Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2011)230 - Union Position concerning a Decision of the EU - Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council amending its Rules of Procedure - Main contents
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| dossier | COM(2011)230 - Union Position concerning a Decision of the EU - Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council amending its Rules of ... |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2011)230  |
| date | 26-04-2011 |
2. The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of the European Union and the Montenegrin authorities have expressed their interest in setting up two Joint consultative committees to organise dialogue and cooperation between their social partners and other civil society representatives and their regional and local authorities. To do this, the Stabilisation and Association Council needs to amend its Rules of Procedure.
3. The Commission therefore proposes that two Joint consultative committees be set up by the Stabilisation and Association Council:
4. One Joint Consultative Committee will represent the social partners and other civil society organisations, in support of the keen interest expressed in this respect, by both sides, represented by the European Economic and Social Committee, on the part of the European Union, and by the Montenegrin social partners and other civil society organisations, on the part of Montenegro.
5. The other Joint Consultative Committee will represent the local and regional authorities of both parties, in support of the keen interest expressed, in this respect, by both sides, represented by the Committee of the Regions of the European Union, on the part of the European Union, and by the elected representatives of local and regional authorities of Montenegro, on the part of Montenegro.
6. The proposed Joint consultative committees are intended to constitute forums for dialogue and co-operation between the social partners and other civil society organisations and the local and regional authorities in the European Union and Montenegro, which can make a major contribution to the development of their relations and to the integration of Europe. This dialogue and co-operation will prepare for future work with the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of the European Union and for Montenegrin membership of the European Union; facilitate exchanging information on current issues of mutual interest, in particular up-to-date state of play concerning EU economic, social and regional policy and the accession process; encourage information exchange in practical implementation of the principle of subsidiary in all aspects of life on regional and local level; discussing any other relevant matters proposed by any side, as they can arise in the context of implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and in the framework of the Pre-accession Strategy. The Stabilisation and Association Council may also consult the proposed Joint consultative committees before taking decisions in relevant areas. Consultation of the committees remains, however, at the discretion of the Stabilisation and Association Council.
7. The establishment of the proposed Joint consultative committees does not have any financial impact on the EU budget, the Montenegrin participants being responsible for their own expenses and the expenses on the European Union side being covered by the budget of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of the European Union.
8. The text of the proposal for a Council and Commission decision on the position to be taken by the European Union in the Stabilisation and Association Council, as provided for by Article 3 (1) of the Council and Commission decision of 29 March 2010 on the conclusion of the aforementioned Stabilisation and Association Agreement, is attached hereto.