Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the Community position to be adopted in the Cooperation Council established by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part, in relation to the establishment of a joint High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and Russia provides, in Article 93 thereof, that the Cooperation Council established by Article 90 of the Agreement may decide to set up any other special committees or body that can assist it in carrying out its duties.

2. The attached proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be taken by the Community in the Cooperation Council provides for the establishment by the Cooperation Council of a joint High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space. On the Community side, the High-Level Group should be chaired by a representative of the Commission. The Commission intends to invite a representative of the Presidency to participate.

The task of the Group will be to elaborate a concept for a closer economic relationship between Russia and the EU. The High-Level Group will consider the opportunities offered by greater economic integration and legislative approximation and assess options for further work. It will also identify means and mechanisms to achieve common objectives and consider the time-scale for implementation. in its work, the High-Level Group will not replace or duplicate the activities of the cooperation bodies created within the PCA. If need be, existing PCA bodies will give any technical input to the work of the High-Level Group. If necessary experts of both sides could be invited to take part in the work of the Group. The High-Level Group will fully take into consideration the obligations that result from the current or future participation of the parties in the World Trade Organization.

3. The outcome of discussions in the High-Level Group will be brought to the attention of relevant PCA bodies (including summits). The mandate and its implementation will be reviewed at the EU-Russia Summit not later than October 2003.

4. The text of the proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be taken by the Community in the Cooperation Council, as provided for by Article 2 paragraph 1 of the Council and Commission Decision of 30 October 1997 on the conclusion of the aforementioned Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, is attached. The Council is asked to adopt this text.

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the Community position to be adopted in the Cooperation Council established by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part, in relation to the establishment of a joint High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Article 2 (1) of Council and Commission Decision of 30 October 1997 on the conclusion of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part [1],

[1] OJ L 327, 28.11.1997, p.1.

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [2],

[2] OJ C ...

Whereas:

(1) At the EU - Russia Summit on 3 October 2001, the parties agreed to establish a joint High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space,

(2) Article 93 of the said Partnership and Cooperation Agreement provides that the Cooperation Council may decide to set up any other special committees or body that can assist it in carrying out its duties,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

1. The position to be adopted by the Community in the Cooperation Council established by Article 90 of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part, in relation to the establishment of a joint High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space, shall be in accordance with the annex to the present Decision.

2. For the Community, the High-Level Group shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

ANNEX

THE COOPERATION COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part, and in particular Article 93 thereof;

Whereas:

(1) At the EU - Russia Summit on 3 October 2001, the parties agreed to establish a joint High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space,

(2) The High-Level Group should be established by the Cooperation Council,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space is hereby established. The terms of reference of the High-Level Group are attached.

Done [by written procedure],

For the Cooperation Council

The Chairman

The Secretaries:

For the Russian Federation

For the European Community

ANNEX

EU-Russia High-Level Group charged with elaborating the concept of a common European economic space

1. The High-Level Group will meet in principle twice a year.

2. The Group will be co-chaired by representatives of the Russian Federation and of the European Union.

3. The task of the High-Level Group is to elaborate a concept for a closer economic relationship between Russia and the EU, based on the wider goal of bringing the EU and Russia closer together. The High-Level Group will consider the opportunities offered by greater economic integration and legislative approximation and assess options for further work. It will also identify means and mechanisms to achieve common objectives and consider the time-scale for implementation. In its work, the High-Level Group will not replace or duplicate the activities of the cooperation bodies created within the PCA. If need be, existing PCA bodies will give any technical input to the work of the High-Level Group. If necessary experts of both sides could be invited to take part in the work of the Group. The High-Level Group will fully take into consideration the obligations that result from the current or future participation of the parties in the World Trade Organization.

4. The High-Level Group will define the core elements which will need to be put in place in order to create a common European economic space.

5. The outcome of discussions in the High-Level Group will be brought to the attention of relevant PCA bodies, including summits. The mandate and its implementation will be reviewed by the EU-Russia Summit not later than October 2003.