EU accession to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)

The European Parliament adopted by 617 votes to 57, with 5 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the accession of the European Union to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

The European Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

As a reminder, the ICAC assists governments in promoting a sound and better informed world cotton economy by improving transparency in world cotton market, raising awareness for new challenges or problems, fostering international cooperation, gathering statistical data, providing technical information and forecasts.

Convinced that it is in the best interests of the EU as a whole to accede to the ICAC, Parliament gave its support EU accession to this International Body in order to give the Union an active role within the ICAC.

Parliament highlighted the issue of sustainability in the global cotton value chain in its resolution of 14 March 2013 and called on the Commission for enhanced market transparency measures to react to any possible cotton export restrictions or other actions leading to excessive price volatility and to ensure that the voices of European cotton growers, ginners, traders and researchers are heard.