# Official Journal C 326/2010

| | ISSN 1725-2423
  doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2010.326.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 326 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 533 December 2010 |

ISSN 1725-2423

doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2010.326.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 326

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 533 December 2010

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2010/C 326/01 | Council conclusions of 19 November 2010 on the European and International Policy Agendas on Children, Youth and Children’s Rights | 1 |
| 2010/C 326/02 | Council conclusions of 19 November 2010 on access of young people to culture | 2 |
| 2010/C 326/03 | Council Decision of 2 December 2010 appointing two members of the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency | 4 |
| 2010/C 326/04 | Council conclusions of 18 November 2010 on the role of sport as a source of and a driver for active social inclusion | 5 |
| 2010/C 326/05 | Council conclusions of 19 November 2010 on the Youth on the Move initiative — an integrated approach in response to the challenges young people face | 9 |
| | European Commission |
| 2010/C 326/06 | Euro exchange rates | 12 |
| 2010/C 326/07 | Commission Decision of 2 November 2010 setting up the European Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Electronic Invoicing (e-invoicing) | 13 |
| | Court of Auditors |
| 2010/C 326/08 | Special Report No 8/2010 Improving transport performance on trans-European rail axes: Have EU rail infrastructure investments been effective? | 16 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2010/C 326/09 | Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ C 316, 28.12.2007, p. 1; OJ C 134, 31.5.2008, p. 16; OJ C 177, 12.7.2008, p. 9; OJ C 200, 6.8.2008, p. 10; OJ C 331, 31.12.2008, p. 13; OJ C 3, 8.1.2009, p. 10; OJ C 37, 14.2.2009, p. 10; OJ C 64, 19.3.2009, p. 20; OJ C 99, 30.4.2009, p. 7; OJ C 229, 23.9.2009, p. 28; OJ C 263, 5.11.2009, p. 22; OJ C 298, 8.12.2009, p. 17; OJ C 74, 24.3.2010, p. 13) | 17 |

Notice No

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2010/C 326/01

Council conclusions of 19 November 2010 on the European and International Policy Agendas on Children, Youth and Children’s Rights

1

2010/C 326/02

Council conclusions of 19 November 2010 on access of young people to culture

2

2010/C 326/03

Council Decision of 2 December 2010 appointing two members of the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency

4

2010/C 326/04

Council conclusions of 18 November 2010 on the role of sport as a source of and a driver for active social inclusion

5

2010/C 326/05

Council conclusions of 19 November 2010 on the Youth on the Move initiative — an integrated approach in response to the challenges young people face

9

European Commission

2010/C 326/06

Euro exchange rates

12

2010/C 326/07

Commission Decision of 2 November 2010 setting up the European Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Electronic Invoicing (e-invoicing)

13

Court of Auditors

2010/C 326/08

Special Report No 8/2010 Improving transport performance on trans-European rail axes: Have EU rail infrastructure investments been effective?

16

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2010/C 326/09

Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ C 316, 28.12.2007, p. 1; OJ C 134, 31.5.2008, p. 16; OJ C 177, 12.7.2008, p. 9; OJ C 200, 6.8.2008, p. 10; OJ C 331, 31.12.2008, p. 13; OJ C 3, 8.1.2009, p. 10; OJ C 37, 14.2.2009, p. 10; OJ C 64, 19.3.2009, p. 20; OJ C 99, 30.4.2009, p. 7; OJ C 229, 23.9.2009, p. 28; OJ C 263, 5.11.2009, p. 22; OJ C 298, 8.12.2009, p. 17; OJ C 74, 24.3.2010, p. 13)

17

| | V   Announcements |
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| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2010/C 326/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5978 — GDF Suez/International Power) (
  1
  ) | 21 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2010/C 326/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5978 — GDF Suez/International Power) (
  1
  )

1

21

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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EN

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/1 |
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3.12.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/1

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Council conclusions of 19 November 2010 on the European and International Policy Agendas on Children, Youth and Children’s Rights

2010/C 326/01

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

1.   RECALLING:

| — | Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union, |
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—

Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union,

| — | The Council Resolution of 27 November 2009 on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018) which states that where appropriate, a children's policy dimension — having regard to their rights and protection taking into account that the life and future prospects of young people are significantly determined by opportunities, support and protection received during childhood — should be considered, |
| --- | --- |

—

The Council Resolution of 27 November 2009 on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018) which states that where appropriate, a children's policy dimension — having regard to their rights and protection taking into account that the life and future prospects of young people are significantly determined by opportunities, support and protection received during childhood — should be considered,

| — | The Communication from the European Commission of 4 July 2006‘Towards an EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child’ (1). |
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—

The Communication from the European Commission of 4 July 2006‘Towards an EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child’ (1).

2.   TAKES NOTE:

| — | Of the information provided by the Presidency on the European and International Policy Agendas on Children, Youth and Children’s Rights (2). |
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—

Of the information provided by the Presidency on the European and International Policy Agendas on Children, Youth and Children’s Rights (2).

| — | Of the measures taken in the youth field in order to promote the right of children and young people to participate in the decision making affecting their lives. |
| --- | --- |

—

Of the measures taken in the youth field in order to promote the right of children and young people to participate in the decision making affecting their lives.

3.   UNDERLINES:

| — | The crucial importance of work undertaken in the area of children, youth and children’s rights. |
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—

The crucial importance of work undertaken in the area of children, youth and children’s rights.

4.   WELCOMES:

| — | The European Commission’s intention to adopt a new Communication in this area setting off a strategy for the EU on the rights of the child. |
| --- | --- |

—

The European Commission’s intention to adopt a new Communication in this area setting off a strategy for the EU on the rights of the child.

5.   ACCORDINGLY ENCOURAGES:

| — | Member States to cooperate and take an active role in this field and in future international meetings at both expert and ministerial level dealing with children’s rights. |
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—

Member States to cooperate and take an active role in this field and in future international meetings at both expert and ministerial level dealing with children’s rights.

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(1)  COM(2006) 367 final.

(2)  Doc. 14855/10.

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| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/2 |
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3.12.2010

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/2

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Council conclusions of 19 November 2010 on access of young people to culture

2010/C 326/02

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

1.   RECALLING:

| — | the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning, helping integrate culture in all learning activities in schools, youth organisations and training institutions, |
| --- | --- |

—

the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning, helping integrate culture in all learning activities in schools, youth organisations and training institutions,

| — | the Resolution of the Council of 16 November 2007 on a European Agenda for Culture (1) and its strategic objectives, as well as the conclusions of the Council on the Work Plan for Culture 2011-14 (2), |
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—

the Resolution of the Council of 16 November 2007 on a European Agenda for Culture (1) and its strategic objectives, as well as the conclusions of the Council on the Work Plan for Culture 2011-14 (2),

| — | the Council Resolution of 27 November 2009 on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-18) which states that young people’s creativity and capacity for innovation should be supported through better quality access to and participation in culture and cultural expressions from an early age, thereby promoting personal development, enhanced learning capabilities, intercultural skills, understanding and respect for cultural diversity and the development of new and flexible skills for future job opportunities, |
| --- | --- |

—

the Council Resolution of 27 November 2009 on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-18) which states that young people’s creativity and capacity for innovation should be supported through better quality access to and participation in culture and cultural expressions from an early age, thereby promoting personal development, enhanced learning capabilities, intercultural skills, understanding and respect for cultural diversity and the development of new and flexible skills for future job opportunities,

| — | the Council conclusions of 27 November 2009 on promoting a creative generation: developing the creativity and innovative capacity of children and young people through cultural expression and access to culture, including six priorities. |
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—

the Council conclusions of 27 November 2009 on promoting a creative generation: developing the creativity and innovative capacity of children and young people through cultural expression and access to culture, including six priorities.

2.   WELCOMES:

| — | further knowledge on youth and culture, such as the study commissioned by the European Commission about access of young people to culture (3). |
| --- | --- |

—

further knowledge on youth and culture, such as the study commissioned by the European Commission about access of young people to culture (3).

3.   UNDERLINES:

| — | that access of young people to culture comprises two main aspects: young people as users, buyers, consumers and audience; and young people actively involved as active participants and creators of arts and culture, |
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—

that access of young people to culture comprises two main aspects: young people as users, buyers, consumers and audience; and young people actively involved as active participants and creators of arts and culture,

| — | the importance of this for good cooperation between the field of youth and the field of culture, |
| --- | --- |

—

the importance of this for good cooperation between the field of youth and the field of culture,

| — | the importance of the knowledge, promotion, visibility and use of new information and communication technologies, including digitalisation of cultural content, for the purpose of increasing the access of young people to culture, |
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—

the importance of the knowledge, promotion, visibility and use of new information and communication technologies, including digitalisation of cultural content, for the purpose of increasing the access of young people to culture,

| — | that access of young people to culture is also about an experience of self-expression, personal development and confidence, innovation and creativity, enjoyment, and having an open mind to other cultures, including Europe's cultural heritage, |
| --- | --- |

—

that access of young people to culture is also about an experience of self-expression, personal development and confidence, innovation and creativity, enjoyment, and having an open mind to other cultures, including Europe's cultural heritage,

| — | the importance of the lifelong development of cultural competences of young people and all relevant stakeholders because it interlocks with other key competences, |
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—

the importance of the lifelong development of cultural competences of young people and all relevant stakeholders because it interlocks with other key competences,

| — | the relevance of culture as a means of promoting social inclusion, equality and the active participation of young people, as well as combating discrimination and poverty. |
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—

the relevance of culture as a means of promoting social inclusion, equality and the active participation of young people, as well as combating discrimination and poverty.

4.   ACCORDINGLY INVITES AND ENCOURAGES THE COMMISSION AND MEMBER STATES WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES OF COMPETENCE, TO:

| — | take into consideration all the recommendations of the above mentioned study, |
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—

take into consideration all the recommendations of the above mentioned study,

| — | facilitate access of all young people to culture, reducing related obstacles as contained in the study (e.g. financial, linguistic, time and geographical constraints), taking into account the role of cultural and art education and training for all young people from an early age, in a lifelong learning perspective and by using targeted programmes, |
| --- | --- |

—

facilitate access of all young people to culture, reducing related obstacles as contained in the study (e.g. financial, linguistic, time and geographical constraints), taking into account the role of cultural and art education and training for all young people from an early age, in a lifelong learning perspective and by using targeted programmes,

| — | promote the development of long-term coordinated policies for access of young people to culture on all levels, with a clear youth perspective, for example by stimulating partnerships and contacts between the creative sector and stakeholders in the fields of youth, education and other relevant fields, |
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—

promote the development of long-term coordinated policies for access of young people to culture on all levels, with a clear youth perspective, for example by stimulating partnerships and contacts between the creative sector and stakeholders in the fields of youth, education and other relevant fields,

| — | deepen the knowledge on the access of young people to culture (e.g. via the Eurobarometer in the EU Youth report) and to support research in the field of youth cultures, creativity and cultural citizenship. In this context, it is important to define the needs of young people regarding their access to culture and to identify the evolution of cultural practices of young people, |
| --- | --- |

—

deepen the knowledge on the access of young people to culture (e.g. via the Eurobarometer in the EU Youth report) and to support research in the field of youth cultures, creativity and cultural citizenship. In this context, it is important to define the needs of young people regarding their access to culture and to identify the evolution of cultural practices of young people,

| — | exchange and promote experiences, practices and information of all relevant stakeholders on all levels related to access of young people to culture, e.g. by stimulating learning mobility for all young people and youth workers and youth leaders, and through the use of ICT and the media, |
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—

exchange and promote experiences, practices and information of all relevant stakeholders on all levels related to access of young people to culture, e.g. by stimulating learning mobility for all young people and youth workers and youth leaders, and through the use of ICT and the media,

| — | support quality education, training and capacity-building of youth workers and youth leaders, artists and other cultural workers, teachers and all other relevant stakeholders involved in the access of young people to culture, |
| --- | --- |

—

support quality education, training and capacity-building of youth workers and youth leaders, artists and other cultural workers, teachers and all other relevant stakeholders involved in the access of young people to culture,

| — | promote access of young people to culture as a means of promoting social inclusion, equality and the active participation of young people, as well as combating discrimination and poverty, |
| --- | --- |

—

promote access of young people to culture as a means of promoting social inclusion, equality and the active participation of young people, as well as combating discrimination and poverty,

| — | promote the six priorities set out in the Council conclusions of 27 November 2009 on promoting a creative generation, |
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—

promote the six priorities set out in the Council conclusions of 27 November 2009 on promoting a creative generation,

| — | make best use of existing relevant programmes, instruments and European networks (e.g. European Youth Card Association), including the European structural funds, in order to promote the above aims. |
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—

make best use of existing relevant programmes, instruments and European networks (e.g. European Youth Card Association), including the European structural funds, in order to promote the above aims.

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(1)  OJ C 287, 29.11.2007, p. 1.

(2)  To be adopted on 18 November 2010.

(3)  Interarts EACEA/2008/01 (OJ 2008/S 91-122802).

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| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/4 |
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3.12.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/4

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COUNCIL DECISION

of 2 December 2010

appointing two members of the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency

2010/C 326/03

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and establishing a European Chemicals Agency (1), and in particular Article 79 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Article 79 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 provides that the Council should appoint as members of the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency one representative from each Member State. |
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(1)

Article 79 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 provides that the Council should appoint as members of the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency one representative from each Member State.

| (2) | By Decision of 7 June 2007 (2) the Council appointed 27 members of the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency. |
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(2)

By Decision of 7 June 2007 (2) the Council appointed 27 members of the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency.

| (3) | The Swedish Government has informed the Council of its intention to replace the Swedish representative on the Management Board and has submitted a nomination for a new representative, who should be appointed for a period which runs until 31 May 2013. |
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(3)

The Swedish Government has informed the Council of its intention to replace the Swedish representative on the Management Board and has submitted a nomination for a new representative, who should be appointed for a period which runs until 31 May 2013.

| (4) | The Slovenian Government has informed the Council of its intention to replace the Slovenian representative on the Management Board and has submitted a nomination for a new representative, who should be appointed for a period which runs until 31 May 2013, |
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(4)

The Slovenian Government has informed the Council of its intention to replace the Slovenian representative on the Management Board and has submitted a nomination for a new representative, who should be appointed for a period which runs until 31 May 2013,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Ms Nina CROMNIER of Swedish nationality, born on 14 October 1966, shall be appointed member of the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency in place of Ms Ethel FORSBERG for the period from 4 December 2010 to 31 May 2013.

Article 2

Ms Simona FAJFAR of Slovenian nationality, born on 17 November 1970, shall be appointed member of the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency in place of Ms Marta CIRAJ for the period from 4 December 2010 to 31 May 2013.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 2 December 2010.

For the Council

The President

E. SCHOUPPE

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(1)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 134, 16.6.2007, p. 6.

2

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| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/5 |
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3.12.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/5

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Council conclusions of 18 November 2010 on the role of sport as a source of and a driver for active social inclusion

2010/C 326/04

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

1.   RECALLING:

The political background to this issue as set out in the Annex, in particular:

| — | the declaration attached to conclusions of the European Council of 7-9 December 2000, which states that sport is a human activity resting on fundamental social, educational and cultural values, and a factor making for integration, involvement in social life, tolerance, acceptance of differences and playing by the rules (1), |
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—

the declaration attached to conclusions of the European Council of 7-9 December 2000, which states that sport is a human activity resting on fundamental social, educational and cultural values, and a factor making for integration, involvement in social life, tolerance, acceptance of differences and playing by the rules (1),

| — | Decision No 291/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 establishing the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 (2), |
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—

Decision No 291/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 establishing the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 (2),

| — | Decision No 1098/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 concerning the European Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) (3). |
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—

Decision No 1098/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 concerning the European Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) (3).

2.   WELCOMING:

| — | that, following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty (4) on 1 December 2009, sport has become a competence of the European Union and that, consequently, the European dimension in sport is to be further developed, taking particular account of the social and educational function of sport, |
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—

that, following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty (4) on 1 December 2009, sport has become a competence of the European Union and that, consequently, the European dimension in sport is to be further developed, taking particular account of the social and educational function of sport,

| — | the intention of the Commission to adopt the Communication on the Lisbon Treaty and sport by the end of 2010. |
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—

the intention of the Commission to adopt the Communication on the Lisbon Treaty and sport by the end of 2010.

3.   RECOGNISES THAT:

| 1. | Common priorities, such as increased employment, social inclusion, gender equality, equal access to facilities and services, intergenerational solidarity and intercultural dialogue, need stronger support across the European Union, including in the area of sport. |
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1.

Common priorities, such as increased employment, social inclusion, gender equality, equal access to facilities and services, intergenerational solidarity and intercultural dialogue, need stronger support across the European Union, including in the area of sport.

| 2. | Sport holds an important place in the lives of many EU citizens and plays a strong societal role with a powerful potential for social inclusion in and through sport, meaning that participation in sport or in physical activity in many different ways contributes to inclusion into society; whereby inclusion in sport involves a combination of ‘sport for all’, equal access to sport, equal opportunities in sport, and varied demand-oriented sporting opportunities and sport facilities, and whereby social inclusion through sport involves inclusive participation in society, community development and strengthened social cohesion. |
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2.

Sport holds an important place in the lives of many EU citizens and plays a strong societal role with a powerful potential for social inclusion in and through sport, meaning that participation in sport or in physical activity in many different ways contributes to inclusion into society; whereby inclusion in sport involves a combination of ‘sport for all’, equal access to sport, equal opportunities in sport, and varied demand-oriented sporting opportunities and sport facilities, and whereby social inclusion through sport involves inclusive participation in society, community development and strengthened social cohesion.

| 3. | The sports movement can make an important contribution to issues of public interest such as social inclusion. In this context, professional athletes and amateur sport persons, as well as sport clubs, are role models for society, especially for young people, and other sport organisations and civil society organisations dealing with sport also contribute to social inclusion in and through sport. |
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3.

The sports movement can make an important contribution to issues of public interest such as social inclusion. In this context, professional athletes and amateur sport persons, as well as sport clubs, are role models for society, especially for young people, and other sport organisations and civil society organisations dealing with sport also contribute to social inclusion in and through sport.

| 4. | Access to and participation in diverse aspects of sport is important for personal development, an individual’s sense of identity and belonging, physical and mental wellbeing, empowerment, social competences and networks, intercultural communication and employability. |
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4.

Access to and participation in diverse aspects of sport is important for personal development, an individual’s sense of identity and belonging, physical and mental wellbeing, empowerment, social competences and networks, intercultural communication and employability.

| 5. | The ‘European Conference on Local Sports Participation: social inclusion and combating poverty’, 13-14 October in Leuven, Belgium, which demonstrated that sport plays an important role in social inclusion of disadvantaged groups, especially on the local level. |
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5.

The ‘European Conference on Local Sports Participation: social inclusion and combating poverty’, 13-14 October in Leuven, Belgium, which demonstrated that sport plays an important role in social inclusion of disadvantaged groups, especially on the local level.

4.   IDENTIFIES, WITH DUE REGARD FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, THE FOLLOWING COMMON PRIORITIES WITH A VIEW TO PROMOTING SOCIAL INCLUSION IN AND THROUGH SPORT:

| 4.1. | Support the ‘sport for all’ principle based on equal opportunities by:






  1. | increasing the overall participation in sport and providing encouragement for physical activities to as many citizens as possible, including young people; |
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4.1.

Support the ‘sport for all’ principle based on equal opportunities by:

1.

increasing the overall participation in sport and providing encouragement for physical activities to as many citizens as possible, including young people;

| 2. | paying special attention to social inclusion in sport of people who are currently not physically active, mainly among socially disadvantaged groups; |
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2.

paying special attention to social inclusion in sport of people who are currently not physically active, mainly among socially disadvantaged groups;

| 3. | bearing in mind that access to ‘sport for all’ is important, including the accessibility and availability of sport facilities, infrastructures and venues to as many people as possible, in particular to persons with disabilities, as well as the importance of enabling persons with disabilities to participate on an equal basis with others in recreational, leisure and sporting activities; |
| --- | --- |

3.

bearing in mind that access to ‘sport for all’ is important, including the accessibility and availability of sport facilities, infrastructures and venues to as many people as possible, in particular to persons with disabilities, as well as the importance of enabling persons with disabilities to participate on an equal basis with others in recreational, leisure and sporting activities;

| 4. | encouraging gender equality in sport, especially concerning access to sport and representation in decision-making bodies, and including active measures against gender stereotyping. |
| --- | --- |

4.

encouraging gender equality in sport, especially concerning access to sport and representation in decision-making bodies, and including active measures against gender stereotyping.

| 4.2. | Make better use of the potential of sport as a contribution to community building, social cohesion and inclusive growth by:






  1. | focusing on the use of sport to promote inclusion into society of disadvantaged groups so as to develop more cohesive communities; |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.2.

Make better use of the potential of sport as a contribution to community building, social cohesion and inclusive growth by:

1.

focusing on the use of sport to promote inclusion into society of disadvantaged groups so as to develop more cohesive communities;

| 2. | recognising and increasing the acquisition of skills and competences such as discipline, team-work and perseverance through informal learning activities in sport, including voluntary activities, as a way of enhancing employability; |
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2.

recognising and increasing the acquisition of skills and competences such as discipline, team-work and perseverance through informal learning activities in sport, including voluntary activities, as a way of enhancing employability;

| 3. | acknowledging the economic, employment and learning potential of sport for contributing to the smart, sustainable and inclusive growth necessary for achieving a sustainable future. |
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3.

acknowledging the economic, employment and learning potential of sport for contributing to the smart, sustainable and inclusive growth necessary for achieving a sustainable future.

| 4.3. | Support the transnational exchange of strategies and methodologies to make better use of the potential of sport for social inclusion on a national and European level by:






  1. | stimulating networking between the Member States, and local and regional authorities, and ensuring their involvement, in particular concerning mutual exchange of knowledge and best practices; |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.3.

Support the transnational exchange of strategies and methodologies to make better use of the potential of sport for social inclusion on a national and European level by:

1.

stimulating networking between the Member States, and local and regional authorities, and ensuring their involvement, in particular concerning mutual exchange of knowledge and best practices;

| 2. | supporting research and analysis of the relation between sport and social inclusion in creating an analytical framework founded on practice-based evidence, with special attention to social inclusion of disadvantaged groups through sport; |
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2.

supporting research and analysis of the relation between sport and social inclusion in creating an analytical framework founded on practice-based evidence, with special attention to social inclusion of disadvantaged groups through sport;

| 3. | monitoring and evaluating existing policies in order to support decision-making and improve future actions, taking into account the views of relevant stakeholders. |
| --- | --- |

3.

monitoring and evaluating existing policies in order to support decision-making and improve future actions, taking into account the views of relevant stakeholders.

5.   THEREFORE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUES OUTLINED ABOVE, INVITES THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION, WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES OF COMPETENCE, WITH DUE REGARD FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE SPECIFIC NATURE OF SPORT, TO:

| 1. | promote sport cooperation on the principle of ‘sport for all’ based on equal access and equal opportunities, in particular for physically inactive people, following the priority of social inclusion in and through sport; |
| --- | --- |

1.

promote sport cooperation on the principle of ‘sport for all’ based on equal access and equal opportunities, in particular for physically inactive people, following the priority of social inclusion in and through sport;

| 2. | encourage actions involving a strong link between sport and sectors engaged with the issue of social inclusion, and increase interest in sport among physically inactive people; |
| --- | --- |

2.

encourage actions involving a strong link between sport and sectors engaged with the issue of social inclusion, and increase interest in sport among physically inactive people;

| 3. | encourage and promote participation in sport of people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, at the same time as ensuring their inclusion into society through sport by introducing them to new social networks and equipping them with new skills; |
| --- | --- |

3.

encourage and promote participation in sport of people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, at the same time as ensuring their inclusion into society through sport by introducing them to new social networks and equipping them with new skills;

| 4. | promote intercultural dialogue by including persons from different cultural backgrounds in society through sport; |
| --- | --- |

4.

promote intercultural dialogue by including persons from different cultural backgrounds in society through sport;

| 5. | promote actions related to social inclusion in and through sport of persons with disabilities, including improved infrastructure and better accessibility of sport facilities and venues, as well as research related to specialised sport devices, and give priority to sport; |
| --- | --- |

5.

promote actions related to social inclusion in and through sport of persons with disabilities, including improved infrastructure and better accessibility of sport facilities and venues, as well as research related to specialised sport devices, and give priority to sport;

| 6. | promote actions related to the mainstreaming of gender equality issues into sports-related activities, especially equal gender access to decision-making positions, and address sport in connection to gender roles as set out in the Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015 (5), |
| --- | --- |

6.

promote actions related to the mainstreaming of gender equality issues into sports-related activities, especially equal gender access to decision-making positions, and address sport in connection to gender roles as set out in the Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015 (5),

| 7. | design channels of communication and cooperation with other relevant policy fields and departments both within and between the various EU institutions and within the Member States, paying special attention to the positive contribution of sport to social inclusion and include sport in relevant action plans such as action plans for social inclusion and action plans against poverty; |
| --- | --- |

7.

design channels of communication and cooperation with other relevant policy fields and departments both within and between the various EU institutions and within the Member States, paying special attention to the positive contribution of sport to social inclusion and include sport in relevant action plans such as action plans for social inclusion and action plans against poverty;

| 8. | encourage the recognition of informal learning through sport, as a complement to formal education through the acquisition of constructive skills and competences necessary for employability, in connection with sustainable and inclusive growth; |
| --- | --- |

8.

encourage the recognition of informal learning through sport, as a complement to formal education through the acquisition of constructive skills and competences necessary for employability, in connection with sustainable and inclusive growth;

| 9. | raise awareness and highlight the importance of voluntary activities in sport both as a tool for social inclusion and as a means of acquiring skills so as to contribute to employability and cohesion, particularly in the context of the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship (2011); |
| --- | --- |

9.

raise awareness and highlight the importance of voluntary activities in sport both as a tool for social inclusion and as a means of acquiring skills so as to contribute to employability and cohesion, particularly in the context of the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship (2011);

| 10. | promote and support mutual learning instruments, cross-disciplinary research aiming at an analytical evidence-based framework, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices, for instance through high-level seminars or meetings of expert groups on issues relating to sport and social inclusion, and ensure that the results of such activities are effectively disseminated and connected to practice; |
| --- | --- |

10.

promote and support mutual learning instruments, cross-disciplinary research aiming at an analytical evidence-based framework, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices, for instance through high-level seminars or meetings of expert groups on issues relating to sport and social inclusion, and ensure that the results of such activities are effectively disseminated and connected to practice;

| 11. | maximise the contribution of sport to achieve goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, particularly through its flagship initiatives including the European Platform against Poverty; |
| --- | --- |

11.

maximise the contribution of sport to achieve goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, particularly through its flagship initiatives including the European Platform against Poverty;

| 12. | encourage, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, to set an example for social inclusion by linking sport to social inclusion projects, with special focus on local organisations which are in close contact with citizens; |
| --- | --- |

