EN Official Journal of the European Union L 20/16

COUNCIL DECISION

of 22 January 2007

on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Montenegro

(2007/49/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 of 22 March 2004 on the establishment of partnerships in the framework of the stabilisation and association process (1), and in particular Article 2 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

(1) The Thessaloniki European Council of 19 and 20 June 2003 endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to support the European perspective of the western Balkan countries.

(2) Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 provides that the Council is to decide on the principles, priorities and conditions to be contained in the European Partnerships, as well as any subsequent adjustments.

(3) Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 states that the follow-up to the European Partnerships is ensured through the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably by the annual progress reports.

(4) The Council adopted on 14 June 2004 a first European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (2). The Council decided on 30 January 2006 to update that European Partnership (3).

(5) Montenegro proclaimed its independence on 3 June 2006 following a referendum which was held on 21 May 2006.

(6) At the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 12 June 2006, the European Union and its Member States decided that they will develop their further relations with the Republic of Montenegro as a sovereign, independent State.

(7) Therefore, it is appropriate to establish a new European Partnership with Montenegro on the basis of the part referring to Montenegro of the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro adopted on January 2006, updated in view of the findings of the 2006 progress report, and supplemented with priorities addressing the challenges that Montenegro faces as an independent state.

(8) In order to prepare for further integration with the European Union, the competent authorities of Montenegro should develop a plan with a timetable and specific measures to address the priorities of this European Partnership,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

In accordance with Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 533/2004, the principles, priorities and conditions in the European Partnership with Montenegro are set out in the Annex hereto, which forms an integral part of this Decision, and which shall replace, for Montenegro, the Annex to Decision 2006/56/EC.

Article 2

The implementation of the European Partnership with Montenegro shall be examined through the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably the annual progress reports presented by the Commission.

Article 3

This Decision shall take effect on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 22 January 2007. For the Council The President F.-W. STEINMEIER

(1) OJ L 86, 24.3.2004, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 269/2006 (OJ L 47, 17.2.2006, p. 7).

(2) Council Decision 2004/520/EC of 14 June 2004 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 (OJ L 227, 26.6.2004, p. 21).

(3) Council Decision 2006/56/EC of 30 January 2006 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 and repealing Decision 2004/520/EC (OJ L 35, 7.2.2006, p. 32).