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Brussels, 8.9.2009

COM(2009) 460 final

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

regarding the position to be taken by the Community within the International Jute Study Group Council on extension of the Agreement establishing the Terms of Reference of the International Jute Study Group, 2001

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The International Agreement establishing the Terms of Reference of the International Jute Study Group, 2001 was accepted by the European Community by Council Decision 2002/312/EC of 15 April 2002. The Agreement entered into force on 27 April 2002 for a period of eight years and is due to expire on 26 April 2010, unless extended.

At the meeting of the International Jute Study Group Council held in Dhaka on 5 and 6 April 2009, members unanimously reached a preliminary agreement on extension of the tenure of the International Jute Study Group for an initial period of two years, in accordance with Rule 25(b), subject, however, to formal approval by their national authorities. This extension would allow sufficient time for members to assess the Group and eventually decide whether to negotiate a successor agreement, thanks to a further extension of two years.

The European Community’s participation in this Agreement is in accordance with its exclusive powers.

The proposed decision in no way changes the European Community’s contribution to the administrative budget of the International Jute Study Group, which remains due for every financial year.

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

In the light of the foregoing, the Commission asks the Council to adopt the attached decision.

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

regarding the position to be taken by the Community within the International Jute Study Group Council on extension of the Agreement establishing the Terms of Reference of the International Jute Study Group, 2001

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

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

Whereas:

(1) The Agreement establishing the Terms of Reference of the International Jute Study Group, 2001 was signed and concluded on behalf of the European Community on 15 April 2002 by Council Decision 2002/312/EC[2].

(2) Under Rule 25(a) and (b), the Agreement establishing the Terms of Reference of the International Jute Study Group, 2001 is due to expire on 26 April 2010 unless it is extended beyond that date by decision of the International Jute Study Group Council for one or two periods not exceeding a combined total of four years.

(3) Extension of the above-mentioned Agreement is in the interest of the European Community.

(4) The European Community’s position in the International Jute Study Group Council should be determined,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The European Community’s position within the International Jute Study Group Council shall be to vote in favour of extending the Agreement establishing the Terms of Reference of the International Jute Study Group, 2001 for one or two periods not exceeding a combined total of four years and to notify this extension to the United Nations Secretary-General.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

[1] OJ C

[2] OJ L 112, 27.4.2002, p. 34.