12.

encourage, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, to set an example for social inclusion by linking sport to social inclusion projects, with special focus on local organisations which are in close contact with citizens;

| 13. | encourage, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, to make efficient use of the funds available in the EU, including in connection to the possible future sport programmes, to support the process of social inclusion in and through sport; |
| --- | --- |

13.

encourage, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, to make efficient use of the funds available in the EU, including in connection to the possible future sport programmes, to support the process of social inclusion in and through sport;

6.   INVITES THE COMMISSION TO:

| 1. | incorporate the issue of social inclusion in and through sport as a priority for sport cooperation, above all in the upcoming Communication of the European Commission on the Lisbon Treaty and sport; |
| --- | --- |

1.

incorporate the issue of social inclusion in and through sport as a priority for sport cooperation, above all in the upcoming Communication of the European Commission on the Lisbon Treaty and sport;

| 2. | ensure that social inclusion in and through sport is considered in possible future proposals for EU sport programmes, as one of the priorities, and examine the possibilities of using the existing funds such as the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, and programmes such as the Youth in Action and Lifelong Learning programmes to support activities in the area of sport; |
| --- | --- |

2.

ensure that social inclusion in and through sport is considered in possible future proposals for EU sport programmes, as one of the priorities, and examine the possibilities of using the existing funds such as the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, and programmes such as the Youth in Action and Lifelong Learning programmes to support activities in the area of sport;

| 3. | evaluate the effectiveness of EU level activities supported by preparatory actions in the field of social inclusion. |
| --- | --- |

3.

evaluate the effectiveness of EU level activities supported by preparatory actions in the field of social inclusion.

---

(1)  SN 400/00

(2)  OJ L 43, 18.2.2003, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 298, 7.11.2008, p. 20.

(4)  Articles 6 and 165 of the TFEU.

(5)  COM(2010) 491 final.

---

ANNEX

Political background

| 1. | Conclusions of the Nice European Council of 7 to 9 December 2000, Annex IV, Declaration on the specific characteristics of sport and its social function in Europe (1). |
| --- | --- |

1.

Conclusions of the Nice European Council of 7 to 9 December 2000, Annex IV, Declaration on the specific characteristics of sport and its social function in Europe (1).

| 2. | Conclusions of the Spring 2008 European Council of 13 and 14 March 2008 (2). |
| --- | --- |

2.

Conclusions of the Spring 2008 European Council of 13 and 14 March 2008 (2).

| 3. | Decision No 1098/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 concerning the European Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) (3). |
| --- | --- |

3.

Decision No 1098/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 concerning the European Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) (3).

| 4. | European Council Declaration on sport of 11 and 12 December 2008, part of the European Council conclusions — Annex 5 (4). |
| --- | --- |

4.

European Council Declaration on sport of 11 and 12 December 2008, part of the European Council conclusions — Annex 5 (4).

| 5. | Decision 2010/37/EC of the Council of 27 November 2009 concerning the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship (2011) (5). |
| --- | --- |

5.

Decision 2010/37/EC of the Council of 27 November 2009 concerning the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship (2011) (5).

| 6. | Conclusions of the European Council of 17 June 2010 (6). |
| --- | --- |

6.

Conclusions of the European Council of 17 June 2010 (6).

| 7. | Commission White Paper on Sport of 11 July 2007 (7). |
| --- | --- |

7.

Commission White Paper on Sport of 11 July 2007 (7).

| 8. | Communication of the European Commission on the Lisbon Treaty and sport (to be published in November 2010). |
| --- | --- |

8.

Communication of the European Commission on the Lisbon Treaty and sport (to be published in November 2010).

---

(1)  SN 400/00 ADD1 REV1 + ADD1 REV2 (de, el, en, it, pt).

(2)  Doc 7652/08, p. 9 (Presidency conclusions).

(3)  OJ L 298, 7.11.2008, p. 20.

(4)  17271/08 Annex 5, p. 21.

(5)  OJ L 17, 22.1.2010, p. 43.

(6)  EUCO 13/10.

(7)  COM(2007) 391 final, p. 4.

---

| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/9

---

Council conclusions of 19 November 2010 on the ‘Youth on the Move’ initiative — an integrated approach in response to the challenges young people face

2010/C 326/05

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

HAVING REGARD TO:

| 1. | the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, which sets ambitious objectives for smart, inclusive and sustainable growth to be met over the coming decade, highlighting in particular the need for action to improve education levels, increase employment rates and promote social inclusion, and which identifies a specific EU headline target relating to education (1), as well as others relating to employment (2), social inclusion (3) and research and innovation (4); |
| --- | --- |

1.

the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, which sets ambitious objectives for smart, inclusive and sustainable growth to be met over the coming decade, highlighting in particular the need for action to improve education levels, increase employment rates and promote social inclusion, and which identifies a specific EU headline target relating to education (1), as well as others relating to employment (2), social inclusion (3) and research and innovation (4);

| 2. | the Council conclusions on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET 2020’) (5), which remains the basis for such cooperation and which complements the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’ in emphasising the crucial contribution that education and training have to make in meeting the many socio-economic, demographic, environmental and technological challenges facing Europe today, and which establish four strategic objectives (6) aimed at ensuring sustainable economic prosperity and employability, as well as the personal, social and professional fulfilment of all citizens; |
| --- | --- |

2.

the Council conclusions on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET 2020’) (5), which remains the basis for such cooperation and which complements the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’ in emphasising the crucial contribution that education and training have to make in meeting the many socio-economic, demographic, environmental and technological challenges facing Europe today, and which establish four strategic objectives (6) aimed at ensuring sustainable economic prosperity and employability, as well as the personal, social and professional fulfilment of all citizens;

| 3. | the Council Resolution of 27 November 2009 on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (7), which recognises that promoting the social inclusion and professional integration of young women and men is an essential component in reaching the objectives of Europe's strategy for growth and jobs, at the same time as fostering personal fulfilment, social cohesion and active citizenship. It is of vital importance to enable all young women and men to make the best of their potential. The Resolution therefore calls for specific initiatives in the youth field — i.e. policies and actions specifically targeted at young people in areas such as non-formal learning, participation, voluntary activities, youth work, mobility and information, social inclusion, culture and health. It also calls for mainstreaming initiatives — i.e. initiatives to enable a cross-sectoral approach between youth policies and other relevant policy areas. |
| --- | --- |

3.

the Council Resolution of 27 November 2009 on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (7), which recognises that promoting the social inclusion and professional integration of young women and men is an essential component in reaching the objectives of Europe's strategy for growth and jobs, at the same time as fostering personal fulfilment, social cohesion and active citizenship. It is of vital importance to enable all young women and men to make the best of their potential. The Resolution therefore calls for specific initiatives in the youth field — i.e. policies and actions specifically targeted at young people in areas such as non-formal learning, participation, voluntary activities, youth work, mobility and information, social inclusion, culture and health. It also calls for mainstreaming initiatives — i.e. initiatives to enable a cross-sectoral approach between youth policies and other relevant policy areas.

| 4. | Within the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, Member States and the European Union should implement reforms aimed at smart and inclusive growth, i.e. growth driven by knowledge and innovation which enables maximum participation. These should aim at improving the quality of education and training, at strengthening research and at promoting innovation and knowledge transfer throughout the EU. They should encourage entrepreneurship and help to turn creative ideas into innovative products, services and processes that can create growth, quality and sustainable jobs, territorial, economic and social cohesion, and address more efficiently and more effectively European and global societal challenges |
| --- | --- |

4.

Within the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, Member States and the European Union should implement reforms aimed at smart and inclusive growth, i.e. growth driven by knowledge and innovation which enables maximum participation. These should aim at improving the quality of education and training, at strengthening research and at promoting innovation and knowledge transfer throughout the EU. They should encourage entrepreneurship and help to turn creative ideas into innovative products, services and processes that can create growth, quality and sustainable jobs, territorial, economic and social cohesion, and address more efficiently and more effectively European and global societal challenges

WELCOMES:

the Commission communication ‘Youth on the Move: An initiative to unleash the potential of young people to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in the European Union’ (8), which puts young people at the centre of a framework agenda for the EU,

WHILST LOOKING FORWARD TO:

considering the proposals contained in the initiative, which comprises key new actions as well as the reinforcement of existing activities, both within the Member States and at European level, with a view to helping young people to respond to the many socio-economic challenges they face and to succeed in the knowledge society,

RECOGNISES THAT:

| 1. | While Europe’s prosperity depends to a large extent on its young people, too many of them still face considerable difficulties in realising their potential and making their contribution to society: too many leave school without qualifications or with insufficient skills, fail to secure employment and find themselves at risk of social exclusion, which in turn engenders high costs for the individual as well as for society as a whole. Remedying this situation requires a more integrated, cross-sectoral approach towards education and training, youth, employment and social policies which builds on current strengths and develops effective new measures. |
| --- | --- |

1.

While Europe’s prosperity depends to a large extent on its young people, too many of them still face considerable difficulties in realising their potential and making their contribution to society: too many leave school without qualifications or with insufficient skills, fail to secure employment and find themselves at risk of social exclusion, which in turn engenders high costs for the individual as well as for society as a whole. Remedying this situation requires a more integrated, cross-sectoral approach towards education and training, youth, employment and social policies which builds on current strengths and develops effective new measures.

| 2. | The implementation of national lifelong learning strategies and instruments, which are key to enabling not only young people, but also adults, to acquire, maintain and develop knowledge, skills and competences throughout their careers, remains a challenge for many Member States. In particular, more flexible learning pathways are required which will allow men and women at different stages in life to move between different education and training systems, as well as between formal and non-formal and informal learning environments, and which can attract non-traditional learners. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The implementation of national lifelong learning strategies and instruments, which are key to enabling not only young people, but also adults, to acquire, maintain and develop knowledge, skills and competences throughout their careers, remains a challenge for many Member States. In particular, more flexible learning pathways are required which will allow men and women at different stages in life to move between different education and training systems, as well as between formal and non-formal and informal learning environments, and which can attract non-traditional learners.

| 3. | In the coming years increasing numbers of jobs will require high-level qualifications (9), yet the EU currently has a lower percentage of people with a tertiary or equivalent level qualification (10), as well as a lower share of researchers, than its competitors. In addition, Europe's innovation capacity will require knowledge partnerships and stronger links between the worlds of education and training, research and business in order to enhance the knowledge triangle. This will also provide a means of ensuring that those in low-skilled employment are better able to adapt to the changing demands of the labour market. |
| --- | --- |

3.

In the coming years increasing numbers of jobs will require high-level qualifications (9), yet the EU currently has a lower percentage of people with a tertiary or equivalent level qualification (10), as well as a lower share of researchers, than its competitors. In addition, Europe's innovation capacity will require knowledge partnerships and stronger links between the worlds of education and training, research and business in order to enhance the knowledge triangle. This will also provide a means of ensuring that those in low-skilled employment are better able to adapt to the changing demands of the labour market.

| 4. | In addition to meeting personal and socio-economic objectives, learning mobility can provide a useful way of strengthening employability and of acquiring or enhancing professional, pedagogical, linguistic, interpersonal and intercultural competences. It can also contribute to improving the quality of, and cooperation between, educational institutions. Although EU programmes and policy instruments have made a significant contribution in this area, there remains considerable untapped potential for learning mobility, which all too often remains the exception. Learning mobility opportunities within a formal educational context should be actively encouraged for groups such as young adult learners, teachers, trainers and educational staff. Young adults should also be able to benefit from such opportunities within non-formal or informal learning environments. In addition, new innovative forms of such mobility, including virtual mobility, need to be explored, while access to it should be broadened, paying particular attention to disadvantaged groups and gender. |
| --- | --- |

4.

In addition to meeting personal and socio-economic objectives, learning mobility can provide a useful way of strengthening employability and of acquiring or enhancing professional, pedagogical, linguistic, interpersonal and intercultural competences. It can also contribute to improving the quality of, and cooperation between, educational institutions. Although EU programmes and policy instruments have made a significant contribution in this area, there remains considerable untapped potential for learning mobility, which all too often remains the exception. Learning mobility opportunities within a formal educational context should be actively encouraged for groups such as young adult learners, teachers, trainers and educational staff. Young adults should also be able to benefit from such opportunities within non-formal or informal learning environments. In addition, new innovative forms of such mobility, including virtual mobility, need to be explored, while access to it should be broadened, paying particular attention to disadvantaged groups and gender.

THEREFORE AGREES THAT:

| 1. | When working towards the aims of the ‘Youth on the Move’ initiative, the European Commission and the Member States should cooperate within the overall context of the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, whilst ensuring consistency with existing arrangements, in particular those made under the ‘ET 2020’ strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training, the European employment strategy and the renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field. The implementation of actions, monitoring and reporting procedures should all be carried out within these frameworks and in accordance with their respective overall principles and objectives. Actions need to be closely coordinated, with the involvement and cooperation of the relevant stakeholders at every level, including through the structured dialogue. |
| --- | --- |

1.

When working towards the aims of the ‘Youth on the Move’ initiative, the European Commission and the Member States should cooperate within the overall context of the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, whilst ensuring consistency with existing arrangements, in particular those made under the ‘ET 2020’ strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training, the European employment strategy and the renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field. The implementation of actions, monitoring and reporting procedures should all be carried out within these frameworks and in accordance with their respective overall principles and objectives. Actions need to be closely coordinated, with the involvement and cooperation of the relevant stakeholders at every level, including through the structured dialogue.

| 2. | The Europe 2020 Integrated Guidelines (11) provide a framework for coordinated policy actions, the majority of which fall within the responsibility of Member States. Through appropriate monitoring, peer learning and the preparation of input to the European Council, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council should play a key role in implementing the Youth on the Move initiative and the broader ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, including the specific task of achieving the EU headline target in the field of education and training. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Europe 2020 Integrated Guidelines (11) provide a framework for coordinated policy actions, the majority of which fall within the responsibility of Member States. Through appropriate monitoring, peer learning and the preparation of input to the European Council, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council should play a key role in implementing the Youth on the Move initiative and the broader ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, including the specific task of achieving the EU headline target in the field of education and training.

| 3. | Additional efforts are needed to help young people to meet the many socio-economic challenges they face. However, at a time of budgetary constraint, such efforts should focus on optimising and rationalising policy objectives and investments, by linking these more closely to the aims of Europe 2020 and the priorities of the ‘ET 2020’ strategic framework. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Additional efforts are needed to help young people to meet the many socio-economic challenges they face. However, at a time of budgetary constraint, such efforts should focus on optimising and rationalising policy objectives and investments, by linking these more closely to the aims of Europe 2020 and the priorities of the ‘ET 2020’ strategic framework.

| 4. | While their scope extends beyond that of the Youth on the Move initiative, existing EU programmes such as the Lifelong Learning, Erasmus Mundus and Youth in Action programmes clearly have an important contribution to make towards achieving the aims of this initiative, as well as those of the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’ in general. Both the broad scope of the programmes and their contribution to the initiative should be acknowledged when designing the next generation of programmes. |
| --- | --- |

4.

While their scope extends beyond that of the Youth on the Move initiative, existing EU programmes such as the Lifelong Learning, Erasmus Mundus and Youth in Action programmes clearly have an important contribution to make towards achieving the aims of this initiative, as well as those of the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’ in general. Both the broad scope of the programmes and their contribution to the initiative should be acknowledged when designing the next generation of programmes.

| 5. | Greater mobility should be actively encouraged, including mobility with third countries and candidate countries, using the appropriate programmes and mechanisms. Learning mobility should also have a qualitative dimension, and be based on well-developed cooperation between education and training institutions. With a view to raising the quality and diversity of mobility, the potential offered by other existing forms of cooperation should be explored. However, mobility should not be regarded as an aim in itself, but rather as a means to enhance the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences and to meet personal and social challenges. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Greater mobility should be actively encouraged, including mobility with third countries and candidate countries, using the appropriate programmes and mechanisms. Learning mobility should also have a qualitative dimension, and be based on well-developed cooperation between education and training institutions. With a view to raising the quality and diversity of mobility, the potential offered by other existing forms of cooperation should be explored. However, mobility should not be regarded as an aim in itself, but rather as a means to enhance the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences and to meet personal and social challenges.

FURTHER AGREES THAT:

In order to address the challenges outlined, measures are needed both within the Member States and at European level which — while fully respecting the principle of subsidiarity — will contribute to achieving the broader objectives and headline targets of the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, as well as its associated flagship initiatives.

In the framework of the ‘Youth on the Move’ flagship initiative, the following lines of action should be considered:

| | With specific regard to the field of education and training:






  — | promoting the full implementation of integrated lifelong learning strategies, |
| --- | --- | --- |

With specific regard to the field of education and training:

—

promoting the full implementation of integrated lifelong learning strategies,

| — | ensuring the acquisition of the key competences that every individual, in particular those with a disadvantaged background, needs for success in a knowledge-driven society, |
| --- | --- |

—

ensuring the acquisition of the key competences that every individual, in particular those with a disadvantaged background, needs for success in a knowledge-driven society,

| — | increasing participation in tertiary or equivalent education, |
| --- | --- |

—

increasing participation in tertiary or equivalent education,

| — | enhancing the quality and attractiveness of education at all levels, particularly in higher education and vocational education and training, |
| --- | --- |

—

enhancing the quality and attractiveness of education at all levels, particularly in higher education and vocational education and training,

| — | promoting the benefits of learning mobility in terms of increasing knowledge, skills and experience. |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting the benefits of learning mobility in terms of increasing knowledge, skills and experience.

| | With specific regard to the field of youth:






  — | promoting a cross-sectoral approach between youth policies and other relevant policy areas, |
| --- | --- | --- |

With specific regard to the field of youth:

—

promoting a cross-sectoral approach between youth policies and other relevant policy areas,

| — | reinforcing both the quality and the quantity of mobility for all young people, in particular those with fewer opportunities, in non-formal and informal learning environments, |
| --- | --- |

—

reinforcing both the quality and the quantity of mobility for all young people, in particular those with fewer opportunities, in non-formal and informal learning environments,

| — | promoting non-formal and informal learning outcomes and improving their recognition, in order for young adults to have easier access to formal education and training and to the labour market, |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting non-formal and informal learning outcomes and improving their recognition, in order for young adults to have easier access to formal education and training and to the labour market,

| — | encouraging youth participation in democratic life. |
| --- | --- |

—

encouraging youth participation in democratic life.

| | With specific regard to the field of employment:






  — | education and training, youth and employment policies should cover in a well-coordinated manner the sequence of steps which young people need to take in the transition from education to work, employment policies should contribute to reducing youth unemployment and to improving youth job prospects, as a key contribution towards the employment target of 75 % set out in the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’ for jobs and growth. |
| --- | --- | --- |

With specific regard to the field of employment:

—

education and training, youth and employment policies should cover in a well-coordinated manner the sequence of steps which young people need to take in the transition from education to work, employment policies should contribute to reducing youth unemployment and to improving youth job prospects, as a key contribution towards the employment target of 75 % set out in the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’ for jobs and growth.

