Council Decision

of 10 May 2005

on the conclusion of a Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Principality of Andorra

(2005/398/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 71, 137, 149, 150, 151, 152, 156, 159, 161 and 175 thereof, in conjunction with the second sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 300(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament [1],

Whereas:

(1) The Community is determined to strengthen existing relations with Andorra, which are at present governed by an Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 28 June 1990, establishing a customs union.

(2) Following the Council authorisation of 24 February 1997, the Commission has concluded negotiations with Andorra on an agreement which covers a wide range of sectors of cooperation.

(3) In accordance with a Council Decision of 25/ 26 October 2004, and subject to its conclusion at a later date, the Agreement was signed on behalf of the European Community on 15 November 2004.

(4) Certain tasks have been attributed to the Cooperation Committee established under the Agreement. The power to undertake these tasks on behalf of the Community should be delegated to the Commission.

(5) The Agreement should be approved,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Principality of Andorra is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.

The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.

Article 2

The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the Community, give the notification provided for in Article 14 of the Agreement [2].

Article 3

1. The Community shall be represented in the Cooperation Committee set up under Article 9 of the Agreement by the Commission, assisted by the representatives of the Member States.

2. The position of the Community with regard to decisions to be taken by the Cooperation Committee shall be determined by the Commission, following consultation of the representatives of Member States.

Done at Brussels, 10 May 2005.

For the Council

The President

J. Krecké

[1] Opinion of 22 February 2005 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

[2] The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.

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