European Outline Convention On Transfrontier Co-operation Between Territorial Communities Or Authorities

Preamble

The member States of the Council of Europe, signatories to this Convention,

Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members and to promote co-operation between them;

Considering that, as defined in Article 1 of the Council of Europe Statute, this aim will be pursued in particular by agreements in the administrative field;

Considering that the Council of Europe shall ensure the participation of the territorial communities or authorities of Europe in the achievement of its aim;

Considering the potential importance, for the pursuit of this objective, of co-operation between territorial communities or authorities at frontiers in such fields as regional, urban and rural development, environmental protection, the improvement of public facilities and services and mutual assistance in emergencies;

Having regard to past experience which shows that co-operation between local and regional authorities in Europe makes it easier for them to carry out their tasks effectively and contributes in particular to the improvement and development of frontier regions;

Being resolved to promote such co-operation as far as possible and to contribute in this way to the economic and social progress of frontier regions and to the spirit of fellowship which unites the peoples of Europe;

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

Each Contracting Party undertakes to facilitate and foster transfrontier co-operation between territorial communities or authorities within its jurisdiction and territorial communities or authorities within the jurisdiction of other Contracting Parties. It shall endeavour to promote the conclusion of any agreements and arrangements that may prove necessary for this purpose with due regard to the different constitutional provisions of each Party.

Article 2

1. For the purpose of this Convention, transfrontier co-operation shall mean any concerted action designed to reinforce and foster neighbourly relations between territorial communities or authorities within the jurisdiction of two or more Contracting Parties and the conclusion of any agreement and arrangement necessary for this purpose. Transfrontier co-operation shall take place in the framework of territorial communities' or authorities' powers as defined in domestic law. The scope and nature of such powers shall not be altered by this Convention.

2. For the purpose of this Convention, the expression "territorial communities or authorities" shall mean communities, authorities or bodies exercising local and regional functions and regarded as such under the domestic law of each State. However, each Contracting Party may, at the time of signing this Convention or by subsequent notification to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, name the communities, authorities or bodies, subjects and forms to which it intends to confine the scope of the Convention or which it intends to exclude from its scope.

Article 3

1. For the purpose of this Convention the Contracting Parties shall, subject to the provisions of Article 2, paragraph 2, encourage any initiative by territorial communities and authorities inspired by the outline arrangements between territorial communities and authorities drawn up in the Council of Europe. If they judge necessary they may take into consideration the bilateral or multilateral inter-state model agreements drawn up in the Council of Europe and designed to facilitate co-operation between territorial communities and authorities.

The arrangements and agreements concluded may be based on the model and outline agreements, statutes and contracts appended to this Convention, numbered 1.1 to 1.5 and 2.1 to 2.61 with whatever changes are required by the particular situation of each Contracting Party. These model and outline agreements, statutes and contracts are intended for guidance only and have no treaty value.

2. If the Contracting Parties deem it necessary to conclude inter-state agreements, these may inter alia establish the context, forms and limits within which territorial communities and authorities concerned with transfrontier co-operation may act. Each agreement may also stipulate the authorities or bodies to which it applies.

3. The above provisions shall not prevent the Contracting Parties from having recourse, by common consent, to other forms of transfrontier co-operation. Similarly, the provisions of this Convention should not be interpreted as invalidating existing agreements on co-operation.

4. Agreements and arrangements shall be concluded with due regard to the jurisdiction provided for by the internal law of each Contracting Party in respect of international relations and general policy and to any rules of control or supervision to which territorial communities or authorities may be subject.

5. To that end, any Contracting Party may, when signing the present Convention or in a later communication to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, specify the authorities competent under its domestic law to exercise control or supervision with regard to the territorial communities and authorities concerned.

Article 4

Each Contracting Party shall endeavour to resolve any legal, administrative or technical difficulties liable to hamper the development and smooth running of transfrontier co-operation and shall consult with the other Contracting Party or Parties concerned to the extent required.

Article 5

The Contracting Parties shall consider the advisability of granting to territorial communities or authorities engaging in transfrontier co-operation in accordance with the provisions of this Convention the same facilities as if they were co-operating at national level.

Article 6

Each Contracting Party shall supply to the fullest possible extent any information requested by another Contracting Party in order to facilitate the performance by the latter of its obligations under this Convention.

Article 7

Each Contracting Party shall see to it that the territorial communities or authorities concerned are informed of the means of action open to them under this Convention.

Article 8

1. The Contracting Parties shall forward to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe all relevant information concerning the agreements and arrangements provided for in Article 3.

2. Any proposal made by one or more Contracting Parties with a view to adding to or extending this Convention or the model agreements and arrangements shall be communicated to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General shall then submit it to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe which shall decide on the action to be taken.

Article 9

1. This Convention shall be open to signature by the member States of the Council of Europe. It shall be subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

2. The Convention shall enter into force three months after the date of the deposit of the fourth instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval, provided that at least two of the States having carried out this formality possess a common frontier.

3. In respect of a signatory State ratifying, accepting or approving subsequently, the Convention shall come into force three months after the date of the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

Article 10

1. After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may decide unanimously to invite any European non-member State to accede thereto. This invitation must receive the express agreement of each of the States which have ratified the Convention.

2. Such accession shall be effected by depositing with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe an instrument of accession which shall take effect three months after the date of its deposit.

Article 11

1. Any Contracting Party may, in so far as it is concerned, denounce this Convention by means of notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

2. Such denunciation shall take effect six months after the date of receipt by the Secretary General of such notification.

Article 12

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council of Europe, and any State that has acceded to this Convention of:

a) any signature;

b) any deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;

c) any date of entry into force of this Convention in accordance with Article 9 thereof;

d) any declaration received in pursuance of the provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 2 or of paragraph 5 of Article 3;

e) any notification received in pursuance of the provisions of Article 11 and the date on which denunciation takes effect.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention.

Done at Madrid, the 21st day of May 1980 in English and in French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe.

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member State of the Council of Europe and to any State invited to accede to this Convention.

 

Appendix 2

Model and Outline Agreements, Statutes and Contracts on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities

 

This graduated system of model agreements was devised by distinguishing between two main categories defined according to the level at which the agreement is concluded:

- model inter-state agreements on transfrontier co-operation at local and regional level;

- outline agreements, contracts and statutes capable of providing a basis for transfrontier co-operation between territorial authorities or communities.

As shown in the table hereafter, only the two model inter-state agreements for the promotion of transfrontier co-operation and regional transfrontier liaison fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of States. The other inter-state agreements merely establish a legal framework for the conclusion of agreements or contracts between territorial authorities or communities, the outlines of which have been placed in the second category.

1. Model inter-state agreements

General clauses for model agreements

1.1. Model inter-state agreement for the promotion of transfrontier co-operation

1.2. Model inter-state agreement on regional transfrontier consultation

1.3. Model inter-state agreement on local transfrontier consultation

1.4. Model inter-state agreement on contractual transfrontier co-operation between local authorities

1.5. Model inter-state agreement on organs of transfrontier co-operation between local authorities

1.6. Model agreement in interregional and/or intermunicipal economic and social co-operation

1.7. Model agreement on inter-governmental co-operation in the field of spatial planning

1.8. Model agreement in interregional and/or intermunicipal transfrontier co-operation in the field of spatial planning

1.9. Model agreement on the creation and management of transfrontier parks

1.10. Model agreement on the creation and management of transfrontier rural parks

1.11. Model inter-state agreement on transfrontier co-operation in matters concerning lifelong training, information, employment and working conditions

1.12. Model inter-state agreement for the promotion of transfrontier or transnational school co-operation

1.13. Model agreement on transfrontier or interterritorial co-operation concerning land use along transfrontier rivers

2. Outline agreements, statutes and contracts between local authorities

2.1. Outline agreement on the setting up of a consultation group between local authorities

2.2. Outline agreement on co-ordination in the management of transfrontier local public affairs

2.3. Outline agreement on the setting up of private law transfrontier associations

2.4. Outline contract for the provision of supplies or services between local authorities in frontier areas (private-law type)

2.5. Outline contract for the provision of supplies or services between local authorities in frontier areas (public-law type)

2.6. Outline agreement on the setting up of organs of transfrontier co-operation between local authorities

2.7. Model agreement in interregional and/or intermunicipal economic and social co-operation (see para. 1.6)

2.8. Model agreement in interregional and/or intermunicipal transfrontier co-operation in the field of spatial planning (see para. 1.8)

2.9. Model agreement on the creation and management of transfrontier parks (see para. 1.9)

2.10. Model agreement on the creation and management of transfrontier rural parks (see para. 1.10)

2.11. Model agreement on the creation and management of transfrontier parks between private law associations

2.12. Model agreement between local and regional authorities on the development of transfrontier co-operation in civil protection and mutual aid in the event of disasters occuring in frontier areas

2.13. Model agreement on transnational co-operation between schools and local communities

2.14. Model agreement on the institution of a transfrontier school curriculum

2.15. Model agreement on transfrontier or interterritorial co-operation concerning land use along transfrontier rivers

1. Model inter-state agreements

Introductory note: The system of inter-state agreements aims above all to define precisely the context, forms and limits which States favour for territorial authority action, and to eliminate legal uncertainties likely to create problems (definition of the applicable law, judicial authorities, possible avenues of appeal, etc).

Further, the conclusion of inter-state agreements between the States concerned promoting transfrontier co-operation between local authorities would undoubtedly be advantageous in the following respects:

- official recognition of the legitimacy of such co-operation procedures and encouragement for local authorities to use them;

- purpose and conditions of intervention by supervisory or controlling authorities;

- exchange of information between States;

- links which may be established between such forms of co-operation and other procedures for concerted action in frontier areas;

- amendment of legal rules or interpretations thereof which hinder transfrontier co-operation etc.

The system of multiple choice model agreements enables governments to place frontier co-operation within whatever context is best suited to their needs by using the inter-state agreement for the promotion of transfrontier co-operation (1.1) as a foundation and supplementing it with any of the various options (model agreements 1.2 to 1.5). States could have recourse either to one option only or to more or even all of them, and they could do so either simultaneously or in stages. In the case of agreements between States which already have similar legal systems, such as the Scandinavian states, recourse to agreements of such a specific kind might prove unnecessary.

General clauses for model agreements 1.1 to 1.5*

Article a

1. For the purposes of this agreement "local authorities" shall mean authorities, communities, or bodies exercising local functions under the domestic law of each State.

2. For the purposes of this agreement "regional authorities" shall mean authorities, communities or bodies exercising regional functions under the domestic law of each State.3

Article b

This agreement shall not prejudice various existing forms of transfrontier co-operation between the States parties, particularly those based on an international agreement.

Article c

The Parties shall inform regional and local authorities of the scope for action afforded to them and shall help them to avail themselves thereof.

Article d

"Higher authorities" shall in the present agreement mean such authorities as shall be designated by each Party.

Article e

The extent and nature of local authorities' power as defined in the domestic law of the States parties shall in no way be modified by this agreement.

Article f

Each State may at any time specify the areas of its territory, the objectives and forms of co-operation which are excluded from the application of this agreement.

Such a specification shall not, however, prejudice rights acquired in the context of existing co-operation.

Article g

The Parties shall keep the Secretary General of the Council of Europe informed of the activities of the commissions, committees and other bodies entrusted with a task under this agreement.

Article h

The Parties may make minor changes to this agreement in the light of experience, by simple exchange of notes.

Article i

1. Each Party shall notify the other of the completion of the procedures required under its domestic law for the implementation of this agreement, which shall take effect as from the date of the last notification.

2. This agreement is concluded for a period of five years from its entry into force. Unless six months' notice of termination be given prior to its expiry, it shall be tacitly renewed on the same terms for successive further periods of five years.

3. The Party giving notice of termination may signify that it applies only to specified articles, geographical regions or fields of activity. In such a case, the agreement shall remain in force for the remainder, unless terminated by the other Party or Parties within four months of receiving notice of partial termination.

4. The Parties may at any time suspend application of the present agreement for a specific period. They may similarly agree that the activity of a particular committee be suspended or discontinued.

1.1. Model inter-state agreement

for the promotion of transfrontier co-operation

Introductory note: This is a model inter-state agreement containing general basic provisions which could be concluded either on its own or in conjunction with one or more of the model inter-state agreements appearing below.

The governments of ......................................................................

and ................................................................................

aware of the advantages of transfrontier co-operation as defined in the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities, have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties shall undertake to seek and promote means for transfrontier co-operation at regional and local level.

By transfrontier co-operation they understand all concerted administrative, technical, economic, social or cultural measures to consolidate and enhance neighbourly co-operation between the areas situated on either side of the frontier, and the conclusion of appropriate agreements for the purpose of resolving such problems as may arise in this field.

These measures should seek, inter alia , to improve the conditions for regional and urban development, the protection of natural resources, mutual aid in case of a disaster or calamity and the improvement of public services.

Article 2

The Parties shall endeavour, through mutual consultation, to secure to the regional authorities within their jurisdiction the resources needed to permit them to establish co-operation.

Article 3

They also undertake to encourage local authority action aimed at establishing and developing transfrontier co-operation.

Article 4

Local and regional authorities engaging in transfrontier co-operation in accordance with this agreement shall be entitled to the same facilities and protection as if they were co-operating at national level.

The competent authorities of each Party shall see to it that budget provision is made for the appropriations needed to cover the running expenditure of the bodies responsible for promoting the transfrontier co-operation covered by this agreement.

Article 5

Each Party shall instruct such body, commission or institution as it shall designate to study current national legislation and regulations with a view to suggesting changes in any provisions liable to hinder the development of local transfrontier co-operation. Such bodies shall give particular consideration to improving fiscal and customs regulations, foreign exchange and capital transfer rules and procedures governing intervention by higher authorities, particularly as regards supervision or control.

Before taking the steps referred to in the above sub-paragraph, the Parties shall consult with each other as necessary and exchange any relevant information.

Article 6

The Parties shall endeavour, by arbitration or other means, to resolve matters in dispute of local importance whose prior settlement would be necessary for the success of transfrontier co-operation projects.

1.2. Model inter-state agreement

on transfrontier regional consultation

Introductory note: This agreement may be concluded either individually or in conjunction with one or more of the model inter-state agreements (Texts 1.1 to 1.5)*.

Article 1

In order to promote transfrontier consultation between the regions defined in the appendix to this text, the Parties shall establish a joint commission (hereinafter referred to as "the Commission"), and if necessary one or more regional committees (hereinafter referred to as "Committees") to deal with matters relating to transfrontier consultation.

Article 2

1. The Commission and Committees comprise delegations whose members are chosen by each of the Parties.

2. Delegations to the Commission shall comprise not more than 8 members, of whom at least 3 shall represent the regional authorities. The chairman of delegations to the Committees, or their representatives, shall take part, in an advisory capacity, in the proceedings of the Commission.4

3. The Committees shall be composed of ... delegations, each comprising ... members, and shall be formed at the instigation of the Commission in agreement with the regional and local authorities of the frontier areas covered by this agreement. Delegations to the Committees shall be composed of representatives of those authorities or of regional or local bodies. One delegate shall be appointed by the central authorities. He shall, where appropriate, be chosen from among the bodies representing the central authorities in the frontier areas for which the Committees are responsible.

4. The Commission shall meet at least once per year. The Committees shall meet as required, but at least twice per year.

5. The Commission and the Committees shall draw up their own rules of procedure.

Article 3

Each Party shall defray the expenditure of its own delegation to the Commission.

The expenditure of delegations to the Committees shall be defrayed by the authorities forming such delegations.

Article 4

Purposes of co-ordination and continuity in the work of the Commission and the Committees, the Parties shall if need be establish a Secretariat whose composition, headquarters, manner of operation and financing shall be laid down in an ad hoc arrangement between them, as proposed by the Commission. Failing agreement between the Parties, the Commission itself may establish such a Secretariat.

Article 5

The frontier areas covered by this agreement shall be specified in an Annex thereto, the content of which may be amended simply by an exchange of notes.

Article 6

1. The matters dealt with under transfrontier consultations shall be those arising in the following fields5:

- urban and regional development;

- transport and communications (public transport, roads and motorways, joint airports, waterways, seaports, etc);

- energy (power stations, gas, electricity and water supplies);

- nature conservation (places requiring protection, recreation areas, natural parks, etc);

- water conservation (pollution control, treatment plants, etc);

- protection of the atmosphere (air pollution, noise abatement, noise-free zones, etc);

- education, training and research;

- public health (eg use of medical facilities in one of the areas by the inhabitants of another);

- culture, leisure and sport (theatres, orchestras, sports centres, holiday homes and camps, youth centres, etc);

- mutual assistance in disaster relief (fire, flood, epidemics, air crashes, earthquakes, mountain accidents, etc);

- tourism (joint projects for the promotion of tourism);

- problems relating to frontier workers (transport facilities, housing, social security, taxation, employment, unemployment, etc);

- economic projects (new industry, etc.);

- miscellaneous projects (refuse disposal plant, sewerage, etc);

- improvement of the agrarian system;

- social facilities.

2. The Parties may agree to amend this list by simply exchanging notes.

Article 7

1. Unless otherwise provided, the Commission shall be responsible for dealing with general matters and matters of principle, such as drawing up programmes for the Committees, co-ordination and contact with the central administrations concerned and with joint Commissions established before the entry into force of this agreement.

2. The Commission shall in particular be responsible for referring to the respective governments, as appropriate, its own and the Committees' recommendations and any projects for the conclusion of international agreements.

3. The Commission may avail itself of the services of experts for the investigation of particular questions.

Article 8

1. The primary function of the Committees shall be to investigate problems arising in the fields specified in Article 6 and to make proposals and recommendations accordingly. Such problems may be referred to them by the Commission, by the Parties' central, regional or local authorities and by institutions, associations or other public or private bodies. They may also take up matters on their own initiative.

2. The Committees may, for the purpose of studying these matters, set up working parties. They may also avail themselves of the services of experts, and request legal opninions or technical reports. The Committees shall, through the fullest possible consultation, seek to obtain results in keeping with the interests of the population concerned.

Article 9

1. The Committees shall inform the Commission of matters referred to them and of the conclusions which they have reached.

2. Where their conclusions require decisions by the Commission or by the respective governments, the Committees shall make recommendations to the Commission.

Article 10

1. Both the Commission and the Committees shall be empowered to settle matters of common interest which are referred to them with the members' agreement, provided that their members hold powers in respect thereof according to the legislation of the Parties.

2. The Commission and the Committees shall exchange information on the decisions reached in this respect.

Article 11

1. The delegations to the Commission or the Committees shall exchange information on the action taken by the competent authorities on recommendations made or agreements drafted in accordance with Article 7.2 and Article 9.2.

2. The Commission and the Committees shall consider the action required on the measures taken by the competent authorities referred to in paragraph 1.

1.3. Model inter-state agreement on local transfrontier consultation

Introductory note: This agreement may be concluded either individually or in conjunction with one or more of the model inter-state agreements (Texts 1.1 to 1.5)*.

Article 1

With a view to ensuring a fuller exchange of information and developing consultation between local authorities on either side of frontiers, the Parties call on such authorities to make a joint study of problems of common interest through consultation committees.

Article 2

The rules of procedure of such committees shall be agreed by their members. Higher authorities shall be associated with their proceedings or kept informed of them.

The consultation committees shall be associated with the work of regional transfrontier consultation commissions on terms to be decided by the latter, should such commissions have been set up in the regions in question. Similarly, these commissions shall give their assistance to the work of the consultation committees.

They may also act as advisory bodies in connection with the implementation of special inter-state agreements concluded in the context of transfrontier co-operation.

Article 3

The function of the consultation committees shall be to organise exchanges of information and consultations on both sides as well as to study matters of common interest and determine common aims.

Their activities shall be governed by respect for the responsibilities of their members and no transfer of powers shall be involved.

The members of these committees may, however, within the framework of co-operation agreements, decide together what measures or restrictions are to guide their respective activities or what preliminary consultation procedures they wish to see followed.

Article 4 (alternative)

To assist these consultation committees in their work, the local authorities concerned may, within the limits of the powers conferred on them under domestic law, form associations to provide a legal framework for their co-operation.

Such associations shall be set up under the civil law or commercial law applicable to associations in one of the States concerned. For the application of the legal system chosen, should the occasion arise, the conditions, formalities and particular authorisations concerning the nationality of members of the associations should be disregarded.

The information provided to the higher authorities, conforming to Article 2, will include all information on the activities of the associations mentioned in the present article.

1.4. Model inter-state agreement

on contractual transfrontier co-operation between local authorities

Introductory note: This agreement may be concluded either individually or in conjunction with one or more of the draft inter-state agreements (Texts 1.1 to 1.5)*.

Article 1

Transfrontier co-operation between local authorities shall be conducted inter alia by means of administrative, economic or technical contracts.

Article 2

Transfrontier co-operation contracts shall be concluded by local authorities within the limits of their powers under domestic law.

They shall inter alia relate to the provision of supplies or services, the taking of joint action, the creation of associations established on the basis of civil or commercial law of one of the States parties or the membership of such an association.6

Article 3

The Parties to such a contract shall specify the law applicable thereto by reference to the law of contracts (both public and private) of one of the States parties to this agreement.

They shall also specify, as far as is necessary, those derogations that may be made from such provisions of that law as are not binding.

Failing any relevant stipulation in the contract, the law applicable shall be that of the State of whichever local authority is responsible thereunder for providing the principal service, or failing this, the local authority with the most important financial involvement.

Under all circumstances the persons subject to the local authorities parties to the contract shall retain any right to take action against or seek remedy from the said authorities which they would have enjoyed with regard to the authorities if the latter had retained their duty to provide the said persons with the supplies or services in question. The local authorities against which such action is taken or from which remedies are sought shall be entitled to institute proceedings against those local authorities which have assumed responsibility for providing the supplies or services.

Article 4

Proposals for the conclusion or amendment of contracts shall be simultaneously subject in each State to the ordinary rules governing intervention by higher authorities. However, no approval shall be required from authorities parties to the contract. Any decision taken by a higher authority which may prevent the conclusion or application, or which may provoke the cancellation, of a transfrontier co-operation contract, should imply previous consultations with the corresponding higher authorities of the other States concerned.

Article 5

In the event of a dispute, the competent judicial authority shall be determined by the applicable law. However, transfrontier co-operation contracts may include arbitration clauses. Notwithstanding any such clauses users and third parties shall retain any existing legal remedies against the local authorities of the State to which they belong, it lying with those authorities to seek redress against the defaulting co-contractor.

Higher authorities shall take all measures in their power to secure prompt execution of judicial decisions, whatever the nationality of the court from which they emanated.

Article 6

Contracts concluded under this agreement shall remain in effect after its denunciation. However, the contracts will include a clause authorising the parties to terminate such contracts, subject to five years' notice, in the event of the denunciation of the present agreement. The States parties will have the power to bring about the application of this clause.

1.5. Model inter-state agreement

on organs of transfrontier co-operation between local authorities

Introductory note: This agreement may be concluded either individually or in conjunction with one or more of the model inter-state agreements (Texts 1.1 to 1.5)*.

Article 1

For the purposes which they are permitted under domestic law to pursue through an association or consortium, local authorities and other public-law bodies may take part in associations or consortia of local authorities formed in the territory of another Party in accordance with the latter's domestic law.

Article 2

Within the limits of their members' powers, the associations or consortia referred to in Article 1 shall be entitled to pursue their activities arising out of their statutory purpose in the territory of each of the Parties concerned. In so doing, they shall be subject to the rules laid down by that State, unless exceptions are allowed by that State.

Article 3

1. The instrument of establishment of the association or consortium, the articles of association and any alterations thereto shall be subject to approval by the higher authorities of all the local authorities participating. The same shall apply to admission to an already existing association or consortium.

2. The population concerned shall be notified of such instruments and the approval thereof, in accordance with each country's normal publicity arrangements. The same shall apply to any change in official headquarters and to any decisions regarding the persons authorised to act on behalf of the association or consortium and the limits of their powers.

3. The above instruments shall be drawn up in the official languages in use in each of the States where they are to have effect. Each such version of the text shall be authentic.

Article 4

1. The articles of association shall specify rules governing the association's or consortium's relations in law. They shall include the subjects required by the relevant legislation, in accordance with Article 1 In every case, they shall designate its members, its name and its headquarters. They shall determine the purpose of the association or consortium and, where appropriate, the functions of its installations and the location thereof. They shall determine the manner of appointment of the managerial and administrative bodies, the extent of the members' obligations and their contribution to joint expenditure. The management bodies shall include at least one representative of the member local authorities of each country. The articles of association shall determine the composition and the mode of deliberation of the General Assembly, the form of minutes of sittings, the mode of dissolution or liquidation and the rules governing budgets and accounts.

2. The articles shall also include a provision whereby members may withdraw from the association on giving a period of notice which will be fixed by the articles, after settlement of any debts to the association and on payment to the association of compensation, as assessed by experts, in respect of investment effected or expenditure incurred by the association for or on behalf of the members concerned. They shall also specify rules governing members' dismissal or exclusion for failure to honour their undertakings.

Article 5

The Parties undertake to give the authorisation necessary to the accomplishment within their territory by the association or consortium of its task, subject to the requirements of public policy and public safety.

Article 6

Where, pursuant to domestic law, the association or consortium may not, on the territory of a State, exercise certain powers, rights or advantages necessary to the accomplishment of its task for the benefit of that State's member local authorities, the latter shall have the right and the duty to act for and on behalf of the association or consortium for the purpose of exercising or securing these powers, rights or advantages.

Article 7

1. Powers of supervision or control over the association or consortium shall be exercised, in accordance with domestic law, by the responsible authorities of the State in which its headquarters are located. Such authorities shall also ensure that the interests of local authorities of other States are safeguarded.