ACCORDINGLY INVITES THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION, WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COMPETENCES:

To fully implement existing actions and develop future policy initiatives aimed at achieving the broad objectives of the ‘Youth of the Move’ initiative within the broad context of the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, as well as at meeting the EU headline target that specifically relates to education and training.

When doing so, Member States and the Commission should:

| 1. | ensure close collaboration between all related policy areas, in particular education, youth, social affairs, employment, research and innovation, with a view to exploring the possibility of common objectives; |
| --- | --- |

1.

ensure close collaboration between all related policy areas, in particular education, youth, social affairs, employment, research and innovation, with a view to exploring the possibility of common objectives;

| 2. | ensure that the EYCS Council and other relevant Council formations play their full part in the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, notably by providing regular input to the European Council on progress towards the EU headline targets; |
| --- | --- |

2.

ensure that the EYCS Council and other relevant Council formations play their full part in the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’, notably by providing regular input to the European Council on progress towards the EU headline targets;

| 3. | rationalise and ensure full and efficient use of EU programmes and budgets, including — where appropriate — by linking these to national and regional resources and by considering use of the European structural and cohesion funds and the European Investment Bank; |
| --- | --- |

3.

rationalise and ensure full and efficient use of EU programmes and budgets, including — where appropriate — by linking these to national and regional resources and by considering use of the European structural and cohesion funds and the European Investment Bank;

| 4. | seek to maximise the potential of other and possible new sources of funding for the promotion of learning and employment mobility; |
| --- | --- |

4.

seek to maximise the potential of other and possible new sources of funding for the promotion of learning and employment mobility;

| 5. | consider the implications of these conclusions for the next generation of EU programmes and the next EU Financial Framework. |
| --- | --- |

5.

consider the implications of these conclusions for the next generation of EU programmes and the next EU Financial Framework.

---

(1)  The target concerns two areas: to reduce school dropout rates to less than 10 %, and to raise the share of 30–34 year olds having completed tertiary or equivalent education to at least 40 %.

(2)  To bring to 75 % the employment rate for women and men aged 20–64, including through the greater participation of youth, older workers and low-skilled workers and the better integration of legal migrants.

(3)  To lift at least 20 million people out of the risk of poverty and exclusion.

(4)  To improve the conditions for research and development, in particular with the aim of bringing combined public and private investment levels in this sector to 3 % of GDP.

(5)  OJ C 119, 28.5.2009.

(6)  Objective 1: Making lifelong learning and mobility a reality; Objective 2: Improving the quality and efficiency of education and training; Objective 3: Promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship; Objective 4: Enhancing creativity and innovation, including entrepreneurship, at all levels of education and training.

(7)  OJ C 311, 19.12.2009.

(8)  Doc. 13726/10.

(9)  The share of jobs requiring high-level qualifications will rise from 29 % in 2010 to about 35 % in 2020 (Cedefop estimations).

(10)  The share of people in the EU with tertiary or equivalent level education attainment was 32,3 % in 2009 (Eurostat).

(11)  Proposal for a Council Decision on Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States: Part II of the Europe 2020 Integrated Guidelines.

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European Commission

| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/12

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Euro exchange rates (1)

2 December 2010

2010/C 326/06

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3155 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 110,97 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4521 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,84450 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,1531 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,3160 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,0600 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,010 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 278,75 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7097 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,0055 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,3036 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,9600 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,3614 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3291 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,2194 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7553 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,7248 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 512,04 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,1788 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,7629 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4225 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 857,07 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,1400 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 57,464 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 41,2985 |
| THB | Thai baht | 39,524 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,2405 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 16,3014 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 59,5850 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3155

JPY

Japanese yen

110,97

DKK

Danish krone

7,4521

GBP

Pound sterling

0,84450

SEK

Swedish krona

9,1531

CHF

Swiss franc

1,3160

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,0600

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,010

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

278,75

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7097

PLN

Polish zloty

4,0055

RON

Romanian leu

4,3036

TRY

Turkish lira

1,9600

AUD

Australian dollar

1,3614

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3291

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,2194

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7553

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,7248

KRW

South Korean won

1 512,04

ZAR

South African rand

9,1788

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,7629

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4225

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 857,07

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,1400

PHP

Philippine peso

57,464

RUB

Russian rouble

41,2985

THB

Thai baht

39,524

BRL

Brazilian real

2,2405

MXN

Mexican peso

16,3014

INR

Indian rupee

59,5850

---

(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/13

---

COMMISSION DECISION

of 2 November 2010

setting up the European Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Electronic Invoicing (e-invoicing)

2010/C 326/07

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Whereas:

| (1) | The Europe 2020 strategy, as set out in the communication from the Commission entitled ‘Europe 2020: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’, sets out a vision of Europe’s social market economy for the 21st century enjoying the full economic and social benefits of a digital society. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Europe 2020 strategy, as set out in the communication from the Commission entitled ‘Europe 2020: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’, sets out a vision of Europe’s social market economy for the 21st century enjoying the full economic and social benefits of a digital society.

| (2) | One of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy, set out in the communication from the Commission entitled ‘A Digital Agenda for Europe’ (1), gives a prominent role to achieving a single digital market by removing the regulatory and technical barriers which prevent citizens from reaping its full benefits. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

One of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy, set out in the communication from the Commission entitled ‘A Digital Agenda for Europe’ (1), gives a prominent role to achieving a single digital market by removing the regulatory and technical barriers which prevent citizens from reaping its full benefits.

| (3) | Due to the close link between invoicing and payment processes, the creation of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) offers a launch pad for interoperable European e-invoicing schemes. Those schemes can benefit to enterprises and financial service providers through improved efficiency and automation of supply chains. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Due to the close link between invoicing and payment processes, the creation of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) offers a launch pad for interoperable European e-invoicing schemes. Those schemes can benefit to enterprises and financial service providers through improved efficiency and automation of supply chains.

| (4) | Council Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (2) requires Member States, as of 1 January 2013, to adhere to the principle of equal treatment between paper and e-invoices. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Council Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (2) requires Member States, as of 1 January 2013, to adhere to the principle of equal treatment between paper and e-invoices.

| (5) | The communication (3) from the Commission entitled ‘Reaping the benefits of electronic invoicing for Europe’ proposes the establishment of a European multi-stakeholder forum to assist the Commission in coordinating actions at Member States level and identifying measures at Union level to facilitate the mass adoption of e-invoicing. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The communication (3) from the Commission entitled ‘Reaping the benefits of electronic invoicing for Europe’ proposes the establishment of a European multi-stakeholder forum to assist the Commission in coordinating actions at Member States level and identifying measures at Union level to facilitate the mass adoption of e-invoicing.

| (6) | It is therefore necessary to set up a group of experts in the field of e-invoicing and to define its tasks and its structure. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

It is therefore necessary to set up a group of experts in the field of e-invoicing and to define its tasks and its structure.

| (7) | The group’s main task will be to monitor the uptake of e-invoicing and to help to develop the e-invoicing market across the Member States. It should liaise with national multi-stakeholder fora and pay particular attention to cross border aspects of e-invoicing and the uptake of e-invoicing by small and medium-sized enterprises. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The group’s main task will be to monitor the uptake of e-invoicing and to help to develop the e-invoicing market across the Member States. It should liaise with national multi-stakeholder fora and pay particular attention to cross border aspects of e-invoicing and the uptake of e-invoicing by small and medium-sized enterprises.

| (8) | The European multi-stakeholder e-invoicing forum should be composed of members from national fora and representatives of European associations from the users’ community, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The European multi-stakeholder e-invoicing forum should be composed of members from national fora and representatives of European associations from the users’ community, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party.

| (9) | Rules on disclosure of information by members of the Forum should be provided for, without prejudice to the Commission’s rules on security as set out in the Annex to Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom (4). |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Rules on disclosure of information by members of the Forum should be provided for, without prejudice to the Commission’s rules on security as set out in the Annex to Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom (4).

| (10) | Personal data should be processed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (5). |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Personal data should be processed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (5).

| (11) | It is appropriate to fix a period for the application of this Decision. The Commission will in due time consider the advisability of an extension, |
| --- | --- |

(11)

It is appropriate to fix a period for the application of this Decision. The Commission will in due time consider the advisability of an extension,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Subject matter

The European Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Electronic Invoicing (e-invoicing), hereinafter referred to as ‘the Forum’, is hereby set up.

Article 2

Tasks

1.   The Forum’s task shall be:

| (a) | to assist the Commission in the monitoring of the development of the e-invoicing market and the e-invoicing adoption level in industry and services sectors across the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

to assist the Commission in the monitoring of the development of the e-invoicing market and the e-invoicing adoption level in industry and services sectors across the Member States;

| (b) | to bring about an exchange of experience and good practice that facilitates the emergence of interoperable e-invoicing solutions; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

to bring about an exchange of experience and good practice that facilitates the emergence of interoperable e-invoicing solutions;

| (c) | to point out problems encountered in particular as regards cross-border transactions and propose appropriate solutions; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

to point out problems encountered in particular as regards cross-border transactions and propose appropriate solutions;

| (d) | to support and monitor work leading to the adoption of a e-invoice standard data model. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

to support and monitor work leading to the adoption of a e-invoice standard data model.

2.   In carrying out its tasks, the Forum shall take account of the results of previous activities, existing work and solutions, in particular concerning the legal environment, business requirements and technical standards, in the domain of e-invoicing in the public and private sector.

Article 3

Consultation

The Commission may consult the group on any matter relating to:

| (a) | other legislative initiatives that should be taken at Union level to address remaining barriers for the uptake of e-invoicing; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

other legislative initiatives that should be taken at Union level to address remaining barriers for the uptake of e-invoicing;

| (b) | business processes in the financial supply chain that could facilitate the roll-out of e-invoicing, in particular in the field of payments and the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

business processes in the financial supply chain that could facilitate the roll-out of e-invoicing, in particular in the field of payments and the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA);

| (c) | national and European actions supporting the adoption of e-invoicing, in particular by small and medium-sized enterprises. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

national and European actions supporting the adoption of e-invoicing, in particular by small and medium-sized enterprises.

Article 4

Composition

The Forum shall be composed of 63 members:

| (a) | two members per national multi-stakeholder forum; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

two members per national multi-stakeholder forum;

| (b) | six members of European associations representing consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporates; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

six members of European associations representing consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporates;

| (c) | one representative from each of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party (6). |
| --- | --- |

(c)

one representative from each of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party (6).

Article 5

Membership — Appointment

1.   The Commission shall appoint the members of the Forum in accordance with the following:

| 1. | the members referred to in Article 4(a) shall be appointed on the basis of the proposals by the Member States. These members are appointed as representing the national multi-stakeholder forum; |
| --- | --- |

1.

the members referred to in Article 4(a) shall be appointed on the basis of the proposals by the Member States. These members are appointed as representing the national multi-stakeholder forum;

| 2. | the members referred to in Article 4(b) shall be appointed to represent the organisations mentioned in Article 4(b): the Commission Services will ensure balanced representation amongst these stakeholder groups; |
| --- | --- |

2.

the members referred to in Article 4(b) shall be appointed to represent the organisations mentioned in Article 4(b): the Commission Services will ensure balanced representation amongst these stakeholder groups;

| 3. | the representatives referred to in Article 4(c) shall be appointed on the basis of the respective proposals of CEN, the ECB and the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party. |
| --- | --- |

3.

the representatives referred to in Article 4(c) shall be appointed on the basis of the respective proposals of CEN, the ECB and the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party.

2.   The members are appointed for three years.

3.   Members who are no longer capable of contributing effectively to the group’s deliberations, who resign or who do not comply with the conditions set out in paragraph 1 of this Article, or Article 339 of the Treaty, may be replaced for the remainder of their term of office.

4.   The names of the Members referred to in Article 4 shall be published in the Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities.

5.   Personal data shall be collected, processed and published in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.

Article 6

Operations

1.   The Forum shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission.

2.   The Commission’s representative may invite experts on an ad hoc basis from outside the Forum with specific competence on a subject on the agenda to participate in the work of the Forum. In addition, the Commission’s representative may give observer status to individuals, organisations as defined in Rule 8(3) of the horizontal rules on expert groups and candidate countries.

3.   Members of the Forum, as well as invited experts and observers, shall comply with the obligations of professional secrecy laid down by the Treaties and their implementing rules, as well as with the Commission's rules on security regarding the protection of EU classified information, laid down in the Annex to Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom. Should they fail to respect these obligations, the Commission may take all appropriate measures.

4.   The meetings of the Forum shall be held on Commission premises. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend the meetings of the Forum.

5.   The Forum shall adopt any necessary rules of procedures on the basis of the standard rules of procedures adopted by the Commission.

6.   The Commission publishes relevant information on the activities carried out by the Forum either by including it in the Register or via a link from the Register to a dedicated website.

7.   At the end of the mandate of the Forum, the Commission shall prepare a report on the progress achieved by the Forum. That report shall be made available to the public.

Article 7

Meeting expenses

1.   Participants in the activities of the Forum shall not be remunerated for the services they render.

2.   Travel and subsistence expenses incurred by participants in the activities of the Forum shall be reimbursed by the Commission in accordance with the provisions in force within the Commission.

3.   Those expenses shall be reimbursed within the limits of the available appropriations allocated under the annual procedure for the allocation of resources.

Article 8

Applicability

This Decision shall apply until 31 December 2013.

Done at Brussels, 2 November 2010.

For the Commission

Michel BARNIER

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  COM(2010) 45.

1

(2)  OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1.

2

(3)  COM(2010) 712.

3

(4)  OJ L 317, 3.12.2001, p. 1.

4

(5)  OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.

5

(6)  Directive 95/46/EC (OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31).

6

---

Court of Auditors

| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/16

---

Special Report No 8/2010 ‘Improving transport performance on trans-European rail axes: Have EU rail infrastructure investments been effective?’

2010/C 326/08

The European Court of Auditors hereby informs you that Special Report No 8/2010 ‘Improving transport performance on trans-European rail axes: Have EU rail infrastructure investments been effective?’ has just been published.

The report can be accessed for consultation or downloading on the European Court of Auditors’ website: http://www.eca.europa.eu

A hard copy version of the report may be obtained free of charge on request to the Court of Auditors:

| European Court of Auditors |
| --- |
| Communication and Reports Unit |
| 12, rue Alcide De Gasperi |
| 1615 Luxembourg |
| LUXEMBOURG |
| Tel. +352 4398-1 |
| E-mail: euraud@eca.europa.eu |

European Court of Auditors

Communication and Reports Unit

12, rue Alcide De Gasperi

1615 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

Tel. +352 4398-1

E-mail: euraud@eca.europa.eu

or by filling in an electronic order form on EU-Bookshop.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/17

---

Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ C 316, 28.12.2007, p. 1; OJ C 134, 31.5.2008, p. 16; OJ C 177, 12.7.2008, p. 9; OJ C 200, 6.8.2008, p. 10; OJ C 331, 31.12.2008, p. 13; OJ C 3, 8.1.2009, p. 10; OJ C 37, 14.2.2009, p. 10; OJ C 64, 19.3.2009, p. 20; OJ C 99, 30.4.2009, p. 7; OJ C 229, 23.9.2009, p. 28; OJ C 263, 5.11.2009, p. 22; OJ C 298, 8.12.2009, p. 17; OJ C 74, 24.3.2010, p. 13)

2010/C 326/09

The publication of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) is based on the information communicated by the Member States to the Commission in conformity with Article 34 of the Schengen Borders Code.

In addition to the publication in the Official Journal, a regular update is available on the website of the Directorate-General for Home Affairs.

FRANCE

Replacement of the information published in OJ C 37, 14.2.2009 and in OJ C 99, 30.4.2009

Air borders

New border crossing point:

Brive-Souillac

FINLAND

Replacement of the information published in OJ C 247, 13.10.2006

Land borders (Finland–Russia)

| 1. | Haapovaara (*) |
| --- | --- |

1.

Haapovaara (*)

| 2. | Imatra |
| --- | --- |

2.

Imatra

| 3. | Inari (*) |
| --- | --- |

3.

Inari (*)

| 4. | Karikangas (*) |
| --- | --- |

4.

Karikangas (*)

| 5. | Karttimo (*) |
| --- | --- |

5.

Karttimo (*)

| 6. | Kivipuro (*) |
| --- | --- |

6.

Kivipuro (*)

| 7. | Kokkojärvi (*) |
| --- | --- |

7.

Kokkojärvi (*)

| 8. | Kurvinen (*) |
| --- | --- |

8.

Kurvinen (*)

| 9. | Kuusamo |
| --- | --- |

9.

Kuusamo

| 10. | Leminaho (*) |
| --- | --- |

10.

Leminaho (*)

| 11. | Niirala |
| --- | --- |

11.

Niirala

| 12. | Nuijamaa |
| --- | --- |

12.

Nuijamaa

| 13. | Onkamo (*) |
| --- | --- |

13.

Onkamo (*)

| 14. | Parikkala (*) |
| --- | --- |

14.

Parikkala (*)

| 15. | Puitsi (*) |
| --- | --- |

15.

Puitsi (*)

| 16. | Raja-Jooseppi |
| --- | --- |

16.

Raja-Jooseppi

| 17. | Rajakangas (*) |
| --- | --- |

17.

Rajakangas (*)

| 18. | Ruhovaara (*) |
| --- | --- |

18.

Ruhovaara (*)

| 19. | Salla |
| --- | --- |

19.

Salla

| 20. | Uukuniemi (*) |
| --- | --- |

20.

Uukuniemi (*)

| 21. | Vaalimaa |
| --- | --- |

21.

Vaalimaa

| 22. | Vainikkala (rail) |
| --- | --- |

22.

Vainikkala (rail)

| 23. | Valkeavaara (*) |
| --- | --- |

23.

Valkeavaara (*)

| 24. | Vartius |
| --- | --- |

24.

Vartius

| 25. | Virtaniemi (*) |
| --- | --- |

25.

Virtaniemi (*)

Explanation:

Border crossing points are based on the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Finland and the Government of the Russian Federation on mutual border crossing points (Helsinki, 11 March 1994). Those marked with an asterisk (*) are in only limited use in accordance with the Agreement and are kept open for traffic as the need arises. Traffic consists almost exclusively of timber freight. The majority of crossing points are closed most of the time.

Airports

| 1. | Enontekiö |
| --- | --- |

1.

Enontekiö

| 2. | Helsinki — Hernesaari (exclusively for helicopter traffic) |
| --- | --- |

2.

Helsinki — Hernesaari (exclusively for helicopter traffic)

| 3. | Helsinki — Malmi |
| --- | --- |

3.

Helsinki — Malmi

| 4. | Helsinki — Vantaa |
| --- | --- |

4.

Helsinki — Vantaa

| 5. | Ivalo |
| --- | --- |

5.

Ivalo

| 6. | Joensuu |
| --- | --- |

6.

Joensuu

| 7. | Jyväskylä |
| --- | --- |

7.

Jyväskylä

| 8. | Kajaani |
| --- | --- |

8.

Kajaani

| 9. | Kemi — Tornio |
| --- | --- |

9.

Kemi — Tornio

| 10. | Kittilä |
| --- | --- |

10.

Kittilä

| 11. | Kruunupyy |
| --- | --- |

11.

Kruunupyy

| 12. | Kuopio |
| --- | --- |

12.

Kuopio

| 13. | Kuusamo |
| --- | --- |

13.

Kuusamo

| 14. | Lappeenranta |
| --- | --- |

14.

Lappeenranta

| 15. | Maarianhamina |
| --- | --- |

15.

Maarianhamina

| 16. | Mikkeli |
| --- | --- |

16.

Mikkeli

| 17. | Oulu |
| --- | --- |

17.

Oulu

| 18. | Pori |
| --- | --- |

18.

Pori

| 19. | Rovaniemi |
| --- | --- |

19.

Rovaniemi

| 20. | Savonlinna |
| --- | --- |

20.

Savonlinna

| 21. | Seinäjoki |
| --- | --- |

21.

Seinäjoki

| 22. | Tampere — Pirkkala |
| --- | --- |

22.

Tampere — Pirkkala

| 23. | Turku |
| --- | --- |

23.

Turku

| 24. | Vaasa |
| --- | --- |

24.

Vaasa

| 25. | Varkaus |
| --- | --- |

25.

Varkaus

Sea borders

Harbour crossing points for commercial and fishing vessels

| 1. | Eckerö |
| --- | --- |

1.

Eckerö

| 2. | Färjsundet |
| --- | --- |

2.

Färjsundet

| 3. | Förby |
| --- | --- |

3.

Förby

| 4. | Hamina |
| --- | --- |

4.

Hamina

| 5. | Hanko (also for pleasure craft) |
| --- | --- |

5.

Hanko (also for pleasure craft)

| 6. | Haukipudas |
| --- | --- |

6.

Haukipudas

| 7. | Helsinki |
| --- | --- |

7.

Helsinki

| 8. | Inkoo |
| --- | --- |

8.

Inkoo

| 9. | Kalajoki |
| --- | --- |

9.

Kalajoki

| 10. | Kaskinen |
| --- | --- |

10.

Kaskinen

| 11. | Kemi |
| --- | --- |

11.

Kemi

| 12. | Kemiö |
| --- | --- |

12.

Kemiö

| 13. | Kirkkonummi |
| --- | --- |

13.

Kirkkonummi

| 14. | Kokkola |
| --- | --- |

14.

Kokkola

| 15. | Kotka |
| --- | --- |

15.

Kotka

| 16. | Kristiinankaupunki |
| --- | --- |

16.

Kristiinankaupunki

| 17. | Lappeenranta |
| --- | --- |

17.

Lappeenranta

| 18. | Loviisa |
| --- | --- |

18.

Loviisa

| 19. | Långnäs |
| --- | --- |

19.

Långnäs

| 20. | Maarianhamina (also for pleasure craft) |
| --- | --- |

20.

Maarianhamina (also for pleasure craft)

| 21. | Merikarvia |
| --- | --- |

21.

Merikarvia

| 22. | Naantali |
| --- | --- |

22.

Naantali

| 23. | Nuijamaa (also for pleasure craft) |
| --- | --- |

23.

Nuijamaa (also for pleasure craft)

| 24. | Olkiluoto |
| --- | --- |

24.

Olkiluoto

| 25. | Oulu |
| --- | --- |

25.

Oulu

| 26. | Parainen |
| --- | --- |

26.

Parainen

| 27. | Pernaja |
| --- | --- |

27.

Pernaja

| 28. | Pietarsaari |
| --- | --- |

28.

Pietarsaari

| 29. | Pohja |
| --- | --- |

29.

Pohja

| 30. | Pori |
| --- | --- |

30.

Pori

| 31. | Porvoo |
| --- | --- |

31.

Porvoo

| 32. | Raahe |
| --- | --- |

32.

Raahe

| 33. | Rauma |
| --- | --- |

33.

Rauma

| 34. | Salo |
| --- | --- |

34.

Salo

| 35. | Sipoo |
| --- | --- |

35.

Sipoo

| 36. | Taalintehdas |
| --- | --- |

36.

Taalintehdas

| 37. | Tammisaari |
| --- | --- |

37.

Tammisaari

| 38. | Tornio |
| --- | --- |

38.

Tornio

| 39. | Turku |
| --- | --- |

39.

Turku

| 40. | Uusikaupunki |
| --- | --- |

40.

Uusikaupunki

| 41. | Vaasa |
| --- | --- |

41.

Vaasa

Coastguard stations operating as border crossing points for pleasure craft:

| 1. | Haapasaari |
| --- | --- |

1.

Haapasaari

| 2. | Hanko |
| --- | --- |

2.

Hanko

| 3. | Maarianhamina |
| --- | --- |

3.

Maarianhamina

| 4. | Nuijamaan satama |
| --- | --- |

4.

Nuijamaan satama

| 5. | Santio |
| --- | --- |

5.

Santio

| 6. | Suomenlinna |
| --- | --- |

6.

Suomenlinna

Coastguard stations operating as border crossing points for seaplanes:

| 1. | Hanko |
| --- | --- |

1.

Hanko

| 2. | Kotka |
| --- | --- |

2.

Kotka

| 3. | Maarianhamina |
| --- | --- |

3.

Maarianhamina

| 4. | Porkkala |
| --- | --- |

4.

Porkkala

| 5. | Suomenlinna |
| --- | --- |

5.

Suomenlinna

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 3.12.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/21 |
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3.12.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/21

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5978 — GDF Suez/International Power)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2010/C 326/10

| 1. | On 29 November 2010, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking GDF Suez SA (‘GDF Suez’, France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control over International Power plc (‘International Power’, England and Wales) by way of acquisition of 70 % of the shares in International Power. |
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1.

On 29 November 2010, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking GDF Suez SA (‘GDF Suez’, France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control over International Power plc (‘International Power’, England and Wales) by way of acquisition of 70 % of the shares in International Power.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | GDF Suez is present across the entire energy chain, in electricity and in natural gas, including: (i) purchase, production and commercialization of natural gas and electricity; (ii) transport, distribution, management and development of major natural gas infrastructures; and (iii) design and commercialization of energy services and environment related services, |
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2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

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GDF Suez is present across the entire energy chain, in electricity and in natural gas, including: (i) purchase, production and commercialization of natural gas and electricity; (ii) transport, distribution, management and development of major natural gas infrastructures; and (iii) design and commercialization of energy services and environment related services,

| — | International Power is an international operator with activities in North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia and Asia. International Power is an operator of power generation facilities. It develops, owns and operates approximately 50 power stations in 21 countries, generating a (gross) capacity of approximately 32 000 MW in power capacity. |
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International Power is an international operator with activities in North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia and Asia. International Power is an operator of power generation facilities. It develops, owns and operates approximately 50 power stations in 21 countries, generating a (gross) capacity of approximately 32 000 MW in power capacity.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
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3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5978 — GDF Suez/International Power, to the following address:





  European Commission |
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| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5978 — GDF Suez/International Power, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘EC Merger Regulation’).

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