title: Geänderter Vorschlag für einen Beschluß des Rates über die Annahme der Ergebnisse der Verhandlungen der Welthandelsorganisation über Finanzdienstleistungen im Namen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft hinsichtlich der unter ihre Zuständigkeit fallenden Bereiche

text: KOMMISSION DER EUROPÄISCHEN GEMEINSCHAFTEN Brüssel, den 17. 11. 1998 KOM( 1998) 659 endg. 98/0317 (ACC) Vorschlag für einen BESCHLUSS DES RATES über die Annahme der Ergebnisse der Verhandlungen der Welthandelsorganisation über Finanzdienstleistungen im Namen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft hinsichtlich der unter ihre Zuständigkeit fallenden Bereiche (von der Kommission vorgelegt) BEGRÜNDUNG Zum Abschluß der Ende Juli 1995 zu Ende gegangenen Verhandlungsrunde bestätigten 29 WTO-Mitglieder -die EG und ihre Mitgliedstaaten zählen hier zusammen als ein Mitglied -, daß sie ihre bis dahin besten Angebote aufrechterhalten, das Zweite Protokoll zum GATS unterzeichnen und diesem ihre neuen Verpflichtungslisten und Listen mit Ausnahmen von der Meistbegünstigung als Anlagen beifügen würden. Die Vereinigten Staaten bestätigten, daß sie das niedrigere Verpflichtungsniveau und die weite Ausnahme von der Meistbegünstigung anwenden würden, wie am 29. Juni 1995 angekündigt. Alle übrigen WTO-Mitglieder wollten ihre im April 1994 vorgelegten Listen weiter anwenden. Mit dem Beschluß über die Annahme des Zweiten und des Dritten Protokolls zum GATS einigten sich die WTO-Mitglieder, die bis zu dem vereinbarten Zeitpunkt (1. Juli 1996) das Zweite Protokoll angenommen hatten, am 30. Juli 1996 auf den 1. September 1996 als Zeitpunkt des Inkrafttretens des Zweiten Protokolls und auf die Verlängerung der Annahmefrist für die Mitglieder, die das Protokoll nicht rechtzeitig ratifiziert hatten, bis zum 30. November 1996. Für diese fanden die geänderten Verpflichtungs- und Ausnahmelisten, die dem Zweiten Protokoll als Anlagen beigefügt waren, ab 1. Dezember 1996 Anwendung. Alle Verpflichtungs- und Ausnahmelisten sollten am 30. Dezember 1997 außer Kraft treten. Mit Beschluß vom 25. Juni 1996 nahm der Rat die Ergebnisse der im Juli 1995 abge schlossenen Verhandlungen der Welthandelsorganisation über Finanzdienstleistungen (und den grenzüberschreitenden Verkehr natürlicher Personen), soweit sie unter die Zuständigkeit der Europäischen Gemeinschaft fielen, in deren Namen an. Mit seinem Beschluß über die Verhandlungen über Finanzdienstleistungen vom 29. Mai 1997 verkürzte der Rat für den Handel mit Dienstleistungen die in seinem Zweiten Beschluß über die Finanzdienstleistungen vom 21. Juli 1995 gesetzte Frist, so daß der am 1. November 1997 beginnende neue Zeitraum, in dem die WTO-Mitglieder alle oder einen Teil ihrer spezifischen Verpflichtungen ändern oder zurücknehmen konnten, bereits am 12. Dezember 1997 endete, und nicht erst am 30. Dezember 1997. Der Beschluß über die Annahme des Fünften Protokolls zum Allgemeinen Überein kommen über den Handel mit Dienstleistungen wurde am 14. November 1997 vom Rat für den Handel mit Dienstleistungen angenommen. Das Fünfte Protokoll zum GATS sieht vor, daß der Abschnitt "Finanzdienstleistungen" in den Listen spezifischer Verpflichtungen und in den Listen der Ausnahmen von der Meistbegünstigung der betroffenen Mitglieder durch die dem Protokoll als Anlagen beigefügten Listen ersetzt werden. Am 12. Dezember 1997 nahm der Ausschuß für den Handel mit Finanzdienstleistungen die Endergebnisse der erfolgreichen Verhandlungen über Finanzdienstleistungen an, in denen die WTO-Mitglieder übereingekommen waren, die Finanzdienstleistungen auf der Grundlage der Meistbegünstigung dauerhaft in das GATS einzubeziehen. Siebzig Länder1 - die Europäische Gemeinschaft und ihre Mitgliedstaaten zählen hier als Ägypten, Australien, Bahrain, Bolivien, Brasilien, Bulgarien, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominikanische Republik, Ecuador, El Salvador, Europäische Gemeinschaft und ihre 1 fünfzehn Mitglieder - legten sowohl hinsichtlich des Marktzugangs als auch hinsichtlich der Inländerbehandlung verbesserte Verpflichtungslisten vor. Am selben Tag nahm der Rat für den Handel mit Dienstleistungen den Beschluß vom Dezember 1997 über Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen an, der es den Mitgliedern ermöglicht, ihre Verpflichtungs- und Ausnahmelisten für Finanzdienstleistungen zu ändern oder zurückzunehmen, falls das Fünfte Protokoll nicht in Kraft treten sollte. Haben bis zum 30. Januar 1999 nicht alle betroffenen Mitglieder das Fünfte Protokoll angenommen, so können die Mitglieder, die es vor diesem Zeitpunkt angenommen haben, beschließen, es dennoch in Kraft treten zu lassen, die Annahmefrist zu verlängern oder es nicht in Kraft treten zu lassen. Im letzteren Fall müßten die Verhandlungen innerhalb einer am 1. März 1999 beginnenden Frist von sechzig Tagen wiederaufgenommen werden, um zu verhindern, daß die Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen verfallen und Ausnahmen von der Meistbegünstigung eingeführt werden. In seinen Schlußfolgerungen vom 12. Dezember 1997 genehmigte der Rat die endgültige Liste der Verpflichtungen der EG und ihrer Mitgliedstaaten und ermächtigte die Kommission, sie im Namen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft und ihrer Mitgliedstaaten der WTO vorzulegen. Ferner ermächtigte er die Kommission, im Namen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft und ihrer Mitgliedstaaten den Endergebnissen der Verhandlungen zuzustimmen, wie sie in den dem Fünften Protokoll zum GATS als Anlagen beigefügten Verpflichtungs- und Ausnahmelisten, im Beschluß über die Annahme dieses Protokolls und im Beschluß über die Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen enthalten sind. Nach einer technischen Überprüfung wurden die einzelnen Verpflichtungslisten, die dem Fünften Protokoll als Anlagen beigefügt werden sollten, am 26. Februar 1998 vom WTO- Rat für den Handel mit Dienstleistungen genehmigt. Das Fünfte Protokoll liegt für die betroffenen WTO-Mitglieder bis zum 29. Januar 1999 zur Annahme durch Unterzeichnung oder in sonstiger Weise auf. Es würde dann am 1. März 1999 in Kraft treten. Aufgrund der am 12. Dezember erzielten Einigung werden die Finanzdienstleistungen auf der Grundlage der Meistbegünstigung dauerhaft in das GATS einbezogen. Alle wichtigen Handelspartner, einschließlich der Vereinigten Staaten, sind an dieser Einigung beteiligt: Siebzig Länder - die Europäische Gemeinschaft und ihre Mitgliedstaaten zählen hier als fünfzehn Mitglieder - haben generell verbesserte Verpflichtungen hinsichtlich Marktzugang und Inländerbehandlung vorgelegt. Ferner haben zweiunddreißig Länder ihre geltenden Verpflichtungslisten, die entweder auf die Uruguay-Runde oder auf das Interimsübereinkommen von 1995 zurückgehen, ohne Änderung aufrechterhalten. Dies ist nicht nur in der Sache ein wichtiger Fortschritt, sondern auch hinsichtlich der Gesamtzahl der Länder, die Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen Mitgliedstaaten, Ghana, Honduras, Hongkong (China), Indien, Indonesien, Island, Israel, Jamaika, Japan, Kanada, Kenia, Kolumbien, Korea, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexiko, Neuseeland, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norwegen, Pakistan, Peru, Philippinen, Polen, Rumänien, Schweiz, Senegal, Singapur, Slowakische Republik, Slowenien, Sri Lanka, Südafrika, Thailand, Tschechische Republik, Tunesien, Türkei, Ungarn, Vereinigte Staaten, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zypern. 2 eingegangen sind (102 im Vergleich zu 95 im Rahmen des Interimsübereinkommens). Der Erfolg der Verhandlungen zeigt, daß eine überwältigende Mehrheit von Ländern dem Grundsatz zustimmt, daß die Liberalisierung der Finanzmärkte zur Entwicklung einer effizienten und gut funktionierenden Finanzwirtschaft und damit zur Stabilität der Wirtschaft insgesamt beiträgt. Die dauerhafte Einbeziehung der Finanzdienstleistungen in das WTO-Übereinkommen gewährleistet ein gutes Handelsklima. Konflikte werden nicht mehr durch einseitigen Druck gelöst, sondern mit Hilfe des unparteiischen Streitbeilegungsverfahrens der WTO. Den Finanzdienstleistungserbringern der EU wird die größere Rechtssicherheit zugute kommen, die die Einführung einer kalkulierbaren und transparenten multilateralen Regelung für international tätige Banken, Versicherungen, Wertpapierhändler und sonstige Finanzdienstleistungsunternehmen mit sich bringt. Der Umfang des ausgehandelten Pakets ist beträchtlich. Die neue Übereinkunft garantiert ausländischen Finanzinstituten im wesentlichen freien Marktzugang und Inländer behandlung im weitaus überwiegenden Teil des Welthandels mit Finanzdienstleistungen, nämlich in mehr als 95 % aller wichtigen Teilsektoren. Im Wertpapiersektor hatte der unter die Liberalisierungsverpflichtungen der WTO-Partner fallende Aktienhandel 1996 ein Volumen von 14,8 Billionen USD, das sind 96,3 % des Gesamtaktienhandels der WTO-Länder. Das Banken vermögen in den WTO-Ländern, die eine generelle Öffnung ihres Bankenmarktes anbieten, belief sich 1995 auf zusammengerechnet 41,2 Billionen USD oder 95,9 % des Bankenvermögens aller WTO-Länder. Und die Versicherungs prämien, für die aufgrund der WTO-Verpflichtungen freier Marktzugang gewährt wird, betrugen 1995 insgesamt 2,1 Billionen USD, 97,1 % aller Prämien in den WTO-Ländern. Die Europäischen Gemeinschaft und ihre Mitgliedstaaten haben entscheidend zum Erfolg dieser Verhandlungen beigetragen; diese sind ein wichtiger Schritt in dem Prozeß, die Binnenmärkte für Bank-, Versicherungs-, Wertpapier- und sonstige Finanzdienst leistungen ohne Diskriminierung für ausländische Finanzdienstleistungserbringer zu öffnen. In künftigen Verhandlungsrunden sind jedoch noch weitere Fortschritte möglich. Vor allem muß darauf hingearbeitet werden, daß das Recht auf Mehrheitsbeteiligung an Finanzinstituten und diskriminierungsfreie Regeln für die Errichtung gewerblicher Niederlassungen in Drittländern sichergestellt werden. Die Kommission empfiehlt daher dem Rat, den beigefügten Beschluß über die Endergeb nisse der Verhandlungen über Finanzdienstleistungen anzunehmen. Vorschlag fur einen RESCHLUSS DES RATES über die Annahme der Ergebnisse der Verhandlungen der Welthandelsorganisation über Finanzdienstleistungen im Namen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft hinsichtlich der unter ihre Zuständigkeit fallenden Bereiche DER RAT DER EUROPÄISCHEN UNION - gestützt auf den Vertrag zur Gründung der Europäischen Gemeinschaft, insbesondere auf die Artikel 54, 57, 63, 66, 73b bis 73f, 99, 100, 100a und 113, in Verbindung mit Artikel 228 Absatz 2 Satz 2 und Artikel 228 Absatz 3 Unterabsatz 1, auf Vorschlag der Kommission, nach Stellungnahme des Europäischen Parlaments, nach Stellungnahme des Wirtschafts- und Sozialausschusses, in Erwägung nachstehender Gründe: Das Übereinkommen von Marrakesch zur Errichtung der Welthandelsorganisation und die dazugehörigen Übereinkünfte sowie die Beschlüsse und Erklärungen der Minister und die Vereinbarung über Verpflichtungen bei. Finanzdienstleistungen wurden durch Beschluß des Rates vom 22. Dezember 1994 genehmigt. Die von der Kommission im Namen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft und ihrer Mitglied staaten ausgehandelten Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen stellen insgesamt ein befriedigendes und ausgewogenes Ergebnis dar. Am 12. Dezember 1997 genehmigte der Rat vorbehaltlich der endgültigen Genehmigung nach Abschluß der internen Verfahren die endgültige Liste der Verpflichtungen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft und ihrer Mitgliedstaaten (GATS/SC/31/Suppl. 4) und ermächtigte die Kommission, diese Liste im Namen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft und ihrer Mitgliedstaaten der WTO vorzulegen. Am selben Tag ermächtigte der Rat die Kommission, im Namen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft und ihrer Mitgliedstaaten den Endergebnissen der Verhandlungen zuzustimmen, wie sie im Fünften Protokoll zum GATS (S/L/45), im Beschluß über die Annahme dieses Protokolls (S/L/44) und im Beschluß "über die Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen (S/L/50) enthalten sind. Die Zuständigkeit der Gemeinschaft für den Abschluß völkerrechtlicher Übereinkünfte kann sich nicht nur aus einer ausdrücklichen Kompetenzzuweisung im Vertrag, sondern auch aus anderen Vertragsbestimmungen sowie aus aufgrund dieser Vertrags bestimmungen von den Gemeinschaftsorganen erlassenen Rechtsakten ergeben. Sind zur Verwirklichung der Vertragsziele Gemeinschaftsvorschriften erlassen worden, so sind die Mitgliedstaaten nicht befugt, außerhalb des Rahmens der gemeinsamen Organe Verpflichtungen einzugehen, die den Inhalt dieser Vorschriften berühren oder ihren Geltungsbereich ändern könnten. Ein Teil der Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen fällt nach Artikel 113 des EG-Vertrags unter die Zuständigkeit der Gemeinschaft. Andere Verpflichtungen berühren Gemeinschaftsvorschriften, die aufgrund der Artikel 54, 57, 63, 66, 99, 100 und 100a erlassen wurden, und können daher nur von der Gemeinschaft eingegangen werden. Der Rückgriff auf Artikel 100 EG-Vertrag als Rechtsgrundlage für diesen Beschluß ist gerechtfertigt, da die vorgenannten Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen die auf Artikel 100 EG-Vertrag gestützte Richtlinie 90/434/EWG des Rates vom 23. Juli 1990 über das gemeinsame Steuersystem für Fusionen, Spaltungen, die Einbringung von Unternehmensteilen und den Austausch von Anteilen, die Gesellschaften verschiedener Mitgliedstaaten betreffen, und die ebenfalls auf Artikel 100 EG-Vertrag gestützte Richtlinie 90/435/EWG des Rates vom 23. Juli 1990 über das gemeinsame Steuersystem der Mutter- und Tochtergesellschaften verschiedener Mitgliedstaaten berühren. Für die Verpflichtungen im Bereich des Kapitalverkehrs, die in der Liste spezifischer Verpflichtungen der Gemeinschaft und ihrer Mitgliedstaaten enthalten sind, ist beim derzeitigen Stand des Gemeinschaftsrechts die Gemeinschaft allgemein zuständig. Die Mitgliedstaaten bleiben jedoch in den durch Artikel 73c EG-Vertrag gezogenen Grenzen handlungsbefugt. Angesichts des Wesens des Übereinkommens zur Errichtung der Welthandelsorganisation und der Protokolle zum Allgemeinen Übereinkommen über den Handel mit Dienstleistungen ist eine unmittelbare Berufung auf sie vor den Gerichten der Gemeinschaft oder der Mitgliedstaaten nicht wahrscheinlich - BESCHLIESST: Einziger Artikel (1) Das Fünfte Protokoll zum Allgemeinen Übereinkommen über den Handel mit Dienstleistungen (S/L/45) wird, soweit es unter die Zuständigkeit der Europäischen Gemeinschaft fällt, im Namen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft genehmigt. (2) Der Wortlaut des Fünften Protokolls mit der Liste spezifischer Verpflichtungen (GATS/SC/31/Suppl. 4) und der Liste der Ausnahmen von Artikel II Allgemeines Übereinkommen über den Handel mit Dienstleistungen (GATS/EL/31) der Gemein schaft und der Mitgliedstaaten im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen ist diesem Beschluß beigefügt, ebenso der Wortlaut folgender Beschlüsse: - Beschluß des Ausschusses für den Handel mit Finanzdienstleistungen über die Annahme des Fünften Protokolls zum Allgemeinen Übereinkommen über den Handel mit Finanzdienstleistungen (S/L/44), - Beschluß des Rates für den Handel mit Dienstleistungen vom Dezember 1997 über die Verpflichtungen im Bereich der Finanzdienstleistungen (S/L/50). (3) Der Präsident des Rates wird ermächtigt, die Person zu bestellen, die befugt ist, das Fünfte Protokoll zum Allgemeinen Übereinkommen über den Handel mit Dienst leistungen, soweit es unter die Zuständigkeit der Europäischen Gemeinschaft fällt, rechtsverbindlich für die Europäische Gemeinschaft zu unterzeichnen. Geschehen zu. am. Im Namen des Rates Der Präsident WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION Trade in Services SOJAS (97-5441) FIFTH PROTOCOL TO THE GENERAL-AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES Members of the World Trade Organization (hereinafter referred to as the "WTO") whose Schedules of Specific Commitments and Lists of Exemptions from Article H of. thé General Agreement on Trade in Services concerning financial services are annexed to this Protocol (hereinafter referred to as "Members concerned"), Having carried out negotiations under the terms of the Second Decision on Financial Services adopted by the Council for Trade in Services on 21 July 1995 (S/L/9), Agree as follows: A Schedule of Specific Commitments and a List of Exemptions from Article II concerning 1. financial services annexed to this Protocol relating to a Member shall, Upon the entry into force of this Protocol for that Member, replace the financial services sections of the Schedule of Specific Commitments and the List of Article II Exemptions of that Member. This Protocol shall be open for acceptance, by signature or otherwise, by the Members 2. concerned until 29 January 1999. This Protocol shall enter into force on the 30th day following the date of its acceptance by all 3. Members concerned. If by 30 January 1999 it has not been accepted by all Members concerned, those Members which have accepted it before that date may, within a period of 30 days thereafter, decide on its entry into force. 4. This Protocol shall be deposited with the Director-General of the WTO. The Director-General of the WTO shall promptly furnish to each Member of the WTO a certified copy of this Protocol and notifications of acceptances thereof pursuant to paragraph 3. • This Protocol shall be registered in accordance with the provisions of Article 102 of the Charter 5. of the United Nations. Done at Geneva this twenty-seventh day of February one thousand nine hundred and ninety- eight, in a single copy in English, French and Spanish languages, each text being authentic, except as otherwise provided for in respect of the Schedules annexed hereto. Î WORLD TRADE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION Trade in Services Trade in Services GATS/SC/3I/SUPPI. 4 GATS/SC/3I/SUPPI. 4 26 February 1998 26 February 1998 (98^)714) (98^)714) EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES Schedule of Specific Qflpflrffnygnt« Schedule of Specific Qflpflrffnygnt« Supplement 4 Supplement 4. (This is authentic in English, French and Spanish). (This is authentic in English, French and Spanish) This text replaces the Financial Services section contained in document This text replaces the Financial Services section contained in document GATS/SC/31/Suppl. l/Rev. l. GATS/SC/31/Suppl. l/Rev. l. EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES SCHEDULE OF SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations oh Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR1 1. The Communities and their Member States undertake commitments on Financial Services in accordance with the provisions of the "Understanding on Commitments in Financial Services" (the Understanding). 2. These commitments are subject to the limitations on market access and national trentment in the "all sectors" section of this schedule and to those relating to the subsectors listed below. 3. The market access*commitments in respect of modes (1) and (2) apply only to the transactions indicated in paragraphs B. 3 and B. 4 of the market access, section of the Understanding respectively. 4. Notwithstanding note 1. above, the market access and national treatment commitments in respect of mode (4) on financial services are those in the "all sectors" section of this schedule, except for Sweden in which case commitments arc made in accordance with the Understanding. 5. The admission to the market of new financial services or products may be subject to the existence of, and consistency with, a regulatory framework aimed at achieving the objectives indicated in Article 2(a) of the Financial Services Annex. 6. As a general rule and in a non-discriminatory manner, financial institutions incorporated in a Member State of the Community must adopt a specific legal form. è frq ?*• to ££ Co Q GO C- TD 1 Unlike foreign subsidiaries, branches established directly in a Member State by a non-Community financial institution are not, with certain limited exceptions, subject to prudential regulations harmonised at Community level which enable such subsidiaries to benefit from enhanced facilities to set up new establishments and to provide cross-border services throughout the Community. Therefore, such brandies receive an authorisation to operate in the territory of a Member State under conditions equivalent to those applied to domestic financial institutions of that Member State, and may be required to satisfy a number of specific prudential requirements such as, in the case of banking and securities, separate capitalisation and other solvency requirements and reporting and publication of accounts requirements or, in the case of insurance, specific guarantee and deposit requirements, a separate capitalisation, and the localisation in the Member State concerned of the assets representing the technical reserves and at least one third of the solvency margin. Member States may apply the restrictions indicated in this schedule only with regard to the direct establishment from a third country of a commercial presence or to the provision of cross-border services from a third country; consequently, a Member State may not apply these restrictions, including those concerning establishment, to third-country subsidiaries established in other Member States of the Community, unless these restrictions can also be applied to companies or nationals of other Member Stales in conformity with Community law. Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Additional Commitments The European Communities and their Member States undertake additional commitments as contained in the attachment. Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Insurance and Insurance-Related Services (1) A: Promotional activity and (1) A: Higher premium tax is due for insurance contracts (except for contracts on reinsurance and retrocession) which are written by a subsidiary not established in the Community or by a branch not established in Austria. Exception from the higher tax can be granted. intermediation on behalf of a subsidiary not established in the Community or of a branch not established in Austria (except for reinsurance and retrocession) are prohibited. A: Compulsory air insurance can be underwritten only by a subsidiary established in the Community or by a branch established in Austria. DK: Compulsory air transport insurance can be underwritten only by firms established in the Community. DK: No persons or companies (including insurance companies) may for business purposes in Denmark assist in effecting direct insurance for persons resident in Denmark, for Danish ships or for property in Denmark, other than insurance companies licensed by Danish law or by Danish competent authorities. D: Compulsory air insurance policies can be underwritten only by a subsidiary established in the Community or by a branch established in Germany. OQ > o »-J O **. U) t—* GO •§ Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments D: If a foreign insurance company has established a branch in Germany, it may conclude insurance contracts in Germany relating to international transport only through the branch established in Germany. E, I: Unbound for the actuarial profession. FIN: Only insurers having their head office in the European Economic Area or having their branch in Finland may offer insurance services as referred to in sub-paragraph 3 (a} of the Understanding. FIN: The supply of insurance broker services is subject to a permanent place of business in the European Economic Area. F: Insurance of risks relating to ground transport may be carried out only by insurance firms established in the Community. Go Q W »—» S3 I Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Aesence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments ^ sß I: Insurance of risks relating to c. i. f. exports by residents in Italy may be underwritten only by insurance firms established in the Community. I: Transport insurance of goods, insurance of vehicles as such and liability insurance regarding risks located in Italy may be underwritten only by insurance companies established in the Community. This reservation does not apply for international transport involving imports into Italy. P: Air and maritime transport insurance,, covering goods, aircraft, hull and liability can be underwritten only by firms established in the EC; only persons or companies established in the EC may act as intermediaries for such insurance business in Portugal. S: The supply of direct insurance is allowed only through an insurance service supplier authorised in Sweden, provided that the foreign service supplier and the Swedish insurance company belong to the same group of companies or have an agreement of cooperation between them. to OQ > to Ul GO o • - *• GO oo. • GO o - GO e Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments (2) A: Promotional activity and (2) A: Higher premium tax is due for insurance contracts (except for contracts on reinsurance and retrocession) which are written by a subsidiary not established in the Community or by a branch not established in Austria. Exception from the higher tax can be granted. intermediation on behalf of a subsidiary not established in the Community or of a branch not established in Austria (except for reinsurance and retrocession) are prohibited. A: Compulsory air insurance can be underwritten only by a subsidiary established in the Community or by a branch established in Austria. DK: Compulsory air transport insurance can be underwritten only by firms. established in the Community. DK: No persons or companies (including insurance companies) may for business purposes in Denmark assist in effecting direct insurance for persons resident in Denmark, for Danish ships or for property in Denmark, other than insurance companies licensed by Danish law or by Danish competent authorities. D: Compulsory air insurance policies can be underwritten only by a subsidiary established in the. Community or by a branch established in Germany. Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments D: If a foreign insurance company has established a branch in Germany, it may conclude insurance contracts in Germany relating to international transport only through the branch established in - Germany. » • F: Insurance of risks relating to ground transport may be carried out only by insurance firms established in the Community. I: Insurance of risks relating to c. i. f. exports by residents in Italy may be underwritten only by insurance firms established in the Community. I: Transport insurance of goods, insurance of vehicles as such and liability insurance regarding risks located in Italy may be underwritten only by insurance companies established in the Community. This reservation does not apply for international transport involving imports into Italy. •99 Q 2>o «8 5 GO O GO •§ Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments - P: Air and maritime transport Insurance, covering goods, aircraft, hüll and liability. ean be underwritten only by firms established in the EC; only persons or companies established in the EC may act as intermediaries for such insurance business in Portugal. (3) A: Tlie licence for branch Offices of föreign insurers has to be denied if the insurer, in the home country, does not have a legal form correspondihg or comparable to a Joint stock Company or a mutual insurance association. B: Any public bid tb acquire Bclgian securities made by or on bchalf of a person, Company or institution outsidc the Jurisdiction of one of the Member States of the European Community shall be submitted to the authorisation of the Minister of Finance. E: Defore cstablishing a branch or agency in Spain to provide certain classes of insurance, a forcign insurer must have been authorised to operate in the same classes of insurance in its country of origin for at least five years. ( (3) FIN: The gcneral agent of the foreign insurance Company shall have his place of residence in Finland, unless the Company has its head office in the European Economic Area. S: Non-life insurance undertakings not incorporated in Sweden condueting business in Sweden are - instead of being taxed aecording to the net rcsult - subjeet to taxation based on the premium income from direet insurance Operations. S: A founder of an insurance Company shall be a natural person resident in the European Economic Area or a legal entity incorporated in the European Economic Area. ' - , ON Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub*-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments E, GR: The right of establishment does not cover the creation of representative Offices or other'permaneht presence of insurance companies, except where such Offices are established as agencies, branches or head Offices. FIN: The managing director, at least one auditor and at least one half of the Promoters and members of the board of directors and the supervisory board of an insurance Company shall have their place of residence in the European Economic Area, unless the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has granted an exemption. FIN: Foreign insurers cannot get a licence in Finland as a branch to carry on. statutory social insurances (statutory pension insurance, statutory accident insurance). • OQ > a H so oo GO 8 > -* CO Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3 ). Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons ' Additional Commitments OQ > a H H-. Go O GO C Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment F: The cstqblishment of branches is subjeet to a special authorisation for the representative of the branch. I: Access to actuarial profession through natural persons only. Professional associations (no incorporation) among natural persons permitted. I: The authorisation of the establishmcnt of branches is ultimately subjeet to the evaluation of supervisory authorities. IRL: The right of establishment does not cover the creation of representative Offices. P: Foreign companies may carry out insurance intermediation in Portugal only through a Company formed in aecordance • with the law of a Community. Member State. P: In order to establish a branch in Portugal, foreign edmpanics need to demonstratc prior operational experience of at least five years. \ < ; Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations oh National Treatment Additional Commitments S: Foreign companies may only establish as a subsidiary or through a resident agent. S: Insurance broking undertakings not incorporated in Sweden may establish a commercial presence only through a branch. (4) Unbound except as indicated in the horizontal section and subject to the specific conditions: (4) Unbound except as indicated in the horizontal section and subject to the following specific limitations: GR: A majority of the members of the board of directors of a company established in Greece shall be nationals of one of the Member States of the Community. A: The management of a branch office must consist of two natural persons resident in Austria. DK: The general agent of an insurance branch will need to have resided in - Denmark for the last two years unless being a national of one of the Member States of the Community. The Minister of Business and Industry may grant exemption. DK: Residency requirement for managers and the members of the board of directors of a company. However,1 the Minister of Business and Industry may grant • exemption from this requirement. Exemption is granted on a non-discriminatory basis. E, I: Residence requirement for actuarial profession. •Si h- GO ~ io S. 8 3 O 09 ft GO GO o •—» GO I Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Additional Commitments The European Communities and their Member States undertake additional commitments as contained in the attachment. Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment B. Banking and Other Financial (I)2 Services (excluding insurance) (1) None B: Establishment in Belgium is required for the provision of investment advisory services. I: Unbouna* for "promotori di servizi finanziari" (financial salesmen). IRL: The provision of investment services or investment advice requires either (I) authorisation in Ireland, which normally requires that thé entity be incorporated or be a partnership or a sole trader, in each case with a head/registered office in Ireland (authorisation may not be required in certain cases, e. g. where a third country service provider has no commercial presence in Ireland and the service is not provided to private individuals), or (II) authorisation in another Member State in accordance with the EC Investment Services Directive. (2)3 (2) None D: Issues of securities denominated in Deutschmarks can be lead managed only by a credit institution, subsidiary or branch, established in Germany. 21: Provision and transfer of financial information and financial data processing entailing trading of financial instruments may be prohibited where the protection of investors is likely to be seriously prejudiced. Only authorised banks and investment firms must comply with conduct of business rules in providing investment advice concerning financial instruments and advice to undertakings on capital stnicmre, industrial strategy and related matters, and advice and service relating to mergers and acquisition of undertakings. Advisory activity should not include asset management. 31: Authorised persons enabled to conduct collective asset management arc deemed responsible for any investment activity conducted by their delegated advisers (Collective asset management, excluding UC1TS). Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad. 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments FIN: Payments, from governmental entities (expenses) shall be transmitted through the Finnish Postal Giro System, which is maintained by the Postipankki Ltd. Exemption from this requirement may be granted on special reason by the Ministry of Finance. GR: Establishment is required for the provision bf custodial and depository. services involving the administration of interest and principal payments due on securities issued in Greece. UK: Sterling issues, including privately led issues,. can be lead managed only by a firm established in the European Economic Area. ?0 (3) All Member States: (3) F: In addition to French credit The establishment of a specialised management company is required to perform the activities of management of unit trusts and investment companies (Articles 6 and 13 of UCITS Directive, 85/611/EEQ. '. :. -. -. Only firms haying their registered office in the Community can act as depositories of the assets of investment funds (Articles 8. 1 and 15. 1 of the UCITS Directive; 85/611/EEC). institutions, issues denominated in French francs may be lead managed only by French subsidiaries (under French law) of non-French banks which are authorised, based on sufficient means and commitments in Paris of the candidate French subsidiary of a non-French bank. These conditions apply to leail banks running the books. A non-French bank. may be, without restrictions or requirement to establish, jointly-lead or co-lead manager of Eurofranc bond issue. ': > "'|*aft; •. ••••'••. •' *'~t±Wj. :sV '•". ••. •;• -&P'. '. U>. ' ^v ' *: :- Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply. 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4 )* Presence of natural persons -. Sector or Sub-sector: Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment A: Only members of the Austrian. Stock Exchange may engage in securities trading at the Stock Exchange. I: Representative offices of foreign- intermediaries cannot carry; out activities aimed at providing investment services. Additional, : Commitments ' : ^ 5 Ä 8k CO • •••••:• v-'. ïSafer S: A founder of. a banking company shall be a natural 'person resident in the. European Economic Area or a foreign bank. A founder of a savings b^ank shall be a naturalperson resident in: 'the' European Economic Area. • • : ?-• A: For trading in foreign exchange and foreign currency authorisation of the Austrian National £ank'is required. A: Mortgage, bonds and municipal bonds may-be issued by banks specialised and authorised for this activity. " A: For carrying' out services of pension fund management a specialised company only for this activity and incorporated as a stock company in Austria is required. B: Any public bid to. acquire Belgian securities made by or on behalf of a person, company or institution outside the jurisdiction of oner of the Member States. of the European Community shall be. Submitted to the authorisation of the - Minister of-Finance. * • • • ' •. '•*•£-'!•• Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments DK: Financial institutions may engage in securities trading on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange only through subsidiaries incorporated in Denmark. E: Financial institutions may engage in securities trading in securities listed on an official stock exchange or in the government securities market only through securities firms incorporated in Spain. FIN: At least one half of the founders, the members of the board of directors, the supervisory board and the delegates, the managing director,- the holder of the procuration and the person entitled to sign in the name of the credit institution shall have their place of residence in the European Economic Area, unless the Ministry of Finance grants an exemption. At least one auditor shall have his place of residence in the European Economic Area. 5 o> H' v-. CO <*to O o5 CO Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments PIN: The broker (individual person) on derivative exchange shall haye his place of residence in the European Economic Area. Exemption from this requirement may be granted under the conditions set by the Ministry of Finance. FIN: Payments from governmental entitics (expenses) shall be transmitted through the Finnish Postal Giro System, which is maintained by the Postipankki Ltd. Exemption from this requirement may be granted on special rcason by the Ministry of Finance. GR: Financial institutions may engagc in the trading Of securities listed on the. Athens Stock Exchange only through stock exchange firms incorpqrated in Greecc. -C • - •. ' •. 09 •> o H »-. CO <^CO Q CO •I Modes of supply:. 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments GR: For the establishment and operations of branches a minimum amount of foreign exchange must be imported, converted into drachmas and kept in Greece as long as a foreign bank continues to operate in Greece: - Up to four (4) branches this minimum is currently equal to half of the minimum amount of share capital required for a credit institution to be incorporated in Greece; - For the operation of additional branches the minimum amount of capital must be equal to the minimum share capital required for a credit institution to be incorporated in Greece. I: In providing the activity of door-to-door selling, intermediaries must utilise authorised financial salesmen resident within the territory of a Member State of the European Communities. o> H i- CO ^ S5 w CO Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments a > H CO OQ a oo CO O o5 CO c I: Clearing and settlement of securities may be conducted only by the official clearing system. A company authorised by the Bank of Italy in agreement with Consob could be entrusted with the activity of clearing, up to the final settlement of securities. I: The public offer of securities (as provided for under Art. 18 of Law 216/74) other than shares, debt securities (including convertible debt securities) can only be made by Italian limited companies, foreign companies duly authorised, public bodies or companies belonging to local authorities whose assigned capital is not below Lit 2 billion. I: Centralised deposit, custody and administration services can be provided only by the Bank of Italy for Govennent securities, or by Monte Titoli SpA for shares, securities of a participating nature and other bonds traded in a regulated market. Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments I: In the case of collective investment schemes other than harmonised UCITS under the directive 85/611/EEC, the trustee/ depositary is required to be incorporated in Italy or in another Member State of the European Community, being established through a branch in Italy. Only banks, insurance companies, securities investment companies having their legal head office in the European Community, may carry out activity of pension fund resources management. Management companies (closed-ënd funds and real estate funds) are also required to be incorporated in Italy. IRL: In the case of collective investment schemes constituted as unit trusts and variable capital companies (other than undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities, UCITS), the trustee/depositary and management company is required to be incorporated in Ireland or in another Member State of the Community. In the case of an investment limited partnership, at least one general partner must be incorporated in Ireland. *0 O «) H •_. Co ^ co Q 55 S£ OQ > a H to Co O »-• c »o Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2)t Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments IRL: To become a member of a stock exchange in Ireland, an entity must either (I) be authorised in Ireland, which requires that it be incorporated or be a partnership, with a head/registered office in Ireland, or (II) be authorised in another Member State in accordance with the EC Investment Services Directive. IRL: The provision of investment services or investment advice requires either (I) authorisation in Ireland, which normally requires that the entity be incorporated or be a partnership or a sole trader, in each case with a head/registered office in Ireland (the supervisory authority may also authorise branches of third country entities), or (II) authorisation in another Member State in accordance with the EC Investment Services Directive. P: The establishment of non-EC banks is subject to an authorisation issued, on a case-by-case basis, by the Minister of Finance. The establishment has to contribute to increase the national banking system's efficiency. or has to produce significant effects on the internationalisation of the Portuguese economy. S Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments P: The services of venture capital may not be provided by branches of venture capital companies having their head office in a non-EC country. Broker-dealer services on the Lisbon Stock Exchange may be provided by broker and dealer companies incorporated in Portugal or by branches of investment firms authorised in another EC country and authorised in their home country to provide those services. Broker and dealer services in the Oporto Derivatives Exchange and in the OTC market may not be provided by branches of non-EC broker/dealer companies. Pension fund management may be provided only by companies incorporated in Portugal and by insurance companies established in Portugal and authorised to take up the life insurance business, UK: Inter-dealer brokers, which are a category of financial institutions dealing in Government debt, are required to be established in the European Economic Area and separately capitalised. S: Undertakings not incorporated in Sweden may establish a commercial presence only through a branch, and in case of banks, also through a representative office. SO O) H io to •~ to. 8. CO I Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) • Presence of natural persons Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limitations on National Treatment (4) Unbound except as indicated in the horizontal section and subject to the specific conditions: (4) Unbound except as indicated in the horizontal section and subject to the following specific limitations: Additional Commitments OQ > n H to Co 10 CO O CO c I: Condition of residence within the territory of a Member State of the European Communities for "promotori di servizi finanziari" (financial salesmen). F: Sociétés d'investissement h. capital fixe: condition of nationality for the president of the Board of Directors, the Directors-General and no less than two thirds of the administrators, and also, when the securities firm has a Supervisory Board or Council, for the members of such board or its Director-General, and no less than two thirds of the members of the supervisory Council. GR: Credit institutions should name at least two persons who arc responsible for the operations of the institution. Condition of residency applies to these persons. \JU Ô GATS/SC731/SuppU Page 23 ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES INSURANCE a) The European Communities and their Member States note the close co-operation among the insurance regulatory and supervisory authorities of the Member States and encourage their efforts to promote improved supervisory standards. b) Member States will make their best endeavours to consider within 6 months complete applications for licenses to conduct direct insurance underwriting business, through the establishment in a Member State of a subsidiary in accordance with the legislation ofthat Member State, by an undertaking governed by the laws of a third country. In cases where such applications are refused, the Member State authority will make its best endeavours to notify the undertaking in question and give the reasons" for the refusal of the application. c) The supervisory authorities of the Member States will make their best endeavours to respond without undue delay to requests for information by applicants on the status of complete applications for licences to conduct direct insurance underwriting business, through the establishment kl a Member State of a subsidiary in accordance with the legislation of that Member State by an undertaking governed by the laws of a third country. d) The European Communities and their Member States will make their best endeavours to examine any questions pertaining to the smooth operation of the internal market in insurance, and consider any issues that might have an impact on the internal market in insurance. e) The European Communities and their Member States note that, as regards motor insurance, under EC law as in force on 31 December 1997, and without prejudice to future legislation, premiums may be calculated taking several risk factors into account. f) The European Communities and their Member States note that under EC law,, as in force on 31 December 1997, and without prejudice to future legislation, the prior approval by national supervisory authorities of policy conditions and scales of premiums that an insurance undertaking intends to use is generally not required. g) The European Communities and their Member States note that under EC law, as in force on 31 December 1997, and without prejudice to future legislation, the prior approval by national supervisory authorities of increases in premium rates in generally not required. OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES In application of the relevant EC Directives, Member States will make their best endeavours to a) consider within 12 months complete applications* for licenses to conduct banking activities, through the establishment in a Member State of a subsidiary in accordance with the legislation of that Member State, by an undertaking governed by the laws of a third country. In cases where such applications are refused, the Member State will make its best endeavours to notify the undertaking in question and give the reasons for the refusal of the application. *>A GATS/SC/31/Suppl. 4 Page 24 b) Member Sûtes will make their best endeavours to respond without undue delay to requests for information by applicants on the status of complete applications for licenses to conduct banking activities, through the establishment in a Member State of a subsidiary in accordance with the legislation ofthat Member State, by an undertaking governed by the laws of a third country. c) In application of the relevant EC Directives, Member States will make their best endeavours to consider within 6 months complete applications for licenses to conduct investment services in the securities field, as defined in the Investment Services Directive, through the establishment in a Member State of a subsidiary in accordance with the legislation of that Member State, by an undertaking governed by the laws of a third country. In cases where such applications are refused, the Member State will make its best endeavours to notify the undertaking in question and give the reasons for the refusal of. the application. d) Member States will make their best endeavours to respond without undue delay to requests for information by applicants on the status of complete applications for licenses to conduct investment services in the securities area, through the establishment in a Member State of a subsidiary in accordance with the legislation of that Member State, by an undertaking governed by the laws of a third country. Vi GENERAL AGREEMENT GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES ON TRADE IN SERVICES. GATS/ELV3Ï. GATS/ELV3Ï 15 April 1994 15 April 1994 ^ m s) ^ l u s) ' '. EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES Final List of Article II (MFEO Exemptions Final List of Article II (MFEO Exemptions (This is authentic, in English only) ' (This is authentic, in English only) ' EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES (continued) Sector or subscctor Direct non-life insurance Oü. Financial services Description of measure indicating its inconsistency with Article U Measures based on a bilateral agreement between the European Communities and Switzerland on direct insurance other than life insurance. This agreement provides on a reciprocal basis for freedom of establishment and the right to take up or pursue non-life insurance business for agencies and branches of undertakings whose head office is situated in the territory of the other contracting party. Measure granting favourable tax treatment (off-shore regime). in Italy to service suppliers trading with the countries to which the measure applies. |. Countries to which the measure applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need for the exemption Switzerland Indefinite 10 years States in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, and all Members of the Commonwealth of Independent States Need to remoye obstacles to the taking up and pursuit of non-life insurance business in the framework of an agreement between the European Communities and Switzerland on non-life. insurance consistent with the provisions of paragraph 3 of the Annex of Financial Services The need to aid the countries concerned in their transition to a market economy. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION. ••" Trade in Services SOJA* 3 December 1997 (97-5431) DECISION ADOPTING THE FIFTH PROTOCOL TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES Adopted bv the Committee on Trade in Financial Services on 14 November 1997 The Committee on Trade in Financial Services, Having regard to the results of the negotiations conducted under the terms of the Second Decision on Financial Services adopted by the Council for Trade in Services on 21 July 1995 (S/L/9), Decides as follows: 1. To adopt the text of the "Fifth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services". 2. ' Commencing immediately and continuing until the date of entry into force of the Fifth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services, Members concerned shall, to the fullest extent consistent with their existing legislation, not take measures which would be inconsistent with their undertakings resulting from these negotiations. 3. The Committee shall monitor the acceptance of the Protocol by Members concerned and shall, at the request of a Member, examine any concerns raised regarding the application of paragraph 2 above. 