the commission of the european communities,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 of 19 December 2002 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes (), and in particular Article 3(1) thereof,

Whereas:

1. (1) In the framework of the sustainable development strategy, the European Union has taken measures aimed at promoting and developing renewable energy and energy efficiency in order to contribute in a balanced way to achieving the following general objectives: security of energy supply, competitiveness and environmental protection.

2. (2) These measures include Decision No 1230/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2003 adopting a multiannual programme for action in the field of energy: ‘Intelligent Energy – Europe’ (2003–2006) (), the areas of action of which are the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency, including in the transport sector, and their promotion in developing countries.

3. (3) Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 empowers the Commission to set up executive agencies in accordance with the general statute laid down by that Regulation and to entrust them with certain management tasks relating to one or more Community programmes.

4. (4) The purpose of empowering the Commission to set up executive agencies is to allow it to focus on core activities and functions which cannot be outsourced, without relinquishing control over, or ultimate responsibility for, activities managed by those executive agencies.

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