CELEX: 52017PC0382
Language: en
Date: 2017-07-19
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION establishing a European Union Position in view of the adoption of a decision of the EPA Committee set up by the Interim agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part, regarding the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European union and changes in the list of countries and territories associated with the European Union

EUROPEAN COMMISSION
            Brussels, 19.7.2017
            COM(2017) 382 final
            2017/0160(NLE)
            Proposal for a
            COUNCIL DECISION
            establishing a European Union Position in view of the adoption of a decision of the EPA Committee set up by the Interim agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part, regarding the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European union and changes in the list of countries and territories associated with the European Union
            
               
         
         
            
               EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
            
            
               1.CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL
            
            
               •Reasons for and objectives of the proposal
            
            
               
                  The attached proposal constitutes the legal instrument for establishing the Union position to be adopted on its behalf in a body set up by an agreement between the Union and third countries. In particular, it relates to the implementation of the Interim Agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part (hereinafter referred to as 'the Agreement'), regarding the adoption of a decision of the EPA Committee set up by the Agreement; the EPA Committee's decision is attached to the Council Decision.
               
               
                  The Agreement was signed on 29 August 2009 and has been provisionally applied since 14 May 2012.
               
               
                  The Agreement applies, on the one hand, to the territories in which the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union is applied and under the conditions laid down in that Treaty, and, on the other hand, to the territories of the Signatory Eastern and Southern Africa States (Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Zimbabwe). 
               
               
                  The Article 67 of the Agreement states that the EPA Committee may decide on any transitional or amending measures that might be necessary concerning the accession of new Member States to the European Union. The Republic of Croatia joined the European Union on 1 July 2013 and deposited its Act of accession to the Agreement on 22 March 2017. 
               
               
                  Annex IX to Protocol 1 to the Agreement lists the overseas countries and territories for the purposes of this Protocol without prejudice to the status of these countries and territories, or future changes in their status. Article 70 of the Agreement provides that the Annexes and Protocols to the Agreement form an integral part thereof and may be reviewed and or amended by the EPA Committee. 
               
               
                  Saint Barthélemy (FR) became an overseas territory associated with the European Union on 1 January 2012. Mayotte (FR) became an outermost region of the European Union on 1 January 2014. On the same date, entered into force Council Decision 2013/755/EU on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union, which applies to all the overseas countries and territories listed in Annex II to the TFEU. The list of overseas countries and territories in Annex IX to Protocol 1 of the Agreement should therefore be updated
               
               
                  The European Union should therefore determine the position to be taken with regard to the adoption of a decision of the EPA Committee regarding the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union and changes in the list countries and territories associated with the European Union.
               
               
                  This Council Decision includes as an annex a draft Decision to be taken by the EPA Committee. 
               
            
            
               •Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area
            
            
               
                  This proposal implements the Union's common commercial policy toward third Partner countries, based on the provisions of the above-mentioned Agreement. The proposed amendments to the Agreement are consistent with the TFEU and the Agreement. 
               
            
            
               •Consistency with other Union policies
            
            
               
                  The proposed amendments to the Agreement are consistent with other Union policies.
               
            
            
               2.LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY
            
            
               •Legal basis
            
            
               
                  The legal basis for this Council Decision is the TFEU, in particular Article 207 in conjunction with Article 218(9). 
               
            
            
               •Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence) 
            
         
         
            
               
                  The common commercial policy, in accordance with Article 3 of the TFEU, is defined as an exclusive Union competence. Therefore, the subsidiarity principle does not apply.
               
            
            
               •Proportionality
            
            
               
                  This proposal is necessary in order to implement the Union's international commitments set out in the Agreement. 
               
            
            
               •Choice of the instrument
            
            
               
                  This proposal is in accordance with Article 218(9) TFEU, which envisages the adoption by the Council of decisions on international agreements. There is no other legal instrument that could be used in order to achieve the objective expressed in this proposal.
               
            
            
               3.RESULTS OF EX-POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
            
            
               •Ex-post evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation
            
            
               
                  Not applicable
               
            
            
               •Stakeholder consultations
            
            
               
                  Not applicable
               
            
            
               •Collection and use of expertise
            
            
               
                  Not applicable
               
            
            
               •Impact assessment
            
            
               
                  Not applicable
               
            
            
               •Regulatory fitness and simplification
            
            
               
                  The proposal is not subject to REFIT procedures; it does not imply any costs for SMEs; and it does not raise any issues from the viewpoint of the digital environment. 
               
            
            
               •Fundamental rights
            
            
               
                  The proposal does not have consequences for the protection of fundamental rights in the Union.
               
            
            
               4.BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS
            
            
               
                  This proposal has no budgetary implications. 
               
            
         
         
            
               5.OTHER ELEMENTS
            
            
               •Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements
            
            
               
                  Not applicable
               
            
            
               •Explanatory documents (for directives)
            
            
               
                  Not applicable
               
            
            
               •Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal
            
            
               
                  This proposal aims to adopt a Union position in relation to a decision to be taken by the joint institutional body of that Agreement, i.e. the EPA Committee. The accession clause in Article 66 of the Agreement provides for the "automatic accession" for Croatia to the Agreement by virtue of depositing an act of accession with the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU. For the subsequent modifications necessary because of the accession, the accession clause provides for a decision by the EPA Committee. 
               
               
                  With regard to the changes in the list of the OCTs, Article 70 of the Agreement provides that the Annexes and Protocols to the Agreement form an integral part thereof and may be reviewed and or amended by the EPA Committee.
               
            
            
               2017/0160 (NLE)
            
            
               Proposal for a
            
            
               COUNCIL DECISION
            
            
               establishing a European Union Position in view of the adoption of a decision of the EPA Committee set up by the Interim agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part, regarding the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European union and changes in the list of countries and territories associated with the European Union
            
            
               THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
            
            
               Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207 and Article 218(9) thereof,
            
            
               Having regard to the Interim Agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part
                  1
               ,
            
            
               Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
            
            
               Whereas:
            
            
               (1)The Interim Agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part (hereinafter referred to as "the Agreement") applies provisionally since 14 May 2012.
            
            
               (2)The Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union was signed on 9 December 2011 and entered into force on 1 July 2013.
            
            
               (3)The Republic of Croatia acceded to the Agreement on 22 March 2017 by depositing its Act of Accession.
            
         
         
            
               (4)Pursuant to Article 67 of the Agreement, the Economic Partnership Agreement Committee ("EPA Committee") may decide on any amending measures that might be necessary in connection with the accession of new Member States to the European Union.
            
            
               (5)Article 70 of the Agreement provides that the Annexes and Protocols to the Agreement form an integral part thereof and may be reviewed and or amended by the EPA Committee.
            
            
               (6)Following the change of status of Mayotte
                  2
                and Saint-Barthélemy
                  3
               , and the entry into force of Council Decision 2013/755/EU on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union
                  4
               , the list of overseas countries and territories in Annex IX to Protocol I of the Agreement should be updated,
            
            
               (7)It is appropriate to determine the position of the Union with regard to the adoption of a decision of the EPA Committee regarding the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union and changes of status of some countries and territories associated with the European Union,
            
            
               HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
            
            
               Article 1
            
            
               The position of the Union with regard to the adoption of a decision of the EPA Committee set up by the Interim Agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part, regarding the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union and changes in the list of countries and territories associated with the Union, shall be based on the draft decision of the EPA Committee annexed to this Decision.
            
            
               Minor changes to the draft Decision may be agreed by the representative of the Union in the EPA Committee without further decision of the Council.
            
            
               Article 2
            
            
               This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
            
            
               Done at Brussels,
            
            
               
                     For the Council
               
               
                     The President
               
            
         
         
            
                  
                     (1)
                  OJ L 111, 24.4.2012, p. 2.
               
               
                  
                     (2)
                  European Council Decision 2012/419/EU of 11 July 2012 amending the status of Mayotte with regard to the European Union (OJ L 204, 31.7.2012, p. 131.).
               
               
                  
                     (3)
                  European Council Decision 2010/718/EU of 29 October 2010 amending the status with regard to the European Union of the island of Saint-Barthélemy (OJ L 325, 9.12.2010, p. 4.).
               
               
                  
                     (4)
                  Council Decision 2013/755/EU of 25 November 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union ("Overseas Association Decision") (OJ L 344, 19.12.2013, p. 1). 
               
