COM(2004)391 - Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders

official title

 

Legal instrument	Regulation
Decision making procedure	ordinary legislative procedure (COD)
reference by COM-number219	COM(2004)391
Additional COM-numbers	COM(2004)391
procedure number221	2004/0127(COD)
CELEX number222	52004PC0391

This page is also available in a full version containing the latest state of affairs, the summary of the European Parliament Legislative Observatory, the legal basis, the legal context, other dossiers related to the dossier at hand, the stakeholders involved (e.g. European Commission directorates-general, European Parliament committees, Council configurations and even individual EU Commissioners and Members of the European Parliament) and finally documents of the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and the European Commission.

• 1. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 2. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 3. 

  Other measures proposed in the short term included the production of a practical handbook for use by border guards and also available in electronic form, and the adoption of common measures on local border traffic (see the two proposals for regulations presented by the Commission on 14.8.2003: COM(2003) 502final - 2003/0193 (CNS) and 2003/0194 (CNS)). The long-term measures included a formalised process of exchanging and processing data and information between authorities operating at the external borders and those operating within the common area of freedom of movement, and the definition of an institutional and legal framework (powers, areas of action, etc.) for a future European Corps of Border Guards.
  
   
• 4. 

  EU Schengen Catalogue, External border controls, removal and readmission: Recommendations and best practice, Council of the European Union, SG - DG H, 28.2.2002.
  
   
• 5. 

  On this final point see the proposal for a Regulation presented by the Commission on 6.11.2003: COM(2003) 664 final.
  
   
• 6. 

  See the proposal for a Council Regulation (currently being adopted) COM(2003) 687 final, 11.11.2003.
  
   
• 7. 

  See the Protocol integrating the Schengen acquis into the framework of the European Union, annexed to the EC and EU Treaties by the Treaty of Amsterdam.
  
   
• 8. 

  Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 19).
  
   
• 9. 

  See, for example, the Decision of the Executive Committee of 22 December 1994 introducing and applying the Schengen arrangements in airports and aerodromes (SCH/Com-ex (94) 17, rev. 4) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 168).
  
   
• 10. 

  For a definition of the Schengen acquis see Council Decision 1999/435/EC of 20 May 1999 concerning the definition of the Schengen acquis for the purpose of determining, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty on European Union, the legal basis for each of the provisions or decisions which constitute the acquis (OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 1).
  
   
• 11. 

  See Council Decision 1999/436/EC of 20 May 1999 determining, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty on European Union, the legal basis for each of the provisions or decisions which constitute the Schengen acquis (OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 17).
  
   
• 12. 

  Provisions with a legal base in the EU Treaty are part of the acquis of the Union.
  
   
• 13. 

  At the moment with the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland: see the comments in section 5 below on their particular situation with regard to the Schengen acquis and the position of Denmark and two other non-Member States (Norway and Iceland).
  
   
• 14. 

  The Commission did, however, have observer status in the Schengen bodies.
  
   
• 15. 

  COM(2000) 167 final. The idea of the Commission setting up a scoreboard that would be regularly updated had been raised by the Tampere European Council of 15 and 16 October 1999. Its purpose would be to 'keep under constant review progress made towards implementing the necessary measures and meeting the deadlines set by the Treaty of Amsterdam, the Vienna Action Plan and the conclusions of Tampere for the creation of an 'area of freedom, security and justice".
  
   
• 16. 

  Decision SCH/Com-ex(99)13, op. cit. An updated version was published in OJ C 310, 19.12.2003.
  
   
• 17. 

  See, in particular, the memorandum of the Swedish Presidency and the future Belgian Presidency on the revision of the Common Manual (Council doc. No. 9733/01 FRONT 44 COMIX 433, 18.6.2001), advocating a three-step approach: removal of superfluous provisions from the Manual, examination of provisions requiring clarification and new elements for inclusion, and finally devising a new structure to make it easier to use for the border authorities of the Member States.
  
   
• 18. 

  See the replies of the Member States to the questionnaire sent out by the Swedish Presidency in June 2001 on the nature/structure of the Manual (Council doc. 12290/01 FRONT 55 COMIX 654, 2.10.2001).
  
   
• 19. 

  COM(2003)502 and COM(2003)664 respectively.
  
   
• 20. 

  By means of Regulation (EC) No 790/2001, the Council reserved to itself, 'during the transitional period of five years referred to in Article 67(1) of the Treaty establishing the European Community,' implementing powers with regard to certain detailed provisions and practical procedures for carrying out border checks and surveillance, 'pending a review by the Council of the conditions under which such implementing powers would be conferred on the Commission after the end of this transitional period' (Recital 5). Similarly, Regulation (EC) No 789/2001 reserved to the Council implementing powers with regard to certain detailed provisions and practical procedures for examining visa applications. This reservation of powers concerning the implementation of border checks covers a large proportion of the current provisions of the Common Manual and its annexes. The Commission takes the view that these two regulations violate Article 202 of the Treaty and Article 1 of Decision 1999/468 and on 3 July 2001 brought an action against the Council before the Court of Justice, seeking annulment of the two regulations (OJ C 245, 1.9.2001, p. 12 - Case C-257/01).
  
   
• 21. 

  Articles 20 and 21 of the Schengen Convention, for which the legal base in the EC Treaty is Article 62(3) (see Decision 1999/436/EC of 20 May 1999, op. cit.).
  
   
• 22. 

  The developments that have been suggested and incorporated in the proposed regulation are based on the current text of the various proposals. Their content will obviously be adapted in line with progress in the negotiations on these proposals.
  
   
• 23. 

  See in particular the document presented by the Belgian Presidency 'Proposal for the introduction of a practical guide for border guards' (doc. 12876/01 FRONT 56 COMIX 679, 17.10.2001).
  
   
• 24. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 25. 

  See Decision 1999/436/EC, op. cit. In the case of the legal base for the decision relating to the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instruction (SCH/Com-ex(99)13) there is, however, a discrepancy between the different language versions: the English and French versions in OJ L 176 cite Article 62 and Article 63 of the EC Treaty as the legal basis for the Manual and the Common Consular Instruction, whereas all the other language versions give only Article 62 of the EC Treaty.
  
   
• 26. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 27. 

  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 36.
  
   
• 28. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 29. 

  OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 33.
  
   
• 30. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 31. 

  With the exception of Article 5(1)(d), related to the consultation of the Schengen Information System.
  
   
• 32. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 33. 

  Without prejudice to the ongoing negotiations with the Swiss Confederation with a view to its association with the application of the Schengen acquis.
  
   
• 34. 

  Directive 2002/6/EC of 18 February 2002 on reporting formalities for ships arriving in and/or departing from ports of the Member States of the Community (OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 31) and Council Directive 98/41/EC of 18 June 1998 on the registration of persons sailing on board passenger ships operating to or from ports of the Member States of the Community (OJ L 188, 2.7.1998, p. 135).
  
   
• 35. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 36. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 37. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 38. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 39. 

  OJ L 157, 15.6.2002, p. 1.
  
   
• 40. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 41. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 42. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 43. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 207 and p. 298.
  
   
• 44. 

  Other measures proposed in the short term included the production of a practical handbook for use by border guards and also available in electronic form, and the adoption of common measures on local border traffic (see the two proposals for regulations presented by the Commission on 14.8.2003: COM(2003) 502final - 2003/0193 (CNS) and 2003/0194 (CNS)). The long-term measures included a formalised process of exchanging and processing data and information between authorities operating at the external borders and those operating within the common area of freedom of movement, and the definition of an institutional and legal framework (powers, areas of action, etc.) for a future European Corps of Border Guards.
  
   
• 45. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 46. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 47. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 168.
  
   
• 48. 

  Council document 16184/03 FRONT 186 COMIX 769.
  
   
• 49. 

  Council document 8498/03.
  
   
• 50. 

  Other measures proposed in the short term included the production of a practical handbook for use by border guards and also available in electronic form, and the adoption of common measures on local border traffic (see the two proposals for regulations presented by the Commission on 14.8.2003: COM(2003) 502final - 2003/0193 (CNS) and 2003/0194 (CNS)). The long-term measures included a formalised process of exchanging and processing data and information between authorities operating at the external borders and those operating within the common area of freedom of movement, and the definition of an institutional and legal framework (powers, areas of action, etc.) for a future European Corps of Border Guards.
  
