title: 98/316/EC: Council Recommendation of 1 May 1998 in accordance with Article 109j(2) of the Treaty

eurovoc_concepts:
EU Member State
Economic and Monetary Union
budget deficit
euro
inflation
public debt

text: 11. 5. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 139/21 COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION of 1 May 1998 in accordance with Article 109j(2) of the Treaty (98/316/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 109j(2) thereof, Having regard to the recommendation from the Commis- sion, Having regard to the report from the Commission, Having regard to the report from the European Monetary Institute, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parlia- ment (1), (1) Whereas the procedure and timetable for taking decisions on the passage to the third stage of economic and monetary union (EMU) are laid down in Article 109j of the Treaty; whereas the Council, meeting in Dublin on 13 December 1996 in the composition of Heads of State or Govern- ment, decided that there was not a majority of Member States fulfilling the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency, that the Community would not enter the third stage of EMU in 1997 and that the procedure laid down in Article 109j(4) should be applied as early as possible in 1998; whereas, according to Article 109j(4), as by the end of 1997 the date for the beginning of the third stage of EMU has not been set, the third stage shall start on 1 January 1999; (2) Whereas, in accordance with Article 109j(4), the procedure provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of that Article, with the exception of the second indent of paragraph 2, has to be repeated; (3) Whereas Article 109j(1) lays down that the reports prepared by the Commission and the European Monetary Institute (EMI) shall include an exam- ination of the compatibility between each Member State’s national legislation, including the statutes of its national central bank, and Articles 107 and 108 of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and shall also examine the achievement of a high degree of sustainable convergence by reference to the fulfil- the following ment by each Member State of the Treaty and the Statute of (1) Opinion delivered on 30 April 1998 (not yet published in the Official Journal). criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the achievement of a high degree of price stability; this will be apparent from a rate of inflation which is close to that of, at most, the three best performing Member States in terms of price stability, (cid:190) the sustainability of the government financial position; from having this will be apparent achieved a government budgetary position without a deficit that is excessive as determined in accordance with Article 104c(6), (cid:190) the observance of the normal fluctuation margins provided for by the exchange-rate mechanism of the European Monetary System, for at least two years, without devaluing against the currency of any other Member State, (cid:190) the durability of convergence achieved by the Member State and of its participation in the exchange-rate mechanism of the European Monetary System being reflected in the long- term interest-rate levels; Whereas these four criteria and the relevant periods over which they are to be respected are developed further in Protocol 6 of the Treaty; whereas the reports of the Commission and the EMI shall also take account of the development of the ecu, the results of the integration of markets, the situation and development of the balances of payments on current account and an examination of the devel- opment of unit labour costs and other price indices; (4) Whereas, according to the first indent of Article 109j(2), on the basis of these reports, the Council shall assess, for each Member State, whether it fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of a single currency and shall recommend its findings to the Council meeting in the composition of the Heads of State or Government which, after having consulted the European Parliament, in accordance with Article 109j(4), shall confirm which Member States fulfil the necessary conditions for the adop- tion of the single currency; (5) Whereas Member legislation including the statutes of national central banks shall as necessary be adapted with a view to States’ national L 139/22 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 5. 98 the ESCB; whereas the reports of ensuring compatibility with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB; whereas such adaptations need to ensure compatibility with the Treaty at the latest at the date of the establish- the ment of Commission and the EMI provide a detailed assess- ment of the compatibility of the legislation of each Member State with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB; whereas the process of adaptation of national legislation had not been completed in Spain, France, Luxembourg and Austria at the time of presentation of the reports by the Commission and the EMI; whereas since then in Spain and in Austria the necessary legislation has been enacted; whereas Luxembourg and France have taken all the necessary steps to make their national including the statute of the national central bank, compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB; legislation, (6) Whereas, according to Article 1 of Protocol 6 of the Treaty, the criterion on price stability referred to in the first indent of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty shall mean that a Member State has a price performance that is sustainable and an average rate of inflation, observed over a period of one year before the exam- ination, that does not exceed by more than 1,5 percentage points that of, at most, the three best performing Member States in terms of price stability; whereas, for the purpose of the criterion on price stability, inflation will be measured by harmonised indices of consumer price defined in Regulation (EC) No 2494/95 (1); whereas, in order to assess the price stability criterion, a Member the State’s percentage change in the arithmetic average of 12 monthly indices relative to the arithmetic average of 12 monthly indices of the previous period; whereas in the one-year period ending in January 1998, the three best performing Member States in terms of price stability were France, Ireland and Austria, with inflation rates of, respectively 1,2 %, 1,2 % and 1,1 %; whereas a reference value calcu- lated as the simple arithmetic average of the infla- tion rates of the three best performing Member States in terms of price stability plus 1,5 percentage points was considered in the reports of the Commission and the EMI; whereas the reference value in the one-year period ending in January 1998 was 2,7 %; inflation has been measured by (7) Whereas, according to Article 2 of Protocol 6 of the Treaty, the criterion on the government budgetary position referred to in the second indent of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty shall mean that at the time of the current assessment by the Council the Member State is not the subject of a Council decision under Article 104c(6) of deficit exists; the Treaty that an excessive (8) Whereas, in accordance with Article 5 of Protocol 6 of the Treaty, the data used in the current assess- ment of the fulfilment of the convergence criteria will be provided by the Commission; whereas, for the preparation of the this Commission provided data; whereas budgetary data were provided by the Commission after reporting by the Member States by 1 March 1998 in accord- ance with Regulation (EC) No 3605/93 (2); recommendation, existed for (9) Whereas during the second stage of EMU no Council decision on the existence of an excessive deficit Ireland and Luxembourg; whereas, according to its Decision of 27 June 1996 under Article 104c(12), the Council abrogated its previous Decision on the existence of an excessive deficit in Denmark; whereas, according to its Deci- sions of 30 June 1997 under Article 104c(12), the Council abrogated its previous Decisions on the existence of an excessive deficit in the Netherlands and Finland; whereas, according to its Decisions of 1 May 1998 under Article 104c(12), the Council abrogated its previous Decisions on the existence of an excessive deficit in Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom; (10) Whereas, according to Article 3 of Protocol 6 of the the criterion on participation in the Treaty, exchange-rate mechanism of the European Monetary System referred to in the third indent of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty shall mean that a Member State has respected the normal fluctuation margins provided for by the exchange-rate mech- anism (ERM) of the European Monetary System without severe tensions for at least the last two years before the examination. In particular, the Member State shall not have devalued its currency’s bilateral central rate against any other Member State’s currency on its own initiative for the same period; whereas in assessing the fulfilment of this criterion in their reports, the Commission and the EMI have examined the two-year period ending in February 1998 and have taken into account the decision taken in August 1993 by the ministers and central bank governors of the Member States to widen temporarily the fluctuation margins of the ERM from 5 2,25 % to 5 15 % around the bilat- eral central rates; (11) Whereas, according to Article 4 of Protocol 6 of the Treaty, the criterion on the convergence of interest rates referred to in the fourth indent of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty shall mean that, observed over (1) OJ L 257, 27. 10. 1995, p. 1. (2) OJ L 332, 31. 12. 1993, p. 7. 11. 5. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 139/23 for the purpose of a period of one year before the examination, a Member State has had an average nominal long- term interest rate that does not exceed by more than two percentage points that of, at most, the three best performing Member States in terms of the price stability; whereas, criteria on the convergence of rates, comparable interest rates on 10-year benchmark government bonds were used; whereas, in order to assess the fulfilment of the interest rate criterion, a reference value calculated as the simple arithmetic average of the nominal long-term interest rates of the three best performing Member States in terms of price stability plus two percentage points was considered in the reports of the Commission and the EMI; whereas the reference value in the one- year period ending in January 1998 was 7,8%; interest (12) Whereas, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Protocol 11 of the Treaty, the United Kingdom has notified the Council that it does not intend to move to the third stage of EMU on 1 January 1999; whereas by virtue of this notification, paragraphs 4 to 9 of Protocol 11 lay down the provisions applic- able to the United Kingdom if and so long as the United Kingdom has not moved to the third stage; (13) Whereas, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Protocol 12 of the Treaty and the Decision taken by the Heads of State or Government in Edinburgh in December 1992, Denmark has notified the Council that it will not participate in the third stage of EMU; whereas by virtue of this notification, all Articles and provisions of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB referring to a derogation shall be applicable to Denmark; (14) Whereas by virtue of the above notifications it is not necessary for the Council to make an assess- ment the Treaty concerning the United Kingdom and Denmark; under Article 109j(2) of (15) Whereas, on the basis of the present recommenda- tions, the Council meeting in the composition of Heads of State or Government, shall confirm which Member States fulfil the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency, HEREBY RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING: SECTION 1 ASSESSMENTS Article 1 Belgium In Belgium, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). the convergence criteria Regarding the fulfilment of mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Belgium in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,4 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) Belgium is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) Belgium has been a member of the exchange-rate mechanism (ERM) in that for the last period, the Belgian franc (BEF) has not been subject to severe tensions and Belgium has not devalued, on its own initiative, the BEF bilateral central rate against any other Member State’s currency, two years; (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Belgium was, on average, 5,7 %, which is below the reference value. Belgium has achieved a high degree of convergence by reference to all four criteria. sustainable Consequently, Belgium fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. Article 2 Germany In Germany, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. Regarding the fulfilment of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Germany in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,4 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) Germany is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) Germany has been a member of the ERM for the last two years; in that period, the German mark (DEM) has not been subject to severe tensions and Germany has not devalued, on its own initiative, the DEM bilateral central rate against any other Member State’s currency, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Germany was, on average, 5,6 %, which is below the reference value. L 139/24 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 5. 