            
      
    ---documentbreak--- 
      
         
               EUROPEAN COMMISSION
            Brussels, 19.7.2017
            COM(2017) 382 final
            ANNEX
            to the
            Council Decision
            establishing a European Union Position in view of the adoption of a decision of the EPA Committee set up by the Interim agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part, regarding the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European union and changes in the list of countries and territories associated with the European Union
            
               
         
         
            
               ANNEX 
            
            
               DRAFT
            
            
               DECISION …/2017 
            
            
               OF THE EPA COMMITTEE
            
            
               set up by the Interim Agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part regarding the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union and changes in the list of countries and territories associated with the European Union
            
            
               THE EPA COMMITTEE,
            
            
               Having regard to the Interim Agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States, on the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, on the other part (hereinafter referred to as 'the Agreement'), signed in Grand Baie on 29 August 2009 and provisionally applied since 14 May 2012, and in particular Articles 63, 67 and 70 thereof
                  1
               ,
            
            
               Having regard to the Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union, and the Act of accession to the Agreement deposited by the Republic of Croatia on 22 March 2017,
            
            
               Whereas:
            
            
               (1)The Agreement applies, on the one hand, to the territories in which the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union applies and under the conditions laid down in that Treaty, and, on the other hand, to the territories of the Signatory Eastern and Southern Africa States ('ESA States').
            
            
               (2)Pursuant to Article 67(3) of the Agreement, the EPA Committee may decide on any amending measures that might be necessary following the accession of new Member States to the European Union.
            
            
               (3)Article 70 of the Agreement provides that the Annexes and Protocols to the Agreement form an integral part thereof and may be reviewed and or amended by the EPA Committee.
            
            
               (4)Following the change of status of Mayotte
                  2
                and Saint-Barthélemy
                  3
               , and the entry into force of Council Decision 2013/755/EU on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union
                  4
               , the list of overseas countries and territories in Annex IX to Protocol 1 of the Agreement should be updated,
            
            
               HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
            
            
               Article 1
            
            
               The Republic of Croatia, as a a Party to the Agreement, shall, in the same manner as the other Member States of the Union, respectively adopt and take note of the texts of the Agreement, as well as the Annexes, Protocols and Declarations attached thereto.
            
            
               Article 2
            
            
               The Agreement is amended as follows:
            
            
               (1) Article 69 is replaced by the following:
            
         
         
            
               "Article 69
            
            
               Authentic texts
            
            
               This Agreement is drawn up in duplicate in the Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish languages, each of these texts being equally authentic.".
            
            
               (2) Annex IV to Protocol 1 is replaced by the following:
            
            
               "ANNEX IV to Protocol 1
            
            
               Invoice declaration
            
            
               The invoice declaration, the text of which is given below, must be made out in accordance with the footnotes. However, the footnotes do not have to be reproduced.
            
            
               Bulgarian version
            
            
               Износителят на продуктите, обхванати от този документ (митническо разрешение № … (1)) декларира, че освен кьдето е отбелязано друго, тези продукти са с … преференциален произход (2).
            
            
               Spanish version
            
            
               El exportador de los productos incluidos en el presente documento (autorización aduanera n o … (1)) declara que, salvoindicación en sentido contrario, estos productos gozan de un origen preferencial … (2).
            
            
               Croatian version
            
            
               Izvoznik proizvoda obuhvaćenih ovom ispravom (carinsko ovlaštenje br … (1)) izjavljuje da su, osim ako je drukčije izričito navedeno, ovi proizvodi … (2) preferencijalnog podrijetla. 
            
            
               Czech version
            
            
               Vývozce výrobků uvedených v tomto dokumentu (číslo povolení … (1)) prohlašuje, že kromě zřetelně označených, mají tyto výrobky preferenční původ v … (2).
            
            
               Danish version
            
            
               Eksportøren af varer, der er omfattet af nærværende dokument, (toldmyndighedernes tilladelse nr. … (1)), erklærer, at varerne, medmindre andet tydeligt er angivet, har præferenceoprindelse i … (2).
            
            
               German version
            
            
               Der Ausführer (Ermächtigter Ausführer; Bewilligungs-Nr. … (1)) der Waren, auf die sich dieses Handelspapier bezieht, erklärt, dass diese Waren, soweit nicht anderes angegeben, präferenzbegünstigte … (2) Ursprungswaren sind.
            
            
               Estonian version
            
         
         
            
               Käesoleva dokumendiga hõlmatud toodete eksportija (tolli kinnitus nr. … (1)) deklareerib, et need tooted on … (2) sooduspäritoluga, välja arvatud juhul, kui on selgelt näidatud teisiti.
            
