THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 30(1)(a) and (c) and Article 34(2)(c) thereof,
Having regard to the initiative of the Kingdom of Spain,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,
Whereas:
(1)
Apart from the Council Recommendation of 6 December 2001 setting a common scale for assessing threats to public figures visiting the European Union, no Union legislation, standards or manuals of a general nature exist to govern the protection of public figures, whether they be national public figures or those of Community or foreign origin.
(2)
The possibility of assaults and attacks to those figures cannot be excluded.
(3)
The protection of public figures is the responsibility of the host Member State. Protective measures of the host Member State are based solely on the legal provisions in force in that Member State and the relevant international agreements.
(4)
The increased travel by public figures within the Union requires a formal channel for communication and consultation between national Authorities,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: