COUNCIL DECISION

of 21 March 2013

on signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation

(2013/156/EU)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 79(3), in conjunction with Article 218(5), thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) On 19 December 2011 the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Armenia on readmission of persons residing without authorisation. The negotiations were successfully concluded and the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation (‘the Agreement’) was initialled on 18 October 2012.

(2) The Agreement should be signed, on behalf of the Union, subject to its conclusion.

(3) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, those Member States are not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and are not bound by it or subject to its application.

(4) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia on readmission of persons residing without authorisation is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement(1).

Article 2

The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Union.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 21 March 2013.

For the Council

The President

P. HOGAN

(1)  The text of the Agreement will be published together with the decision on its conclusion.