            
               Greek version
            
            
               Ο εξαγωγέας των προϊόντων που καλύπτονται από το παρόν έγγραφο (άδεια τελωνείου υπ'αριθ. … (1)) δηλώνει ότι, εκτός εάν δηλώνεται σαφώς άλλως, τα προϊόντα αυτά είναι προτιμησιακής καταγωγής … (2).
            
            
               English version
            
            
               The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorisation No … (1)) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of … (2) preferential origin.
            
            
               French version
            
            
               L'exportateur des produits couverts par le présent document (autorisation douanière n o … (1)) déclare que, sauf indication claire du contraire, ces produits ont l'origine préférentielle … (2).
            
            
               Italian version
            
            
               L'esportatore delle merci contemplate nel presente documento (autorizzazione doganale n. … (1)) dichiara che, salvo indicazione contraria, le merci sono di origine preferenziale … (2).
            
            
               Latvian version
            
            
               To produktu eksportētājs, kuri ietverti šajā dokumentā (muitas atļauja Nr. … (1)), deklarē, ka, izņemot tur, kur ir citādi skaidri noteikts, šiem produktiem ir preferenciāla izcelsme … (2).
            
            
               Lithuanian version
            
            
               Šiame dokumente išvardytų prekių eksportuotojas (muitinės liudijimo Nr … (1)) deklaruoja, kad, jeigu kitaip nenurodyta, tai yra … (2) preferencinės kilmės prekės.
            
            
               Hungarian version
            
            
               A jelen okmányban szereplő áruk exportőre (vámfelhatalmazási szám: … (1)) kijelentem, hogy eltérő egyértelmű jelzés hiányában az áruk preferenciális … (2) származásúak.
            
            
               Maltese version
            
            
               L-esportatur tal-prodotti koperti b’dan id-dokument (awtorizzazzjoni tad-dwana nru. … (1)) jiddikjara li, ħlief fejn indikat b’mod ċar li mhux hekk, dawn il-prodotti huma ta’ oriġini preferenzjali … (2).
            
            
               Dutch version
            
            
               De exporteur van de goederen waarop dit document van toepassing is (douanevergunning nr. … (1)), verklaart dat, behoudens uitdrukkelijke andersluidende vermelding, deze goederen van preferentiële … oorsprong zijn (2).
            
            
               Polish version
            
         
         
            
               Eksporter produktów objętych tym dokumentem (upoważnienie władz celnych nr … (1)) deklaruje, że z wyjątkiem gdzie jest to wyraźnie określone, produkty te mają … (2) preferencyjne pochodzenie.
            
            
               Portuguese version
            
            
               O abaixo-assinado, exportador dos produtos abrangidos pelo presente documento (autorização aduaneira n o . … (1)), declara que, salvo indicação expressa em contrário, estes produtos são de origem preferencial … (2).
            
            
               Romanian version
            
            
               Exportatorul produselor ce fac obiectul acestui document (autorizația vamală nr. … (1)) declară că, exceptând cazul în care în mod expres este indicat altfel, aceste produse sunt de origine preferențială … (2).
            
            
               Slovenian version
            
            
               Izvoznik blaga, zajetega s tem dokumentom (pooblastilo carinskih organov št … (1)) izjavlja, da, razen če ni drugače jasno navedeno, ima to blago preferencialno … (2) poreklo.
            
            
               Slovak version
            
            
               Vývozca výrobkov uvedených v tomto dokumente (číslo povolenia … (1)) vyhlasuje, že okrem zreteľne označených, majú tieto výrobky preferenčný pôvod v … (2).
            
            
               Finnish version
            
            
               Tässä asiakirjassa mainittujen tuotteiden viejä (tullin lupa n:o … (1)) ilmoittaa, että nämä tuotteet ovat, ellei toisin ole selvästi merkitty, etuuskohteluun oikeutettuja … alkuperätuotteita (2).
            
            
               Swedish version
            
            
               Exportören av de varor som omfattas av detta dokument (tullmyndighetens tillstånd nr. … (1)) försäkrar att dessa varor, om inte annat tydligt markerats, har förmånsberättigande … ursprung (2).
            
            
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        .................................................................................. (3)
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        (Place and date)
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        .................................................................................. (4)
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        (Signature of the exporter; in addition the name
                     
                     
                        of the person signing the declaration has to be indicated in clear script)
                     
                  
               
            
               _________________
            
            
               Notes
            
            
               (1) When the invoice declaration is made out by an approved exporter within the meaning of Article 22 of the Protocol, the authorisation number of the approved exporter must be entered in this space. When the invoice declaration is not made out by an approved exporter, the words in brackets shall be omitted or the space left blank.
            
            
               (2) Origin of products to be indicated. When the invoice declaration relates in whole or in part, to products originating in Ceuta and Melilla within the meaning of Article 40 of the Protocol, the exporter must clearly indicate them in the document on which the declaration is made out by means of the symbol "CM".
            
            
               (3) These indications may be omitted if the information is contained on the document itself.
            
         
         
            
               (4) See Article 21(5) of the Protocol. In cases where the exporter is not required to sign, the exemption of signature also implies the exemption of the name of the signatory.".
            
            
               Article 3
            
            
               The European Union shall communicate to the ESA States the Croatian language version of the Agreement.
            
            
               Article 4
            
            
               1.The provisions of the Agreement shall be applied to goods exported from either one of the ESA States to the Republic of Croatia or from the Republic of Croatia to one of the ESA States, which comply with the provisions of Protocol 1 to the Agreement and which on 1 July 2013 were either en route or in temporary storage, in a customs warehouse or in a free zone in one of the ESA States or in Croatia.
            
            
               2.Preferential treatment shall be granted in the cases referred to in paragraph 1, subject to the submission to the customs authorities of the importing country, within four months of the date of entry into force of this Decision, of a proof of origin issued retrospectively by the customs authorities of the exporting country.
            
            
               Article 5
            
            
               ESA States undertake not to make any claim, request or referral nor to modify or withdraw any concession pursuant to Articles XXIV.6 and XXVIII of the GATT 1994 or Article XXI of the GATS in relation to the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union.
            
            
               Article 6 
            
            
               Annex IX to Protocol 1 of the Agreement is replaced by the following:
            
            
               "ANNEX IX to Protocol 1
            
            
               Overseas countries and territories
            
            
               Within the meaning of this Protocol "overseas countries and territories" shall mean the countries and territories referred to in Part Four of the Treaty establishing the European Community listed below:
            
            
               (This list does not prejudge the status of these countries and territories, or future changes in their status.)
            
            
               1.Overseas countries and territories that have special relations with the Kingdom of Denmark:
            
            
               –Greenland.
            
            
               2.Overseas countries and territories that have special relations with the French Republic:
            
            
               –New Caledonia and Dependencies,
            
            
               –French Polynesia,
            
            
               –Saint Pierre and Miquelon,
            
         
         
            
               –Saint Barthélemy,
            
            
               –French Southern and Antarctic Territories,
            
            
               –Wallis and Futuna.
            
            
               3.Overseas countries and territories that have special relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands:
            
            
               –Aruba,
            
            
               –Bonaire,
            
            
               –Curaçao,
            
            
               –Saba,
            
            
               –Sint Eustatius,
            
            
               –Sint Maarten.
            
            
               4.Overseas countries and territories that have special relations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
            
            
               –Anguilla,
            
            
               –Bermuda,
            
            
               –Cayman Islands,
            
            
               –Falkland Islands,
            
            
               –South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands,
            
            
               –Montserrat,
            
            
               –Pitcairn,
            
            
               –Saint Helena and Dependencies,
            
            
               –British Antarctic Territory,
            
         
         
            
               –British Indian Ocean Territory,
            
            
               –Turks and Caicos Islands,
            
            
               –British Virgin Islands.".
            
            
               Article 7
            
            
               This Decision shall enter into force on [date]
            
            
               However, Articles 3 and 4 apply with effect from 1 July 2013.
            
         
         
            
                  
                     (1)
                  OJ L 111, 24.4.2012, p. 2.
               
               
                  
                     (2)
                  European Council Decision 2012/419/EU of 11 July 2012 amending the status of Mayotte with regard to the European Union (OJ L 204, 31.7.2012, p. 131.)
               
               
                  
                     (3)
                  European Council Decision 2010/718/EU of 29 October 2010 amending the status with regard to the European Union of the island of Saint-Barthélemy (OJ L 325, 9.12.2010, p. 4.)
               
               
                  
                     (4)
                  Council Decision 2013/755/EU of 25 November 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union ("Overseas Association Decision") (OJ L 344, 19.12.2013, p. 1).