Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the position to be taken by the Community in the International Cocoa Council regarding the extension of the International Cocoa Agreement 1993

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. The International Cocoa Agreement 1993 entered into force on 22 February 1994. It is due to expire on 30 September 2001.

2. At the meeting of the International Cocoa Council scheduled to be held from 10 to 14 September 2001 a proposal will be made to extend the Agreement for a maximum of two years, until 30 September 2003, under Article 61(3) of the Agreement.

3. The proposed decision does not affect the Community's contribution to the administrative budget of the International Cocoa Organisation, which remains zero.

4. The purpose of this proposal is to authorise the European Community to vote in favour of extending the Agreement.

2001/0205 (ACC)

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the position to be taken by the Community in the International Cocoa Council regarding the extension of the International Cocoa Agreement 1993

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 133 in conjunction with Article 300(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, [1]

[1] OJ C , p.

Whereas:

1. The International Cocoa Agreement 1993 has been approved by the Community through Council Decision 98/489/EC.

2. The International Cocoa Agreement 1993 applies until 30 September 2001 unless extended beyond that date by decision of the International Cocoa Council.

3. The extension of the Agreement in question for a maximum of two years, until 30 September 2003 at the latest, is being considered.

4. Extension of the Agreement is in the interest of the Community, which must therefore vote in favour of extension, in accordance with Article 61(3) of the Agreement,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The Community's position in the International Cocoa Council shall be to vote in favour of extending the International Cocoa Agreement 1993 for a maximum of two years.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President