Overenskomster med fremmede stater

Overenskomster med fremmede stater

Utgitt av:

Utenriksdepartementet 7. juni-plassen

Postboks 8114 Dep NO-0032 Oslo ISSN: 1501-5734

Sats levert av Lovdata

Tr ykk: Departementenes ser vicesenter 12/2009 - opplag 240

O v e r e n s k o m s te r m e d fr e m m e d e s ta te r H e ft e n r. 1 / 2 0 0 9

MILJØMERKET Trykkeri241-446

Overenskomster med

fremmede stater

Innhold

Side

1992

Okt. 2. Europeisk konvensjon om samproduksjon av film ... 1

1997 Nov. 6. Den europeiske konvensjon om statsborgerskap ... 13

Nov. 17. Revidert tekst av 1997 til Den internasjonale plantevernkonvensjon av 6. desember 1951 nr. 1 .... 29

2004 Juni 15. Avtale mellom Norge og Ukraina om gjensidig bistand i tollsaker ... 51

Nov. 11. Regional asiatisk avtale om bekjempelse av piratvirksomhet mot skipsfarten – ReCaap... 61

2006 Mai 19. Europarådets konvensjon om unngåelse av statsløshet ved statssuksesjon... 73

2008 Jan. 26. Avtale mellom Norge og Canada om landbruk... 82

Jan. 26. Frihandelsavtale mellom EFTA-statene og Canada... 86

Mars 14. Avtale mellom Norge og Romania om politisamarbeid... 112

Mai 29. Sikkerhetsavtale mellom Norge og Romania om gjensidig beskyttelse av gradert informasjon ... 120

Juni 9. Omforent memorandum mellom Norge og De forente nasjoner som bidrar med ressurser til De forente nasjoners midlertidige styrke i Libanon – UNIFIL ... 132

Juni 27. Avtale mellom Norge og Tsjekkia om utveksling og gjensidig beskyttelse av gradert informasjon ... 145

Juli 9. Protokoll om Albanias tiltredelse til Traktat for det nordatlantiske område av 4. april 1949 nr. 1.. 153

Juli 9. Protokoll om Kroatias tiltredelse til Traktat for det nordatlantiske område av 4. april 1949 nr. 1... 155

2. okt. 1992 nr. 21

Europeisk konvensjon om samproduksjon av film

I henhold til kgl.res. av 26. juni 2009 ble avtalen undertegnet og ratifisert 9. juli 2009. Avtalen trådte i kraft 1. november 2009.

European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production Preamble

The member States of the Council of Europe and the other States party to the European Cultural Convention, signatory hereto,

Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members in order, in particular, to safeguard and promote the ideals and principles which form their common heritage;

Considering that freedom of creation and freedom of expression constitute fundamental elements of these principles;

Considering that the defence of cultural diversity of the various European countries is one of the aims of the European Cultural Convention;

Considering that cinematographic co-production, an instrument of creation and expression of cultural diversity on a European scale, should be reinforced;

Determined to develop these principles and recalling the recommendations of the Committee of Ministers on the cinema and the audiovisual field, and particularly Recommendation No. R (86) 3 on the promotion of audiovisual production in Europe;

Acknowledging that the creation of the European Fund for the Support of Co-production and Distribution of Creative Cinematographic and Audiovisual Works, Eurimages, meets the concern encouraging European cinematographic co-production and that a new driving force has thus been given to the development of cinematographic co-productions in Europe;

Resolved to achieve this cultural objective thanks to a common effort to increase production and define the rules which adapt themselves to European multilateral cinematographic co-productions as a whole;

Considering that the adoption of common rules tends to decrease restrictions and encourage European co-operation in the field of cinematographic co-production,

Have agreed as follows:

Chapter I General provisions

Article 1

Aim of the Convention

The Parties to this Convention undertake to promote the development of European cinematographic co-production in accordance with the following provisions.

Article 2 Scope

1 This Convention shall govern relations between the Parties in the field of multilateral co- productions originating in the territory of the Parties.

2 This Convention shall apply:

a to co-productions involving at least three co-producers, established in three different Parties to the Convention; and

b to co-productions involving at least three co-producers established in three different Parties to the Convention and one or more co-producers who are not established in such Parties. The total contribution of the co-producers who are not established in the Parties to the Convention may not, however, exceed 30% of the total cost of the production.

In all cases, this Convention shall only apply on condition that the co-produced work meets the definition of a European cinematographic work as defined in Article 3, paragraph 3, below.

3 The provisions of bilateral agreements concluded between the Parties to this Convention shall continue to apply to bilateral co-productions.

In the case of multilateral co-productions, the provisions of this Convention shall override those of bilateral agreements between Parties to the Convention. The provisions concerning bilateral co-productions shall remain in force if they do not contravene the provisions of this Convention.

4 In the absence of any agreement governing bilateral co-production relations between two Parties to this Convention, the Convention shall also apply to bilateral co-productions, unless a reservation has been made by one of the Parties involved under the terms of Article 20.

Article 3 Definitions For the purposes of this Convention:

a the term «cinematographic work» shall mean a work of any length or medium, in particular cinematographic works of fiction, cartoons and documentaries, which complies with the provisions governing the film industry in force in each of the Parties concerned and is intended to be shown in cinemas;

b the term «co-producers» shall mean cinematographic production companies or producers established in the Parties to this Convention and bound by a co-production contract;

c the term «European cinematographic work» shall mean a cinematographic work which meets the conditions laid down in Appendix II, which is an integral part of this Convention;

d the term «multilateral co-production» shall mean a cinematographic work produced by at least three co-producers as defined in Article 2, paragraph 2, above.

Chapter II

Rules applicable to co-productions

Assimilation to national films

1 European cinematographic works made as multilateral co-productions and falling within the scope of this Convention shall be entitled to the benefits granted to national films by the legislative and regulatory provisions in force in each of the Parties to this Convention participating in the co- production concerned.

2 The benefits shall be granted to each co-producer by the Party in which the co-producer is established, under the conditions and limits provided for by the legislative and regulatory provisions in force in that Party and in accordance with the provisions of this Convention.

Article 5

Conditions for obtaining co-production status

1 Any co-production of cinematographic works shall be subject to the approval of the competent authorities of the Parties in which the co-producers are established, after consultation between the competent authorities and in accordance with the procedures laid down in Appendix I. This appendix shall form an integral part of this Convention.

2 Applications for co-production status shall be submitted for approval to the competent authorities according to the application procedure laid down in Appendix I. This approval shall be final except in the case of failure to comply with the initial undertakings concerning artistic, financial and technical matters.

3 Projects of a blatantly pornographic nature or those that advocate violence or openly offend human dignity cannot be accorded co-production status.

4 The benefits provided by co-production status shall be granted to co-producers who are deemed to possess adequate technical and financial means, and sufficient professional qualifications.

5 Each Contracting State shall designate the competent authorities mentioned in paragraph 2 above by means of a declaration made at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. This declaration may be modified at any later date.

Article 6

Proportions of contributions from each co-producer

1 In the case of multilateral co-production, the minimum contribution may not be less than 10% and the maximum contribution may not exceed 70% of the total production cost of the cinematographic work. When the minimum contribution is less than 20%, the Party concerned may take steps to reduce or bar access to national production support schemes.

2 When this Convention takes the place of a bilateral agreement between two Parties under the provisions of Article 2, paragraph 4, the minimum contribution may not be less than 20% and the largest contribution may not exceed 80% of the total production cost of the cinematographic work.

Article 7

Rights of co-producers

1 The co-production contract must guarantee to each co-producer joint ownership of the original picture and sound negative. The contract shall include the provision that this negative shall be kept in a place mutually agreed by the co-producers, and shall guarantee them free access to it.

2 The co-production contract must also guarantee to each co-producer the right to an internegative or to any other medium of duplication.

Article 8

Technical and artistic participation

1 The contribution of each of the co-producers shall include effective technical and artistic participation. In principle, and in accordance with international obligations binding the Parties, the contribution of the co-producers relating to creative, technical and artistic personnel, cast and facilities, must be proportional to their investment.

2 Subject to the international obligations binding the Parties and to the demands of the screenplay, the technical and craft team involved in filming the work must be made up of nationals of the States which are partners in the co-production, and post-production shall normally be carried out in those States.

Article 9

Financial co-productions

1 Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 8, and subject to the specific conditions and limits laid down in the laws and regulations in force in the Parties, co-productions may be granted co- production status under the provisions of this Convention if they meet the following conditions:

a include one or more minority contributions which may be financial only, in accordance with the co-production contract, provided that each national share is neither less than 10% nor more than 25% of the production costs;

b include a majority co-producer who makes an effective technical and artistic contribution and satisfies the conditions for the cinematographic work to be recognised as a national work in his country;

c help to promote a European identity; and

d are embodied in co-production contracts which include provisions for the distribution of receipts.

2 Financial co-productions shall only qualify for co-production status once the competent authorities have given their approval in each individual case, in particular taking into account the provisions of Article 10 below.

Article 10 General balance

1 A general balance must be maintained in the cinematographic relations of the Parties, with regard both to the total amount invested and the artistic and technical participation in co-production cinematographic works.

2 A Party which, over a reasonable period, observes a deficit in its co-production relations with one or more other Parties may, with a view to maintaining its cultural identity, withhold its approval of a subsequent co-production until balanced cinematographic relations with that or those Parties have been restored.

Article 11 Entry and residence

In accordance with the laws and regulations and international obligations in force, each Party shall facilitate entry and residence, as well as the granting of work permits in its territory, of technical and artistic personnel from other Parties participating in a co-production. Similarly, each Party shall permit the temporary import and re-export of equipment necessary to the production and distribution of cinematographic works falling within the scope of this Convention.

Article 12

Credits of co-producing countries

1 Co-producing countries shall be credited in co-produced cinematographic works.

2 The names of these countries shall be clearly mentioned in the credit titles, in all publicity and promotion material and when the cinematographic works are being shown.

Article 13 Export

When a co-produced cinematographic work is exported to a country where imports of cinematographic works are subject to quotas, and one of the co-producing Parties does not have the right of free entry for his cinematographic works to the importing country:

a the cinematographic work shall normally be added to the quota of the country which has the majority participation;

b in the case of a cinematographic work which comprises an equal participation from different countries, the cinematographic work shall be added to the quota of the country which has the best opportunities for exporting to the importing country;

c when the provisions of sub-paragraphs a and b above cannot be applied, the cinematographic work shall be entered in the quota of the Party which provides the director.

Article 14 Languages

When according co-production status, the competent authority of a Party may demand from the co- producer established therein a final version of the cinematographic work in one of the languages of that Party.

Article 15 Festivals

Unless the co-producers decide otherwise, co-produced cinematographic works shall be shown at international festivals by the Party where the majority co-producer is established, or, in the case of equal financial participation, by the Party which provides the director.

Chapter III Final provisions

Article 16

Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval

1 This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe and the other States party to the European Cultural Convention which may express their consent to be bound by:

a signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; or

b signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or approval.

2 Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Article 17 Entry into force

1 The Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which five States, including at least four member States of the Council of Europe, have expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention in accordance with the provisions of Article 16.

2 In respect of any signatory State which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of signature or of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

Article 18

Accession of non-member States

1 After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any European State not a member of the Council of Europe as well as the European Economic Community to accede to this Convention, by a decision taken by the majority provided for in Article 20.d of the Statute of the Council of Europe, and by the unanimous vote of the representatives of the Contracting States entitled to sit on the Committee of Ministers.

2 In respect of any acceding State or of the European Economic Community, in the event of its accession, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Article 19 Territorial clause

1 Any State may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention shall apply.

2 Any Party may, at any later date, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend the application of this Convention to any other territory specified in the declaration. In respect of such territory, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of such declaration by the Secretary General.

3 Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in such declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to the Secretary General.

The withdrawal shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

Article 20 Reservations

1 Any State may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, declare that Article 2, paragraph 4, does not apply to its bilateral co-production relations with one or more Parties. Moreover, it may reserve the right to fix a maximum participation share different from that laid down in Article 9, paragraph 1.a. No other reservation may be made.

2 Any Party which has made a reservation under the preceding paragraph may wholly or partly withdraw it by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The withdrawal shall take effect on the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

Article 21 Denunciation

1 Any Party may, at any time, denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

2 Such denunciation shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

Article 22 Notifications

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council, as well as any State and the European Economic Community which may accede to this Convention or may be invited to do so, of:

a any signature;

b the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;

c any date of entry into force of this Convention in accordance with Articles 17, 18 and 19;

d any declaration made in accordance with Article 5, paragraph 5;

e any denunciation notified in accordance with Article 21;

f any other act, notification or communication relating to this Convention.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention.

Done at Strasbourg, this 2nd day of October 1992, in English and French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to the States mentioned in Article 16, paragraph 1, as well as to any State and to the European Economic Community which may be invited to accede to this Convention.

