of the FAC, including: the Political and Security Committee;the Military Committee;the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (known as CivCom);CFSP working parties. The European External Action Service, created under Council Decision 2010/427/EU following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty (see summary), assists the Council in implementing the CFSP. FROM WHEN DO THE ARTICLES AND DECISIONS APPLY? The articles have applied since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December 2009. Decision 2001/78/CFSP has applied since 22 January 2001. Decision 2001/79/CFSP has applied since 11 June 2001. Decision 2000/354/CFSP has applied since 22 May 2000. Decision 2009/908/EU has applied since 1 December 2009. BACKGROUND For more information, see: Council of the EU European Council MAIN DOCUMENTS Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union — Title III — Provisions on the Institutions — Article 15 (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, pp. 23-24) 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 1 — General Provisions on the Union's External Action — Article 21 (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, pp. 28-29) 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 26 (ex Article 13 TEU) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 31) Council Decision 2001/78/CFSP of 22 January 2001 setting up the Political and Security Committee (OJ L 27, 30.1.2001, pp. 1-3) Council Decision 2001/79/CFSP of 22 January 2001 setting up the Military Committee of the European Union (OJ L 27, 30.1.2001, pp. 4-6) Council Decision 2000/354/CFSP of 22 May 2000 setting up a Committee for civilian aspects of crisis management (OJ L 127, 27.5.2000, p. 1) Council Decision 2009/908/EU of 1 December 2009 laying down measures for the implementation of the European Council Decision on the exercise of the Presidency of the Council, and on the chairmanship of preparatory bodies of the Council (OJ L 322, 9.12.2009, pp. 28-34) Successive amendments to Decision 2009/908/EU have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. RELATED DOCUMENTS 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, pp. 30-40) last update 12.01.2021


EUR-Lex - 32000Q3614 - EN Avis juridique important | 32000Q3614 Rules of Procedure of the Commission [C(2000) 3614] Official Journal L 308 , 08/12/2000 P. 0026 - 0034 Rules of Procedure of the Commission(C(2000) 3614)CONTENTS>TABLE>THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, and in particular Article 16 thereof,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 218(2) thereof,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular, Article 131 thereof,Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 41(1) thereof,HAS ADOPTED THESE RULES OF PROCEDURE:CHAPTER ITHE COMMISSIONArticle 1The Commission shall act collectively in accordance with these Rules and in compliance with the political guidelines laid down by the President.Article 2In compliance with the political guidelines laid down by the President, the Commission shall establish its priorities and each year adopt its work programme.Article 3The President may assign to Members of the Commission special fields of activity with regard to which they are specifically responsible for the preparation of Commission work and the implementation of its decisions. He may also change these assignments at any time.The President may set up working groups of Members of the Commission, whose chairpersons he will designate.The President shall represent the Commission. He shall designate the Members of the Commission to assist him in this task.Article 4Commission decisions shall be taken:(a) at meetings;or(b) by written procedure in accordance with Article 12;or(c) by empowerment in accordance with Article 13;or(d) by delegation in accordance with Article 14.Section ICommission meetingsArticle 5Meetings of the Commission shall be convened by the President.The Commission shall, as a general rule, meet at least once a week. It shall hold additional meetings whenever necessary.Members of the Commission shall be required to attend all meetings. The President shall judge whether Members may be released from this requirement in certain circumstances.Article 6The President shall adopt the agenda of each meeting, taking into account in particular the work programme provided for in Article 2.Without prejudice to the prerogative of the President to adopt the agenda, any proposal involving significant expenditure must be presented in agreement with the Member of the Commission responsible for the budget.If a Member of the Commission proposes the inclusion of an item on the agenda, the President shall, save in exceptional circumstances, be given nine days' notice.The agenda and the necessary working documents shall be circulated to the Members of the Commission within the time limit and in the working languages prescribed by the Commission in accordance with Article 25.Where a Member of the Commission requests that an item be withdrawn from the agenda, the item shall, provided the President agrees, be held over for the next meeting.The Commission may, on a proposal from the President, discuss any question which is not on the agenda or for which the necessary working documents have been distributed late. It may decide by majority vote not to discuss an item on the agenda.Article 7The number of Members present required to constitute a quorum shall be equal to a majority of the number of Members specified in the Treaty.Article 8The Commission shall take decisions on the basis of proposals from one or more of its Members.A vote shall be taken if any Member so requests. The vote may be on a proposal as originally made or as amended by the Member or Members responsible or by the President.Commission decisions shall be adopted if a majority of the number of Members specified in the Treaty vote in favour. This majority shall be required irrespective of the tenor and nature of the decision.Article 9Meetings of the Commission shall not be public. Discussions shall be confidential.Article 10Save as otherwise decided by the Commission, the Secretary-General shall attend meetings. Attendance of other persons shall be determined in accordance with the rules to give effect to these Rules of Procedure.In the absence of a Member of the Commission, his Chef de cabinet may attend the meeting and, at the invitation of the President, state the views of the absent Member.The Commission may decide to hear any other person.Article 11Minutes shall be taken of all meetings of the Commission.The draft minutes shall be submitted to the Commission for approval at a subsequent meeting. The approved minutes shall be authenticated by the signatures of the President and the Secretary-General.Section IIOther decision-making proceduresArticle 12The agreement of the Commission to a proposal by one or more of its Members may be obtained by means of a written procedure, provided the Directorates-General directly involved are in agreement and the proposal has been endorsed by the Legal Service.For this purpose, the text of the proposal shall be circulated in writing to all Members of the Commission in the languages prescribed by the Commission in accordance with Article 25, with a time limit within which Members must make known any reservations or amendments they wish to make.Any Member of the Commission may, in the course of the written procedure, request that the proposal be discussed. He shall send a reasoned request to that effect to the President.A proposal on which no Member of the Commission has made a reservation and maintained it up to the time limit set for a written procedure shall stand adopted by the Commission. Proposals adopted shall be recorded in a day note which shall be recorded in the minutes of the next meeting.Article 13The Commission may, provided the principle of collective responsibility is fully respected, empower one or more of its Members to take management or administrative measures on its behalf and subject to such restrictions and conditions as it shall impose.The Commission may also instruct one or more of its Members, with the agreement of the President, to adopt the definitive text of any instrument or of any proposal to be presented to the other institutions the substance of which has already been determined in discussion.Powers conferred in this way may be subdelegated to the Directors-General and Heads of Service unless this is expressly prohibited in the empowering decision.The provisions of the first, second and third paragraphs shall be without prejudice to the rules concerning delegation in respect of financial matters or the powers conferred on the appointing authority and the authority empowered to conclude contracts of employment.Article 14The Commission may, provided the principle of collective responsibility is fully respected, delegate the adoption of management or administrative measures to the Directors-General and Heads of Service, acting on its behalf and subject to such restrictions and conditions as it shall impose.Article 15Decisions adopted by empowerment procedure or delegation procedure shall be recorded in a day note which shall be recorded in the minutes of the next Commission meeting.Section IIIPreparation and implementation of Commission decisionsArticle 16Members of the Commission may each appoint personal staff to assist them in their work and in preparing Commission decisions.A member of the Commission to whom an area of responsibility is assigned shall give instructions to the relevant departments.Article 17The Secretary-General shall assist the President in preparing the proceedings and meetings of the Commission. He shall also assist the chairperson of the working groups set up under the second paragraph of Article 3.He shall ensure that decision-making procedures are properly implemented and that effect is given to the decisions referred to in Article 4.He shall ensure the necessary coordination between departments in the preparatory stages and shall see that the rules for submission of documents are complied with.He shall take the necessary steps to ensure that Commission instruments are officially notified to those concerned and are published in the Official Journal of the European Communities and that documents of the Commission and its departments are transmitted to the other institutions of the European Communities.He shall be responsible for official relations with the other institutions of the European Communities, subject to any decisions by the Commission to exercise any function itself or to assign it to its Members or departments. He shall monitor the proceedings of the other institutions of the European Communities and keep the Commission informed.Article 18Instruments adopted by the Commission in the course of a meeting shall be attached, in the authentic language or languages, in such a way that they cannot be separated, to a summary note prepared at the end of the meeting at which they were adopted. They shall be authenticated by the signatures of the President and the Secretary-General on the last page of the summary note.Instruments adopted by written procedure shall be attached in the authentic language or languages, in such a way that they cannot be separated, to the day note referred to in Article 12. These instruments shall be authenticated by the signature of the Secretary-General on the last page of the day note.Instruments adopted by empowerment procedure shall be attached in the authentic language or languages, in such a way that they cannot be separated, to the day note referred to in Article 15. They shall be authenticated by the signature of the Secretary-General on the last page of the day note.Instruments adopted by delegation procedure, or by subdelegation in accordance with the third paragraph of Article 13, shall be attached in the authentic language or languages, in such a way that they cannot be separated, to the day note referred to in Article 15. They shall be authenticated by a certifying statement signed by the Director-General or Head of Service.For the purposes of these Rules, "instruments" means any instrument as referred to in Article 14 of the ECSC Treaty, Article 249 of the EC Treaty and Article 161 of the Euratom Treaty.For the purposes of these Rules, "authentic language or languages" means the official languages of the Communities in the case of instruments of general application and the language or languages of those to whom they are addressed in other cases.CHAPTER IICOMMISSION DEPARTMENTSArticle 19A number of Directorates-General and equivalent departments forming a single administrative service shall assist the Commission in the performance of its tasks.The Directorates-General and equivalent departments shall normally be divided into directorates, and directorates into units.Article 20The Commission may, in special cases, set up specific structures to deal with particular matters and shall determine their responsibilities and method of operation.Article 21In order to ensure the effectiveness of Commission action, departments shall work in close cooperation and in coordinated fashion in the preparation or implementation of Commission decisions.Before submitting a document to the Commission, the department responsible shall, in sufficient time, consult other departments which are associated or concerned by virtue of their powers or responsibilities or the nature of the subject, and shall inform the Secretariat-General where it is not consulted. The Legal Service shall be consulted on all drafts or proposals for legal instruments and on all documents which may have legal implications. The Directorates-General responsible for the budget, personnel and administration shall be consulted on all documents which may have implications concerning the budget and finances or personnel and administration respectively. The Directorate-General responsible for financial control shall likewise be consulted, as need be.The department responsible shall endeavour to frame a proposal that has the agreement of the departments consulted. In the event of a disagreement it shall append to its proposal the differing views expressed by these departments, without prejudice to Article 12.CHAPTER IIIDEPUTISINGArticle 22If the President is prevented from exercising his functions, they shall be exercised by one of the Vice-Presidents or Members chosen in the order laid down by the Commission.Article 23Where the Secretary-General is prevented from exercising his functions, they shall be exercised by the Deputy Secretary-General or, where this is not possible, by an official designated by the Commission.Article 24Where a Director-General is prevented from exercising his functions, they shall be exercised by the most senior Deputy Director-General present, and in the event of equal seniority, by the one who is eldest, or, where this position does not exist, by an official designated by the Commission. If no such replacement is designated, the most senior subordinate present in the highest category and grade shall deputise, and in the event of equal seniority, the one who is eldest.A Deputy Head of Unit, where the position exists, shall deputise for the Head of Unit.Where any other superior is prevented from exercising his duties, the Director-General shall designate an official in agreement with the Member of the Commission responsible. If no replacement is designated, the most senior subordinate present in the highest category and grade shall deputise, and in the event of equal seniority, the one who is eldest.FINAL PROVISIONSArticle 25The Commission shall, as necessary, lay down rules to give effect to these Rules of Procedure.The Commission may adopt supplementary measures relating to the functioning of the Commission and of its departments, which shall be annexed to these Rules of Procedure.Article 26The Rules of Procedure of 18 September 1999, as amended by Decision 2000/633/EC, ECSC, Euratom, are repealed.Article 27These Rules of Procedure shall enter into force on 1 January 2001.Article 28These Rules of Procedure shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.Done at Brussels, 29 November 2000.For the CommissionThe PresidentRomano ProdiANNEXCODE OF GOOD ADMINISTRATIVE BEHAVIOUR FOR STAFF OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN THEIR RELATIONS WITH THE PUBLICQuality serviceThe Commission and its staff have a duty to serve the Community interest and, in so doing, the public interest.The public legitimately expects quality service and an administration that is open, accessible and properly run.Quality service calls for the Commission and its staff to be courteous, objective and impartial.PurposeIn order to enable the Commission to meet its obligations of good administrative behaviour and in particular in the dealings that the Commission has with the public, the Commission undertakes to observe the standards of good administrative behaviour set out in this Code and to be guided by these in its daily work.ScopeThe Code is binding on all staff covered by the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities (hereinafter referred to as the "Staff Regulations") and the other provisions on relations between the Commission and its staff that are applicable to officials and other servants of the European Communities. However, persons employed under private law contracts, experts on secondment from national civil services and trainees, etc. working for the Commission should also be guided by it in their daily work.Relations between the Commission and its staff are governed exclusively by the Staff Regulations.1. GENERAL PRINCIPLESThe Commission respects the following general principles in its relations with the public:LawfulnessThe Commission acts in accordance with the law and applies the Rules and Procedures laid down in Community legislation.Non-discrimination and equal treatmentThe Commission respects the principle of non-discrimination and in particular, guarantees equal treatment for members of the public irrespective of nationality, gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation. Thus, differences in treatment of similar cases must be specifically warranted by the relevant features of the particular case in hand.ProportionalityThe Commission ensures that the measures taken are proportional to the aim pursued.In particular, the Commission will ensure that the application of this Code never leads to the imposition of administrative or budgetary burdens out of proportion to the benefit expected.ConsistencyThe Commission shall be consistent in its administrative behaviour and shall follow its normal practice. Any exceptions to this principle must be duly justified.2. GUIDELINES FOR GOOD ADMINISTRATIVE BEHAVIOURObjectivity and impartialityStaff shall always act objectively and impartially, in the Community interest and for the public good. They shall act independently within the framework of the policy fixed by the Commission and their conduct shall never be guided by personal or national interest or political pressure.Information on administrative proceduresWhere a member of the public requires information relating to a Commission administrative procedure, staff shall ensure that this information is provided within the deadline fixed for the relevant procedure.3. INFORMATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INTERESTED PARTIESListening to all parties with a direct interestWhere Community law provides that interested parties should be heard, staff shall ensure that an opportunity is given to them