(Consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft Council decision (14384/2015),

–  having regard to the draft Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products to the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (15044/2013),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Articles 33, 113, 114, 207 and Article 218(6) second subparagraph, point (a), and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0118/2016),

–  having regard to Rule 99(1), first and third subparagraphs, Rule 99(2), and Rule 108(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A8-0154/2016),

1.  Gives its consent to conclusion of the protocol;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and to the World Health Organisation.