title: RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION authorizing the Commission to open negotiations on behalf of the Community with the Kingdom of Laos with a view to concluding an agreement with that country on trade in hand-made products (handicrafts). (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

text:
ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (74) 644
Vol. 1974/0103
 ---pagebreak--- Disclaimer
Conformément au règlement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du 1er février 1983
concernant l'ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communauté économique
européenne et de la Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983,
p. 1), tel que modifié par le règlement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003
(JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p. 1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas échéant, les documents
classifiés présents dans ce dossier ont été déclassifiés conformément à l'article 5 dudit
règlement.
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983
concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Economic
Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1), as
amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243,
27.9.2003, p. 1), this file is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this
file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.
In Übereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom 1.
Februar 1983 über die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europäischen
Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europäischen Atomgemeinschaft (ABI. L 43 vom 15.2.1983,
S. 1), geändert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. September 2003
(ABI. L 243 vom 27.9.2003, S. 1), ist diese Datei der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Soweit
erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 5
der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.
 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF IKE SUSOI2AN COMMUNTOES
                                                          COM(74)644 final
                                                          Brussels , 13 May 197 -r
                       RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
      authorizing the Commission to open negotiations on "behalf of the
               Community with the Kingdom of Laos with a view to
                  concluding an agreement with that country on
                    trade in hand-made products (handicrafts ).
                  ( submitted to the Council "by the Commission)
   COM(74 ) 644 final
 ---pagebreak---                            EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
1.       Following the commitment undertaken in 1967 at the time of the
GATT multilateral negotiations , the Community opened an autonomous
duty-free tariff quota for all countries for hand-made products ( handi
crafts ) of a total value of 5 million u.a . with an upper limit of
500.000 UcB , per tariff line .
         As part of the implementation of the declaration of intent as
regards trade relations with certain Asian countries , and having regard "r
to the needs of the new Member States in conformity with the Act of
Accession , this Community tariff quota has been doubled for 197^ to the
value of 10 million u.a . with an upper limit of 1 million u.a . per
             1
tariff line •
2.       Duty-free importation is subject , however , to production to . the
Community customs authorities of a certificate , issued by the authorities
recognized by the Community of the recipient State , certifying that the
products in question are hand-made .
         India and Pakistan were the first countries to which this tariff
quota applies . In 19&9 an<* 1970 the Community concluded two separate :■
agreements with those countries specifying the conditions for duty-free
importation and a list of products covered by the agreement was established .
3«       The Council concluded two further agreements , one with India and
one with Pakistan ( decision of November 1970 ) , and another with Uruguay
( decision of October 1973)^ to extend the list of products covered by the
( 1 ) Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3595/73 of 28 December 1973i OJ No L 3^5
      of 31 December 1973
( 2 ) Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2262/70 of 10 November 1970 , OJ No L 2^5
      of 11 November 1970
( 3 ) Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2816/73 of 15 October 1973 , OJ No L 291
      of 18 October 1973
 ---pagebreak---                                   - 2 -
old agreements to a number' of other products# Consequently , hand-made
products falling within approximately thirty-one tariff headings are
now eligible for duty-free importation into the Community , -
                                                    I
k.      The Philippines , Thailand , Indonesia , Iran , Sri Lanka and Bangla
desh have given the required' guarantees and concluded separate agree
ments with the Community so that currently their products may be imported
duty-free under the said Community tariff quota on the same basis as
those of the other exporting countries referred to »
5.      In a Note Verbale addressed to the Commission on 3 January 1971*
( Annex II ), the Laotian Mission to the European Communities stated that
his Government would like the said quota to be extended to Laos . 1
6.      As the Community tariff quota in question was opened for all
countries the Commission considers that the Community should give a
favourable reply to the Laotian request .
        The same terms as those obtaining under the present agreements
with the above-mentioned countries should therefore be included in the
                                        1
agreement to be negotiated with Laos .
                                                                t      ,
        The Commission thus recommends that , pursuant to Article 113 of
the Treaty , the Council adopt the following draft decision (Annex I ).
-India , Pakistan , the Philippines , Thailand , Indonesia , Iran , Sri Lanka ,
  Uruguay and Bangladesh                                   """"   '
 ---pagebreak---                                                                 aîh&Y i
                   RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
            authorizing the Commission to open negotiations
            on behalf of the Community with the Kingdom of
            Laos with a view to concluding an agreement with
            that country on trade in hand-made products
            ( handicrafts )
THE COUNCIL 0? THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community ,
and in particular Article 113 thereof ,
Having regard to the Recommendation of the Commission ,
Whereas action should be taken upon the Laotian request by opening
negotiations with the Community following which certain craft products
originating in that country may be imported duty-free under the Community
tariff quota for hand-made products ( handicrafts ) opened autonomously
by the Community fcr all countries by Council Regulation (E3C ) No 3595
of 28 December 1973^*
HAS DECIDED AS F0LL0WS :
                              Sole Article
       The Commission is hereby authorized to open negotiations on behalf
of the European Economic Community with the Kingdom of Laos with a view
to concluding an agreement with that country on trade in hand-made pro
ducts on the same terms as those specified in the agreements concluded
by the Community with other third countries .
Done at Brussels ,                            For the Council
                                              The Président
 OJ No L 365 of 31 December 1973
 ---pagebreak---    ROYAUME DU LAOS                                              AJmEXE II
      MINISTERE
         DES
AFFAIRES ETRANGERES                              Vientiane , le 3 janvier 1274
Monsieur le Directeur General ,
        J' ai l' honneur de vous faire connaître que le Laos possède un
patrimoine artistique qui se traduit dans un artisanat susceptible de
prendre une place importante parmi les autres artisanats du Sud-Est
Asiatique .
        Jusqu' à un passé relativement récent , ses productions étaient
destinées uniquement à la consommation locale , la qualité des articles ,
sans aucun contrôle , ne permettant pas d' envisager leur exportation .
        Depuis quelques années , des efforts constants ont été faits pour
que la qualité des articles soit conforme aux normes internationales
tout en leur gardant leur caractère traditionnel et original .
        Parmi les articles artisanaux exclusivement faits à la main ,
on peut citer principalement des tissus de soie et de coton ( écharpes ,
tapis de table^ des objets traditionnels en argent pur ( titrage 999 ) t
des poteries et des panneaux de bois sculpté etc. .»
        Le Gouvernement Royal du Laos a conscience d' occuper dans ce ;
domaine une place de choix . Il sollicite donc d' être inclus dans la
liste des pays autorisés à exporter leurs produits artisanaux dans
"U>s Etats membres do la C oranunaut â Européenne .
 ---pagebreak--- Cette demande est faite conformément aux règlements du Conseil de la
CEE no 2732/72 du 19/12/72 ( tissus fait à la main) et no 2733/72 du
19/t2/72 ( autres produits fait à la main), instituant des contingents
tarifaires pour ces produits .
       Lorsque le Laos sera autorisé à exporter ses produits artisanaux
vers les pays membres de la Communauté , il se conformera aux conditions
stipulées dans les règlements du Conseil de la CEE précités et , en par
ticulier , à la présentation du Certificat d' Origine dont la signature
sera confiée au Directeur du Service National de l'Artisanat et de
l' Industrie .
       Je vous prie d' accepter , Monsieur le Directeur Général , les
assurances de ma haute considération .


Important legal notice

|

52006PC0610

Recommendation for a Council Decision on the European Capital of Culture event for the year 2010  /* COM/2006/0610 final */

	[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |Brussels, 23.10.2006COM(2006) 610 finalRecommendation for aCOUNCIL DECISIONon the European Capital of Culture event for the year 2010(presented by the Commission)EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUMDecision 1419/1999/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 25 May 1999 establishing a Community action for the European Capital of Culture event for the years 2005 to 2019, amended by Decision 649/2005/EC[1], lays down the procedure of designation of the European Capital of Culture from 2005 and onwards. According to Article 2 of this Decision, from 2009 onwards, two cities of two Member States (one from the EUR-15, one from the new Member States) will be designated as European Capitals of Culture, in turn, according to the chronological order set out in Annex I to the Decision.The nominations are notified to the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions by the Member States concerned no later than four years before the event in question is due to begin.Moreover, according to Article 4, “European non member states countries may participate in this action. Any such country may nominate one city as a European Capital of Culture and should notify its nomination to the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions”.Each year, the Commission forms a selection panel which issues a report on the nominations judged against the objectives and characteristics of this action. The selection panel is composed of leading independent figures who are experts on the cultural sector. The selection panel submits its report to the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council.The European Parliament may forward an opinion to the Commission on the nominations no later than 3 months after receipt of the report.The Council, acting on a recommendation from the Commission drawn up in the light of the selection panel’s report, officially designates the cities in question for the year for which they have been nominated.In accordance with article 2 and Annex I, Germany notified the nomination of Essen and Görlitz and Hungary nominated Pécs for the 2010 title before the end of 2005.Concurrently, in accordance with Article 4, Turkey notified the nomination of Istanbul.The selection panel met on 14-15 March 2006 to examine all nominations. This examination included hearings of representatives from all the candidate cities. The panel submitted its report to the Commission on 11 April 2006 ; at the request of the panel, the Commission forwarded it to the other Institutions.On the basis of an overall evaluation of the applications, the panel agreed unanimously to recommend to the Institutions of the European Union that Essen, Pécs and Istanbul host the European Capitals of Culture in 2010.The Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament forwarded a letter to DG EAC on 18 July, as a follow up to the panel’s report which had been received, to highlight the relevant aspects of the exchange of views it had on this matter.In conclusion, the Commission, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 3 of Decision 1419/1999/EC modified by Decision 649/2005/EC submits to the Council the appended recommendation for the official designation of Essen, Pécs and Istanbul respectively for the 2010 European Capital of Culture event.Recommendation for aCOUNCIL DECISIONon the European Capital of Culture event for the year 2010THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Decision n° 1419/1999/EC modified by Decision n° 649/2005/EC of the European Parliament and the Council establishing a Community action for the European Capital of Culture event for the years 2005 to 2019[2], and in particular its articles 2.3 and 4,Having regard to the Selection Panel report of April 2006 submitted to the Commission, the European Parliament, the Council in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 2 of Decision 1419/1999/EC modified by Decision 649/2005/EC,Considering that the criteria laid down in article 3 and annex II of the Decision 1419/1999/EC modified by Decision n° 649/2005/EC are entirely fulfilled,Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission of the  2006,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1Essen and Pécs are designated as “European Capital of Culture 2010” in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 1 of Decision 1419/1999/EC modified by Decision 649/2005/EC.Article 2Istanbul is designated as a “European Capital of Culture 2010” in accordance with Article 4 of Decision 1419/1999/EC modified by Decision 649/2005/EC.Article 3All cities designated shall take the necessary measures in order to ensure the effective implementation of Articles 1 and 5 of Decision 1419/1999/EC modified by Decision 649/2005/EC.Done at Brussels,For the CouncilThe President [1] OJ L 166 of 1.7.1999, p. 1 and OJ L 117 of 4.05.2005, p.20..[2] OJ L 166 of 1.7.1999, p. 1 and OJ L 117 of 4.05.2005, p.20.


title: RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION on the conclusion of an agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Sri Lanka for the supply of flour of common wheat as food aid (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

text:
ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (73) 1504
Vol. 1973/0261
 ---pagebreak--- Disclaimer
Conformément au règlement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du 1er février 1983
concernant l'ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communauté économique
européenne et de la Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983,
p. 1), tel que modifié par le règlement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003
(JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p. 1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas échéant, les documents
classifiés présents dans ce dossier ont été déclassifiés conformément à l'article 5 dudit
règlement.
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983
concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Economic
Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1), as
amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243,
27.9.2003, p. 1), this file is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this
file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.
In Übereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom 1.
Februar 1983 über die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europäischen
Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europäischen Atomgemeinschaft (ABI. L 43 vom 15.2.1983,
S. 1), geändert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. September 2003
(ABI. L 243 vom 27.9.2003, S. 1), ist diese Datei der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Soweit
erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 5
der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.
 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                      COM(73)1504 final
                                                      Brussels , 7 September 1973
     on "the conclusion of an agreement between "the European Economic
     Community and the Republic of Sri Lanka for the supply of flour
                         of common wheat as food aid
               ( submitted: to the Council "by the Commission)
     COM(73 ) 1504 final
 ---pagebreak--- THE COUNCIL OP THE EUROPEAN COffimNITISS ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community ,
and in particular Articles 113 » 114 and 223 thereof j
Having regard to the Recommemdation from the Commission |
Whereas the European Economic Community has deposited a Declaration for
provisional application of the 1971 Pood Aid Convention 5 whereas that
Convention has been applicable since 1 July 1971 j
Whereas the Republic of Sri Lanka , by its letter of 18 October 1972 , has
requested food aid ;
Whereas in view of the cereal supply situation in the Republic of Sri Lanka
that country should be accorded , by way of gift , 10 000 metric tons of
common wheat in the form of 6 623 metric tons of flour of common wheat under
the Community Food Aid Programme for 1972/73 1
DECIDES :
                                  Article  1
On behalf of the European Economic Community an agreement , the text whereof
is annexed hereto , shall be concluded between the European Economic Community
and the Republic of Sri Lanka for the supply of flour of common wheat as
food aid .
                                  Article  2
The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate those who are
to sign the agreement and to confer on them the requisite powers to bind the
Community .
Done at Brussels ,                           For the Council
                                              The President
 ---pagebreak---                   AGREERENT
BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COIMJNITY AND
         THE REPUBLIC OP SRI LANKA
         ON THE SUPPLY OF POOD AID
    IN THE FORM OF FLOUR OF COMMON WHEAT
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 2 -
THE COUNCIL OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
                                on the one part ,
THE GOVERNMENT   OP THE REPUBLIC OP SRI LANKA
                                On the other part ,
HAVE DECIDED to conclude this Agreement and to this end have
designated as the plenipotentiaries :
THE- COUNCIL OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES            ;
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OP SRI LANKA :
WHO HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS
 ---pagebreak---                                  ARTICLE  I
As a part of its Food Aid Programme ( Cereals ) for 1972/ 73j the European
Economic Community shall supply the Republic of Sri Lanka , hereinafter
referred to as the "recipient country ", with 10 000 metric tons of common
wheat in the form of 6 623 metric tons of flour of common wheat .
                                 ARTICLE  II
Deliveries will be made m bulk , fob to Community ports in new cotton
sacs with a net weight of 68,038 kg each ( 150 lbs .)
                                 ARTICLE  III
The obligations and responsibilities of the European Economic Community and
of the recipient country relating to delivery and the talcing of delivery are
defined in the Annex , which forms an integral part of this Agreement .
                                 ARTICLE  IV
The recipient country undertakes to make all necessary arrangements for the
transport and insurance of the product from ports of shipment to places of
destination .
It undertakes to exercise the greatest possible care to ensure that the
tendering arrangements for the transport by sea are not prejudicial to the
free play of fair competition . Any problems arising in this connection shall
be the subject of consultations under Article IX of the present Agreement .
                                 ARTICLE  V
The recipient country undertakes to use the product received as aid for
purposes of consumption and to apply , for the sale of the product on its
market , the prices normally charged on that market for products of comparable
quality .
The proceeds from this sale , less the cost of sea transport , insurance and
the normal cost of selling the product on the recipient country 's market ,
will be paid into a special account and allocated to the financing of one
or more development schemes which have already been proposed by the recipient
country and approved by the European Economic Community.
 ---pagebreak---                                        ARTICLE  VI
The Contracting Parties undertake to implement this Agreement in such a way
as to avoid any prejudice to the normal structure of domestic production and
international trade . To this end they shall take any measure required to
ensure that aid supplies are in addition to , and do not replace , business
transactions which might reasonably be expected in the absence of such
supplies . In particular , the recipient country undertakes to import
commercially from whatever source between 1 July 1973 and 30 June 1974 a
minimum quantity of                   metric tons of common wheat or flour of
common wheat .
                                       ARTICLE  VII
The recipient country shall take any measures required to prevent :
  ( i ) The re-export of the product received aa aid and of products and
         by-products resulting from such supplies ;
( ii ) The export , commercially or otherwise , within six months of the last
         delivery , either of the product obtained locally and of the same '
         nature as the product received as aid or of any processed products of
         this flour of common wheat *
                                       ARTICLE  VIII
The recipient country undertakes to inform the European Economic Community
how this Agreement is being implemented. To this end it shall provide the
Commission of the European Communities qith the following information :
    ( i ) Not later than thirty days after the unoading of each cargo : ports
          and dates of arrival of the vessel ; nature , quantity and quality of
          the products unloaded ; date on which unloading was completed ;
  ( ii ) Every three months until the quantities received as aid have been
          fully used : quantities sold, how they haye been sold, selling prices ;
          normal selling costs on the recipient country 's market ;
( iii ) On 15 January every year until the special account has been fully used
          ( a) State of this account ( incomings and outgoings ) on 31 December of
               the proceding year ;
          (b ) Progress achieved in the project or projects , with an indication
               of the total amount of financing undertaken at that stage .
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 5 -
                                   ARTICLE  IX
At the request of either of them , the Contracting Parties shall consult each
other on any questions concerning the implementation of this Agreement .
                                   ARTICLE  X
This Agreement is drawn up in duplicate in the Danish , Dutch , English , French ,
German and Italian . languages , each of these texts being equally authentic .
 ---pagebreak---                             MNEX TO ARTICLE III OF THE AGREEMENT
                                      Article      1
  Delivery shall "be effected and risks shall pass from the European Economic
  Community to the recipient country at the moment at which the goods have
  been placed in the ship 's hold at the port of shipment .
  The recipient country shall "bear all costs subsequent to delivery of the
  goods , including costs of stowage and , where appropriate ,- of trimming and
  bagging .                                                       • ,
  Any demurrage costs or dispatch at the port of shipment shall be a charge on
  or for the benefit of the European Economic Community and shall be determined
  before the vessel sails . The rates and detailed arrangements relating thereto
  laid down in the contract between the recipient country and the carrier must
  have been1 agreed- upon in advance by the recipient country and the authorised
- agent of; the European Economic Community referred to in Article 9 »
                                      Article       2
    ■>        '··  Λ;.··}:/  '*.··'         ' ->· ·
  The European Economic Community, shall no.tify the recipient country in good
  time of the port or ports of shipment , the quantities to be delivered at
  each port , the period within loading must begin , and the daily loading rate .
                                    - Article       3
  The European Economic Community must be prepared to load the goods on the
  date resulting from the instructions in Article 8 , whereon the vessel should
  be rady for loading.
                                      Article     4
  On delivery of the goods , a loterance of 5 ft less than the quantity to be
  supplied in accordance with Article 1 of the Agreement is permitted.
                                      Article       5
  Once the goods are on board the vessel , the European Economic Community shall
  notify the recipient country of the date of loading, and the quantity and
  quality of the goods as recorded on loading.
 ---pagebreak---                                     Article  6
 The recipient country shall supply the European Economic Community , within the
 period referred to in Article 2 , with a vessel of dimensions corresponding to
 the normal loading potential of the port of shipment .
 Should it prove impossible for the vessel to begin loading within the period
 referred to in Article 2 and should the recipient country not have notified
 the European Economic Community of this fact in writing at the lastest by the
 date on which the vessel should ne ready for loading in accordance with Article 8 ,
 the goods shall be at the disposal of the European Economic Community .
Whatever the circumstances , the goods shall be held at the expense , risk and
peril of the recipient country.
                                   Article  7
Should the recipient country fail to provide a vessel of suitable tonnage or
if the quantity made available for loading on a vessel of suitable tonnage cannot
be put on board in its entirely because of circumstances beyond the control of
the European Economic Community , the balance shall be loaded onto the next
vessel under the conditions laid down in this annex .
It this event , until the date of loading of this balance o? until the recipient
country gives notice in writing that it gives up this balance , the goods shall
be hold at the expense , risk and peril of the recipient country.
The recipient country must notify the European Economic Community within a
period of a maximum of 30 days from the beginning of loading of the shipment
to which these goods should have belonged , of the date on which loading of this
balance is due to begin or of its renunciation of this balance .
If this obligation is not respected , the European Economic Community may
consider that it has discharged its commitment to the recipient country under
Article 1 of the Agreement .
                                   Article  8
The recipient oountry shall name for the European Economic Community the vessel
that is to ship the goods at least 10 clear days prior to the estimated date
of arrival of the vessel in part or , where possible , 20 clear days prior to
this date , and shall at the same time indicate how soon after that dat the
vessel will be ready for loading.
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 3 -
The recipient country shall insert in the charter party y claise requiring the
captain to inform the European Economic Community at least 72 hours in advance
of the vesselis estimated date of arrival in port .
                                Article   9
To implement the provisions of this annex , the European Economic Community
shall appoint an authorised agent , whose name and address shall be made known
in good time to the recipient country.
The recipient country shall nominate a receiving agent in each port of shipment ,
whose name and address shall be made known to the European Economic Community
before the Agreement is implemented.


RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION ON THE SIGNATURE OF THE INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT ON TROPICAL TIMBER, 1983


title: RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION on the negotiation of the third international Cocoa Agreement (Presented by the Commission to the Council)

text:
ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (79) 3
Vol. 1979/0001
 ---pagebreak--- Disclaimer
Conformément au règlement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du 1er février 1983
concernant l'ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communauté économique
européenne et de la Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983,
p. 1), tel que modifié par le règlement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003
(JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p. 1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas échéant, les documents
classifiés présents dans ce dossier ont été déclassifiés conformément à l'article 5 dudit
règlement.
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983
concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Economic
Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1), as
amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243,
27.9.2003, p. 1), this file is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this
file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.
In Übereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom 1.
Februar 1983 über die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europäischen
Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europäischen Atomgemeinschaft (ABI. L 43 vom 15.2.1983,
S. 1), geändert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. September 2003
(ABI. L 243 vom 27.9.2003, S. 1), ist diese Datei der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Soweit
erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 5
der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.
 ---pagebreak--- ^2
                                                                       COM(79)3 final
i
          COMMISSION                                                   Brussels.. *7 January 1979,
            OF THE
  EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES                                                 FOR OFFICiAL USE ONLY
        General Sccretcriat
                                       RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION       ..
                          on "the negotiation of the third international Cocoa Agreement
                                   (Presented "by the Commission to the Council )
C Olí ( 79 ) 3 final
 ---pagebreak--- Introduction      ■
Prom 29 January to 23 February 1979 a conference is to be held in Geneva,
under the auspices of UNCTAD , with the aim of negc tiating a third International
Cocoa Agreement . Cocoa is one of the eighteen products on the Integrated Programme
list ( UHCTAD Resolution 93/lV). It is among the most important agricultural com
modities exported "by the developing countries ( US ^ 3 500 million in 1977 )» and
the Community is the world 's largest importer ( extra-EEC imports for 1977
= 1 600 million u.a .), with an important chocolate , confectionery and "biscuit-
making industry largely dependent on supplies of this raw material , which is
produced mainly in a small number of developing countries in Africa and Latin
America . These is also considerable intra-EEC trade in cocoa- and chocolate-based
products ( 820 million u.a. in 1977 ) •
The Community and its Member States are Members of the second International
Cocoa Agreement , which came into force on 1 October 1976 and is to expire on
30 September 1979 *
The aim of this Communication is to set out guidelines for the Community 's
participation in the forthcoming negotiations , and to propose negotiating
directives on the basis of a planned draft agreement , the decision authorizing
the Commission to negociate on behalf of the Community being based on Article
113'ί ' .
The International Cocoa Council 's decision to set 29 January as the opening
date for the conference was only taken on 15 December , in the light of progress
made at the preparatory session held from 4 "fco 13 December . It was thus not
possible to present this Communication at an earlier date , and it now requires
particularly urgent consideration by the Council .
( 1 ) See C0M( 507)75 final of 5 October on the negociation of an international
      agreement on natural rubber , and the Commission decision to request a prior
      opinion from the Court of Justice , under the consultation procedure set
      out in the second paragraph of Article 228(l ) of the EEC Treaty , with, in
      particular reference to . the Community 's comperence to conclude such an
      agreement .
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 2 -
  1 . The second International Cocoa Agreement
  The second International Cocoa Agreement came into force provisionally on
  1 October 1976 , with all major exporting and importing countries participating
  except the United States , which had not been a member of the first Agreement
  either. By a Council Decision dated 28 September 1976^^ * the Community gave
  notification that is was applying the Agreement on a provisional basis , as
  an importing Member. Council Regulation 2762/76 of 19 October 1976^ enabled
  the economic and control rules of the Agreement to be applied in the Community.
  The Agreement came into force definitively on 7 November 1977 * In a communica
  tion currently up for approval , the Commission rocoramends to the Council that
„ the Agreement be concluded, as it has not been ratified by all the Member
  States .
  With a precarious balance between supply and demand on the world market , and
  even a certain scarcity,           the Agreement 's stabilization mechanisms ( export
  quotas and a buffer stock to buy and resell surpluses by reference to different
  price levels) have not been called into operation ; the buffer stock has not
  had to buy up surpluses , and the funds intended to finance the stock have been
  accumulating as contributions levied on member countries' exports , and on their
  imports from non-member countries , have continued to come in. The buffer stock
  fund will stand at close on US ^ 200 million when the present Agreement expires
  on 30 September 1979 *
  The price levels set in the Agreement ( 39-55 cents/lb) were revised upwards
  in September 1977 ( 65 - 81 cents/lb), but are still well below market prices ,
  which have been above 130 cents/lb for two years now>                               ••v
  ( 1 ) 0J No « 321 of 20 November 1976 ( this also contains the text of the Agreement )
 ---pagebreak---                                   - 3 -
2 . The situation "before the opening of neftociations
                                                                 *
When the question arose as to whether the Agreement should "be extended for a
further two years or renegotiated after the first three years , the producing
countries came out strongly in favour of renegotiation#
The importing countries would have preferred to see the current Agreement exten
ded, but in July of this year the International Cocoa Council decided that the
Agreement should be renegotiated under UNCTAD, and that a Preparatory Committee
would produce a draft third Agreement with a simpler and more flexible stabili
zation mechanism than those contained in the 1972 and 1975 Agreements .
The Preparatory Committee , on which the United States is represented, despite
being a non-member country , has examined a study by the ICO Secretariat on the
state of the world cocoa economy and its likely development up to 1985 » and
has reviewed proposals put forward by various countries , notably the producing
countries , Switzerland and the United States . All these proposals are based on
the idea of an international buffer stock as the main ( for the United States ,
the only) market stabilization mechanism.
The Community, taking the view that these proposals- formed an adequate basis
for a russion at the preparatory stage-, has not put forward any proposal of
     .. :i, given that , in common with the majority of consuming countries , it
                                                                          *
favours a simpler, more flexible agreement , which would no longer have export
quotas as its main mechanism , but an international buffer stock that can inter
vene on the market directly when certain price levels are reached . However,
                                                                                ■ ν
the Community does not exclude the possibility of supplementary measures being
taken to back up the action of the buffer stock , in the unlikely event that
such measures would be needed under a five-year agreement .
 ---pagebreak---                                   - 4 -
  During the Preparatory Committee 's deliberations the producing countries put
                                                                   0
  forward a rather different concept of the "buffer stock, which was that , if prices
        *
  fell the stock would he able to purchase only from producing countries , without
  going "below a guaranteed minimum price "backed up by additional measures : export
  quotas , restrictions on trade with non-member countries, and the use of surpluses
  in non-traditional ways . The agreement should be concluded for three years ,
 with the possibility of being extended for a further two years by d cision of
  the Council of the agreement .
 One of the consuming countries' major concerns is the need for adequate supplies
•
  on the market at reasonable prices , since all the studies undertaken show that
  there is still considerable scope for expending cocoa consumption, even in
 traditional consuming areas such as the United States and Western Europe . There
  is continuing anxiety, however, as world production stagnates despite high prices ,
 and the annual output of the main producing countries often fluctuates widely , even
  to the extent that regular supplies cannot always be guaranteed; the use of
  cocoa substitutes is still on the increase .
 The consuming countries have frequently voiced these, worries over the past few
 years , and the main aim of the new agreement should be to bring the market into
 equilibrium . This would not - of course eradicate all short-term price fluctuations ,
 but it would guarantee importing countries adequate , regular supplies at prices
 that are competitive enough to encourage production increases and limit the
 use of substitutes .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                                Γ
                                 - 5 -
3 . The Community 's position on the basic elements of the third agreement
                                                                  m
The preparatory work, which was completed on 13 December, leaves most of the
basic 'elements of the third agreement still undecided, owing to the divergent
views of the main participants .
The third agreement will, therefore , be harder to negotiate than the second,
since in the Commission 's view it is no longer simply a matter of tidying up
an existing version. What is envisaged is a radically different and simpler
agreement , based essentially on an international buffer stock .for which part of
the finance is already available in the form of funds collected by the ICCO^^
in the six years of its existence ; the additional finance will have to be found
by maintaining the contribution on trade in cocoa under the third agreement .
Obviously, the buffer stock will only come into play if production is stepped
up ,and surplusea appear on the market ; the stock will then buy up the surpluses ,
                                                              • »
and can thus function as a stabilizing force should prices drop, or , should
they subsequently rise , by selling cocoa.
Under present and foreseeable market conditions , surpluses are not likely in the
medium term . The characteristics of cocoa production .and the cocoa market ,
however , make prediction risky, and it is possible that under a five-year
agreement part of the buffer stock capacity would have to be used to regulate
short-term market fluctuations .
Another fundamental point to be reckoned with is that cocoa prices are among the
most unstable of all commodity prices , with sudden sharp fluctuations occurring
            ( 2)
frci gentlyv ' • The buffer stock intervention zones must therefore lie to either
side of an adequate median (" free") zone where the buffer stock would not operate .
( 1 ) International Cocoa Organization. .;
( 2 ) Average deviation of price ( in constant dollars) from a five-year moving
      average ( over the period 1955-77 ) i
      cocoa : 17*1 %» sugar : 14*4 Ì°% rubber : 13.4    copper : 16.2
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 6 -
  One last crucial point , is the level at which the minimum and maximum prices
                                                                   «
  are to "be set , and the conditions for revising them . This is the most sensitive
  issue■"in the negotiation of any international commodity agreement establishing
  price ranges , and one which is not settled until the final stage . The Commission
  is therefore not proposing any figures at this stage , but it is clear that the
  levels under the current agreement ( 65-81 cents/lb) will have to be raised
  for technical reasons (to widen the spread between "floor" and "ceiling") but
  also on economic grounds , to take into account the rise in cost prices ( which
  is itself linked to the monetary and inflationary features of the world economy),
  the need to encourage increased production and the continuation of efforts made
* in this field, and the scope for expanding consumption at prices above the current
  range ( but naturally below world market levels , which have been in the region
  of 150 cents/lb this year.
  The Commission therefore reserves the right to put forward concrete proposals
  on price levels under the agreement at a later stage , usingfa procedure whereby
  figures will not be divulged outside the Community until the final phace of the
   negotiations .
  The annexed draft directives should provide the Community with a basis for nego
   tiation since as things staud they cover all major or novel aspects of a third
  i     national cocoa agreement .
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 7 -
                                                               A
  4 . Community participation
                                                                 0
  The desirability of active participation by the Community is beyond question ;
  in - the preparation, negotiation and administration of the first two agreements ,
  however, the Community acted in parallel with the Member States , which were all
  members of the agreements . Generally speaking, it proved possible to adopt a
  common position on the essential points , but this was done without raising the
  question of the legal basis or settling the matter of competence .
  The Commission therefore feels that henceforth, for the same - reasons as those
♦
  set out
        .
            in an earlier communication on the negotiation of an international
  agreement on natural rubber, based on similar instruments , the third cocoa agree
                        ■fc
  ment should be negociated and concluded by the Community alone . Without wishing
  to anticipate the prior opinion to be deliverd by the Couit of Justice , the
  Commission ^ position here is that all the instruments of the agreement have
  a direct and fundamental bearing on the volume and terms of international
  trade in cocoa, and consequently come within the Community 's jurisdiction by
  virtue of Article 113 of the Treaty of Rome .
  Participation in the agreement itself, as well as in the negotiation-, must
  henceforth be at Community level , and this will have to be taken into account
  when drafting the administrative and legal provisions concerning signature
  and approval of the agreement , and deciding on voting rights and procedures ,
  elections to bodies set up under the agreement , and budget contributions . The
                                                                           «
  annexed draft Council Decision and draft directives reflect these considerations .
                                                                                ■ν
  ( 1 ) C0M(7o ) 507 final of 5 October
 ---pagebreak---                             Recoimnendation for a
                            COUNCIL DECISION
                                                                «
                      on the negotiation of the
                third International Cocoa Agreement
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community ,
and in particular Article 113 thereof,
Having regard to the Recommendation from the Commission ,
Whereas the Community has participated in the International Cpcoa Agreement
1975 since its entry into force on 1 October 1976 , subject to definitive accept
ance at a later date^ ;
Whereas that Agreement will expire on 30 September 1979 J
Whereas an international conference is to be held in Geneva from 29 January to
23 February 1979 unde-r the auspices -of UNGTAD-.in order to negotiate a third
International Cocoa Agreement ? whereas the Community should participate in those
negotiations , which will affect matters relating to common commercial policy ,
                                                                  I
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :
                                 Sole Article
The Commission is hereby authorized to conduct , on behalf of the Community ,
negotiations for the conclusion of the third International Cocoa Agreement .
The Commission shall conduct the negotiations in accordance with the directives
annexed hereto , and in consultation with the Special Committee provided for
Article 113 of the Treatyo
Done at Brussels ,                                         For the Council
                                                           The President
( 1 ) OJ No . L 321 , 20 November 1976 «
 ---pagebreak---                                                                         AMEXE II
                     Draft Directives for the Negotiation of the
                                                                 9
                          Third International Cocoa Agreement
                       ( Geneva, 29 January - 23 February 1979)
   These directives relate to the economic and administrative provisions of a
   draft third International Cocoa Agreement , and in particular to the features
   which differ significantly from the previous two agreements . The Community
   is aiming this time for a simpler, more flexible agreement based essentially
«, on an international buffer stock intervening on the market when specific
   price levels are reached. A market stabilized in this way should above all
   allow producing countries to increase or keep up production , as the case may
   be , thus ensuring adequate and regular supplies for consuming countries .
   These directives may be amended or supplemented in the light of progress in
   the negociations , on the basis of proposals from the Commission.
 ---pagebreak--- MA.IIT ECONOMIC PROVISIONS
1 . Buffer stock
     ( a) Capacity
           On the "basis of the foreseeable market situation, a maximum capacity
           of 250 000 tonnes of cocoa "beans would appear sufficient to fulfil
           the aims of the agreement under normal conditions .
     ( b ) Financing
           The funds accumulated under the first two agreements will "be used to
           finance the third . To make up the "balance required for the stock , the
           present contribution of one cent per pound of cocoa "beans will "be main
           tained . The same system of collection can "be used as under the 1975
           Agreement , it "being understood that the revenue from the contribution
           is the property of ICCO and not of the Members .
           The Council of the agreement should be authorized to modify or suspend
           the contribution, and to have recourse to other sources of finance
           ( loans) .
           The prospect of a Common Fund - and the possibilities it will offer must
           be borne in'rnind, and the nature of the links to be established with
           the Fund should be specified in a particular article of the agreement .
     ( c ) Liquidation
           The conditions governing liquidation of the buffer stock should be
                                                                                ■<
           renewed ; any balance of the funds collected under the third agreement
           should be shared among all the Members in accordance with criteria to
           be defined .
2 . Price mechanism
     ( a) Price range
           The operation of the buffer stock will be based on a fixed price range
           comprising minimum and maximum prices for cocoa beans . These prices
           would continue to be expressed in US dollars , although other denomina
           tions would not be ruled out . Around the midpoint of the range a free
           zone would be established where the buffer stock would not normally
           operate } this zone would extend 20 7S, at most , on either side of the
           mean price . The minimum and maximum (" floor" and " ceiling") prices
           would be set no more than 25 5° below and above the mean price respec
           tively .
 ---pagebreak--- (b) Price revision
     The Council will review the minimum and maximum prices "before the end
     of the second and fourth years of application of the agreement , and
     may revise them lay special vote . The width of the revised price range
     will "be left to the Council 's discretion. The criteria for examination
     and revision will "be those of the 1975 agreement , supplemented as
     follows :
     When 80 $ of available funds have "been used, or when net purchases or
     sales have reached 80 fo of total "buffer stock capacity, the Council
     will meet in special session to take the necessary action , and review
     and if necessary revise the minimum and maximum prices "by special vote .
( c) Indicator price
     The provisions laid down m the 1975 agreement for defining and calcu
     lating the indicator price should "be renewed in the light of the "buffer
     stock intervention machinery .
Buffer stock operations
( a) Scope
     The "buffer sto'ck '"begins "buying or selling when the indicator price rises
     above or falls "below the free zone ? it continues to intervene to prevent
     the indicator price falling "below the minimum price or rising above the
     maximum price . The greater and Eharper the price movements , the more
     rapidly the "buffer stock must intervene , and the larger the quantities■ v
     it must "buy or sell , in accordance with rules to "be laid down "by the
     Council .
     The "buffer stock will cease buying or selling when the indicator price
     is back within the free zone .
( b) Purchases
     The buffer stock should buy only cocoa beans of recognized standard
     marketable grades in lots of less than . 100 tonnes . Such beans shall
     be the property of ICCO and under its control .
 ---pagebreak---                                  - 4 -
            The "buffer stock shall buy at current market prices     through normal
            commercial channels , priority being given to sellers #in exporting
       ^    Member countries, who will be required to respond to bids by the
            stock and conclude contracts with it , or notify the stock that no
            surplus exists , within a period to be determined.
       ( c) Sales
            The buffer stock shall sell at     current market prices^ ^ through
            normal commercial channels to firms and organizations in Member countries ,
            priority being given, however, to buyers in the importing countries
            engaged in the trade in or processing of cocoa, who will be required
            to reply to bids by the buffer stock-within a period to be determined.
       ( d) Location of the buffer stock
            The buffer stock shall be stored in locations chosen to facilitate
            the immediate delivery of available cocoa to buyers in Member countries ,
            priority being given to buyers in importing Momber countries . Stocks
            should also be stored in such a way as to permit economic and efficient
            management •
( 1) It is as yet undecided whether it would be acceptable and feasible for the
     buffer stock not to buy below the minimum price©
 ---pagebreak--- 4 . Supplementary measures ( Protection of the minimum price)
                                                               9
    To deal with exceptional circumstances , where it appears that the
    2*50 000-tonn® "buffer stock is no longer able to defend the minimum price ,
    a five-year agreement could provide that the Council , meeting in special
    session, "be authorized to take certain measures to be decided "by special
    vote . Such a situation does not , however, seem at all likely in the medium
    term .
    The maximum capacity of the "buffer stock could possibly be increased by
    up to 100 000 tonnes , depending on the funds available or on call , following
    a Council decision taken by special vote .
    When the buffer stock has reached its maximum capacity , the Council may
    decide to take other measures , such as the withdrawal of surpluses from the
    traditional market by authorizing the stock , on behalf of the exporting
    Members concerned, to arrange for the surpluses to be "diverted to non-tra-
    ditional uses under strictly-defined conditions in exporting and importing
    Member countries .
    With regard to the possibility of introducing quotas on exporting Members'
    exports and on importing Members' imports from ii'on-member countries , the
    Community could accept the inclusion of such measures in the agreement
    since they would be conditional on a decision by the Council , whichi should
    introduce them only temporarily and after a special vote .
 ---pagebreak---                              - 6 -
5 . Availability of supplies ( Defence of the maximum price )
    To ensure that the agreement can fulfil its stabilizing function, and
   *
    to strike a balance between the rights and obligations of the participants ,
    the producing countries should pay a remunerative producer price and
    employ the latest cultivation , marketing and management techniques so as
    to provide adequate and regular supplies of cocoa to meet demand. The
    Council should be able to recommend appropriate measures employing with
    the rules of international trade to secure preferential supplies to impor
    ting Members in the event of supply problems .
    The agreement should include special clauses making provision for coopera
    tion between exporters and importers , and an institutional framework which
    will enable the requirements to be met , and thus help to guarantee adequate
    supplies .
6 . Obstacles to the expansion of consumption
    The scarcity of supplies and high cocoa prices are a major obstacle to
    the expansion of consumption.
    The Community is unable to accept the proposal put forward by the producing
    countries at Brazil 's instigation whereby detailed, compulsory provisions
    on the elimination of obstacles affecting cocoa in the importing countries
    should be included on the ground that is covered by an international
    agreement .
    Tariff policy and trade liberalization measures shall be negociated globally
    in. accordance with GATT procedures .
 ---pagebreak---                                  - 7 -
III . Main administrative provisions
                                                                 #
       The general legal and administrative provisions of the 1975 Agreement
       shall remain valid, subject to the following amendments :
       A. Community parti-ci^ation
       The agreement should include a clause allowing the Community to participate
       fully in the operation of the agreement in all bodies set up under it . The
       final provisions should include a formula to the effect that the agreement
       would "be open from (     .....) for signature "by parties to the International
     • Cocoa Agreement 1975 and Governments invited to the 1979 United Nations
       Conference on Cocoa, which includes the EEC and other regional groupings
       with similar competence in the field of international agreements . After
       lodging an instrument of acceptance or notification of provisional applica
       tion, the EEC and the other regional groupings in question would "become
       contracting parties with the same rights and obligations under the agreement
       as the others .
       B. Voting^riggits
      Voting rights on the Council will be distributed among Members in accordance
       with the criteria set- out in the 1975 Agreement . The Community 's voting
       rights would correspond to its relative weight as an importer of cocoa
       among the importing Members of the agreement .
       C. Voting procedure
       The Council voting procedures set out in the 1975 Agreement should be
       retained .
 ---pagebreak---                             - 8 -
D. Administrât ive^budget
The Community 's contribution to the administrative "budget for each financial
year will "be in the proportion which the number of its votes , at the time
the administrative "budget is approved "by the Council , "bears to the total
votes of all the Members .
E. Re^jecJtive_res£onsi;'biliti^e£ £f^the_Exe£utive_Directo£ and the Buffer
   Stock Manager
The structure of the new agreement , "based chiefly on a "buffer operating
as a price stabilization mechanism, gives added responsibility to the
Buffer Stock Manager , and his field of competence will have to "be care
fully defined to ensure a harmonious relationship with the Executive
Director , and to enable the agreement to operate properly .
P. Duration of the a^eement
The agreement should remain m force for five years . The Council may decide
by special vote , before the end of the fifth year, that the agreement should
be renegotiated.
The Community would be prepared to accept a three-year agreement if that ,
is what the majority of participants would prefer , provided that such an
agreement was based on the buffer stock as the only price stabilization
mechanism .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                      AOTEXE III
                        Financial aspects
Only the question of Community participation in the financing cf the admini-
sti&tive "budget of the third International Cocoa Agreement has "been taken
into consideration .
The "buffer stock will continue to "be financed "by a contribution levied on
trade in cocoa, and not "by direct contributions from participating countries .
The Community 's annual contribution to the administrative "budget would "be
in the region of :
       250 000 EUA if the United States participates in the third Agreement
       330 000 EUA if the United States does not participate in the Agreement .


RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL DECISION ON THE STAND TO BE ADOPTED BY THE COMMUNITY AT THE INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS ON THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OFFICIALLY-SUPPORTED EXPORT CREDITS FOR WIDE-BODIED COMMERCIAL JET AIRCRAFT


title: MEMORANDUM FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL on measures to be taken in application of point 16 of the Hague Communiqué#RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION setting up of a Committee for Youth Questions#RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION setting up of a Youth Advisory Committee (Submitted by the Commission to the Council)

text:
ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (73) 635
Vol. 1973/0126
 ---pagebreak--- Disclaimer
Conformément au règlement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du 1er février 1983
concernant l'ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communauté économique
européenne et de la Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983,
p. 1), tel que modifié par le règlement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003
(JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p. 1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas échéant, les documents
classifiés présents dans ce dossier ont été déclassifiés conformément à l'article 5 dudit
règlement.
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983
concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Economic
Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1), as
amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243,
27.9.2003, p. 1), this file is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this
file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.
In Übereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom 1.
Februar 1983 über die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europäischen
Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europäischen Atomgemeinschaft (ABI. L 43 vom 15.2.1983,
S. 1), geändert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. September 2003
(ABI. L 243 vom 27.9.2003, S. 1), ist diese Datei der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Soweit
erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 5
der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.
 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF THB I2UX022AN COMMUNITIHS
                                                         COM(73)635   final
                                                         Brussels , 27 Aprii 1973
                     MEMORANDUM FRO :! THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL
                  on measures to be taken in application of point 16
                                 of the Hague Communiqué
                      RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
               setting up of a Committee for Youth Questions
                      RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
                   setting up of a Youth Advisory Committee
                   ( Submitted "by the Commission to the Council )
    COM(73 ) 63 "5 final
 ---pagebreak---       COMMISSIOIT OP THI3 ISMOP^AN conrjiiiTiis
  milOmi'MM FROM THS COMMISSION TO THE COtWCIL
on measures to be taken in application of point lo
                of the Hague Communicjui
      R3C0I1EITDATI0IT POR A COUITCIL DECISICI!
 setting up of a Conmittee for Youth Questions
      RSCOLÎMSN'DATIŒT FOR A COULJCIL DSCISIOIT
   setting up of a louth Advisory Committee
   ( submitted by the Commission to the Council )
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 1 -
  HTTRODUCTIOïT
        In the pres .•ant memorandum to the Council , snd with reference to
  itB previous memorandum of 14 April 1970 * the Commission presents
  its views and proposals on concrete measures to be taken in appli
  cation «f point 16 of the Hague Communique .
        In doing this , the Commission has taken a.ccount of the exchanges
  of views viithin the organs of the Council and has extracted from the
  report of the ad hoc Working Party of senior officials responsible
  for youth questions certain points that could be examined by the
  Council .
        It has become clear to the various bodies involved that the im
  plementation of the declaration of intent embodied in point 16 of
  the Hague Communique involves a number of highly complex problems .
        The report of the ad hoc Working Party of senior officials , how
  ever , has shoxvn that there is some agreement on the ways in which the
  young generation can be involved in the development of the Community ;
  -   the prior condition of better and more thorough information ,
  -   organization of the consultation of youth and the participation
      of young people in certain actions .
        I1*10 ad hoc Working Party furthermore believes that a Committee
  for Youth questions should be set up as a deliberating , promoting
   and orienting body , consisting of officials of the Member States
' and representatives of the Commission .-
  A. .Definition o_f . the term ".youth"
        The Commission considers that .this terra comprises all young
  people belonging to various social groups : school children , university
   students and young members of the working population .
        However , in view of the objective to be achieved , i.e. to improve
   information for these young people on Community problems and ctablish
   adequate forms of consultation and participation , it should be pointed
   out that the age group between 15 and 25 , when young people are
 ---pagebreak--- continuing their education at school or University or start vocational
training and take an active part in professional , social , civil or
even family life , is particularlyconcemed .
      Although this remark should not be construed to imply that the
Community has no concern for the youngest sections of the population ,
it should be taken into consideration in formulating objectives and
methods of action and in examining problems arising from youth repre
sentation . In seeking solutions for those problems , the Communities do
not have to start from scratchy they can base their activities on
youth policies pursued by most Member States , which have led to various
forms of representative bodies of the young , with advisory status .
B. Youth information
      In agreement with the Permanent Representatives Committee and the
ad hoc Working Party of senior officials responsible for youth questions ,
the Commission believes that more information should be provided for
the young and that the forms which this information could take should
be re-exsnined .
     The Commission believes , however , that this provision of infor
mation is subject , in very wide terms , to the following conditions ;
-  The participation of each of the Member States in this field should
   be intensified . The organization of this participation is one of
   the rcasonswhy a Committee for Youth Questions should be set up |
-  Youth representatives should bo consulted on the most adequate
   forms and methods for this information 5 organization of this con
   sultation is one of the considerations justifying the creation of
   a   Youth Advisory Committee .
C. Committee for Youth Questions
   a) Motivation
     The Commission confirms its belief that a committee should be
set up consisting of civil servants responsible for youth questions .
The Commission regards the creation of such a committee as a first
initiative to be taken in application of point 1 6 of the Hague
 ---pagebreak---                                - 3 -
Communing . The Commission 's motives for this opinion are set out in
the following considerations :
- In all of the Member States there exist government agencies that
   formulate and assume the responsibilities for youth policy .
- The Community institutions will have to call on the Council and the
   regular support of the above government bodies in order to study
   the social and economic problems facing the young in the conditions
   actually existing in their respective countries .
- The solution of the difficult problems involved in organizing youth
   representation within an Advisory Committee requires the advice and
   support of those government agencies which have had to solve similar
   problems in their own country .
b ) Creation of the Committee
      The Commission proposes that the Committee for Youth Questions
be created by Coimcil decision . It considers that this is the most
adequate procedure in view of the tasks to be assumed by the Committee ,
which would include the coordination between the Member States on
one hand , and between the Member States and the Commission on the
other .
      In view of the above , the Commission proposes that the Committee
should operate with both the Council and the Commission , the latter
providing the secretariat .
c ) Composition of the Conmittee
      Taking up the suggestions formulated by the ad hoc Working Party ,
the Commission proposes that the Committee should consist of the
represent c,tives of the Member States * Governments and of the Commission
responsible for youth affairs .
      The Member States end the Commission each appoint two members
 ---pagebreak---                              _ 4 -
to the Committee and may also designate two deputies . The term of
office of the Committee members and deputies will he two years and
will be renewable . The Committee vail be able to obtain the assistance
of exports where it has to deal with special fields in which action
appears nec ess ary .
d ) Tasks of the Committee
      The Committee 's task will be to concert , in a general manner ,
measures involving the interests of young people to be taken at
Community and at national levels as between the Member States , on
the one hand , end Member States and the Commission on the other .
      The Committee would act as a, forum for the discussion of ideas ,
encourage action , formulate guidelines and examine in the initial
stage the initiatives already taken before formulating new measures .
                                *
                         *           *
      A draft for a Council decision on the composition and the tasks
of the Committee is annexed to this memorandum .
      The Commission recommends that the Council adopt this decision .
 ---pagebreak--- D. Procedure for the invo lvcncnt of the youn,?: creation of a Youth
   Advisory Committee
    a) Motivation
       The Commission proposes that a Youth Advisory Committee he set up .
       On examining the situations existing in most Member States , the
Commission has found that the young are represented and consulted
in those States within " Councils " or " Committees " consisting of repre
sentatives of youth organizations recognized by the governments .
       In Member States where such consultation has not yet been insti
tutionalized , the authorities maintain regular contacts with youth :
organizations . The Commission itself has also consulted youth organi
zations several times with regard to Community problems .
       The Commission considers that consultation of the Community 's
youth through a representative Cocraittee , whichcan formulate its
views in complete independence , will bo an import ant stop towar^R
involving young people in building the Community .
    b ) Creation of the Advisory Committee
       In the opinion of the Commission , the Advisory Committee should
be created by Council decision .
       The secretariat should be a permanent body designated by the
Committee members .
       All operating expenses of the Committee and its secretariat should
be financed from funds earmarked for this purpose in the Community 's
budget .
    c ) Composition of the Advisory ' Committee
       In view of the existence in all Member States of national youth
Councils or Committees or representative youth organizations , it will
be relatively easy to extrapolate this system to Community level .
With the aid of the Member States , the existing national Youth
 Councils or Committees or national youth organizations could delegate
 ---pagebreak--- members to the Advisory Committee at Community level .
     The Commission therefore proposes that the Member States be re-t
presented on the Committee as follows :
     Belgium                  4
     Dennark                  3
     Franco                   9
     Federal Eepuolic
     of Germany               9
     Ropublic of Ir^lmcl      3
     Italy                    9
     Lu^emburg                2
     Netherlands           .  4
     United Kingdom           9
                             52
     The Commission furthermore proposes that the following procedure
be adopted for nominating members :
- The Member States present to the Council a list of representatives ,
  chosen from <?jaong national youth organizations , containing twice :
  as many nanus as there are seats for the country in question ^
- In order to promote the creation of youth organizations at Community
  level , account shall be taken not only of the extent to which the
  persons proposed are representative of their country 's youth but
  also of their membership of international youth organizations at
  Community level 5
- The Council shall appoint the members of the Committee after having
  heard the opinion of the Commission .
d) Powers of the Advisory Committee
     The Committee will be called upon to submit opinions not only on
measures provided for in the Treaties but also on other initiatives
that could involve the young in the work of the Communities .
The Committee will be consulted on the initiative of the Commission
or the Council on subjects covered by the Treaty and on new initiatives
to be taken to associate the younger gen or cat ion with the work of
the Communities .
 ---pagebreak---                                - 7 -
     The Commission considers that two spheres of competence should
he distinguished :
- As regards the matters covered by the Treaties , the Youth Advisory
  Committee may "be asked to present opinions on questions concerning
  youth employment end unemployment , mobility of young people ,
  operations of the Social Fund , vocational training and guidance ,
  problems of special interest to young farmers , freedom of establish
  ment and the mutueJ recognition of diplomas , protection of youth
  at work , the promotion of the social and cultural interests of
  young people , exchanges of young workers and th . participation of
  young people in certain development aid programmes . This enumerat
  ion is not exhaustive $
- As regards new initiatives , the Committee may be aslced to present
  its opinion with a view to promoting new measures to involve the
  young in the work of the Community '(educational measures , exchange
  programmes , etc .) or to improve living conditions and training
  facilities for the young in    11 Member States .
                                  %
                             *         *
      A cira^t for a Council decision on the composition and the tasks
of the Advisory Committee is annexed to this memorandum .
      The Commission recommends that the Council adopt this decision .
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 8 -
               RECOTTTESTDAT I OI~ FOR A COUTCIL DSCISIOIT
     concerning "the creation of a Comitjtoe for_ JToutl\ Q!i_est_i_ons
THID COUNCIL OF THE S11ROPEA1: COMMUNITIES ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the !3uropean Economic Community ,
Having regard to the Commissions recommendation .
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ,
Having regard to the opinion of the economic and social Committee ;
Whereas the creative activities and the actions conducive to European
growth will be assured of a greater future if the younger generation
is closely associated with them , as was recognized by the Heads of
State or Government met at The Hague on 1st and 2nd December 1969 |
Whereas ? in order to facilitate the formv3ation of the procedure for
the association of the young in the Community 's work and to make
its achievement possible , a procedure should be provided instituting
permanent coordination of the activities of the Member States and
of the Commission and within a Committee for youth questions ;
D    C I D S S :
                                Article    1
      A Standing Committee for Youth Questions (hereinafter oalled
the " Committee ") is hereby established .
                                 Article   2
      The ta.sk of the Committee shall be to ensure permanent coordination
raid consultation between the Member States and the Commission to study
measures to be taken :
– to inform the younger generation in the Member States more thoroughly
   of the objectives and implementation of the Treaties establishing
   the European Communities 5
- to associate the young with the study and achievement of certain
   actions in application of the said Treaties 5
~ to promote new initiatives associating the young in the work of
   the Community .
 ---pagebreak---                                   -9 -
                              Article  3
1 . The Member States and the Commission shall each appoint two
     members to the Committee .
 /   They can also designate two deputy members .
     The members of the Committee and the deputies appointed by the
     Member States shall be chosen from among the senior officials
     responsible for youth questions in their own country .
     The term of office of the members of the committee and the depu
     ties shall be two years . It shall be renewable .
                  >
2 . The Committee shall elect its bureau for a two-year term of
     office .                                     -
3 . The Committee shall draw up its own rules of procedure and sub
     mit them for approval to the Council , which shall give a valid
     decision on them after hearing the opinion of the Commission .
4 . The secretariat of the Committee shall be provided by the ser-
   ' vices of the Commission , which shall be responsible for prepar
     ing the Committee 's work and for maintaining the necessary coil-
     tacts with existing committees or working parties .
     In pursuing its tasks as laid down in Article 2 , the Committee
shall , at the request of the Council or the Commission , at its own
initiative , compile reports and issue opinions .
     The Committee shall address its reports and opinions to the
Council ?.nd the Commission .
 ---pagebreak---                                  - 10 -
              RSCOIEESTDATIOIT FOR A COUTCIL DECISIOH
     concerning the creation of a You.th Advisory Committee
THE COUTCIL 0? THE EUROPEAIT C0MMUETITI3S ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community ,
Having regard to the Commission 's recommendation ,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ,
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ,
Whereas the creative activities and the actions conducive to European
growth will be assured of a greater future if the younger generation
is closely associated with them , as was recognized by the Heads of
State or Government net at the Hague 011 1st and 2nd December 19^9 1
Whereas , in-order to facilitate the formulation of the details of such
association and to enable its achievement , a procedure should be pro
vided for establishing close cooperation between the Community and
representatives of youth organizations within a Committee with ad
visory status and able to express its opinions in complete independence ,
DECIDES :
                              Article   1
     A Youth Advisory Committee ( hereinafter called the " Committee")
is hereby established .
                              Article   2
     The Committee shall be consulted on the initiative of the Commission
or the Council on measures provided for by the Treaties and on new initiat
ives to associate young people in the work of the Community .
- As regards measures provided for by the Treaties , the Committee may
  be asked for opinions , in particular in the following spheres :
  questions concerning youth employment and unemployment , mobility
  of young people , operations of the Social Fund , vocational train
  ing and guidance , problems of special interest to young farmers ,
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 11 -
                                                      \
   freedom of establishment and the mutual       recognition of diplomas ,
   the protection of young people at work ,      their social and cultural
   advancement , exchanges of young workers      and the participation of
   young people in certain development aid       programmes .
- As regards new initiatives , the Committee may be asked to give
   opinions with a view to promoting fresh forms of action to in
   volve the young in the work of the Community ( educational measures
   exchange programmes , etc .) or to improve their living conditions
   and training facilities in all the Member States .
                                 Article  3
1 . The Council shall appoint the members to the Committee after •
    having received the Commission 's opinion . To this end , the Member
    States shall present to the Council a list of representatives cho
    sen from among national youth organizations containing twice as
    many names as there sire seats for the country in question . The
    52 seats are distributed as follows : ■
                Belgitua                       4
                Denmark                        3
                Franco                         9
                Federal Republic
                of Germany                     9
                Republic of Ireland            3
                Italy                          9
                Luxemburg                      2
                iT ether lands .               4
                United Kingdom              ___5
                                              52
    In order to promote the creation of youth organizations at Com
    munity level , account shall be taken not only of the question
    whether the persons proposed are representative of their country'
    youth but also of their membership of international youth organi
    zations at Community level .
 ---pagebreak---                                  - 12 -
2 . Tha "term of office of the members of the Committee shell be two
    years o It shall be renewable .
3o The Committee shall elect its bureau for a tiro-year period .
4 . The Committee shall draw up its own rules of procedure and sub
    mit these for approval to the Council which shall give a valid
    decision after having heard the opinion of the Commission .
5c The s cretariat of the Committee shall be a permanent body desig-
    natod by the members of the Committee . All operational expenses of
    the Committee and its secretariat shall be financed from an amount
    earmarked for this purpose in the Community 's budget .
                               Article   4
    In pursuing its tasks as defined in Article 2 , the Committee she.ll
compile reports and issue opinions at the request of the Council or
the Commission . The Committee shall address its reports and opinions
to the Council and the Commission .
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 13 -
 I.  Assessment of the "budget ary implications of the proposal for a
     decision concerning the creation "by the Council of a Committee
     for Youth Questions .                       \
     Only expenditure arising from the participation of eighteen govern
     ment experts who ere members of the Committee in four two-day
     meetings per year shall "be financed from the Community budget .
     Allowances and travel expenses shall "be paid from the specific
     credit nonaged by the Commission ( estimated at - Bfrs . 500.000 ).
                                *         *
II . Assessment of the budgetary implications of the proposal for
     a decision concerning the creation by the Council of a Youth
     Advisory Committee end its permanent secretariat , under the
     terms of the proposal for a decision ( of Article 3 ( 5)s
     "The operating expenses of the Committee and its secretariat
     shall be financed from an amount earmarked for this purpose
     from the Community 's budget ").
     A ) Permanent secretariat : the staff of the secretariat shall
         be designated by the members of the Committee . It should
         at least include :
         1 Secretary-General - whose salary and related charges will
         be at the level of an official of the A 3 category |
         1 Assistant ( at B 1 level ) 5
         i Secretaries ( at C 1 and C 3 level ).
         The salaries and related charges are
         estimated at                                   Bfrs . 2.300 000
                                                             . ( 46,000 U.C. )
         Apart from salaries ; a small amount should be
         set aside for costs incurred by this staff
         while 011 mission                           - Bfrs .    250.000
                                                           ,   (   4.000 U.C. )
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 14 -
   Operating .^^ cnditure of tha_ secret ari at ;
   The assessnen-t of this expenditure would have to be based on
   different criteria, depending on ;
   a) whether the secretariat is acomnodatod. by the Council , with
       which it will be set upj
   b ) or whether the secretariat would need to have its own accomod-
       ation .
       In the second case , the following expenditure items would need
       to be taken into account :
       Rent and related charges (heating, electricity ,
       maintenance , téléphoné subscription , etc. )       ' - 1.600.000 Bfrs .
       Interpreters' fees for Committee Meetings '           -      AQQ . 000 Bfrs .
                                                                  \
       Mail : production of duplication of documents
       and their distribution                                i      150.000 Bfrs .
       Documentation                                         -      100.000 Bfrs .
                                                                2.250.000 Bfrs .
                                                                ( 45.000 U.C. )
B) Sipenditure for Committee meetings t based on the following data
   Pour three-day meetings per year :
         for 52 Committee members (Belgitua 4# Denmark 3 7 France 9 »
         Federal Republic of Germany 9i Republic of Ireland 3 ?
         Italy 9 5 Luxemburg 2 , Netherlands 4 ? United Kingdom 9)°
         Overall estimate : Bfrs . I . 869 . OOO rounded off to 1.900.000 Bfrs .
                                                                (    38.000 U.C. )
   capitulation II
   Secretariat :    A ) Staff               ,                   2.300.000 Bfrs
                                                                ( 46 . 000 U.C.
                        Funds for mission expenditure         -     200.000 Bfr3
                                                                ( 4 . 000 U.C.
                    B) Operational expenditure                  2.250.000 Bfrs
                                                                ( 45 . 000 U.C.
   Committee meetings :.                                        1.900.000 Bfrs
                                                                (    38 . 000 U.C.
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 15 -
                                                                    ANN2X
For each German and French     delegate and for each meeting :
    travel allowance Bfrs . 1.250 + Bfrs . 1.675 2.925
    per diem allowance I . 25O x 3                  3.750
                                                    6.675
    for 4 meetings 6.675 x 4                               26.700
    for 9 German and 9 French delegates
        18 χ 26.700                                                Βίϊ-β . 48Ο.6ΟΟ
                                                                           ( 9.612 U.C. )
For each Italian delegate and for each meeting :
    travel allowance 1.250 + 10.300                11.550
    per dien allowance I . 25O x 3                  3«750
                                                   15.300
    for 4 meetings 15.300 x 4                              61.200
    for 9 delegates
         9 χ 61.200                                                ΒΓ γβ . 550.800
                                                                           (n . 016 u.c .)
For each Dutch delegate and for each meeting :
    travel allowance 1.250 + 900                    2.150
    per diem allowance 1.250 x 3                    3 °750
                                                    5.9OO
    for 4 meetings 5 « 900 x 4                             23.600
    for 4 delegates 23.600 x 4                                   .'Bfrs .    94*400
                                                                           ( 1.888 U.C. )
For each Luxemburg delegate and for each meeting :
    travel allowance 1.250 + I.O50            '   • 2.300
    per diem allowance 1.250 x 3                    3.750
                                                    6.050
    for 4 meetings 6 050 x 4                               24.200
    for 2 delegates 24.200 x 2                                     Bfrs .    48 . 400
                                                                           (      968 U.C. )
 ---pagebreak---                                        16 -
For each United Kingdom delegate and for each meeting :
    travel allowance Bfrs . 1.250 + Bfrs . 4«200  5=450
    per diem allowance 1.250 x 3                  3-750
                                                  9.200
    for 4 meetings 9 « 200 x 4                           36.800
    for 9 delegates
          9 x 36.800                                             Bfrs . 331.200
                                                                        ( 6.624 U.C. )
For each Irish delegate and for each meeting :
    travel allowance 1.-250    + Bfrs . 7-500     8.750
    per diem allowance 1.250 x 3                  3.750
                                                 12.500
    for 4 meetings 12.500 x 4                            50.000
    for 3 delegates
          3 z 50.000                                          .. Bfrs . 150.000
                                                                         ( 3.000 U.C. )
For each Danish delegate and for each meeting :
    travel allowance Bfrs . 1.250 + 7«800         9.O5O
    per diem allowance 1.250 x 3                  3.750
                                                 12.800
    for 4 meetings 12.800 x 4                            51.200
    for 3 delegates
          3 χ 51.200                                            . Bfrs . 153 . oOO
                                                                         ( 3.072 U.C. )
For each Belgian delegate and for each meeting :
    per diem allowance 1.250 x 3                  3.750
     for 4 meetings 3--750 x 4                           15*000
     for 4 delegates
          4 χ 15.000                                              Β Γ8 ' 60.000
                                                                         ( 1.200 U.C. )
                                                     Total   Bfrs .    1 . 869 . 000
                                                                         ( 37.380 U.C. )


RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION REVISING THE AMOUNTS FOR THE DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS IN ANNEX II CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF " ORIGINATING PRODUCTS " AND METHODS OF ADMINISTRATIVE COOPERATION TO DECISION 80/1186/EEC ON THE ASSOCIATION OF THE OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY