22.12.2005 Official Journal of the European Union L 337/27 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 2 December 2005 on the signing on behalf of the European Community of the Protocol on Soil Protection, the Protocol on Energy and the Protocol on Tourism to the Alpine Convention (2005/923/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 175(1) in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas: (1) The Convention on the Protection of the Alps (Alpine Convention) was concluded on behalf of the Community by Council Decision 96/191/EC (!). (2)  The Protocol on Soil Protection, the Protocol on Energy and the Protocol on Tourism to the Alpine Convention are an important step in the implementation of the Alpine Convention, and the Community is committed to the objectives of this Convention. (3)  The economic, social and ecological cross-border problems of the Alps remain a major challenge to be addressed in this highly sensitive area. (4)  Community Policies, in particular the priority areas of the 6th Environment Action Programme (3), should be promoted and strengthened within the Alpine region. () O] L 61, 12.3.1996, p. 31. () O] L 242, 10.9.2002, p. 1. (5)  These Protocols should be signed and the attached Declarations be approved, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The signing of the Protocol on Soil Protection, the Protocol on Energy and the Protocol on Tourism to the Alpine Convention, done at Salzburg on 7 November 1991, is hereby approved on behalf of the Community, subject to the conclusion of the said Protocols. The text of the Protocols and the Declarations thereto is attached to this Decision. Article 2 The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Protocols referred to in Article 1, on behalf of the Community subject to their conclusion, and to deposit the declarations. Done at Brussels, 2 December 2005. For the Council The President M. BECKETT