Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context

[Protocol in German language (translation) see annexes]

[Annexes to the Protocol in German (translation) see annexes]

[Minutes in English see annexes]

[annexes to the protocol in English see annexes]

The instrument of ratification signed by the Federal President and countersigned by the Federal Chancellor was deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 23 March 2010; the Protocol shall enter into force in accordance with the provisions of Article 24 (1) of this Protocol with 11 July 2010.

According to communications from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the following countries have: Organisation of the protocol ratified, adopted or approved:

Albania, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, Croatia, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands (for the Kingdom of Europe), Norway, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the Czech Republic.

On the occasion of its approval, on 12 November 2008, the European Union adopted the following declaration in accordance with Article 23 (5) of the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in the Transboundary framework:

' The European Community declares that, in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community, in particular pursuant to Article 175 (1) thereof, it is empowered to conclude international agreements and to fulfil the obligations arising therefrom; , which contribute to the pursuit of the following objectives:

-		the preservation and protection of the environment and the improvement of its quality;
-		protection of human health;
-		prudent and rational use of natural resources;
-		Promotion of measures at international level to address regional and global environmental problems.

In addition, the European Community declares that it has already adopted binding legal instruments for its Member States in respect of matters covered by the Protocol, including Directive 2001 /42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Communities. Parliament and of the Council on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, and a list of these legal instruments to be presented and, where appropriate, updated by the Verwahrer in accordance with Article 23 (5) of the Protocol.

The European Community shall be responsible for the fulfilment of those obligations under the Protocol which fall under Community law.

The competence of the Community is subject to constant development in its nature. "

Faymann