Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2000)369 - Conclusion of an Agreement with Norway concerning the extension of the common communication network/common system interface within the framework of the Convention on a common transit procedure

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dossier COM(2000)369 - Conclusion of an Agreement with Norway concerning the extension of the common communication network/common system interface ...
source COM(2000)369 EN
date 16-06-2000
1. The implementation of the computerised transit system introduced by Decision n° 1/99  i of the Joint Committee on common transit requires the setting up of an international computer network to enable the exchange of information between the competent authorities of the Parties to the Convention of 20 May 1987 on a common transit procedure  i.

2. The European Community has already developed the Common Communications Network/Common System Interface (CCN/CSI) which fulfils the necessary requirements.

3. By Decision n° 2/99 of the Joint Committee the CCN/CSI is to be used by all Contracting Parties to the Convention of 20 May 1987 on a common transit procedure  i.

4. By the Decision n° 2/99 the financial participation of the EFTA countries and other related issues are to be agreed between the Community and each of the EFTA countries.

5. By Decision of 22.10.1999, the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate with each of the non EU partner countries to the Convention on a common transit procedure, in consultation with the special committee appointed by the Council to assist it, an agreement in the form of an exchange of letters on the extension of the CCN/CSI to them, in accordance with the directives annexed to that Decision.

6. The Commission has negotiated the extension of CCN/CSI to the Swiss Confederation and the Czech Republic.

7. By Decision 2000/305/EC  i of 30 March 2000, the Council has authorised the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and Switzerland concerning the extension of the common communication network/common system interface (CCN/CSI) within the framework of the Convention on a common transit procedure.

8. By Decision 2000/306/EC  i of 30 March 2000, the Council has authorised the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the Czech Republic concerning the extension of the common communication network/common system interface (CCN/CSI) within the framework of the Convention on a common transit procedure

9. The Commission has negotiated the extension of CCN/CSI to Norway.

10. The text lays down the financial and technical conditions for the extension of CCN/CSI to Norway. The agreement does not have long-lasting financial implications on the E.U. budget as it foresee a system of pre-financing from the partner country, which will have to advance, by 15 May every year, a flat-rate sum for the annual cost of the use of the network. Moreover Norway will have to constitute (year 2000) and replenish (from 2001 onwards) a reserve for contingencies and future development. The texts contain an obligation for all parties involved to respect the technical specifications relating to the project and the rules concerning the general security policy as established and agreed in the framework of the project.

11. The Commission invites the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Decision to approve the agreement with Norway on the basis of the results of the negotiations contained in Annexes I and II.