THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 83(1), in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament,
Whereas:
(1)
In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2015/1913, the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (‘the Convention’) was signed on 22 October 2015, subject to its conclusion.
(2)
Article 23 of the Convention provides that the Convention is open for approval by the Union.
(3)
Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council established common Union rules on combatting terrorism. Consequently, the Union has already adopted measures in different areas covered by the Convention.
(4)
The Convention should therefore be approved on behalf of the Union as regards matters falling within the competence of the Union in so far as the Convention may affect those common rules or alter their scope. The Member States retain their competence in so far as the Convention does not affect common rules or alter the scope thereof.
(5)
Ireland is bound by Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA and is therefore taking part in the adoption of this Decision.
(6)
In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, the United Kingdom is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.
(7)
In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: