15.11.2006 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 315/1 DECISION No 1672/2006/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 24 October 2006 establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity — Progress THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 13(2), 129 and 137(2)(a) 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) The Lisbon European Council of 23 and 24 March 2000 incorporated the promotion of employment and social inclusion as an integral part of the overall strategy of the Union in order to achieve its strategic goal for the next decade of becoming the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth, with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. It set ambitious objectives and targets for the Union aiming to recreate the conditions for full employment, improve quality and productivity at work, and promote social cohesion and an inclusive labour market. Furthermore, the strategy was focused upon again by the Brussels European Council of 22 and 23 March 2005. (2) In line with the Commission's express intention of consolidating and rationalising Community funding instruments, this Decision should establish a single and streamlined programme providing for the continuation and development of the activities launched on the basis of Council Decision 2000/750/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a Community action programme to combat discrimination (2001 to 2006) (4), Council Decision 2001/51/EC of 20 December 2000 establishing a Programme relating to the Community framework strategy on gender equality (2001-2005) (5) and European Parliament and Council Decisions No 50/2002/EC (6) of 7 December 2001 establishing a programme of Community action to encourage cooperation between Member States to combat social exclusion, No 1145/2002/EC (7) of 10 June 2002 on Community incentive measures in the field of employment and No 848/2004/EC (8) of 29 April 2004 establishing a Community action programme to promote organisations active at European level in the field of equality between men and women, as well as those activities undertaken at Community level in relation to working conditions. (3) The Extraordinary European Council on Employment in Luxembourg of 20 and 21 November 1997 launched the European Employment Strategy to coordinate Member States' employment policies on the basis of commonly agreed employment guidelines and recommendations. The European Employment Strategy is now the most important instrument at European level for implementation of the employment and labour market objectives of the Lisbon Strategy. (4) The Lisbon European Council concluded that the number of people living below the poverty line and in social exclusion in the Union was unacceptable and therefore deemed it necessary to take steps to make decisive progress in the eradication of poverty by setting adequate objectives. Such objectives were agreed by the Nice European Council of 7, 8 and 9 December 2000. It further agreed that policies for combating social exclusion should be based on the open method of coordination, combining national action plans and a Commission initiative for cooperation. (5) Demographic change represents a major long-term challenge to the ability of social protection systems to deliver adequate pensions and high-quality health and long-term care which are accessible to all and can be funded in the long term. It is important to promote policies that can achieve both adequate social protection and the sustainability of social protection systems. The Lisbon European Council decided that cooperation in this area should be based on the open method of coordination. (6) Attention should be drawn to the specific situation of migrants in this context and also to the importance of taking action to transform undeclared work into regular employment. (7) Ensuring minimum standards and the constant improvement of working conditions in the Union is a central feature of European social policy and an important overall objective of the European Union. The Community has an important role to play in supporting and complementing Member States' activities in the fields of workers' health and safety, working conditions, including the need to reconcile work and family life, protection of workers where their employment contract is terminated, information, consultation and participation of workers, and representation and collective defence of the interests of workers and employers. (8) Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of the European Union. Article 13 of the Treaty provides for action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Non-discrimination is also enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The specific features of the diverse forms of discrimination should be accommodated, and appropriate action developed in parallel to prevent and combat discrimination on one or more grounds. Therefore, when considering the accessibility and results of the Programme, the particular needs of people with disabilities should be taken into account in terms of ensuring their full and equal access to the activities funded by this Programme and the results and evaluation of those activities, including the compensation of additional costs that they incur as a result of their disability. Experience gained over many years of combating certain forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on sex, may be useful in combating other kinds of discrimination. (9) On the basis of Article 13 of the Treaty, the Council has adopted the following directives: Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin which prohibits discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin (9) in, inter alia, employment, vocational training, education, goods and services and social protection, Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (10) which prohibits discrimination in employment and occupation on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation, and Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (11). (10) Pursuant to Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty equal treatment for men and women is a fundamental principle of Community law. The directives and other acts adopted on the basis of this principle play a major part in improving the situation of women in the Union. Experience of action at Community level has shown that promoting gender equality in Community policies and combating discrimination in practice call for a combination of instruments, including legislation, funding tools and mainstreaming, designed to complement one another. In accordance with the principle of equality between men and women, gender mainstreaming should be promoted in all sections and activities of the Programme. (11) Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) active at various levels can make an important contribution at European level through key networks which assist in changing policy orientations relating to the general objectives of the Programme. (12) Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved at Member States level because of the need for exchange of information at European level and the Community-wide dissemination of good practice and since therefore these objectives can, by reason of the multilateral dimension of the Community actions and measures, 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 Decision does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives. (13) This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the Programme, a financial envelope constituting the prime reference, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (12), for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure. (14) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision 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 (13). (15) As the Programme is divided into five sections, Member States may provide for the rotation of their national representatives according to the subjects addressed by the Committee assisting the Commission, HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Establishment and duration of the Programme 1. This Decision establishes the Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity, called Progress (the Programme), to support financially the implementation of the objectives of the European Union in the fields of employment and social affairs, as set out in the Commission Communication on the Social Agenda, and thereby contribute to the achievement of the Lisbon Strategy goals in those fields. 2. The Programme shall run from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. Article 2 General objectives 1. The Programme pursues the following general objectives: (a) to improve the knowledge and understanding of the situation prevailing in the Member States and in other participating countries through analysis, evaluation and close monitoring of policies; (b) to support the development of statistical tools and methods and common indicators, where appropriate broken down by gender and age group, in the areas covered by the Programme; (c) to support and monitor the implementation of Community law, where applicable, and Community policy objectives in the Member States, and assess their effectiveness and impact; (d) to promote networking, mutual learning, identification and dissemination of good practice and innovative approaches at European level; (e) to enhance awareness of the Community policies and objectives pursued under each of its five sections among stakeholders and the general public; (f) to boost the capacity of key European level networks to promote, support and further develop Community policies and objectives, where applicable. 2. Gender mainstreaming shall be promoted in all sections of and activities under the Programme. 3. The results achieved in the Programme sections and activities shall be disseminated to those involved and to the public as appropriate. The Commission shall conduct exchanges of views with the main stakeholders as appropriate. Article 3 Structure of the Programme The Programme shall be divided into the following five sections: 1. Employment; 2. Social protection and inclusion; 3. Working conditions; 4. Antidiscrimination and diversity; 5. Gender equality. Article 4 Section 1: Employment Section 1 shall support the implementation of the European Employment Strategy (EES) by: (a) improving the understanding of the employment situation and prospects, in particular through analysis and studies and the development of statistics and common indicators within the framework of the EES; (b) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the European Employment Guidelines and Recommendations and their impact, notably through the Joint Employment Report, and analysing the interaction between the EES and general economic and social policy and other policy areas; (c) organising exchanges on policies, good practice and innovative approaches, and promoting mutual learning in the context of the EES; (d) raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting the debate about employment challenges and policies and the implementation of national reform programmes, including among the social partners, regional and local actors and other stakeholders. Article 5 Section 2: Social protection and inclusion Section 2 shall support the implementation of the open method of coordination (OMC) in the field of social protection and inclusion by: (a) improving the understanding of social exclusion and poverty issues, social protection and inclusion policies, in particular through analysis and studies and the development of statistics and common indicators, within the framework of the OMC in the field of social protection and inclusion; (b) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the OMC in the field of social protection and inclusion and its impact at national and Community level as well as analysing the interaction between this OMC and other policy areas; (c) organising exchanges on policies, good practice and innovative approaches and promoting mutual learning in the context of the social protection and inclusion strategy; (d) raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting the debate about the key challenges and policy issues raised in the context of the Community coordination process in the field of social protection and inclusion, including among the social partners, regional and local actors, NGOs and other stakeholders; (e) developing the capacity of key European level networks to support and further develop Community policy goals and strategies on social protection and inclusion. Article 6 Section 3: Working conditions Section 3 shall support the improvement of the working environment and working conditions, including health and safety at work and reconciling work and family life, by: (a) improving the understanding of the situation in relation to working conditions, in particular through analysis and studies and, where appropriate, the development of statistics and indicators, as well as assessing the effectiveness and impact of existing legislation, policies and practices; (b) supporting the implementation of Community labour law through effective monitoring, the holding of seminars for those working in the field, the development of guides and networking amongst specialised bodies, including the social partners; (c) initiating preventive actions and fostering the prevention culture in the field of health and safety at work; (d) raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting the debate about the key challenges and policy issues in relation to working conditions, including among the social partners and other stakeholders. Article 7 Section 4: Antidiscrimination and diversity Section 4 shall support the effective implementation of the principle of non-discrimination and promote its mainstreaming in all Community policies by: (a) improving the understanding of the situation in relation to discrimination, in particular through analysis and studies and, where appropriate, the development of statistics and indicators as well as by assessing the effectiveness and impact of existing legislation, policies and practices; (b) supporting the implementation of Community anti-discrimination legislation through effective monitoring, the holding of seminars for those working in the field and networking amongst specialised bodies dealing with anti-discrimination; (c) raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting the debate about the key challenges and policy issues in relation to discrimination and the mainstreaming of anti-discrimination in all Community policies, including among the social partners, NGOs and other stakeholders; (d) developing the capacity of key European level networks to promote and further develop Community policy goals and strategies in the field of combating discrimination. Article 8 Section 5: Gender equality Section 5 shall support the effective implementation of the principle of gender equality and promote gender mainstreaming in all Community policies by: (a) improving the understanding of the situation in relation to gender issues and gender mainstreaming, in particular through analysis and studies and the development of statistics and, where appropriate, indicators, as well as assessing the effectiveness and impact of existing legislation, policies and practices; (b) supporting the implementation of Community gender equality legislation through effective monitoring, holding seminars for those working in the field and networking amongst specialised equality bodies; (c) raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting the debate about the key challenges and policy issues in relation to gender equality and gender mainstreaming, among the social partners, NGOs and other stakeholders; (d) developing the capacity of key European level networks to support and further develop Community policy goals and strategies on gender equality. Article 9 Types of actions 1. The Programme shall finance the following types of actions, which may be implemented, where appropriate, within a transnational framework: (a) Analytical activities: (i) collection, development and dissemination of data and statistics; (ii) development and dissemination of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks; (iii) carrying out of studies, analyses and surveys and dissemination of their results; (iv) carrying out of evaluations and impact assessments and dissemination of their results; (v) elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material via the Internet or other media. (b) Mutual learning, awareness and dissemination activities: (i) identification of, and exchanges on, good practices, innovative approaches and experiences, and organisation of peer review and mutual learning, by means of meetings/workshops/seminars at European, transnational or national level, taking account, where possible, of specific national circumstances; (ii) organisation of Presidency conferences/seminars; (iii) organisation of conferences/seminars in support of the development and implementation of Community law and policy objectives; (iv) organisation of media campaigns and events; (v) compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information as well as results of the Programme. (c) Support for main actors: (i) support for the running costs of those key European level networks whose activities are linked to implementation of the objectives of the Programme; (ii) organisation of working groups of national officials to monitor the implementation of Community law; (iii) funding of specialised seminars addressed to those working in the field, key officials and other relevant actors; (iv) networking among specialised bodies at European level; (v) funding of experts' networks; (vi) funding of European level observatories; (vii) exchange of personnel between national administrations; (viii) cooperation with international institutions. 2. The activities provided for in point (b) of paragraph 1 shall have a strong European dimension, be of an appropriate scale in order to ensure a real European added value and be carried out by national, regional or local authorities, specialised bodies provided for under Community law or actors considered to be the key players in their area. 3. The Programme shall not finance any measures for the preparation and implementation of European Years. Article 10 Access to the Programme 1. Access to the Programme shall be open to all public and/or private bodies, actors and institutions, in particular: (a) Member States; (b) public employment services and their agencies; (c) local and regional authorities; (d) specialised bodies provided for under Community law; (e) the social partners; (f) NGOs, in particular those organised at European level; (g) higher education institutions and research institutes; (h) experts in evaluation; (i) national statistical offices; (j) the media. 2. The Commission may also directly participate in the Programme insofar as the activities provided for in points (a) and (b) of Article 9(1) are concerned. Article 11 Method of application for support 1. Activities of the type referred to in Article 9 may be financed by: (a) a service contract following a call for tenders, in which case the Eurostat procedures shall apply in respect of cooperation with national statistical offices; (b) partial support following a call for proposals, in which case, the Community co-financing may not exceed, as a general rule, 80 % of the total expenditure incurred by the recipient. Any financial support in excess of this ceiling may be granted only in exceptional circumstances and after close scrutiny. 2. Activities of the type provided for in Article 9(1) may be granted financial support in response to requests by, for example, Member States, in accordance with relevant provisions of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (14), in particular Article 110 thereof, and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (15), in particular in Article 168 thereof. Article 12 Implementing provisions 1. The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision that relate to the following matters shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 13(2): (a) the general guidelines for the implementation of the Programme; (b) the annual work programme for the implementation of the Programme, divided into separate sections; (c) the financial support to be granted by the Community; (d) the annual budget, subject to Article 17; (e) the procedures for selecting the actions to be supported by the Community and the draft list of actions to receive such support submitted by the Commission; (f) the criteria for evaluating the Programme, including those relating to cost effectiveness and the arrangements for disseminating and transferring results. 2. The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision that relate to all matters other than those referred to in paragraph 1 shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 13(3). Article 13 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee. 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. 4. The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure. Article 14 Cooperation with other committees 1. The Commission shall establish the necessary links with the Social Protection Committee and the Employment Committee in order to ensure that they are regularly and appropriately informed about the implementation of activities referred to in this Decision. 2. The Commission shall also inform other relevant committees of the action taken under the five sections of the Programme. 3. Where appropriate, the Commission shall establish regular and structured cooperation between the Committee referred to in Article 13 and the monitoring committees established for other relevant policies, instruments and actions. Article 15 Consistency and complementarity 1. The Commission shall, in cooperation with the Member States, ensure overall consistency with other Union and Community policies, instruments and actions, in particular by establishing appropriate mechanisms to coordinate the activities of the Programme with relevant activities relating to research, justice and home affairs, culture, education, training and youth policy, and in the fields of enlargement and the Community's external relations, and with regional policy and general economic policy. Special attention shall be devoted to the possible synergies between this Programme and those in the field of education and training. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency and complementarity and the absence of duplication between activities under the Programme and other relevant Union and Community actions, in particular under the Structural Funds, especially the European Social Fund. 3. The Commission shall ensure that expenditure covered by and charged to the Programme is not charged to any other Community financial instrument. 4. The Commission shall keep the Committee referred to in Article 13 regularly informed of other Community action that contributes to achieving the Lisbon strategy goals in the field of the Social Agenda. 5. Member States shall make all possible efforts to ensure consistency and complementarity between activities under the Programme and those carried out at national, regional and local levels. Article 16 Participation of third countries The Programme shall be open to the participation of: — the EFTA/EEA countries in accordance with the conditions established in the EEA Agreement, — the accession and candidate countries associated to the European Union, as well as the western Balkan countries included in the stabilisation and association process. Article 17 Financing 1. The financial envelope for implementing the Community activities referred to in this Decision for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013 is hereby set at EUR 657 590 000 (16). 2. Over the entire period of the Programme, the financial breakdown between the different sections shall respect the following lower limits: Section 1 Employment 23 % Section 2 Social protection and inclusion 30 % Section 3 Working conditions 10 % Section 4 Antidiscrimination and diversity 23 % Section 5 Gender equality 12 % 3. A maximum of 2 % of the financial envelope shall be attributed to the implementation of the Programme to cover, for example, the expenditure related to the functioning of the Committee referred to in Article 13 or the evaluations carried out pursuant to Article 19. 4. The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework. 5. The Commission may have recourse to technical and/or administrative assistance, to the mutual benefit of the Commission and of the beneficiaries, as well as to support expenditure. Article 18 Protection of the Community's financial interests 1. The Commission shall ensure that, when actions financed under this Decision are implemented, the financial interests of the Community are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and by the recovery of the amounts unduly paid and, if irregularities are detected, by effective, proportional and dissuasive penalties, in accordance with Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (17) and (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (18), and with Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (19). 2. For Community actions financed under this Decision, the notion of irregularity referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 shall mean any infringement of a provision of Community law or any breach of a contractual obligation resulting from an act or omission by an economic operator, which has, or would have, the effect of prejudicing the general budget of the European Union or budgets managed by it, by an unjustified item of expenditure. 3. Contracts and agreements as well as agreements with participating third countries resulting from this Decision shall provide, in particular, for supervision and financial control by the Commission (or any representative authorised by it) and audits by the Court of Auditors, if necessary, on the spot. Article 19 Monitoring and evaluation 1. In order to ensure the regular monitoring of the Programme and to allow for any necessary reorientations, annual activity reports focusing on the results of the Programme shall be drawn up by the Commission and forwarded to the European Parliament and to the Committee referred to in Article 13. 2. The various sections of the Programme shall also be the subject of a mid-term evaluation, which will provide an overview of the Programme as a whole in order to measure the progress made in meeting the objectives of the Programme, the efficiency of the use of resources and its European added value. This evaluation may be supplemented by on-going evaluations. These shall be carried out by the Commission with the assistance of external experts. When available, their results shall be reported in the activity reports referred to in paragraph 1. 3. An ex-post evaluation covering the whole Programme shall be carried out, by 31 December 2015, by the Commission with the assistance of external experts, in order to measure the impact of the Programme objectives and its European added value. The Commission shall submit the expert evaluation to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 4. The implementation of the individual sections of the Programme, including the presentation of results and dialogue on future priorities, shall also be discussed within the framework of the Forum on the implementation of the Social Agenda. Article 20 Entry into force This Decision shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Done at Strasbourg, 24 October 2006. For the European Parliament The President J. BORRELL FONTELLES For the Council The President P. LEHTOMÄKI (1) OJ C 255, 14.10.2005, p. 67. (2) OJ C 164, 5.7.2005, p. 48. (3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 September 2005 (OJ C 193 E, 17.8.2006, p. 99), Council Common Position of 18 July 2006 (OJ C 238 E, 3.10.2006, p. 31) and Position of the European Parliament of 27 September 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 23. (5) OJ L 17, 19.1.2001, p. 22. Decision as amended by Decision No 1554/2005/EC (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 9). (6) OJ L 10, 12.1.2002, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision No 786/2004/EC (OJ L 138, 30.4.2004, p. 7). (7) OJ L 170, 29.6.2002, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 786/2004/EC. (8) OJ L 157, 30.4.2004, p. 18. Decision as amended by Decision No 1554/2005/EC. (9) OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22. (10) OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16. (11) OJ L 373, 21.12.2004, p. 37. (12) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. (13) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11). (14) OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. (15) OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 19.8.2006, p. 3). (16) This amount is based on 2004 figures and shall be subject to technical adjustment to take account of inflation. (17) OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1. (18) OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2. (19) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

Summary: Community programme for employment and solidarity - PROGRESS (2007-2013) Community programme for employment and solidarity - PROGRESS (2007-2013) The aim of the future PROGRESS programme is to provide financial support for the implementation of the European Union’s objectives in the field of employment and social affairs. PROGRESS, the budget for which is €743 million, finances analysis, mutual learning, awareness-raising and dissemination activities, as well as assistance for the main players over the period 2007-2013. The programme is divided into five sections corresponding to five main fields of activity: employment, social protection and inclusion, working conditions, diversity and combating discrimination, and equality between women and men. ACT Decision No 1672/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity — PROGRESS [Official Journal L 315 of 15.11.2006] [See amending act(s)]. SUMMARY Up to now, Community activities in the fields of employment, social inclusion and protection, promoting gender equality and the principle of non-discrimination have been supported by separate action programmes. With a view to improving coherence and efficiency, the European Commission has proposed to group these subjects together in a single framework programme known as PROGRESS. GENERAL OBJECTIVES The programme has six objectives: to improve knowledge and understanding of the social situation of the Member States through analysis, evaluation and close monitoring of policies; to support the development of statistical tools and methods and common indicators; to support and monitor the implementation of legislation and policy objectives; to promote networking, mutual learning, and the identification and dissemination of good practice at EU level; to make stakeholders and the general public aware of European Union (EU) policies in the fields of employment, social protection and inclusion, working conditions, diversity and non-discrimination, and equality between men and women; to boost the capacity of the key EU networks to promote and support EU policies. STRUCTURE: FIELDS OF ACTIVITY AND TYPES OF ACTION The programme is divided into the following five sections: employment; social protection and inclusion; working conditions; diversity and combating discrimination; equality between women and men. The programme will finance the following types of action: analyses; mutual learning, awareness-raising and dissemination activities; support for the main players; i.e. contributing to the operating costs of the main networks in the Union, the formation of working groups, funding training seminars, creating networks of specialist bodies and observatories at EU level, staff exchanges between national administrations and cooperation with international institutions. The programme has a list of operational objectives for each of the sections. Employment The objective of this section is to support implementation of the European Employment Strategy by: improving understanding of the employment situation, in particular through analyses and studies and the development of statistics and indicators; monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the European Employment Guidelines and Recommendations and analysing the interaction between the EES and other policy areas; organising exchanges on policies and processes and promoting mutual learning in the context of the EES; reinforcing awareness-raising, disseminating information and promoting debate, in particular among regional and local players and the social partners. Social protection and inclusion This section will support the implementation of the Open Method of Coordination in the field of social protection and inclusion by: improving understanding of poverty issues and social protection and inclusion policies, in particular through analyses and studies and the development of statistics and indicators; monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Open Method of Coordination in the field of social protection and inclusion and analysing the interaction between this method and other policy areas; organising exchanges on policies and processes and promoting mutual learning in the context of the social protection and inclusion strategy; raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting debate, in particular among NGOs and regional and local players; developing the ability of the main EU networks (e.g. of national experts or NGOs) to pursue the EU’s policy objectives. Working conditions This section will support the improvement of the working environment and conditions, including health and safety at work, by: improving the understanding of the situation in relation to working conditions, in particular through analyses and studies and the development of statistics and indicators, as well as assessing the impact of existing legislation, policies and practices; supporting the implementation of EU labour law through reinforced monitoring, training of practitioners, development of guides and networking amongst specialised bodies; initiating preventive actions and fostering the prevention culture in the field of health and safety at work; raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting the debate about the main challenges and policy issues relating to working conditions. Diversity and combating discrimination This section will support the effective implementation of the principle of non-discrimination and promote its mainstreaming in EU policies by: improving understanding of the discrimination situation, in particular through analyses and studies and the development of statistics and indicators, as well as assessing the impact of existing legislation, policies and practices; supporting the implementation of EU anti-discrimination legislation through reinforced monitoring, training of practitioners and networking amongst specialised bodies dealing with combating discrimination; raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting the debate about the main challenges and policy issues in relation to discrimination and the mainstreaming of anti-discrimination in EU policies; developing the ability of the main EU networks (e.g. of national experts or NGOs) to pursue the Union’s policy objectives. Gender equality This section will support the effective implementation of the principle of gender equality and promote gender mainstreaming in EU policies by: improving the understanding of the situation in relation to gender equality issues and gender mainstreaming, in particular through analyses and studies and the development of statistics and indicators, as well as assessing the impact of existing legislation, policies and practices; supporting the implementation of EU gender equality legislation through reinforced monitoring, training of practitioners and networking amongst specialised equality bodies; raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting debate about the main challenges and policy issues in relation to gender equality and gender mainstreaming; developing the ability of the main EU networks (e.g. of national experts or NGOs) to pursue the Union’s policy objectives. ACCESS TO THE PROGRAMME AND PARTICIPATION BY THIRD COUNTRIES Access to this programme is open to all public and/or private bodies, players and institutions, in particular: Member States; public employment services; local and regional authorities; specialised bodies provided for under EU legislation; the social partners; non-governmental organisations organised at EU level; universities and research institutes; experts in evaluation; the national statistical institutes; the media. The programme is also open to the EFTA/EEA countries, associated candidate countries and countries of the western Balkans participating in the stabilisation and association process. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE Actions may be funded by: a service contract following a call for tenders; a partial subsidy following a call for proposals. In this case, the EU co-financing may not, as a general rule, exceed 80 % of the total expenditure incurred by the recipient. FINANCING The budget proposed is EUR 683 250 000 million for the period 2007-2013. The breakdown of funding between the different sections will comply with the following lower limits: Employment 23 % Social protection and inclusion 30 % Working conditions 10 % Diversity and combating discrimination 23 % Gender equality 12 %. The remaining 2 % will be used to cover programme management expenses. A budget of EUR 60 million has been allocated to the new microfinance facility Progress for employment and social inclusion for the period 2007-2013. SIMPLIFICATION The proposed approach will contribute to the key objective of simplifying instruments, in both legal and management terms, and streamlining the budget structure. In the implementation of the programme, the Commission will be assisted by a single Programme Committee, instead of four as previously. MONITORING AND EVALUATION The Commission will draw up annual activity reports and send them to the Programme Committee. The programme will also be subject to a mid-term evaluation. An ex-post evaluation covering the whole programme will be carried out, one year after it ends, by the Commission with the assistance of external experts, in order to measure the impact of the programme objectives and its EU added value. BACKGROUND In its 2004 communication on the new financial framework for 2007-2013, the Commission identified the implementation of the social policy agenda as an important tool contributing to the goal of competitiveness for growth and employment. In order to achieve the Lisbon objectives, the social policy agenda is based on a combination of instruments, in particular legislation, the Open Method of Coordination, European social dialogue, and the European Social Fund and other financial instruments managed directly by the Commission. PROGRESS responds to the Commission’s desire to simplify and rationalise the financial instruments in the area of employment and social policy. References Act Entry into force and expiry date Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal Decision 1672/2006/EC 1.1.2007 – 31.12.2013 - OJ L315 of 15.11.2006 Amending Act(s) Entry into force date Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal Decision 284/2010/EU 8.4.2010 - OJ L 87 of 7.4.2010 RELATED ACTS Decision 283/2010/UE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 March 2010 establishing a European Progress Microfinance Facility for employment and social inclusion [Official Journal L 87 of 7.4.2010]. The new Progress microfinance facility shall finance: the creation of businesses or self-employment by persons excluded from the labour market and persons who do not have access to the conventional credit market; micro-enterprises who employ persons who are socially excluded. This instrument is aimed at public and private bodies who offer microfinance to individuals or micro-enterprises. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 3 June 2009 – “A Shared Commitment for Employment” [COM(2009) 257 final - Not published in the Official Journal]. Last updated: 27.04.2010


30.12.2006 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 403/1 REGULATION (EC) No 1921/2006 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18 December 2006 on the submission of statistical data on landings of fishery products in Member States and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 (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 285(1) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (1), Whereas: (1) Council Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 of 21 May 1991 on the submission of data on the landings of fishery products in Member States (2) requires Member States to submit data on the quantities and average prices of fishery products landed on their territory. (2) Experience has shown that analyses of the market for fishery products and other economic analyses would not be adversely affected if data were submitted under Community legislation at yearly rather than monthly intervals. (3) Analyses would be enhanced if data were broken down by the flag state of fishing vessels carrying out landings. (4) Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 imposes a limit on the extent to which sampling techniques are permitted when the collection and compilation of data place an excessive burden on certain national authorities. In order to improve and simplify the system for the submission of data, it is appropriate to replace that Regulation with a new instrument. Consequently, Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 should be repealed. (5) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely the establishment of a common legal framework for the systematic production of Community statistical data on landings of fishery products in Member States, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore 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 Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. (6) Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 of 17 February 1997 on Community Statistics (3) provides a reference framework for statistics in the field of fisheries. In particular, it requires conformity with principles of impartiality, reliability, relevance, cost-effectiveness, statistical confidentiality and transparency. (7) It is important to ensure the uniform application of this Regulation and, in order to do so, to make provision for a Community procedure to help determine the implementing arrangements within an appropriate timescale and to make the necessary technical adaptations. (8) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation 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 (4). (9) Since the statistical data on landings of fishery products are an essential tool for the management of the Common Fisheries Policy, it is appropriate to lay down the possibility of using the management procedure provided for by Decision 1999/468/EC for granting Member States transitional periods for the implementation of this Regulation and derogations permitting them to exclude statistical data covering a particular sector of the fisheries industry from the national statistical data submitted. (10) On the other hand, power should be conferred on the Commission to establish the conditions under which the Annexes should be technically adapted. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation, they should be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC, HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 Definitions For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply: 1) ‘Community fishing vessels’ means fishing vessels flying the flag of a Member State and registered in the Community; 2) ‘EFTA fishing vessels’ means fishing vessels flying the flag of, or registered in, an EFTA country; 3) ‘Unit value’ means: (a) the value at first sale of the fishery products landed (in national currency) divided by the quantity landed (in tonnes), or (b) for fishery products not immediately sold, the average price per tonne in national currency, estimated using an appropriate method. Article 2 Obligations of the Member States 1. Each year each Member State shall submit to the Commission statistical data in respect of the fishery products landed on its territory by Community and EFTA fishing vessels (hereinafter referred to as ‘statistical data’). 2. For the purposes of this Regulation, the following fishery products shall be deemed to be landed on the territory of the reporting Member State: (a) products landed by fishing vessels or other parts of the fishing fleet in national ports within the Community; (b) products landed by fishing vessels of the reporting Member State in non-Community ports and covered by the T2M form contained in Annex 43 to Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 of 2 July 1993 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code (5). Article 3 Compilation of statistical data 1. The statistical data shall cover total landings on national territory within the Community. 2. Sampling techniques may be employed where, owing to the structural characteristics of a particular sector of the fisheries of a Member State, comprehensive data collection would result in difficulties for the national authorities which would be disproportionate to the importance of that sector. Article 4 Statistical data The statistical data shall relate to the total quantities and unit values of the fishery products landed in the reference calendar year. The variables for which statistical data need to be submitted, their definitions and the relevant nomenclatures are given in Annexes II, III and IV. Article 5 Submission of statistical data Member States shall submit the statistical data to the Commission on an annual basis in accordance with the format specified in Annex I and using the codes set out in Annexes II, III and IV. The statistical data shall be submitted within six months of the end of the reference calendar year. Article 6 Methodology 1. By 19 January 2008 each Member State shall submit a detailed methodological report to the Commission describing how the data have been collected and the statistics compiled. That report shall include details of any sampling techniques and an evaluation of the quality of the resulting estimates. 2. The Commission shall examine the reports and present its conclusions to the relevant working group of the Standing Committee for Agricultural Statistics (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Committee’) established by Article 1 of Council Decision 72/279/EEC (6). 3. The Member States shall inform the Commission of any change in the information provided for under paragraph 1 within three months of the introduction of such change. They shall also forward to the Commission details of any substantial changes in the collection methods used. Article 7 Transitional periods Transitional periods for the implementation of this Regulation lasting not more than three years from the date of its entry into force may be granted to Member States in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 11(2). Article 8 Derogations 1. Where the inclusion in the statistics of a particular sector of the fisheries industry of a Member State would cause difficulties to the national authorities disproportionate to the importance of that sector, a derogation may be granted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 11(2), permitting that Member State to exclude statistical data covering that sector from the national statistical data submitted. 2. Where a Member State requests a derogation under paragraph 1, it shall provide the Commission, in support of its request, with a report on problems encountered in applying this Regulation to total landings on its territory. Article 9 Updating of the Annexes The measures relating to technical adaptation of the Annexes shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 11(3). Article 10 Assessment The Commission shall, by 19 January 2010 and every three years thereafter, submit an assessment report to the European Parliament and the Council on the statistical data compiled pursuant to this Regulation and in particular on their relevance and quality. The report shall also analyse the cost-effectiveness of the system used for the collection and processing of statistical data and shall put forward best practices for reducing the workload for Member States and enhancing the usefulness and quality of the statistical data. Article 11 Committee procedure 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee. 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. The period laid down in Article 4(3) 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. Article 12 Repeal Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 is hereby repealed. Article 13 Entry into force This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 December 2006 For the European Parliament The President J. BORREL FONTELLES For the Council The President J.-E. ENESTAM (1) Opinion of the European Parliament of 15 June 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal), Council Common Position of 14 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Position of the European Parliament of 12 December 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (2) OJ L 133, 28.5.1991, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1). (3) OJ L 52, 22.2.1997, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003. (4) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11). (5) OJ L 253, 11.10.1993, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 402/2006 (OJ L 70, 9.3.2006, p. 35). (6) OJ L 179, 7.8.1972, p. 1. ANNEX I FORMAT OF STATISTICAL DATA SUBMITTED Statistical data file format The statistical data are to be submitted in a file in which each record includes the fields indicated below. These fields are to be separated by a comma (‘,’). Field Note Annex Reference year 4 digits (e.g. 2003) Reporting country Alpha-3 code Annex II Species or species group International alpha-3 code (1) — Flag State Alpha-3 code Annex II Presentation Annex III Intended use Annex IV Quantity Tonnes landed (rounded to one decimal place) Unit value National currency per tonne Quantities of less than 50 kg landed weight are to be recorded as ‘0,0’. (1) The full list of international alpha-3 species codes is to be found in the FAO's ASFIS file (http://www.fao.org/fi/statist/fisoft/asfis/asfis.asp) ANNEX II LIST OF COUNTRY CODES Country Code Belgium BEL Czech Republic CZE Denmark DNK Germany DEU Estonia EST Greece GRC Spain ESP France FRA Ireland IRL Italy ITA Cyprus CYP Latvia LVA Lithuania LTU Luxembourg LUX Hungary HUN Malta MLT Netherlands NLD Austria AUT Poland POL Portugal PRT Slovenia SVN Slovakia SVK Finland FIN Sweden SWE United Kingdom GBR Iceland ISL Norway NOR Other OTH ANNEX III LIST OF PRESENTATION CODES Part A List Presentation Code Fresh (not specified) 10 Fresh (whole) 11 Fresh (gutted) 12 Fresh (tails) 13 Fresh (fillets) 14 Fresh (gutted and headed) 16 Fresh (live) 18 Fresh (other) 19 Frozen (not specified) 20 Frozen (whole) 21 Frozen (gutted) 22 Frozen (tails) 23 Frozen (fillets) 24 Frozen (not filleted) 25 Frozen (gutted and headed) 26 Frozen (cleaned) 27 Frozen (not cleaned) 28 Frozen (other) 29 Salted (not specified) 30 Salted (whole) 31 Salted (gutted) 32 Salted (fillets) 34 Salted (gutted and headed) 36 Salted (other) 39 Smoked 40 Cooked 50 Cooked (frozen and packaged) 60 Dried (not specified) 70 Dried (whole) 71 Dried (gutted) 72 Dried (fillets) 74 Dried (gutted and headed) 76 Dried (skinned) 77 Dried (other) 79 Whole (not specified) 91 Claws 80 Eggs 85 Presentation unknown 99 Part B Notes 1. Fillets: strips of flesh cut parallel to the backbone of the fish and consisting of the right or left side of the fish, provided that the head, viscera, fins (dorsal, anal, caudal, ventral, pectoral) and bones (vertebrae or large backbone, ventral or costal, bronchial or stirrup bones, etc.) have been removed and the two sides are not connected, for example by the back or stomach. 2. Whole fish: ungutted fish. 3. Cleaned: squid where the arms, head and internal organs have been removed from the body. 4. Frozen fish: fish that have been subjected to freezing in a manner to preserve the inherent quality of the fish by reducing the average temperature to -18 °C or lower and which are then kept at a temperature of -18 °C or lower. 5. Fresh fish: fish that have not been preserved, cured, frozen or otherwise treated other than chilled. They are generally presented whole or gutted. 6. Salted fish: fish often in gutted and headed form, preserved in salt or brine. ANNEX IV LIST OF CODES FOR INTENDED USE OF FISHERY PRODUCTS Part A List Destination Code Nature of submissions Human consumption 1 Mandatory Industrial uses 2 Mandatory Withdrawn from the market 3 Voluntary Bait 4 Voluntary Animal feed 5 Voluntary Waste 6 Voluntary Intended use unknown 9 Voluntary Part B Notes 1. Human consumption: all fishery products which are sold at first sale for human consumption or which are landed under contract or other agreement for human consumption. Excluded are quantities intended for human consumption but which, at the time of first sale, are withdrawn from the market for human consumption owing to market conditions or hygiene regulations or for similar reasons. 2. Industrial uses: all fishery products specifically landed for reduction to meal and oil for consumption by animals, and quantities which, although originally intended for human consumption, are not sold for that purpose at first sale. 3. Withdrawn from the market: the quantities which originally were intended for human consumption but which, at the time of first sale, are withdrawn from the market owing to market conditions or hygiene regulations or for similar reasons. 4. Bait: quantities of fresh fish which are intended to be used as bait in other fishing activities. An example is the bait used in tuna pole and line fisheries. 5. Animal feed: the quantities of fresh fish intended to be fed direct to animals. Excluded are quantities intended for processing to fish meal and oil. 6. Waste: fish or parts thereof which due to their state are to be destroyed prior to landing. 7. Intended use unknown: quantities of fish which cannot be assigned to any of the above categories.

Summary: Fishery landing statistics Fishery landing statistics SUMMARY OF: Regulation (EC) No 1921/2006 — rules for the systematic production of EU statistical data on landings of fishery products WHAT IS THE AIM OF THIS REGULATION? It aims to ensure a uniform, Europe-wide method for the collection and compiling of statistical data on fishery products landed on national territories. These statistics are an important tool of the common fisheries policy which has set catch limits designed to be sustainable and to help ensure the long-term maintainance of fish stocks. It repeals Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91. KEY POINTS Each year, each EU country must submit data to the European Commission (Eurostat) on fishery products landed on its territory by vessels registered (or flying the flag) in an EU or an EFTA country. The data cover total landings on the national territory within the EU. The data relate to the total quantities and unit values* of the fishery products landed in the calendar year. The format, variables and codes for submitting the data are set out in annexes to the regulation. FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY? It has applied since 19 January 2007. BACKGROUND For more information, see: Fisheries — overview (Eurostat). KEY TERMS Unit value: the value of the sale of the fishery products divided by the quantity or, for fishery products not immediately sold, the average price per tonne, estimated using an appropriate method. MAIN DOCUMENT Regulation (EC) No 1921/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on the submission of statistical data on landings of fishery products in Member States and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 (OJ L 403, 30.12.2006, pp. 1-8) Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1921/2006 have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. RELATED DOCUMENTS Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council Decision 2004/585/EC (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, pp. 22-61) See consolidated version. Council Decision 72/279/EEC of 31 July 1972 setting up a Standing Committee for Agricultural Statistics (OJ L 179, 7.8.1972, p. 1) last update 15.05.2018


16.4.2014 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 113/21 COUNCIL DECISION 2014/219/CFSP of 15 April 2014 on the European Union CSDP mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and in particular Article 28, Article 42(4) and Article 43(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1) On 21 March 2011, the Council welcomed the European Union Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel region (the ‘EU Sahel Strategy’), underlining that the Union has a longstanding interest in reducing insecurity and improving development in the Sahel region. (2) On 16 July 2012, by Decision 2012/392/CFSP (1), the Council launched the common security and defence policy (CSDP) mission EUCAP Sahel Niger, which assists in training and advising internal security forces in Niger and reinforces regional coordination with Mali and Mauritania in the security field. (3) On 23 July 2012, the Council stated that it was alarmed at the deteriorating situation in Mali and its adverse impact on regional and international peace and stability. In order to continue implementation of the EU Sahel Strategy, the Council invited the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) and the Commission to make specific proposals with a view to the swift implementation of all action relating to governance, security, development and conflict settlement envisaged in the EU Sahel Strategy for the north of Mali. (4) On 18 February 2013, by Decision 2013/87/CFSP (2), the Council launched a military training mission of the Malian armed forces (EUTM Mali) to provide advice and training for the Malian armed forces operating under the control of Mali's legitimate civilian authorities. (5) On 27 May 2013, the Council reiterated its readiness to discuss, particularly in the context of the CSDP, the options for urgent support for the Malian authorities in the area of internal security and justice, including the fight against terrorism and organised crime. (6) On 20 February 2014, the Republic of Mali sent a letter inviting the Union to deploy a Union civilian mission to support the Malian security forces. (7) On 17 March 2014, the Council approved the Crisis Management Concept for a possible CSDP action to support Mali's internal security forces. (8) EUCAP Sahel Mali will be conducted in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the achievement of the objectives of the Union's external action as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 Mission The Union shall conduct a civilian mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) in support of the Malian internal security forces (ISF) (police, gendarmerie, national guard). Article 2 Objective and tasks 1. The objective of EUCAP Sahel Mali shall be to allow the Malian authorities to restore and maintain constitutional and democratic order and the conditions for lasting peace in Mali, and to restore and maintain State authority and legitimacy throughout the territory of Mali by means of an effective redeployment of its administration. 2. With the support of the Malian dynamic in restoring State authority, and in close coordination with other international actors, in particular MINUSMA, EUCAP Sahel Mali shall assist and advise the ISF in the implementation of the security reform set out by the new Government, with a view to: — improving their operational efficacy; — re-establishing their respective hierarchical chains; — reinforcing the role of judicial and administrative authorities with regard to the management and supervision of their missions; and — facilitating their redeployment to the north of the country. 3. To achieve its objective, EUCAP Sahel Mali shall operate in accordance with the strategic lines of operation defined in the Crisis Management Concept approved by the Council on 17 March 2014 and set out in the operational planning documents approved by the Council. Article 3 Chain of command and structure 1. EUCAP Sahel Mali shall have a unified chain of command for crisis management operations. 2. EUCAP Sahel Mali shall have its Headquarters in Bamako. Article 4 Planning and launch of EUCAP Sahel Mali 1. The mission shall be launched by a Council Decision on the date recommended by the Civilian Operation Commander of EUCAP Sahel Mali once it has reached its initial operating capability. 2. The tasks of the core party of EUCAP Mali shall be to prepare the installation of the mission in terms of logistics and infrastructure, open communication with Malian contacts, in particular the government and central authorities, in order to conduct exploratory assessments with them regarding the implementation of the mission objectives, start to outline the framework for cooperation and coordination with international partners, in particular MINUSMA, and provide the input needed to draw up the concept of operations (CONOPS), the operation plan (OPLAN) and the second budgetary impact statement. Article 5 Civilian Operation Commander 1. The Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) of EUCAP Sahel Mali shall be the EUCAP Sahel Mali Civilian Operation Commander. The CPCC shall be at the disposal of the Civilian Operation Commander for the planning and conduct of EUCAP Sahel Mali. 2. The Civilian Operation Commander, under the political control and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and overall authority of the HR, shall exercise command and control of EUCAP Sahel Mali. 3. The Civilian Operation Commander shall ensure, with regard to the conduct of operations, the proper and effective implementation of the Council's decisions as well as the PSC's decisions, including by issuing instructions as required to the Head of Mission and providing him with advice and technical support. 4. The Civilian Operation Commander shall report to the Council through the HR. 5. All seconded staff shall remain under the full command of the national authorities of the seconding State in accordance with national rules, the Union institution concerned, or the European External Action Service (EEAS). Those authorities shall transfer Operational Control of their staff to the Civilian Operation Commander. 6. The Civilian Operation Commander shall have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Union's duty of care is properly discharged. Article 6 Head of Mission 1. The Head of Mission shall assume responsibility for, and exercise command and control of, EUCAP Sahel Mali at theatre level. The Head of Mission shall be directly responsible to the Civilian Operation Commander and shall act in accordance with the instructions given by him. 2. The Head of Mission shall be the representative of EUCAP Sahel Mali in its action area. The Head of Mission may delegate management tasks in staff and financial matters to staff members of EUCAP Sahel Mali, under his overall responsibility. 3. The Head of Mission shall exercise administrative and logistic responsibility for EUCAP Sahel Mali, including over assets, resources and information placed at the disposal of the mission. 4. The Head of Mission shall be responsible for disciplinary control over the staff. For seconded staff, disciplinary action shall be exercised by the national authority in accordance with national rules, by the Union institution concerned or by the EEAS. 5. The Head of Mission shall ensure appropriate visibility of EUCAP Sahel Mali. Article 7 Political control and strategic direction 1. The PSC shall exercise, under the responsibility of the Council and the HR, political control and strategic direction of EUCAP Sahel Mali. The Council shall authorise the PSC to take the relevant decisions in accordance with the third paragraph of Article 38 TEU. That authorisation shall include, in particular, the powers to appoint a Head of Mission, upon a proposal of the HR, and to review the CONOPS and the OPLAN. The powers of decision with respect to the objectives and termination of EUCAP Sahel Mali shall remain vested in the Council. 2. The PSC shall report to the Council at regular intervals. 3. The PSC shall receive, on a regular basis and as required, reports by the Civilian Operation Commander and the Head of Mission on issues within their areas of responsibility. Article 8 Staff 1. EUCAP Sahel Mali shall consist primarily of staff seconded by Member States, Union institutions or the EEAS. Each Member State, Union institution, and the EEAS shall bear the costs related to any of the staff seconded by it, including travel expenses to and from the place of deployment, salaries, medical coverage and allowances other than applicable daily allowances. 2. The Member State, Union institution, or the EEAS respectively shall be responsible for answering any claims linked to the secondment from or concerning the member of staff seconded, and for bringing any action against that person. 3. International and local staff may also be recruited on a contractual basis by EUCAP Sahel Mali if the functions required cannot be provided by personnel seconded by Member States. Exceptionally, in duly justified cases, where no qualified applicants from Member States are available, nationals from participating third States may be recruited on a contractual basis, as appropriate. 4. The conditions of employment and the rights and obligations of international and local staff shall be laid down in the contracts to be concluded between EUCAP Sahel Mali and the staff members concerned. Article 9 Status of EUCAP Sahel Mali and its staff The status of EUCAP Sahel Mali and its staff, including where appropriate the privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of EUCAP Sahel Mali, shall be the subject of an agreement concluded pursuant to Article 37 TEU and in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Article 10 Participation of third States 1. Without prejudice to the decision-making autonomy of the Union and its single institutional framework, third States may be invited to contribute to EUCAP Sahel Mali, provided that they bear the cost of the staff seconded by them, including salaries, all risk insurance cover, daily subsistence allowances and travel expenses to and from Mali, and that they contribute to the running costs of EUCAP Sahel Mali, as appropriate. 2. Third States contributing to EUCAP Sahel Mali shall have the same rights and obligations in terms of the day-to-day management of EUCAP Sahel Mali as Member States. 3. The Council hereby authorises the PSC to take the relevant decisions on acceptance of the proposed contributions and to establish a Committee of Contributors. 4. Detailed arrangements regarding the participation of third States shall be covered by agreements concluded in accordance with Article 37 TEU. Where the Union and a third State conclude or have concluded an agreement establishing a framework for the participation of that third State in Union crisis-management operations, the provisions of that agreement shall apply in the context of EUCAP Sahel Mali. Article 11 Security 1. The Civilian Operation Commander shall direct the Head of Mission's planning of security measures and ensure their proper and effective implementation by EUCAP Sahel Mali in accordance with Article 5. 2. The Head of Mission shall be responsible for the security of EUCAP Sahel Mali and for ensuring compliance with minimum security requirements applicable to EUCAP Sahel Mali, in line with the policy of the Union on the security of personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational capacity under Title V TEU. 3. The Head of Mission shall be assisted by a Mission Security Officer (MSO), who shall report to the Head of Mission and also maintain a close functional relationship with the EEAS. 4. As regards security, EUCAP Sahel Mali staff shall receive mandatory security training, adapted to the risk as it is evaluated in the zone of deployment. They shall also receive regular in-theatre refresher training organised by the MSO. 5. The Head of Mission shall ensure the protection of EU classified information in accordance with Council Decision 2013/488/EU (3). Article 12 Watch-Keeping Capability The Watch-Keeping Capability shall be activated for EUCAP Sahel Mali. Article 13 Legal arrangements EUCAP Sahel Mali shall have the capacity to procure services and supplies, to enter into contracts and administrative arrangements, to employ staff, to hold bank accounts, to acquire and dispose of assets and to discharge its liabilities, and to be a party to legal proceedings, as required in order to implement this Decision. Article 14 Financial arrangements 1. The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to EUCAP Sahel Mali for the first nine months following the entry into force of this Decision shall be EUR 5 500 000. The financial reference amount for the subsequent periods shall be decided by the Council. 2. All expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the rules and procedures applicable to the general budget of the Union. Nationals of third States and host country nationals shall be allowed to tender for contracts. Subject to the Commission's approval, the Mission may conclude technical arrangements with Member States, the host State, participating third States and other international actors regarding the provision of equipment, services and premises to EUCAP Sahel Mali. 3. EUCAP Sahel Mali shall be responsible for the implementation of its budget. For this purpose, EUCAP Sahel Mali shall sign an agreement with the Commission. 4. The financial arrangements shall respect the chain of command as provided for in Articles 3, 5 and 6 and the operational needs of EUCAP Sahel Mali, including compatibility of equipment and interoperability of its teams. 5. Expenditure shall be eligible from the date when the agreement referred to in paragraph 3 is signed. Article 15 Project Cell 1. EUCAP Sahel Mali shall have a Project Cell for identifying and implementing projects. EUCAP Sahel Mali shall, as appropriate, coordinate, facilitate, and provide advice on projects implemented by Member States and third States under their responsibility in areas related to EUCAP Sahel Mali and in support of its objectives. 2. Subject to paragraph 3, EUCAP Sahel Mali shall be authorised to seek recourse to financial contributions from the Member States or third States to implement projects identified as supplementing in a consistent manner EUCAP Sahel Mali's other actions, if the project is: — provided for in the financial statement relating to this Decision; or — integrated during the mandate by means of an amendment to the financial statement requested by the Head of Mission. EUCAP Sahel Mali shall conclude an arrangement with those States, covering in particular the specific procedures for dealing with any complaint from third parties concerning damage caused as a result of acts or omissions by the Head of Mission in the use of the funds provided by those States. Under no circumstances may the contributing Member States hold the Union or the HR liable for acts or omissions by the Head of Mission in the use of the funds provided by those States. 3. The PCS shall agree on the acceptance of a financial contribution from third States to the Project Cell. Article 16 Consistency of the Union's response and coordination 1. The HR shall ensure the consistency of the implementation of this Decision with the Union's external action as a whole, including the Union's development programmes. 2. Without prejudice to the chain of command, the Head of Mission shall act in close coordination with the Union's delegation in Mali to ensure the consistency of Union action in Mali. Without interfering in the chain of command, the Head of Delegation in Bamako, in close coordination with the European Union Special Representative for the Sahel (EUSR Sahel) shall give political direction at local level to the EUCAP Sahel Mali Head of Mission. The EUCAP Sahel Mali Head of Mission, the Head of Delegation in Bamako and the EUSR Sahel shall initiate consultations as necessary. 3. Cooperation shall be established between the EUCAP Sahel Mali Head of Mission, the EUTM Mali Mission Commander, the EUCAP Sahel Niger Head of Mission and the EUBAM Libya Head of Mission. 4. In addition, EUCAP Sahel Mali shall coordinate and harmonise its actions in the area of security reform with MINUSMA and other international partners. Article 17 Release of information 1. The HR shall be authorised, if necessary and as required for EUCAP Sahel Mali, to release EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level generated for the purposes of EUCAP Sahel Mali to the third States associated with this Decision, in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU. 2. In the event of a specific and immediate operational need, the HR shall also be authorised to release to the host State any EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level generated for the purposes of EUCAP Sahel Mali, in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of the host State shall be drawn up for this purpose. 3. The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision any EU non-classified documents connected with the deliberations of the Council relating to EUCAP Sahel Mali and covered by the obligation of professional secrecy pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Council's Rules of Procedure (4). 4. The HR may delegate such authorisations, as well as the ability to conclude the arrangements referred to in paragraph 2, to EEAS officials, to the EU Civilian Operation Commander and/or to the Head of Mission in accordance with section VII of Annex VI to Decision 2013/488/EU. Article 18 Entry into force and duration This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. It shall apply for a period of 24 months starting from the date on which EUCAP Sahel Mali is launched. Done at Luxembourg, 15 April 2014. For the Council The President C. ASHTON (1) Council Decision 2012/392/CFSP of 16 July 2012 on the European Union CSDP mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger) (OJ L 187, 17.7.2012, p. 48). (2) Council Decision 2013/87/CFSP of 18 February 2013 on the launch of a European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali) (OJ L 46, 19.2.2013, p. 27). (3) Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1). (4) Council Decision 2009/937/EU of 1 December 2009 adopting the Council's Rules of Procedure (OJ L 325, 11.12.2009, p. 35).

Summary: Mali and the Sahel: towards achieving stabilisation of the region Mali and the Sahel: towards achieving stabilisation of the region SUMMARY OF: Decision 2014/219/CFSP — on the European Union CSDP mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION? It aims to help restore order and the conditions for lasting peace in Mali and the Sahel region. KEY POINTS G5 Sahel In 2014, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger set up the G5 Sahel group of countries to foster close cooperation in the region and tackle the major challenges these countries face, including terrorism and transnational organised crime. EU strategy The EU’s policy in the region is based on the Sahel Strategy adopted in 2011, which: covers diplomacy, long-term development cooperation, support to human rights, stabilisation efforts, resilience building, migration, security and humanitarian needs;is implemented through the EU Sahel Regional Action Plan 2015-2020. The EU provided financial support for the creation of G5 Sahel Joint Force which includes troops from all 5 countries and operates in each of them. The EU is a member of the Sahel Alliance, launched and signed by the EU, France and Germany in July 2017, which: aims to provide aid more quickly and more efficiently across the region;currently has 12 members: Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom, the EU, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank. EUCAP Mali The decision provides the legal basis for the EU common defence and security policy civilian mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali). It aims to help the Malian government restore and retain control of its territory by providing advice, training and equipment for the restructuring of internal security services and the reform of the security sector. The mission began in 2015 and runs until 2021. The decision has been amended a number of times to increase financial support to the mission, for the creation of a Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell and to authorise the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to release certain confidential information to Frontex, the EU border and coast guard agency. EUCAP Mali is complemented by a military operation, EU training mission Mali (EUTM) which provides advice on the restructuring of the Malian Armed Forces. Its mandate runs until May 2020. FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY? It has applied since 15 January 2015. The validity of the decision is extended until 14 January 2021. BACKGROUND For further information see: The EU’s partnership with the G5 Sahel countries (European External Action Service). MAIN DOCUMENT Council Decision 2014/219/CFSP of 15 April 2014 on the European Union CSDP mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) (OJ L 113, 16.4.2014, pp. 21-26) Successive amendments to Decision 2014/219/CFSP have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. RELATED DOCUMENTS Council Decision 2013/87/CFSP of 18 February 2013 on the launch of a European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali) (OJ L 46, 19.2.2013, p. 27) last update 06.03.2020