For the purposes of this Directive:

1. 1.

   ‘competent authorities’ means the public authorities, as defined in Article 1 (1) of Directive 90/531/EEC, which are responsible for granting authorization and/or monitoring use thereof;

2. 2.

   ‘entity’ means any natural or legal person or any group of such persons which applies for, is likely to apply for or holds an authorization;

3. 3.

   ‘authorization’ means any law, regulation, administrative or contractual provision or instrument issued thereunder by which the competent authorities of a Member State entitle an entity to exercise, on its own behalf and at its own risk, the exclusive right to prospect or explore for or produce hydrocarbons in a geographical area. An authorization may be granted for each activity separately or for several activities at a time;

4. 4.

   ‘public entity’ means a public undertaking as defined in Article 1 (2) of Directive 90/531/EEC.