Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2015)410 - Possible relocation of the ICCO headquarter from London to Abidjan - Main contents
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| dossier | COM(2015)410 - Possible relocation of the ICCO headquarter from London to Abidjan. |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2015)410  |
| date | 28-08-2015 |
1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL
• Reasons for and objectives of the proposal
The Council of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) decided in May 2002 to move its headquarters from London to Abidjan in Cote d'Ivoire with effect from 1 January 2003. Due to the security situation in Cote d'Ivoire, the implementation of the relocation to Abidjan was several times postponed, the last time in March 2012 when the Council of ICCO agreed to make a final decision at its September 2015 session.
With the current decision, the European Union will adopt its position to be taken in the 92nd regular session of the ICCO Council in September 2015 (or any extraordinary session after September until the end of 2015) regarding the relocation of ICCO headquarter from London to Abidjan.
2. LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY
• Legal basis
With Council Decision 2012/189/EU of 26 March 2012 (OJ L 102, 12.4.2012, p.
1) the European Union approved the International Cocoa Agreement on behalf of the Union.
With Council Conclusion of 13 March 2012, the European Union adopted its position to be taken in the 85th session of the ICCO Council (March 2012) regarding the relocation of ICCO headquarter to Abidjan.
3. RESULTS OF EX-POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
• Stakeholder consultations
The contents of this decision were discussed in the Council Working Party on Commodities at a number of meetings in 2015.
• Impact assessment
Since 2002, no other country than Cote d'Ivoire has offered to host the ICCO. As Cote d'Ivoire is the biggest cocoa producer, a relocation of ICCO's headquarters from London to Abidjan is appropriate, if the local conditions allow it.
4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS
Cote d'Ivoire has indicated to take over the relocation costs necessary which have been assessed at 1,949,944£.
The annual administrative budgets of ICCO after relocation to Abidjan would be more or less comparable to the budgets in London.
5. OTHER ELEMENTS
• Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements
A decision to move ICCO headquarters from London to Abidjan should be taken in September 2015 or at least not later than end of 2015.
The relocation itself should take place in September 2016 and not later than March 2017.