Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2006)115 - Conclusion of the agreement with Norway on the revision of the amount of the financial contribution from Norway provided for in the agreement with Norway on the participation of Norway in the work of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)

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dossier COM(2006)115 - Conclusion of the agreement with Norway on the revision of the amount of the financial contribution from Norway provided for ...
source COM(2006)115 EN
date 14-03-2006
1. INTRODUCTION

The Commission proposes a Council Decision for the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the agreement on the revision of the amount of the financial contribution from Norway provided for in the agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Norway on the participation of Norway in the work of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), on the basis of the mandate given to it by the Council.

The Commission concluded the negotiations with Norway with the initialling of the draft agreement in November 2005.

2. COUNCIL DECISION AUTHORISING THE COMMISSION TO CONDUCT NEGOTIATIONS WITH NORWAY WITH A VIEW TO REVIEWING THE AMOUNT OF THE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION FROM NORWAY PROVIDED FOR IN THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY ON THE PARTICIPATION OF NORWAY IN THE WORK OF THE EUROPEAN MONITORING CENTRE FOR DRUGS AND DRUG ADDICTION (EMCDDA)

On the basis of the Commission proposal SEC(2005) 517 of 20 April 2005, the Council decided on 18 July 2005 to authorise the Commission to conduct negotiations on the revision of the amount of the financial contribution from Norway provided for in the agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Norway on the participation of Norway in the work of the EMCDDA.

The negotiation directives state that the calculation formula should allow Norway’s contribution to be adjusted automatically at each enlargement of the Union. A minimum financial participation clause should be included, setting a minimum amount that must be adhered to irrespective of the number of Member States of the Union.

3. DRAFT AGREEMENT

The Commission has, on the basis of the mandate granted by the Council, negotiated with Norway.

The Commission has agreed with Norway a draft agreement that adapts Norway’s financial contribution to the EMCCDA budget.

This agreement revises Article 5 of the Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Norway on the participation of Norway in the work of the EMCDDA. It sets out a new calculation formula that allows Norway’s contribution to be adjusted automatically at each enlargement. Is also lays down a minimum amount for Norway’s financial contribution that must be adhered to irrespective of the number of Member States of the Union.

The Parties will approve the agreement in accordance with their own procedures. It will enter into force when both Parties have notified each other that their respective procedures have been completed.

4. CONCLUSION OF THE AGREEMENTS

4.1. Legal basis

Article 13 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 302/93 of 8 February 1993 on the establishment of a European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction i, as amended by Council Regulations (EC) Nos 3294/94 i, 2220/2000 i and 1651/2003 i, allows non-Community countries to take part in the work of the EMCDDA.

An agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Norway on the participation of Norway in the work of the EMCDDA was signed on 19 October 2000 and entered into force on 1 January 2001 i. Article 5 of this agreement sets out the financial contribution from Norway to the work of the EMCDDA.

The European Commission has, on the basis of the Council negotiation directives, concluded the negotiations with Norway with a view to revising the amount of the financial contribution from Norway provided for in the agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Norway on the participation of Norway in the work of the EMCDDA.

In order to proceed, the Commission is now proposing a Council Decision on the conclusion of the agreement with Norway revising this country’s financial contribution to the EMCDDA’s budget.

4.2. Financial implications

According to the concluded negotiations, Norway will pay a financial contribution to the EMCDDA’s budget in accordance with the formula laid down in the agreement as from the beginning of the year in which the agreement enters into force. The EMCDDA’s budget for that year will need to be adjusted accordingly.

5. RECOMMENDATION

Negotiations have been concluded and agreement reached with Norway regarding the revision of the amount of the financial contribution from Norway provided for in the agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Norway on the participation of Norway in the work of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.

It is therefore possible for the Community to approve the conclusion of this agreement.