to make their views known.Duty to justify decisionsA Commission decision should clearly state the reasons on which it is based and should be communicated to the persons and parties concerned.As a general rule, full justification for decisions should be given. However, where it may not be possible, for example because of the large number of persons concerned by similar decisions, to communicate in detail the grounds of individual decisions, standard replies may be given. These standard replies should include the principal reasons justifying the decision taken. Furthermore, an interested party who expressly requests a detailed justification shall be provided with it.Duty to state arrangements for appealsWhere Community law so provides, decisions notified shall clearly state that an appeal is possible and describe how to submit it, (the name and office address of the person or department with whom the appeal must be lodged and the deadline for lodging it).Where appropriate, decisions should refer to the possibility of starting judicial proceedings and/or of lodging a complaint with the European Ombudsman in accordance with Article 230 or 195 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.4. DEALING WITH INQUIRIESThe Commission undertakes to answer enquiries in the most appropriate manner and as quickly as possible.Requests for documentsIf a document has already been published, the person making the enquiry should be directed to the sales agents of the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities or to the documentation or information centres which provide free access to documents, such as Info-Points, European documentation centres, etc. Many documents are also easily accessible in electronic form.The rules on access to documents are laid down in a specific measure.CorrespondenceIn accordance with Article 21 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, the Commission shall reply to letters in the language of the initial letter, provided that it was written in one of the official languages of the Community.A reply to a letter addressed to the Commission shall be sent within 15 working days from the date of receipt of the letter by the responsible Commission department. The reply should identify the person responsible for the matter and state how he or she may be contacted.If a reply cannot be sent within 15 working days, and in all cases where the reply requires other work on it, such as interdepartmental consultation or translation, the member of staff responsible should send a holding reply, indicating a date by which the addressee may expect to be sent a reply in the light of this additional work, taking into account the relative urgency and complexity of the matter.If the reply is to be drawn up by a department other than the one to which the initial correspondence is addressed, the person making the enquiry should be informed of the name and office address of the person to whom the letter has been passed.These rules do not apply to correspondence which can reasonably be regarded as improper, for example because it is repetitive, abusive and/or pointless. Then the Commission reserves the right to discontinue any such exchanges of correspondence.Telephone communicationWhen answering the telephone, staff shall identify themselves or their department. They shall return telephone calls as promptly as possible.Staff replying to enquiries shall provide information on subjects for which they have direct responsibility and should direct the caller to the specific appropriate source in other cases. If necessary, they should refer callers to their superior or consult him or her before giving the information.Where enquiries concern areas for wich staff are directly responsible, they shall establish the identity of the caller and check whether the information has already been made public before giving it out. If this is not the case, the member of staff may consider that it is not in the Community interest for the information to be disclosed. In this case he or she should explain why they are unable to disclose it and refer in appropriate cases to the obligation to exercise discretion as laid down in Article 17 of the Staff Regulations.When appropriate, staff should request confirmation in writing of the enquiries made by telephone.Electronic mailStaff shall reply to e-mail messages promptly following the guidelines described in the section on telephone communication.However, where the e-mail message is, by its nature, the equivalent of a letter, it shall be handled according to the guidelines for handling correspondence and shall be subject to the same deadlines.Requests from the mediaThe Press and Communication Service is responsible for contacts with the media. However, when requests for information from the media concern technical subjects falling within their specific areas of responsibility, staff may answer them.5. PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATIONThe Commission and its staff shall respect, in particular:- the rules on the protection of personal privacy and personal data,- the obligations set out in Article 287 of the Treaty establishing the European Community and in particular those which relate to professional secrecy,- the rules on secrecy in criminal investigations,- the confidentiality of matters falling within the ambit of the various committees and bodies provided for in Article 9 of and Annexes II and III to the Staff Regulations.6. COMPLAINTSThe European CommissionComplaints may be lodged concerning a possible breach of the principles set out in this Code directly with the Secretariat-General(1) of the European Commission, which shall forward it to the relevant department.The Director-General or head of Department shall reply to the complainant in writing, within two months. The complainant then has one month in which to apply to the Secretary-General of the European Commission to review the outcome of the complaint. The Secretary-General shall reply to the request for a review within one month.The European OmbudsmanComplaints may also be lodged with the European Ombudsman in accordance with Article 195 of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Statute of the European Ombudsman.(1) Postal address: Secretariat-General of the European Commission, Unit SG/B/2 "Openness, access to documents, relations with civil society", rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 200, B-1049 Brussels (fax (32-2) 296 72 42).Electronic address: SG-Code-de-bonne-conduite@cec.eu.int.

Summary: Rules of procedure of the European Commission Rules of procedure of the European Commission SUMMARY OF: European Commission — rules of procedure WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE? Article 249 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for the European Commission to adopt its rules of procedure to ensure that both it and its departments operate. KEY POINTS The Rules of Procedure contain provisions on the organisation of the Commission (Chapter I), the role of the departments and they way they work together (Chapter II) and provisions on deputising and business continuity (Chapter III). Organisation of the Commission CollegialityThe Commission is a collegiate body. It acts collectively. The Members of the Commission have an equal say in decision-making and have collective responsibility for all decisions taken by the Commission. President of the CommissionThe President of the Commission sets out the political guidelines for the Commission. The president represents the Commission, decides on its internal organisation and assigns responsibilities (portfolios) to the Members of the Commission. Responsibilities may change in the course of the 5-year mandate of the Commission. The Commission’s secretary-general assists the president to achieve the objectives set by the Commission. The president appoints all the vice-presidents except the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and may also set up groups of Commissioners with special mandates. 4 types of internal decision-making procedures Oral procedure: the Commission takes decisions — mostly of major political or economic importance — during its ordinary or extra-ordinary meetings. Written procedure: decisions are adopted when Members of the Commission do not express reservations or request changes to a draft act put at their disposal within a predetermined time limit. Empowerment procedure: the Commission empowers one or more Commissioners to take management or administrative measures on its behalf. Delegation procedure: the Commission delegates the power to adopt certain management or administrative measures on its behalf to directors-general or heads of service. Commission departments The Commission’s directorates-general and equivalent departments prepare and implement the Commission’s tasks. They put the Commission’s policy priorities and the Commission president’s political guidelines into action. In principle, the directorates-general and equivalent departments are subdivided into directorates that are themselves subdivided into units. Close cooperation and efficient coordination between the Directorates-General and equivalent departments are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the Commission’s action. The department responsible for preparing an initiative of the Commission consults the other departments concerned by the envisaged initiative. MAIN DOCUMENT Rules of procedure of the Commission (OJ L 308, 8.12.2000, pp. 26-34) Successive amendments to the rules of procedure have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. RELATED DOCUMENTS Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union — Title III: Provisions on the institutions — Article 17 (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, pp. 25-26) Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union — Part Six — Institutional and financial provisions — Title I — Institutional provisions — Chapter 1 — The institutions — Section 4 — The Commission — Article 248 (ex-Article 217(2) TEC) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 157) Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union — Part Six: Institutional and financial provisions — Title I: Institutional provisions — Chapter 1: The institutions — Section 4: The Commission — Article 249 (ex-Articles 218(2) and 212 TEC) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 157) Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union — Part Six: Institutional and financial provisions — Title I: Institutional provisions — Chapter 1: The institutions — Section 4 — The Commission — Article 250 (ex-Article 219 TEC) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 157) European Council Decision 2013/272/EU of 22 May 2013 concerning the number of Members of the European Commission (OJ L 165, 18.6.2013, p. 98) Council Regulation (EU) 2016/300 of 29 February 2016 determining the emoluments of EU high-level public office holders (OJ L 58, 4.3.2016, pp. 1-12) last update 03.06.2020