8.5.2002 Official Journal of the European Communities L121/1 (Acts adopted pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union) COUNCIL DECISION of 25 April 2002 concerning security in connection with football matches with an international dimension (2002/348/JHA) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in partic- ular Article 30(1)(a) and (b) and Article 34(2)(c) thereof, Having regard to the initiative by the Kingdom of Belgium, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ('), Whereas: (1) Under the terms of Article 29 of the Treaty, the Euro- pean Union's objective shall be to provide citizens with a high level of safety within an area of freedom, security and justice by developing common action among the Member States in the field of police cooperation. (20 As a result of various international and European competitions and large numbers of travelling supporters, football is becoming highly international in scale. That international scale makes it necessary to approach security in connection with football matches in a way extending beyond national borders. (3)  Football should be regarded not just as a potential source of problems regarding breaches of law and order or security but as an event which, in spite of the possible risk, has to be handled efficiently. (4 In particular for the purposes of preventing and combating football-related violence, it is important to exchange information, so that the competent police authorities, and the authorities in the Member States, can make proper preparations and provide an appro- priate response. (5)  For exchange of information in relation to a football event and with a view to the necessary international police cooperation in connection with football matches with an international dimension, it is crucially important to establish a national football information point of a police nature in each Member State. (6)  Having regard to the adoption by the Council of Europe of the following acts: the Convention of 28 January 1981 for the protection of individuals with regard to () Opinion delivered on 9 April 2002 (not yet published in the Offi- cial Journal). automatic processing of personal data, Recommendation No R(87)15 of 17 September 1987 of the Committee of Ministers regulating the use of personal data in the police sector and the European Convention of 19 August 1985 on spectator violence and misbehaviour at sports events and in particular at football matches. (7)  On 26 May 1997, the Council adopted Joint Action 97/339/JHA with regard to cooperation on law and order and security (%), and on 9 June 1997, a Resolution on preventing and restraining football hooliganism through the exchange of experience, exclusion from stadiums and media policy (®). (8) Furthermore, on 6 December 2001, the Council adopted a Resolution concerning a handbook with recommenda- tions for international police cooperation and measures to prevent and control violence and disturbances in connection with football matches with an international dimension, in which at least one Member State is involved (%), HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Establishment of a national football information point 1. Each Member State shall set up or designate a national football information point of a police nature. 2. Each Member State shall notify the General Secretariat of the Council in writing of the details of its national football information point, and any subsequent amendments, under this Decision. The General Secretariat of the Council shall have them published in the Official Journal. 3. The national football information point shall act as the direct, central contact point for exchanging relevant informa- tion and for facilitating international police cooperation in connection with football matches with an international dimen- sion. OJ L 147, 5.6.1997, p. 1. O] C 193, 24.6.1997, p. 1. OJ C 22, 24.1.2002, p. 1.