ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
Council Recommendation

of 14 April 2003

on the appointment of a member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank

(2003/301/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 112(2)(b) and 122(4) thereof, and to Articles 11.2 and 43.3 of the Protocol on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS:

That Ms Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell be appointed member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank for a term of office of eight years with effect from 1 June 2003.

This Recommendation shall be submitted for decision to the Heads of State or Government of the Member States which have adopted the euro, after consulting the European Parliament and the Governing Council of the European Central Bank.

This Recommendation shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Luxembourg, 14 April 2003.

For the Council

The President

A. Giannitsis
Corrigendum to Commission recommendation 2004/345/EC of 6 April 2004 on enforcement in the field of road safety

(Official Journal of the European Union L 111 of 17 April 2004)

In the contents on the cover, on page 75 in the title and on page 77 above the signature:

for:

6 April 2004,

read:

21 October 2003;

and at the conclusion of the title (*) is added and the following text is placed at the foot of the page: "(*) See the Communication from the Commission concerning the Commission recommendation of 21 October 2003 on enforcement in the field of road safety (OJ C 93, 17.4.2004, p. 5)."
EN Official Journal of the European Union L 81/9

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION

of 14 March 2006

concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (Sixth EDF) for the financial year 2004

(2006/220/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to the Third ACP-EEC Convention, signed at Lomé on 8 December 1984,

Having regard to Internal Agreement 86/126/EEC on the financing and administration of Community aid (1), and in particular Article 29(3) thereof,

Having regard to the Financial Regulation of 11 November 1986 applicable to the Sixth European Development Fund (Sixth EDF) (2), and in particular Articles 66 to 73 thereof,

Having examined the revenue and expenditure account and the balance sheet relating to the Sixth EDF as at 31 December 2004 and the Court of Auditors' report concerning the financial year 2004 together with the Commission's replies (3),

Whereas pursuant to Article 29(3) of the Internal Agreement, the discharge for the financial management of the Sixth EDF is to be given to the Commission by the European Parliament on the recommendation of the Council;

Whereas the overall implementation by the Commission of the operations of the Sixth EDF during the financial year 2004 has been satisfactory,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS that the European Parliament give the Commission a discharge in respect of the implementation of the operations of the Sixth EDF for the financial year 2004.

Done at Brussels, 14 March 2006. For the Council The President K.-H. GRASSER

(1) OJ L 86, 31.3.1986, p. 210. Agreement as last amended by Council Decision 86/281/EEC (OJ L 178, 2.7.1986, p. 13).

(2) OJ L 325, 20.11.1986, p. 42.

(3) OJ C 301, 30.11.2005, p. 249.
6.

Crop rotation is generally an effective way of reducing the risk of contamination depending on the fungal strain and crop variety. It is very effective in reducing contamination for winter cereals in particular. Crops other than grass which are not hosts to Fusarium species that affect cereals, such as potatoes, sugar beet, clover, alfalfa or vegetables, should be used in rotation to reduce the inoculum in the field. The planting of consecutive crops of small grain cereals, such as wheat, should only be considered after an assessment of the risks of Fusarium infection has been undertaken. The significant interaction found between the previous crop and soil management has indicated the importance of host crop debris in the life-cycle of Fusarium head blight pathogens. When wheat crops were grown following a crop, which is susceptible to Fusarium spp. such as maize or cereals, levels of DON were higher. Particularly high DON concentrations were found where maize was the previous crop, since it is an alternative host for Fusarium graminearum, which is known to be a potent DON producer. However, DON levels were significantly lower in wheat crops following a Fusarium susceptible crop where ploughing was practised, in comparison to wheat crops following a susceptible crop but with minimum cultivation.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 103/3

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION

of 19 March 2007

concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (Eighth EDF) for the financial year 2005

(2007/C 103/03)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to the Fourth ACP-EC Convention, signed at Lomé on 15 December 1989 (1), as amended by the Agreement signed in Mauritius on 4 November 1995 (2),

Having regard to the Internal Agreement on the financing and administration of the Community aid under the Second Financial Protocol to the fourth ACP-EC Convention (3) setting up, amongst others, the Eighth European Development Fund (Eighth EDF), and in particular Article 33(3) of that Agreement,

Having regard to the Financial Regulation of 16 June 1998 applicable to development finance cooperation under the Fourth ACP-EC Convention (4), and in particular Articles 66 to 74 thereof,

Having examined the revenue and expenditure account and the balance sheet relating to the operations of the Eighth EDF as at 31 December 2005, and the Court of Auditors' report concerning the financial year 2005 together with the Commission's replies (5),

Whereas

(1) Pursuant to Article 33(3) of the said Internal Agreement, the discharge for the financial management of the Eighth EDF is to be given to the Commission by the European Parliament on the recommendation of the Council.

