Conclusion of the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) by the EU

PURPOSE: to conclude, by the European Union, the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

CONTENT: the creation of an "International Renewable Energy Agency" (IRENA), with the objective of becoming a centre of excellence for renewable energy, advising governments on drawing up national programmes for the introduction of renewable energy, dissemination of information about renewables and offering training activities and advice on best practice and financing options, has been under discussion for some time. The Statute of IRENA was signed by 75 States, among which 20 Member States, in Bonn on 26 January 2009.

Article VI of the Statute provides for the possibility for regional inter-governmental economic integration organisations to become members. Twenty Member States have already signed the statue, and there is a clear need for the Community to be represented in an Agency where some obligations provided for by the Statute affect or are likely to affect the arrangements laid down by Community acts adopted in the areas of environment and energy, and thus to affect Community competences. The process of joining does not entail any negotiations as the Statute was agreed already by 75 States. Therefore joining IRENA can accordingly be made on the basis of a Council decision designating the person empowered to sign the Statute on behalf of the European Community and providing for its provisional application.

In accordance with Article VI.C of the Statute, it is necessary at the conclusion stage to declare the respective competences and responsibilities of the Community and its Member States in the performance of their obligations under the Statute.

Following signature of the Statute, this proposal provides for conclusion of the Statute by the European Community as well as for the adoption of a declaration of competences.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: not applicable.

BUDGETARY IMPACT: the budget (Article XII of the Statute) of the Agency is to be financed by mandatory (and voluntary) contributions of its members. The mandatory contributions will be based on the scale of assessment of the United Nations, as to be determined by the IRENA Assembly. Contributions amounting to an order of U$25 million per year are expected to be needed for the day-to-day functioning of IRENA. On this basis, the Community's contributions are expected to be in the region of 2.5% of the total mandatory contributions, or EUR 480 000 per annum.