Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas the Community and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) have undertaken to adopt procedures for the early application of certain provisions of the Interregional Framework Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Southern Common Market and its Party States, of the other part, which deal with trade cooperation between the Parties and the institutional framework for such cooperation;

Whereas the provisional application of the provisions in question will contribute to facilitating and promoting closer trade relations between the Community and Mercosur, pending the completion of the procedures required to bring the Agreement into force,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: