RESOLUTION

RESOLUTION RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF THE PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAMME OF THE BALTIC ASSEMBLY The Baltic Assembly, seeking to implement the Resolution concerning Drafting of the Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly, adopted in Tallinn, on 2 December 1995 resolves: to approve the Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly (attached). Vilnius, 13 April 1996 PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAMME OF THE BALTIC ASSEMBLY The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly reflects the readiness of the parliamentarians of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia for actual close co-operation in the co-ordination of legislation of these three States and in the approximation of the laws to the requirements raised by the European Union in the initial period of integration to the European Union. The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly is implemented by the Baltic Assembly with the accord of the parliaments of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and with the approval of the session of the Baltic Assembly. The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly provides conditions for the development of specific relations between the national parliaments, represented by the Baltic Assembly and the strengthening of co-operation with the Nordic Council and the Benelux Consultative Inter-parliamentary Council in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty between the Baltic Assembly and the Nordic Council, signed in Palanga on May 30, 1992, and the Joint Declaration on Parliamentary Co-operation between the Baltic Assembly and the Benelux Consultative Inter-parliamentary Council signed in the Hague on 8 November

1. I. Objectives of the Programme The basic objective of the Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly (PPBA) is to co-ordinate effective laws and the subsequent legislation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia taking into account the requirements raised by the European Union. II. Ways of Co-operation The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly provides for:
2. Joint meetings between the committees of the national parliaments of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and the Baltic Assembly Committees according to the spheres of activities. Such meetings are held at least twice a year.
3. Broadened meetings - seminars to which members of the appropriate Nordic Council and the Benelux Consultative Inter- parliamentary Council Committees are invited, and in which the Baltic Assembly committee members and members of committees of national parliaments participate.
4. Meeting of the Speakers of the parliaments of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to which the Chairman of the Baltic Assembly Presidium is invited. Such meetings are held at least once a year, when the term of office of the state presiding over the Baltic Assembly is nearing its completion.
5. Meetings of heads of secretariats of the national parliaments, heads of legal departments and other responsible officials. Such meetings are held at least once a year.
6. Various qualification improvement forms, including short- term training programmes, study programmes, exchange of experience, etc. III. Accountability
7. After joint meetings between the Baltic Assembly and committees of the national parliaments, a appropriate Baltic Assembly Committee presents a report to the Baltic Assembly Presidium. The Baltic Assembly Presidium may recommend the report for the consideration at the Baltic Assembly. When necessary, the Presidium may recommend to the Committee to enhance or supplement the report.
8. The recommendation of the Baltic Assembly, adopted on the basis of the report of the joint meeting between the committees of the national parliaments and the Baltic Assembly Committees, is considered at the national parliaments, if it is intended for the national parliamentarians.
9. Heads of Secretariats of national parliaments, heads of legal departments and other responsible officials inform the appropriate Baltic Assembly Committee about the results of the meetings and shall account in the national parliaments. IV. Organisation
10. The activities of the Parliamentary programme of the Baltic Assembly is organised by the Secretariat of the Baltic Assembly under the co-ordination by the Baltic Assembly Presidium.
11. Joint meetings between the committees of the national parliaments and the Baltic Assembly Committees are initiated, according to the spheres of activities, by a relevant Baltic Assembly Committee. Such meetings, as well as the meetings of the responsible officials of the national parliaments, are held upon mutual agreement.
12. The meetings of the Speakers of the national parliaments and the Chairman of the Baltic Assembly Presidium is held upon agreement between the parties.
13. Other events provided for in the Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly takes place with the approval of the Baltic Assembly Presidium. V. Financing
14. The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly is financed with the funds of the Baltic Assembly, with the exception of the meetings of the Speakers of the parliaments, Heads of the Secretariats of the national parliaments, Heads of the legal departments, and responsible officials.
15. When members of other inter-parliamentary organisations participate in the activities of the Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly, their participation is financed pursuant to the requirements of the documents, if such documents exist, regulating such participation.