Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2017)154 - EU position in the International Grains Council with respect to the extension of the Grains Trade Convention, 1995

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dossier COM(2017)154 - EU position in the International Grains Council with respect to the extension of the Grains Trade Convention, 1995.
source COM(2017)154 EN
date 31-03-2017


1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

• Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

The Grains Trade Convention, 1995 (hereinafter: the “Convention”) was concluded by the Community by Council Decision 96/88/EC 1 until 30 June 1998 and, since then, it has been regularly extended. On each occasion the Convention is extended for a maximum period of two years. It was last extended by decision of the International Grains Council in June 2015 and remains in force until 30 June 2017. A further extension of the Convention by up to two years is in the interest of the Union.

The purpose of this proposal is to seek the Council’s authorisation to the Commission to vote, on behalf of the Union, in favour of the extension of the Convention up to 30 June 2019 in the International Grains Council. The formal decision about the extension of the Convention is scheduled for the 45th Session of the International Grains Council to be held on 5 June 2017.

• Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area

N/A

• Consistency with other Union policies

N/A

2. LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY

• Legal basis

Article 207 and Article 218 i of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

• Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence)

N/A

• Proportionality

N/A

• Choice of the instrument

N/A

3. RESULTS OF EX-POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

N/A

4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS

The extension of the Convention entails the prolongation of the EU contribution to the administrative budget of the International Grains Council, which covers both the Grains Trade Convention, 1995 and the Food Assistance Convention. That contribution is budgeted under item 05 06 01 of the EU budget (International agricultural agreements).

5. OTHER ELEMENTS

N/A