22.3.2001 Official Journal of the European Communities L 82/21 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 12 March 2001 concerning the participation of the Community in the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (2001/221/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 133 thereof, Having regard to the proposal of the Commission, Whereas: (1)  The Terms of Reference of the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) were adopted at the Inaugural Meeting for Lead and Zinc, under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, in New York in May 1959. (2)  The ILZSG operates independently as an autonomous United Nations-affiliated intergovernmental organisation that provides its members with: (a) accurate and timely information on world markets of lead and zinc; and (b) regular intergovernmental consultations on inter- national trade in lead and zinc and any other related issue important to member countries. (3)  The work of ILZSG is carried out largely by its six committees, Standing, Statistical and Forecasting, Mine and Smelter Projects, Recycling, International Economic and Environment. In addition, an Industry Advisory Panel, consisting of senior experts from the lead and zinc industry of member countries is chaired by the Chairman of the Study Group. The Panel provides advice to Study Group members and is open for consultation. (4)  ILZSG is recognised as an international commodity body by the United Nations Common Fund for Commodities, which entitles ILZSG to apply for funding for develop- ment projects from the Common Fund. (5)  Governments and Contracting Parties of the WTO/GATT have been asked to notify the United Nations Secretary- General of their acceptance of the Terms of Reference and the Rules of Procedure in accordance with ILZSG Rule of Procedure 1. (6)  The financing of ILZSG comes from Member Govern- ments. Contributions are calculated by dividing one half of the budget equally among member countries and the other half is allocated in proportion to the amount of total trade in lead and zinc of each country. (7)  Several Member States of the Community already participate in the work of ILZSG, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Terms of Reference and the Rules of Procedure of the International Lead and Zinc Study Group are hereby accepted by the Community. The Community shall lodge its instrument of acceptance with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The texts of the Terms of Reference and the Rules of Procedure are annexed to this Decision. Article 2 The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the persons empowered to lodge the instruments of acceptance on behalf of the Community. Done at Brussels, 12 March 2001. For the Council The President B. RINGHOLM