Article 1 
The text constituting the arrangements for enhanced cooperation between the European Union and the Western European Union under the Protocol on Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union is hereby approved. The text of the arrangements is attached to this Decision. Article 2 This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. Article 3 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal. Done at Brussels, 10 May 1999. For the Council The President H. EICHEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENHANCED COORPERATION BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE WESTERN EUROPEAN UNION UNDER THE PROTOCOL ON ARTICLE 17 OF THE TREATY ON EUROPEAN UNION I. INTRODUCTION 1. Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union provides inter alia for closer institutional relations with the Western European Union (WEU) with a view to the possibility of the integration of WEU into the European Union (EU), should the European Council so. decide. Article 17 further provides that the European Council is in that case to recommend to the Member States the adoption of such a decision in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. Pursuant to the relevant provisions of Article 17, the Council of the EU adopted on 10 May 1999 a Decision concerning the practical arrangements for the participation of all Member States in tasks under Article 17(2) of the Treaty on European Union for which the Union avails itself of WEU. The WEU Council had adopted earlier, on 18 November 1997, provisions corresponding to the practical arrangements referred to in Article 17(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). This is mentioned in the abovementioned Council Decision. 2. The Protocol on Article 17 stipulates that the EU shall draw up together with WEU, arrangements for enhanced cooperation between them, within a year from the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam. The European Council in Vienna invited the Council to bring forward, in agreement with the WEU, the completion of arrangements for enhanced cooperation under the Protocol on Article 17, so that these may come into effect on the Treaty's entry into force. The WEU (in its Declaration dated 22 July 1997) identified a range of measures which could be taken forward in this context. This Declaration was noted by the Intergovernmental Conference 1996/1997 and annexed to the Final Act. 3. In accordance with the Protocol on Article 17, the EU and WEU have drawn up the following arrangements for enhanced cooperation between them, drawing on the range of measures included in the abovementioned Declaration. These arrangements constitute a range of measures which can be revised and complemented in the light of experience. The EU and WEU undertake to review these arrangements as necessary and in any case no later than within two years from the entry into force of the Amsterdam Treaty, notably in the light of the experience gained and of the development of relations between them. II. ARRANGEMENTS A. Improving the coordination of EU/WEU consultation and decision-making processes, in particular in crisis situations 1. Both the EU and WEU are convinced that practical implementation of Article 17 of the TEU will best and most speedily be achieved by arrangements which will enable both organisations to carry out their functions under these provisions more effectively, notably in crisis situations. 2. Without prejudice to their respective competencies in each practical case, the EU and WEU will make full use of existing practices and procedures and seek to identify further measures of consultation and cooperation in the light of experience. 3. The EU and WEU accordingly hereby agree that the "modus operandi" for Article 17(3) and its attached Flowchart describing in a diagrammatic way the procedural steps in the two organisations and the linkages between them, as set out in Annex I, will be used as a guide for the decision-making process in the EU and WEU, for cases where the EU avails itself of WEU. They further agree that such a guide can only be illustrative and cannot be expected to cover all elements of any given crisis situation, nor does it prejudice further improvements in the applicable decision-making processes. B. Holding of joint meetings of the relevant bodies of the two organisations 1. The EU and WEU agree that joint meetings can enhance cooperation and will be organised as appropriate: (i) in areas where cooperation between the two organisations is provided for under Article 17 of the TEU, with reference to the following: (a) WEU supports the EU in framing the defence aspects of the common foreign and security policy, as set out in the second subparagraph of Article 17(1); (b) the EU avails itself of WEU to elaborate and implement decisions and actions of the EU which have defence implications, as set out in Article 17(3); (ii) in other areas where EU and WEU interests and activities overlap and may warrant coordination. 2. For the purposes described under B.1 (i), the EU and WEU agree to continue the existing practice of holding meetings of an EU/WEU ad hoc group, according to the established modalities. The following procedures will be followed: - each country attending is represented by a single delegation; delegations are seated in alphabetical order, the names of countries being in their own languages, - meetings are co-chaired in accordance with each organisation's rules: for the EU, the Presidency, supported by the EU Council General Secretariat, for WEU, the Secretariat-General with the WEU Presidency at its side next to the EU Presidency, - the European Commission is seated facing the co-chairmen, - the agenda and documents for the meetings are circulated under the authority of the EU and WEU Presidency/Presidencies, - a report on each meeting is prepared jointly by the EU Council General Secretariat and WEU Secretariat-General and circulated under the authority of the EU and WEU Presidency/Presidencies, - following the meetings, it is the responsibility of each Presidency to introduce any document or proposed decision in the decision-making process of each organisation. 3. In the handling of crises in which the EU avails itself of the WEU or where their activities warrant consideration under paragraph B.1 (ii), joint meetings of EU and WEU bodies concerned may be held at the initiative of the two Presidencies jointly. The modalities and procedures set out for the ad hoc joint group will apply mutatis mutandis, with participation reflecting the format adopted in each organisation. 4. Cooperation will also be enhanced notably by: - close cooperation between the Presidencies and the staff of the respective organisations in liaison, information exchange and coordination of work, - regular contacts and meetings between the Presidencies and Secretariats of both organisations, - information regularly presented by the EU Presidency at WEU meetings and by the WEU Presidency at EU meetings, - participation of EU and WEU Presidency representatives in corresponding meetings and activities of the other organisation, - participation by officials of one organisation in meetings of the other organisation, using the modalities indicated in D and G, - the possibility for representatives of WEU to be included at EU initiative in the EU delegation at meetings and related events with third countries when matters having defence implications are to be covered. Contacts of the EU and WEU with third countries, when both organisations have relations with them, may also be considered. C. Harmonisation, as much as possible, of the sequence of the Presidencies of WEU and the EU, as well as the administrative rules and practices of the two organisations 1. On 12 September 1997 the WEU Council adopted a decision (Annex II) harmonising the sequence of presidencies in WEU in relation to the sequence of presidencies in the EU. 2. In cases with budgetary implications, the EU and WEU undertake, drawing inter alia on the possibilities identified in the modus operandi and under E, to exchange information notably to ensure that the EU institutions are provided as fully and early as possible with all the budgetary estimates appropriate for an EU decision allowing for prompt provision of funding. D. Close coordination of the work of the staff of the Secretariat-General of the WEU and the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU The EU Council General Secretariat and WEU Secretariat-General will coordinate their work and will cooperate in accordance with the provisions in Annex III, covering exchange of information, exchange of written material, cross-participation in meetings, synchronisation of meetings, seating arrangements and exchange and secondment of personnel. E. Allowing the relevant bodies of the EU, including its Policy Planning and Early Warning Unit, to draw on the resources of the WEU's Military Staff, Satellite Centre and Institute of Security Studies 1. EU Council bodies may, in pursuit of work related to Article 17 of the TEU, express a wish for information, advice or other services from WEU resources Such requests will be conveyed by the EU Council Presidency or the Secretariat acting on its behalf to the Permanent Council of WEU which will give timely specific or general directions. 2. The WEU Military Staff will participate in and contribute to joint meetings of EU and WEU. Documents produced by the Military Staff may be included in information exchange between the organisations subject to the usual modalities The Military Staff will assist in the EU/WEU exchanges required for the preparation, execution and monitoring of decisions under Article 17(3) of the Treaty on European Union. The Military Staff will provide on a regular basis briefings for EU representatives on relevant aspects of WEU procedures, plans and activities, receive visits from EU representatives at its or their initiative, including visits to the Situation Centre, and pursue further arrangements with EU officials to promote preparedness and to facilitate cooperation notably in the operational field. 3. The WEU Satellite Centre will supply image interpretation products to the EU in accordance with instructions and priorities given to it by WEU Council. WEU and the EU are pursuing a number of possibilities for further development in their relations in this field, notably the possibility of assigning to EU task requests the same priority as to WEU Council tasks. 4. The WEU Institute of Security Studies, established on 1 July 1990 as a subsidiary body of the WEU, has as its primary mission to assist in the development of a European security identity. It offers an additional resource for the EU. The Institute's activities of analysis, research, debate, and cooperation with other national and international institutions will be open to the pursuit of themes which the EU identifies as of particular interest for its work. The Institute will systematically invite EU representatives to its seminars and similar events, including the summer course to be organised on a trial basis in 1999 pursuant to a WEU Council decision regarding the gradual development of the Institute into a European Security and Defence Academy. 5. The High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and any of the staff designated by this person, including the Policy Planning and Early Warning Unit provided for in Declaration No 6 annexed to the Amsterdam Treaty, will have access to all the abovementioned WEU resources in the exercise of his responsibilities. In addition, and within the framework of the general arrangements for WEU/EU cooperation described here, the High Representative may invite WEU Secretary-General to designate WEU personnel for task forces set up to address particular policy issues. F. Cooperation in the field of armaments, as appropriate 1. The fourth subparagraph of Article 17(1) provides that the progressive framing a common defence policy will be supported, as Member States consider appropriate, by cooperation between them in the field of armaments. 2. The WEU Declaration of 22 July 1997 includes, among the range of measures which could be taken forward, cooperation in the field of armaments, as appropriate, within the framework of Western European Armaments Group (WEAG), as the European forum for armaments cooperation, the EU and WEU it the context of rationalisation of the European armaments market and the establishment of a European Armaments Agency. 3. The EU and WEU note the arrangements agreed between the EU and WEAG. To enhance transparency and the effectiveness of coordination of work in the EU and WEAG, these arrangements provide that informal exchanges of information are placed on a more regular basis, without altering their informal character, including through: - recognition of the WEAG Presidency and the EU Presidency (the chair of the ad hoc Working Party on a European Armaments Policy or its representative) and European Commission (according to their respective responsibilities) as the points of contact and main channels of communication, supported by contacts between the EU Council General Secretariat and the Armaments Secretariat of the WEAG, - on current work of mutual interest, periodic briefings of: - the WEAG Panels through the Chairman of National Armaments Directors by the EU Presidency and the European Commission (according to their respective responsibilities), - the ad hoc Working Party on a European Armaments Policy by the Presidency of the WEAG supported as needed by the relevant WEAG Panels, - regular exchanges of information on ongoing activities in the ad hoc Working Party on a European Armaments Policy and WEAG supported by exchanges of relevant working documents and by meetings between the EU Presidency/European Commission (according to their respective responsibilities) and the WEAG Presidency. Exchanged documents will be handled in accordance with the relevant security procedures of the EU and WEAG, - where the ad hoc Working Party on a European Armaments Policy and WEAG agree, informal joint sessions on relevant topics, - any other cooperative arrangements between the EU and WEAG which may be agreed to enhance European armaments cooperation. 4. Considerations related to armaments may also be addressed during work of the EU and WEU related to defence aspects, as appropriate. G. Ensuring cooperation with the European Commission 1. Under the Treaty on European Union, the European Commission is fully associated with the work carried out under the common foreign and security policy (CFSP). The modalities of the cooperation between the WEU and the Commission are set out in Annex IV, covering inter alia exchange of information, exchange of written material, cross-participation in meetings, seating arrangements, exchanges of staff. 2. The EU and WEU note that a model financial arrangement will be established between the European Commission and WEU with a view to facilitating the practical and speedy implementation of EU decisions and actions implying WEU activities under Article 17 and financed on the relevant budget lines of the general budget of the European Communities. 3. The EU and WEU note that in cases where Community actions and WEU activities are complementary, exchanges and interaction between the European Commission and WEU may take place. H. Security arrangements 1. The Secretary-General of the Council of the EU and the Secretary-General of the WEU have exchanged correspondence on the security rules applicable for the handling of classified information transmitted from the other organisation (see Annex V). This exchange provides for the unimpeded flow between Secretariats of information required for the proper functioning of EU/WEU relations under the Treaty on European Union. 2. The President of the European Commission and the Secretary-General of the WEU have exchanged correspondence on the security rules applicable for the handling of the classified information exchanged (see Annex VI). This exchange provides for the unimpeded flow between the European Commission and the Secretariat-General of WEU of information required for the proper functioning of EU/WEU relations under the Treaty on European Union. 3. The above arrangements are without prejudice to other official exchange of information between the two organisations which may be required for the implementation of the Treaty on European Union provisions or considered necessary by the relevant bodies of each organisation.
Article 2 
This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. Article 3 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal. Done at Brussels, 10 May 1999. For the Council The President H. EICHEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENHANCED COORPERATION BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE WESTERN EUROPEAN UNION UNDER THE PROTOCOL ON ARTICLE 17 OF THE TREATY ON EUROPEAN UNION I. INTRODUCTION 1. Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union provides inter alia for closer institutional relations with the Western European Union (WEU) with a view to the possibility of the integration of WEU into the European Union (EU), should the European Council so. decide. Article 17 further provides that the European Council is in that case to recommend to the Member States the adoption of such a decision in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. Pursuant to the relevant provisions of Article 17, the Council of the EU adopted on 10 May 1999 a Decision concerning the practical arrangements for the participation of all Member States in tasks under Article 17(2) of the Treaty on European Union for which the Union avails itself of WEU. The WEU Council had adopted earlier, on 18 November 1997, provisions corresponding to the practical arrangements referred to in Article 17(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). This is mentioned in the abovementioned Council Decision. 2. The Protocol on Article 17 stipulates that the EU shall draw up together with WEU, arrangements for enhanced cooperation between them, within a year from the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam. The European Council in Vienna invited the Council to bring forward, in agreement with the WEU, the completion of arrangements for enhanced cooperation under the Protocol on Article 17, so that these may come into effect on the Treaty's entry into force. The WEU (in its Declaration dated 22 July 1997) identified a range of measures which could be taken forward in this context. This Declaration was noted by the Intergovernmental Conference 1996/1997 and annexed to the Final Act. 3. In accordance with the Protocol on Article 17, the EU and WEU have drawn up the following arrangements for enhanced cooperation between them, drawing on the range of measures included in the abovementioned Declaration. These arrangements constitute a range of measures which can be revised and complemented in the light of experience. The EU and WEU undertake to review these arrangements as necessary and in any case no later than within two years from the entry into force of the Amsterdam Treaty, notably in the light of the experience gained and of the development of relations between them. II. ARRANGEMENTS A. Improving the coordination of EU/WEU consultation and decision-making processes, in particular in crisis situations 1. Both the EU and WEU are convinced that practical implementation of Article 17 of the TEU will best and most speedily be achieved by arrangements which will enable both organisations to carry out their functions under these provisions more effectively, notably in crisis situations. 2. Without prejudice to their respective competencies in each practical case, the EU and WEU will make full use of existing practices and procedures and seek to identify further measures of consultation and cooperation in the light of experience. 3. The EU and WEU accordingly hereby agree that the "modus operandi" for Article 17(3) and its attached Flowchart describing in a diagrammatic way the procedural steps in the two organisations and the linkages between them, as set out in Annex I, will be used as a guide for the decision-making process in the EU and WEU, for cases where the EU avails itself of WEU. They further agree that such a guide can only be illustrative and cannot be expected to cover all elements of any given crisis situation, nor does it prejudice further improvements in the applicable decision-making processes. B. Holding of joint meetings of the relevant bodies of the two organisations 1. The EU and WEU agree that joint meetings can enhance cooperation and will be organised as appropriate: (i) in areas where cooperation between the two organisations is provided for under Article 17 of the TEU, with reference to the following: (a) WEU supports the EU in framing the defence aspects of the common foreign and security policy, as set out in the second subparagraph of Article 17(1); (b) the EU avails itself of WEU to elaborate and implement decisions and actions of the EU which have defence implications, as set out in Article 17(3); (ii) in other areas where EU and WEU interests and activities overlap and may warrant coordination. 2. For the purposes described under B.1 (i), the EU and WEU agree to continue the existing practice of holding meetings of an EU/WEU ad hoc group, according to the established modalities. The following procedures will be followed: - each country attending is represented by a single delegation; delegations are seated in alphabetical order, the names of countries being in their own languages, - meetings are co-chaired in accordance with each organisation's rules: for the EU, the Presidency, supported by the EU Council General Secretariat, for WEU, the Secretariat-General with the WEU Presidency at its side next to the EU Presidency, - the European Commission is seated facing the co-chairmen, - the agenda and documents for the meetings are circulated under the authority of the EU and WEU Presidency/Presidencies, - a report on each meeting is prepared jointly by the EU Council General Secretariat and WEU Secretariat-General and circulated under the authority of the EU and WEU Presidency/Presidencies, - following the meetings, it is the responsibility of each Presidency to introduce any document or proposed decision in the decision-making process of each organisation. 3. In the handling of crises in which the EU avails itself of the WEU or where their activities warrant consideration under paragraph B.1 (ii), joint meetings of EU and WEU bodies concerned may be held at the initiative of the two Presidencies jointly. The modalities and procedures set out for the ad hoc joint group will apply mutatis mutandis, with participation reflecting the format adopted in each organisation. 4. Cooperation will also be enhanced notably by: - close cooperation between the Presidencies and the staff of the respective organisations in liaison, information exchange and coordination of work, - regular contacts and meetings between the Presidencies and Secretariats of both organisations, - information regularly presented by the EU Presidency at WEU meetings and by the WEU Presidency at EU meetings, - participation of EU and WEU Presidency representatives in corresponding meetings and activities of the other organisation, - participation by officials of one organisation in meetings of the other organisation, using the modalities indicated in D and G, - the possibility for representatives of WEU to be included at EU initiative in the EU delegation at meetings and related events with third countries when matters having defence implications are to be covered. Contacts of the EU and WEU with third countries, when both organisations have relations with them, may also be considered. C. Harmonisation, as much as possible, of the sequence of the Presidencies of WEU and the EU, as well as the administrative rules and practices of the two organisations 1. On 12 September 1997 the WEU Council adopted a decision (Annex II) harmonising the sequence of presidencies in WEU in relation to the sequence of presidencies in the EU. 2. In cases with budgetary implications, the EU and WEU undertake, drawing inter alia on the possibilities identified in the modus operandi and under E, to exchange information notably to ensure that the EU institutions are provided as fully and early as possible with all the budgetary estimates appropriate for an EU decision allowing for prompt provision of funding. D. Close coordination of the work of the staff of the Secretariat-General of the WEU and the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU The EU Council General Secretariat and WEU Secretariat-General will coordinate their work and will cooperate in accordance with the provisions in Annex III, covering exchange of information, exchange of written material, cross-participation in meetings, synchronisation of meetings, seating arrangements and exchange and secondment of personnel. E. Allowing the relevant bodies of the EU, including its Policy Planning and Early Warning Unit, to draw on the resources of the WEU's Military Staff, Satellite Centre and Institute of Security Studies 1. EU Council bodies may, in pursuit of work related to Article 17 of the TEU, express a wish for information, advice or other services from WEU resources Such requests will be conveyed by the EU Council Presidency or the Secretariat acting on its behalf to the Permanent Council of WEU which will give timely specific or general directions. 2. The WEU Military Staff will participate in and contribute to joint meetings of EU and WEU. Documents produced by the Military Staff may be included in information exchange between the organisations subject to the usual modalities The Military Staff will assist in the EU/WEU exchanges required for the preparation, execution and monitoring of decisions under Article 17(3) of the Treaty on European Union. The Military Staff will provide on a regular basis briefings for EU representatives on relevant aspects of WEU procedures, plans and activities, receive visits from EU representatives at its or their initiative, including visits to the Situation Centre, and pursue further arrangements with EU officials to promote preparedness and to facilitate cooperation notably in the operational field. 3. The WEU Satellite Centre will supply image interpretation products to the EU in accordance with instructions and priorities given to it by WEU Council. WEU and the EU are pursuing a number of possibilities for further development in their relations in this field, notably the possibility of assigning to EU task requests the same priority as to WEU Council tasks. 4. The WEU Institute of Security Studies, established on 1 July 1990 as a subsidiary body of the WEU, has as its primary mission to assist in the development of a European security identity. It offers an additional resource for the EU. The Institute's activities of analysis, research, debate, and cooperation with other national and international institutions will be open to the pursuit of themes which the EU identifies as of particular interest for its work. The Institute will systematically invite EU representatives to its seminars and similar events, including the summer course to be organised on a trial basis in 1999 pursuant to a WEU Council decision regarding the gradual development of the Institute into a European Security and Defence Academy. 5. The High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and any of the staff designated by this person, including the Policy Planning and Early Warning Unit provided for in Declaration No 6 annexed to the Amsterdam Treaty, will have access to all the abovementioned WEU resources in the exercise of his responsibilities. In addition, and within the framework of the general arrangements for WEU/EU cooperation described here, the High Representative may invite WEU Secretary-General to designate WEU personnel for task forces set up to address particular policy issues. F. Cooperation in the field of armaments, as appropriate 1. The fourth subparagraph of Article 17(1) provides that the progressive framing a common defence policy will be supported, as Member States consider appropriate, by cooperation between them in the field of armaments. 2. The WEU Declaration of 22 July 1997 includes, among the range of measures which could be taken forward, cooperation in the field of armaments, as appropriate, within the framework of Western European Armaments Group (WEAG), as the European forum for armaments cooperation, the EU and WEU it the context of rationalisation of the European armaments market and the establishment of a European Armaments Agency. 3. The EU and WEU note the arrangements agreed between the EU and WEAG. To enhance transparency and the effectiveness of coordination of work in the EU and WEAG, these arrangements provide that informal exchanges of information are placed on a more regular basis, without altering their informal character, including through: - recognition of the WEAG Presidency and the EU Presidency (the chair of the ad hoc Working Party on a European Armaments Policy or its representative) and European Commission (according to their respective responsibilities) as the points of contact and main channels of communication, supported by contacts between the EU Council General Secretariat and the Armaments Secretariat of the WEAG, - on current work of mutual interest, periodic briefings of: - the WEAG Panels through the Chairman of National Armaments Directors by the EU Presidency and the European Commission (according to their respective responsibilities), - the ad hoc Working Party on a European Armaments Policy by the Presidency of the WEAG supported as needed by the relevant WEAG Panels, - regular exchanges of information on ongoing activities in the ad hoc Working Party on a European Armaments Policy and WEAG supported by exchanges of relevant working documents and by meetings between the EU Presidency/European Commission (according to their respective responsibilities) and the WEAG Presidency. Exchanged documents will be handled in accordance with the relevant security procedures of the EU and WEAG, - where the ad hoc Working Party on a European Armaments Policy and WEAG agree, informal joint sessions on relevant topics, - any other cooperative arrangements between the EU and WEAG which may be agreed to enhance European armaments cooperation. 4. Considerations related to armaments may also be addressed during work of the EU and WEU related to defence aspects, as appropriate. G. Ensuring cooperation with the European Commission 1. Under the Treaty on European Union, the European Commission is fully associated with the work carried out under the common foreign and security policy (CFSP). The modalities of the cooperation between the WEU and the Commission are set out in Annex IV, covering inter alia exchange of information, exchange of written material, cross-participation in meetings, seating arrangements, exchanges of staff. 2. The EU and WEU note that a model financial arrangement will be established between the European Commission and WEU with a view to facilitating the practical and speedy implementation of EU decisions and actions implying WEU activities under Article 17 and financed on the relevant budget lines of the general budget of the European Communities. 3. The EU and WEU note that in cases where Community actions and WEU activities are complementary, exchanges and interaction between the European Commission and WEU may take place. H. Security arrangements 1. The Secretary-General of the Council of the EU and the Secretary-General of the WEU have exchanged correspondence on the security rules applicable for the handling of classified information transmitted from the other organisation (see Annex V). This exchange provides for the unimpeded flow between Secretariats of information required for the proper functioning of EU/WEU relations under the Treaty on European Union. 2. The President of the European Commission and the Secretary-General of the WEU have exchanged correspondence on the security rules applicable for the handling of the classified information exchanged (see Annex VI). This exchange provides for the unimpeded flow between the European Commission and the Secretariat-General of WEU of information required for the proper functioning of EU/WEU relations under the Treaty on European Union. 3. The above arrangements are without prejudice to other official exchange of information between the two organisations which may be required for the implementation of the Treaty on European Union provisions or considered necessary by the relevant bodies of each organisation.
Article 3 
This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal. Done at Brussels, 10 May 1999