title: Commission Recommendation of 17 August 2006 on the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal products   (Text with EEA relevance)

text:
               29.8.2006

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 234/35

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION

   of 17 August 2006
   on the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal products
   (Text with EEA relevance)
   (2006/583/EC)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the second indent of Article 211 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               In accordance with Council Directive 93/5/EEC of 25 February 1993 on assistance to the Commission and cooperation by the Member States in the scientific examination of questions relating to food (1), Scientific Cooperation (SCOOP) Task 3.2.10 ‘Collection of occurrence data of Fusarium toxins in food and assessment of dietary intake by the population of EU Member States’ (2) was completed in September 2003.
               The results of that task demonstrate that Fusarium toxins are widely distributed in the food chain within the Community. The major sources of dietary intake of Fusarium toxins are products made from cereals, in particular wheat and maize. While the dietary intakes of Fusarium toxins for the entire population and adults are often less than the respective tolerable daily intakes (TDI), for risk groups like infants and young children, they are close to or even exceed the TDI in some cases.

               (2)

               In particular for deoxynivalenol, the dietary intake for young children and adolescents is close to the TDI. For zearalenone, attention should be paid to population groups not identified in the task, which might have a regularly high consumption of products with a high incidence of zearalenone contamination. For fumonisins, monitoring results for the 2003 harvest indicate that maize and maize products can be very highly contaminated by fumonisins.

               (3)

               Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 of 8 March 2001 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs (3) establishes maximum levels for deoxynivalenol and zearalenone and, from the year 2007 onwards, requires, maximum levels to be set for fumonisins and T-2 and HT-2 toxins in cereals and cereal products.

               (4)

               The maximum levels set for Fusarium toxins in cereal and cereal products take into account the toxicological evaluation, the outcome of the exposure assessment and the feasibility of achieving such levels. However, it is recognised that all efforts should be made to further reduce the presence of these Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal products.

               (5)

               As regards feed, Commission Recommendation 2006/576/EC of 17 August 2006 on the presence of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 and HT-2 toxin and fumonisins in products intended for animal feeding (4) recommends increased monitoring for the presence of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal products intended for animal feeding and in compound feed and provides guidance values to be used in assessing the acceptability of compound feed and cereals and cereal products for animal feeding.

               (6)

               The presence of Fusarium toxins in products for animal feed can result in toxic effects in all animal species, affecting animal health, although the susceptibility varies considerably amongst animal species. In order to protect animal health and to avoid adverse effects on livestock production, it is also important to prevent and reduce as far as possible the presence of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal products for animal feeding.

               (7)

               The cereal chain should therefore be encouraged to adopt good practices to prevent and reduce Fusarium toxin contamination and this should be achieved through application of the principles applied uniformly across the Community. The full implementation of the principles as set out in this Recommendation should result in a further reduction in contamination levels.

               (8)

               These principles take into account the ‘Code of Practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination in cereals, including annexes on ochratoxin A, zearalenone, fumonisins and trichothecenes (CAC/RCP 51-2003)’ adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 2003,

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS:
   That the Member States should take into account the uniform principles set out in the Annex when adopting measures directed at operators in the cereal chain in order to control and manage contamination of cereals by Fusarium toxins.

      Done at Brussels, 17 August 2006.

            For the Commission

         Markos KYPRIANOU

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 52, 4.3.1993, p. 18. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

      (2)  Report available on the Commission's website (DG Health and Consumer Protection) at http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/scoop/task3210.pdf

      (3)  OJ L 77, 16.3.2001, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 199/2006 (OJ L 32, 4.2.2006, p. 34).

      (4)  OJ L 229, 23.8.2006, p. 7.

      ANNEX
      PRINCIPLES FOR THE PREVENTION AND REDUCTION OF FUSARIUM TOXIN CONTAMINATION IN CEREALS
      INTRODUCTION

                  1.

                  Many species of Fusarium fungi, which are common in soil, can produce a number of different mycotoxins including the trichothecenes such as deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), T-2 and HT-2 toxins and some other toxins such as zearalenone and fumonisins B1 and B2. Fusarium fungi are commonly found on cereals grown in the temperate regions of America, Europe and Asia. Several of the toxin-producing Fusarium fungi are capable of producing two or more of these toxins to a varying degree.

                  2.

                  While the complete elimination of mycotoxin-contaminated commodities is not achievable at this time, the aim is to minimise the occurrence of these toxins through good agricultural practice. The present principles for the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins aim to provide uniform guidance for all Member States to consider when attempting to control and manage contamination by these mycotoxins. In order for these principles to be effective, producers in each Member State need to consider these general principles in the light of their local crops, climate, and agronomic practices before attempting to apply them. It is important for producers to realise that good agricultural practices (GAP) represent the primary line of defence in controlling the contamination of cereals by Fusarium toxins, followed by the implementation of good manufacturing practices (GMP) during the handling, storage, processing, and distribution of cereals for human food and animal feed. In drawing up national codes of practice based on the general principles and producing specific codes of practice for individual cereal species will improve applicability, particularly for crops such as maize.

                  3.

                  These principles describe factors that can lead to fungal infection, growth and toxin production in cereal crops at farm level and the methods for their control. It must be emphasised that the planting, pre-harvest and post-harvest strategies for a particular crop will depend on the prevailing climatic conditions, taking into account the local crops and current production practices for that particular country or region. Therefore, all those involved in the supply chain should regularly carry out their own risk assessment to decide the extent of the measures to be taken to prevent or minimise contamination by Fusarium toxins.
                  Such assessments are particularly appropriate in relation to the type of crop to be grown, such as wheat or maize. The routes of infection and dynamics of toxin formation differ from crop to crop and are affected by agronomic factors. Cropping systems in which maize forms part of the rotation carry a high risk. Wheat and other cereals grown in these rotations or in close proximity to crops such as maize also need careful management and inspection.

                  4.

                  The contamination of cereals by Fusarium toxins can be due to multiple factors. Good practices cannot control all such factors, for example weather conditions. Moreover, not all factors are of equal importance, and there may also be interactions among these different factors resulting in Fusarium toxin contamination. It is therefore important to adopt an integrated approach addressing all possible risk factors in a reasoned way. In particular, the accumulation of various risk factors has to be avoided, given the possible interactions amongst them.
                  It is also of major importance that experiences gained from previous years with the prevention and formation of Fusarium fungi and toxins are reported so that they can be used in determining the measures to be taken to prevent Fusarium formation in the following years.
                  Procedures should be in place to properly handle, through segregation, reconditioning, recall or redirection of use, cereal crops that may pose a threat to human and/or animal health.

                  5.

                  The principles set out below address the key factors for the control of Fusarium toxin contamination in the field. The most important are: crop rotation, soil management, choice of variety or hybrid and correct fungicide use.

            RISK FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (GAP)
      CROP ROTATION

                  6.

                  Crop rotation is generally an effective way of reducing the risk of contamination depending on the fungal strain and crop variety. It is very effective in reducing contamination for winter cereals in particular. Crops other than grass which are not hosts to Fusarium species that affect cereals, such as potatoes, sugar beet, clover, alfalfa or vegetables, should be used in rotation to reduce the inoculum in the field. The planting of consecutive crops of small grain cereals, such as wheat, should only be considered after an assessment of the risks of Fusarium infection has been undertaken.
                  The significant interaction found between the previous crop and soil management has indicated the importance of host crop debris in the life-cycle of Fusarium head blight pathogens. When wheat crops were grown following a crop, which is susceptible to Fusarium spp. such as maize or cereals, levels of DON were higher. Particularly high DON concentrations were found where maize was the previous crop, since it is an alternative host for Fusarium graminearum, which is known to be a potent DON producer. However, DON levels were significantly lower in wheat crops following a Fusarium susceptible crop where ploughing was practised, in comparison to wheat crops following a susceptible crop but with minimum cultivation.

            CHOICE OF VARIETY/HYBRID

                  7.

                  Choose the hybrids or varieties most suitable for the soil and climatic conditions and the agronomic practices normally used. This will reduce plant stress, making the crop less susceptible to fungal infection. Only varieties recommended for use in a Member State or particular area within a Member State should be planted in that particular area. Where they are available, grow seed varieties developed for resistance to seed-infecting fungi and insect pests. The choice of variety for its tolerance to Fusarium infection should also be based on the infection risk.

            CROP PLANNING

                  8.

                  As far as practical, cropping should be planned to avoid climatic conditions that extend ripening in the field before harvest. Drought stress also has to be considered as a risk factor for Fusarium infection.

                  9.

                  Avoid overcrowding of plants by maintaining the recommended row and intra-plant spacing for the species/varieties grown. Information on plant spacing may be provided by seed companies.

            SOIL AND CROP MANAGEMENT

                  10.

                  Cultivation must pay due regard to the risks of erosion and to good land management. Any practice resulting in the removal, destruction or burial of infected crop residues, such as ploughing, is likely to reduce the Fusarium inoculum for the following crop. The soil should be cultivated to leave a rough surface or coarse seed bed to encourage the infiltration of water and minimise the risk of erosion of soil and associated nutrients. If ploughing is being considered, the optimum time for it in the rotation would be between two Fusarium susceptible crops. Please also refer to point 7.

                  11.

                  Whenever possible and practical, prepare the seed bed for each new crop by ploughing under or removing old seed heads, stalks, and other harvest residues that may have served, or may potentially serve, as substrates for the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi. In areas that are vulnerable to erosion, conservation tillage practices may be required in the interest of soil conservation. In the latter case, particular attention needs to be paid to the management of harvest residues that could be the source of possible contamination of the following crop by Fusarium fungi: these harvest residues should be ground as finely as possible during or following the harvest of the preceding crop and incorporated into the soil so as to facilitate their decomposition (mulching).

                  12.

                  Plant stress should be avoided where possible. Stress can be caused by many factors, including drought, cold, nutrient deficiencies and adverse reaction to materials applied to the crop. In taking steps to avoid plant stress, for example the use of irrigation, steps should be taken to minimise the subsequent risk of fungal infection, e.g. by avoiding spray irrigation during anthesis. Irrigation is a valuable method of reducing plant stress in some growing situations. An optimised nutrient supply is essential to avoid weakness, which can promote Fusarium infection, but also to decrease lodging. An area- and plant-specific nutrient supply must be maintained.

                  13.

                  There is no evidence that insect control has any effect on Fusarium head blight of cereals in general. However, the control of insects on maize can reduce the incidence of Fusarium ear rot and the resulting fumonisin content of maize. Fungicide seed treatments are effective against many seed-borne and soil-borne seedling blights and seed rots. Preventive measures should be used as far as possible to minimise fungal infection and insect damage to the crop and, if necessary, approved and registered insecticides and fungicides to control toxigenic Fusarium fungi can be used as recommended by the manufacturers. Where the use of pesticides is inappropriate, other appropriate practices should be used within an integrated or organic pest management programme. It should be stressed that the timely application of fungicide is crucial to control fungal infestation and should be based on meteorological information and/or crop surveys. Infection commonly occurs at flowering, which means that mycotoxins can be produced. If fungal infection and mycotoxins are subsequently found in the crop, then handling, mixing and use of the grain needs to reflect this.

                  14.

                     Fusarium species have been isolated from a wide range of grasses and broad-leaved weed species and a high weed density has been shown to result in increased infection by Fusarium. Weeds in the crop should be controlled by mechanical methods or by the use of registered herbicides or other safe and suitable weed eradication practices.

                  15.

                  There are data to indicate that lodging has a significant effect on Fusarium toxin levels in the grain. Therefore, lodged grain should be avoided at harvest, especially if it is wet and the first signs of sprouting are visible. Avoid the lodging of crops by adjusting seed rates, the rational use of fertilizers and the application of plant growth regulators where appropriate. Excessive stem shortening is to be avoided.

            HARVESTING

                  16.

                  If possible, identify high risk situations using weather and disease monitoring services. Assess the quality of the grain before harvest, taking into account the limitations of representative sampling and quick analysis on site. Where possible, segregate parcels of grain, such as lodged grain, that are known or suspected to have high levels of Fusarium infection. If practicable, segregate grain on the basis of both market quality requirements, such as for bread making or for animal feed, and ex-field quality such as lodged, damp, clean or dry.

                  17.

                  Whenever possible, harvest grain at the appropriate moisture content. Delayed harvesting of grain already infected by Fusarium species may cause a significant increase in the mycotoxin content of the crop. Ensure that procedures such as the timely availability of crop-drying resources are in place in case the crop cannot be harvested at the ideal moisture content.

                  18.

                  Before harvest time, make sure that all equipment and facilities to be used for the harvesting and storage of crops are functional. A breakdown during this critical period may cause grain quality losses and enhance mycotoxin formation. Keep important spare parts available on the farm to minimise time lost due to repairs. Make sure that the equipment needed for moisture content measurements is available and calibrated.

                  19.

                  As far as possible, avoid mechanical damage to the grain and avoid contact with soil during harvesting. Small, shrivelled grain may contain higher amounts of mycotoxins than healthy normal grain. Removal of shrivelled grain by correct setting of the combine or cleaning after harvest to remove damaged kernels and other foreign matter may help reduce mycotoxin levels. While some seed cleaning procedures, such as gravity tables, may remove some infected kernels, kernels with symptomless infections cannot be removed by standard cleaning methods.

            DRYING

                  20.

                  Either at harvest or immediately afterwards, determine the moisture levels of the crop. Samples taken for moisture measurements should be as representative as possible. If necessary, dry the crop as soon as possible to the moisture content recommended for the storage of that crop. When harvesting wet grains that have to be dried, as is the case with maize in particular, the period between harvesting and drying should be minimised. In such cases, therefore, the harvest has to be planned according to the capacity of the dryers.

                  21.

                  Cereals should be dried in such a manner that moisture levels are lower than those required to support mould growth during storage. A water activity of less than 0,65 corresponds generally to a moisture content of less than 15 %. More specific guidance on moisture levels should be provided in national codes, taking into account local storage conditions. This is necessary to prevent the growth of a number of fungal species that may be present on fresh grains.

                  22.

                  Where damp cereals need to be stored before drying, there is a risk of mould growth within a few days, which may be accompanied by heating. Cereals should be dried in such a manner that damage to the grain is minimised. The time period that wet, freshly harvested grain is kept piled or heaped prior to drying or cleaning should be as brief as possible to lessen the risk of fungal growth. Aerate wet grain to avoid overheating prior to drying. Where practical, cereal lots with different risks of contamination should not be mixed.

                  23.

                  To reduce the variation of moisture content within a lot, the grain may be moved to another facility, or silo, after drying.

            STORAGE

                  24.

                  For bagged commodities, ensure that bags are clean, dry and stacked on pallets or incorporate a water-impermeable layer between the bags and the floor.

                  25.

                  Where possible, aerate the grain by circulation of air through the storage area to maintain proper and uniform temperature levels throughout the storage area. Check moisture content and temperature of the stored grain at regular intervals during the storage period. Odour can indicate that grain is heating, particularly if the store is enclosed.

                  26.

                  Measure the temperature of the stored grain at several fixed time intervals during storage. A temperature rise may indicate microbial growth and/or insect infestation. Separate the apparently infected portions of the grain and send samples for analysis. After separation, lower the temperature in the remaining grain and aerate. Avoid using infected grain for food or feed production.

                  27.

                  Use good housekeeping procedures to minimise the presence of insects and fungi in storage facilities. This may include the use of suitable, registered insecticides and fungicides or appropriate alternative methods. Care should be taken to select only those chemicals that will not interfere or cause harm, depending on the intended end use of the grain, and should be strictly limited.

                  28.

                  The use of a suitable, approved preservative, for example an organic acid such as propionic acid, may be beneficial for cereals intended for feedstuffs. Propionic acid and its salts are fungistatic and are sometimes used for preserving damp grain on-farm after harvest to avoid heating and moulding prior to treatment. They should be applied promptly with appropriate application equipment to provide even coverage of the whole batch of grain being treated while ensuring good operator safety. If the grain has been treated after a period of damp storage, the use of a preservative is not a guarantee of uncontaminated grain.

            TRANSPORT FROM STORAGE

                  29.

                  Transport containers should be dry and free of visible fungal growth, insects and any contaminated material. As necessary, transport containers should be cleaned and disinfected before use and re-use and be suitable for the intended cargo. Registered fumigants or insecticides may be useful here. Upon unloading, the transport container should be emptied of all cargo and cleaned as appropriate.

                  30.

                  Shipments of grain should be protected from additional moisture by using covered or airtight containers or tarpaulins. Avoid temperature fluctuations and any actions that may cause condensation to form on the grain, which could lead to local moisture build-up with subsequent fungal growth and mycotoxin formation.

                  31.

                  Avoid insect, bird and rodent infestation during transport by the use of insect- and rodent-proof containers and other appropriate methods and, if necessary, by applying insect- and rodent-repellent chemical treatments if they are approved for the intended end use of the grain.


				|

		52012PC0274

			Recommendation for a COUNCIL DECISION abrogating Decision 2010/285/EU on the existence of an excessive deficit in Germany /* COM/2012/0274 final */

			   	Recommendation for a
COUNCIL DECISION
abrogating Decision 2010/285/EU on the
existence of an excessive deficit in Germany
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
and in particular Article 126(12) thereof,
Having regard to the recommendation from
the Commission,
Whereas:
(1)       By Council Decision 2010/285/EU
of 2 December 2009[1],
following a proposal from the Commission in accordance with Article 126(6)
of the Treaty, it was decided that an excessive deficit existed in Germany. The
Council noted that the general government deficit planned for 2009 was 3.7% of
GDP, thus above the 3% of GDP Treaty reference value, while the general
government gross debt was planned to reach 74.2% of GDP in 2009, thus above the
60% of GDP Treaty reference value[2].

(2)       On 2 December 2009, in
accordance with Article 126(7) of the Treaty and Article 3(4) of Council Regulation
(EC) No 1467/97 of 7 July 1997 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation
of the excessive deficit procedure[3],
the Council, based on a recommendation from the Commission, addressed a
recommendation to Germany with a view to bringing the excessive deficit
situation to an end by 2013 at the latest. The recommendation was made public.
(3)       In accordance with Article
4 of the Protocol on the excessive deficit procedure annexed to the Treaties,
the Commission provides the data for the implementation of the procedure. As
part of the application of this Protocol, Member States are to notify data on
government deficits and debt and other associated variables twice a year,
namely before 1 April and before 1 October, in accordance with Article 3 of
Council Regulation (EC) No 479/2009 of 25 May 2009 on the application of the
Protocol on the excessive deficit procedure annexed to the Treaty establishing
the European Community[4].

(4)       When considering whether a
decision on the existence of an excessive deficit should be abrogated, the
Council should take a decision on the basis of notified data. Moreover, a
decision on the existence of an excessive deficit should be abrogated only if
the Commission forecasts indicate that the deficit will not exceed the 3% of
GDP threshold over the forecast horizon[5].
(5)       Based on data provided by
the Commission (Eurostat) in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 479/2009
following the notification by Germany before 1 April 2012 and on the
Commission services’ 2012 spring forecast, the following conclusions are
warranted:
–
Having stood at 3.2% of GDP in 2009 and 4.3% of
GDP in 2010, the general government deficit in Germany has been brought down to
1% of GDP in 2011, thus below the 3% reference value, two years ahead of the
deadline set by the Council. This improvement was driven by favourable cyclical
conditions, the robust labour market, the phasing-out of stimulus measures,
fiscal consolidation efforts and the fading-out of the one-off impact of
financial sector stabilisation measures on the deficit in the previous year.
–
The German 2012 stability programme plans the
deficit to remain at 1% of GDP in 2012 and to drop to ½% of GDP in 2013, which is
broadly in line with the Commission services' forecast of a deficit of 0.9% of
GDP in 2012 and 0.7% of GDP in 2013. Thus, the deficit is set to remain well below
the reference value of 3% of GDP. In addition, according to the Commission
services' forecast, the cyclically-adjusted budget deficit, net of one-off and
other temporary measures, will be 0.4% of GDP in 2012 and 0.3% of GDP in 2013. Meanwhile,
the growth rate of government expenditure net of discretionary revenue measures
is forecast to exceed the expenditure benchmark as specified in Article 5(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of
7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and
the surveillance and coordination of economic policies in 2012, while
respecting it in 2013.
–
The debt-to-GDP ratio surged by 8.6 percentage
points to 83.0% in 2010, notably due to the transfer of impaired assets to
"bad banks" in the context of financial sector stabilisation. After having
dropped to 81.2% of GDP in 2011, gross debt is to increase again to 82.0% of
GDP in 2012 as a result of the euro area stabilisation measures, according to
the stability programme, before falling to 80% of GDP in 2013 and remaining on
a downward path thereafter. This is broadly in line with the Commission
services' forecast of a debt-to-GDP ratio of 82.2% in 2012 and 80.7% in 2013,
which does not consider potential gains from the winding-up of "bad
banks".
(6)       In accordance with Article
126(12) of the Treaty, a Council Decision on the existence of an excessive
deficit is to be abrogated when the excessive deficit in the Member State
concerned has, in the view of the Council, been corrected.
(7)       The Council recalls that,
starting in the year following the correction of its excessive deficit, Germany
is in a transition period of three years (2012-2014), in which the requirement
under the debt criterion should be considered fulfilled if the country makes
sufficient progress towards compliance with the debt reduction benchmark, in
accordance with Article 2(1a) of Regulation (EC) No 1467/97. The fiscal
adjustment planned by Germany in its stability programme is consistent with
sufficient progress towards compliance with the debt reduction benchmark at the
end of the transition.
(8)       In the view of the
Council, the excessive deficit in Germany has been corrected and Decision 2010/285/EU
should therefore be abrogated,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
From an overall assessment it follows that the
excessive deficit situation in Germany has been corrected.
Article 2
Decision 2010/285/EU is hereby abrogated.
Article 3
This Decision is addressed to the Federal
Republic of Germany.
Done at Brussels,
                                                                       For
the Council
                                                                       The
President
[1]               OJ L 125, 21.5.2010, p. 38.
[2]               The general government deficit and debt for 2009 were
subsequently revised to currently 3.2% of GDP and 74.4% of GDP respectively.
[3]               OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 6.
[4]               OJ L 145, 10.6.2009, p. 1.
[5]               In line with the “Specifications on the
implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact and Guidelines on the format
and content of Stability and Convergence Programmes”, as agreed by the Council
on 24 January 2012. See:
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/economic_governance/sgp/pdf/coc/code_of_conduct_en.pdf


title: Recommendation for a COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) approving the Agreement extending the Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community and the People's Democratie Republic of Algeria#Recommendation for a COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) approving the Agreement extending the Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Morocco#Recommendation for a REGULATION (EEC) approving the Agreement extending the Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Tunisia (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