(2) The overall implementation by the Commission of the operations of the Eighth EDF during the financial year 2005 has been satisfactory,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS that the European Parliament give the Commission a discharge in respect of the implementation of the operations of the Eighth EDF for the financial year 2005.

Done at Brussels, on 19 March 2007. For the Council The President H. SEEHOFER

(1) OJ L 229, 17.8.1991, p. 3.

(2) OJ L 156, 29.5.1998, p. 3.

(3) OJ L 156, 29.5.1998, p. 108.

(4) OJ L 191, 7.7.1998, p. 53.

(5) OJ C 263, 31.10.2006, p. 205.
(7)

The current economic crisis has underlined the urgency of making sufficient radio spectrum available for the development of high-speed wireless infrastructure to provide broadband services, in order to create productivity gains and cost savings in the broader economy. This is in line with the goals of the Economic Recovery Plan, endorsed by the European Council meeting of 12 December 2008, which sets a target of 100 % broadband coverage to be achieved between 2010 and 2013. As stressed in the Competitiveness Council Key Issues Paper of March 2009, this can only be completely achieved by using wireless technologies, for example in rural areas where wired infrastructure is impractical. Timely switch-off of analogue broadcasting is therefore vital to ensure that the new services made possible using the radio spectrum released by the digital dividend, will effectively contribute to the EU’s economic recovery efforts.
3.

Member States are encouraged to include the following actions, as part of the operational strategic research agenda and of the implementation plan: (a) strengthening exchanges of information on relevant regional and national programmes, research activities and European Union coordinated research programmes, also in view of regularly updating the mapping of European research in the field; (b) exchanging information, resources, best practices, methodologies and guidelines; (c) identifying areas or research activities that would benefit from coordination or joint calls for proposals or pooling of resources; (d) defining the modalities for research to be undertaken jointly in the areas referred to in point (c); (e) ensuring the coordination and the development of synergies with the existing research and innovation schemes in the European Union, e.g. Framework Programme, including Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) pre-operational actions, climate and climate-related research undertaken by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)/Climate Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC); research activities promoted through the Cohesion Policy; other related joint programming initiatives, as well as with the European Union Clearinghouse on adaptation managed by the Commission and the European Environment Agency. Strong links should be developed in relevant climate change areas not particularly addressed by the present JPI, namely in the development of mitigation and adaptation options, as well as risks and opportunities of climate change action; (f) sharing, where appropriate, existing research infrastructures or developing new facilities such as coordinated databanks or the development of models for studying climate change processes and impacts; (g) encouraging better collaboration between public and private sectors, as well as open innovation between different research activities and business sectors related to and affected by climate change; (h) exporting and diffusing knowledge, innovation and interdisciplinary methodological approaches, in particular regarding policy relevant results; (i) feeding with appropriate scientific information the policy-making level at national and European Union level; (j) establishing appropriate exchange of information with relevant international programmes; (k) creating networks between centres dedicated to climate change research, including centres that are outside the European Research Area; (l) reinforcing joint foresight exercises.
(10)

