JOINT ACTION

of 30 March 1999

adopted by the Council on the basis of Article J.3 of the Treaty on European Union in relation to the nomination of an EU Special Envoy for Kosovo

(1999/239/PESC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and, in particular, Articles J.3 and J.11 thereof,

Having regard to the general guidelines of the European Council held in Vienna on 11 and 12 December 1998,

Whereas, in its conclusions of 5 October 1998, the Council nominated Mr Wolfgang Petritsch as European Union Special Envoy to Kosovo to act on the spot for the EU under the direction of the Presidency and in close coordination with the EU Special Representative for the FRY;

Whereas Mr Petritsch's contribution has been instrumental in allowing the European Union to play a prominent role in the peace efforts to solve the Kosovo crisis;

Whereas Mr Petritsch should be provided with the human and logistical resources needed to carry out his functions,

HAS ADOPTED THIS JOINT ACTION:

Article 1

1. The EU Special Envoy to Kosovo, Mr Wolfgang Petritsch, hereinafter referred to as the "EU Special Envoy", appointed on 5 October 1998 to act on the spot for the European Union under the direction of the Presidency and in close coordination with the EU Special Representative for the FRY, shall continue to play an important role to further European Union policy in Kosovo.

2. To this effect, he shall be provided with the human and logistical resources needed to carry out his functions.

3. The EU Special Envoy shall be guided by, and report under, the authority of the Presidency to the Council on a regular basis, and as the need arises. The Commission shall be fully associated.

Article 2

1. In order to cover costs related to the mission of the EU Special Envoy, a sum of up to EUR 510000 shall be charged to the general budget of the European Communities.

2. The expenditure financed by the amount stipulated in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the Community procedures and rules applicable to the budget.

3. The European Union will finance the infrastructure and current expenditure of the office of the EU Special Envoy, including allowances and the cost of support staff not covered by secondment. Member States and EU institutions may propose the secondment of staff to work with the EU Special Envoy. The remuneration of personnel who might be seconded by a Member State, or a European Union institution to the EU Special Envoy shall be covered respectively by the Member State or the European Union institution concerned.

4. The Council notes that the Presidency, Commission and/or Member States, as appropriate, will provide logistical support in the region.

5. The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the mission of the EU Special Envoy and the members of his staff shall be defined with the parties. Member States and the Commission shall grant all necessary support to such effect.

Article 3

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

It shall apply until 30 September 1999, unless renewed subject to a review including administrative and financial aspects.

Article 4

This Joint Action shall be published in the Official Journal.

Done at Luxembourg, 30 March 1999.

For the Council

The President

K.-H. FUNKE