Appendix I Application procedure

In order to benefit from the provisions of this Convention, the co-producers established in the Parties must, two months before shooting commences, submit an application for co-production status and attach the documents listed below. These documents must reach the competent authorities in sufficient number for them to be communicated to the authorities of the other Parties at the latest one month before shooting commences:

– a copy of the contract for the purchase of the copyright or any other proof of purchase of the copyright for the commercial exploitation of the work;

– a detailed script;

– a list of the technical and artistic contributions from each of the countries involved;

– an estimate and a detailed financing plan;

– a production schedule of the cinematographic work;

– the co-production contract made between the co-producers. This contract must include clauses providing for the distribution of receipts or territories between the co-producers.

The application and other documents shall be presented, if possible, in the language of the competent authorities to which they are submitted.

The competent national authorities shall send each other the application and attached documentation once they have been received. The competent authority of the Party with the minority financial participation shall not give its approval until the opinion of the Party with the majority financial participation has been received.

Appendix II

1 A cinematographic work qualifies as European in the sense of Article 3, paragraph 3, if it achieves at least 15 points out of a possible total of 19, according to the schedule of European elements set out below.

2 Having regard to the demands of the screenplay, the competent authorities may, after consulting together, and if they consider that the work nonetheless reflects a European identity, grant co- production status to the work with a number of points less than the normally required 15 points.

European elements Weighting Points

Creative group

Director 3

Scriptwriter 3

Composer 1

7

Performing group

First role 3

Second role 2

Third role 1

6

Technical craft group

Cameraman 1

Sound recordist 1

Editor 1

Art director 1

Studio or shooting location 1

Post-production location 1

6

N.B.

a First, second and third roles are determined by number of days worked.

b So far as Article 8 is concerned, «artistic» refers to the creative and performing groups, «technical»

refers to the technical and craft group.

Europeisk konvensjon om samproduksjon av film Innledning

Europarådets medlemsstater og de andre stater som er part i Europarådets kulturkonvensjon, som har undertegnet denne konvensjon,

som tar i betraktning at Europarådet har som mål å skape større enhet blant medlemsstatene, særlig med sikte på å verne om og fremme de idealer og prinsipper som utgjør deres felles arv,

som tar i betraktning at kreativ frihet og ytringsfrihet er grunnleggende elementer i disse prinsippene, som tar i betraktning at vern om kulturelt mangfold i de ulike europeiske landene er et av målene i Europarådets kulturkonvensjon,

som tar i betraktning at samproduksjon av film bør styrkes, som et redskap for å skape og uttrykke kulturelt mangfold på europeisk nivå,

som er fast bestemt på å videreutvikle disse prinsippene, og som minner om Ministerkomiteens rekommandasjoner om film og den audiovisuelle sektoren, særlig rekommandasjon nr. R (86) 3 om fremme av audiovisuell produksjon i Europa,

som erkjenner at opprettelsen av Det europeiske fond for samproduksjon og distribusjon av kreative filmverk og audiovisuelle verk, Eurimages, imøtekommer behovet for å stimulere til europeisk samproduksjon av film, og at utviklingen av samproduksjoner av film i Europa dermed har fått en ny drivkraft,

som er fast bestemt på å nå denne kulturelle målsettingen gjennom en felles innsats for å øke produksjonen og fastsette egnede regler for multilaterale samproduksjoner av film i Europa i sin alminnelighet,

som tar i betraktning at vedtakelse av felles regler som regel medfører færre restriksjoner og oppmuntrer til europeisk samarbeid innenfor samproduksjon av film,

er blitt enige om følgende:

Kapittel 1

Alminnelige bestemmelser

Konvensjonens mål

Partene i denne konvensjon forplikter seg til å fremme utviklingen av europeisk samproduksjon av film i samsvar med bestemmelsene nedenfor.

Artikkel 2 Virkeområde

1 Denne konvensjon regulerer forbindelsene mellom partene med hensyn til multilaterale samproduksjoner med opprinnelse i partenes territorium.

2 Denne konvensjon får anvendelse på

a samproduksjoner som omfatter minst tre samprodusenter som er etablert hos tre ulike parter i konvensjonen, og

b samproduksjoner som omfatter minst tre samprodusenter som er etablert hos tre ulike parter i konvensjonen, og en eller flere samprodusenter som ikke er etablert hos disse partene. Det samlede bidraget fra samprodusentene som ikke er etablert hos konvensjonspartene, kan imidlertid ikke overstige 30 % av de samlede produksjonskostnadene.

I alle tilfeller skal denne konvensjon komme til anvendelse bare dersom det samproduserte verket tilfredsstiller definisjonen av et europeisk filmverk som definert nedenfor i artikkel 3 nr. 3.

3 Bestemmelsene i bilaterale avtaler inngått mellom partene i denne konvensjon skal fortsatt få anvendelse på bilaterale samproduksjoner.

Ved multilaterale samproduksjoner skal bestemmelsene i denne konvensjon gå foran bestemmelsene i bilaterale avtaler inngått mellom konvensjonspartene. Bestemmelsene om bilaterale samproduksjoner skal fortsatt komme til anvendelse dersom de ikke er i strid med bestemmelsene i denne konvensjon.

4 Dersom det ikke foreligger en avtale som regulerer forbindelsene med hensyn til bilaterale samproduksjoner mellom to parter i denne konvensjon, skal konvensjonen få anvendelse også på bilaterale samproduksjoner, med mindre en av de berørte parter har tatt forbehold i henhold til bestemmelsene i artikkel 20.

Artikkel 3 Definisjoner I denne konvensjon menes med

a uttrykket «filmverk»: et verk som uansett lengde eller medium er beregnet på visning på kinoer, særlig spillefilmer, tegnefilmer og dokumentarfilmer, og som oppfyller gjeldende bestemmelser om filmproduksjon hos hver av de berørte parter,

b uttrykket «samprodusenter»: filmproduksjonsselskaper eller filmprodusenter som er etablert hos partene i denne konvensjon, og som er bundet av en samproduksjonskontrakt,

c uttrykket «europeisk filmverk»: et filmverk som oppfyller vilkårene fastsatt i vedlegg II, som utgjør en integrert del av denne konvensjon,

d uttrykket «multilateral samproduksjon»: et filmverk produsert av minst tre samprodusenter som definert ovenfor i artikkel 2 nr. 2.

Kapittel II

Regler som gjelder for samproduksjoner

Lik behandling med nasjonale filmer

1 Europeiske filmverk fremstilt som multilaterale samproduksjoner som faller inn under denne konvensjons virkeområde, skal ha rett til de fordeler som gis nasjonale filmer i henhold til gjeldende lover og forskrifter hos hver av de parter i denne konvensjon som deltar i den aktuelle samproduksjonen.

2 Fordelene skal gis hver samprodusent av den part der samprodusenten er etablert, i henhold til de vilkår og begrensninger som er fastsatt i gjeldende lover og forskrifter hos parten, og i samsvar med bestemmelsene i denne konvensjon.

Artikkel 5

Vilkår for å få samproduksjonsstatus

1 Alle samproduksjoner av filmverk må godkjennes av de kompetente myndigheter hos partene der samprodusentene er etablert, etter samråd mellom de kompetente myndigheter og i samsvar med prosedyrene fastsatt i vedlegg I. Dette vedlegget utgjør en integrert del av denne konvensjon.

2 Søknad om samproduksjonsstatus skal forelegges de kompetente myndigheter til godkjenning i henhold til søknadsprosedyren fastsatt i vedlegg I. Godkjenningen skal være endelig, med mindre søkeren ikke har oppfylt de opprinnelige forpliktelsene når det gjelder kunstneriske, økonomiske og tekniske spørsmål.

3 Prosjekter av en åpenbart pornografisk natur, eller prosjekter som forherliger vold eller åpenlyst krenker menneskeverdet, kan ikke innvilges samproduksjonsstatus.

4 Fordelene som følger med samproduksjonsstatus, skal gis samprodusenter som anses å ha tilstrekkelige tekniske og økonomiske ressurser og tilstrekkelige faglige kvalifikasjoner.

5 Hver konvensjonsstat skal utpeke de kompetente myndigheter som er nevnt ovenfor i nr. 2, i form av en erklæring avgitt ved undertegningen av denne konvensjon eller ved deponeringen av sitt ratifikasjons-, godtakelses-, godkjennings- eller tiltredelsesdokument. Denne erklæringen kan endres på et hvilket som helst senere tidspunkt.

Artikkel 6

Bidragsandeler fra hver samprodusent

1 Ved multilaterale samproduksjoner kan det minste bidraget ikke utgjøre mindre enn 10 % og det største bidraget ikke mer enn 70 % av de samlede produksjonskostnadene for filmverket. Når det minste bidraget utgjør mindre enn 20 %, kan den berørte part treffe tiltak for helt eller delvis å begrense adgangen til nasjonale støtteordninger.

2 Når denne konvensjon trer i stedet for en bilateral avtale mellom to parter i henhold til bestemmelsene i artikkel 2 nr. 4, kan det minste bidraget ikke utgjøre mindre enn 20 % og det største bidraget ikke mer enn 80 % av de samlede produksjonskostnadene for filmverket.

Artikkel 7

Samprodusentenes rettigheter

1 Samproduksjonskontrakten må garantere at hver samprodusent har felles eierskap til originalnegativets bilde og lyd. Kontrakten skal omfatte en bestemmelse om at dette negativet skal oppbevares på et sted som samprodusentene er enige om, og skal sikre dem fri tilgang til det.

2 Samproduksjonskontrakten må også garantere at hver av samprodusentene har rett til et internegativ eller til ethvert annet medium for mangfoldiggjøring.

Artikkel 8

Teknisk og kunstnerisk deltakelse

1 Hver av samprodusentene skal bidra i form av reell teknisk og kunstnerisk deltakelse. I prinsippet, og i samsvar med internasjonale forpliktelser som partene er bundet av, skal samprodusentenes bidrag knyttet til kreativt, teknisk og kunstnerisk personale, rollebesetning og fasiliteter stå i forhold til deres investeringer.

2 Med forbehold for de internasjonale forpliktelser som partene er bundet av, og for filmmanuskriptets forutsetninger, må det tekniske personalet som deltar i innspillingen av verket, bestå av borgere fra de stater som er partnere i samproduksjonen, og etterarbeidet skal normalt utføres i disse statene.

Artikkel 9

Økonomiske samproduksjoner

1 Uten hensyn til bestemmelsene i artikkel 8, og med forbehold for de særlige vilkår og begrensninger som er fastsatt i gjeldende lover og forskrifter hos partene, kan samproduksjoner innvilges samproduksjonsstatus i henhold til bestemmelsene i denne konvensjon dersom de oppfyller følgende vilkår:

a produksjonen omfatter et eller flere minoritetsbidrag som kan være av rent økonomisk art, i samsvar med samproduksjonskontrakten, forutsatt at hver nasjonal andel ikke utgjør mindre enn 10 % eller mer enn 25 % av produksjonskostnadene,

b produksjonen omfatter en samprodusent med majoritetsinteresse som gir et reelt teknisk og kunstnerisk bidrag og oppfyller vilkårene for filmverk som kan anerkjennes som nasjonale verk i vedkommendes hjemland,

c produksjonen bidrar til å fremme en europeisk identitet, og

d produksjonsbetingelsene er nedfelt i en samproduksjonskontrakt som omfatter bestemmelser om fordelingen av inntektene.

2 Økonomiske samproduksjoner skal kunne innvilges samproduksjonsstatus bare når de kompetente myndigheter har gitt sin godkjenning i det enkelte tilfelle, der det særlig tas hensyn til bestemmelsene i artikkel 10 nedenfor.

Artikkel 10 Generell balanse

1 Det må opprettholdes en generell balanse i forbindelsene mellom partene på filmområdet, både med hensyn til det samlede investeringsbeløpet og den kunstneriske og tekniske deltakelsen i samproduksjonen av filmverk.

2 En part som i løpet av et rimelig tidsrom registrerer et underskudd i sin samproduksjonsforbindelse med en eller flere andre parter, kan, for å opprettholde sin kulturelle identitet, holde tilbake sin godkjenning av en senere samproduksjon inntil det er gjenopprettet balanserte forbindelser på filmområdet med parten eller partene.

Artikkel 11 Innreise og opphold

Hver part skal, i samsvar med gjeldende lover og forskrifter og internasjonale forpliktelser, legge til rette for innreise og opphold samt innvilgelse av arbeidstillatelse på sitt territorium for teknisk og kunstnerisk personale fra andre parter som deltar i en samproduksjon. På samme måte skal hver av partene tillate midlertidig innførsel og gjenutførsel av utstyr som er nødvendig for produksjon og distribusjon av filmverk som faller inn under denne konvensjons virkeområde.

Artikkel 12

Kreditering av samproduserende land 1 Samproduserende land skal krediteres i samproduserte filmverk.

2 Navnene på disse landene skal være klart angitt i rulleteksten, i alt reklame- og markedsføringsmateriell og ved visning av filmverket.

Artikkel 13 Utførsel

Når et samprodusert filmverk utføres til et land der innførsel av filmverk er underlagt kvoter, og der en av de samproduserende partene ikke har rett til fri adgang til innførselslandet for sitt filmverk, a skal filmverket normalt føyes til kvoten til det landet som har majoritetsinteresse,

b skal filmverket føyes til kvoten til det landet som har best mulighet til å utføre det til innførselslandet, dersom filmverket er basert på like stor deltakelse fra de ulike landene,

c skal filmverket føyes til kvoten til den part som regissøren kommer fra når bestemmelsene i bokstav a) og b) ikke får anvendelse.

Artikkel 14 Språk

Ved innvilgelse av samproduksjonsstatus kan en parts kompetente myndighet kreve å få en endelig versjon av filmverket på et av partens offisielle språk fra samprodusenten som er etablert hos parten.

Artikkel 15 Festivaler

Med mindre samprodusentene beslutter noe annet, skal samproduserte filmverk vises på internasjonale festivaler av den part der samprodusenten med majoritetsinteresse er etablert, eller, dersom de økonomiske bidragene er like store, av den part som regissøren kommer fra.

Kapittel III Sluttbestemmelser

Artikkel 16

Undertegning, ratifikasjon, godtakelse, godkjenning

1 Denne konvensjon skal være åpen for undertegning av Europarådets medlemsstater og de andre statene som er part i Europarådets kulturkonvensjon, som kan gi sitt samtykke til å være bundet av denne konvensjon ved

a undertegning uten forbehold om ratifikasjon, godtakelse eller godkjenning, eller

b undertegning med forbehold om ratifikasjon, godtakelse eller godkjenning, etterfulgt av ratifikasjon, godtakelse eller godkjenning.

2 Ratifikasjons-, godtakelses- eller godkjenningsdokumentene skal deponeres hos Europarådets generalsekretær.

Artikkel 17 Ikrafttredelse

1 Denne konvensjon trer i kraft den første dag i måneden som følger etter utløpet av et tidsrom på tre måneder regnet fra den dag da fem stater, herunder minst fire av Europarådets medlemsstater, har gitt sitt samtykke til å være bundet av konvensjonen i samsvar med bestemmelsene i artikkel 16.

2 For en signatarstat som senere gir sitt samtykke til å være bundet av konvensjonen, skal den tre i kraft den første dag i måneden som følger etter utløpet av et tidsrom på tre måneder regnet fra den dag konvensjonen ble undertegnet eller ratifikasjons-, godtakelses- eller godkjenningsdokumentet ble deponert.

Artikkel 18

Tiltredelse av stater som ikke er medlem av Europarådet

1 Når denne konvensjon er trådt i kraft, kan Europarådets ministerkomité, ved beslutning truffet ved det flertall som er fastsatt i artikkel 20 bokstav d) i Europarådets vedtekter, og ved enstemmighet blant representantene for de konvensjonsstater som har rett til å sitte i Ministerkomiteen, innby enhver europeisk stat som ikke er medlem av Europarådet, eller Det europeiske økonomiske fellesskap til å tiltre denne konvensjon.

2 For en tiltredende stat eller for Det europeiske økonomiske fellesskap dersom det tiltrer konvensjonen, skal konvensjonen tre i kraft den første dag i måneden som følger etter utløpet av et tidsrom på tre måneder regnet fra den dag tiltredelsesdokumentet ble deponert hos Europarådets generalsekretær.

Artikkel 19 Territorialbestemmelser

1 Enhver stat kan, ved undertegningen av denne konvensjon eller ved deponeringen av sitt ratifikasjons-, godtakelses-, godkjennings- eller tiltredelsesdokument, angi nærmere på hvilket eller hvilke territorier denne konvensjon får anvendelse.

2 Enhver part kan på et senere tidspunkt ved erklæring til Europarådets generalsekretær utvide anvendelsen av denne konvensjon til andre, nærmere angitte territorier. For et slikt territorium skal konvensjonen tre i kraft den første dag i måneden som følger etter utløpet av et tidsrom på tre måneder regnet fra den dag Generalsekretæren har mottatt erklæringen.

3 En erklæring som avgis i henhold til de to foregående numre, kan for ethvert territorium angitt i en slik erklæring trekkes tilbake ved underretning til Generalsekretæren. Tilbaketrekningen får virkning den første dagen i måneden som følger etter utløpet av et tidsrom på tre måneder regnet fra den dag Generalsekretæren har mottatt underretningen.

Artikkel 20 Forbehold

1 Enhver stat kan ved undertegningen av denne konvensjon eller ved deponeringen av sitt ratifikasjons-, godtakelses-, godkjennings- eller tiltredelsesdokument, erklære at artikkel 2 nr. 4 ikke får anvendelse på dens bilaterale samproduksjonsforbindelser med en eller flere parter. Videre kan den forbeholde seg retten til å fastsette en annen øvre andel for deltakelse enn det som er fastsatt i artikkel 9 nr. 1 bokstav a). Det kan ikke tas andre forbehold.

2 Enhver part som har tatt forbehold i henhold til foregående nummer, kan helt eller delvis trekke det tilbake ved underretning til Europarådets generalsekretær. Tilbaketrekningen får virkning på den dag Generalsekretæren mottar underretningen.

Artikkel 21 Oppsigelse

1 Enhver part kan når som helst si opp denne konvensjon ved underretning til Europarådets generalsekretær.

2 Oppsigelsen får virkning den første dag i måneden som følger etter utløpet av et tidsrom på seks måneder regnet fra den dag Generalsekretæren har mottatt underretningen.

Artikkel 22 Underretninger

Europarådets generalsekretær skal underrette rådets medlemsstater samt Det europeiske økonomiske fellesskap og alle stater som måtte tiltre denne konvensjon, eller som måtte være invitert til å gjøre det, om

a enhver undertegning,

b enhver deponering av ratifikasjons-, godtakelses-, godkjennings- eller tiltredelsesdokumenter, c enhver ikrafttredelsesdato for denne konvensjon, i samsvar med artikkel 17, 18 og 19, d enhver erklæring avgitt i samsvar med artikkel 5 nr. 5,

e enhver oppsigelse i samsvar med artikkel 21,

f enhver annen handling, underretning eller meddelelse som gjelder denne konvensjon.