text:
ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (77) 689
Vol. 1977/0218
 ---pagebreak--- Disclaimer
Conformément au règlement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du 1er février 1983
concernant l'ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communauté économique
européenne et de la Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983,
p. 1), tel que modifié par le règlement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003
(JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p. 1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas échéant, les documents
classifiés présents dans ce dossier ont été déclassifiés conformément à l'article 5 dudit
règlement.
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983
concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Economic
Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1), as
amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243,
27.9.2003, p. 1), this file is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this
file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.
In Übereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom 1.
Februar 1983 über die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europäischen
Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europäischen Atomgemeinschaft (ABI. L 43 vom 15.2.1983,
S. 1), geändert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. September 2003
(ABI. L 243 vom 27.9.2003, S. 1), ist diese Datei der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Soweit
erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 5
der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.
 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                                      CCI-: ( 77 ) 689 final
                                                                                .
                                                                      Brussels , 14 December 1977
                                 Recommendation for a
                             COUNCIL RECULA TI C (EEC                )
     approving the Agreement extending the Interim Agreement
             between the European Economic Community and the
                    People 's Democratie Republic; of Algeria
                                 Recommendation for a
                             CONCIL ;                   " T"" O"' ( EC )
     approving the Agreement extending the -Interim Agreement
             between the European Economic Community and the
                                  Kingdom of Morocco
                                 He commendation for a
                                              RECULATION ΓΠΤΟΛ-
                            ■I 'Vi.ii' » !iii              -v !        J
     approving the Agreement extending the Interim Agreement
             "between the European Economic Community and the
                                 Republic of Tunisia
                ( submilted to the Council "by the Commission)
   \  f o ^\
 ---pagebreak--- RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL REGULATIONS APPROVINO THE AGREEMENTS
EXTENDING THE INTERIM AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
ON THE ONE HAND AND THE PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OP ALGERIA , THE
KINGDOM OP MOROCCO . AND THE REPUBLIC OP TUNISIA ON THE OTHER .
Following the decision adopted "by the Council at its meeting o^ 28 November
1977 to open negotiations with Algeria , Morocco and Tunisia r or the
conclusion of agreements extending the interim agreements concluded with
these countries , the Commission is forwarding via this communication the
draft agreements the texts of which ha^eheen approved in the ^rench language
by the delegations of the Maghreb countries . These delegations consider
that it is advisable to extend the interim agreements only to June 30 , 197^1
thus emphasizing their wish to see the cooperation agreements enter into
force as soon as possible .
The Commission recommends that the Council approve the results o*" these
negotiations and initiate the Bigning and conclusion procedure .   To this
end , it 1 B forwarding the following recommendations for regulations approving
the agreements extending the interim agreements .
 ---pagebreak---  ■^er.ommeidat Lon for Council Regulation approving the Agreement extflnding
  '■ha Interim Agreement between the European Goonomio Community and the                 >
  People 's Democratic Republic of Algeria .
                                                                • .
 THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COKKUNITIES,
'Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,
 and in particular Article 113 thereof,
 Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission,
 Whereas the Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community
 and the People 's Democratic Republio of Algeria,         Binned in Algiers
 on 26 April 1976 and extended on 30 June 1977» expires at. the latest on 31 December 1977
 Whereas , ponding the entry into force of the Cooperation Agreement between
the European Economic Community and the People 's Democratic Republic of
  Algeria,      signed in Algiers on the same day, it is necessary to extend again
the Interim Agreement
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION »
                               Article 1
The Agreement extending the Interim Agreement between tho European dcononio
Corimunity and the People 's Demooratio Republio of Algeria is approved in the
name "of the Community .
      text- of the Agreement is &nn«xed to this Regulation *
                               Artiolu 2
Thci Prenidentf of tho Counoil iu be:r«ty authorized to deei(;jnvte ih« person
empowered to sign the Agreement for the purpose of binding the Qonnunity^
 ---pagebreak---                               -• 2 -
                            Artioiø i
This Regulation shall enter mxo tor-.se on tn *> da^y follovi'if* its
publication in the Official Journal of the European Oorrununit'ien „
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety a rid directly applic;. M »
in all Member States *
                                  Dons at Brussels ,
                                            For the Council .
                                                 The Président
   t
 ---pagebreak---                                  AGREEMENT
extending the Interim Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the People 's Democratic Republic of Algeria .
THE COUNCIL OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,'
of the one part , and
THE PRESIDENT OP THE REPUBLIC ,
     PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE REVOLUTION ,
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE PEOPLE 'S DEMOCRATIC REPU
BLIC OF ALGERIA ,
of the other part ,
Whereas the Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community
and the People 's Democratic Republic of Algeria signed in Algiers on
26 April 1976 and extended on 30 June 1977 , expires at the lateet on 31 December 1977
Whereas , pending the entry into force of the Cooperation Agreement be
tween the European Economic Community and the People 's Democratic Re
public cf Algeria signed in Algiers on the same day , it is necessary to extend
again       the Interim Agreement ,
Have decided to conclude this Agreement and to this end have designated
as their Plenipotentiaries :
THE COUNCIL OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES »
THE PRESIDENT OP THE REPUBLIC ,
     PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE REVOLUTION ,
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE PEOPLE 'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
OF ALGERIA 1
Who , having exchanged their full powers , found in good and due form ,
have agreed as follows t
                                  Article 1
 The date 31 December 1977 specified in the second subparagraph or Article
 Vl ( 2 ) of the Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community
 and the People 's Democratic Republic of Algeria is replaced by 30 June 197p «
 ---pagebreak---                                - 2 -
                             Article 2
The annual ceilings referred, to in Article 5(1 / of the Interim Agreement
are replaced by following cei liners :
           Heading n° 27,10
                       27.11
                       27.12            1.155.000 Tonnes
                       27.13
                       27.14
           Heading n° 45*02                     52 Tonnes
             n
                       45.03                   155 Tonnes
             ft
                       45.04                2.060 Tonnes
                             Article \
This Agreement is drawn up in duplicate in the Danish , Dutch , English ,
French , German , Italian and Arabic language , each of these texts "being
eaually authentic .
                             Article 4
This Agreement shall enter into -force on 1 . January 197° .
 ---pagebreak--- Pecomro ••♦•dot ion for Council Reguiatio-) approving the Agreement ex tending
 th« Interim Agreement botwoon the European Eoonomio Community and the
 K.ingdoin ot Fio ronco .
THE COUNCIL. OP THE 5UR0PI-JAK COMMUNITIES ,
Having rep;ard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,
and in particular Article 113 thereof,
 Ifeving regard to the recommendation from the Commission,
Ui«roap the Irderim Agreement between the European Economic Community
and the Kingdom of ttnrocco, Bigned in Rabat on 27 April 1976 and extended
on 30 June 1977 » expiree at the latest on 31 December 1977 I
Whereas , pending the entry into force of the Cooperation Agreement between
the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Morocco,
                  signed in Rabat   on the Bame day, it is necessary to extend
  again the Interim Agreement ,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION i
                                 Article 1
The Agreement extending the Interim Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Kingdom of Morocco, is approved in the name- o** the
Community.
The text      of the Agreement is annexed to this Regulation *
                                 Article 2
The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the person
empowered to sign the Agreement for the purpose of binding the Community .
 ---pagebreak---                             Article 3
ThiB Regulation shall enter into foroe on the day following j.ts
publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities ..
This Regulation Bhall be binding in its ontirety and directly applicable
in all Member States .
                                 Done at Brussels .
                                            Por the Council f
                                               The President
 ---pagebreak---                                    AGREEMENT
uxte.iding the Interim Agreement between the European Economic
'■"on niunity and the Kingdom of Morocco *
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
of the ore part , and
HIS MAJESTY THE KING 0? MOROCCO ,
of the other part ,
Vhereas the Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community
and the Kingdom of Morocco signed in Rabat on 27 April 1976 and extended
on 30 June 1977 » expires at the latest on 30 Deoember 1977 »
Whereas , pending the entry into force of the Cooperation Agreement be
tween the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Morocco signed
in Rabat on the same day , it is necessary to extend again the Interim
 Agreement t
Have decided to conclude this Agreement and to this end have designated
as their Plenipotentiaries :
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES :
HIS MAJESTY TIIE KING OF MOROCCO :
Who , having exchanged their full powers , found in good and due form ,
have agreed ap follows :
                                   Article 1
The date 31 Deoember 1977 Bpeoified in the second subparagraph of Article
 ^3 ( 2 ) of t    Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community
 and the Kin dom of Morocco is replaced by 30 June 1978 .
                                                                 ./
 ---pagebreak---                                   - 2 -
                               Article 2
The annual ceilings referred to in Article 5 ( l ) of "the Interim Agreement
are replaced "by following ceilings t
              Heading n# 27*10
                    ••     27.11
                    "      27.12          1°3.750 Tonnes
                    "      27.13
                    "      27.14
               Heading n° 45*02                 52 Tonnes
                    "      45*03              618 Tonnes
                    "      45.04            2.060 TonneB
                               Article 3
The text of the declaration of the European Economic Community related to
the provisions of Article 14 ( 2 ) of the Interim Agreement , which appears
in the final act , is replaced by the following text :
" Until such time as Morocco has sufficient plant to "bottle the wines entitled
to a designation of origin referred to in Article 14 ( 2 ) of the Interim
Agreement , the Community is willing to apply the abovementioned provisions
to wine exported in "bulk in respeot of miantities corresponding to the ^lture
capacity of the plant under construction , up to a volume not exceeding
20.000 hi during the first year 's utilisation of the cruota and up to 10.000 hi
during the second year ."
                               Article 4
This Agreement is drawn up in duplicate in the Danish , Dutch , English ,
 French , German , Italian and Arabic language , each of these texts being
 equally authentic .
                                Article 5
This Agreement shall enter into force on 1 January 197° *
 ---pagebreak---  Recommendation for Council Regulation approving the Agreement extending
  the Interim Agreement between the European Sconomio Community arid the
 hepubiic of Tunisia .
 THE COUNCIL. OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Coomrunity,
 and in particular Article 113 thereof,
 having regard to the recommendation from the Commission,
Whereas the Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community
 « nd the  Republic of Tunisia, signed in Tunis on 25 April 1976 and extended
 on 30 June 1977# expires at the latest on 31 Deoember 1977 »
Whereas , pending the entry into force of the Cooperation Agreement between
the European Eoonomic Community and the Republic of Tunisia
                signed in Tunis on the same day, it 1 B neoessary to extend
 again the Interim Agreement »
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION I
                               Article 1
The Agreement extending the Interim Agreement between the European Economic
Conmunity and the Republic of Tunisia, is approved in the name of the
 Community .
The text     of the Agreement is. &nm»xed to thie &egul*tlon «
                               Arti pl il 2
Th«i Preuideivti of the Gounoil In feeirehy authorised to deeitpiMe tfye person
empowered to mien the Agreement fo/ the pusrpoee of binding the Cwnrunity *
 ---pagebreak---                               - a -
                            Artide 3
This Regulation Bhall enter into force on the day following its
publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities .
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and direotly applicable
in all Member States *
                                 Done at Brussels ,
                                            For the Council ,
                                               5fce President .
                I
 ---pagebreak---                                      AGREEMENT
extending the Interim Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Tunisia .
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
of the one part , and
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA ,
of the other part ,
Whereas the Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community
and the Republic of Tunisia signed in Tuni6 on 25 April 1976         and extended
on 30 June 1977 ? expires at the latest on 31 Deoember 1977 ?
Whereas , pending the entry into force of the Cooperation Agreement between
the European Economic Community and the Republic of Tunisia 6igned in
Tunis on the same day , it is necessary to extend again the Interim Agreement ,
Have decided to conclude this Agreement and to this end have designated
as their Plenipotentiaries :
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES :
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA *
Who 1 having exchanged their full powers , found in good and due form ,
have agreed as follows *
                                     Article 1
The date 31 December 1977 specified in the second subparagraph of Article
 *♦2 ( 2 ) of til 's Interim Agreement between the European Economic Community
 and the Rep iblic of Tunisia is replaced by 30 June 1978 *
 ---pagebreak---                               Article 2
The annual ceilings referred to in Article 5 ( l ) of the Interim Agreement
are replaoed by following ceilings :
                  Heading n® 27*10
                     "       27.11
                     "       27.12        183*750 Tonnes
                     "       27.13
                     "       27.14
                  Heading n° 45*02              52 Tonnes
                     "       45*03              52 Tonnes
                     "       45*04             824 Tonnes
                              Article 3
This Agreement is drawn up in duplicate in the Danish , Dutch , English ,
French , Qerman , Italian and AraMo language , each of these texts being
ecrually authentic .
                              Artide 4
This Agreement shall enter into foroe on 1 January 197° *
 ---pagebreak---                                         FICHE FINANCIERE
                                                                                ι
                       ét 3ht le' pour le bi idget de l' exercice 197B
A.  PREf-TI ERE -PARTIE      :    CREDITS D' INTERVENTION
    ( or>ur actions anciennes et nouvelles )
    1.    LIGNcô BUDGETAIRES CONCERNEES
          Recettes      :   Titre I.
                                                            I
   2.     INTITULE DE LA LIGNE BUDGETAIRE
          Ressources propres *
                                                                         *
   3.     BASE JURIDIQUE
          Article 113 du Traité CEE .
                                 »■
   4 . DESCRIPTION, OBJECTIF(S ) ET JUSTIFICATION DE L' ACTION
          Prcrcgation des accords Intérimaires conclus avec les pays du Maghreb.
    5,    CREDITS ( en u.C. )
          La prorogation des accords intérimaires avec les pays du Maghreb
          n' implique aucune diminution nouvelle des recettes puisqu 'elle aura
          seulement pour objet de proroger , pour la période du 1er janvier
          •30 juin 1978 »            le régime des échanges appliqué actuellement er.tre
          I a Communauté et ces pays .
B. .DEUXIEME PARTIE :              INFORMATIONS SUPPLEMENTAIRES POUR UNE ACTION NOUVELLE
                                                     " 1 ,L
    6.    COUT TOTAL DE L' ACTION PENDANT TOUTE LA DUPEE ENVISAGEE
          Aucune incidence financière nouvelle sur le budget communautaire »
               »
    7.     INFOP^TION SUR LE PERSONNEL ET SUR LES CREDITS DE FONCTIONNEMENT
          NECESSAIRES POUR LA REALISATION DE L' ACTION
          L' action sera réalisée dans U cadre du tableau des effectifs de la
                                      •                                                   •
          Commi B d { on .
   0.      FïïïANCHVTENT DE L' ACTION
          Sans oojtt »


