Arrangement with Liechtenstein on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office

PURPOSE: to conclude the Arrangement with Liechtenstein on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/344/EU on the conclusion of the Arrangement between the European Union and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office

BACKGROUND: in accordance with Council Decision 2014/186/EU, the Arrangement between the European Union and Liechtenstein on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office was signed on 3 March 2014, subject to its conclusion.

The Arrangement should be approved.

CONTENT: this Decision provides that the Council, after obtaining the approval of the European Parliament, approves, on behalf of the Union, the Arrangement with Liechtenstein on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office.

Main provisions of the Arrangement: the Arrangement provides:

·        the full participation of Liechtenstein in the activities of the Support Office,

·        representation in the Support Office's Management Board as an observer and without voting rights,

·        annual financial contributions of Liechtenstein, to the budget of the Support Office by an annual sum calculated in accordance with its GDP as a percentage of GDP of all States participating in the Support Office's work. Liechtenstein accepted provisions concerning a possible increased contribution if the Union contribution is increased.

Institutional provisions: the Arrangement also provides the establishment of a committee composed of representatives of the Commission and of the associate countries. For reasons of efficiency, this committee shall meet jointly with the corresponding Committees set up with other associated countries participating on the basis of Article 49 (1) of the Regulation. The committee will allow for an exchange of information and monitor the proper implementation of the Arrangement.

Financial contribution: Liechtenstein shall contribute to the revenue of the Support Office an annual sum calculated in accordance with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a percentage of the GDP of all participating States in accordance with the formula described in Annex I of the draft Arrangement.

Application of Staff Regulations to the Staff of the Support Office: the Staff Regulations of the European Union should apply to nationals of Liechtenstein recruited as staff members by the Support Office. Liechtenstein shall apply to the Support Office and to its staff the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union in accordance with Annex II.

Territorial provisions: Denmark is not taking part in the Arrangement.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 19.05.2014. 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.