title: RECOMMENDATION FOR A DECISION (EEC) OF THE COUNCIL authorizing the Commission to open negotiations with certain third countries for the conclusion of agreements on trade in textiles

text:
ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (74) 341
Vol. 1974/0060
 ---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(74) 341 final
                                                          Brussels , 27 March 1974
             RECOMMENDATION FOR A DECISION ( ESC ) OF THE COUNCIL
            authorizing the Commission to open negotiations with
               certain third countries for the conclusion of
                      agreements on trade in textiles
                ( submitted to the Counoil "by the Commission)
   COM(74 ) 341 final
 ---pagebreak---                                EXPLAMTORY STATEMENT
1.     The Arrangement regarding International Trade in Textiles ( MFA )
which was negotiated within the framework of the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade provides , in its Article 4 » that . participating importing
and exporting countries may conclude bilateral agreements on mutually
acceptable terms .
2.     Within the framework of the Long Term Arrangement on Cotton Textiles
( LTA) which expired on 31.12.73 . » the Community had entered into bilateral
agreements with the principal exporting countries (India, Pakistan, Japan,
Hong Kong , South Korea and Egypt ), in order to ensure the orderly develop
ment of trade in cotton textiles .      These agreements committed the Community ,
in particular , to refrain from establishing new quantitative import
restrictions ( and to suspend those which were still in force ) on condition
that the exporting country did not exceed the agreed self-restraint levels
for its exports to the Community of products covered by the agreement .
The provisions of these agreements , which expired either on 30 September
1973 or 31 December 1973 » have been kept in force on a de facto basis
by the Community until 30 June 1974 » on the understanding that the exporting
countries concerned also take similar measures .
       Furthermore , the Community has concluded an agreement on trade in
cotton products with Yugoslavia which was not a party to the LTA. This
agreement which still remains in force until 31 December 1974 constitutes
the engagement analogous to the LTA accepted by Yugoslavia so that it
might benefit from tariff preferences for the products in question ( 2).
( 1 ) Ao regards I-Iacco , close and regular contact was established with the
      relevant authorities so that the evolution of textile exports from this
      territory could be followed,,
( 2 ) When making its offer on generalised tariff preferences , the Community
      considered that for cotton and directly substitutable products , tariff
      preferences would be granted to countries which were parties to the LTA
      or to those which were not parties to the LTA but which had accepted an
      obligation analogous to that provided by the LTA0
                                                                      ./•
 ---pagebreak---          On several occasions and. especially after the conclusion of the
GATT negotiations in Geneva for the new Arrangement regarding International
Trade in Textiles (MFA), most of the third countries concerned sought ,
expressly or through informal contacts with the services of the Commission ,
the opening of negotiations with the Community for the conclusion of
new agreements . The countries in question consider these agreements
to "be instruments which would enable them to ensure the expansion and
development of their textiles trade . Moreover these agreements very ofton
constitute a means whereby imports from all exporting countries may he
equitably balanced .
         Referring only to those countries with which the Community had
concluded "cotton" agreements ( l ), it must be noted that Japan , South
Korea , Hong Kong and Yugoslavia in addition to being exporters of cotton
products are also important exporters of artificial , synthetic and woollen
textiles . For certain of these products , all of which are covered by the
new multilateral Arrangement , it is undeniable that exports to the
Community have , during recent years , increased to a substantial extent .
It should be recalled that the "unsatisfactory situation " in world trade
in textile products , which is referred to in the Preamble of the multi-
fibres Arrangement , has been the major factor leading to the conclusion
of the present Arrangement .
( l ) Taiwan also figures amongst these countries . Although this is one
      of the most important suppliers in the textiles sector of both cotton
      and synthetic products , the Commission , which does not envisage
      negotiations with Taiwan will draw up appropriate dispositions in the
      near future .
 ---pagebreak---                                          3   -
3.      The Arrangement provides for the conclusion of bilateral agreements
in order to eliminate real risks of market disruption in importing coun
tries ( l ). In this connection the Commission considers that the opening
of negotiations with     India , Pakistan , Japan , Hong Kong , South Korea,
Egypt and Yugoslavia     is both justified and necessary . Taking     into account
the wishes expressed     by certain of the countries in question ,    it seems
appropriate that the     Community attempts to conclude bilateral     agreements
with these countries within the time limit fixed in Article 2 of the HPA
and also before the expiry of the provisions by which those agreements which hae
                                                                                I ;
already expired were maintained in force on a de facto basis till 30 June 1974*
Such agreements seem indiopensable in order to ensure the stability of the
Community textiles market with regard to exports from countries which are
particularly competitive , to facilitate the process of liberalization of
trade in this sector by an orderly development of exports and to maintain
existing trade patterns .
        However , if an examination in depth , which is to be conducted at the
same time , establishes that imports from other exporting countries consti
tute a real risk of market disruption in the Community or if 3uch imports
hamper the process of liberalization agreed to by the Community together
with the other parties to the Arrangement , the elimination of lestrictions
on products from these countries might also be achieved by the inclusion
of the products in question in bilateral agreements negotiated in confor
mity with Article 4 of "the Arrangement as provided for in its Article
2 ( 3 ) ( ii )« The Commission reserves the right to submit such appropriate
proposals to the Council as may prove necessary,,
( 1 ) In this sense it should be recalled that Article 2 of the Arrangement
       provides , in its paragraph 4 » that participating countries ,! shall
       afford full opportunity for bilateral consultation and negotiation
       aimed at mutually acceptable solutions in accordance with Articles 3
       and 4 of the Arrangement . 11
 ( 2 ) The agreement which is in force with Yugoslavia expires on 31«12-.>1974»
                                                                             /.
 ---pagebreak--- 4.     The agreements to be negotiated should be based essentially on the
principle of the autolimitation of exports by the countries in question .
Products covered by these agreements should be determined , taking into
account the concept of "selectivity" contained in the Arrangement , on a
case by case basis , having regard especially to the volume of imports
and their evolution during the reference years and to the .interchangeabi
lity of fibres . Certain of these exporting countries are only concerned ,
at the present time , with cotton textiles .
        In conformity with Article 4 of "the MFA , these agreements must
contain provisions which facilitate the export in full of the levels
provided for under such agreements . They should also contain provision
for growth rates , carry-over , carry-forward and flexibility .    The
Arrangement alBO provides that the problem of developing countries should
be taken into consideration .
        Finally , it is appropriate to recall that the application of these
new agreements should ensure management by the Community of the agreed
autolimitation levels and should facilitate their full utilization .
        In this connection the Commission , in its memorandum to the Council
of 7«H O 1973 (l ) » setting out guidelines for the establishment of . a common
import regime for textiles had envisaged amongst other things ,
- the opening or progressive enlargement of a Community reserve ;
- the progressive enlargment of the quotas of those Member States which
   bear the lightest burden ;
- increased flexibility between Member Stated quotas . .
( l ) Doc. S/1213/73 ( COMER 225 )
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 5 -
5.     In conclusion , the Commission considers that the negotiations m
question (l ) should be opened as soon as possible .    To this end it
considers that the negotiating directives which the Council may lay down ,
should "be established taking due account of the diversity between countries
or groups of countries for which negotiations are envisaged and the
different problems which may arise with regard to one or other of these
groups of countries .
       It would be appropriate also that , at least at this stage , these
directives be laid down with sufficient flexibility so that they may
provide a common denominator for the whole of the negotiations .
       Once the opening of the negotiations ha3 been authorised it would
be appropriate^ in consultation with the special Article 113 Committee
which assists the Commission during negotiations, to settle the question
of quantities which are essential to the discussion of the particular case
of each of the third countries concerned.
6.     The Commission therefore recommends that the Council , by virtue of
Article 113 of the Treaty , takes the Decision annexed hereto .
   1
(l ) With India, Pakistan , Japan , Hong Kong, South Korea, Egypt and
     Yugoslaviae
 ---pagebreak---            RECOMMENDATION FOR A DECISION ( EEC ) OP TH3 COUNCIL
          authorising the Commission to open negotiations with
          certain third countries for the conclusion of agreements
                           on trade in textiles
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 Arrangement regarding International Trade in Textiles provides ,
in its Article 4j that importing and exporting countries may conclude
mutually acceptable bilateral agreements !
Whereas the Community had concluded bilateral agreements with India ,
Pakistan , Japan , Hong Kong , South Korea and Egypt within the framework of
the Long Term Arrangement on Trade in Cotton Textiles ,
Whereas the Community had similarly concluded a bilateral agreement on
cotton products with Yugoslavia , which was not a party to the Long Terra    »
Arrangement on Trade in Cotton Textiles ;
Whereas the third countries mentioned above are the most important suppliers
to the Community in the textile sector ;
Whereas , in order to facilitate the process of liberalization of trade in
the textile sector by an orderly development of exports , permitting at the
same time the achievement of an appropriate degree of protection for the
Community market , negotiations should be opened with these countries for
the conclusion of bilateral agreements on trade in textiles }
 ---pagebreak--- DECIDE0
                                   Article 1
     The GuMimssion is authorised to open negotiations with South Korea ,
Hong Kong , India , Japan , Pakistan , Egypt and Yugoslavia for the conclusion
of bilateral agreements on trade in textiles , in conformity with the
provisions of the Arrangement regarding International Trade in Textiles .
                                   Article 2
     The Commission shall conduct these negotiations in consultation with
the special committee appointed under Article 113 and on the basis of the
direct iv® annexed hereto *
Done at Brussels ,                                  For the Council
                                                     The President
 ---pagebreak---                                                             ANNEX
                          NTSGOTIATIKG DIRECTIVES
a ) Nature of the Agreements :
    Autolimitation a-greements in conformity with, the provisions of the
    multilateral Arrangement regarding International Trade in Textiles the
    duration of which shall "be equivalent to that of the multifibres
    Arrangement .
b ) Countries with which negotiations shall be opened :
    Countries which had concluded bilateral agreements on trade in cotton
    textiles with the Community and which have accepted the multilateral
    Arrangement regarding International Trade in Textiles .
c ) Products covered by the agreements :
    On the one hand , categories of products and , on the other hand , specific
    products , the inclusion of which according to their origin to be
    justified under Article 4 of the multifibres Arrangement .
    In order to avoid the circumvention of the provisions of the agreements
    by changes in the mixtures of fibres , it will be necessary to insert a
    clause similar to Article 8 of the " cotton" agreement between the
    Community and Yugoslavia,
    A clause allowing ceilings to be fixed within categories of products
    contained in the agreements in cases v:here an abnormal concentration on
    certain products was established .
d ) Autolimitation ceilings and provisions relating thereto :
    Ceilings to be fixed on the basis of the latest available reference year
    with coefficient of growth .
    Appropriate provisions for transfer between ceiling^ for carry-over from
    one yea.r to the next of unused quantities and for carry–forward to the
    following year .
    Management of ceilings according to the double control system .


Avis juridique important

|

52001SC1742

Recommandation for a Council Decision concerning the participation of the Community in the twenty-first meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats  /* SEC/2001/1742 final */

Recommandation for a COUNCIL DECISION concerning the participation of the Community in the twenty-first meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats(presented by the Commission)I. JUSTIFICATIONThe Bern Convention concerns the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats. This objective falls within Article 174 of the EC Treaty, which refers to preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment.The Community approved this Convention by Council Decision 82/72/EEC [1].[1]  OJ No L 38, 10.02.1982.The twenty-first meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention will be held in Strasbourg from 26 to 30 November 2001.The Commission will conduct negotiations with the Member States during this meeting in accordance with negotiating directives.II. RECOMMENDATIONThe Commission recommends:a) that the Council authorise the Commission to take part in the negotiations concerning the twenty-first meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats which will be held in Strasbourg from 26 to 30 November 2001;b) that, since in accordance with the Treaty the Commission will conduct these negotiations on behalf of the European Community, the Council appoint a special committee to assist it in this task;c) that in so far as the decisions to be taken are within the competence of the Member States, the Commission and the Member States ensure a united front in the international representation of the Community through close cooperation during the negotiations;d) that the Council adopt the negotiating directives annexed hereto.ANNEXNEGOTIATING DIRECTIVES1. The Commission shall ensure that the decisions of the Standing Committee are consistent with relevant Community legislation.2. The Commission shall report to the Council on the outcome of the negotiations and on any problems that have arisen in the course of the negotiations.


title: Recommendation for a COUNCIL DECISION concerning the amendment of tariff concessions concerning certain cheeses (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

text:
ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (80) 678
Vol. 1980/0216
 ---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(80 ) 678 final
                                                 Brussels , 7 November 1980
                               Recommendation for a
                                 COUNCIL DECISION
        concerning the amendment of tariff concessions concerning certain
                                        cheeses
                    ( submitted to the Council by the Commission)
                           pf
                           ita
                                  ^ 3 . -V.-c    i)yi
C0MC80 ) 678 final
 ---pagebreak---                                   ' EXFLi'r'^r' HÏ F7MCRANDUM
1 . During the renegotiations under Article XXVIII of the GA7T , which took
    place between 1966 j.id 1 968 with Switzerland ,. Finland and Austria , the
    Community granted certain concessions to those countries , namely :
       ( i ) binding under GATT of ceilings on import levies on Emmentaler ,
             Gruyere , Sbrinz , Appenzell and Bergkase cheeses .. Different ceilings
          ; were applied to the levies on those products according to the
             presentation of the products ( whole cheeses , pieces packed in vacuum )
             and the prices to be observed on importation into the Community . - In
             addition , a clause on the automatic adjustment of these prices was
     .       agreed ;                                             ■ v
    ( ii ) "autonomous" fixing of an upper limit in respect of Switzerland ,
             Austria and Finland ( by exchange of letters ) for the levy charged at
             the frontier on certain processed cheeses for which a minimum price
             must be observed
2 . Since their entry into force , these Concessions have remained unchanged ,
    apart from the automatic adjustment of import prices for Emmentaler cheese
3 . The trend of imports of the products in question into the Community shows ,
    in the case of Emmentaler cheeses , that total Community imports have
    stabilized at around 51 000 to 55 000 tonnes , though imports from Austria
    have been falling steadily since 1976 . In the case of processed cheeses ,
  ■ imports from Switzerland have stayed at around 3 600 tonnes since 1974 ,
    whilst imports from Austria and to a lesser extent from Finland have risen
    substantially ( see Annex I ),                  , '
M. At the recent Multilateral Trade Negotiations (Tokyo Round ), certain EFTA
    countries (Switzerland , Austria , Finland , Norway ) requested concessions in
    respect of agricultural products , notably cheese .
 ---pagebreak---                                             2 -
     It „was agreed with those countries that no negotiations would be undertaken
     in the context of the MTTN but that their requests would be examined
     subsequently on a bilateral and reciprocal basis .     -
5 . Since the completion of the MTN , Switzerland , Finland ,v Austria and Norway
     have reiterated their requests concerning cheese , pointing out that other
     non- Community countries such as Australia , Canada and New Zealand had
     obtained concessions in this sector whilst they themselves had been
     excluded from such negotiations .    Their main requests are for an adjustment
     of the GATT Emmentaler concessions (Switzerland , Finland , Austria ) and the
     inclusion of Jarlsberg cheese in this concession (Norway ).
     These countries also indicated that they would be willing to give
     undertakings ( on imports as well as exports to the EEC ) if the Community
     agreed to meet all or some of their requests .
6 . The Commission suggests that the Community should agree to the request from
     these countries to open negotiations , both for the reasons given above and
     also because the EEC has requests of its own to make to the EFTA countries
     concerning the cheese sector .
7 . The Commission accordingly recommends the Council , under Article 113(3 ) of
     the EEC Treaty , to authorize it to open negotiations , on a reciprocal
     basis , with Switserland , Finland , Austria and Norway , with a view to
   " amending the tariff concessions granted on both sides in the cheese
     sector .    The Article 113 committee- will assist the Commission in the
     conduct of the negotiations .              '
                                          y
     Ihe. Commission 's recommendation for a Council Decision is attached as
     lii'lDSX II _       ,        '
 ---pagebreak---                                                                                ANNEX I ( a )
                                EEC IMPORTS OF PROCESSED CHEESE - 1975 to 1979
b = bound / nb = non- bound
»                               1975                1976         * :        1977         :          1978        ::      1979       :
                                        a                                              – «
                                                              f
                                     nb :       b   .  :      nb ;       bi    : nb      :   ;  î>'    :     nb :     b    :    nb ;
                       %     \>
                                  «     «    .    '    4                             •   «       •M    *                    ! .
                                                         > –– • -–– <
                                                                                )      4i          «
                       a                4»             i»           4                                                              *
                                                                                »      4
                                                       «
: From Finland         î    4 110 :      s     5 573 ::       117 i:    3 149 :   530 ::       6 545 :: 249 :;      6 227 : 220 :
:       Switzerland    : 39 016 : 193 : 38 331          ::    28 :: 44 397 :        94 :; 40 688 :: 157 :: 41 971 : 3"0
:       Austria        :    7 880 : 633 :      8 815 ': 508 ::          7 746 :   655 ::       7 636 :: 220 ::      7 089 : 103 :
;       Total          : 51 006 ; 826 : 52 719 :: 583 :: 55 292 : 1 279 :: 54 869 :: 626 : 55 287 : 663
                                                                                1             •       i»
î GRAND TOTAL 0F                   a
                                   m     *
                                                         P
                                                         »
                                                                    '1
                                                                     <                     »             »        »
 î IMPORTS              : 51 026 : 833 : 52 756          : 604         55 293 : 1 311      : 54 946 : 677 : 55 294 : 820 :
                                                                                *
                        »                • V             »        A  <                                   9
                                                                                • •      »
                                                         »                                 »
                        • -        »     β
Source : Nimexe
 ---pagebreak---                                                                                ANNEX 1 ( b )
                               EEC IMPORTS OF PROCESSED CHEESE - 1975 to 197.9
                                                                                tonnes
                                 I
                                                                           1973   :        1979      :
•                   +
                          1975 ' :           1976      :        1977 :
                                                                     *          – *              w *
                                                    .. •
                                                                                1 •
                                                                     «                                •   -
                                                                     «
                                      «
*                    •
                                      •   '
                                               90       :        141  ::    173    ::       215       :
 : From Finland      !      *•        •
                         3 17*1       : ■ 3 703         ::     3 857  ':  3 ^70     !:  3 613         :
 :      Switzerland :
                                            1 997        ■;   '2 694   :: 3 218      :  4 613         :
 :      Austria       :    951         :
                                            5 790         : -  6 692    : 6 861      :  8 441          :
 :      Total         :  4 125         :
                                                                                ' *
                                       β
                                                                                :
  : GRAND TOTAL OF    :
                         4 284          :   5 981         :    6 851    : 7 177       : 9 489           :
  ; IMPORTS            :
                                                                                »  '              •
                                                                                :                 *
   :                   :           <a   •
                                                 I.
                                                           *
 Source : Niroexe
 ---pagebreak---                                                                                s
                                                                         ANNEX II
                       RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
      concerning the amendment of tariff concessions concerning certain cheeses
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 , during the negotiations held between 1966 and 1968 with Switzerland ,
Finland and Austria under Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs
and Trade , the Community granted concessions to those countries ;
Whereas these countries have requested that" those concessions be amended and whereas
 it would appear appropriate to accede to certain of those requests subject to a con
dition of reciprocity;
Whereas the Community has certain requests to make to those countries
concerning the same product sector ;
Whereas negotiations should therefore be opened on a . reciprocal basis with
Switzerland , Finland , Austria and Norway in respect of the cheese sector ,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :
                                     Sole Article
The Commission is hereby authorized to open negotiations on a reciprocal
                                                                      /
basis with Switzerland , Finland , Austria and Norway , with a view to amending ,
the tariff concessions granted on both sides in the cheese sector .


Avis juridique important

|

52002SC0152

Recommendation for a Council Decision authorising the Commission to negotiate a convention between the EC and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) concerning the Community contribution to the budget of UNRWA for 2002-2005  /* SEC/2002/0152 final */

Recommendation for a COUNCIL DECISION authorising the Commission to negotiate a convention between the EC and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) concerning the Community contribution to the budget of UNRWA for 2002-2005(presented by the Commission)SUMMARYBy this Communication the Commission recommends that the Council authorise the Commission to negotiate the renewal of the Convention between the EC and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for the period 2002-2005.Such a convention would set out in advance the EC contribution over this period to the regular budget for the Agency, and allow for a separate annual setting of the Community contribution to its food aid budget according to annual discussions between officials of the respective organisations and to the annually determined needs of the refugee population.The Communication contains an explanatory memorandum with a breakdown of likely costs, together with the action proposed.EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1. IntroductionThe United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) have approached the Commission services to initiate negotiations of an eleventh EC-UNRWA convention covering the period 2002-2005. Exploratory meetings between representatives of UNRWA and representatives of the Commission (DG RELEX) took place on 1 March and 14 October 2001.Since 1972 the EC and UNRWA have signed ten conventions [1] governing the EC contribution to the regular and food aid budgets of the Agency. Each convention has :[1]  ECC-UNRWA Convention 1972-74, OJ L 304 of 31.12.1972, p. 24 ECC-UNRWA Convention 1975-78, OJ L 203 of 28.7.1976, p. 40 ECC-UNRWA Convention 1979-80, OJ L 108 of 26.4.1980, p. 56 ECC-UNRWA Convention 1981-83, OJ L 392 of 31.12.1981, pp. 3-6 ECC-UNRWA Convention 1984-86, OJ L 188 of 16.7.1984, pp. 18-19 ECC-UNRWA Convention 1987-89, OJ L 136 of 26.5.1987, p.43 ECC-UNRWA Convention 1990-92, OJ L 118 of 9.5.1990, p. 36 ECC-UNRWA Convention 1993-95, OJ L 9/16 of 13.1.1994 EC-UNRWA Convention 1996-98, OJ L 282 of 1.11.1996, pp. 69-71 EC-UNRWA Convention 1999-2001, OJ L 261 of 7.10.1999* set out the contribution to the regular budget (education, health and relief and social services programme) for the forthcoming three year period; and* allowed for the annual negotiation of the contribution to the food aid budget.In accordance with UNRWA's biennium budget and as recommended by Commission auditors the new Convention shall cover a four year period and will be implemented by two two-year agreements with annual budget allocations on the basis of the 1999 'Agreement between United Nations and the European Community on the Principles Applying to the Financing or Co-financing by the Community of Programmes and Projects Administered by the United Nations'. When preparing the grant agreements the Commission will have regard to the performance evaluation undertaken by Commission services in 1999 and 2001, in particular regarding international book-keeping and audit standards.The proposed appropriations under the new convention are intended as contribution towards the financing of UNRWA's regular programmes for around 3.9 million Palestine refugees in five fields of operation: Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It would also allow for the annual negotiation of the Community contribution to the food aid programme.UNRWA is requesting a contribution to its General Fund (budget of the regular programmes) of EUR 55 million in 2002 and a subsequent annual increase of 5 % for each of the following years. This means per year: EUR 55 million in 2002, EUR 57.75 million in 2003, EUR 60,637,500 in 2004, and EUR 63,669,375 in 2005. The principle of indexation of the EC contribution governed also previous Conventions. The regular programmes financed under the General Fund include UNRWA's education programme, health programme, and relief and social services programme. The contributions requested by UNRWA are based on the contributions agreed in the tenth Convention with an increase of EUR 10 million, in addition to an indexation of 5%, to respond to inflation, population growth, new needs caused by additional long-term demands made on UNRWA by the current crisis in the Middle East and by the necessity to provide additional services. 2. UNRWA's Operations2.1. GeneralThe United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949, as a separate entity within the United Nations system. The mandate of UNRWA has been renewed repeatedly, most recently by the General Assembly in its resolution 53/46 of 3 December 1998.UNRWA's goal is to promote the well-being of the refugees and strengthen the self-reliance of the refugee community. The long-term viability of its programmes and sustainability are key themes of its activities. The overall strategy of UNRWA is to continue to provide basic education, health, and relief and social services.UNRWA has continuously adapted its role and services in keeping with the needs of the refugees and the changing environment in which it operates. A number of scenarios for the work of UNRWA has arisen due to the current situation in the Middle East. Should unrest continue, security issues, deteriorating economic conditions for the refugees and the restrictions on the flow of goods, services and individuals will affect UNRWA's work. Should the peace talks resume and lead to a settlement, the Agency may be asked to assume new tasks or hand-over some or all of its functions.The last few years have witnessed growing concern among the refugee community and in the region generally over the decline in UNRWA services (US$ 200 per capita in the 1970s compared to US$70 in the 1990s). Successive funding shortages and subsequent austerity measures and cost reductions have prevented programmes from expanding at a rate commensurate with the growth in the refugee population, necessitated curtailments in ongoing programme activities, and precluded certain actions which normally would be part of UNRWA's regular programme of work. Most seriously, these measures have led to increased class sizes in UNRWA schools, rising patient/staff ratios in the health services, and higher caseloads for social workers dealing with the poorest refugees.The ability of the Agency to provide its services is entirely dependent on sufficient voluntary contributions made available annually. The Convention therefore, aims to assist UNRWA to secure its financial basis to operate on a sustainable and cost-effective basis, without recourse to austerity or other ad hoc cost reduction measures, and to safeguard the quality and level of services provided to the refugees. The present minimal level of service provision must not be allowed to further deteriorate in the interest of stability in the region.2.2. Education ProgrammeUnder its Education Programme, UNRWA provides education to over 475,000 pupils (an increase of more than 30,000 pupils since the tenth Convention came into force) in its 639 elementary, preparatory and secondary schools (secondary schools in Lebanon only). UNRWA also provides educational services to over 6,000 trainees at the 8 vocational training centres and the three education science faculties in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza. The Education Programme has been developed in close co-ordination with UNESCO. The overall objective of the education programme is to provide, within the framework of the curricula prescribed by the host countries and by the Palestinian Authority, general basic education, teacher education and vocational and technical education for Palestine refugees to enhance their educational opportunities at all levels of the educational system.The education programme faces budgetary constraints caused by new requirements by host authorities, like the introduction of English language in Jordan for grades one to four, and other changes in the various national curricula. The education programme must also cope with an unusual increase in school enrolment which resulted, among other factors, from the return of refugee families to Gaza and West Bank with the establishment of the Palestinian Authority, and the consequent transfer of their children to UNRWA schools from non-Agency schools in their previous places of residence in Arab countries. The Palestinian Authority (PA) recently reduced the age of child admission to the first grade of schooling, this will substantially increase the number of students eligible to enrol in UNRWA schools. In view of the special situation of Palestine refugees in Lebanon, UNRWA introduced Secondary Education in several areas of Lebanon.Overcrowding continues to affect schools in all five fields, owing to limited resources to fund employment of teachers or construction of new schools and classrooms. Budgetary constraints have led to a freeze on the maintenance of school premises; many of the school premises now require comprehensive maintenance or upgrading. UNRWA needs to replace furniture and equipment in some schools where the furniture and equipment can no longer be used due to overuse, mainly in double-shift schools. 2.3. Health ProgrammeUNRWA's health programme is community-based, with the emphasis placed on primary health care and with very selective use of hospital services. Primary care is provided through UNRWA's own 122 facilities. Secondary care is provided through contractual arrangements with governmental or non-governmental hospitals or through partial reimbursement of costs of treatment. Two thirds of the refugee population consist of women of reproductive age and children below 15 years of age, thus making mother and child care, including family planning services, a priority area. Sustaining primary health care activities in Gaza and sustaining the family planning programme Agency-wide was a priority under the tenth Convention. The overall strategic approach of the health programme will continue to be focused on preserving the sustainable investment that has been achieved in primary health care, improving the quality of essential health services provided to the Palestinian refugees and streamlining health policies and service standards with those of the host governments and the PA. UNRWA also aims to meet the need for a reasonable increase in human resources allocated to adjust the low staff/population ratios, which are far below the current ratios in all host countries and the territory of the Palestinian Authority.UNRWA will address new challenges resulting from major changes in the demographic and morbidity pattern among the refugees with increased mortality from non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, cancers, etc, which required introduction of an active intervention strategy for surveillance, prevention and management of these diseases ahead the need to meet the high cost of treating their complications/disabling effects at the secondary/tertiary care levels; and will adjust its treatment of diabetic patients in line with the drug management protocols of the host governments. 2.4. Relief and Social Services UNRWA aims to ensure a minimum standard of nutrition and shelter for refugees and the Agency's relief and social services programme supports the poorest refugee families who are unable to meet their own basic needs. The programme also facilitates longer-term social and economic development for refugees and their communities. Relief Services organises direct material and financial aid for those refugee families without a male adult medically fit to earn an income and without other identifiable means of financial support sufficient to cover food, shelter and other basic needs. Social Services encourages self-reliance in the refugee community through poverty alleviation schemes, and community-based, locally-managed institutions and services concerned with women and development, the rehabilitation and integration of refugees with disabilities, and youth activities and leadership training. 3. Food Aid ProgrammeUNRWA is requesting that the new Convention allow for the separate negotiation of the annual Community contribution in kind and cash to UNRWA's food support programme, and its contribution in kind to the supplementary feeding programme (part of the health programme).4. ConclusionThe Commission has taken note of the special appeals made by the United Nations Secretary-General and UN Member States Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA to continue and increase Community support to UNRWA. The Commission equally notes the support amongst donors, including EU member states, that donor contributions to UNRWA should take into account the increased burdens placed on the Agency by the current crisis in the Middle East, the rate of increase in the Palestinian population, and inflation. The Community contribution should at any rate be maintained at a minimum consistent with the safeguarding services to the refugees at reasonable levels.If it is the case that any of the functions of UNRWA is passed to the Palestinian Authority during the period 2002-2005, adjustments may be made, if appropriate, in the Community contribution to UNRWA under the Convention. Equally, adjustments should be possible in case additional demands are made of UNRWA. It is proposed that UNRWA should communicate to the Community, before the expiry of the convention, any plans that it is making or putting into effect for the eventual hand-over of any or all of its functions.The Commission therefore recommends that the Council authorise the Commission to negotiate for the renewal of the Convention between the European Community and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for a period of a further four years, from 2002-2005, in consultation with a special committee appointed by the Council to assist the Commission in this task, and on the basis of the attached directives.Draft directives for the negotiation of a Convention between the EC and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) concerning the Community contribution to the budget of UNRWA for 2002-2005.* The Commission will negotiate the renewal of the current EC-UNRWA Convention for the years 2002-2005, with a view to concluding grant agreements to cover two cycles of UNRWA's biennium budget (2002/2003 and 2004/2005).* The new Convention will allow annual Community contributions to UNRWA's General Fund. The annual negotiation of the Community contribution to UNRWA's food aid programme will be subject to separate agreements to be concluded in accordance with applicable procedures.* The Community contribution under the bi-annual agreements to UNRWA's General Fund will - subject to budgetary availability - not exceed EUR 55 million in 2002, EUR 57.75 million in 2003, EUR 60,637,500 in 2004, and EUR 63,669,375 in 2005.* The Convention should allow that, if so necessary, the contributions otherwise fixed under the Convention, be decreased or increased by agreement between the two parties during the life of the Convention, by way of exchange of letters between UNRWA and the Community on behalf of the Community.* The Convention should stipulate that UNRWA should in any case communicate to the Community, not later than one year before the expiry of the Convention, those plans that it is making and putting into effect for the eventual hand-over, of any or all, of its functions.* Grant agreements covering a two-tear period each, in harmony with UNRWA's budgetary cycle, will be concluded on the basis of this Convention and fully respecting the provisions of the 'Agreement between United Nations and the European Community on the Principles Applying to the Financing or Co-financing by the Community of Programmes and Projects Administered by the United Nations of 9 August 1999'.FINANCIAL ANNEX1. Relevant articles of the Community budgetContributions to the regular programme : B7-421 (Aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).2. Description of actionOpening of negotiations for a new convention between the EC and UNRWA for the Community contribution to UNRWA's General Fund.3. Legal baseArticle 181 in conjunction with first subparagraph of Article 300 (3) of the Treaty Establishing the European Community.4. Financial implications4.1. Regular programmes (General Fund)UNRWA is requesting support to its regular programmes (General Fund) of :* EUR 55,000,000 in 2002 (NB: EUR 45 million are currently foreseen on the UNRWA budget line and will be increased to EUR 55 million subject to budgetary availability)* EUR 57,750,000 in 2003* EUR 60,637,500 in 2004* EUR 63,669,375 in 2005.This amounts to a total contribution of EUR 237,056,875 over the four year period, representing in addition to a year-on-year 5% increase a EUR 10 million increase from the last year of the 10th Convention to the first year of the 11th Convention in the Community contribution. These contributions would be charged to Article B7-421 (Aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).4.2. Contribution to the food support programmeUnder the terms of the Convention, the size and content of the annual contribution to UNRWA for the food support programme will be subject to separate negotiations and will be decided according to the procedure laid down in Regulation (EEC) N° 3972/86.UNRWA estimates the requirements regarding the EC contributions to the food aid programme in the period 2002-2005 at EUR 89.23 million of which EUR 44.38 million are cash contribution and EUR 44.85 million contributions in kind.4.3. Increase of contributionsAny increase of contributions above the amounts fixed in this Convention shall be subject to the approval by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.


title: RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION concluding an agreement between the European Economic Community and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on 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) 331
Vol. 1973/0053
 ---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)331 final
                                                   Brussels , 1 March 1973
                      RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION
                  concluding an agreement "between the European
                  Economic Community and the Hashemite Kingdom
                  of Jordan on the supply of flour of common
                  wheat as food aid.
                    ( Submitted to the Council by the Commission)
   COM(73 ) 331 final
 ---pagebreak--- THE COIMCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COM-IUHITIES ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,
and in particular Articles 113 , 114 and 228 thereof }
Having regard to the Recommendation from the Commission ;
Whereas the European   Economio Community has deposited a declaration of
provisional application of the 1971 Pood Aid Convention ; whereas that
Convention has been in force since 1 July 1971 »
Whereas , in view of the supply situation for cereals in the Hashemite Kingdom
of Jordan, 5 000 metric tons of common wheat in the form of 3 311 metric tons
of flour should be made available , by way of gift , to that country under the
Community's food aid programme for 1971/72 ;
DECIDES :
                                   Article 1
An Agreement is concluded , on behalf of the European Economic Community, between
the European Economic Community and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for the
supply of common Wheat as food aid .  The text of the Agreement is annexed to
this Decision .
                                  Article 2
The President of the Council is authorized to appoint delegates to sign the
Agreement and to confer on them the requisite full powers on behalf of the
Community .
Done at Brussels ,             19-–*
                                                    Por the Counoil
                                                    The President
 ---pagebreak---                Agreemerrt
BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
AND THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OP JORDAN ON
THE SUPPLY OP FLOUR OP COMMON WHEAT AS
POOD AID
 ---pagebreak--- THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES .
                                           of the one part .
THE GOVERNMENT OP THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OP JORDAN,
                                           of the other part ,
Have decided to conclude this Agreement and have designated to this end
as their plenipotentiaries :
THE COUNCIL OF TIIE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES :
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OP JORDAN :
WHO HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS :
   >
 ---pagebreak---                                      Article I
Under its food aid programme for oereals for ASIA/ 12 the Europeari Economic
Community shall , "by way of gift ," supply to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,
hereinafter called "the recipient country", a quantity of 5 000 metric tons
of common wheat in "the form of- 3 311 metrio tons of flour of common wheat .
                                     Article II
Deliveries shall be fo"b Community ports in new cotton "bags containing
50 kilogrammes net weight .
                                     Article III
The obligations and responsibilities of the European Economic Community and
of the recipient country relating to delivery and taking of delivery are
defined . in the Annex which forms an integral part of this Agreement *
               " ' '    "            Article TV '            " *
The recipient country undertakes to .make all necessary arrangements for
the transport and insurance of the products supplied from ports of
shipment to places of destination.'              '•
It undertakes to exercise the greatest; possible -. care to ensure that tendering
arrangement s for transport of the product by sea do not prejudice the free
play of fair competition. Any problems arising in this connection shall be
the subject of consultations under Article IX of this Agreement .
                                     Article 7
The recipient oountry undertakes to use the product received as food aid for
consumption and to distribute it free of charge to refugees .
 ---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' measures required
to ensure that supplies, received as food aid are in addition to , and do not
replace , commercial transactions which might reasonably be expected in the
absence of such supplies .
                                  Article VII
The recipient country shall take any measures required to prevents
– re–exportation of the product received as food aid and of products derived
  from such supplies ; *
– commercial or non-commercial exportation , within six months of the last
  delivery, of locally–produced common wheat similar to that used to
  produce the flour received as food aid and of by–products derived from
  such wheat *
                                 'Article VIII
The recipient country undertakes to inform the European Economic Community
of the manner in which this Agreement is implemented .   To this end it shall
provide the Commission of the European   Communities with the following
information :
– not later than thirty days after the unloading 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 .
                                                                   •/
 ---pagebreak--- «• every -three months until the quantities received as aid have "been
   exhausted : quantities distributed, number and nature of "beneficiaries ,
   places , rate and manner of distribution.
                                   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, German , English,
French , Italian and Dutch languages , each of these tescts being equally
authentic *
 ---pagebreak---  AMEX REFERRED TO DT ARTICLE III OP 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 tvhich the goods have
"been placed in the ship 's hold at the port of shipment .
 The recipient country shall bear all c6sts subsequent to delivery of the goods
 including costs of stowage , and where appropriate , of trimming and bagging.
Any demurrage costs or any dispatch money 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 arrangement's
applying thereto laid down in the contract between the recipient country
and the carrier must have been agreed upon in advance by- the recipient
country and the authorized agent of the European Economic Community
referred to in Article 9#
                                   ··"··*·'·■··  ' · ' 1Λ
                                 : . . Artide ,2 ,:. f
The European Economic Community shall notify the recipient country in . good
time of the" port or ports of shipment ^ the quantities to be delivered at each
port , the period within which 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 information referred to in Artiole 8, on which the vessel
should be ready for loading.              -r ■ ■                        J ""
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 2 -
                                    Article 4
 On delivery a tolerance of 5% less - than the quantity to "be supplied under
 Article I 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.
                                    Article 6
 The recipient country shall , within the period referred to in Article 2 ,
 procure for the European Economic. Community 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 latest
"by the date on which the vessel should be ready for loading in accordance with
the conditions in Article 8 , the goods may be disposed of by 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 entirety 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 .
                                                                         /•
 ---pagebreak--- In this event , until the date of loading of this balance or until the date
on which the recipient country gives notice in writing that it renounces
this balance , the goods shall "be held at the expense , risk and peril of the
recipient Country .
The recipient country must inform the European Economic Community, within
a maximum period of 30 clear days from the day on which loading of the
shipment with which these goods should have been loaded began , 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 I of the Agreement .
                                    Article 8
The recipient country 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 port or , wherever possible , 20
clear days prior to this date , and shall at the same time indicate how soon after
that date the vessel will be ready for loading.
The recipient country shall insert in the charter-party a clause requiring
the captain to inform the European Economic Community at least 12 hours in
advance of the vessel 's estimated date of arrival in the port of shipment .
                                    Article 9
To implement the provisions of this Annex, the European Economic Community
shall appoint an authorized agent , whose name and address shall be made known
in good time to the reoipient 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.


title: RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION TO NEGOTIATE AN INTERIM TRADE AGREEMENT WITH ZIMBABWE (presented by the Commission to the Council)

text:
ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (80) 642
Vol. 1980/0205
 ---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(80)642 final
                                              Brussels , 23rd October 1980
                   RECOMMENDATION FOR A ^OUNCIL DECISION '/A
                  AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION Vo NEGOTIATE
                  AN INTERIM TRADE AGREEMENT. WITH ZIMBABWE r:J
                                        v        V-; ^
               (presented by the Commission to the Council )
 COM ( 80 ) 642 final
 ---pagebreak---   Ccri.x.iseion Communication to the Council
 The negotiations between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Community Lavs
 now been completed, and the agreement for the accession of Zimbabwe to
 the second ACP–EEC Convention signed in Lom6 on 31 October 1979 has "beer>
 initialled by the contracting parties .
 As this agreement ( and also the agreement on products within the province
 of the European Coal and Steel Community) cannot enter into force until
 it has been ratified by the signatory states in accordance with their
 respective constitutional requirements , the Commission considers it
 politically desirable to grant Zimbabwe interim trade arrangements which
 will apply from 1 January 1981 (when the trade arrangements similar to
 those of the OCT will no longer be in effect and J.t will not be possible ,
 for obvious reasons , to extend them) until the date of actual application
 of the accession agreement .
 The Commission proposal is that interim contractual trade arrangements be
 made for Zimbabwe .
 These arrangements would comprise , in substance , the provisions on trade
"contained in the second ACP-EEC Convention , signed in Loml on 31 October
 1979 . \                                                     :
 The adoption of these provisions would amount to according Zimbabwe trade
 treatment similar to that enjoyed at present by the ACP States , to which
 the relevant trade provisions in the Convention will apply as -soon as it
 enters into force .
 Consequently , the Commission recommends that the Council adopt the decision
 attached hereto .                  v
 ---pagebreak---                      Recommendation for a
                      COUNCIL DECISION ( EEC)
authorizing the Commission to negotiate an interim trade agreement with
Zimbabwe                                                         ^
THE COUNCIL OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES .
 living 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 agreement on the accession of Zimbabwe to the second
ACP-EEC Convention of LomS was signed on                               j
Whereas the said agreement can enter into force only after ratification
and whereas , consequently , interim arrangements should be made for trade
between Zimbabwe and the Community,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :
                                   Sole Article
The Commission is hereby authorized to negotiate an interim agreement >
between the European Economic Community and Zimbabwe in order to establish
the trade arrangements applicable             as from 1 January 1981 .
The Commission shall conduct the negotiations in consultation with a
 committee composed of representatives of the Member States , in accordance
with the directives annexed hereto .
                                   Done at Brussels ,
                          9              . •       .      .               'L
                               ' '    y      : <*       •                " *
                                   For the Council
                                   The President
 ---pagebreak---                                                       ANNEX
                          '  DIRECTIVES
The interim agreement must provide for trade arrangements between the
European Economic Community and Zimbabwe , to be applicable as from
1 January 1981 and identical to those contained in the second ACP-EEC
Convention , signed at Loml on 31 October 1979 *


                             RESTREINT UE
                      EUROPEAN
                     COMMISSION
                                               Bussels, 30.7.3014
                                              GOM(2014) 493 fimi
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   aulhxisiqg the Gbnrrission to o|£n negotiations (nanípeeiieit between tihe
            Ищкап Union aod tihe RepuHie ofUnisia on ivutkiission
                                                            DECLASSIFIED PART
                                                            on    3 0 JAN 2015
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                 ОП 3 0 JÂN 2015
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                 DECLĀ!
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    RESTREINT UE
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    RESTREINT UE
 ---pagebreak---                                    RESTREINT UE
                                    Recommendation for a
                                   COUNCIL DECISION
     authorising the Commission to open negotiations on an agreement between the
               European Union and the Republic of Tunisia on readmission
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular
Article 218(3) and (4) thereof,
Having regard to the recommendation from the European Commission,
Whereas negotiations should be opened with a view to concluding an agreement with Tunisia
on Readmission
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
                                            Article 1
The Commission is hereby authorised to negotiate, on behalf of the Union, an international
agreement on readmission between the European Union and Tunisia.
                                             Article 2
The negotiating directives are set out in the Annex.
                                             Article 3
The negotiations shall be conducted in consultation with the Working Party on Integration,
Migration and Expulsion.
                                             Article 4
This Decision is addressed to the Commission.
Done at Brussels,
                                               For the Council
                                               The President
                                                               DECLASSIFIED PART
                                                               on    3 0 JAN 2015
                                     RESTREINT UE
 ---documentbreak--- ANNEX to COM(2014)493 final remains RESTREINT UE
                  (not declassified)


RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION TO OPEN NEGOTIATIONS AND CONSULTATIONS UNDER THE GATT CONCERNING THE AMENDMENT OF THE TARIFF CONCESSION ON SOUND REPRODUCERS


title: Recommendation for a Council Decision approving on behalf of the European Economic Community the Fifth International Tin Agreement (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

text:
ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (78) 676
Vol. 1978/0259
 ---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(78 ) 676 final .
                                             Brussels / 7 December 1978
                        t
                         , y  Recommendation for a
                                Council Decision
       approving on behalf of the ^European Economic Community the Fifth
                           International Tin Agreement
                 ( submitted to the Council by the Commission )
C0MC78 ) 676 final
 ---pagebreak---               Recommendation from the Commission to the Council
                                          1
         According to the Council Decision of 29 April 1976 , the Community
has signed on that same date the Fifth International Tin Agreement .
         Following the Decision of the Council of 21 June 1976 ( l ), the
Community has deposited on 30 Juni 1976 with the Secretary–General of the
United Nations Organization a notification stating that the Community
intends to approve the Agreement and that the Community will consider
itself provisionally a party to the Agreement when it enters into force
provisionally. The Agreement has entered into force provisionally on
1 July 1976 ( 2 ) and definitively on 14 July 1977 *
         All Member States of the Community have now deposited their instru
ments of ratification, approval or acceptance . The d§lay for depositing
such instruments expires on 31 December 1978 *
         Therefore the Commission recommends to the Council to approve the
Fifth International Tin Agreement on behalf of the European Economic
Community, and to deposit the instrument of its approval with the
Secretary-General of the United Nations Organization.
 ( 1 ) O.J. No L 222 , 14.8.1976» P - 1 » with in the Annex the text of the
       Agreement .                                             1
 ( 2 ) O.J. No L 288, 20.10.1976 .
 ---pagebreak---                                Recommendation for a
                                   Council Decision
       approving on behalf of the European Economic Community the Fifth
                          International Tin 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 Fifth International Tin Agreement was signed on "behalf of the
  Community on 29 April 1976 , subject to its approval ;
  Whereas in accordance with the Council Decision of 21 June 197$ ( 1 ) the
  Community participates provisionally in that Agreement under the terms
  of Article 50 thereof ;                                             1 .
                                        I
  Whereas the Agreement        entered into force provisionally on 1 July 1976
  and definitively on 14 June 1977 ?
  Whereas the Community must now approve the Fifth International Tin
  Agreement jj n accordance with Article 48 thereof ,
  HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :
                                                                   1
         4
                                      Article 1
  The Fifth International Tin Agreement is hereby approved on behalf of the
  European Economic Community, The text of this Agreement is attached to the
  Council Decision of 21 June 1976 on the provisional application of the
  Fifth International Tin Agreement ( l ).
                                      Article 2      .  -
  The President of the Council       is     authorized to designate the person
  empowered to deposit the instrument of approval .
                                                Done at Brussels ,
                                                For the Council
  ( 1 ) O.J. No L 222,' 14i8.19?6 , p. 1 .
                                                                            f


RECOMMENDATION FOR A COUNCIL DECISION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION TO OPEN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON COMPETITIVE ACCESS TO SHIPPING TRADES