COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2023/991

of 15 May 2023

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the International Grains Council with regard to the extension of the Grains Trade Convention, 1995

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) The Grains Trade Convention, 1995 (the ‘Convention’) was concluded by the Union by means of Council Decision 96/88/EC (1) and entered into force on 1 July 1995. The Convention was concluded for a period of three years.

(2) Pursuant to Article 33 of the Convention, the International Grains Council may extend the Convention for successive periods not exceeding two years on each occasion. Since its conclusion, the Convention has regularly been extended for further periods of two years. The Convention was last extended by decision of the International Grains Council on 7 June 2021 and remains in force until 30 June 2023.

(3) During its 58th session to be held on 14 June 2023, the International Grains Council is to decide on the extension of the Convention for a further period of up to two years, from 1 July 2023.

(4) The Union is a major cereals producer. It is also a leading exporter of wheat and barley, and the largest importer of maize in the world. The Union has always been an active member of the International Grains Council, which plays an important role in stabilising world grain markets and enhancing food security. Therefore, the extension of the Convention would be in the interest of the Union.

(5) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf at the 58th session of the International Grains Council with regard to the extension of the Convention, as the envisaged decision will have legal effects for the Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf at the 58th session of the International Grains Council shall be to vote in favour of the extension of the Grains Trade Convention, 1995, for a further period of up to two years from 1 July 2023.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 15 May 2023.

For the Council

The President

J. FORSSMED

(1)  Council Decision 96/88/EC of 19 December 1995 concerning the approval by the European Community of the Grains Trade Convention and the Food Aid Convention, constituting the International Grains Agreement 1995 (

OJ L 21, 27.1.1996, p. 47

).