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Article 228

1 . Where this Treaty provides for the conclusion of agreements between the Community and one or more States or an international organisation , such agreements shall be negotiated by the Commission . Subject to the powers vested in the Commission in this field , such agreements shall be concluded by the Council , after consulting the Assembly where required by this Treaty .

The Council , the Commission or a Member State may obtain beforehand the opinion of the Court of Justice as to whether an agreement envisaged is compatible with the provisions of this Treaty . Where the opinion of the Court of Justice is adverse , the agreement may enter into force only in accordance with Article 236 .

2 . Agreements concluded under these conditions shall be binding on the institutions of the Community and on Member States .