Legislative Observatory
European Parliament
Please fill in this field to find a procedure

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

2013/0427(NLE)

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

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/301/EU on the conclusion of the Arrangement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office.

BACKGROUND: in accordance with Council Decision 2014/204/EU, the Arrangement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office was signed on 19 March 2014, subject to its conclusion.

It is now necessary to approve the Arrangement on behalf of the European Union.

CONTENT: with this Decision, the Council, following the European Parliament’s consent, approves on behalf of the EU, the Arrangement with Norway on the modalities of its participation in the European Asylum Support Office.

Main provisions of the Arrangement: the Arrangement provides for:

  • the full participation of Norway 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 Norway, 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. Norway accepted provisions concerning a possible increased contribution if the Union contribution is increased.

Institutional provisions: the Arrangement foresees 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 was not mentioned in the negotiating directives and has been requested by the associate countries in order to allow for an exchange of information and monitor the proper implementation of the Arrangement.

Financial contribution: Norway 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 the Arrangement.

Support Office Staff Regulation: the Staff Regulations of the European Union should apply to nationals of Norway recruited as staff members by the Support Office. Norway shall apply to the Support Office and to its staff the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union as well as any rules adopted pursuant to this Protocol relating to staff matters of the Support Office. These are set out in Annex II of the Arrangement.

Territorial measures: Denmark shall not participate in this Decision.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 19.05.2014. The date of entry into force of the Arrangement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.