Som bekreftelse på dette har de undertegnede, som er gitt behørig fullmakt til det, undertegnet denne konvensjon.

Utferdiget i Strasbourg 2. oktober 1992 på engelsk og fransk, med samme gyldighet for begge tekster, i ett eksemplar som skal deponeres i Europarådets arkiver. Europarådets generalsekretær skal oversende bekreftede kopier til statene nevnt i artikkel 16 nr. 1 og til Det europeiske økonomiske fellesskap og alle stater som måtte være invitert til å tiltre denne konvensjon.

VEDLEGG I Søknadsprosedyre

For å dra fordel av bestemmelsene i denne konvensjon må samprodusentene som er etablert hos partene, søke om samproduksjonsstatus to måneder før opptakene begynner, og legge ved dokumentene som står oppført nedenfor. Disse dokumentene må oversendes de kompetente myndigheter i tilstrekkelig mange eksemplarer, slik at de kan videresendes til de andre partenes myndigheter senest én måned før opptakene begynner:

– en kopi av kontrakten for kjøp av opphavsrett eller annen dokumentasjon på kjøp av opphavsrett med sikte på kommersiell utnyttelse av verket,

– et detaljert manuskript,

– en oversikt over hvert av de berørte landenes tekniske og kunstneriske bidrag, – et kostnadsoverslag og en detaljert finansieringsplan,

– en produksjonsplan for filmverket,

– samproduksjonskontrakten som er inngått mellom samprodusentene. Denne kontrakten må omfatte bestemmelser om fordelingen av inntektene eller territoriene mellom samprodusentene.

Søknaden og de øvrige dokumentene skal om mulig fremlegges på språket til den kompetente myndighet som de sendes til.

De kompetente nasjonale myndigheter skal sende hverandre søknaden med vedlagt dokumentasjon straks dette er mottatt. Den kompetente myndighet hos parten med økonomisk minoritetsinteresse skal ikke gi sin godkjenning før den har mottatt uttalelse fra parten som har den økonomiske majoritetsinteressen.

VEDLEGG II

1 Et filmverk regnes som europeisk som definert i artikkel 3 nr. 3 dersom det oppnår minst 15 av 19 mulige poeng i henhold til listen over europeiske elementer angitt nedenfor.

2 Under henvisning til filmmanuskriptets forutsetninger kan de kompetente myndigheter etter samråd seg imellom, og dersom de mener at verket likevel gjenspeiler en europeisk identitet, innvilge verket samproduksjonsstatus selv om det har oppnådd en poengsum som er mindre enn de 15 poengene som vanligvis kreves.

Europeiske elementer Vektpoeng

Kreativ gruppe

Regissør 3

Manusforfatter 3

Komponist 1

7

Skuespillere

Første rolle 3

Andre rolle 2

Tredje rolle 1

6

Teknisk personale

Fotograf 1

Lydtekniker 1

Klipper 1

Scenograf 1

Studio eller opptakssted 1

Sted for etterarbeid 1

6

NB

a Første, andre og tredje rolle fastsettes på grunnlag av antall arbeidsdager.

b Hva artikkel 8 angår, viser «kunstnerisk» til den kreative gruppen og skuespillerne, mens

«teknisk» viser til det tekniske personalet.

6. nov. 1997 nr. 1

Den europeiske konvensjon om statsborgerskap

I henhold til regjeringsresolusjon av 31. oktober 1997 ble konvensjonen undertegnet. Konvensjonen ble ratifisert ved

lov av 10. juni 2005 nr. 51 § 35 og trådte i kraft 1. oktober 2009. Det vises til Ot.prp.nr.41 (2004–2005), Innst.O.nr.86 (2004–2005) og Besl.O.nr.88 (2004–2005).

European Convention on Nationality

Preamble

The member States of the Council of Europe and the other States signatory to this Convention, Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve greater unity between its members;

Bearing in mind the numerous international instruments relating to nationality, multiple nationality and statelessness;

Recognising that, in matters concerning nationality, account should be taken both of the legitimate interests of States and those of individuals;

Desiring to promote the progressive development of legal principles concerning nationality, as well as their adoption in internal law and desiring to avoid, as far as possible, cases of statelessness;

Desiring to avoid discrimination in matters relating to nationality;

Aware of the right to respect for family life as contained in Article 8 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms;

Noting the varied approach of States to the question of multiple nationality and recognising that each State is free to decide which consequences it attaches in its internal law to the fact that a national acquires or possesses another nationality;

Agreeing on the desirability of finding appropriate solutions to consequences of multiple nationality and in particular as regards the rights and duties of multiple nationals;

Considering it desirable that persons possessing the nationality of two or more States Parties should be required to fulfil their military obligations in relation to only one of those Parties;

Considering the need to promote international co-operation between the national authorities responsible for nationality matters,

Have agreed as follows:

Chapter I General matters

Article 1

Object of the Convention

This Convention establishes principles and rules relating to the nationality of natural persons and rules regulating military obligations in cases of multiple nationality, to which the internal law of States Parties shall conform.

Article 2 Definitions For the purpose of this Convention:

a) «nationality» means the legal bond between a person and a State and does not indicate the person's ethnic origin;

b) «multiple nationality» means the simultaneous possession of two or more nationalities by the same person;

c) «child» means every person below the age of 18 years unless, under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier;

d) «internal law» means all types of provisions of the national legal system, including the constitution, legislation, regulations, decrees, case-law, customary rules and practice as well as rules deriving from binding international instruments.

Chapter II

General principles relating to nationality

Competence of the State 1. Each State shall determine under its own law who are its nationals.

2. This law shall be accepted by other States in so far as it is consistent with applicable international conventions, customary international law and the principles of law generally recognised with regard to nationality.

Article 4 Principles

The rules on nationality of each State Party shall be based on the following principles:

a) everyone has the right to a nationality;

b) statelessness shall be avoided;

c) no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his or her nationality;

d) neither marriage nor the dissolution of a marriage between a national of a State Party and an alien, nor the change of nationality by one of the spouses during marriage, shall automatically affect the nationality of the other spouse.

Article 5 Non-discrimination

1. The rules of a State Party on nationality shall not contain distinctions or include any practice which amount to discrimination on the grounds of sex, religion, race, colour or national or ethnic origin.

2. Each State Party shall be guided by the principle of non-discrimination between its nationals, whether they are nationals by birth or have acquired its nationality subsequently.

Chapter III

Rules relating to nationality

Acquisition of nationality

1. Each State Party shall provide in its internal law for its nationality to be acquired ex lege by the following persons:

a) children one of whose parents possesses, at the time of the birth of these children, the nationality of that State Party, subject to any exceptions which may be provided for by its internal law as regards children born abroad. With respect to children whose parenthood is established by recognition, court order or similar procedures, each State Party may provide that the child acquires its nationality following the procedure determined by its internal law;

b) foundlings found in its territory who would otherwise be stateless.

2. Each State Party shall provide in its internal law for its nationality to be acquired by children born on its territory who do not acquire at birth another nationality. Such nationality shall be granted:

a) at birth ex lege; or

b) subsequently, to children who remained stateless, upon an application being lodged with the appropriate authority, by or on behalf of the child concerned, in the manner prescribed by the internal law of the State Party. Such an application may be made subject to the lawful and habitual residence on its territory for a period not exceeding five years immediately preceding the lodging of the application.

3. Each State Party shall provide in its internal law for the possibility of naturalisation of persons lawfully and habitually resident on its territory. In establishing the conditions for naturalisation, it shall not provide for a period of residence exceeding ten years before the lodging of an application.

4. Each State Party shall facilitate in its internal law the acquisition of its nationality for the following persons:

a) spouses of its nationals;

b) children of one of its nationals, falling under the exception of Article 6, paragraph 1, sub- paragraph a;

c) children one of whose parents acquires or has acquired its nationality;

d) children adopted by one of its nationals;

e) persons who were born on its territory and reside there lawfully and habitually;

f) persons who are lawfully and habitually resident on its territory for a period of time beginning before the age of 18, that period to be determined by the internal law of the State Party concerned;

g) stateless persons and recognised refugees lawfully and habitually resident on its territory.

Article 7

Loss of nationality ex lege or at the initiative of a State Party

1. A State Party may not provide in its internal law for the loss of its nationality ex lege or at the initiative of the State Party except in the following cases:

a) voluntary acquisition of another nationality;

b) acquisition of the nationality of the State Party by means of fraudulent conduct, false information or concealment of any relevant fact attributable to the applicant;

c) voluntary service in a foreign military force;

d) conduct seriously prejudicial to the vital interests of the State Party;

e) lack of a genuine link between the State Party and a national habitually residing abroad;

f) where it is established during the minority of a child that the preconditions laid down by internal law which led to the ex lege acquisition of the nationality of the State Party are no longer fulfilled;

g) adoption of a child if the child acquires or possesses the foreign nationality of one or both of the adopting parents.

2. A State Party may provide for the loss of its nationality by children whose parents lose that nationality except in cases covered by sub-paragraphs c and d of paragraph 1. However, children shall not lose that nationality if one of their parents retains it.

3. A State Party may not provide in its internal law for the loss of its nationality under paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article if the person concerned would thereby become stateless, with the exception of the cases mentioned in paragraph 1, sub-paragraph b, of this article.

Article 8

Loss of nationality at the initiative of the individual

1. Each State Party shall permit the renunciation of its nationality provided the persons concerned do not thereby become stateless.

2. However, a State Party may provide in its internal law that renunciation may be effected only by nationals who are habitually resident abroad.

Article 9

Recovery of nationality

Each State Party shall facilitate, in the cases and under the conditions provided for by its internal law, the recovery of its nationality by former nationals who are lawfully and habitually resident on its territory.

Chapter IV

Procedures relating to nationality

Processing of applications

Each State Party shall ensure that applications relating to the acquisition, retention, loss, recovery or certification of its nationality be processed within a reasonable time.

Article 11 Decisions

Each State Party shall ensure that decisions relating to the acquisition, retention, loss, recovery or certification of its nationality contain reasons in writing.

Article 12 Right to a review

Each State Party shall ensure that decisions relating to the acquisition, retention, loss, recovery or certification of its nationality be open to an administrative or judicial review in conformity with its internal law.

Article 13 Fees

1. Each State Party shall ensure that the fees for the acquisition, retention, loss, recovery or certification of its nationality be reasonable.

2. Each State Party shall ensure that the fees for an administrative or judicial review be not an obstacle for applicants.

Chapter V Multiple nationality

Article 14

Cases of multiple nationality ex lege 1. A State Party shall allow:

a) children having different nationalities acquired automatically at birth to retain these nationalities;

b) its nationals to possess another nationality where this other nationality is automatically acquired by marriage.

2. The retention of the nationalities mentioned in paragraph 1 is subject to the relevant provisions of Article 7 of this Convention

Article 15

Other possible cases of multiple nationality

The provisions of this Convention shall not limit the right of a State Party to determine in its internal law whether:

a) its nationals who acquire or possess the nationality of another State retain its nationality or lose it;

b) the acquisition or retention of its nationality is subject to the renunciation or loss of another nationality.

Article 16

Conservation of previous nationality

A State Party shall not make the renunciation or loss of another nationality a condition for the acquisition or retention of its nationality where such renunciation or loss is not possible or cannot reasonably be required.

Article 17

Rights and duties related to multiple nationality

1. Nationals of a State Party in possession of another nationality shall have, in the territory of that State Party in which they reside, the same rights and duties as other nationals of that State Party.

2. The provisions of this chapter do not affect:

a) the rules of international law concerning diplomatic or consular protection by a State Party in favour of one of its nationals who simultaneously possesses another nationality;

b) the application of the rules of private international law of each State Party in cases of multiple nationality.

Chapter VI

State succession and nationality

Principles

1. In matters of nationality in cases of State succession, each State Party concerned shall respect the principles of the rule of law, the rules concerning human rights and the principles contained in Articles 4 and 5 of this Convention and in paragraph 2 of this article, in particular in order to avoid statelessness.

2. In deciding on the granting or the retention of nationality in cases of State succession, each State Party concerned shall take account in particular of:

a) the genuine and effective link of the person concerned with the State;

b) the habitual residence of the person concerned at the time of State succession;

c) the will of the person concerned;

d) the territorial origin of the person concerned.

3. Where the acquisition of nationality is subject to the loss of a foreign nationality, the provisions of Article 16 of this Convention shall apply.

Article 19

Settlement by international agreement

In cases of State succession, States Parties concerned shall endeavour to regulate matters relating to nationality by agreement amongst themselves and, where applicable, in their relationship with other States concerned. Such agreements shall respect the principles and rules contained or referred to in this chapter.

Article 20

Principles concerning non-nationals 1. Each State Party shall respect the following principles:

a) nationals of a predecessor State habitually resident in the territory over which sovereignty is transferred to a successor State and who have not acquired its nationality shall have the right to remain in that State;

b) persons referred to in sub-paragraph a shall enjoy equality of treatment with nationals of the successor State in relation to social and economic rights.

2. Each State Party may exclude persons considered under paragraph 1 from employment in the public service involving the exercise of sovereign powers.

Chapter VII

Military obligations in cases of multiple nationality

Fulfilment of military obligations

1. Persons possessing the nationality of two or more States Parties shall be required to fulfil their military obligations in relation to one of those States Parties only.

2. The modes of application of paragraph 1 may be determined by special agreements between any of the States Parties.

3. Except where a special agreement which has been, or may be, concluded provides otherwise, the following provisions are applicable to persons possessing the nationality of two or more States Parties:

a) Any such person shall be subject to military obligations in relation to the State Party in whose territory they are habitually resident. Nevertheless, they shall be free to choose, up to the age of 19 years, to submit themselves to military obligations as volunteers in relation to any other State Party of which they are also nationals for a total and effective period at least equal to that of the active military service required by the former State Party;

b) Persons who are habitually resident in the territory of a State Party of which they are not nationals or in that of a State which is not a State Party may choose to perform their military service in the territory of any State Party of which they are nationals;

c) Persons who, in accordance with the rules laid down in paragraphs a and b, shall fulfil their military obligations in relation to one State Party, as prescribed by the law of that State Party, shall be deemed to have fulfilled their military obligations in relation to any other State Party or States Parties of which they are also nationals;

d) Persons who, before the entry into force of this Convention between the States Parties of which they are nationals, have, in relation to one of those States Parties, fulfilled their military obligations in accordance with the law of that State Party, shall be deemed to have fulfilled the same obligations in relation to any other State Party or States Parties of which they are also nationals;

e) Persons who, in conformity with paragraph a, have performed their active military service in relation to one of the States Parties of which they are nationals, and subsequently transfer their habitual residence to the territory of the other State Party of which they are nationals, shall be liable to military service in the reserve only in relation to the latter State Party;

f) The application of this article shall not prejudice, in any respect, the nationality of the persons concerned;

g) In the event of mobilisation by any State Party, the obligations arising under this article shall not be binding upon that State Party.

Article 22

Exemption from military obligations or alternative civil service

Except where a special agreement which has been, or may be, concluded provides otherwise, the following provisions are also applicable to persons possessing the nationality of two or more States Parties:

a) Article 21, paragraph 3, sub-paragraph c, of this Convention shall apply to persons who have been exempted from their military obligations or have fulfilled civil service as an alternative;

b) Persons who are nationals of a State Party which does not require obligatory military service shall be considered as having satisfied their military obligations when they have their habitual residence in the territory of that State Party. Nevertheless, they should be deemed not to have satisfied their military obligations in relation to a State Party or States Parties of which they are equally nationals and where military service is required unless the said habitual residence has been maintained up to a certain age, which each State Party concerned shall notify at the time of signature or when depositing its instruments of ratification, acceptance or accession;

c) Also persons who are nationals of a State Party which does not require obligatory military service shall be considered as having satisfied their military obligations when they have enlisted voluntarily in the military forces of that Party for a total and effective period which is at least equal to that of the active military service of the State Party or States Parties of which they are also nationals without regard to where they have their habitual residence.

Chapter VIII

Co-operation between the States Parties

Co-operation between the States Parties

1. With a view to facilitating co-operation between the States Parties, their competent authorities shall:

a) provide the Secretary General of the Council of Europe with information about their internal law relating to nationality, including instances of statelessness and multiple nationality, and about developments concerning the application of the Convention;

b) provide each other upon request with information about their internal law relating to nationality and about developments concerning the application of the Convention.

2. States Parties shall co-operate amongst themselves and with other member States of the Council of Europe within the framework of the appropriate intergovernmental body of the Council of Europe in order to deal with all relevant problems and to promote the progressive development of legal principles and practice concerning nationality and related matters.

Article 24

Exchange of information

Each State Party may at any time declare that it shall inform any other State Party, having made the same declaration, of the voluntary acquisition of its nationality by nationals of the other State Party, subject to applicable laws concerning data protection. Such a declaration may indicate the conditions under which the State Party will give such information. The declaration may be withdrawn at any time.

Chapter IX

Application of the Convention

Declarations concerning the application of the Convention

1. Each State may declare, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, that it will exclude Chapter VII from the application of the Convention.

2. The provisions of Chapter VII shall be applicable only in the relations between States Parties for which it is in force.

3. Each State Party may, at any subsequent time, notify the Secretary General of the Council of Europe that it will apply the provisions of Chapter VII excluded at the time of signature or in its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. This notification shall become effective as from the date of its receipt.

Article 26

Effects of this Convention

1. The provisions of this Convention shall not prejudice the provisions of internal law and binding international instruments which are already in force or may come into force, under which more favourable rights are or would be accorded to individuals in the field of nationality.

2. This Convention does not prejudice the application of:

a) the 1963 Convention on the Reduction of Cases of Multiple Nationality and Military Obligations in Cases of Multiple Nationality and its Protocols;

b) other binding international instruments in so far as such instruments are compatible with this Convention,

in the relationship between the States Parties bound by these instruments.

Chapter X Final clauses

Article 27

Signature and entry into force

1. This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe and the non-member States which have participated in its elaboration. Such States may express their consent to be bound by:

a) signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; or

b) signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or approval.

Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

2. This Convention shall enter into force, for all States having expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention, on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which three member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by this Convention in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

3. In respect of any State which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of signature or of the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

Article 28 Accession

1. After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any non-member State of the Council of Europe which has not participated in its elaboration to accede to this Convention.

2. In respect of any acceding State, this Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Article 29 Reservations

1. No reservations may be made to any of the provisions contained in Chapters I, II and VI of this Convention. Any State may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, make one or more reservations to other provisions of the Convention so long as they are compatible with the object and purpose of this Convention.

2. Any State which makes one or more reservations shall notify the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of the relevant contents of its internal law or of any other relevant information.

3. A State which has made one or more reservations in accordance with paragraph 1 shall consider withdrawing them in whole or in part as soon as circumstances permit. Such withdrawal shall be made by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and shall become effective as from the date of its receipt.

4. Any State which extends the application of this Convention to a territory mentioned in the declaration referred to in Article 30, paragraph 2, may, in respect of the territory concerned, make one or more reservations in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs.