‘European Union classified information’ (EUCI) means any information or material designated by an EU security classification, the unauthorised disclosure of which could cause varying degrees of prejudice to the interests of the European Union or of one or more of the Member States.

EUCI shall be classified at one of the following levels:

• (a) TRES SECRET UE/EU TOP SECRET

  information and material the unauthorised disclosure of which could cause exceptionally grave prejudice to the essential interests of the European Union or of one or more of the Member States;

• (b) SECRET UE/EU SECRET

  information and material the unauthorised disclosure of which could seriously harm the essential interests of the European Union or of one or more of the Member States;

• (c) CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL

  information and material the unauthorised disclosure of which could harm the essential interests of the European Union or of one or more of the Member States;

• (d) RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED

  information and material the unauthorised disclosure of which could be disadvantageous to the interests of the European Union or of one or more of the Member States.

EUCI shall bear a security classification marking in accordance with paragraph 2. It may bear additional markings, which are not classification markings, but are intended to designate the field of activity to which it relates, identify the originator, limit distribution, restrict use or indicate releasability.