(1)

The International Sugar Agreement 1992 (1) (‘the Agreement’) was concluded by Council Decision 92/580/EEC (2) and entered into force on 1 January 1993. The Agreement was concluded for a period of three years until 31 December 1995 and since then, regularly extended for further periods of two years. The Agreement was last extended by decision of the International Sugar Council in December 2017 and remains in force until 31 December 2019.

(2)

Pursuant to Article 45(2) of the Agreement, the International Sugar Council may extend the Agreement for successive periods, not exceeding two years on each occasion.

(3)

The International Sugar Council, during its 55th session to be held on 19 July 2019, is set to decide on the extension of the Agreement up to 31 December 2021.

(4)

Before taking its decision to extend the Agreement, the International Sugar Council, during its 55th session, will also vote on a proposal submitted by the Union to amend the Agreement as regards its rules on financial contribution to the International Sugar Organization. That proposal is the result of negotiations conducted by the Commission in line with an authorisation by the Council to open negotiations, on behalf of the Union, namely Council Decision (EU) 2017/2242 (3).

(5)

A possible rejection of the proposal to amend the Agreement would go against the Union's objectives of modernising the Agreement and thus put the benefits of the extension of the Agreement into question.

(6)

It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken, on behalf of the Union, within the International Sugar Council as regards the extension of the Agreement. The extension of the Agreement is in the interest of the Union if the amendment to the Agreement is also agreed upon,