THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 207(3), first subparagraph, thereof,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 121(3) thereof,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 41(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1)
The European Council, meeting on 15 and 16 June 2006, underlined that with a view to increasing the confidence of citizens in the European Union, it is important to enable them to acquire first hand insight into its activities, notably through further increasing openness and transparency. Therefore, as agreed at the European Council, and fully respecting the need to ensure the effectiveness of the Council's work, the work of the Council should be further opened up, particularly when the Council deliberates on legislative acts under the codecision procedure. Measures should also be taken in order substantially to improve the technical means used to broadcast, in all official languages of the institutions of the European Union, Council public deliberations and debates, notably through the use of Internet.
In December 2006, the Council will review the implementation of the abovementioned opening-up measures with a view to assessing their impact on the effectiveness of the Council's work.
(2)
It is also appropriate to streamline the programming of the activities of the Council. Accordingly, a new system based on an 18-month programme to be submitted for endorsement to the Council by the three Presidencies due to hold office during that given period should be introduced and replace the previous system.
(3)
Finally, in an effort to improve the functioning of the written procedure and to accelerate the adoption by the Council of replies to questions from Members of the European Parliament, of decisions to appoint Members of the European Economic and Social Committee and Members of the Committee of the Regions and of decisions to consult other institutions and bodies, it is appropriate to amend and clarify the provisions on written procedure.
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: