30.12.2004 Official Journal of the European Union L 389/41 (Acts adopted under Title V of the Treaty on European Union) COUNCIL DECISION 2004/924/CFSP of 22 November 2004 concerning the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the status and activities of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Georgia, EUJUST THEMIS THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 24 thereof, Having regard to the recommendation from the Presidency, Whereas: (1) On 28 June 2004, the Council adopted Joint Action 2004/523|CESP on the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Georgia, EUJUST THEMIS (*). (2)  Atticle 7 of the Joint Action provides that the status of EUJUST THEMIS staff in Georgia, including where appro- priate the privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of EUJUST THEMIS, shall be agreed in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24 of the Treaty on European Union. (3)  Following the Council authorisation of 28 June 2004 given to the Secretary-General/High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, assisting the Presidency, to open negotiations on its behalf, the Secretary-General/High Representative negotiated an Agreement with the Government of Georgia on the status and activities of EUJUST THEMIS. (4)  Notwithstanding Article 10(4) of the Agreement, procurement of goods and services by EUJUST THEMIS should comply with the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment and non-discrimination. (5)  The Agreement should be approved, () O] L 228, 29.6.2004, p. 21. HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the status and activities of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Georgia, EUJUST THEMIS, is hereby approved on behalf of the European Union. The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision. Article 2 The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement in order to bind the European Union. Article 3 This Decision shall take effect on the day of its adoption. Article 4 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Done at Brussels, 22 November 2004. For the Council The President B. R. BOT