   
• 51. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 52. 

  EU Schengen Catalogue, External border controls, removal and readmission: Recommendations and best practice, Council of the European Union, SG - DG H, 28.2.2002.
  
   
• 53. 

  On this final point see the proposal for a Regulation presented by the Commission on 6.11.2003: COM(2003) 664 final.
  
   
• 54. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 55. 

  Council document 15013/03 FRONT 164 COMIX 704, 19.11.2003.
  
   
• 56. 

  Council document 8782/1/03 REV 1.
  
   
• 57. 

  Council document 15445/03 FRONT 172 COMIX 731.
  
   
• 58. 

  EU Schengen Catalogue, External border controls, removal and readmission: Recommendations and best practice, Council of the European Union, SG - DG H, 28.2.2002.
  
   
• 59. 

  See the Table of travel documents entitling the holder to cross the external borders and to which a visa may be affixed (Decisions of the Executive Committee SCH/Com-ex (98)56 and SCH/Com-ex (99)14 of 28 April 1999, ibid.).
  
   
• 60. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 61. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 62. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 63. 

  Other measures proposed in the short term included the production of a practical handbook for use by border guards and also available in electronic form, and the adoption of common measures on local border traffic (see the two proposals for regulations presented by the Commission on 14.8.2003: COM(2003) 502final - 2003/0193 (CNS) and 2003/0194 (CNS)). The long-term measures included a formalised process of exchanging and processing data and information between authorities operating at the external borders and those operating within the common area of freedom of movement, and the definition of an institutional and legal framework (powers, areas of action, etc.) for a future European Corps of Border Guards.
  
   
• 64. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 65. 

  Council Decision 1999/436/CE, supra.
  
   
• 66. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 67. 

  See the proposal for a Council Regulation (currently being adopted) COM(2003) 687 final, 11.11.2003.
  
   
• 68. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 69. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 70. 

  OJ C
   
• 71. 

  OJ C
   
• 72. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 73. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 74. 

  OJ L 230, 22.09.2000, p. 19.
  
   
• 75. 

  OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 76. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 77. 

  OJ L
   
• 78. 

  OJ L 374, 31.12.1991, p. 4. Regulation as amended by Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).
  
   
• 79. 

  OJ L 184, 17.9.1999, p. 23.
  
   
• 80. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 168.
  
   
• 81. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 133.
  
   
• 82. 

  OJ L 116, 26.4.2001, p. 5.
  
   
• 83. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 69.
  
   
• 84. 

  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 36.
  
   
• 85. 

  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 31.
  
   
• 86. 

  OJ L 131, 1.6.2000, p. 43.
  
   
• 87. 

  OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 20.
  
   
• 88. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 89. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 90. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 91. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 92. 

  OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 77.
  
   
• 93. 

  OJ L
   
• 94. 

  OJ L 16, 23.1.2004, p. 44.
  
   
• 95. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 96. 

  OJ L 157, 15.6.2002, p. 1.
  
   
• 97. 

  OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 1; OJ C 310, 19.12.2003, p. 1.
  
   
• 98. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 99. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 100. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 101. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 102. 

  OJ L 64, 7.3.2003, p. 1.
  
   
• 103. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 104. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 105. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 106. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 107. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 108. 

  See the proposal for a Council Regulation (currently being adopted) COM(2003) 687 final, 11.11.2003.
  
   
• 109. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 73.
  
   
• 110. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 111. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 112. 

  Other measures proposed in the short term included the production of a practical handbook for use by border guards and also available in electronic form, and the adoption of common measures on local border traffic (see the two proposals for regulations presented by the Commission on 14.8.2003: COM(2003) 502final - 2003/0193 (CNS) and 2003/0194 (CNS)). The long-term measures included a formalised process of exchanging and processing data and information between authorities operating at the external borders and those operating within the common area of freedom of movement, and the definition of an institutional and legal framework (powers, areas of action, etc.) for a future European Corps of Border Guards.
  
   
• 113. 

  EU Schengen Catalogue, External border controls, removal and readmission: Recommendations and best practice, Council of the European Union, SG - DG H, 28.2.2002.
  
   
• 114. 

  On this final point see the proposal for a Regulation presented by the Commission on 6.11.2003: COM(2003) 664 final.
  
   
• 115. 

  See the proposal for a Council Regulation (currently being adopted) COM(2003) 687 final, 11.11.2003.
  
   
• 116. 

  See the Protocol integrating the Schengen acquis into the framework of the European Union, annexed to the EC and EU Treaties by the Treaty of Amsterdam.
  
   
• 117. 

  Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 19).
  
   
• 118. 

  See, for example, the Decision of the Executive Committee of 22 December 1994 introducing and applying the Schengen arrangements in airports and aerodromes (SCH/Com-ex (94) 17, rev.
  
  4) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 168).
  
   
• 119. 

  For a definition of the Schengen acquis see Council Decision 1999/435/EC of 20 May 1999 concerning the definition of the Schengen acquis for the purpose of determining, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty on European Union, the legal basis for each of the provisions or decisions which constitute the acquis (OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p.
  
  1).
  
   
• 120. 

  See Council Decision 1999/436/EC of 20 May 1999 determining, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty on European Union, the legal basis for each of the provisions or decisions which constitute the Schengen acquis (OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 17).
  
   
• 121. 

  Provisions with a legal base in the EU Treaty are part of the acquis of the Union.
  
   
• 122. 

  At the moment with the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland: see the comments in section 5 below on their particular situation with regard to the Schengen acquis and the position of Denmark and two other non-Member States (Norway and Iceland).
  
   
• 123. 

  The Commission did, however, have observer status in the Schengen bodies.
  
   
• 124. 

  COM(2000) 167 final. The idea of the Commission setting up a scoreboard that would be regularly updated had been raised by the Tampere European Council of 15 and 16 October 1999. Its purpose would be to 'keep under constant review progress made towards implementing the necessary measures and meeting the deadlines set by the Treaty of Amsterdam, the Vienna Action Plan and the conclusions of Tampere for the creation of an 'area of freedom, security and justice".
  
   
• 125. 

  Decision SCH/Com-ex(99)13, op. cit. An updated version was published in OJ C 310, 19.12.2003.
  
   
• 126. 

  See, in particular, the memorandum of the Swedish Presidency and the future Belgian Presidency on the revision of the Common Manual (Council doc. No. 9733/01 FRONT 44 COMIX 433, 18.6.2001), advocating a three-step approach: removal of superfluous provisions from the Manual, examination of provisions requiring clarification and new elements for inclusion, and finally devising a new structure to make it easier to use for the border authorities of the Member States.
  
   
• 127. 

  See the replies of the Member States to the questionnaire sent out by the Swedish Presidency in June 2001 on the nature/structure of the Manual (Council doc. 12290/01 FRONT 55 COMIX 654, 2.10.2001).
  
   
• 128. 

  COM(2003)502 and COM(2003)664 respectively.
  
   
• 129. 

  By means of Regulation (EC) No 790/2001, the Council reserved to itself, 'during the transitional period of five years referred to in Article 67(1) of the Treaty establishing the European Community,' implementing powers with regard to certain detailed provisions and practical procedures for carrying out border checks and surveillance, 'pending a review by the Council of the conditions under which such implementing powers would be conferred on the Commission after the end of this transitional period' (Recital 5). Similarly, Regulation (EC) No 789/2001 reserved to the Council implementing powers with regard to certain detailed provisions and practical procedures for examining visa applications. This reservation of powers concerning the implementation of border checks covers a large proportion of the current provisions of the Common Manual and its annexes. The Commission takes the view that these two regulations violate Article 202 of the Treaty and Article 1 of Decision 1999/468 and on 3 July 2001 brought an action against the Council before the Court of Justice, seeking annulment of the two regulations (OJ C 245, 1.9.2001, p. 12 - Case C-257/01).
  
   
• 130. 

  Articles 20 and 21 of the Schengen Convention, for which the legal base in the EC Treaty is Article 62(3) (see Decision 1999/436/EC of 20 May 1999, op. cit.).
  
   
• 131. 

  The developments that have been suggested and incorporated in the proposed regulation are based on the current text of the various proposals. Their content will obviously be adapted in line with progress in the negotiations on these proposals.
  
   
• 132. 

  See in particular the document presented by the Belgian Presidency 'Proposal for the introduction of a practical guide for border guards' (doc. 12876/01 FRONT 56 COMIX 679, 17.10.2001).
  
   
• 133. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 134. 

  See Decision 1999/436/EC, op. cit. In the case of the legal base for the decision relating to the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instruction (SCH/Com-ex(99)13) there is, however, a discrepancy between the different language versions: the English and French versions in OJ L 176 cite Article 62 and Article 63 of the EC Treaty as the legal basis for the Manual and the Common Consular Instruction, whereas all the other language versions give only Article 62 of the EC Treaty.
  
   
• 135. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 136. 

  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 36.
  
   
• 137. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 138. 

  OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 33.
  
   
• 139. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 140. 

  With the exception of Article 5(1)(d), related to the consultation of the Schengen Information System.
  
   
• 141. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 142. 

  Without prejudice to the ongoing negotiations with the Swiss Confederation with a view to its association with the application of the Schengen acquis.
  
   
• 143. 

  Directive 2002/6/EC of 18 February 2002 on reporting formalities for ships arriving in and/or departing from ports of the Member States of the Community (OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 31) and Council Directive 98/41/EC of 18 June 1998 on the registration of persons sailing on board passenger ships operating to or from ports of the Member States of the Community (OJ L 188, 2.7.1998, p. 135).
  
   
• 144. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 145. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 146. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 147. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 148. 

  OJ L 157, 15.6.2002, p. 1.
  
   
• 149. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 150. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 151. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 152. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 207 and p. 298.
  
   
• 153. 

  Other measures proposed in the short term included the production of a practical handbook for use by border guards and also available in electronic form, and the adoption of common measures on local border traffic (see the two proposals for regulations presented by the Commission on 14.8.2003: COM(2003) 502final - 2003/0193 (CNS) and 2003/0194 (CNS)). The long-term measures included a formalised process of exchanging and processing data and information between authorities operating at the external borders and those operating within the common area of freedom of movement, and the definition of an institutional and legal framework (powers, areas of action, etc.) for a future European Corps of Border Guards.
  
   
• 154. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 155. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 156. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 168.
  
   
• 157. 

  Council document 16184/03 FRONT 186 COMIX 769.
  
   
• 158. 

  Council document 8498/03.
  
   
• 159. 

  Other measures proposed in the short term included the production of a practical handbook for use by border guards and also available in electronic form, and the adoption of common measures on local border traffic (see the two proposals for regulations presented by the Commission on 14.8.2003: COM(2003) 502final - 2003/0193 (CNS) and 2003/0194 (CNS)). The long-term measures included a formalised process of exchanging and processing data and information between authorities operating at the external borders and those operating within the common area of freedom of movement, and the definition of an institutional and legal framework (powers, areas of action, etc.) for a future European Corps of Border Guards.
  
   
• 160. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 161. 

  EU Schengen Catalogue, External border controls, removal and readmission: Recommendations and best practice, Council of the European Union, SG - DG H, 28.2.2002.
  
   
• 162. 

  On this final point see the proposal for a Regulation presented by the Commission on 6.11.2003: COM(2003) 664 final.
  
   
• 163. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 164. 

  Council document 15013/03 FRONT 164 COMIX 704, 19.11.2003.
  
   
• 165. 

  Council document 8782/1/03 REV 1.
  
   
• 166. 

  Council document 15445/03 FRONT 172 COMIX 731.
  
   
• 167. 

  EU Schengen Catalogue, External border controls, removal and readmission: Recommendations and best practice, Council of the European Union, SG - DG H, 28.2.2002.
  
   
• 168. 

  See the Table of travel documents entitling the holder to cross the external borders and to which a visa may be affixed (Decisions of the Executive Committee SCH/Com-ex (98)56 and SCH/Com-ex (99)14 of 28 April 1999, ibid.).
  
   
• 169. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 170. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 171. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 172. 

  Other measures proposed in the short term included the production of a practical handbook for use by border guards and also available in electronic form, and the adoption of common measures on local border traffic (see the two proposals for regulations presented by the Commission on 14.8.2003: COM(2003) 502final - 2003/0193 (CNS) and 2003/0194 (CNS)). The long-term measures included a formalised process of exchanging and processing data and information between authorities operating at the external borders and those operating within the common area of freedom of movement, and the definition of an institutional and legal framework (powers, areas of action, etc.) for a future European Corps of Border Guards.
  
   
• 173. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 174. 

  Council Decision 1999/436/CE, supra.
  
   
• 175. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 176. 

  See the proposal for a Council Regulation (currently being adopted) COM(2003) 687 final, 11.11.2003.
  
   
• 177. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 178. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 179. 

  OJ C
   
• 180. 

  OJ C
   
• 181. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 182. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 183. 

  OJ L 230, 22.09.2000, p. 19.
  
   
• 184. 

  OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 185. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 186. 

  OJ L
   
• 187. 

  OJ L 374, 31.12.1991, p. 4. Regulation as amended by Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p.
  
  1).
  
   
• 188. 

  OJ L 184, 17.9.1999, p. 23.
  
   
• 189. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 168.
  
   
• 190. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 133.
  
   
• 191. 

  OJ L 116, 26.4.2001, p. 5.
  
   
• 192. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 69.
  
   
• 193. 

  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 36.
  
   
• 194. 

  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 31.
  
   
• 195. 

  OJ L 131, 1.6.2000, p. 43.
  
   
• 196. 

  OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 20.
  
   
• 197. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 198. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 199. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 200. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 201. 

  OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 77.
  
   
• 202. 

  OJ L
   
• 203. 

  OJ L 16, 23.1.2004, p. 44.
  
   
• 204. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 205. 

  OJ L 157, 15.6.2002, p. 1.
  
   
• 206. 

  OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 1; OJ C 310, 19.12.2003, p. 1.
  
   
• 207. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 208. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 209. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 210. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 211. 

  OJ L 64, 7.3.2003, p. 1.
  
   
• 212. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 213. 

  COM(2002) 233 final.
  
   
• 214. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 215. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 216. 

  Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13) (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 317). An updated version of the Common Manual, without certain confidential annexes, was published in OJ C 313, 16.12.2002, p. 97.
  
   
• 217. 

  See the proposal for a Council Regulation (currently being adopted) COM(2003) 687 final, 11.11.2003.
  
   
• 218. 

  OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 73.
  
   
• 219. 

  De Europese Commissie kent nummers toe aan officiële documenten van de Europese Unie. De Commissie maakt onderscheid in een aantal typen documenten door middel van het toekennen van verschillende nummerseries. Het onderscheid is gebaseerd op het soort document en/of de instelling van de Unie van wie het document afkomstig is.
   
• 220. 

  De Raad van de Europese Unie kent aan wetgevingsdossiers een uniek toe. Dit nummer bestaat uit een vijfcijferig volgnummer gevolgd door een schuine streep met de laatste twee cijfers van het jaartal, bijvoorbeeld 12345/00 - een document met nummer 12345 uit het jaar 2000.
   
• 221. 

  Het interinstitutionele nummer is een nummerreeks die binnen de Europese Unie toegekend wordt aan voorstellen voor regelgeving van de Europese Commissie.
  Binnen de Europese Unie worden nog een aantal andere nummerseries gebruikt. Iedere instelling heeft één of meerdere sets documenten met ieder een eigen nummering. Die reeksen komen niet overeen met elkaar of het interinstitutioneel nummer.
   
• 222. 

  Deze databank van de Europese Unie biedt de mogelijkheid de actuele werkzaamheden (workflow) van de Europese instellingen (Europees Parlement, Raad, ESC, Comité van de Regio's, Europese Centrale Bank, Hof van Justitie enz.) te volgen. EURlex volgt alle voorstellen (zoals wetgevende en begrotingsdossiers) en mededelingen van de Commissie, vanaf het moment dat ze aan de Raad of het Europees Parlement worden voorgelegd.
   
• 223. 

  Als dag van bekendmaking van een Europees besluit geldt de dag waarop het besluit in het Publicatieblad wordt bekendgemaakt, en daardoor in alle officiële talen van de Europese Unie bij het Publicatiebureau beschikbaar is.
   
• 224. 

  This legally binding act of the European Union is directly applicable in all member states of the European Union. The regulation is similar to national legislation in terms of the impact and direct effect it generates. As such the regulation is the most pervasive of all the legal instruments of the EU.