(1)

The International Tropical Timber Agreement 2006 (ITTA 2006) was concluded by the Union by Council Decision 2011/731/EU (1) and entered into force on 7 December 2011.

(2)

Pursuant to Article 6 of the ITTA 2006, the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) is the highest authority of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and consists of all the members of ITTO.

(3)

The ITTA 2006 was to remain in force for a period of 10 years, namely until 6 December 2021, unless the ITTC decided to extend, renegotiate or terminate it by special vote in accordance with Article 12 of the ITTA 2006.

(4)

Pursuant to Article 44(2) of the ITTA 2006, the ITTC may decide to extend the ITTA 2006 for up to two periods, an initial period of five years and an additional period of three years.

(5)

The ITTA 2006 was extended by ITTC decision 4(LVII) for an initial period of five years from 7 December 2021 until 6 December 2026 and the Union consented to such extension by Council Decision (EU) 2021/837 (2).

(6)

At the 59th session of ITTC in November 2023, ITTC decided to take a decision, without meeting, by 1 June 2024 on whether to extend the ITTA 2006 for a period of three years from 7 December 2026 until 6 December 2029.

(7)

The proposed additional extension of the ITTA 2006 for three years is in the interest of the Union, as the ITTO needs adequate time and resources for preparing a subsequent agreement.

(8)

It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on behalf of the Union within the ITTC with regard to the extension of the ITTA 2006,