L 333/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 9.12.98 COUNCIL DECISION of 3 December 1998 on common standards relating to filling in the uniform format for residence permits (98/701/JHA) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to Joint Action 97/11/JHA of 16 December 1996 concerning a uniform format for residence permits ('), and in particular Article 2(1) thereof, Whereas it is necessary to establish common standards relating to filling in the said format, so as to ensure the uniform aspect thereof; Whereas this Decision does not affect the competence of Member States relating to the recogni- tion of States and territorial entities, as well as of passports and travel documents issued by these States or entities; whereas the attribution of the codes in the Appendix to this Decision is of a purely administrative nature and is without prejudice to the determination of the nationality of third country residents, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The uniform format for residence permits shall be filled in in accordance with the procedures contained in the Annex hereto. Article 2 The Council shall examine, at least once a year, the procedures and codes contained in the Annex and the Appendix hereto with a view to adapting them. Article 3 This Decision shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 3 December 1998. For the Council The President K. SCHLOGL () OJ L 7, 10. 1. 1997, p. 1.