PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol between the EU and Andorra extending to customs security measures the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Economic Community and Andorra.
PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.
BACKGROUND: on 16 February 2009, the Council authorised the European Commission to start negotiations with the Principality of Andorra with a view to negotiating an agreement extending to customs security measures the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Economic Community and the Principality of Andorra concluded on 28 June 1990.
The European Commission and Andorra have completed the abovementioned negotiations. The Protocol was signed on behalf of the EU, subject to its subsequent approval.
It is now necessary to approve the negotiated Protocol on behalf of the EU.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was carried out.
LEGAL BASIS: Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
CONTENT: with this proposal, the Protocol extending to customs security measures the scope of the Agreement between the European Economic Community and Andorra is hereby approved.
Provisions are laid down as regards comitology to define the European Union’s position. It is also provided that the Commission be authorised to take the necessary measures provided for in Agreement in order to ensure the equivalence of the Contracting Parties' customs security measures.
For further details on the main elements of the Protocol, please refer to the summary of the previous initial legislative document dated 10/11/2010.