Based on the assessment of the Stability Programme pursuant to Article 5(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, the Council is of the opinion that the macroeconomic scenario underlying the Programme is broadly plausible for 2012 and optimistic thereafter. The Commission services 2012 spring forecast projected GDP growth to reach – 1,8 % in 2012 and – 0,3 % in 2013, against – 1,7 % and 0,2 %, respectively, in the Stability Programme. In compliance with the excessive deficit procedure (EDP), the objective of the budgetary strategy outlined in the Stability Programme is to bring the general government deficit below 3 % of the GDP reference value by 2013, based mainly on expenditure restraint, but also on some revenue-increasing measures. Based on the (recalculated) structural balance (5), the annual average improvement of the structural balance planned in the Stability Programme is 2,6 % of GDP for 2011-13, above the fiscal effort of over 1,5 % of GDP on average over the period 2010-13 recommended under the EDP. Following the correction of the excessive deficit, the Stability Programme confirms the medium-term budgetary objective (MTO) of a balanced budgetary position in structural terms, which would be almost reached by 2015 with a structural budget deficit of 0,2 % of GDP. The MTO adequately reflects the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. The envisaged pace of adjustment in structural terms in 2012-13 represents sufficient progress towards the MTO and the growth rate of government expenditure, taking into account discretionary revenue measures, is in line with the expenditure benchmark of the Stability and Growth Pact. The Stability Programme projects the government debt ratio to peak in 2013 and to start declining thereafter. In 2014 and 2015 Spain will be in a transitional period and plans presented in the Stability Programme would ensure sufficient progress towards compliance with the debt reduction benchmark of the Stability and Growth Pact. The deficit and debt adjustment paths are subject to important downside risks. Macroeconomic developments could turn out to be less favourable than expected. Moreover, measures are not sufficiently specified from 2013 onwards. Budgetary compliance by regional governments, given their recent poor track record, a greater sensitivity of revenues to the ongoing structural adjustment, the uncertain revenue impact of the fiscal amnesty and potential further financial rescue operations, also pose risks to the budgetary strategy. Any impact of these financial rescue operations on the deficit would be of a one-off nature. Strict enforcement of the Budget Stability Law and the adoption of strong fiscal measures at regional level would mitigate the risks of a slippage at regional level. Given the decentralised nature of Spain’s public finances, a strong fiscal and institutional framework is essential. The Council welcomes the intention of the Commission to present, in the coming weeks, a thorough assessment of the implementation of the Council recommendation on correcting the excessive deficit, also taking into consideration the announced multi-annual budget plan for 2013-14.
(11)

Based on the assessment of the Convergence Programme pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, the Council is of the opinion that compared with the Commission services’ 2012 spring forecast the macroeconomic scenario underpinning the budgetary projections in the Convergence Programme is optimistic for the 2012-13 period, when annual growth is expected to reach 1,4 % in 2012 and 2,5 % in 2013. The Commission services’ 2012 spring forecast foresees a GDP growth of 0,5 % in 2012 and 1,9 % in 2013. After the correction of the excessive deficit in 2011, the objective of the budgetary strategy outlined in the programme is to achieve a budgetary position which is close to balance, both in terms of the structural and headline budget balances, by the end of the programme period. The medium-term budgetary objective (MTO), defined in structural terms, has been marginally revised from a deficit of 0,6 % of GDP to a deficit of 0,5 % of GDP. The new MTO adequately reflects the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. Based on the (recalculated) structural budget balance (6), Bulgaria plans to achieve its MTO over the Convergence Programme period. In 2012-14, the growth rate of government expenditure, taking into account discretionary revenue measures, would respect the expenditure benchmark of the Stability and Growth Pact, yet breach it in 2015. Planned fiscal consolidation faces a number of risks stemming from (i) lower revenue given the optimistic macroeconomic scenario and the less tax-rich underlying growth structure of the economy, and (ii) inefficiencies in the public sector, particularly with respect to arrears in healthcare, which may lead to considerable expenditure pressures. The debt ratio is below 60 % of GDP and, according to the Convergence Programme, it is expected to peak at close to 20 % of GDP in 2012 and then to decrease over the programme period. There is considerable scope for improvement in tax compliance and advancing in this area would allow Bulgaria to support higher growth enhancing expenditures. A requirement to keep the budget deficit below 2 % and limiting government expenditure to 40 % of GDP was adopted as an amendment to the Organic Budget Law, thus strengthening the binding nature of the fiscal framework and improving the predictability of budgetary planning. However, challenges remain with respect to further improving the contents of the medium-term budgetary framework and strengthening the reporting on accrual basis including through improving the quality and timeliness of reporting by state-owned enterprises and sub-national governments.
1.

Define clear policies for the dissemination of and open access to scientific publications resulting from publicly funded research. These policies should provide for: — concrete objectives and indicators to measure progress, — implementation plans, including the allocation of responsibilities, — associated financial planning. Ensure that, as a result of these policies: — there should be open access to publications resulting from publicly funded research as soon as possible, preferably immediately and in any case no later than 6 months after the date of publication, and 12 months for social sciences and humanities, — licensing systems contribute to open access to scientific publications resulting from publicly-funded research in a balanced way, in accordance with and without prejudice to the applicable copyright legislation, and encourage researchers to retain their copyright while granting licences to publishers, — the academic career system supports and rewards researchers who participate in a culture of sharing the results of their research, in particular by ensuring open access to their publications and by developing, encouraging and using new, alternative models of career assessment, metrics and indicators, — transparency is improved, in particular by informing the public about agreements between public institutions or groups of public institutions and publishers for the supply of scientific information. This should include agreements covering the so-called ‘big deals’, i.e. bundles of print and electronic journal subscriptions offered at discounted price, — small and medium-sized enterprises and unaffiliated researchers have the widest and cheapest possible access to scientific publications of the results of research that receives public funding.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 88/1

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION

of 21 March 2013

concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (eighth EDF) for the financial year 2011

2013/C 88/01

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to the fourth ACP-EEC Convention, signed at Lomé on 15 December 1989 (1) and amended by the Agreement signed in Mauritius on 4 November 1995 (2),

Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing and administration of the Community aid under the Second Financial Protocol to the fourth ACP-EC Convention (3) (the ‘Internal Agreement’) setting up, amongst others, the eighth European Development Fund (eighth EDF), and in particular Article 33(3) thereof,

Having regard to the Financial Regulation of 16 June 1998 applicable to development finance cooperation under the fourth ACP-EC Convention (4), and in particular Articles 66 to 74 thereof,

Having examined the revenue and expenditure account and the balance sheet relating to the operations of the eighth EDF as at 31 December 2011, and the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on the activities funded by the eighth, ninth and tenth European Development Funds (EDFs) (5), concerning the financial year 2011, together with the Commission's replies contained in that Annual Report,

Whereas:

(1) Pursuant to Article 33(3) of the Internal Agreement, the discharge for the financial management of the eighth EDF is to be given to the Commission by the European Parliament on the recommendation of the Council.

(2) The overall implementation by the Commission of the operations of the eighth EDF during the financial year 2011 has been satisfactory,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS that the European Parliament give the Commission a discharge in respect of the implementation of the operations of the eighth EDF for the financial year 2011.

Done at Brussels, 21 March 2013. For the Council The President P. HOGAN

(1) OJ L 229, 17.8.1991, p. 3.

(2) OJ L 156, 29.5.1998, p. 3.

(3) OJ L 156, 29.5.1998, p. 108.

(4) OJ L 191, 7.7.1998, p. 53.

(5) OJ C 344, 12.11.2012, p. 243.
(11)

Based on the assessment of the Stability Programme pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, the Council is of the opinion that despite considerable although back-loaded consolidation efforts that have brought the deficit down from 6,2 % of GDP in 2009 to 4,0 % of GDP in 2012, Slovenia is not expected to correct its excessive deficit by 2013 as recommended by the Council in late 2009. This is linked, in particular, to a worse economic environment than expected at the time. The macroeconomic scenario underpinning the budgetary projections in the Stability Programme is broadly plausible for 2013, but optimistic for 2014. In particular, the authorities anticipate that after a fall in GDP by 2,3 % in 2012 and 1,9 % in 2013, GDP will grow by 0,2 % in 2014, while assuming that fiscal measures are taken to reduce the general government deficit from 4,2 % of GDP (excluding bank recapitalisations) in 2013 to 2,6 % of GDP in 2014. However, the Commission forecasts that GDP will fall by 0,1 % in 2014 based on a no-policy-change assumption, a scenario which only takes into account measures that were adopted by mid-April 2013, and forecasts a deficit of 4,9 % of GDP for 2014. The main objectives of the budgetary strategy outlined in the Stability Programme are to correct the excessive deficit by 2014, one year after the deadline set by the Council in late 2009, to achieve a balanced structural position by 2017 and stabilise the debt ratio below 55 % of GDP. The Stability Programme confirms the medium-term objective (MTO), which is a balanced budget in structural terms. This MTO is not in line with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact because it does not adequately take into account the implicit liabilities related to ageing. The planned headline deficit targets in the Stability Programme are consistent with a correction of the excessive deficit by 2014. However, given the optimistic growth forecast for that year, significant risks to revenue projections as well as insufficiently specified expenditure measures, the Council considers that it is not likely that the excessive deficit will be corrected by 2014. In these circumstances, additional structural consolidation measures should be specified, adopted and implemented to ensure that the excessive deficit is corrected by 2015, at the latest in a credible and sustainable manner as recommended by the Council on 21 June 2013. The general government debt-to-GDP ratio more than doubled from 22,0 % in 2008 to 54,1 % in 2012 and is projected to increase further to 66,5 % by 2014 according to the Commission services 2013 spring forecast. The authorities expect the debt-to-GDP ratio to peak at 63,2 % in 2014 and 2015 and then drop to 62,8 % in 2016. Risks to the debt-to-GDP ratio are tilted towards a higher ratio, also due to large contingent liabilities and likely stock-flow adjustments from asset transfers to the Bank Asset Management Company ("BAMC"), which is not included in programme projections.