2. The responsible authorities of the other States shall have a right to information on the activities and decisions of the association or consortium and on action taken in the exercise of supervision or control. They shall, in particular, be supplied on request with the adopted texts and minutes of meetings of the bodies of the association or consortium, the annual accounts and the draft budget, if any, insofar as domestic law requires that these be communicated to the authorities responsible for supervision or control. They may communicate directly with the bodies of the association or consortium and with the supervisory or controlling authorities, submit observations to them or ask to be directly consulted in specific instances and on specific matters.

3. The responsible authorities of the other States shall also have the right to notify the association or consortium that they object to those authorities falling under their jurisdiction continuing to take part in the association or consortium. Such notification, duly justified, shall be deemed to be grounds for exclusion and shall be specified as such in the association's articles. The authorities referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article shall also be entitled to be represented by a delegate to the management bodies of the association or consortium; such delegate shall be entitled to attend all the bodies' meetings and to receive their agendas and minutes.

Article 8

The supplies or services with which the association or consortium is to be entrusted, in accordance with its articles, in the territory of its members shall be provided on its responsibility, thereby completely releasing its members from their obligations in respect thereof. The association or consortium shall also be responsible vis-a-vis users and third parties. The latter shall, however, retain, with regard to the local authorities for and on whose behalf the supplies or services are provided, all such rights of action and legal remedy as they would enjoy if the authorities themselves had retained the obligation to provide them with the supplies and services concerned. The authorities against whom such action or recourse is directed may themselves take action against the association.

Article 9

1. Failing conciliation, disputes between the association and its members, or between several members, regarding its operation shall be referred to the administrative and judicial authorities of the State in which the headquarters of the association or consortium are located.

2. All disputes other than those referred to in paragraph 1 may be referred to the administrative and judicial authorities according to the ordinary rules applying in the territory of the State parties, unless those interested decide to refer such disputes to a tribunal which they may designate.

3. The State parties will take the necessary measures in order to ensure the execution on their territory of decisions and judgments, relating to the above provisions.

Article 10

The associations or consortia created according to this agreement shall remain in effect after the denunciation of this agreement, though without prejucide to the provisions of Article 7, paragraph 3.

1.6. Model agreement on interregional

and/or intermunicipal economic and social co-operation

(Alternative 1)

Inter-State agreement

The Governments of ................................................................................

and of ................................................................................

(Alternative A)

- wishing to promote interregional economic and social co-operation in the interest of developing their respective frontier regions, have agreed as follows:

(Alternative B)

- wishing to promote economic and social co-operation between the regions of ........... and of .............. in the interests of the development of both regions, have agreed as follows:

(Alternative 2)

Interregional and/or intermunicipal agreement

The regional/local authorities of ............................................................................

and of ................................................................................

The states of ................................................................................

and of ................................................................................

- wishing to promote and facilitate interregional co-operation so as to afford opportunities for improving transfrontier economic relations;

- wishing to strengthen the socio-economic structure of the regions concerned with a view to improving their employment and revenue situation;

- believing that the regions' endogenous assets and potential can be used to better advantage from an economic and social standpoint to the benefit of both parties,

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties agree to appoint a joint interregional Commission for economic and/or social co-operation.

Article 2

The Commission is instructed.

(Alternative 1)

to explore the possibility of carrying through joint projects, drawing up a programme of joint action in the field of regional development and settling the details for its implementation.

(Alternative 2)

to consider the following project7:

................................................................................

................................................................................

and work out details for its implementation.

Article 3

The Commission shall comprise ..... places, divided equally between the Contracting Parties, and each Party shall decide on the balanced distribution of places of its delegation, under its own national law, between the territorial authorities covered by this agreement (governments, cantons, Lender, regions and/or local authorities).

In accordance with its terms of reference, the Commission shall be made up as follows:

Party A:. [from the ...... side:]

[.... members designated by national authorities]

.... members designated by regional authorities

[.... members designated by local authorities];

Party B:. [from the ..... side:]

[.... members designated by national authorities]

.... members designated by regional authorities

[.... members designated by local authorities];

Article 4

The Commission shall meet as often as necessary and shall hold at least .... meetings per year.

The chairmanship shall alternate between the two countries (... years).

The Commission may co-opt experts.

The Commission shall adopt its own rules of procedure and the rules governing the work and funding of its Secretariat.

Article 5

Each Party shall defray the expenses of its own delegation.

Article 6

The present agreement is concluded:

<- for the duration of the project identified under Article 2, alternative 2>;

<- for a period of ... years from its entry into force. It shall then be automatically renewed, for a further period of ... years, unless denounced by one of the Parties one year prior to expiry.>8

Article 7

Each Party shall notify the other of the completion of the procedures required under its national law9 for the implementation of the present agreement, which shall take effect from the date of the later notification10.

Done at ........., this ..........day of ..........., in ......... copies in the ........ and ........ languages, each text being equally authentic.

1.7. Model agreement on intergovernmental co-operation

in the field of spatial planning

[creation of intergovernmental commissions

on transfrontier spatial planning]

Inter-State agreement

The Government of ................................................................................

and the Government of ................................................................................

- bearing in mind the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities (1980);

- bearing in mind the European Regional/Spatial Planning Charter (1983);

- anxious to promote and facilitate co-operation in spatial planning where it relates to common frontier regions,

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

A joint spatial planning commission (hereinafter referred to as "the Commission") shall be appointed.

Article 2

[In Article 2, the development projects to be undertaken and the exact objectives of the Commission are determining factors in choosing the most suitable representation.]

The Commission shall comprise .... members:

- ... members from the ......................... side and

- ... members from the ......................... side;

In accordance with its terms of reference, the Commission shall be made up as follows:

Party A: [from the ....... side:]

. ... members designated by national authorities

. ... members designated by regional authorities

[... members designated by local authorities];

Party B: [from the ....... side:]

. ... members designated by national authorities

. ... members designated by regional authorities

[... members designated by local authorities];

Article 3

Within the framework of spatial planning activities undertaken by the parties, the Commission shall be responsible for ensuring co-operation between the frontier regions covered by these activities, for co-ordinating objectives in this field between those regions and for developing concerted action by all appropriate means within the scope of current legislation and regulation.

For this purpose, it shall:

- make proposals and recommendations on spatial planning in the said regions and present them to the competent bodies:

- promote co-ordination and harmonisation of the following measures:

Article 4

The Commission may set up committees and/or working parties with the task of dealing with specific questions relating to a given region or a particular problem.

Article 5

The Commission shall meet as often as necessary and shall hold at least ... meetings per year.

The chairmanship shall alternate between the two countries (every two years).

The Commission may co-opt experts.

The Commission shall adopt its own rules of procedure and the rules governing the working and funding of its Secretariat.

Article 6

Each party shall defray the expenses of its own delegation.

Article 7

The present agreement is concluded for a period of ... years from its entry into force. It shall then be automatically renewed, for a further period of ... years, unless denounced by one of the Parties one year prior to expiry11.

Article 8

Each Party shall notify the other of the completion of the procedures required under its national law12 for the implementation of the present agreement, which shall take effect from the date of the later notification13.

Done at ............., this .......... day of ............., in ........ copies, in the ......... and .......... languages, each text being equally authentic.

1.8. Model agreement on interregional

and/or intermunicipal transfrontier co-operation

in the field of spatial planning

(Alternative 1)

Inter-State agreement

[The Governments of ................................................................................

and of ................................................................................

wishing to promote transfrontier co-operation in the field of spatial planning, have agreed that co-operation machinery shall be set up

between the regional/local authority of .........................

and the regional/local authority of ................................]

(Alternative 2)

Interregional and/or intermunicipal agreement

The regional/local authorities of ...............................................................................

and of ................................................................................

The states of ................................................................................

and of ................................................................................

- bearing in mind the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities (1980;

- bearing in mind the European Regional/Spatial Planning Charter (1983);

- wishing to promote and facilitate co-operation in the field of spatial planning, in particular in their common frontier regions;

- convinced of the need to promote co-ordination and harmonisation of spatial planning measures in their common frontier regions;

- bearing in mind the existing national and regional plans and programmes on spatial planning,

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

a) Within the framework of current laws and regulations, the Parties undertake to institute and develop a procedure for mutual consultation to precede the stage of planning preparation in the field of spatial development and, where appropriate, of regional development.

b) They shall endeavour to co-ordinate objectives and to work out joint policies in the field of spatial planning with regard to the development of their respective territories.

c) The Parties undertake to put in hand the measures necessary for implementing the projects co-ordinated by the competent [national] [regional] [local] authorities.

 

(Alternative 1):

Article 2

In order to implement Article 1, the Parties shall set up a Joint Commission [a group of experts] on spatial planning.

Article 3

The Commission [group of experts] shall comprise ... representatives, ...... members from the ............. side and ... members from the ......... side.

In accordance with its terms of reference, the Commission [group of experts] shall be made up as follows:

Party A:. [from the ...... side:]

([.... members designated by national authorities])

.... members designated by regional authorities

[.... members designated by local authorities];

Party B:. [from the ..... side:]

([.... members designated by national authorities])

.... members designated by regional authorities

[.... members designated by local authorities];

Article 4

The terms of reference of the Commission [group of experts] shall be:

- to organise and conduct information exchange on all aspects of spatial planning in the region under review;

- to devise a procedure for consultation prior at the planning stage;

- to harmonise, within their own competence, spatial development plans;

- to confer together on the co-ordinated implementation of spatial development plans and projects.

[ Article 5

The Commission shall be served by a permanent Secretariat.]

Article 6

The Commission shall meet as often as necessary, and shall hold at least ... meetings per year.

The chairmanship shall alternate between the two countries (every two years).

The Commission may co-opt experts.

The Commission shall adopt its own rules of procedure and the rules governing the working and funding of its Secretariat.

Article 7

Each party shall defray the expenses of its own delegation.

Article 8

The present agreement is concluded for a period of ... years from its entry into force. It shall then be automatically renewed, for a further period of ... years, unless denounced by one of the Parties one year prior to expiry14.

Article 9

Each Party shall notify the other of the completion of the procedures required under its national law15 for the implementation of the present agreement, which shall take effect from the date of the later notification16.

Done at ............., this .......... day of ............., in ........ copies, in the ......... and .......... languages, each text being equally authentic.

 

(Alternative 2)

Article 2

The Parties shall instruct their competent spatial and regional planning services to take whatever measures are necessary for implementing Articles 1a, b and c.

Article 3

The Parties' competent services shall defray the expenses incurred in connection with Article 2.

Article 4

The present agreement is concluded for a period of ... years from its entry into force. It shall then be automatically renewed, for a further period of ... years, unless denounced by one of the Parties one year prior to expiry17.

Article 5

Each Party shall notify the other of the completion of the procedures required under its national law18 for the implementation of the present agreement, which shall take effect from the date of the later notification19.

Done at ............., this .......... day of ............., in ........ copies, in the . . . ......... and . .......... languages, each text being equally authentic.

1.9. Model agreement on the creation

and management of transfrontier parks

The Governments of ................................................................................

and of ................................................................................

[and of ................................................................................ ]

and/or the competent territorial authorities of ........................................................

and of ................................................................................

- aware of the need to work together in protecting nature, landscapes and the environment and developing the natural areas which are necessary to the quality of human life;

- wishing to harmonise their decisions affecting the management of an area of outstanding value overlapping their common frontiers;

- intent on preserving the area's natural assets and landscape features and providing the public with exceptional facilities for learning about nature and the environment,

have agreed as follows:

 

Article 1

1. The Parties agree that this area shall be designated

"....................................... TRANSFRONTIER PARK".

2. The park shall comprise:

. on the ............. side, the area situated ................

. on the ............. side, the area situated ................

[. on the ............. side, the area situated ................]

3. The precise boundaries of the park are shown on the map which is attached to this agreement and is an integral part thereof.

Article 2

1. The Parties undertake, each in accordance with its own laws:

- to maintain and improve the natural landscape and its specific character;

- to protect and enrich its natural heritage (fauna, flora, habitats);

- to take the necessary steps to preserve the factors likely to influence the above-mentioned ecological and physical assets of the transfrontier park and the environment;

- to protect and enhance the cultural heritage (whether architectural, archaeological, rural or historical);

- to promote information, education and reception facilities as part of a general policy for environmental appreciation and the interpretation of the natural and cultural heritage;

- to supervise and guide the economic, social and cultural activities in the park which further the aims stated above without transforming its character.

2. To this end, the Parties undertake to harmonise their methods of management and to co-ordinate all development projects or improvements by means of a comprehensive action programme leading ultimately to joint management of the park based on a joint management plan. The Parties will promote the exchange of information and experience.

Article 3

1. A Joint Committee20 of ... members shall be set up, comprising: [representatives of the State as well as regional authorities]

- ... members from the .... side

- ... members from the .... side

- [... members from the .... side]

2. The Joint Committee shall establish a local Committee, whose membership shall include representatives of the States and the regional and local authorities concerned, to take charge of implementing this agreement.

Are also included representatives of recognised private nature conservation organisations and organisations which contribute to the safeguarding of the landscape and the environment.

At least once a year the local Committee shall submit a progress report to the Joint Committee with any proposals relevant to management and development of the park.

3. The Joint Committee may set up any other committee or working party.

4. The Joint Committee's terms of reference shall be:

- to ensure transfrontier co-operation through co-ordinated implementation of the objectives listed in Article 2 of this agreement;

- to deal with all other matters relating to management of the park.

5. The Joint Committee shall hold ... meetings each year. It may call in experts at these meetings.

- It adopts its own rules of procedure.

- The Chairmanship of the Joint Committee shall be held alternately by a member of each national delegation; the length of the chairman's term of office will be laid down in the rules of procedure.

Article 4

Each party shall defray the expenditure of its own delegation to the Joint Committee.

Article 5

This agreement is concluded for a period of ... years as from its entry into force. It shall then be automatically renewed, for a further period of ... years, unless denounced by one of the Parties one year prior to expiry21.

Article 6

Each Party shall notify the other of the completion of the procedures required under its national law22 for the implementation of the present agreement, which shall take effect from the date of the later notification23.

Done at ............., this .......... day of ............., in ........ copies, in the ......... and .......... languages, each text being equally authentic.

1.10. Model agreement on the creation

and management of transfrontier rural parks

The Governments of ................................................................................ and/or

the regional authorities of ......................................................................... and/or

the local authorities of ................................................................................

- aware of the need to co-operate in protecting the environment and developing the areas of particular scenic beauty and natural value which are necessary to the quality of life;

- acknowledging the need of the local population to continue and develop economic and socio-cultural activities which do not damage the above mentioned values;

- wishing to establish and extend facilities for natural education and outdoor recreation for the public and the population of these areas;

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

1. The Parties agree that this area shall be designated

"............................ TRANSFRONTIER RURAL PARK".

2. The park shall comprise:

. on the ................ side, the area situated ..............

. on the ................ side, the area situated ..............

[. on the ................ side, the area situated ..............]

3. The precise boundaries of the nature park are shown on a map which is attached to this agreement and is an integral part thereof.

Article 2

1. The Parties undertake, each in accordance with its own laws:

- to maintain and improve the natural landscape and its specific character;

- to protect and enrich its natural heritage (fauna, flora, habitats);

- to protect and enhance the cultural heritage (whether architectural, archaeological, rural or historical);

- to help educate people towards a better appreciation and wider knowledge of other area's natural and cultural heritage;

- to take the necessary steps to preserve the factors likely to influence the above-mentioned ecological and physical assets of the transfrontier park and the environment;

- to promote and guide economic and socio-cultural activities through integrated development capable of contributing to the well-being of the population in the area concerned, conservation of the qualities of its natural and cultural heritage and enhancement of its recreational value.

2. To this end, the Parties undertake to harmonise their methods of management and to co-ordinate all development projects or improvements by means of a comprehensive action programme leading ultimately to joint management of the park based on a joint management plan. The Parties will promote the exchange of information and experience.

Article 3

1. A Joint Committee of ... members shall be set up, comprising:

- ... members from the .... side

- ... members from the .... side

[- ... members from the .... side]

2. The Joint Committee may set up24 a local Committee, whose membership shall include representatives of the States and the territorial authorities concerned, to take charge of implementing the present agreement.

A least once a year the local committee shall submit a progress report to the Joint Committee together with any proposals relevant to management and development of the park.

3. The Joint Committee may set up any other committee or working party.

4. The Joint Committee's terms of reference shall be:

- to ensure transfrontier co-operation through co-ordinated implementation of the objectives listed in Article 2 of this Agreement;

- to deal with all other matters relating to management of the park.

5. The Joint Committee shall hold ... meetings each year. It may call in experts at these meetings.

- It adopts its own rules of procedure.

- The Chairmanship of the Joint Committee shall be held alternately by a member of each national delegation; the length of the chairman's term of office will be laid down in the rules of procedure.

Article 4

Each party shall defray the expenditure of its own delegation to the Joint Committee.

Article 5

This agreement is concluded for a periodf of ... years as from its entry into force. It shall then be automatically renewed, for a further period of ... years, unless denounced by one of the Parties one year prior to expiry25.

Article 6

Each Party shall notify the other of the completion of the procedures required under its national law26 for the implementation of the present agreement, which shall take effect from the date of the later notification27.

Done at ............., this .......... day of ............., in ........ copies, in the ......... and .......... languages, each text being equally authentic.

1.11. Model inter-state agreement on transfrontier co-operation

in matters concerning lifelong training, information, employment

and working conditions

Introductory note: This agreement may be concluded either individually or in conjunction with one or more of the model inter-state agreements (Texts 1.1 to 1.5)*.

The governments of ....... and ......., aware of the need to ensure that populations living in the areas lying on either side of frontiers enjoy equivalent conditions with regard to lifelong training, employment and work, and information, have agreed as follows:

Article 1

All nationals of a state which is party to this agreement who reside in the area defined as the "frontier area" have right of access to the labour market of the other party(ies) on an equal footing with nationals of the said party(ies).

The regional authorities or, subsidiarily, government authorities have defined the territory to be regarded as the "frontier area" as follows: .............. (definition).

Article 2

Frontier workers shall enjoy the same conditions of employment and work as national workers of the employing state.

Article 3

Frontier workers shall enjoy the same occupational mobility - at least within the limits of the frontier area - as workers who are nationals of the employing state.

Depending on the competence of the authorities concerned, jobless workers shall qualify for all job creation schemes.

Article 4

All institutions providing general and occupational training and all agencies providing lifelong occupational training, retraining, resettlement, etc. should be accessible to frontier populations and workers under the same conditions as for national populations and workers.

Article 5

A system will be set up for the recognition of occupational qualifications and certificates issued by institutions within the frontier area, in order to guarantee equality of treatment for people living in the frontier area of one party who wish to work or undergo further training or study in the other or one of the other party(ies).

In order to ensure equal conditions, steps should be taken to promote knowledge of the language and culture of the neighbouring border region.

Article 6

Each party shall acknowledge the capacity of the other party(ies) to issue certificates and other documents whose legal validity it shall undertake to recognise.

Article 7

The competent administrative authorities of frontier regions shall enter into agreements to update the provisions of the present inter-state agreement.

Article 8

The Contracting Parties undertake to promote and implement co-operation among public employment bodies in frontier regions in order to ensure or, where applicable, improve the exchange and joint management of information concerning the employment and working conditions of frontier workers.

They shall promote the establishment of joint information centres for frontier workers, enabling the latter to obtain detailed and accurate information on all questions concerning them.

1.12. Model inter-state agreement for the promotion

of transfrontier or transnational school co-operation

This model agreement is not concluded between local authorities, but between states. It provides, in the form of a simplified technical agreement concluded at the level of the relevant ministerial authorities, for participation by local authorities in transfrontier or transnational school co-operation schemes..

Such an agreement is not indispensable for the intervention of local authorities in such forms of co-operation, but it may constitute a very useful support for such intervention.

The main objective of this type of agreement is to provide for and constitute the general framework for specific local agreements.

Article 1

This agreement forms an extension of the relations of co-operation established between the administrative authorities of the contracting parties that are responsible for education and the objectives set out in the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

Its purpose is to define an appropriate framework for participation by territorial communities or authorities in the development of school exchanges between the states concerned.

Article 2

The school co-operation forming the subject of this agreement shall be aimed at promoting knowledge of the language (or languages) and culture (or cultures) of the partner country and developing, on that basis, personal relations and exchanges of experience and information.

Such co-operation shall be aimed in particular at implementing forms of early bilingualism in the school system.

It shall especially be aimed at the introduction of an international approach to teaching.

Article 3

Participation by territorial communities or authorities in the co-operation schemes defined in Article 2 is a factor for the effectiveness of that co-operation and shall be encouraged by the authorities of the signatory states with responsibility for school activities.

Article 4

In order to establish consistent schemes of school co-operation, as referred to in Article 2, co-operation projects may be defined by agreements concluded between the administrations and the territorial communities or authorities concerned.

These agreements shall define:

- the general and specific objectives of the co-operation, as well as the methods considered appropriate for achieving them;

- the resources in terms of staff, equipment and funds allocated to the implementation of the co-operation project, as well as the authorities providing them;

- the schemes of which the co-operation consists;

- practical arrangements for the settlement of concrete matters connected with co-operation schemes (accommodation, staffing, insurance, etc.);

- the monitoring of the co-operation scheme by a steering committee made up of representatives of the school authorities and the territorial communities or authorities concerned, as well as representatives of the parents and pupils and qualified individuals;

- the manner in which periodic assessments of the results of the co-operation are drawn up.

Article 5

On the basis of these agreements, the school authorities concerned may undertake to ensure the implementation of the co-operation schemes provided for in the agreements and, in particular, the implementation of bilingual teaching programmes and timetables.

To the extent required by the co-operation schemes, exceptions to the standard programmes and timetables may be agreed upon.

Article 6

The school authorities shall be authorised to arrange exchanges of teaching staff, in order to implement the co-operation schemes. In this context, the teachers shall continue to be remunerated by the administration of origin, but shall be placed under the authority of the host administration. The agreements mentioned in Article 4 shall define conditions concerning the defrayal of specific expenses (travel, subsistence, etc.).

Article 7

In the context of the co-operation agreements provided for in Article 4, specific tuition, particularly of or in the language of the partner country, may be dispensed by outside teachers, whatever their nationality.

These teachers shall be approved by the education authorities or by the committee provided for in Article 2. The agreements referred to in Article 4 shall specify the terms on which their expenses shall be covered.

Article 8

A bilateral council on school co-operation shall be set up, for the purpose of monitoring the execution of this agreement. It shall be composed of representatives of the authorities signing this agreement, representatives of the territorial communities and authorities and qualified individuals chosen by the signatories. It shall meet at least once a year and shall submit a public report on the action taken in pursuance of this agreement.

Article 9

In the event of damage being sustained by pupils or teachers during international school co-operation activities, the state in whose territory the damage arose shall be liable, but may take action against any liable third party, if appropriate..

Article 10

This agreement has been concluded for an indefinite duration. It may be terminated by either party subject to six months' prior notice.

1.13. Model agreement on transfrontier or interterritorial co-operation concerning land use along transfrontier rivers

The [states / regional authorities / local authorities]28 of ......................................., ( hereinafter: Contracting Parties) each traversed by the river ...........,

Recalling the role and achievements of the Council of Europe in fostering transfrontier co-operation between territorial communities or authorities in Europe,

Having regard to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Coperation between Territorial Communities or Authorities of 1980, the European Water Charter of 1968 and the European Regional/Spatial Planning Charter of 1983,

Determined to coordinate their use and management of the river ....... for the purpose of reducing negative effects on the territories traversed by the river,

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1 (Joint Committee)

1. The Contracting Parties shall institute a joint committee (hereinafter: Joint Committee), which shall consist of one representative of each Contracting Party and hold regular meetings.

2. The Joint Committee shall decide on its terms of reference, its duration, its rules of procedure, the dates and the agenda of its meetings and any other matters deemed relevant by the Contracting Parties.

3. Decisions of the Joint Committee shall be binding upon the Joint Committee members. They shall be taken by simple majority vote of the Contracting Parties' representatives present at a meeting, each representative having one vote.

4. The Joint Committee shall be represented vis-a-vis any third party by the Contracting Parties jointly.29

5. Each Contracting Party shall cover the costs for the participation of its representative in the Joint Committee. Common costs of the Joint Committee shall be borne equally between the Contracting Parties.

Alternative to Article 1: Article 1 (Consultative Meetings)

1. The Contracting Parties shall have regular meetings (hereinafter: Consultative Meetings) for the purpose of implementing this agreement and consulting each other on matters relevant to the use or non-use of the river .....

2. The dates, the agenda and other relevant matters of the Consultative Meetings shall be decided by simple majority vote, each Contracting Party having one vote. The same applies to other decisions taken during the Consultative Meetings.

3. Each Contracting Party shall cover the costs for its participation. Common costs arising from the activities decided upon at the Consultative Meetings shall be borne equally.

Article 2 (Fields of Activity)

1. The Contracting Parties shall regularly measure the water level, speed and quality of the river .....; they shall produce regularly land maps of the river, its linked waters and the surrounding area of up to ..... kilometres from the river banks30; such maps indicating the land use, the use of the river and linked waters, and the water and land quality.

2. The Contracting Parties shall provide [the Joint Committee / each other at the Consultative Meetings] with any information relevant to the use and management of the river ......., and especially the following:

a. up-dated land maps of the territories specified in paragraph (1) of this Article;

b. major planned or undertaken construction work (or such work which is in progress at the time of entry into force of this agreement), or changes in the land use, which might affect the flow of the river or linked waters, its traffic, its usability (in particular its navigability) or its water quality;

c. the average introduction of substances into the river emanating from their territory according to direct or implied permissions granted by an authority as well as any known but unauthorised introductions;

d. major diversions of river water.

3. The [Joint Committee / Contracting Parties at their Consultative Meetings] shall formulate guidelines for the use or non-use of the river ....... and the territories specified in paragraph (1) of this Article, as far as such use or non-use might affect the flow of the river or linked waters, its traffic, its usability (in particular its navigability) or its water quality. Such guidelines shall not be legally binding, but shall be taken into account by the Contracting Parties when exercising their discretion.

4. The [Joint Committee / Contracting Parties at their Consultative Meetings] may, after having agreed on the financial terms by unanimous vote, commission studies or undertake positive action concerning the flow of the river ......., its traffic, its usability (in particular its navigability) or its water quality. If a unanimous vote on the financial terms cannot be reached, individual Contracting Parties can agree to realize the activity in question.

Article 3 (Work Objectives)

The Contracting Parties shall endeavour to support the goals of this agreement and, in particular, to comply with the following objectives31:

a. (Anti-Flood Measures)

- the natural flow of the river ..... and its linked waters should not be altered;

- the speed of the water flow should not be increased, directly or indirectly;

- meanders, natural river banks, river branches, marshlands and flood plains should be preserved or recreated;

- commercial or private land use close to the river, possibly aggravating flood situations, should be avoided;

- backwater installations, sluices and floodgates should be maintained or installed, where appropriate;

- the natural seepage of rain water should be fostered;

- mountain areas bordering the river or its linked waters should receive special attention with respect to the aforementioned objectives.

b. (Anti-Pollution Measures)

- the introduction of toxic substances into the river ..... and its linked waters as well as the ground water should be avoided;

- the use, especially agricultural use, of land traversed by the river or its linked waters which has negative consequences on the water quality should be avoided;

- the transportation of dangerous cargo on the river ..... should be limited and relief measures should be set up for accidents.

Article 4 (Emergency Actions)

1. The Contracting Parties shall immediately inform each other of any significant change or likelihood of a significant change in the flow of the river ......., its level or its water quality, if such a change is likely to threaten the inhabitants or the environment of the area referred to in Article 2, paragraph 1, or the users of the river and linked waters. For this purpose, each Contracting Party shall name a contact address to be provided with such information.

2. If the case referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article arises, the Contracting Parties shall convene an ad hoc meeting in order to decide on appropriate emergency relief measures.

3. Each Contracting Party shall refrain from any measures aggravating the negative effects of the above-mentioned change during the emergency.

Article 5 (Final Provisions)

1. Each Contracting Party can withdraw from this agreement by written notice to the [Joint Committee / other Contracting Parties], notwithstanding the validity of any prior financial commitments. New Contracting Parties can be admitted with the consent of the existing Contracting Parties32.

2. Any dispute concerning or arising from this agreement shall be settled among the Contracting Parties themselves in good faith. The rights of third parties to legal recourse against individual Contracting Parties before competent courts shall not be limited.

3. The Contracting Parties shall inform the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of this agreement.

4. This agreement shall be concluded [indefinitely / for a period of ... years, renewable for subsequent terms of ... years unless cancelled by unanimous vote of the Contracting Parties before the end of a term].

Done at ......., this ....... day of ......., in ....... and ....... (languages), each text being equally authentic.

2. Outline agreements, statutes,

and contracts between local authorities

Introductory note:

Outline agreements, contracts and statutes intended for local authorities

Like States, local authorities could be offered a choice of agreements and contracts. In fact, such a choice already exists in a number of countries, as is shown by the appreciable volume of documentation on agreements concluded that has already been assembled.

The proposed system comprises six outline agreements, contracts and statutes corresponding to different degrees and formulae of local transfrontier co-operation. According to the scope and state of national legislation, these outlines may either be put to immediate use or may be subordinated to the adoption of an inter-state agreement governing their use.

In general, the conclusion of inter-state agreements, even when it does not seem absolutely essential, could help to clarify the conditions on which these agreements may be used by the local authorities. In any event, the conclusion of an inter-state agreement would seem to be a prerequisite for recourse to the agreement numbered 2.6 (transfrontier co-operation organs).

This system of outline agreements intended for local authorities corresponds to the model inter-state agreements. Reference is made to the inter-state agreements in the introductory note to each outline.

It is then possible to integrate the agreements and organs set up at local level, into the structures of transfrontier consultation to be set up at regional or national level. For example, the local liaison committees (outline 2.1) could be integrated into the structure of the Commissions, Committees and working parties stipulated in the model inter-state agreement on regional transfrontier consultation (1.2).

Also, these models have been designed on a schematic basis, as it was not possible to take a global view of all the problems that could arise in each particular case. The outlines are a valuable guide, but may be amended according to the needs encountered by the local authorities using them.

Likewise, local authorities must determine means of encouraging citizen participation in transfrontier consultation in the socio-cultural sphere. Such participation would certainly overcome the psychological obstacles sometimes seriously impeding transfrontier co-operation. Consultation, supported by public interest, would also benefit from a solid foundation. One way of encouraging public participation would be to have recourse to an association. Thus, one of the outlines (2.3) concerns the setting up of a private law association.

2.1. Outline agreement on the setting up

of a consultation group between local authorities

Introductory note: Normally, the creation of such a group is possible without the need for inter-state agreements. There are numerous examples of such a possibility. However, if legal or other uncertainties exist, an inter-state agreement would provide the conditions under which such consultation could be used (see model agreement 1.3).

Purpose of the group and headquarters

Article 1

The local authorities Parties to this Agreement undertake to co-ordinate their efforts in the following fields within their powers (specify the field(s) of responsibility or refer to local problems"). this purpose, they hereby establish a Consultation Group, hereinafter referred to as "the Group", with headquarters at .............

The Group's function shall be to ensure the exchange of information, co-ordination and consultation between its members in the fields specified in the preceding sub-paragraph. The member authorities undertake to supply it with all information necessary for the discharge of its function and to consult each other, via the Group, prior to the adoption of decisions or measures affecting the fields specified above.

Membership

Article 2

Each participating local authority shall be represented in the Group by a delegation of ... members appointed by it. Each delegation may, with the Group's agreement, be accompanied by representatives of private socio-economic bodies and by experts (this alternative excludes entities other than local authorities from membership, which distinguishes this arrangement from the private law association dealt with under 2.3).

Possible variant: The number of members in each delegation may vary. Membership shall be open to local and regional authorities, socio-economic groups and private persons subscribing to this agreement. The Group shall decide on the admission of new members. Each delegation may, with the Group's agreement, be accompanied by representatives of private bodies and by experts.

Terms of reference

Article 3

The Group may deliberate on all matters specified in Article 1. All questions on which a consensus is reached, and recommendations which the Group decides to make to the relevant authorities or groups, shall be recorded in the minutes.

The Group shall be authorised to commission studies and investigations on matters within its competence.

Article 4

The members of the Group may agree to entrust the Group with the execution of certain well-defined practical duties. The Group may also carry out any tasks entrusted to it by other agencies.

Operation

Article 5

The Group shall draw up its own rules of procedure.

Article 6

The Group shall, as a general rule, be convened twice a year, or at the request of one-third of its members proposing the entry of an item on its agenda.

Notice of the meeting must be given and the agenda circulated at least 15 days in advance, in order that the deliberations may be prepared by each of the institutions represented.

Article 7

The Group shall appoint from among its members a permanent Bureau whose membership and powers it shall determine.

The Chair shall be taken in accordance with the rules of procedure or, where they do not apply, by the oldest member present.

Relations with outside persons and higher authorities

Article 8

In relations with outside persons, the Group shall be represented by its Chairman, except as otherwise provided for in the rules of procedure. Higher authorities, to which members of the Group belong, may obtain from the Group such information as they may request on the Group's work and shall be authorised to send an observer to its meetings.

Secretariat and finance

Article 9

Secretarial services shall be provided by one of the member institutions (with or without a system of annual replacement).

Each authority shall be required to contribute to the cost of secretarial services as specified hereunder: ...

Information and documentation shall normally be circulated in the language of the State from which it originates.

Accession and withdrawal

Article 10

Membership of the Group shall be open to such additional local and regional authorities as may subscribe to this agreement. The Group shall decide on the admission of new members.

Article 11

Any member may withdraw from the Group by notifying the Chairman to that effect. The withdrawal of a member from the Group shall not affect its operation unless otherwise decided upon by the Group.

Article 12

The Parties shall inform the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of the conclusion of this agreement and supply him with the text.

2.2. Outline agreement on co-ordination

in the management of transfrontier local public affairs

Introductory note: In several States this type of transfrontier co-operation agreement is already possible. Where this is not the case, the conditions under which such an agreement could be used should be defined within the framework of an inter-state agreement (see model agreement 1.3).

Purpose of the agreement

Article 1

Article 1 specifies the purpose of the agreement (eg harmonious development of frontier regions) and the fields concerned.

Territory covered by the agreement

Article 2

Article 2 should specify the territories covered by the agreement on either side (or on all three sides) of the frontier.

Undertakings

Article 3

Article 3 should define the means of achieving the aims of the agreement (Article 1). According to the material purpose of the agreement, the following undertakings may be specified:

- the Parties undertake to comply with a prior consultation procedure before reaching decisions on a number of measures they have to take within the limits of their powers and of the territory administered by them;

- the Parties undertake, within their territory and within the limits of their powers, to take the measures necessary to the achievement of the agreement's objectives;

- the Parties undertake to do nothing detrimental to the objectives of this agreement.

Co-ordination

Article 4

Article 4 should specify, in accordance with the particular circumstances and requirements of each agreement, the arrangements for co-ordination:

- either by designating for co-ordination purposes the general purpose group referred to in Outline Agreement 2.1;

- or by providing for the establishment of a specific consultation group for the purpose of this agreement;

- or simply by means of direct bilateral contracts between the authorities concerned.

Conciliation

Article 5

Each member of the Group (each Party, if there is no Group) may raise with the Group (the other Party, if there is no Group) any case in which it considers that the agreement has not been observed in that:

- either there has been no prior consultation;

- or the measures taken are not in keeping with the agreement;

- or the measures necessary to the achievement of the aims of the agreement have not been taken.

If the Parties fail to reach agreement, the dispute may be referred to a Conciliation Board entrusted with ensuring compliance with the undertakings entered into.

Controlling Body

Article 6

The Parties may agree to set up a specific Controlling Body to ensure compliance with the undertakings entered into, composed of an equal number of experts appointed by each Party and a neutral expert whose appointment or the mode of such appointment shall be provided for in advance.

The Controlling Body shall give an opinion, which it shall have the authority to make public, as to whether the agreement has been observed.

Article 7

The Parties shall inform the Secretary General of the conclusion of this agreement and supply him with the text.

2.3. Outline agreement on the setting up

of private law transfrontier associations

Introductory note: It is assumed that the local authority of one State may belong to a private law association of another State in accordance with the same rules and conditions as apply to that local authority's membership of a private law association in its own State. If such is not the case at present, the possibility should be expressly provided for by means of an inter-state agreement between the States concerned (see inter-state model agreements 1.3 and 1.4).

Private associations are normally required to comply with rules laid down in the law of the country where they have their headquarters. The following list shows the provisions which should be included in their articles, where this is not specified by law. The provisions governing consultation groups (see outline agreement 2.1) may also apply, mutatis mutandis, to associations of this type.

The association's Articles should specify:

1. its founder members and the conditions for the admission of new members;

2. its name, headquarters and legal form (with reference to the relevant national legislation);

3. its object, the manner of achieving this object and the resources at the association's disposal;

4. its bodies and in particular the functions and mode of operation of its General Assembly (representation and voting);

5. appointment of administrators or executive officers and their powers;

6. the extent of members' liabilities vis-a-vis third parties;

7. conditions for modification of the articles and for winding-up the association;

8. an undertaking by the Parties to inform the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of the formation of a transfrontier association and to supply him with its articles.

2.4. Outline contract for the provision of supplies or services

between local authorities in frontier areas ("private law" type)

Introductory note: It is assumed that local authorities have the right to conclude such a contract with local authorities of other countries. Where this is not the case, this possibility should be expressly provided for within the framework of an inter-state agreement (see model agreement 1.4).

This is a type of contract which may be used by local authorities for sales, leases, works contracts, the supply of goods or services, the granting of operating concessions, etc. Local authorities' use of "private law" contracts is permitted to varying degrees in national legislation and practice and it is difficult to draw the line between "public-law" and "private-law" contracts. Nevertheless it may be assumed that this type of contract may be used wherever, according to the prevailing interpretation in each particular country, the agreement concerns an operation of a commercial or economic type for which a private person or corporate body could also have contracted. In the case of operations which involve action by local authorities in the exercise of functions reserved to public authority, the supplementary rules specified in the "public-law" outline contract (see 2.5) must be borne in mind, in addition to the provisions set out below.

Parties

Article 1 specifies the Parties (and whether the agreement is open to other local authorities).

Article 2 specifies the problems connected with general contractual powers and, in particular, beneficiaries and terms and conditions. It may also, where appropriate, specify the necessary reservations regarding authorisation by higher authorities, where this affects the applicability of the contract.

Object of the contract

Article 3 specifies the object of the contract by reference to:

- specific matters;

- geographical areas;

- corporate bodies (municipalities, national bodies with local powers, etc.);

- specific legal forms.

Article 4 specifies the duration of the contract, the conditions for renewal and any completion dates.

Legal regime and financial provisions

Article 5 indicates the place of signature and performance of the contract and specifies the legal regime by which it is governed (private international law) and the law which applies.

Article 6 deals, where appropriate, with financial questions (currency in which payment is to be made and the mode of price adjustment in the case of long-term services) and insurance.

Arbitration

Article 7 provides, if necessary, for a conciliation procedure and provides for an arbitration procedure.

In the event of arbitration, the arbitration board shall be made up as follows:

- each Party with opposing interests (Variant: the presidents of the administrative courts with jurisdiction over each of the parties) shall designate a member of the arbitration board and the Parties shall jointly appoint one or two independent members so that there may be an odd number of members;

- where there is an even number of members of the arbitration board and the votes are tied, the independent member shall have a casting vote.

Alteration and termination of the contract

Article 8 specifies the rules to apply in the event of alteration or termination of the contract.

Article 9. The Parties shall inform the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of the conclusion of this agreement and supply him with the text.

2.5. Outline contract for the provision of supplies or services

between local authorities in frontier areas ("public-law" type)

Introductory note: This type of contract is similar to that dealt with under 2.4 ("private-law" contracts) in that it relates to specific purposes. This type is more particularly concerned with concessions or contracts for public services or public works (or services or works which are regarded as "public" by one of the countries concerned), or the provision of contributory finance33, from one authority to another on the other side of the frontier. Such public concessions entail special risks and responsibilities related to the public services provided which require the inclusion in the contract of other provisions in addition to those specified in the model "private-law" contract.

"Transfrontier" contracts of this type are not necessarily permitted in all countries. Consequently, the possibility of such arrangements and the conditions for their use would often first have to be provided for in an inter-state agreement (see model agreement 1.4).

The use of such a contract, which is simple enough to devise and implement, could in some cases obviate the need for a joint agency of the "Transfrontier Syndicate of Local Authorities" type (see 2.6), which raises other legal problems.

Contractual provisions

Where the contract involves the establishment or administration of public property, a public service or facility belonging to a local authority in at least one of the countries, contractual guarantees must be specified in accordance with the rules which apply in the country or countries concerned.

The contract will also, where necessary, make reference to the following specific conditions:

1. the regulations governing the establishment or operation of the facility or service concerned (eg timetable, charges, conditions of use, etc);

2. special conditions governing the setting up of the facility or service (eg permits required, procedure, etc);

3. the conditions of contract for the facility or service;

4. the procedure for adjusting the contract for reasons of public interest and resulting financial compensation;

5. ensuing relations between users of the facility or service and the operator (eg conditions of access, charges, etc);

6. withdrawal from, surrender or termination of the contract.

In addition to these special requirements, the provisions specified in the specimen "private-law" contract 2.4 will also apply.

2.6. Outline agreement on the setting up of organs

of transfrontier co-operation between local authorities

Introductory note: It is assumed that several local authorities may get together and form a legally based organisation with a view to providing and operating some public utility, service or facility body.

The creation and functioning of such an association or syndicate will mainly depend on the applicable legislation and the provisions of any previous inter-state agreement authorising this form of co-operation (see model agreement 1.5).

There follows a list of the provisions that the articles of association should include, insofar as they are not embodied in the applicable legislation.

The articles of association should specify inter alia :

1. the names of the founding members of the association and the conditions on which new members may join;

2. the name, headquarters, duration and legal status of the association (with references to the law conferring legal status upon it);

3. the object of the association, the way in which it is to be pursued and the resources at the association's disposal;

4. the way in which the registered capital is constituted;

5. the scope and limits of members' liabilities;

6. the procedure for appointing and dismissing administrators or managers of the association, as well as their powers;

7. the associations' relations with its members, third parties and higher authorities, especially as regards the communication of budgets, balance sheets and accounts;

8. the people with responsibility for financial and technical control over the activity of the association and the reports arising out of such control;

9. the conditions for altering the articles of association and for the dissolution of the association;

10. the rules applying to personnel;

11. the rules applying to languages.

2.7. Model agreement on interregional

and/or intermunicipal economic and social co-operation

(see para. 1.6)

2.8. Model agreement on interregional

and/or co-operation in the field of spatial planning

(see para. 1.8)

2.9. Model agreement on the creation

and management of transfrontier parks

(see para. 1.9)

2.10. Model agreement on the creation

and management of transfrontier rural parks

(see para. 1.10)

2.11. Model agreement on the creation and management

of transfrontier parks between private law associations

The association ........................................................

the association ........................................................

[and the association ................................................],34

- aware of the need to work together in protecting the environment and developing the natural areas which are necessary to the quality of human life;

- wishing to co-ordinate their activities with a view to preserving the area's natural assets and landscape features;

- gathered at a constituent General Assembly held in ............ on ...............

- have agreed as follows:

Article 1

There shall be established a private law transfrontier association:

1. - the association's founder members shall comprise:

a.. ........................... represented by .................

b.. ........................... represented by .................

c.. ........................... represented by .................

- the admission of new members shall be subject to the following conditions:

a.. ...........................

b.. ...........................

c.. ...........................

2. - This association shall take the name .....................

It will be referred to hereafter as the ASSOCIATION.

- Its headquarters shall be situated in ............. in the territory of .............

- Only the legislation and regulations of the country in which the headquarters are situated shall be applicable, save as otherwise expressly provided in an appendix hereto.

3. The object of the ASSOCIATION shall be .................... and in general any activity related directly or indirectly, wholly or partly, to any of the ASSOCIATION's objects.

4. The ASSOCIATION shall be managed by a Management Committee which will appoint:

a. a chairman

b. a vice-chairman

c. a treasurer

d. a secretary

e. one or more assistants.

The members of the Bureau shall be appointed by the General Assembly (meeting in ordinary session).

Their term of office shall not exceed ............. years and may be renewed for a period of .............

The General Assembly shall meet at least once a year. Its proceedings shall not be valid unless two-thirds of its members are present.

The decisions shall be taken by a [relative] [absolute] majority of the members.

Any member unable to attend may authorise another member [of the same nationality] to vote on his behalf. No member may hold more than .... votes.

5. The ASSOCIATION's Articles shall be revised at an extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly, by a majority of (two-thirds of) the votes of the members present. The Extraordinary General Assembly shall meet on the proposal of the Management Committee or at least of two of its members.

The ASSOCIATION may be dissolved by virtue of an amicable agreement between the parties or a decision taken by a majority of the members present at a meeting of the General Assembly convened in the proper way.

6. The Parties undertake to inform the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of the setting up of the ASSOCIATION and to communicate its Articles to him. The decision to dissolve the ASSOCIATION shall likewise be communicated for information.

Article 2

1. They also undertake, each in accordance with its own law, to take all appropriate action . with a view to co-ordinate management of the transfrontier park.

This co-ordination will involve in particular:

- maintenance and improvement of the natural landscape and its specific character;

- protection and enrichment of the specific heritage (fauna, flora, habitats);

- the taking of the necessary steps to preserve the factors likely to influence the above mentioned ecological and physical assets of the transfrontier park and the environment;

- information, education and reception facilities as part of a general policy for environmental appreciation and the interpretation of the natural and cultural heritage;

- supervision and guidance of economic, social and cultural activities in the park to ensure that they are consistent with the aims stated above and that the character of the transfrontier park is preserved35.

2. To this end, the Contracting Parties shall adopt joint action programmes of mutual interest, which might deal in particular with the following subjects:

- information;

- protection and development of plant and animal species;

- prevention and control of fires, epidemics, etc.;

- protection of waterways and of shores and banks on both sides of the frontier;

- tourism;

- accommodations;

- footpaths.

Article 3

The above mentioned joint action programmes of mutual interest shall be adopted by mutual agreement between the associations responsible for management of the nature parks concerned, within the deliberative and decision-making body referred to as the General Assembly.

Article 4

The joint action programmes of mutual interest shall determine the time-limits, aims and means of financing of the activities undertaken, as well as the material questions relating to management. They shall also specify the procedure for calculating each Contracting Party's financial contribution.

Furthermore, provision shall be made for an adjustment to bring the contributions into line with new circumstances arising during the course of the programme.

Article 5

The Parties undertake to implement the provisions of this agreement [and those of any joint action programmes of mutual interest signed in accordance with it].

Article 6

This agreement is concluded for a period of ... years as from its entry into force. It shall be automatically renewed for further successive periods of ... years unless denounced by one of the Parties one year prior to expiry.

Article 7

Each Party shall notify the other of the completion of the procedures required by its domestic law for the enry into force of this agreement, which shall take effect on the date of the last notification.

2.12. Model agreement between local and regional authorities

on the development of transfrontier co-operation in civil protection

and mutual aid in the event of disasters occuring in frontier areas

(Outline)

The local authorities (or regions) of ............................................... and ............................................... within the juridiction of the states of ............................................... and of .........................................

* which are Parties to the Inter-State Agreement on the Promotion of Transfrontier Co-operation36

* which have acceded to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities

Resolved to assist each other in the event of disasters occurring in either of their territories;

Convinced of the need for joint pursuit of all action to prevent such disasters and for assistance to be made as effective as possible in order to cope with the effects of such occurrences,

Have agreed as follows

Article 1

The Contracting Parties undertake to afford each other, as far as they are competent and able, the assistance provided for in this agreement in the event of disasters37 occurring in any of their territories.

Article 2

1. Assistance shall be provided upon a request being make by the competent authority of one of the Contracting Parties to the competent authority of the other. Such request shall specify the nature and extent of the assistance required, bearing in mind the provisions of Article 3.

2. The authority requested for assistance shall notify the requesting authority of the nature and extent of the assistance it is able to provide.

Article 3

1. The assistance referred to in Article 1 of this agreement may be provided in one or more of the following forms:

a. the provision of suitable equipment to meet the immediate needs of the population affected by the disaster, such as blankets, tents, clothing, food and medical supplies;

b. the provision of suitable equipment for first aid, medical assistance and rescue;

c. the dispatch of operational and administrative personnel;

d. the dispatch of technical, medical and first aid, and other units;

e. ...

f. ...

In dispatching the supplies referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) above, the supplying authority shall inform the authority to whom they are sent whether they are supplied on loan or as gifts.

2. In order to facilitate the implementation of this provision, the Contracting Parties shall regularly exchange information concerning the nature and extent of the assistance they would be able to provide immediately in the event of a disaster.

Article 4

1. The Contracting Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the transport of the persons and equipment referred to in the preceding article may be effected as smoothly as possible, whatever the mode of transport employed.

2. In a case of transport by air, they shall take such special safety measures as may be necessary.

Article 5

1. Unless the Contracting Parties agree otherwise, responsibility for directing relief operations shall lie within the competent authorities of the Contracting Party requesting assistance.

2. The competent authority providing assistance shall notify the requesting authority of the names of the persons in charge of forwarding instructions to the foreign relief personnel.

Article 6

1. The cost of providing assistance shall be borne either by funds established by industries38 liable to be the cause of disasters or accidents (chemical, nuclear industries, etc.) or by the Contracting Party which receives the assistance, the latter's actual expenditure being possibly refunded by the central authorities.

2. However, each Contracting Party undertakes not to ask the other Parties concerned to reimburse the customary cost of the assistance provided, nor compensation for the losses or damage to vehicles or machinery used in the mutual aid or relief operations.

3. The authority providing the assistance must, when supplying the information referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 2, give notice which costs will not be included as customary ones arising out of the operation, other than those mentioned in paragraph 2 of Article 7.

................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

As an alternative to Article 6, the text set out below, based on bilateral conventions concluded by the Federal Republic of Germany with France and Luxembourg on mutual aid in the event of disasters or serious accidents, might be used:

Article 6

1. The costs resulting from the assistance provided by the rescue teams of the Contracting Party providing assistance in accordance with Article 1 and 3, including any expenditure incurred through the loss or complete or partial destruction of any accompanying equipment, shall not be met by the authorities of the Contracting Party which receives the assistance. In the case of assistance provided by aircraft, the Contracting Party providing assistance may demand payment from the Contracting Party which receives the assistance of half of the costs resulting from the use of aircraft.

2. The rescue teams of the Contracting Party providing the assistance, shall however, for the duration of the operation receive food and accommodation and all necessary supplies, at the expense of the requesting Contracting Party, insofar as accompanying stocks have been used up. They shall also receive all necessary medical assistance.

................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Article 7

1. Any damage caused to persons in connection with assistance provided under this agreement shall, for the purpose of compensation, be charged to the Contracting Party which requested assistance under this agreement.

2. However, the provisions of paragraph 1 shall not apply to damage to persons or property made available to the Contracting Party which requested assistance under this agreement.

................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

As an alternative to Article 7, the text set out below based on the bilateral conventions concluded by the Federal Republic of Germany with France and Luxembourg on mutual aid in the event of disasters or serious accidents, might be used:

Article 7

1. Each Contracting Party shall renounce any claims for compensation against the other Contracting Party for damage to property belonging to it, where the damage has been caused by a member of a rescue team of the other Contracting Party in the performance of duties connected with the execution of this agreement.

2. Each Contracting Party shall renounce any claims for compensation against the other Contracting Party in respect of any member of a rescue team who has suffered injury or death in the performance of duties connected with the execution of this agreement.

3. If any injury is caused to a third party by a member of a rescue team of the Contracting Party providing assistance in the performance of duties in the territory of the Contracting Party shall assume responsibility for the injury in accordance with the provisions applicable in the event of injury being caused by one of its own rescue teams.

4. The authorities of the Contracting Parties shall co-operate closely in order to expedite the settlement of claims for compensation. In particular, they shall exchange all the information at their disposal on cases of injury as defined in this article.

5. This article shall also apply to jointly organised exercices by rescue teams.

................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

N.B. The Parties' attention is drawn to the fact that if they do not retain in the agreements to be concluded both Articles 6 and 7 proposed above as an alternative, but only one of them, they should ensure that the article retained is compatible with the other relevant articles; accordingly, responsibility for the cost of assistance or responsibility for damage to property and injuries.

Article 8

The assistance operations effected by virtue of this agreement shall cease when the autority which asked for assistance so request.

Article 9

In order to facilitate the application of this agreement, the Contracting Parties shall endeavour regularly to organise staff exchanges and joint training exercises for the relevant relief personnel.

Article 10

The Contracting Parties undertake to inform the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of the conclusion of this agreement and to forward the text thereof to him.

Done at ........................... this .................. day of ................. in ................................. and .................. in two copies, both texts being equally authentic.

 

For the local authority For the local authority

(region) of (region) of

2.13. Model agreement on transnational co-operation

between schools and local communities

This model agreement concerns co-operation in the form of a partnership between two schools belonging to different countries.

It provides for a fairly loose, general form of transnational co-operation, but with relatively ambitious objectives, in so far as the aim is lasting and fairly intensive co-operation based on firm educational and linguistic concepts.

The role of local authorities is to provide a general framework for the co-operation between the local communities in which the schools are located, and to provide cultural advice as well as material, financial and human support. As such, they are full-scale participants in this type of co-operation.

Article 1

The purpose of this agreement is to organise joint action between school W and community X, on the one hand, and school Y and community Z, on the other, in order to enable the pupils of both schools to benefit from in-depth transnational school co-operation.

The objectives of this co-operation shall be:

- to improve knowledge of the language of the partner country and to develop bilingualism; .

- to introduce an intercultural approach to teaching through experimentation and the enhancement of the partner country's culture in the implementation of joint projects;

- to develop personal contacts between teachers and pupils within the school communities concerned.

Article 2

The means used for the purposes of this co-operation shall be:

- exchanges of teachers;

- pupils' attendance at the partner school with the support of their families and the local communities or authorities concerned;

- carrying out of joint projects by pupils from the two partner schools (especially in the form of "heritage classes");.

- emphasis on the cultures of the partner countries during the teaching of history, geography, literature, etc., in the schools concerned;.

- exchanges of teaching materials such as maps, books, magazines, cassettes, and audiovisual equipment;

- development of a programme of intensive, early learning of the language of the partner country;

- organisation of sports activities and competitions open to the pupils of the schools concerned;

- organisation of para-school activities open to the pupils of the schools concerned.

Article 3

The signatory school authorities shall ensure that the co-operation covered by this agreement is integrated into the organisation of their schools, in particular with regard to curricula, teaching methods, para-school activities and options.

They shall ensure that teachers of the schools in their country have the necessary resources and time to establish contacts, exchange information, co-ordinate their action and organise the co-operation activities.

They shall seek to train teachers to use an intercultural approach to teaching so as to enhance the impact of the co-operation provided for in this agreement.

They shall take measures to give the language of the partner country a functional and symbolic role in the organisation and functioning of the schools concerned.

Article 4

The local authorities and communities signing this agreement shall undertake to provide material support and advice for the school co-operation programmes covered by the agreement.

They shall ensure that co-operation between the schools concerned by the agreement is included in their overall co-operation and partnership programme..

They shall provide the school cooperation schemes concerned with their experience in the cultural field.

Article 5

For the purpose of implementing the co-operation covered by this agreement, each of the parties shall contribute the resources specified in the appendix hereto.

( Remarks: for local communities, the contributions to such a co-operation agreement could comprise:.

- financing (defrayal of the cost of travel, renumeration of outside teachers, etc..);.

- the provision of equipment;

- the provision of personnel;

- the provision of premises for school and para-school activities or accommodation for teachers and pupils participating in exchanges;

- defrayal of secretarial services;

- etc.).

In the case of the school authorities and the schools themselves, these contributions might consist of the provision of personnel, the adaptation of curricula and courses, the provision of services, financing, coverage of the expenses of pupils of the partner school, etc.

Article 6

An activity programme for each year shall be approved by the parties to this agreement. It shall indicate the action to be taken, the resources to be used and the contributions of each signatory.

 

Article 7

A committee composed of representatives of the school authorities and the local authorities or communities who have signed the agreement, as well as representatives of the pupils' parents, shall monitor the implementation of this co-operation agreement.

The exact composition of this committee is defined in the appendix hereto.

This committee shall prepare the annual activity programmes provided for in Article 6; it shall examine issues relating to the practical organisation and the execution of the programmes; it shall maintain co-ordination between the outside contributors; and it shall make an assessment of the action taken.

It may set up sub-committees and working groups.

Article 8

In the context of this agreement, teachers of a given school may be seconded to the partner school. In this case, they shall be placed under the authority of the host school. The secondment agreement shall specify the conditions for the defrayal of the related costs.

Article 9

In the event of damage being sustained by suffered by pupils or teachers during co-operation programmes organised in pursuance of this agreement, the school responsible for the activity during which the damage arose shall compensate the victim, while taking action against any liable third party, if appropriate.

Article 10

The appendices to this agreement may be revised annually in order to take account of the development of the co-operation.

Article 11

This agreement has been concluded for a six-year period renewable tacitly for further three-year periods. It may be terminated by any of the parties subject to one year's prior notice.

2.14. Model agreement on the institution

of a transfrontier school curriculum

The purpose of this highly original model agreement is to institute intensive co-operation between the school authorities on each side of a frontier, in order to set up, with the assistance of the territorial communities or authorities, transfrontier classes in which children originating from either side of the frontier attend school together. These classes will take place at the existing schools, without any new school being created, through a simple redistribution of resources and an exchange of staff. The local communities and authorities will participate directly in this form of co-operation as a driving force, contributing additional assistance (for instance, funding for school transport or specific indemnities), and as a partner in the intercultural and bilingual approach to teaching programmes.

This type of agreement will therefore be concluded between school authorities and the competent local authorities on each side of a frontier.

Article 1

The purpose of this agreement is to define the conditions for the operation of a school curriculum common to children and pupils from area X (on one side of the frontier) and from area Y (on the other side of the frontier).

(Optional stipulation: It shall come within the context of the co-operation agreement concluded between state X and state Y, for the purpose of promoting transfrontier school exchanges as an extension to the co-operation agreement between local communities A and B.)

The objective is to enable the children concerned to become highly proficient in the language and culture of each country concerned, and to acquire academic knowledge specific to each country's education system, so as to be able to study in each of these education systems without any major difficulty.

To this end, children from the two frontier areas participating in the curriculum shall attend school together and receive the same education, provided partly on one side of the frontier and partly on the other side by teachers from the two school authorities concerned.

The school authorities and the local communities shall undertake to facilitate the development of this curriculum, according to their powers and resources.

Article 2

Children following the transfrontier curriculum shall, from an administrative point of view, be enrolled as pupils of each country's respective school systems and shall be authorised to receive only part of the teaching provided in each country.

Article 3

A committee composed of representatives of the school authorities of the two states and of the local communities concerned, as well as representatives of pupils' parents and, possibly, qualified individuals, shall manage the curriculum.

Such management shall cover:

- the selection of children authorised to follow the curriculum,

- the stages of development of the curriculum,

- approval of teachers and outside contributors involved in the curriculum,

- definition of the content of the teaching and the other school activities,

- appointment of the persons administratively and educationally responsible for the curriculum,

- co-ordination and harmonisation of the different outside contributors,

- the practical organisation of the curriculum,

- monitorial and assessment,

- arbitration in the event of a dispute.

The committee's duties shall include selecting, in accordance with the undertakings given in the context of Articles 4 and 5, the school activities for which each authority is to be responsible as well as the premises to be used.

The exact composition of the committee is specified in the appendix hereto. To enable the committee to monitor the above-mentioned aspects, it may set up sub-committees and working groups. It shall adopt rules of procedure defining the conditions of its functioning.

The committee shall take decisions by a 2/3 majority of its members. However, decisions involving the provision of resources additional to those specified in the appendices mentioned in Articles 4 and 5, shall be subject to the agreement of the authority or community required to provide the resources..

The committee's decisions shall be implemented by a teacher and an administrator in charge, as well as by their deputies, who shall ensure that the curriculum is correctly managed. Their appointments shall be subject to the approval of the school authorities of the two states. They shall jointly draw up an annual progress report..

Article 4

In accordance with the content of the curriculum as defined by the committee provided for in Article 3, each school authority shall be responsible for part of the teaching by implementing its own school curricula and teaching methods and, for that purpose, making teachers, teaching materials and premises available for the transfrontier curriculum..

In the context of this curriculum, teachers from one country may be seconded to the school administration of the other country. In that case, they shall be placed under the authority of the host administration. The secondment agreement shall specify the conditions of defrayal of the related costs.

Each of the school authorities of the two states shall make an equivalent contribution to the development of the curriculum, whatever the number of children from each state.

An appendix hereto shows the scope of the commitments in terms of staff, equipment and premises for each school authority.

Remark: This appendix may provide for the staggered provision of resources, according to the development of the curriculum.

Article 5

The local communities who have signed this agreement undertake to provide material, financial, and, if appropriate, human support for the implementation of the transfrontier curriculum.

An appendix specifies the contributions of each authority.

Remark: This assistance may relate to premises, teaching materials, school transport, accommodation for teachers, financing, secondment of staff, etc..

Article 6

The teachers of the school authorities of the two states and the outside contributors provided by the local authorities concerned shall form a single teaching team, which shall ensure that its contributions are co-ordinated and complementary under the guidance of the representatives appointed by the committee, as specified in Article 3.

Article 7

The curriculum shall be designed so as to guarantee purity between the languages, cultures and educational traditions of the two countries.

School activities and the subjects taught shall be allocated between the two languages. All the pupils following the curriculum shall receive the same tuition, except in the case of specified coaching needed by certain pupils and as well as elective subjects.

The first stages of development are described in the appendices and shall subsequently be specified by the committee provided for in Article 3.

Remark: Children will as a rule join the curriculum at the pre-primary school stage. The first classes to be set up will therefore be nursery classes, with new classes being provided as the children progress to higher levels of the school system. However, depending on local circumstances and, in particular, the presence of older bilingual children, the curriculum could begin at a higher level).

Article 8

Additional para-school and out-of-school activities shall be organised with the assistance of the school authorities, local communities and pupils' parents in order to improve access to the language and culture of the two countries concerned for the pupils following the curriculum and strengthen relations between the children.

Article 9

The school authorities shall, at all levels of teaching, help pupils who have followed the transfrontier curriculum to reform the usual school curriculum of either country if their parents so wish or if they leave the frontier region.

On completion of the pupils' secondary education, the school authorities and the persons in charge of the curriculum shall endeavour to help the pupils prepare for each country's school-leaving examination.

Article 10

In the event of damage being sustained by pupils or teachers during activities relating to the transfrontier curriculum, the school responsible for the activity during which the damage arose shall compensate the victim while taking action against any liable third party, if appropriate.

Article 11

The appendices hereto specifying the composition of the committee provided for in Article 3, the stages of development of the curriculum and the contributions of the authorities of the signatory communities shall be reviewed annually, no later than three months before the beginning of each school year, in order to take account of the progress of the project.

Article 12

This agreement has been concluded for a six-year period and is renewable tacitly for further three-year periods. It may be terminated by any of the parties subject to one year's prior notice.

2.15. Model agreement on transfrontier or interterritorial co-operation concerning land use along transfrontier rivers

(See para. 1.13)

 

* See footnote 1.

1 Additional model and outline agreements have been authorized for publication; they are appended to this Convention and numbered 1.6 to 1.13 and 2.7 to 2.15.

2 As stated in Article 3, first paragraph, second sub-paragraph, of the Convention, the model and outline agreements, statutes and contracts are intended for guidance only and have no treaty value.

3 Paragraph 2 will not be included in draft agreements 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5.

4 The figures given for the number of members of the Commission are intended for guidance only and should be adapted to individual situations, as indeed should all the provisions in this model agreement. By giving figures the authors of the model agreements intended to highlight the need for efficient commissions with relatively few members. They also wanted to give an indication of the ratio to be maintained between representatives of central authorities on the one hand and of regional authorities on the other.

5 This list is given merely for guidance and should be adapted to each co-operation project. It is not to be interpreted as modifying the powers vested in territorial authorities by domestic law. Both central and regional authorities are, after all, represented on the Commission.

6 The coherence of this agreement remains the same whether or not this paragraph is included.

7 In this connection, see the list of subject areas contained in Article 6 of the Model Inter-State Agreement on Transfrontier Regional Consultation which appears as Model Agreement No. 1.2 in the Appendix to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation.

8 Additional protocols may be concluded, in particular on the models appearing in the Appendix to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

9 The agreement shall specify, providing details, where appropriate:

a. the procedures required by the national law of Parties to the agreement which may apply to the following questions:

- name and address of the Commission;

- precise definition of the powers assigned to the Commission;

- regulations governing decision-making methods;

- reference to the public nature of deliberations;

- definition of the relevant rules with regard to budget and estimates;

- definition of the methods of funding projects;

- definition of the methods of amending the rules (ie the terms of the agreement);

- definition of the methods of admission to and withdrawal from membership;

- etc.

b. specifications required by Community directives and regulations for access to the structural Funds.

10 For other wordings, the parties may refer to the general clauses for Model Inter-State Agreements 1.1 to 1.5 (see footnote 1, page 3) suggested in the Appendix to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

11 Additional protocols may be concluded, in particular on the models appearing in the Appendix to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

12 The agreement shall specify, providing details, where appropriate:

a. the procedures required by the national law of Parties to the agreement which may apply to the following questions:

- name and address of the Commission;

- precise definition of the powers assigned to the Commission;

- regulations governing decision-making methods;

- reference to the public nature of deliberations;

- definition of the relevant rules with regard to budget and estimates;

- definition of the methods of funding projects;

- definition of the methods of amending the rules (ie the terms of the agreement);

- definition of the methods of admission to and withdrawal from membership;

- etc.

b. specifications required by Community directives and regulations for access to the structural Funds.

13 For other wordings, the parties may refer to the general clauses for Model Inter-State Agreements 1.1 to 1.5 (see footnote 1, page 3) suggested in the Appendix to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

14 Additional protocols may be concluded, in particular on the models appearing in the Appendix to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

15 The agreement shall specify, providing details, where appropriate:

a. the procedures required by the national law of Parties to the agreement which may apply to the following questions:

- name and address of the Commission;

- precise definition of the powers assigned to the Commission;

- regulations governing decision-making methods;

- reference to the public nature of deliberations;

- definition of the relevant rules with regard to budget and estimates;

- definition of the methods of funding projects;

- definition of the methods of amending the rules (ie the terms of the agreement);

- definition of the methods of admission to and withdrawal from membership;

- etc.

b. specifications required by Community directives and regulations for access to the structural Funds.

16 For other wordings, the parties may refer to the general clauses for Model Inter-State Agreements 1.1 to 1.5 (see footnote 1, page 3) suggested in the Appendix to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

17 Additional protocols may be concluded, in particular on the models appearing in the Appendix to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

18 The agreement shall specify, providing details, where appropriate:

a. the procedures required by the national law of Parties to the agreement which may apply to the following questions:

- name and address of the Commission;

- precise definition of the powers assigned to the Commission;

- regulations governing decision-making methods;

- reference to the public nature of deliberations;

- definition of the relevant rules with regard to budget and estimates;

- definition of the methods of funding projects;

- definition of the methods of amending the rules (ie the terms of the agreement);

- definition of the methods of admission to and withdrawal from membership;

- etc.

b. specifications required by Community directives and regulations for access to the structural Funds.

19 For other wordings, the parties may refer to the general clauses for Model Inter-State Agreements 1.1 to 1.5 (see footnote 1, page 3) suggested in the Appendix to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

20 In establishing a Joint Committee, one can take into account the existing institutions for transfrontier co-operation.

21 Protocols may be added, notably on the lines of the models appended to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

22 The agreement shall specify, providing details, where appropriate:

a. the procedures required by the national law of Parties to the agreement which may apply to the following questions:

- name and address of the Commission;

- precise definition of the powers assigned to the Commission;

- regulations governing decision-making methods;

- reference to the public nature of deliberations;

- definition of the relevant rules with regard to budget and estimates;

- definition of the methods of funding projects;

- definition of the methods of amending the rules (ie the terms of the agreement);

- definition of the methods of admission to and withdrawal from membership;

- etc.

b. specifications required by Community directives and regulations for access to the structural Funds.

23 For all other arrangements the Parties may refer to the general clauses for model inter-State agreements appended to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

24 The need for local committee to be set up will depend on the composition of the Joint Committee and the status of the Signatories to this model agreement.

25 Protocols may be added, notably on the lines of the models appended to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

26 The agreement shall specify, providing details, where appropriate:

a. the procedures required by the national law of Parties to the agreement which may apply to the following questions:

- name and address of the Commission;

- precise definition of the powers assigned to the Commission;

- regulations governing decision-making methods;

- reference to the public nature of deliberations;

- definition of the relevant rules with regard to budget and estimates;

- definition of the methods of funding projects;

- definition of the methods of amending the rules (ie the terms of the agreement);

- definition of the methods of admission to and withdrawal from membership;

- etc.

b. specifications required by Community directives and regulations for access to the structural Funds.

27 For all other arrangements the Parties may refer to the general clauses for model inter-State agreements appended to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

28 For the purpose of this agreement, it is advisable to have the authorities participate, which have competencies in the field of regional/spatial planning, land use planning, shipping and navigation, forestry, tourism and environment concerning the territories traversed by the river in question. In accordance with the respective national laws, it can thus be necessary to have local, regional and/or central authorities of one state sign this agreement or to have higher authorities delegate the powers necessary for the participation to authorities on a lower tier of administration.

29 The Contracting Parties may wish to create a co-operation body which has legal personality. In such a case, the Additional Protocol of 1995 to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation can be taken as a reference.

30 The Contracting Parties may wish to adapt the range of the territory in question to their particular situation.

31 These objectives are not exhaustive and the Contracting Parties may wish to amend them according to their particular situation and competencies.

32 Special requirements will apply, if the Contracting Parties choose to create a Joint Committee with legal personality under Article 1.

33 This arrangement might be particularly useful to frontier authorities, eg in the case of pollution: one authority might offer another contributory finance to enable it to carry out work within its competence but of value to the first.

34 Whose Articles of Association are appended hereto.

35 This last clause applies only to rural parks in which such economic and socio-cultural activities are organised.

36 This inter-state agreement could be based on Model Agreement 1.1, appended to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

37 E.g.: earthquakes volcanic eruptions, floods, fires, etc.

38 The authorities concerned on each side of the border could themselves jointly set up and manage contingency funds for disasters occurring in their territory. In the agreement itself, they might agree to attempt to set up such a fund, which could be financed by contributions from the industries concerned.

Additional Protocol To The European Outline Convention On Transfrontier Co-operation Between Territorial Communities Or Authorities

Strasbourg, 9.XI.1995

 

The Council of Europe member States signatory to this Protocol to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities (hereinafter referred to as "the Outline Convention"),

Affirming the importance of transfrontier co-operation between territorial communities or authorities in border areas;

Being resolved to take further measures to secure transfrontier co-operation between territorial communities or authorities;

Wishing to facilitate and develop transfrontier co-operation between territorial communities or authorities situated in border areas;

Acknowledging the need to adapt the Outline Convention to the actual situation in Europe;

Considering that it would be appropriate to supplement the Outline Convention with a view to reinforcing transfrontier co-operation between territorial communities or authorities;

Having regard to the European Charter of Local Self-Government;

Bearing in mind the Declaration on transfrontier co-operation in Europe which the Committee of Ministers made on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Council of Europe and which, among other things, called for continued action in order to gradually remove barriers of any kind administrative, legal, political or psychological to curb the development of transfrontier projects,

Have agreed the following additional provisions:

Article 1

1.Each Contracting Party shall recognise and respect the right of territorial communities or authorities under its jurisdiction and referred to in Articles 1 and 2 of the Outline Convention to conclude transfrontier co-operation agreements with territorial communities or authorities of other States in equivalent fields of responsibility, in accordance with the procedures laid down in their statutes, in conformity with national law and in so far as such agreements are in keeping with the Party's international commitments.

2.A transfrontier co-operation agreement shall entail only the responsibilities of the territorial communities or authorities which have concluded it.

Article 2

Decisions taken jointly under a transfrontier co-operation agreement shall be implemented by territorial communities or authorities within their national legal system, in conformity with their national law. Decisions thus implemented shall be regarded as having the same legal force and effects as measures taken by those communities or authorities under their national legal system.

Article 3

A transfrontier co-operation agreement concluded by territorial communities or authorities may set up a transfrontier co-operation body, which may or may not have legal personality. The agreement shall specify whether the body, regard being had to the responsibilities assigned to it and to the provisions of national law, is to be considered a public or private law entity within the national legal systems to which the territorial communities or authorities concluding the agreement belong.

Article 4

1.Where the transfrontier co-operation body has legal personality, such personality shall be as defined in the law of the Contracting Party in which its headquarters are located. The legal personality of the body is recognised by the other Contracting Parties which have territorial communities or authorities party to the transfrontier agreement in conformity with their own national law.

2.The transfrontier co-operation body shall perform the responsibilities assigned to it by the territorial communities or authorities in accordance with its purpose and in the manner provided for in the national law by which it is governed.

Thus:

a) action by the transfrontier co-operation body shall be governed by its statute and by the law of the headquarters State;

b) the transfrontier co-operation body shall not, however, be empowered to take measures which apply generally or which might affect the rights and freedoms of individuals;

c) the transfrontier co-operation body shall be financed from the budgets of the territorial communities or authorities. It shall not be empowered to impose levies of a fiscal nature. It may, where appropriate, receive revenue in respect of services provided by it to territorial communities or authorities, users or third parties;

d) the transfrontier co-operation body shall have an annual estimated budget and shall draw up a balance-account which shall be approved by auditors independent of the territorial communities or authorities party to the agreement.

Article 5

1.The Contracting Parties may, if their national law allows it, decide that the transfrontier co-operation body is to be a public law entity and that, for the purposes of each Contracting Party's legal system, any measures which it takes are to have the same legal force and effects as if they had been taken by the territorial communities or authorities which concluded the agreement.

2.However, the agreement may stipulate that it is for the territorial communities or authorities which concluded the agreement to execute such measures, especially where the measures may affect the rights, freedoms and interests of individuals. Moreover, each Contracting Party may provide that general responsibilities cannot be attributed to the transfrontier co-operation body and that such a body shall not be empowered to take measures which apply generally.

Article 6

1.Measures taken by territorial communities or authorities under a transfrontier co-operation agreement shall be subject to the same supervision as the law of each Contracting Party prescribes in respect of any measure taken by the territorial communities or authorities concluding the agreement.

2.Measures taken by a transfrontier co-operation body set up under an agreement shall be subject to the supervision provided for in the law of the State in which the body's headquarters are located, keeping in mind, in addition, the interests of territorial communities or authorities of other States. The transfrontier co-operation body shall comply with information requests made by the authorities of the States to which the territorial communities or authorities belong. The supervisory authorities of the Contracting Parties shall endeavour to establish means of appropriate co-ordination and information.

3.Measures taken by a body as referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 5 shall be subject to the same supervision as the law of each Contracting Party prescribes in respect of any measure taken by the territorial communities or authorities concluding the agreement.

Article 7

Any disputes arising from a transfrontier co-operation body's activities shall be referred to the courts which are competent under internal law or under an international agreement.

Article 8

1.Each Contracting Party shall declare, when signing this Protocol, or when depositing the instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval, whether it will apply the provisions of Articles 4 and 5 or of one of those articles only.

2.Such a declaration can be modified at any subsequent time.

Article 9

No reservations to the provisions of this Protocol shall be allowed.

Article 10

1.This Protocol shall be open for signature by the States which have signed the Outline Convention, which may express their consent to be bound by either:

a) signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; or

b) signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or approval.

2.A member State of the Council of Europe may not sign this Protocol without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval, or deposit an instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval, unless it has already deposited or simultaneously deposits an instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval of the Outline Convention.

3.The instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Article 11

1.This Protocol shall come into force three months after the date on which four member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by the Protocol, in accordance with the provisions of Article 10.

2.In respect of any member State which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, the Protocol shall come into force three months after the date of its signature or deposit of instrument of its ratification, acceptance or approval.

Article 12

1.After the entry into force of this Protocol, any State which has acceded to the Outline Convention may also accede to the Protocol.

2.Accession shall be effected by the deposit with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of an instrument of accession which shall take effect three months after the date of its deposit.

Article 13

1.Any Contracting Party may, at any time, denounce this Protocol by means of notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

2.Such denunciation shall become effective six months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

Article 14

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council of Europe and any State which has acceded to this Protocol of:

a) any declarations submitted by the Contracting Parties in conformity with Article 8;

b) any signature;

c) the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;

d) any date of entry into force of this Protocol, in accordance with Articles 11 and 12;

e) any other measure, notification or communication relating to this Protocol.

In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Protocol.

Done at Strasbourg, this 9th day of November 1995, in English and French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member State of the Council of Europe and to any State invited to accede to this Protocol.