title: Council Recommendation of 21 February 2017 concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (eighth EDF) for the financial year 2015

text:
               23.2.2017

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 58/1

         COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
   of 21 February 2017
   concerning the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the operations of the European Development Fund (eighth EDF) for the financial year 2015
   (2017/C 58/01)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to the fourth ACP-EEC Convention, signed at Lomé on 15 December 1989 (1) and amended by the Agreement signed in Mauritius on 4 November 1995 (2),
   Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing and administration of the Community aid under the Second Financial Protocol to the fourth ACP-EC Convention (3) (the ‘Internal Agreement’) setting up, amongst others, the eighth European Development Fund (eighth EDF), and in particular Article 33(3) thereof,
   Having regard to the Financial Regulation of 16 June 1998 applicable to development finance cooperation under the fourth ACP-EC Convention (4), and in particular Articles 66 to 74 thereof,
   Having examined the revenue and expenditure account and the balance sheet relating to the operations of the eighth EDF as at 31 December 2015 and the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on the activities funded by the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th European Development Funds (EDFs) concerning the financial year 2015, together with the Commission’s replies (5) contained in that Annual Report,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Pursuant to Article 33(3) of the Internal Agreement, the discharge for the financial management of the eighth EDF is to be given to the Commission by the European Parliament on the recommendation of the Council.

               (2)

               The overall implementation by the Commission of the operations of the eighth EDF during the financial year 2015 has been satisfactory,

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS that the European Parliament give the Commission a discharge in respect of the implementation of the operations of the eighth EDF for the financial year 2015.

      Done at Brussels, 21 February 2017.

            For the Council

            The President

         E. SCICLUNA

      (1)  OJ L 229, 17.8.1991, p. 3.

      (2)  OJ L 156, 29.5.1998, p. 3.

      (3)  OJ L 156, 29.5.1998, p. 108.

      (4)  OJ L 191, 7.7.1998, p. 53.

      (5)  OJ C 375, 13.10.2016, p. 287.


Important legal notice

|

52007SC0724

Recommendation for a Council opinion in accordance with the third paragraph of Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the updated convergence programme of the Czech Republic, 2006-2009  /* SEC/2007/0724 final */

	[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |Brussels, 30.5.2007SEC(2007) 724 finalRecommendation for aCOUNCIL OPINIONin accordance with the third paragraph of Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the updated convergence programme of the Czech Republic, 2006-2009(presented by the Commission)EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1. GENERAL BACKGROUNDThe Stability and Growth Pact, which entered into force on 1 July 1998, is based on the objective of sound government finances as a means of strengthening the conditions for price stability and for strong sustainable growth conducive to employment creation. The 2005 reform of the Pact acknowledged its usefulness in anchoring fiscal discipline but sought to strengthen its effectiveness and economic underpinnings as well as to safeguard the sustainability of the public finances in the long run.Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies[1], which is part of the Stability and Growth Pact, stipulates that Member States have to submit, to the Council and the Commission, stability or convergence programmes and annual updates thereof (Member States that have already adopted the single currency submit (updated) stability programmes and Member States that have not yet adopted it submit (updated) convergence programmes). The first convergence programme of The Czech Republic was submitted in May 2004. In accordance with the Regulation, the Council delivered an opinion on it on 5 July 2004 on the basis of a recommendation from the Commission and after having consulted the Economic and Financial Committee. In accordance with the same procedure, updated stability and convergence programmes are assessed by the Commission and examined by the Committee mentioned above, while the Council may examine them.2. BACKGROUND FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE UPDATED PROGRAMMEThe Commission has examined the most recent update of the convergence programme of the Czech Republic, submitted on 15 March 2007, and has adopted a recommendation for a Council opinion on it (see box for the main points covered by the assessment).In order to set the scene against which the budgetary strategy in the updated convergence programme is assessed, the following paragraphs summarise:1.  the economic and budgetary performance over the last ten years2.  the country’s position under the corrective arm of the Stability and Growth Pact (excessive deficit procedure)3.  the most recent assessment of the country’s position under the preventive arm of the Stability and Growth Pact (summary of the Council opinion on the previous update of the convergence programme), and4.  the Commission’s assessment of the November 2006 national reform programme.2.1. Recent economic and budgetary performanceThe Czech economy has enjoyed firm growth over the last six years after coming out of a recession in the late nineties. In the last two years, the economy has registered record annual growth of 6% of GDP. The labour market has steadily improved since 2004 with unemployment falling to about 7% in 2006. GDP per capita is currently 76.2% of the EU average. HICP was just over 2% in 2006.Since 2004, the annual budget has registered lower deficits than targeted due mainly to higher-than anticipated growth and the carry-over of unspent budgetary allocations into a reserve fund while expenditure ceilings set in the medium-term budgetary framework have nevertheless been exceeded.2.2. The excessive deficit procedure for the Czech RepublicOn 5 July 2004 the Council adopted a decision stating that the Czech Republic had an excessive deficit in accordance with Article 104(6). At the same time, the Council addressed a recommendation under Article 104(7) specifying that the excessive deficit had to be corrected by 2008. In particular, the Czech Republic was recommended to put an end to the excessive deficit as rapidly as possible by taking action in a medium-term framework in order to achieve their objective of bringing the deficit below 3% of GDP by 2008 in a credible and sustainable manner and in accordance with the path for deficit reduction specified in the Council Opinion of 5 July 2004 on the convergence programme submitted in May 2004. The Czech Republic was recommended to implement with vigour the measures envisaged in the May 2004 convergence programme, in particular a cut in the wage bill of central government and a reduction in spending of individual ministries, and to take effective action by 5 November 2004 regarding the measures envisaged to achieve the 2005 deficit target.On 22 December 2004, the Commission concluded that the Czech government had taken effective action regarding the measures envisaged to achieve the 2005 deficit target, by the deadline of 5 November, in response to the Council recommendation, and that no further steps were necessary under the excessive deficit procedure.2.3. The assessment in the Council opinion on the previous programmeOn 24 January 2006, the Council adopted its opinion on the previous update of the convergence programme, covering the period 2005-2008. The Council was of the opinion that “he programme follows the deficit adjustment path set by the Council recommendations under Article 104(7)”. The Council invited the Czech Republic to: “(i) strengthen, in the context of possible better budgetary outcome in 2005 as well as strong growth outcome and prospects, the effort in the structural budgetary adjustment, in view of the small margin below the reference value targeted for 2008 (which is the deadline for the correction of the excessive deficit) and in order to speed up the attainment of the MTO; (ii) enhance the quality of budgetary planning, in particular by analysing causes of significant expenditure carryovers and reinforce the medium-term expenditure ceilings; (iii) improve the long-term sustainability of the public finances, in particular by accelerating the pension reform and undertaking the reform of the healthcare system”.2.4. The Commission assessment of the November 2006 national reform programmeThe implementation report of the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic, provided in the context of the renewed Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs, was submitted on 21 November 2006. The Czech Republic’s national reform programme identifies as key challenges/priorities: to continue public finance reform; to strengthen and increase industrial competitiveness while respecting the need for sustainable resources; and to increase labour market flexibility.The Commission's assessment of this report (adopted as part of its December 2006 Annual Progress Report[2]), showed that the Czech Republic is making limited progress in the implementation of its National Reform Programme. Progress in several areas is not clearly spelled out; some reforms have been postponed, while others have not been set in motion. Yet the strong economic growth should facilitate reforms. There are certain risks in the macro-economic area, particularly for medium-term budgetary consolidation and the long-term sustainability of public finances in the context of an ageing population. Although the Czech Republic is generally moving ahead relatively well in the microeconomic field, progress on R&D is moderate. In the employment area more efforts are required to respond to the key challenge of improving labour market flexibility.Against the background of strengths and weaknesses identified, the Czech Republic was recommended to take action in the areas of: (i) reforms of the pension and healthcare systems; (ii) collaboration between business and public R&D institutions; and (iii) employment protection, and education and training systems.Box: Main points covered by the assessment As required by Article 5(1) (for stability programmes) and Article 9(1) (for convergence programmes) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, the assessment covers the following points: whether the economic assumptions on which the programme is based are plausible; the medium-term budgetary objective (MTO) presented by the Member State and whether the adjustment path towards it is appropriate; whether measures being taken and/or proposed to respect that adjustment path are sufficient to achieve the MTO over the cycle; when assessing the adjustment path towards the MTO, whether a higher adjustment effort is made in economic good times, whereas the effort may be more limited in economic bad times, and, for euro-area and ERM II Member States, whether the Member State pursues an annual improvement of the cyclically-adjusted balance, net of one-off and other temporary measures, of 0.5% of GDP as a benchmark to meet its MTO; when defining the adjustment path to the MTO (for Member States that have not yet reached it) or allowing a temporary deviation from the MTO (for Member States that have), the implementation of major structural reforms which have direct long-term cost-saving effects (including by raising potential growth) and therefore a verifiable impact on the long-term sustainability of public finances (subject to the condition that an appropriate safety margin with respect to the 3% of GDP reference value is preserved and that the budgetary position is expected to return to the MTO within the programme period), with special attention for pension reforms introducing a multi-pillar system that includes a mandatory, fully-funded pillar; whether the economic policies of the Member State are consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines. The plausibility of the programme’s macroeconomic assumptions is assessed by reference to the Commission services’ spring 2007 forecast, using also the commonly agreed methodology for the estimation of potential output and cyclically-adjusted balances. The assessment of consistency with the broad economic policy guidelines is made against the broad economic policy guidelines in the area of public finances as included in the integrated guidelines for the period 2005-2008. The assessment also examines: the evolution of the debt ratio and the outlook for the long-term sustainability of the public finances, which should be given “sufficient attention in the surveillance of budgetary positions” according to the Council report of 20 March 2005 on “Improving the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact”. A Commission Communication of 12 October 2006 sets out the approach to the assessment of long-term sustainability[3]; the degree of integration with the national reform programme, submitted by Member States in the context of the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs. In its cover note of 7 June 2005 to the European Council on the broad economic policy guidelines for the period 2005-2008, the ECOFIN Council stated that the national reform programmes should be consistent with the stability and convergence programmes; compliance with the code of conduct[4], which inter alia prescribes a common structure and set of data tables for the stability and convergence programmes. |-  Recommendation for aCOUNCIL OPINIONin accordance with the third paragraph of Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the updated convergence programme of the Czech Republic, 2006-2009THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies[5], and in particular Article 9(3) thereof,Having regard to the recommendation of the Commission,After consulting the Economic and Financial Committee,HAS DELIVERED THIS OPINION:5.  On [10 July 2007] the Council examined the updated convergence programme of the Czech Republic, which covers the period 2006 to 2009. The submission of the update was delayed to 15 March 2007, compared to the 1 December deadline in the code of conduct due to the political situation in the Czech Republic, where a permanent government was approved by parliament on 19 January 2007 following general elections in June 2006.6.  The macroeconomic scenario underlying the programme envisages that real GDP growth will decrease from 6.1% in 2006 to 4.9% in 2007 and broadly stabilise thereafter. Assessed against currently available information, this scenario appears to be based on plausible growth assumptions. The programme’s projections for inflation also appear realistic.7.  For 2006, the general government deficit is estimated at 2.9% of GDP in the Commission services’ spring 2007 forecast, against a target of 3.8% of GDP set in the previous update of the convergence programme. Stronger GDP and employment growth as well as the roll-over of a marked proportion of unspent budgetary allocations contributed to the lower-than-targeted deficit.8.  The main goal of the programme’s medium-term budgetary strategy is to achieve long-term sustainability of public finances, notably by making progress towards the medium-term objective (MTO) for the budgetary position of a structural balance (i.e. cyclically-adjusted balance net of one-off and other temporary measures) of 1% of GDP. According to the programme, the headline deficit should widen to 4.0% of GDP in 2007 mainly as a result of discretionary increases in social expenditure and then gradually decline, to 3.5% of GDP in 2008 and 3.2% of GDP in 2009. The primary deficit is projected to narrow from 2.4% of GDP in 2006 to 1.6% of GDP in 2009. The envisaged fiscal consolidation, after 2007, relies on increased revenue by 0.4 percentage point of GDP over the programme period, in particular 'other revenues' (without specifying the actual measures, but which presumably concern EU transfers), which will more than compensate for a decline in taxes and social contributions. On substance, however, the consolidation is expenditure driven with a consistent decline in public consumption mainly due to government sector wage restraint, which will more than offset the increase in public investment and interest expenditure. Compared with the previous update, the new programme postpones the planned reduction of the deficit below the 3% of GDP reference value by at least two years against a more favourable macroeconomic scenario. It has to be noted that the programme also presents an alternative considered by the government which presents lower deficit targets of 3.2% of GDP in 2008 and 2.8% of GDP in 2009. This relies on a range of policy measures as well as introducing greater flexibility into public finances by reducing the proportion of mandatory expenditures. However, these are based on still to be finalised and approved policy measures and the programme offers a coherent and sufficiently quantified medium-term fiscal framework only for the higher deficit targets mentioned above.9.  The structural deficit calculated according to the commonly agreed methodology is planned to deteriorate from around 3½% of GDP in 2006 to some 4½% of GDP in 2007 before gradually improving to 3½% of GDP in 2009. As in the previous update, the medium-term objective (MTO) for the budgetary position presented in the programme is a structural deficit of 1% of GDP. In comparison with previous update the achievement of the MTO has been postponed by one year, until 2013. As the MTO is more demanding than the minimum benchmark (estimated at a deficit of around 1½% of GDP), achieving it should fulfil the aim of providing a safety margin against the occurrence of an excessive deficit. The MTO adequately reflects the debt ratio and average potential output growth in the long term.10.  The risks to the budgetary projections in the programme appear broadly balanced. The risks from the macroeconomic scenario are broadly neutral, while tax projections seem on the whole based on prudent assumptions. The envisaged fiscal consolidation in the programme relies heavily on public consumption expenditure restraint, but the programme does not provide sufficient supporting information on how this will be achieved. On the other hand, the Czech Republic has built up a good track-record in recent years, although achieving its budgetary targets has been facilitated by higher-than-expected growth. There is also a political risk associated with the finely balanced parliamentary situation.11.  In view of this risk assessment, the budgetary stance in the programme is inconsistent with a correction of the excessive deficit by 2008 as recommended by the Council on 5 July 2004. Given that the economy is currently enjoying “good times” and that growth is higher than anticipated at the time of the July 2004 Council Recommendation, there is ample opportunity to strengthen the consolidation effort and achieve a steeper reduction than projected in the programme.12.  Government gross debt is estimated to be at 30.4% of GDP in 2006, well below the 60% of GDP Treaty reference value. The programme projects the debt ratio to increase by almost 2 percentage points over the programme period.13.  The long-term budgetary impact of ageing in the Czech Republic is well above the EU average, influenced notably by a substantial increase in pension expenditure as a share of GDP as well as a significant increase in health care expenditure. Implementation of structural reform measures notably in the field of pensions and health care aimed at containing the significant increase in age-related expenditures would contribute to reducing risks to the sustainability of public finances. The budgetary position expected at the end of the programme period, which has worsened compared with previous exercises, constitutes a risk to sustainable public finances even before the long-term budgetary impact of an ageing population is considered. Consolidating public finances further than currently planned would contribute to reducing risks to the sustainability of public finances. Overall, the Czech Republic appears to be at high risk with regard to the sustainability of public finances.14.  The convergence programme does not contain a qualitative assessment of the overall impact of the November 2006 implementation report of the National Reform Programme within the medium-term fiscal strategy. In addition, it provides no systematic information on the direct budgetary costs (or savings) associated with the main reforms envisaged in the National Reform Programme with the exception of the increase in research and development expenditure in the 2007 budget, but the budgetary projections in the programme seemingly take into account the public finance implications of the actions envisaged in the National Reform Programme. The measures in the area of public finances envisaged in the convergence programme seem consistent with those foreseen in the National Reform Programme. In particular, the shift in the tax burden from direct to indirect taxation and additional support for research and development.15.  The budgetary strategy in the programme is not consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines included in the integrated guidelines for the period 2005-2008 given, in particular, the deviation from the adjustment path set by the Council in July 2004 for the correction of the excessive deficit and the lack of progress on pension and health care reform.16.  As regards the data requirements specified in the code of conduct for stability and convergence programmes, the programme provides all required and most of the optional data[6].The overall conclusion is that, in spite of better growth prospects, and a lower deficit outcome in 2006 than anticipated, the programme postpones the correction of the excessive deficit until 2010, compared with the 2008 deadline set in the July 2004 Council recommendation under Article 104(7). Given the sustained growth, the postponement, which reflects the higher deficit due primarily to planned increases in social expenditure in 2007, would also result in a pro-cyclical expansionary stance of fiscal policy.In view of the above assessment, the Council invites the Czech Republic to:(i) limit the budgetary deterioration in 2007 and ensure the correction of the excessive deficit in a credible and sustainable manner by 2008 at the latest;(ii) review the composition of expenditure in order to reduce the share of mandatory expenditure;(iii) in view of the projected increase in age-related expenditures, improve the long-term sustainability of public finances by implementing the necessary pension and health care reforms.Comparison of key macro economic and budgetary projections[pic][1] OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1055/2005 (OJ L 174, 7.7.2005, p. 1). All the documents referred to in this text can be found at the following website:http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/about/activities/sgp/main_en.htm[2] Communication from the Commission to the Spring European Council, “Implementing the renewed Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs - A year of delivery” - COM(2006) 816, 12.12.2006.[3] Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament, “The long-term sustainability of public finances in the EU” - COM(2006) 574, 12.10.2006 - and European Commission, Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (2006), “The long-term sustainability of public finances in the European Union”, European Economy No 4/2006.[4] “Specifications on the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact and guidelines on the format and content of stability and convergence programmes”, endorsed by the ECOFIN Council of 11 October 2005.[5] OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1055/2005 (OJ L 174, 7.7.2005, p. 1). The documents referred to in this text can be found at the following website:http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/about/activities/sgp/main_en.htm[6] In particular, the data on general government expenditure by function for 2009 are not provided.


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31996H0738

96/738/EC: Commission Recommendation of 2 December 1996 concerning a coordinated programme of inspections in 1997 to ensure compliance with maximum levels of pesticide residues in and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables (Text with EEA relevance)

Official Journal L 335 , 24/12/1996 P. 0054 - 0057

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION of 2 December 1996 concerning a coordinated programme of inspections in 1997 to ensure compliance with maximum levels of pesticide residues in and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables (Text with EEA relevance) (96/738/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Directive 90/642/EEC of 27 November 1990 on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables (1), as last amended by Directive 96/32/EC (2), and in particular Article 4 (3) thereof,After consulting the Standing Committee on Plant Health,Whereas Article 4 (3) of Directive 90/642/EEC requires the Commission to forward to the Member States by 1 November each year a recommendation concerning a coordinated programme of inspections for the following year to ensure compliance with maximum levels of pesticide residues set out in Annex II to the said Directive;Whereas Article 4 of Directive 90/642/EEC required the Member States to send to the Commission by 1 August 1996 all necessary information on the implementation during 1995 of their national programmes of inspection and to draw up forward programmes laying down the nature and frequency of their national inspections to be carried out; whereas Commission Recommendation 96/199/EC of 1 March 1996, concerning a coordinated programme of inspections in 1996 to ensure compliance with maximum levels of pesticide residues in and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables (3), recommended the Member States to send to the Commission by 1 September 1996 their intended national monitoring programmes for 1997; whereas, nevertheless, it has not been possible for all Member States to submit their national reports and forward plans by these dates;Whereas Annex II of Directive 90/642/EEC has been completed by lists of maximum residue levels for certain pesticides by Council Directive 93/58/EEC (4), by Council Directive 94/30/EC (5), by Council Directive 95/38/EC (6) and by Council Directive 96/32/EC, to be implemented by the Member States not later than 30 April 1997, and has been amended by Council Directive 95/61/EC (7); whereas the harmonized maximum levels of pesticide residues set out in Annex II should therefore be subject to the national and coordinated programmes of inspections in 1997;Whereas the amount of information made available to the Commission has not been sufficient to permit a complete overview of the Member States' pesticide residues monitoring activities during 1995 or to allow a comprehensive evaluation of the Member States' monitoring intentions for 1997; whereas, nevertheless, sufficient information is available to coordinate a programme of monitoring of specific pesticides/product combinations at Community level; whereas this is the second such specific coordinated programme to be recommended and indications as to the products to be included in future annual specific coordinated programmes are important for the planning of the competent authorities of the Member States; whereas products will not normally be repeated in specific coordinated programmes within an interval of three years;Whereas examination of a systematic statistical approach to numbers of samples to be taken in the specific coordinated exercise has not been completed; whereas, however, examination within the Community of more samples of a product than were to be taken in 1996 will permit conclusions about the pesticide residues detected in or on the product to be drawn with a higher level of confidence; whereas for the specific exercise for 1997 at least Member States should set a target number of 50 samples of products in their own markets;Whereas Article 4 (2) of Directive 90/642/EEC requires Member States to specify the criteria applied in drawing up their national inspection programmes when sending to the Commission information on their implementation during the previous year; whereas such information should include the criteria applied in determining the numbers of samples to be taken and analyses to be carried out, the reporting levels applied and the criteria by which these have been fixed and the criteria applied for the establishment of quality assurance measures in sampling and quality assurance of laboratories carrying out analyses where these are not yet accredited under Council Directive 93/99/EC of 29 October on the subject of additional measures concerning the official control of foodstuffs (8);Whereas it would also be helpful for the establishment of future recommendations for the Commission to be informed in advance about the Member States' intended forward monitoring programmes for 1998 and following years, in draft or in outline if appropriate;Whereas information on the results of monitoring programmes and details of intended national monitoring programmes are particularly appropriate for treatment, storage and transmission by electronic/informatic methods; whereas formats have been developed for supply in diskette form to the Member States by the Commission; whereas Member States should therefore be able to send their reports for 1996 and intended national monitoring programmes for 1998 to the Commission in the standard format; whereas the further development of such a standard format is most effectively undertaken by the development of guidelines by the Commission;Whereas the inspections and check sampling by Member States to ensure compliance with the maximum levels of pesticide residue set out in the list referred to in Article 1 (1) of Directive 90/642/EEC should be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Commission Directive 79/700/EEC of 24 July 1979 establishing methods of sampling for the official control of pesticide residues in and on fruit and vegetables (9), Council Directive 85/591/EEC of 20 December 1985 concerning the introduction of Community methods of sampling and analysis for the monitoring of foodstuffs intended for human consumption (10), Council Directive 89/397/EEC of 14 June 1989 on the official control of foodstuffs (11) and Council Directive 93/99/EEC,HEREBY RECOMMENDS THE MEMBER STATES TO:1. as a specific exercise for 1997, sample and analyse for the product/pesticide residue combinations set out in Annex I, on the basis of a target number of 50 samples of each product, reflecting as appropriate national, Community and third-country shares of the Member State's market and report the results, including analytical methods used, reporting levels achieved and quality assurance measures, at the latest by 1 August 1998;2. by 1 August 1997, send to the Commission all the information as required by Article 4 (2) of Directive 90/642/EEC concerning the 1996 monitoring exercise to ensure, at least by check sampling, compliance with maximum pesticide residue levels and, in particular:2.1. the results of the specific exercise for 1996, as set out in point 5 of Commission Recommendation 96/199/EC concerning a coordinated programme of inspections in 1996;2.2. the results of their national programmes concerning pesticides listed in Annex II of Directive 90/642/EEC, in relation to harmonized levels and, where these have not yet been fixed at Community level, in relation to the national levels in force;2.3. the criteria applied when drawing up their national programmes concerning the numbers of samples taken and the analyses carried out;2.4. the criteria applied when defining and fixing reporting levels;2.5. the quality assurance measures applied to sampling of products or changes in those measures reported in previous years;2.6. details of accreditation, in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of Directive 93/99/EC, of the laboratories carrying out the analyses and, where such accreditation has not yet been accorded, the criteria applied in establishing quality assurance measures in those laboratories;3. by 1 June 1997, send to the Commission their intended national programme for monitoring maximum pesticide residue levels fixed by Directive 90/642/EEC for the year 1998 and, as far as possible, for following years.This Recommendation is addressed to the Member States.Done at Brussels, 2 December 1996.For the CommissionFranz FISCHLERMember of the Commission(1) OJ No L 350, 14. 12. 1990, p. 71.(2) OJ No L 144, 18. 6. 1996, p. 12.(3) OJ No L 64, 14. 3. 1996, p. 18.(4) OJ No L 211, 23. 8. 1993, p. 6.(5) OJ No L 189, 23. 7. 1994, p. 70.(6) OJ No L 197, 22. 8. 1995, p. 14.(7) OJ No L 292, 17. 12. 1995, p. 27.(8) OJ No L 290, 24. 11. 1993, p. 14.(9) OJ No L 207, 15. 8. 1979, p. 26.(10) OJ No L 372, 31. 12. 1985, p. 50.(11) OJ No L 186, 30. 6. 1989, p. 23.ANNEX Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) to be monitored in the specific exercise for 1997 set out in point 1 of the Recommendation >TABLE>


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32002H0627(01)

Council Recommendation of 13 June 2002 regarding cooperation between the competent national authorities of Member States responsible for the private security sector

Official Journal C 153 , 27/06/2002 P. 0001 - 0001

Council Recommendationof 13 June 2002regarding cooperation between the competent national authorities of Member States responsible for the private security sector(2002/C 153/01)THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Whereas:(1) The seminars of private security experts held in Madrid from 13 to 17 November 2000 and in Brussels on 6 and 7 September 2001 have submitted their conclusions.(2) The activities of the private security sector have a bearing on the prevention of crime and the safeguarding of public security.(3) The stream of information generated by the activities of private security firms is of significance in these fields.(4) Cooperation between the competent national authorities of the Member States responsible for the private security sector needs to be encouraged and facilitated with regard to the handling of those streams of information,HEREBY RECOMMENDS that Member States:1. encourage and facilitate cooperation and collaboration between national authorities responsible for the private security sector with a view to:(a) exchanging experience in the handling of information supplied by private security firms in accordance with national law, which is material to public security;(b) establishing best practices in the handling of information which is supplied by private security firms and is material to public security;2. organise, for the abovementioned purposes at least every two years, a meeting of the national authorities responsible for the private security sector.Done at Luxembourg on 13 June 2002.For the CouncilThe PresidentM. Rajoy Brey


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31979H0570

79/570/EEC: Commission Recommendation of 29 May 1979 on the application of inland postal rates to certain mail between Member States

Official Journal L 155 , 22/06/1979 P. 0016 - 0016

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION of 29 May 1979 on the application of inland postal rates to certain mail between Member States (79/570/EEC)    1. The postal services play an important role in economic life and contribute to the promotion of the harmonious development of economic activities in the countries of the Community.  Furthermore, everything connected with postal rates has considerable repercussions on the public at large.       2. With a view, therefore, to making the merger of national economics a more practical reality in terms of postal services, some Member States apply inland postal rates in their relations with one another in the case of letters not exceeding 20 grams and postcards.       3. The extension of this measure to all the Member States does not give rise to serious financial or technical problems. Once the principle is adopted, this measures could enter into force, at national level, when there is an general adjustment in postal rates.       4. It would have a significant political impact from the point of view of increasing public awareness of the process of building Europe and would illustrate one of the Community's tasks, which is to "promote ... closer relations between the States belonging to it."       5. For these reasons, and pursuant to the second indent of Article 155 of the EEC Treaty, the Commission recommends that the Member States apply inland postal rates to intra-Community mail in the case of letters of the first weight step and postcards.  Done at Brussels, 29 May 1979.  For the Commission  Étienne DAVIGNON  Member of the Commission