approving the conclusion by the Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Armenia, of the other part

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

This proposal has been drawn up with a view to the envisaged signing, provisional application and conclusion of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part (hereinafter referred to as 'Agreement'). It is designed to enable the Council to approve the conclusion of that Agreement by the Commission on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC).

Since the EAEC is also a Party to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Armenia, of the other part, the Commission is making a separate recommendation that the Council approve the conclusion by the Commission of the parts of the Agreement which fall under the Treaty establishing the (EAEC).

The procedure for the signature and conclusion of international agreements by the EAEC differs from that applicable to the EU. In particular, Article 101 of the EAEC Treaty stipulates that such agreements must be concluded by the Commission with the Council’s approval. It is thus necessary for the Council to adopt two separate Decisions on the signature and conclusion of the Agreement, one applicable to the EU, the other applicable to the EAEC.

As regards the conclusion of the Agreement on behalf of the EAEC, the Commission recommends that the Council give its approval, pursuant to the second paragraph of Article 101 of the Treaty.

Once the Council has given its approval and the Commission has taken the appropriate decision, the Commission will be able to sign and conclude the Agreement on behalf of the EAEC.

2. LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSAL

The Commission recommends that the Council approve, pursuant to the second paragraph of Article 101 of the EAEC Treaty, the conclusion of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and its Member States, of the one part, and Armenia, of the other part, as regards matters falling within the remit of the EAEC.

The attached proposal constitutes, together with the Commission decision on conclusion, the legal instrument for concluding the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement on behalf of the EAEC.

Article 102 of the Euratom Treaty states that an Agreement may not enter into force for the EAEC until the Commission has been notified by the Member States that the agreement has become applicable in accordance with the provisions of their respective national laws.

Recommendation for a

COUNCIL DECISION

approving the conclusion by the Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Armenia, of the other part

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular the second paragraph of Article 101 thereof,

Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission,