Article 1 
1. A multiannual programme of measures and actions to promote the use of renewable energy sources in the Community, called Altener II, hereinafter referred to as 'the programme`, is hereby established. The objectives of the programme shall be to: (a) help create the necessary conditions for the implementation of a Community action plan for renewable energy sources, and in particular the legal, socio-economic and administrative conditions; (b) encourage private and public investments in the production and use of energy from renewable sources. These two specific objectives shall contribute to achieving the following overall Community objectives - complementing those of the Member States - and priorities: the limitation of CO2 emissions, increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the energy balance, reduction in energy import dependence, security of energy supply, promotion of employment, economic development, economic and social cohesion and local and regional development, including the strengthening of the economic potential of remote and peripheral regions. 2. Community financial support shall be granted under the programme for actions meeting the objectives set out in paragraph 1(a) and (b). 3. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme shall be ECU 22 million. The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budget authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 2 The following actions and measures relating to renewable energy sources shall be financed under the programme: (a) studies and other actions, intended to implement and complement other measures by the Community and Member States taken to develop the potential of renewable energy sources. These involve in particular the development of sectoral and market strategies, the development of norms and certification, facilitating grouped procurement, analyses, based on projects, comparing the environmental impact and the long-term cost/benefit trends resulting from the use of traditional forms of energy and the use of renewable energy sources, the analysis of the legal, socio-economic and administrative conditions, including analysis of the possible use of economic measures, and/or tax incentives which are more favourable to the market penetration of renewable energies, the preparation of appropriate legislation to promote an environment favourable to investment and better methods which make it possible to evaluate the costs and benefits that are not reflected in the market price; (b) pilot actions of interest to the Community aimed at creating or extending structures and instruments for the development of renewable energy sources in: - local and regional planning, - the tools for planning, design and evaluation, - new financial products and market instruments; (c) measures intended to develop information, education and training structures; measures to encourage the exchange of experience and know-how aimed at improving coordination between international, Community, national, regional and local activities; establishment of a centralised system for collecting, prioritising and circulating information and know-how on renewable energy sources; (d) targeted actions facilitating the market penetration of renewable energy sources and relevant know-how, in order to facilitate the transition from demonstration to marketing, and encouraging investment, by advising on the preparation and presentation of projects and their implementation; (e) monitoring and evaluation actions intended to: - monitor the implementation of the Community strategy and action plan for the development of renewable energy sources, - support initiatives taken in implementing the action plan, particularly with a view to promoting better coordination and greater synergy between actions, including all Community funded activities and those funded by other bodies such as the European Investment Bank, - monitor the progress achieved by the Community and comment on that achieved by the Member States with regard to the development of renewable energy sources, - evaluate the impact and cost effectiveness of actions and measures undertaken under this programme. This evaluation shall also take into account the environmental and social aspects, including the effects on employment. Article 3 1. All costs relating to the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1)(a), (c) and (e) shall be borne by the Community. Where a body other than the Commission proposes a measure covered by (c), the Community's financial contribution shall not exceed 50 % of the total cost of the measure; the balance may be defrayed by public or private sources or a combination of the two. 2. The level of funding under the programme for the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1)(b) shall not exceed 50 % of their total cost; the balance may be defrayed by public or private sources or a combination of the two. 3. The level of funding under the programme for the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1)(d) shall be established annually for each of the targeted actions in accordance with Article 4(2). Article 4 1. The Commission shall be responsible for the financial execution and implementation of the programme. It shall also ensure that actions under the programme are subject to prior appraisal, monitoring and subsequent evaluation which, on completion of the project, shall include assessment of impact, extent of implementation and whether the original objectives have been achieved. The Commission shall ensure that the selected beneficiaries submit reports to the Commission at least on a six-monthly basis or, in the case of projects lasting less than one year, at the halfway point and on completion. The Commission shall keep the committee provided for in Article 5 informed of the development of projects. 2. The conditions and guidelines to be applied for the support of the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1) shall be defined each year taking into account: (a) the priorities set out by the Community and the Member States in their programmes for the promotion of renewable energy sources; (b) criteria relating to the cost effectiveness and development potential of renewable energy sources and their impact on employment and the environment, in particular the reduction of CO2 emissions; (c) for the actions referred to in Article 2(1)(d), the relative cost of the assistance, the long-term commercial viability, the new production capacity expected to arise and the extent of transregional and/or transnational benefits; (d) the principles established in Article 92 of the Treaty and the relevant Community guidelines on State aid for environmental protection. The committee provided for in Article 5 shall assist the Commission in defining these conditions and guidelines. Article 5 The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft, within a time-limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: (a) the Commission may defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of not more than one month from the date of such communication; (b) the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in point (a). Article 6 1. During the second year of the programme, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the measures taken to promote renewable energy sources at the level of the Community and of the Member States, with reference in particular to the objectives set out in Article 1. That report shall be accompanied by proposals for any amendments to the programme which may be necessary in the light of those results. 2. On the expiry of the programme, the Commission shall assess the results obtained from the application of this Decision on the basis of a report by independent experts and the consistency of national and Community actions. It shall present a report thereon to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Article 7 The programme shall be open to participation by associated central and eastern European countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions, including financial provisions, laid down in the additional protocols to the Association Agreements, or in the Association Agreements themselves, relating to participation in Community programmes. The programme shall also be open to participation by Cyprus on the basis of additional appropriations, under the same rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with that country. Article 8 This Decision shall apply from 1 January 1998 until the entry into force of the multiannual framework programme for measures in the energy sector and until 31 December 1999 at the latest. Article 9 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 May 1998. For the Council The President LORD SIMON of HIGHBURY (1) OJ C 192, 24. 6. 1997, p. 16. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 32. (3) OJ C 379, 15. 12. 1997, p. 63. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 November 1997 (OJ C 358, 24. 11. 1997, p. 30), Council Common Position of 19 January 1998 (OJ C 62, 26. 2. 1998, p. 31 and Decision of the European Parliament of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 152, 18. 5. 1998). (5) OJ L 167, 9. 7. 1993, p. 31. (6) OJ C 211, 22. 7. 1996, p. 27. (7) OJ C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 279. (8) OJ C 167, 2. 6. 1997, p. 160. (9) OJ L 27, 30. 1. 1997, p. 20. (10) OJ L 235, 18. 9. 1993, p. 41. (11) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 616/96/EC (OJ L 86, 4. 4. 1996, p. 69). (12) OJ C 293, 8. 11. 1995, p. 4.
Article 2 
The following actions and measures relating to renewable energy sources shall be financed under the programme: (a) studies and other actions, intended to implement and complement other measures by the Community and Member States taken to develop the potential of renewable energy sources. These involve in particular the development of sectoral and market strategies, the development of norms and certification, facilitating grouped procurement, analyses, based on projects, comparing the environmental impact and the long-term cost/benefit trends resulting from the use of traditional forms of energy and the use of renewable energy sources, the analysis of the legal, socio-economic and administrative conditions, including analysis of the possible use of economic measures, and/or tax incentives which are more favourable to the market penetration of renewable energies, the preparation of appropriate legislation to promote an environment favourable to investment and better methods which make it possible to evaluate the costs and benefits that are not reflected in the market price; (b) pilot actions of interest to the Community aimed at creating or extending structures and instruments for the development of renewable energy sources in: - local and regional planning, - the tools for planning, design and evaluation, - new financial products and market instruments; (c) measures intended to develop information, education and training structures; measures to encourage the exchange of experience and know-how aimed at improving coordination between international, Community, national, regional and local activities; establishment of a centralised system for collecting, prioritising and circulating information and know-how on renewable energy sources; (d) targeted actions facilitating the market penetration of renewable energy sources and relevant know-how, in order to facilitate the transition from demonstration to marketing, and encouraging investment, by advising on the preparation and presentation of projects and their implementation; (e) monitoring and evaluation actions intended to: - monitor the implementation of the Community strategy and action plan for the development of renewable energy sources, - support initiatives taken in implementing the action plan, particularly with a view to promoting better coordination and greater synergy between actions, including all Community funded activities and those funded by other bodies such as the European Investment Bank, - monitor the progress achieved by the Community and comment on that achieved by the Member States with regard to the development of renewable energy sources, - evaluate the impact and cost effectiveness of actions and measures undertaken under this programme. This evaluation shall also take into account the environmental and social aspects, including the effects on employment. Article 3 1. All costs relating to the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1)(a), (c) and (e) shall be borne by the Community. Where a body other than the Commission proposes a measure covered by (c), the Community's financial contribution shall not exceed 50 % of the total cost of the measure; the balance may be defrayed by public or private sources or a combination of the two. 2. The level of funding under the programme for the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1)(b) shall not exceed 50 % of their total cost; the balance may be defrayed by public or private sources or a combination of the two. 3. The level of funding under the programme for the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1)(d) shall be established annually for each of the targeted actions in accordance with Article 4(2). Article 4 1. The Commission shall be responsible for the financial execution and implementation of the programme. It shall also ensure that actions under the programme are subject to prior appraisal, monitoring and subsequent evaluation which, on completion of the project, shall include assessment of impact, extent of implementation and whether the original objectives have been achieved. The Commission shall ensure that the selected beneficiaries submit reports to the Commission at least on a six-monthly basis or, in the case of projects lasting less than one year, at the halfway point and on completion. The Commission shall keep the committee provided for in Article 5 informed of the development of projects. 2. The conditions and guidelines to be applied for the support of the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1) shall be defined each year taking into account: (a) the priorities set out by the Community and the Member States in their programmes for the promotion of renewable energy sources; (b) criteria relating to the cost effectiveness and development potential of renewable energy sources and their impact on employment and the environment, in particular the reduction of CO2 emissions; (c) for the actions referred to in Article 2(1)(d), the relative cost of the assistance, the long-term commercial viability, the new production capacity expected to arise and the extent of transregional and/or transnational benefits; (d) the principles established in Article 92 of the Treaty and the relevant Community guidelines on State aid for environmental protection. The committee provided for in Article 5 shall assist the Commission in defining these conditions and guidelines. Article 5 The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft, within a time-limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: (a) the Commission may defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of not more than one month from the date of such communication; (b) the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in point (a). Article 6 1. During the second year of the programme, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the measures taken to promote renewable energy sources at the level of the Community and of the Member States, with reference in particular to the objectives set out in Article 1. That report shall be accompanied by proposals for any amendments to the programme which may be necessary in the light of those results. 2. On the expiry of the programme, the Commission shall assess the results obtained from the application of this Decision on the basis of a report by independent experts and the consistency of national and Community actions. It shall present a report thereon to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Article 7 The programme shall be open to participation by associated central and eastern European countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions, including financial provisions, laid down in the additional protocols to the Association Agreements, or in the Association Agreements themselves, relating to participation in Community programmes. The programme shall also be open to participation by Cyprus on the basis of additional appropriations, under the same rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with that country. Article 8 This Decision shall apply from 1 January 1998 until the entry into force of the multiannual framework programme for measures in the energy sector and until 31 December 1999 at the latest. Article 9 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 May 1998. For the Council The President LORD SIMON of HIGHBURY (1) OJ C 192, 24. 6. 1997, p. 16. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 32. (3) OJ C 379, 15. 12. 1997, p. 63. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 November 1997 (OJ C 358, 24. 11. 1997, p. 30), Council Common Position of 19 January 1998 (OJ C 62, 26. 2. 1998, p. 31 and Decision of the European Parliament of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 152, 18. 5. 1998). (5) OJ L 167, 9. 7. 1993, p. 31. (6) OJ C 211, 22. 7. 1996, p. 27. (7) OJ C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 279. (8) OJ C 167, 2. 6. 1997, p. 160. (9) OJ L 27, 30. 1. 1997, p. 20. (10) OJ L 235, 18. 9. 1993, p. 41. (11) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 616/96/EC (OJ L 86, 4. 4. 1996, p. 69). (12) OJ C 293, 8. 11. 1995, p. 4.
Article 3 
1. All costs relating to the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1)(a), (c) and (e) shall be borne by the Community. Where a body other than the Commission proposes a measure covered by (c), the Community's financial contribution shall not exceed 50 % of the total cost of the measure; the balance may be defrayed by public or private sources or a combination of the two. 2. The level of funding under the programme for the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1)(b) shall not exceed 50 % of their total cost; the balance may be defrayed by public or private sources or a combination of the two. 3. The level of funding under the programme for the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1)(d) shall be established annually for each of the targeted actions in accordance with Article 4(2). Article 4 1. The Commission shall be responsible for the financial execution and implementation of the programme. It shall also ensure that actions under the programme are subject to prior appraisal, monitoring and subsequent evaluation which, on completion of the project, shall include assessment of impact, extent of implementation and whether the original objectives have been achieved. The Commission shall ensure that the selected beneficiaries submit reports to the Commission at least on a six-monthly basis or, in the case of projects lasting less than one year, at the halfway point and on completion. The Commission shall keep the committee provided for in Article 5 informed of the development of projects. 2. The conditions and guidelines to be applied for the support of the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1) shall be defined each year taking into account: (a) the priorities set out by the Community and the Member States in their programmes for the promotion of renewable energy sources; (b) criteria relating to the cost effectiveness and development potential of renewable energy sources and their impact on employment and the environment, in particular the reduction of CO2 emissions; (c) for the actions referred to in Article 2(1)(d), the relative cost of the assistance, the long-term commercial viability, the new production capacity expected to arise and the extent of transregional and/or transnational benefits; (d) the principles established in Article 92 of the Treaty and the relevant Community guidelines on State aid for environmental protection. The committee provided for in Article 5 shall assist the Commission in defining these conditions and guidelines. Article 5 The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft, within a time-limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: (a) the Commission may defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of not more than one month from the date of such communication; (b) the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in point (a). Article 6 1. During the second year of the programme, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the measures taken to promote renewable energy sources at the level of the Community and of the Member States, with reference in particular to the objectives set out in Article 1. That report shall be accompanied by proposals for any amendments to the programme which may be necessary in the light of those results. 2. On the expiry of the programme, the Commission shall assess the results obtained from the application of this Decision on the basis of a report by independent experts and the consistency of national and Community actions. It shall present a report thereon to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Article 7 The programme shall be open to participation by associated central and eastern European countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions, including financial provisions, laid down in the additional protocols to the Association Agreements, or in the Association Agreements themselves, relating to participation in Community programmes. The programme shall also be open to participation by Cyprus on the basis of additional appropriations, under the same rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with that country. Article 8 This Decision shall apply from 1 January 1998 until the entry into force of the multiannual framework programme for measures in the energy sector and until 31 December 1999 at the latest. Article 9 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 May 1998. For the Council The President LORD SIMON of HIGHBURY (1) OJ C 192, 24. 6. 1997, p. 16. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 32. (3) OJ C 379, 15. 12. 1997, p. 63. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 November 1997 (OJ C 358, 24. 11. 1997, p. 30), Council Common Position of 19 January 1998 (OJ C 62, 26. 2. 1998, p. 31 and Decision of the European Parliament of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 152, 18. 5. 1998). (5) OJ L 167, 9. 7. 1993, p. 31. (6) OJ C 211, 22. 7. 1996, p. 27. (7) OJ C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 279. (8) OJ C 167, 2. 6. 1997, p. 160. (9) OJ L 27, 30. 1. 1997, p. 20. (10) OJ L 235, 18. 9. 1993, p. 41. (11) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 616/96/EC (OJ L 86, 4. 4. 1996, p. 69). (12) OJ C 293, 8. 11. 1995, p. 4.
Article 4 
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the financial execution and implementation of the programme. It shall also ensure that actions under the programme are subject to prior appraisal, monitoring and subsequent evaluation which, on completion of the project, shall include assessment of impact, extent of implementation and whether the original objectives have been achieved. The Commission shall ensure that the selected beneficiaries submit reports to the Commission at least on a six-monthly basis or, in the case of projects lasting less than one year, at the halfway point and on completion. The Commission shall keep the committee provided for in Article 5 informed of the development of projects. 2. The conditions and guidelines to be applied for the support of the actions and measures referred to in Article 2(1) shall be defined each year taking into account: (a) the priorities set out by the Community and the Member States in their programmes for the promotion of renewable energy sources; (b) criteria relating to the cost effectiveness and development potential of renewable energy sources and their impact on employment and the environment, in particular the reduction of CO2 emissions; (c) for the actions referred to in Article 2(1)(d), the relative cost of the assistance, the long-term commercial viability, the new production capacity expected to arise and the extent of transregional and/or transnational benefits; (d) the principles established in Article 92 of the Treaty and the relevant Community guidelines on State aid for environmental protection. The committee provided for in Article 5 shall assist the Commission in defining these conditions and guidelines. Article 5 The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft, within a time-limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: (a) the Commission may defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of not more than one month from the date of such communication; (b) the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in point (a). Article 6 1. During the second year of the programme, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the measures taken to promote renewable energy sources at the level of the Community and of the Member States, with reference in particular to the objectives set out in Article 1. That report shall be accompanied by proposals for any amendments to the programme which may be necessary in the light of those results. 2. On the expiry of the programme, the Commission shall assess the results obtained from the application of this Decision on the basis of a report by independent experts and the consistency of national and Community actions. It shall present a report thereon to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Article 7 The programme shall be open to participation by associated central and eastern European countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions, including financial provisions, laid down in the additional protocols to the Association Agreements, or in the Association Agreements themselves, relating to participation in Community programmes. The programme shall also be open to participation by Cyprus on the basis of additional appropriations, under the same rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with that country. Article 8 This Decision shall apply from 1 January 1998 until the entry into force of the multiannual framework programme for measures in the energy sector and until 31 December 1999 at the latest. Article 9 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 May 1998. For the Council The President LORD SIMON of HIGHBURY (1) OJ C 192, 24. 6. 1997, p. 16. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 32. (3) OJ C 379, 15. 12. 1997, p. 63. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 November 1997 (OJ C 358, 24. 11. 1997, p. 30), Council Common Position of 19 January 1998 (OJ C 62, 26. 2. 1998, p. 31 and Decision of the European Parliament of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 152, 18. 5. 1998). (5) OJ L 167, 9. 7. 1993, p. 31. (6) OJ C 211, 22. 7. 1996, p. 27. (7) OJ C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 279. (8) OJ C 167, 2. 6. 1997, p. 160. (9) OJ L 27, 30. 1. 1997, p. 20. (10) OJ L 235, 18. 9. 1993, p. 41. (11) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 616/96/EC (OJ L 86, 4. 4. 1996, p. 69). (12) OJ C 293, 8. 11. 1995, p. 4.
Article 5 
The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft, within a time-limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: (a) the Commission may defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of not more than one month from the date of such communication; (b) the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in point (a). Article 6 1. During the second year of the programme, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the measures taken to promote renewable energy sources at the level of the Community and of the Member States, with reference in particular to the objectives set out in Article 1. That report shall be accompanied by proposals for any amendments to the programme which may be necessary in the light of those results. 2. On the expiry of the programme, the Commission shall assess the results obtained from the application of this Decision on the basis of a report by independent experts and the consistency of national and Community actions. It shall present a report thereon to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Article 7 The programme shall be open to participation by associated central and eastern European countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions, including financial provisions, laid down in the additional protocols to the Association Agreements, or in the Association Agreements themselves, relating to participation in Community programmes. The programme shall also be open to participation by Cyprus on the basis of additional appropriations, under the same rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with that country. Article 8 This Decision shall apply from 1 January 1998 until the entry into force of the multiannual framework programme for measures in the energy sector and until 31 December 1999 at the latest. Article 9 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 May 1998. For the Council The President LORD SIMON of HIGHBURY (1) OJ C 192, 24. 6. 1997, p. 16. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 32. (3) OJ C 379, 15. 12. 1997, p. 63. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 November 1997 (OJ C 358, 24. 11. 1997, p. 30), Council Common Position of 19 January 1998 (OJ C 62, 26. 2. 1998, p. 31 and Decision of the European Parliament of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 152, 18. 5. 1998). (5) OJ L 167, 9. 7. 1993, p. 31. (6) OJ C 211, 22. 7. 1996, p. 27. (7) OJ C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 279. (8) OJ C 167, 2. 6. 1997, p. 160. (9) OJ L 27, 30. 1. 1997, p. 20. (10) OJ L 235, 18. 9. 1993, p. 41. (11) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 616/96/EC (OJ L 86, 4. 4. 1996, p. 69). (12) OJ C 293, 8. 11. 1995, p. 4.
Article 6 
1. During the second year of the programme, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the measures taken to promote renewable energy sources at the level of the Community and of the Member States, with reference in particular to the objectives set out in Article 1. That report shall be accompanied by proposals for any amendments to the programme which may be necessary in the light of those results. 2. On the expiry of the programme, the Commission shall assess the results obtained from the application of this Decision on the basis of a report by independent experts and the consistency of national and Community actions. It shall present a report thereon to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Article 7 The programme shall be open to participation by associated central and eastern European countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions, including financial provisions, laid down in the additional protocols to the Association Agreements, or in the Association Agreements themselves, relating to participation in Community programmes. The programme shall also be open to participation by Cyprus on the basis of additional appropriations, under the same rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with that country. Article 8 This Decision shall apply from 1 January 1998 until the entry into force of the multiannual framework programme for measures in the energy sector and until 31 December 1999 at the latest. Article 9 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 May 1998. For the Council The President LORD SIMON of HIGHBURY (1) OJ C 192, 24. 6. 1997, p. 16. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 32. (3) OJ C 379, 15. 12. 1997, p. 63. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 November 1997 (OJ C 358, 24. 11. 1997, p. 30), Council Common Position of 19 January 1998 (OJ C 62, 26. 2. 1998, p. 31 and Decision of the European Parliament of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 152, 18. 5. 1998). (5) OJ L 167, 9. 7. 1993, p. 31. (6) OJ C 211, 22. 7. 1996, p. 27. (7) OJ C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 279. (8) OJ C 167, 2. 6. 1997, p. 160. (9) OJ L 27, 30. 1. 1997, p. 20. (10) OJ L 235, 18. 9. 1993, p. 41. (11) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 616/96/EC (OJ L 86, 4. 4. 1996, p. 69). (12) OJ C 293, 8. 11. 1995, p. 4.
Article 7 
The programme shall be open to participation by associated central and eastern European countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions, including financial provisions, laid down in the additional protocols to the Association Agreements, or in the Association Agreements themselves, relating to participation in Community programmes. The programme shall also be open to participation by Cyprus on the basis of additional appropriations, under the same rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with that country. Article 8 This Decision shall apply from 1 January 1998 until the entry into force of the multiannual framework programme for measures in the energy sector and until 31 December 1999 at the latest. Article 9 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 May 1998. For the Council The President LORD SIMON of HIGHBURY (1) OJ C 192, 24. 6. 1997, p. 16. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 32. (3) OJ C 379, 15. 12. 1997, p. 63. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 November 1997 (OJ C 358, 24. 11. 1997, p. 30), Council Common Position of 19 January 1998 (OJ C 62, 26. 2. 1998, p. 31 and Decision of the European Parliament of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 152, 18. 5. 1998). (5) OJ L 167, 9. 7. 1993, p. 31. (6) OJ C 211, 22. 7. 1996, p. 27. (7) OJ C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 279. (8) OJ C 167, 2. 6. 1997, p. 160. (9) OJ L 27, 30. 1. 1997, p. 20. (10) OJ L 235, 18. 9. 1993, p. 41. (11) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 616/96/EC (OJ L 86, 4. 4. 1996, p. 69). (12) OJ C 293, 8. 11. 1995, p. 4.
Article 8 
This Decision shall apply from 1 January 1998 until the entry into force of the multiannual framework programme for measures in the energy sector and until 31 December 1999 at the latest. Article 9 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 May 1998. For the Council The President LORD SIMON of HIGHBURY (1) OJ C 192, 24. 6. 1997, p. 16. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 32. (3) OJ C 379, 15. 12. 1997, p. 63. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 November 1997 (OJ C 358, 24. 11. 1997, p. 30), Council Common Position of 19 January 1998 (OJ C 62, 26. 2. 1998, p. 31 and Decision of the European Parliament of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 152, 18. 5. 1998). (5) OJ L 167, 9. 7. 1993, p. 31. (6) OJ C 211, 22. 7. 1996, p. 27. (7) OJ C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 279. (8) OJ C 167, 2. 6. 1997, p. 160. (9) OJ L 27, 30. 1. 1997, p. 20. (10) OJ L 235, 18. 9. 1993, p. 41. (11) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 616/96/EC (OJ L 86, 4. 4. 1996, p. 69). (12) OJ C 293, 8. 11. 1995, p. 4.
Article 9 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 May 1998. For the Council The President LORD SIMON of HIGHBURY (1) OJ C 192, 24. 6. 1997, p. 16. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 32. (3) OJ C 379, 15. 12. 1997, p. 63. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 6 November 1997 (OJ C 358, 24. 11. 1997, p. 30), Council Common Position of 19 January 1998 (OJ C 62, 26. 2. 1998, p. 31 and Decision of the European Parliament of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 152, 18. 5. 1998). (5) OJ L 167, 9. 7. 1993, p. 31. (6) OJ C 211, 22. 7. 1996, p. 27. (7) OJ C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 279. (8) OJ C 167, 2. 6. 1997, p. 160. (9) OJ L 27, 30. 1. 1997, p. 20. (10) OJ L 235, 18. 9. 1993, p. 41. (11) OJ L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 616/96/EC (OJ L 86, 4. 4. 1996, p. 69). (12) OJ C 293, 8. 11. 1995, p. 4.