Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Food Assistance Convention

The Food Aid Convention (FAC 1999) is a multilateral agreement which came originally into effect in the 1960s as an instrument for a coordinated and acceptable disposal of agricultural surpluses from developed countries to developing countries in need. The FAC 1999 was initially to remain in force until 30 June 2002 and has been extended five times, with the latest extension running until 30 June 2012.

On 14 December 2010, the Parties to the FAC 1999 - the USA, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Australia and the EU - agreed to negotiate a new convention that would aim at providing appropriate and effective food assistance to vulnerable populations, based on identified needs. On the basis of the recommendation submitted by the Commission to the Council, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations for a new Food Assistance Convention. On 25 April 2012 the negotiations were successfully completed.

The Food Assistance Convention (FAC 2012) reflects a modernised approach to food assistance. It aims at responding to food and nutrition needs of vulnerable populations in an effective and efficient manner, going beyond the mere provision of food aid, in keeping with the EU's Humanitarian Food Assistance Policy. Other key elements are improved access to and consumption of adequate, safe and nutritious food on the basis of proper needs analysis, an approach based on (humanitarian) principles and full respect for WTO obligations.

EUR-Lex: COM(2012)378: Follow the progress of this document through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2012:378:FIN

European Commission: COM(2012)379: Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the Food Assistance Convention http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52012PC0379:EN:NOT

ESO: Background information: Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the Food Assistance Convention http://www.europeansources.info/record/proposal-for-a-council-decision-on-the-signing-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-of-the-food-assistance-convention/

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