1. Notes, however, the Agency’s reply explaining that the present situation reflects the balance between, on the one hand, a clear relationship with the Commission (for example the Commission may issue directives and it appoints the Director-General of the Agency) and, on the other hand, a degree of legal and financial autonomy (for example the Agency co-signs all commercial contracts related to the procurement of nuclear materials, which allows it to ensure that the policy on diversification of the sources of supply is applied); notes, furthermore that this balance is in accordance with the Euratom Treaty;