16.12.2009 Official Journal of the European Union L 330/37 II (Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory) DECISIONS COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 30 November 2009 on the signing and conclusion of the ‘Terms of Reference for the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation’ (IPEEC) and the ‘Memorandum concerning the hosting by the International Energy Agency of the Secretariat to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation’ by the European Community (2009/954/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 175 paragraph 1 and Article 300 paragraph 2, first subparagraph, and paragraph 3, first subparagraph, (3) The Terms of Reference describe the cooperative activities of the IPEEC, establish its organisation, define the criteria for potential new members and contain general provisions regarding i.a. the funding of the Partnership and intellectual property rights. (4)  Article 4.2 of the Terms of Reference foresees that IPEEC Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, is open to ‘int<.3rgoverr.1mental organisations and that their membership is contingent upon the signature of the Terms of Reference. Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ('), (5)  IPEEC’s administrative functions would best be managed Whereas through the establishment of a secretariat. On 24 May and 22 June 2009 respectively, a Memorandum concerning the hosting by the International Energy (1) At the initiative of the European Commission, in June Agency of the Secretariat to the IPEEC (the 2008, members of the G8, China, India and South Korea Memorandum) was signed in Rome by twelve States, and the Commission decided to establish an International including four Member States of the European Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC) Community. The IEA signed on 18 June 2009. which is to facilitate those actions that yield high energy efficiency gains. IPEEC will provide a forum for discussion, consultation and exchange of information. IPEEC is open to other countries and intergovernmental 6)  The Memorandum describes the general principles organisations. regarding the organisation of the Secretariat, and contains provisions regarding the staffing of the Secre- tariat and recruitment, as well as regarding the issues of (2)  On 24 May 2009, the Terms of Reference for the Inter- funding and budgetary procedures. national Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (the Terms of Reference) were signed in Rome by twelve States, including four Member States of the European Community. (7)  Point 16 of the Memorandum foresees that any inter- (") EP opinion adopted on 26 November 2009, not published in the Official Journal governmental organisation wishing to become a member of IPEEC will be asked to sign the Memorandum.