3<r WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION , • Trade in Services sruso 12 December 1997 (97-5544) DECISION OF DECEMBER 1997 ON COMMITMENTS IN FINANCIAL SERVICES Adopted bv the Council for Trade in Services on 12 December 1997 The Council for Trade in Services, Having regard to the Second Decision on Financial Services adopted by the Council for Trade in Services on 21 July 1995 (S/L/9), Noting the results of the negotiations carried out under the terms of that Decision, Having regard to the Decision adopting the Fifth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services adopted by the Committee on Trade in Financial Services on 14 November 1997 (S/L/44), Decides as follows: If the Fifth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) does not enter into 1. force in accordance with paragraph 3 therein: (a) (b) Notwithstanding Article XXI of the GATS, a Member may during a period of sixty days beginning on 1 March 1999, modify or withdraw all or part of. the commitments on financial services inscribed in its Schedule. Notwithstanding Article II of the GATS and paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Annex on Article II Exemptions, a Member may, during the same period referred to in paragraph 1(a), list in that Annex measures relating to financial services which are inconsistent with paragraph 1 of Article II of the GATS. The Committee on Trade in Financial Services shall establish any procedures necessary for the 2. implementation of paragraph 1. 1>6 ISSN 0254-1467 KOM(98) 659 endg. DOKUMENTE DE 11 02 10 09 Katalognummer : CB-CO-98-662-DE-C Amt für amtliche Veröffentlichungen der Europäischen Gemeinschaften L-2985 Luxemburg ^f-


title: Decision on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Decision adopting a multiannual Community action plan on promoting safer use of the Internet by combating illegal and harmful content on global networks (C4-0535/98 97/ 0337(COD))(Codecision procedure: second reading)

eurovoc_concepts:
EU financial instrument
access to information
child protection
classification
computer crime
computer network
consumer protection
data protection
fight against crime
information industry
information network
information technology industry
international cooperation
public awareness campaign
services company

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title: INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA n. 3388/98 dell'on. Wilfried TELKÄMPER alla Commissione. Sicurezza del personale di ONG in India

eurovoc_concepts:
EU national
crime against individuals
non-governmental organisation
protection of minorities
public safety
religious group

formats: html pdf print

text: C 142/128 Gazzetta ufficiale delle Comunità europee IT 21. 5. 1999 (1999/C 142/161) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-3388/98 di Wilfried Telkämper (V) alla Commissione (17 novembre 1998) Oggetto: Sicurezza del personale di ONG in India Si vuol sapere dalla Commissione quale sicurezza viene garantita ai cittadini degli Stati membri dell’UE in India, specialmente ai collaboratori di organizzazioni non governative in generale e di organizzazioni cristiane, tenuto conto soprattutto dei sempre più frequenti attacchi di diverse organizzazioni indù nei confronti di persone di altre confessioni, nonché della crescente propaganda antioccidentale? Risposta data dal sig. Marín a nome della Commissione (10 dicembre 1998) La stampa internazionale e la delegazione della Commissione a Nuova Delhi hanno dato ampia risonanza ai sempre più frequenti attacchi contro famiglie cristiane, che sarebbero essenzialmente una reazione a presunte attività missionarie cristiane. Tali avvenimenti si sono verificati soprattutto nella parte settentrionale del paese, dove si trovano le roccaforti del Partito nazionalista indù (BJP). Secondo il centro di documentazione per i diritti umani dell’Asia meridionale, un’organizzazione non governativa (ONG) situata a Nuova Delhi, il problema sta assumendo proporzioni sempre maggiori e non se ne conosce ancora l’entità. Gli attacchi non sono necessariamente legati ad attività di ONG cristiane. Gli ambasciatori degli Stati membri hanno recentemente espresso la propria preoccupazione a tale riguardo al segretario comune del ministero degli Esteri a Nuova Delhi, il quale ha confermato che il governo prenderà tutte le misure necessarie per reprimere tali attività e proteggere i cittadini cristiani e i lavoratori stranieri da questi atti criminali. Quest’anno, il governo indiano ha istituito una commissione nazionale per le minoranze, incaricata in particolare di tutelare le minoranze religiose in India, ed evade le denunce presentate. Benché la commissione nazionale per le minoranze non abbia poteri giudiziari, si spera che essa possa fornire il necessario sostegno pubblico e morale ed esercitare una certa pressione sui gruppi estremisti, ponendo quindi un freno alle loro attività. I potenziali rischi per la sicurezza dei cittadini cristiani che lavorano in India, soprattutto per le ONG cristiane e di diverso orientamento, vanno attentamente valutati nel contesto locale. (1999/C 142/162) INTERROGAZIONE SCRITTA E-3397/98 di Guido Podestà (PPE) alla Commissione (17 novembre 1998) Oggetto: Il nuovo ruolo della terza età Sono ormai numerosi gli studi sia a livello comunitario che dei singoli Stati membri, che rilevano l’esponenziale aumento del numero delle persone anziane ed il conseguente invecchiamento della popolazione dell’Unione; le statistiche fanno prevedere che nel primo decennio del prossimo secolo il numero degli anziani sarà uguale a quello dei giovani e che, in mancanza di un’inversione di tendenza, 10 anni più tardi una persona su tre avrà più di 60 anni. Alla luce di tale trend demografico, facendo inoltre riferimento all’articolo 13 del trattato di Amsterdam in cui si dichiara esplicitamente la volontà delle istituzioni comunitarie di combattere le discriminazioni fondate sull’età, ed all’articolo 137 del suddetto trattato che prevede l’adozione di misure volte ad incoraggiare la cooperazione tra gli Stati membri allo scopo di combattere l’esclusione sociale, e ricordando anche l’appello del Presidente del Palamento europeo, on. José-Marìa Gil-Robles, in occasione della Conférence des Seniors tenutasi i giorni 1 e 2 ottobre c. a. , affinché l’Europa prenda atto di tali circostanze,


title: ΓΡΑΠΤΗ ΕΡΩΤΗΣΗ αρ θ. 3413/98 του Roberta ANGELILLI προς την Επ τροπή. Κονσόρτσιουμ "Ποιότητα Tuscia"

eurovoc_concepts:
EAGGF Guidance Section
Latium
agricultural product
consortium
designation of origin
location of production
product quality
quality label
regional government
regional policy


title: Besluit betreffende het gemeenschappelijk standpunt, door de Raad vastgesteld met het oog op de aanneming van een beschikking van het Europees Parlement en de Raad tot vaststelling van een communautair meerjarenactieplan ter bevordering van een veiliger gebruik van Internet door het bestrijden van illegale en schadelijke inhoud op mondiale netwerken (C4-0535/98 97/0337(COD)) (Medebeslissingsprocedure: tweede lezing)


title: WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3386/98 by Klaus-Heiner LEHNE Termination of service of officials

eurovoc_concepts:
European official
enlargement of the Union
indemnification
proposal (EU)
regulations for civil servants
termination of employment