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:
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- official recognition of the legitimacy of such co-operation procedures and encouragement
for local authorities to use them;
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- purpose and conditions of intervention by supervisory or controlling authorities;
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- exchange of information between States;
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- links which may be established between such forms of co-operation and other procedures
for concerted action in frontier areas;
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- amendment of legal rules or interpretations thereof which hinder transfrontier co-operation
etc.
The system of multiple choice model agreements described above 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 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 supervisory authorities
as shall be designated by each Party.
Article e
The extent and nature of local authorities' powers 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
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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.
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 shall 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
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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 .
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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.
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
For 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 7
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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.
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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.
Article 8
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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.
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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 opinions
or technical reports. The Committees shall, through the fullest possible consultation,
seek to obtain results in keeping with the interests of the population concerned.
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
.
Article 3
The Parties to such a contract shall specify the law applicable thereto bij reference
to the law of contracts (both public and private) of one of the States parties to
this argreement.
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 consultation 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 tot secure the 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
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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.
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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.
Article 4
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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 contributions 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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-à-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
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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.
Article 10
The associations or consortia created according to this agreement shall remain in
effect after the denunciation of this agreement, though without prejudice to the provisions
of Article 7, paragraph 3.
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”). For 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 (e.g. 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:
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- 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;
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- 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;
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- 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:
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- either by designating for co-ordination purposes the general purpose group referred
to in Outline Agreement 2.1;
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- or by providing for the establishment of a specific consultation group for the purpose
of this agreement;
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- 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:
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- either there has been no prior consultation;
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- or the measures taken are not in keeping with the agreement;
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- 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:
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1. its founder members and the conditions for the admission of new members;
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2. its name, headquarters and legal form (with reference to the relevant national legislation);
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3. its object, the manner of achieving this object and the resources at the association's
disposal;
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4. its bodies and in particular the functions and mode of operation of its General Assembly
(representation and voting);
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5. appointment of administrators or executive officers and their powers;
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6. the extent of members' liabilities vis-à-vis third parties;
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7. conditions for modification of the Articles and for winding-up the association;
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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 tot 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:
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:
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- 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;
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- 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 finance 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:
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1. the regulations governing the establishment or operation of the facility or service
concerned (e.g. timetable, charges, conditions of use, etc.);
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2. special conditions governing the setting up of the facility or service (e.g. permits
required, procedure, etc.);
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3. the conditions of contract for the facility or service;
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4. the procedure for adjusting the contract for reasons of public interest and resulting
financial compensation;
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5. ensuing relations between users of the facility or service and the operator (e.g.
conditions of access, charges, etc.);
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6. withdrawal from, surrender or termination of the contract.
In addition to the 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:
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1. the names of the founding members of the association and the conditions on which new
members may join;
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2. the name, headquarters, duration and legal status of the association (with references
to the law conferring legal status upon it);
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3. the object of the association, the way in which it is to be pursued and the resources
at the association's disposal;
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4. the way in which the registered capital is constituted;
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5. the scope and limits of members' liabilities;
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6. the procedure for appointing and dismissing administrators or managers of the association,
as well as their powers;
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7. the associations' relations with its members, third parties and higher authorities,
especially as regards the communication of budgets, balance sheets and accounts;
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8. the people with responsibility for financial and technical control over the activity
of the association and the reports arising out of such control;
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9. the conditions for altering the articles of association and for the dissolution of
the association;
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10. the rules applying to personnel;
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11. the rules applying to languages.