THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 79(3), in conjunction with point (a) of Article 218(6) 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) 2019/2228, the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation (‘the Agreement’) was signed on 8 January 2020, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
(2)
In the Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration of 7 May 2009, the Union and the partner countries reaffirmed their political support towards full liberalisation of the visa regime in a secure environment, and towards promoting mobility by concluding visa facilitation and readmission agreements with Eastern Partnership countries.
(3)
The purpose of the Agreement is to establish rapid and effective procedures for the identification and safe and orderly return of persons who do not, or no longer, fulfil the conditions for entry to, presence in, or residence on the territory of Belarus or of a Member State of the Union, and to facilitate the transit of such persons in a spirit of cooperation.
(4)
The Commission should represent the Union in the Joint Readmission Committee set up by Article 19 of the Agreement.
(5)
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, Ireland is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.
(6)
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.
(7)
The Agreement should be approved,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: