Introductory text

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 249 thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 106 thereof,

Having regard to Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 of 13 March 2015 on security in the Commission^f1,

Having regard to Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 of 13 March 2015 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information^f2,

Having regard to Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2017/46 of 10 January 2017 on the security of communication and information systems in the European Commission^f3,

Whereas:

Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 applies to all Commission departments and in all premises of the Commission.

Security measures for protecting EU classified information (EUCI) throughout its life-cycle are to be commensurate in particular with its security classification.

Articles 4(3), 19(1)(c) and 22 of Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 provide that more detailed provisions to supplement and support implementation of the Decision are to be laid down in implementing rules, governing issues such as a classification guide, compensatory measures for handling EUCI outside a Secured Area or an Administrative Area, and originator responsibilities.

Where necessary, implementing rules to supplement or support Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 are to be adopted in accordance with Article 60 of that Decision.

Security measures taken to implement this Decision are to comply with the principles for security in the Commission set out in Article 3 of Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/443.

The Council, the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have agreed to ensure maximum consistency in the application of security rules regarding their protection of EUCI while taking into account their specific institutional and organisational needs, in accordance with the declarations attached to the minutes of the Council session at which Council Decision 2013/488/EU^f4.

On 4 May 2016 the Commission adopted a decision^f5 empowering the Member of the Commission responsible for security matters to adopt, on behalf of the Commission and under its responsibility, the implementing rules provided for in Article 60 of Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: