Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 30(1)(a) and (c) and Article 34(2)(c) thereof,

Having regard to the initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands^f1,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament^f2,

Whereas:

The possibility of assaults and attacks to public figures, either in an official capacity or in a non-official position, cannot be excluded.

The protection of public figures is the responsibility of the host Member State. Protective measures of the host Member State are based solely on the legal provisions in force in that Member State and the relevant international agreements.

The European Network for the Protection of Public Figures, which was set up in 2002, should contribute to providing protection as a formal channel for communication and consultation between national authorities.

It is therefore considered appropriate to amend Council Decision 2002/956/JHA of 28 November 2002 setting up a European Network for the Protection of Public Figures^f3 so that it would also apply to persons in a non-official position who are deemed to be under threat because of their contribution to or impact on the public debate,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: