The European Union Military Staff (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2009

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order confers immunity from suit and legal process upon persons who are military or civilian staff seconded to the European Union institutions in accordance with Article 1 of the Agreement between the Member States of the European Union concerning the status of military and civilian staff seconded to the institutions of the European Union, of the headquarters and forces which may be made available to the European Union in the context of the preparation and execution of the tasks referred to in Article 17(2) of the Treaty on European Union, including exercises, and of the military and civilian staff of the Member States put at the disposal of the European Union to act in this context (‘the Agreement’), and Article 1 of the Council Decision of 22 January 2001 on the establishment of the Military Staff of the European Union. This Order also confers inviolability on the official archives of the Organisation, where the official archives are kept in premises used by the EUMS or are in possession of a properly authorised member of the EUMS. These privileges and immunities are conferred in accordance with the Agreement. The Order will enable Her Majesty’s Government to give effect to Articles 8 and 15 of the Agreement and will come into force on the date on which the Agreement enters into force in respect of the United Kingdom.