Legal provisions of COM(2003)308 - EC position in the International Grains Council and in the Food Aid Committee

Please note

This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.

dossier COM(2003)308 - EC position in the International Grains Council and in the Food Aid Committee.
document COM(2003)308 EN
date June  2, 2003
Avis juridique important

|
52003PC0308

Proposal for a Council Decision establishing the position to be adopted on behalf of the Community in the International Grains Council and in the Food Aid Committee /* COM/2003/0308 final */


Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION establishing the position to be adopted on behalf of the Community in the International Grains Council and in the Food Aid Committee


(presented by the Commission)


EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The International Grains Agreement, 1995, is made up of two parts: the Grains Trade Convention, 1995 and the Food Aid Convention, 1999.

The Food Aid Convention of 1999 was concluded by the Community by Council Decision 2000/421/EC. That Agreement remains in force until 30 June 2003, following its extension by decision of the Food Aid Committee on 9 December 2002. Although, according to the interest of both the Commission and Member States, some specific changes to the current Convention are required, it is a general agreement that these changes should be discussed amongst the members within the Food Aid Convention during the next two years. Therefore, the extension of this Convention may be achieved by decision of the Food Aid Committee.

The Grains Trade Convention of 1995 was extended in 2001 for two years. This Convention expires in June 2003 unless it is extended for a period of no more than two years.

Financial implications

The Community contribution to the administrative budget of the International Grains Agreement, which covers the two Conventions, is entered under item B7-8210 of the European Union budget.

Conclusions

- The Commission proposes that the Council authorise the Commission to vote on behalf of the European Community, in accordance with Article XXV(b) of the Food Aid Convention, 1999, in favour of the extension of this Convention for a period of up to two years.

- Independently of this position, the Commission proposes that the Council authorise the Commission to vote on behalf of the European Community, in accordance with Article 33(2) of the Grains Trade Convention 1995, in favour of the extension of this Convention for a period of up to two years.

The extension of both agreements is in the interest of the Community. The Commission, which represents the Community in the Food Aid Committee and in the International Grains Council, should therefore be authorised by a Council Decision to vote in favour of such extension.


Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION establishing the position to be adopted on behalf of the Community in the International Grains Council and in the Food Aid Committee


THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 181 in conjunction with Article 300(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

(1) The Food Aid Convention, 1999 was concluded by the Community by Council Decision 2000/421/EC and extended by decision of the Food Aid Committee in December 2002. That Agreement remains in force until 30 June 2003, unless it is extended beyond that date by decision of the Food Aid Committee for a period of no more than two years. The extension of that agreement is in the interest of both the Community and its Member States. The Commission, which represents the Community in the Food Aid Committee, should therefore be authorised by a Council Decision to vote in favour of such extension,

OJ L 163, 4.7.2000, p. 37.

(2) The Grains Trade Convention, 1995 was concluded by the Community by Council Decision 96/88/EC , amended and extended in June 1999 by Council Decision 1999/C262/01 for a two-year period . This Agreement was extended again by decision of the International Grains Council in June 2001 and remains in force until 30 June 2003, unless it is extended beyond that date for a period of no more than two years. The extension of that agreement is in the interest of both the Community and its Member States. The Commission, which represents the Community in the Grains Trade Convention, should therefore be authorised by a Council Decision to vote in favour of such extension,

OJ L 21, 27.1.1996, p. 47.

OJ C 262, 16.9.1999, p. 1.


HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

1. The European Community is in favour of the extension of the Grains Trade Convention, 1995 for a further period of up to two years.

2. The European Community is in favour of the extension of the Food Aid Convention, 1999 for a further period of up to two years.

3. The Commission is hereby authorised to express this position within the International Grains Council and within the Food Aid Committee.