1.Member States may continue to apply bilateral or multilateral agreements or arrangements which are in force upon the entry into force of this Directive, in so far as they allow the objectives of this Directive to be extended or enlarged and help to simplify or facilitate further the procedures for taking protection measures.
2.Member States may conclude bilateral or multilateral agreements or arrangements after the entry into force of this Directive, in so far as they allow the objectives of this Directive to be extended or enlarged and help to simplify or facilitate the procedures for taking protection measures.
3.By 11 April 2012, Member States shall notify the Commission of the existing agreements and arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 which they wish to continue applying. Member States shall also notify the Commission of any new agreements or arrangements referred to in paragraph 2 within three months of the signing thereof.