JOINT ACTION of 8 June 1998 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article J.3 of the Treaty on European Union concerning the nomination of an EU Special Representative for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) (98/375/CFSP)

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 conclusions of the European Council, held in Amsterdam on 16 and 17 June 1997, concerning the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY),

Whereas on 29 April 1997 the Council adopted conclusions on the application of conditionality with a view to developing a coherent EU strategy applicable to relations with countries of south-east Europe which are not linked to the EU by an association agreement;

Whereas on 19 March 1998 the Council adopted conclusions nominating Mr Felipe Conzález as EU Special Representative with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of the EU's contribution to the resolution of problems in the FRY;

Whereas in its conclusions of 25 May 1998 the Council indicated that a Joint Action should be adopted on the González mission;

Whereas the EU Special Representative will work in close consultation and concurrently with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to assist the FRY in promoting internal dialogue on democratic reforms so as to contribute to the coherence of international efforts,

HAS ADOPTED THIS JOINT ACTION:

Article 1

Mr Felipe González shall be appointed EU Special Representative for the FRY for a period ending on 31 December 1998.

The Council may review the content and duration of the mandate of the EU Special Representative, including administrative and financial aspects, as appropriate before its expiry.

Article 2

The mandate of the EU Special Representative will be to enhance the effectiveness of the EU's contribution to the resolution of problems in the FRY and to pursue the subject of FRY's future relations with the EU, its participation in OSCE and related matters.

The EU Special Representative will carry out his mandate under the authority of the Presidency and as appropriate in cooperation with the Commission.

The EU Special Representative will be guided by, and report under the authority of the Presidency to, the Council on a regular basis and as the need arises.

Article 3

1. In order to cover the costs related to the mission of the EU Special Representative a sum of up to ECU 1 million shall be charged to the general budget of the European Communities from the date of adoption of this Joint Action.

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

Article 4

1. The Member States and the Community may propose the secondment of staff to work with the EU Special Representative. The remuneration of personnel, detached by a Member State, the Commission or another Community institution to the EU Special Representative shall be covered respectively by the Member State concerned, the Commission or the other Community institutions.

2. The team of the Special Representative will be composed by the Special Representative on his own responsibility in consultation with the Presidency assisted by the Commission. The Council notes that the Presidency will keep it regularly informed of developments.

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

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

Article 5

This Joint Action shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. It shall apply until 31 December 1998.

Article 6

The Joint Action shall be published in the Official Journal.

Done at Luxembourg, 8 June 1998.

For the Council

The President

R. COOK