EN Official Journal of the European Union L 88/13

COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2015/541

of 24 March 2015

repealing Decision 2011/492/EU concerning the conclusion of consultations with the Republic of Guinea-Bissau under Article 96 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (‘ACP’) Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (1) (the ‘ACP-EU Partnership Agreement’), as amended (2), and in particular Article 96 thereof,

Having regard to the internal agreement between the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement (3), and in particular Article 3 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) By Council Decision 2011/492/EU (4), consultations with the Republic of Guinea-Bissau under Article 96 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement were concluded and appropriate measures, as specified in the Annex to that Decision, were taken.

(2) Those appropriate measures were extended until 19 July 2013 by Council Decision 2012/387/EU (5) and, subsequently, until 19 July 2014 by Council Decision 2013/385/EU (6). Council Decision 2014/467/EU (7) extended the validity of Council Decision 2011/492/EU by one year, until 19 July 2015, but suspended the application of the appropriate measures.

(3) Peaceful, free and credible legislative and presidential elections were held in Guinea-Bissau on 13 April and 18 May 2014 and constitutional order was restored in the country.

(4) An inclusive government committed to implementing the reforms necessary for the development and stability of the country was established, and encouraging progress towards implementing the Article 96 commitments laid down in Council Decision 2011/492/EU has been made.

(5) Guinea-Bissau remains fragile and the democratically elected authorities need the support of international partners to implement the country's reform programme and development agenda.

(6) In order for the Union to support, together with other international partners, the ongoing efforts of national authorities to stabilise and consolidate the democratic institutions and promote the socioeconomic development of Guinea-Bissau, Council Decision 2011/492/EU should be repealed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Council Decision 2011/492/EU is repealed.

Article 2

The letter in the Annex to this Decision shall be sent to the authorities of Guinea-Bissau.

Article 3

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

Done at Brussels, 24 March 2015. For the Council The President E. RINKĒVIČS

(1) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

(2) Agreement amending for the second time the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000, as first amended in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (OJ L 287, 4.11.2010, p. 3).

(3) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 376, as amended by Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, amending the Internal Agreement of 18 September 2000 on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (OJ L 247, 9.9.2006, p. 48).

(4) Council Decision 2011/492/EU of 18 July 2011 concerning the conclusion of consultations with the Republic of Guinea-Bissau under Article 96 ACP-EU Partnership Agreement (OJ L 203, 6.8.2011, p. 2).

(5) Council Decision 2012/387/EU of 16 July 2012 extending the period of application of the appropriate measures in Decision 2011/492/EU (OJ L 187, 17.7.2012, p. 1).

(6) Council Decision 2013/385/EU of 15 July 2013 extending the period of application of the appropriate measures in Decision 2011/492/EU (OJ L 194, 17.7.2013, p. 6).

(7) Council Decision 2014/467/EU of 14 July 2014 extending the validity of Decision 2011/492/EU and suspending the application of its appropriate measures (OJ L 212, 18.7.2014, p. 12).