Date: 31-May-2024Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: Europe
Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1542 of 4 March 2024 on the signing and conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the European Space Agency on the security and exchange of classified information
Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1542 approves the Agreement between the European Union and the European Space Agency (ESA) on the security and exchange of classified information, along with its annexed joint declaration, on behalf of the Union.
The decision authorizes the President of the Council to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement to bind the Union.
The President of the Council is responsible for providing notification as required by Article 17(1) of the Agreement.
Key Changes
The Council authorized the High Representative to negotiate an amendment to the original agreement signed on 18 July 2008.
This decision formally approves the negotiated agreement and its joint declaration.
The agreement text is published in OJ L, 2024/1543, 31.5.2024.
Impact Analysis
Stakeholders: European Union
Action Items: The President of the Council needs to designate the signatory for the agreement. The President of the Council must provide notification as per Article 17(1) of the Agreement. Ensure internal procedures align with the new agreement for handling classified information.
Stakeholders: European Space Agency
Action Items: Update internal procedures to comply with the terms of the new agreement. Ensure personnel are aware of the updated security protocols for handling EU classified information.
Stakeholders: Member States
Action Items: Review national procedures for handling EU classified information to ensure consistency with the agreement. Support the implementation of the agreement at the EU level.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union: One of the parties in the agreement, represented by the Council of the European Union.
European Space Agency (ESA): The other party in the agreement, responsible for space-related activities.
Council of the European Union: The EU institution adopting the decision and authorizing the signing of the agreement.
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: The individual who negotiated the agreement on behalf of the Union.
Agreement between the European Union and the European Space Agency on the security and exchange of classified information: The core subject of the decision, governing the secure exchange of classified information between the EU and ESA.
Treaty on European Union: The treaty upon which the Council's decision is based, specifically Article 37.
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union: The treaty upon which the Council's decision is based, specifically Article 218(5) and 218(6).
OJ L 219, 14.8.2008, p. 59: References the original agreement between the EU and ESA signed in 2008.
OJ L, 2024/1543, 31.5.2024: References where the text of the Agreement is published.
Official Journal EN
of the European Union L series
2024/1542 31.5.2024
COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2024/1542
of 4 March 2024
on the signing and conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the European
Space Agency on the security and exchange of classified information
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 37 thereof, in conjunction with Article 218(5) and
the first subparagraph of Article 218(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1) At its meeting on 24 October 2022, the Council decided to authorise the High Representative of the Union for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’) to open negotiations for the amendment of the
Agreement between the European Space Agency and the European Union on the security and exchange of classified
information (1), signed at Brussels on 18 July 2008.
(2) The High Representative, on behalf of the Union, has negotiated an Agreement with the European Space Agency on
the security and exchange of classified information.
(3) The Agreement with the European Space Agency on the security and exchange of classified information together
with the joint declaration annexed to it should be approved on behalf of the Union,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The Agreement between the European Union and the European Space Agency on the security and exchange of classified
information (the ‘Agreement’) and the joint declaration annexed thereto are hereby approved on behalf of the Union (2).
Article 2
The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement in order to
bind the Union.
Article 3
The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the Union, give the notification provided for in Article 17(1) of the
Agreement (3).
Article 4
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
Done at Brussels, 4 March 2024.
For the Council
The President
A. VERLINDEN
(1) OJ L 219, 14.8.2008, p. 59.
(2) The text of the Agreement is published in OJ L, 2024/1543, 31.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree/2024/1543/oj.
(3) The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat
of the Council.
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/1542/oj 1/1