(Assent procedure)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2008)0439),

–   having regard to the stepping stone Economic Partnership Agreement between Côte d'Ivoire, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part (5535/2009),

–   having regard to the request for assent submitted by the Council pursuant to Articles 133 and 181 in conjunction with the second subparagraph of Article 300(3) of the EC Treaty (C6-0064/2009),

–   having regard to Rules 75 and 83(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A6-0144/2009),

1.  Gives its assent to the conclusion of the agreement;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and Côte d'Ivoire.