Decision No 2/2000 of the EC-Turkey Association Council

of 11 April 2000

on the opening of negotiations aimed at the liberalisation of services and the mutual opening of procurement markets between the Community and Turkey

(2000/377/EC)

THE ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Agreement of 12 September 1963 establishing an Association between the European Economic Community and Turkey(1), and in particular Articles 13 and 14 thereof,

Having regard to the Additional Protocol(2), and in particular Article 41(2) thereof,

Having regard to Decision No 1/95 of the EC-Turkey Association Council of 22 December 1995 on implementing the final phase of the Customs Union(3), and in particular Article 48 thereof,

Whereas:

(1) Articles 13 and 14 of the EC-Turkey Association Agreement and Article 41(2) of the Additional Protocol thereto envisage, by Decision of the Association Council, the progressive abolition of restrictions on freedom to provide services and freedom of establishment, using the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community as guidelines.

(2) Article 48 of Decision No 1/95 provides that the Association Council will set a date for the initiation of negotiations aimed at the mutual opening of the Parties' respective procurement markets.

(3) In the negotiating guidelines for a Decision by the EC-Turkey Association Council on the liberalisation of services and procurement, adopted by the Council on 15 November 1999, the Council reaffirmed its willingness to conclude such a Decision with Turkey,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

Negotiations aimed at the liberalisation of services and the mutual opening of procurement markets between the Community and Turkey shall begin in April 2000.

Done at Luxembourg, 11 April 2000.

For the Association Council

The President

I. Cem

(1) OJ L 217, 29.12.1964, p. 3687/64.

(2) OJ L 293, 29.12.1972, p. 1.

(3) OJ L 35, 13.2.1996, p. 1.