98 Germany has achieved a high degree of sustainable convergence by reference to all four criteria. (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Spain in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,8 %, which is below the reference value, Consequently, Germany fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. (cid:190) Spain is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, Article 3 Greece In Greece, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. the convergence criteria Regarding the fulfilment of mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Greece in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 5,2 %, which is above the reference value, (cid:190) the Council decided on 26 September 1994 that an excessive government deficit exists in Greece and this Decision has not been abrogated, (cid:190) the currency of Greece did not participate in the ERM in the two years ending in February 1998; during this period, the Greek drachma (GRD) has been relatively stable against the ERM currencies but it has experi- enced, at times, tensions which have been counter- acted by temporary increases in domestic interest rates and by foreign exchange intervention. The GRD joined the ERM in March 1998, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Greece was, on average, 9,8 %, which is above the reference value. Greece does not fulfil any of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1). Consequently, Greece does not fulfil the necessary condi- tions for the adoption of the single currency. Article 4 Spain In Spain, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. (cid:190) Spain has been a member of the ERM for the last two years; in that period, the Spanish peseta (ESP) has not been subject to severe tensions and Spain has not the ESP bilateral devalued, on its own initiative, central rate against any other Member State’s currency, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998 the long-term interest rate in Spain was, on average, 6,3 %, which is below the reference value. Spain has achieved a high degree of sustainable conver- gence by reference to all four criteria. Consequently, Spain fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. Article 5 France the necessary steps to make its France has taken all national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. Regarding the fulfilment of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in France in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,2 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) France is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) France has been a member of the ERM for the last two years; in that period, the French franc (FRF) has not been subject to severe tensions and France has not the FRF bilateral devalued, on its own initiative, central rate against any other Member State’s currency, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in France was, on average, 5,5 %, which is below the reference value. France has achieved a high degree of sustainable conver- gence by reference to all four criteria. Regarding the fulfilment of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: Consequently, France fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. 11. 5. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 139/25 Article 6 Ireland In Ireland, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. Regarding the fulfilment of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Ireland in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,2 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) during the second stage of EMU, Ireland was not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) Ireland has been a member of the ERM for the last two years; in that period, the Irish pound (IEP) has not been subject to severe tensions and the IEP bilateral central rate has not been devalued against any other Member State’s currency; on 16 March 1998, at a request of the Irish authorities, the bilateral central rates of the IEP against all other ERM currencies were revalued by 3 %, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Ireland was, on average, 6,2 %, which is below the reference value. Ireland has achieved a high degree of sustainable conver- gence by reference to all four criteria. Consequently, Ireland fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. Article 7 Italy In Italy, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. Regarding the fulfilment of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Italy in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,8 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) Italy rejoined the ERM in November 1996; in the period from March 1996 to November 1996, the Italian lira (ITL) appreciated vis-(cid:133)-vis the ERM curren- cies; since it re-entered the ERM, the ITL has not to severe tensions and Italy has not been subject devalued, on its own initiative, the ITL bilateral central rate against any other Member State’s currency, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Italy was, on average, 6,7 %, which is below the reference value. Italy fulfils the convergence criteria mentioned in the first, second and fourth indents of Article 109j(1); as regards the criterion mentioned in the third indent of Article 109j(1), the ITL, although having rejoined the ERM only in November 1996, has displayed sufficient stability in the last two years. For these reasons, Italy has achieved a high degree of sustainable convergence. Consequently, Italy fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. Article 8 Luxembourg Luxembourg has taken all the necessary steps to make its national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. the convergence criteria Regarding the fulfilment of mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Luxembourg in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,4 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) during the second stage of EMU, Luxembourg was not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) Luxembourg has been a member of the ERM for the last two years; in that period, the Luxembourg franc (LUF) has not been subject to severe tensions and Luxembourg has not devalued, on its own initiative, the LUF bilateral central rate against any other Member State’s currency, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Luxembourg was, on average, 5,6 %, which is below the reference value. Luxembourg has achieved a high degree of sustainable convergence by reference to all four criteria. (cid:190) Italy is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, Consequently, Luxembourg fulfils the necessary condi- tions for the adoption of the single currency. L 139/26 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 5. 98 Article 9 The Netherlands including the In the Netherlands, national statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. legislation, Regarding the fulfilment of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in the Netherlands in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,8 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) the Netherlands is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) the Netherlands has been a member of the ERM for the last two years; in that period, the Dutch guilder (NLG) has not been subject to severe tensions and the Netherlands has not devalued, on its own initiative, the NLG bilateral central rate against any other Member State’s currency, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in the Netherlands was, on average, 5,5 %, which is below the reference value. The Netherlands has achieved a high degree of sustain- able convergence by reference to all four criteria. Consequently, conditions for the adoption of the single currency. the Netherlands the necessary fulfils Article 10 Austria In Austria, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. Regarding the fulfilment of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Austria in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,1 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) Austria is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) Austria has been a member of the ERM for the last two years; in that period, the Austrian schilling (ATS) has not been subject to severe tensions and Austria has not devalued, on its own initiative, the ATS bilat- eral central rate against any other Member State’s currency, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Austria was, on average, 5,6 %, which is below the reference value. Austria has achieved a high degree of sustainable conver- gence by reference to all four criteria. Consequently, Austria fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. Article 11 Portugal In Portugal, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. Regarding the fulfilment of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Portugal in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,8 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) Portugal is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) Portugal has been a member of the ERM for the last two years; in that period, the Portuguese escudo (PTE) has not been subject to severe tensions and Portugal has not devalued, on its own initiative, the PTE bilat- eral central rate against any other Member State’s currency, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Portugal was, on average, 6,2 %, which is below the reference value. Portugal has achieved a high degree of sustainable conver- gence by reference to all four criteria. Consequently, Portugal fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. Article 12 Finland In Finland, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. Regarding the fulfilment of the convergence criteria mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Finland in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,3 %, which is below the reference value, 11. 5. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 139/27 (cid:190) Finland is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) Finland has been a member of the ERM since October 1996; in the period from March 1996 to October 1996, the Finnish markka (FIM) appreciated vis-(cid:133)-vis the ERM currencies; since it entered the ERM, the FIM has not been subject to severe tensions and Finland has not devalued, on its own initiative, the FIM bilateral central rate against any other Member State’s currency, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Finland was, on average, 5,9 %, which is below the reference value. Finland fulfils the convergence criteria mentioned in the first, second and fourth indents of Article 109j(1); as regards the convergence criterion mentioned in the third indent of Article 109j(1), the FIM, although having entered the ERM only in October 1996, has displayed sufficient stability in the last two years. For these reasons, Finland has achieved a high degree of sustainable conver- gence. Consequently, Finland fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. Article 13 Sweden In Sweden, national legislation, including the statute of the national central bank, is not compatible with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB. the convergence criteria Regarding the fulfilment of mentioned in the four indents of Article 109j(1) of the Treaty: (cid:190) the average inflation rate in Sweden in the year ending in January 1998 stood at 1,9 %, which is below the reference value, (cid:190) Sweden is not the subject of a Council decision on the existence of an excessive government deficit, (cid:190) the currency of Sweden has never participated in the in the two years under review, the Swedish ERM; crown (SEK) fluctuated against the ERM currencies reflecting among others the absence of an exchange rate target, (cid:190) in the year ending in January 1998, the long-term interest rate in Sweden was, on average, 6,5 %, which is below the reference value. Sweden fulfils the convergence criteria mentioned in the first, second and fourth indents of Article 109j(1) but does not fulfil the convergence criterion mentioned in the third indent thereof. Consequently, Sweden does not fulfil the necessary condi- tions for the adoption of the single currency. SECTION 2 FINDINGS Article 14 In the light of the above, the findings of the Council are that Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland fulfil the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. The Council recommends that the Council, meeting in the composition of Heads of State or Government, confirm that the said Member States fulfil the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency on 1 January 1999. SECTION 3 PUBLICATION Article 15 This recommendation shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 1 May 1998. For the Council The President G. BROWN


title: 98/308/CE: Decisão do Conselho de 1 de Maio de 1998 que revoga a decisão sobre a existência de um défice excessivo na Alemanha

eurovoc_concepts:
Germany
budget deficit
gross domestic product
public debt

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text: 11. 5. 98 PT Jornal Oficial das Comunidades Europeias L 139/11 DECIS(cid:212)O DO CONSELHO de 1 de Maio de 1998 que revoga a decis(cid:209)o sobre a exist(cid:136)ncia de um d(cid:130)fice excessivo na Alemanha (98/308/CE) O CONSELHO DA UNI(cid:212)O EUROPEIA, Mar(cid:135)o de 1998, nos termos do Regulamento (CE) nº 3605/93, se justificam as seguintes conclus(cid:210)es: Tendo em conta o Tratado que institui a Comunidade Europeia e, nomeadamente, o nº 12 do seu artigo 104ºC, Tendo em conta a recomenda(cid:135)(cid:209)o da Comiss(cid:209)o, Considerando que a segunda fase da Uni(cid:209)o Econ(cid:155)mica e Monet(cid:145)ria teve in(cid:146)cio em 1 de Janeiro de 1994; que o nº 4 do artigo 109ºE do Tratado estabelece que, durante a segunda fase, os Estados-membros envidar(cid:209)o esfor(cid:135)os para evitar d(cid:130)fices or(cid:135)amentais excessivos; Considerando que existe um procedimento aplic(cid:145)vel em caso de d(cid:130)fice excessivo, no qual se prev(cid:136) que seja tomada uma decis(cid:209)o sobre a exist(cid:136)ncia de um d(cid:130)fice excessivo e, uma vez corrigido esse d(cid:130)fice, a revoga(cid:135)(cid:209)o dessa mesma decis(cid:209)o; que, durante a segunda fase, o procedimento rela- tivo aos d(cid:130)fices excessivos (cid:130) determinado pelo artigo 104ºC do Tratado, com exclus(cid:209)o dos n(cid:16) 1, 9 e 11; que o protocolo sobre o procedimento relativo aos d(cid:130)fices exces- sivos, anexo ao Tratado, cont(cid:130)m disposi(cid:135)(cid:210)es suplemen- tares relativas (cid:133) aplica(cid:135)(cid:209)o desse mesmo procedimento; que o Regulamento (CE) nº 3605/93 (1) estabelece regras e defini(cid:135)(cid:210)es pormenorizadas para efeitos de aplica(cid:135)(cid:209)o do referido protocolo; Considerando que, em 27 de Junho de 1996, na sequ(cid:136)ncia de uma recomenda(cid:135)(cid:209)o da Comiss(cid:209)o nos termos do nº 6 do artigo 104ºC do Tratado, o Conselho decidiu pela exist(cid:136)ncia de um d(cid:130)fice excessivo na Alemanha (2); que, nos termos do nº 7 do artigo 104ºC, o Conselho apresentou recomenda(cid:135)(cid:210)es (cid:133) Alemanha no sentido de p(cid:147)r fim (cid:133) situa(cid:135)(cid:209)o de d(cid:130)fice excessivo (3); Considerando que, nos termos do nº 12 do artigo 104ºC do Tratado, as decis(cid:210)es do Conselho sobre a exist(cid:136)ncia de d(cid:130)fices excessivos devem ser revogadas quando os d(cid:130)fices excessivos dos Estados-membros em causa tiverem sido, na opini(cid:209)o do Conselho, corrigidos; Considerando que o Conselho deve revogar essas decis(cid:210)es com base numa recomenda(cid:135)(cid:209)o da Comiss(cid:209)o; que, tendo em conta os dados fornecidos pela Comiss(cid:209)o na sequ(cid:136)ncia das informa(cid:135)(cid:210)es transmitidas pela Alemanha at(cid:130) 1 de inferior O d(cid:130)fice or(cid:135)amental alem(cid:209)o registou um agravamento em 1995 e 1996, ano em que atingiu um valor de 3,4 % do PIB. O d(cid:130)fice diminuiu para 2,7 % do PIB em 1997, um n(cid:146)vel refer(cid:136)ncia do Tratado, prevendo-se uma nova redu(cid:135)(cid:209)o para 2,5 % do PIB em 1998. O programa de converg(cid:136)ncia de 1997 da Alemanha aponta para uma redu(cid:135)(cid:209)o do d(cid:130)fice para 1,5 % do PIB em 2000. ao valor de O r(cid:145)cio da d(cid:146)vida p(cid:156)blica continuou a aumentar at(cid:130) 1997, ano em que atingiu um valor de 61,3 % do PIB. Ap(cid:155)s un aumento acentuado em 1995, o r(cid:145)cio da d(cid:146)vida excedeu ligeiramente o valor de refer(cid:136)ncia de 60 % do PIB em 1996. Espera-se que o r(cid:145)cio da d(cid:146)vida diminua em 1998 e que continue a diminuir nos anos seguintes, de acordo com as projec(cid:135)(cid:210)es do programa de converg(cid:136)ncia alem(cid:209)o. As circunst(cid:131)ncias excepcionais da unifica(cid:135)(cid:209)o alem(cid:209) conti- nuam a impor uma elevada sobrecarga ao or(cid:135)amento alem(cid:209)o. Al(cid:130)m disso, a d(cid:146)vida p(cid:156)blica alem(cid:209) inclui respon- sabilidades relacionadas com a unifica(cid:135)(cid:209)o que se elevam a cerca de 10 % do PIB. O d(cid:130)fice registou em 1997 um n(cid:146)vel inferior ao valor de refer(cid:136)ncia do Tratado; espera-se que assim se mantenha em 1998 e que continue a diminuir a m(cid:130)dio prazo; o r(cid:145)cio da d(cid:146)vida foi ligeiramente superior ao valor de refe- r(cid:136)ncia do Tratado em 1997, prevendo-se que comece a diminuir em 1998 e que volte a situar-se em breve a um n(cid:146)vel inferior ao valor de refer(cid:136)ncia do Tratado, ADOPTOU A PRESENTE DECIS(cid:212)O: Artigo 1º Na sequ(cid:136)ncia de uma an(cid:145)lise global, conclui-se que a situa(cid:135)(cid:209)o de d(cid:130)fice excessivo na Alemanha foi corrigida. Artigo 2º (1) JO L 332 de 31. 12. 1993, p. 7. (2) JO L 172 de 11. 7. 1996, p. 26. (3) Recomenda(cid:135)(cid:210)es do Conselho de 16 de Setembro de 1996 e 15 de Setembro de 1997. (cid:144) revogada a decis(cid:209)o do Conselho de 27 de Junho de 1996 sobre a exist(cid:136)ncia de um d(cid:130)fice excessivo na Alemanha. L 139/12 PT Jornal Oficial das Comunidades Europeias 11. 5. 98 A Rep(cid:156)blica Federal da Alemanha (cid:130) a destinat(cid:145)ria da presente decis(cid:209)o. Artigo 3º Feito em Bruxelas, em 1 de Maio de 1998. Pelo Conselho O Presidente G. BROWN


title: Ehdotus neuvoston (talous- ja raha-asiat) ja kyseisessä neuvostossa kokoontuvien ministereiden julkilausumaksi annetaan 1 päivänä toukokuuta 1998

eurovoc_concepts:
Economic and Monetary Union
budget policy
coordination of EMU policies
economic convergence
euro
public finance

text: L 139/28 ‹ FI ‹ Euroopan yhteis(cid:148)jen virallinen lehti 11. 5. 98 EHDOTUS NEUVOSTON (TALOUS- JA RAHA-ASIAT) JA KYSEISESS(cid:142) NEUVOSTOSSA KOKOONTUVIEN MINISTEREIDEN JULKILAUSUMAKSI annetaan 1 p(cid:132)iv(cid:132)n(cid:132) toukokuuta 1998 1. Euro toteutuu 1 p(cid:132)iv(cid:132)n(cid:132) tammikuuta 1999 p(cid:132)(cid:132)tt(cid:132)en prosessin, joka huipentuu euron onnistuneelle k(cid:132)yt- t(cid:148)(cid:148)notolle asetettujen taloudellisten edellytysten t(cid:132)ytty- misess(cid:132). Neuvosto (talous- ja raha-asiat) ja kyseisess(cid:132) neuvostossa kokoontuvat ministerit toteavat kaikkien j(cid:132)senvaltioiden edistyneen merkitt(cid:132)v(cid:132)sti hintavakauden saavuttamisessa ja julkisen talouden tervehdytt(cid:132)misess(cid:132). L(cid:132)hentymiskehitys on edist(cid:132)nyt valuuttakurssivakauden korkeata tasoa ja korkojen pysymist(cid:132) poikkeuksellisen matalina siten kansantalouksiemme ja parantanut taloudellisia edellytyksi(cid:132). 2. Siirtyminen vahvistaa yhten(cid:132)isvaluuttaan edelleen hintavakauden s(cid:132)ilytt(cid:132)v(cid:132)(cid:132), vahvaa ja kest(cid:132)v(cid:132)(cid:132) kasvua, joka edist(cid:132)(cid:132) uusien ty(cid:148)paikkojen ja korkeamman elin- tason luomista. Valuuttakurssiriski poistuu euroaluee- seen osallistuvien j(cid:132)senvaltioiden v(cid:132)lill(cid:132), valuutan vaih- tokulut v(cid:132)henev(cid:132)t, ja tehostuvat, hintojen vertailtavuus paranee ja kilpailu todellisten lis(cid:132)(cid:132)ntyy. Se on t(cid:132)ten ratkaiseva askel yhteismarkkinoiden luomisessa. rahoitusmarkkinat laajenevat 3. J(cid:132)senvaltioiden ministerein(cid:132) olemme vahvasti sitoutu- toteuttamaan talous- ja rahaliiton sek(cid:132) yhteis- neet markkinoiden t(cid:132)ysim(cid:132)(cid:132)r(cid:132)isten hy(cid:148)tyjen saavuttamisen edellytt(cid:132)m(cid:132)t toimet unionin kaikkien kansalaisten eduksi. N(cid:132)m(cid:132) toimet sis(cid:132)lt(cid:132)v(cid:132)t talouspolitiikan yhteen- sovittamisen tiivist(cid:132)misen. Olemme vakuuttuneita, ett(cid:132) Dublinissa, Amsterdamissa ja Luxemburgissa kokoon- tuneiden Eurooppa-neuvostojen p(cid:132)(cid:132)telmien t(cid:132)ysim(cid:132)(cid:132)- r(cid:132)inen t(cid:132)yt(cid:132)nt(cid:148)(cid:148)npano antavat terveen pohjan pysyv(cid:132)sti vakaalle EMUn h(cid:132)iri(cid:148)tt(cid:148)m(cid:132)lle toiminnalle. rahoitusmarkkinakehitykselle ja ja vuosina kaikkien j(cid:132)senvaltioiden vahva, 4. Tulevina vakaan hintavakauden s(cid:132)ilytt(cid:132)v(cid:132) kasvu kest(cid:132)v(cid:132) perustuu edelleen taloudelliseen l(cid:132)hentymiseen. Lis(cid:132)ksi terve ja kest(cid:132)v(cid:132) julkinen talous on edellytys kasvulle ja ty(cid:148)llisyyden paranemiselle. Vakaus- ja kasvusopimus antaa keinot, joilla kyseisen tavoitteen saavuttaminen voidaan varmistaa ja joilla voidaan lis(cid:132)t(cid:132) mahdolli- suuksia vastata kansallisella budjettipolitiikalla tuleviin haasteisiin. 5. Kyseisen sopimuksen mukaisesti aloitamme julkisyh- teis(cid:148)n rahoitusaseman valvonnan sek(cid:132) talouspolitiikan valvonnan tehostamisesta yhteensovittamisen annetun asetuksen (1) t(cid:132)yt(cid:132)nt(cid:148)(cid:148)npanon 1 p(cid:132)iv(cid:132)n(cid:132) hein(cid:132)kuuta 1998 seuraavasti. ja (1) 7. hein(cid:132)kuuta 1997 annettu neuvoston asetus N:o 1466/97 (EYVL L 209, 2. 8. 1997, s. 1). — Sitoudumme varmistamaan, ett(cid:132) vuodelle 1998 asetetut j(cid:132)senvaltioiden talousarviotavoitteet saavu- tetaan t(cid:132)ysim(cid:132)(cid:132)r(cid:132)isesti ryhtym(cid:132)ll(cid:132) tarvittaessa ajoissa toimiin kehityksen oikaisemiseksi. ett(cid:132) — Neuvosto sopii, aikaisessa j(cid:132)senvaltioiden talousarviosuunnitelmia vaiheessa vuodelle 1999 vakaus- ja kasvusopimuksen puit- teiden ja tavoitteiden pohjalta. tarkastelee se N(cid:132)iden kahden ensimm(cid:132)isen kohdan osalta euro- alueeseen osallistuvien valtioiden ministerit ovat p(cid:132)(cid:132)tt(cid:132)neet tulevina kuukausina aloittaakseen seurannan Luxemburgin Eurooppa-neuvoston p(cid:132)(cid:132)t(cid:148)slauselman mukaisesti. ep(cid:132)virallisesti kokoontua tulevat — Jos taloudellinen kehitys on odotettua parempi, j(cid:132)senvaltiot k(cid:132)ytt(cid:132)m(cid:132)(cid:132)n mahdollisuutta tehostaa julkisen talouden vahvistamista saavuttaak- seen vakaus- ja kasvusopimuksen sitoumusten mukaisen julkiselle taloudelle asetetun keskipitk(cid:132)n ajan tavoitteen, jonka mukaan julkisyhteis(cid:148)jen rahoitusasema on l(cid:132)hell(cid:132) tasapainoa tai ylij(cid:132)(cid:132)m(cid:132)i- nen. suhteessa bruttokansantuotteeseen, — Mit(cid:132) suurempi osallistuvien j(cid:132)senvaltioiden velka sit(cid:132) on suurempia ponnistuksia niiden on teht(cid:132)v(cid:132) suhteen alentamiseksi nopeasti. T(cid:132)h(cid:132)n p(cid:132)(cid:132)semiseksi on toteutettava muita toimia bruttovelan pienent(cid:132)mi- seksi sen lis(cid:132)ksi, ett(cid:132) perusylij(cid:132)(cid:132)m(cid:132)t pidet(cid:132)(cid:132)n asian- ja kasvusopimuksen mukaisella sitoumusten ja tavoitteiden mukaisesti. Velanhoi- tostrategioilla on lis(cid:132)ksi v(cid:132)hennett(cid:132)v(cid:132) j(cid:132)senval- tioiden julkisen talouden haavoittuvuutta. tasolla vakaus- — Kaikki ministerit sitoutuvat toimittamaan viimeis- t(cid:132)(cid:132)n vuoden 1998 loppuun menness(cid:132) kansalliset vakaus- tai joissa k(cid:132)sitell(cid:132)(cid:132)n kyseisi(cid:132) t(cid:132)rkeit(cid:132) tekij(cid:148)it(cid:132). l(cid:132)hentymisohjelmat, 6. Neuvosto toteaa j(cid:132)lleen, ett(cid:132) vastuu julkisen talouden ja my(cid:148)s tulevaisuudessa vakauttamisesta kuuluu nyt j(cid:132)senvaltioille ja ett(cid:132) Euroopan yhteis(cid:148)n perustamisso- pimuksen 104 b artiklan 1 kohdan m(cid:132)(cid:132)r(cid:132)ysten mukaan erityisesti yhteis(cid:148) ei ole vastuussa eik(cid:132) ota vastatakseen sitoumuksista, joita j(cid:132)senvaltioilla on. On sovittu, ettei k(cid:132)ytt(cid:132)(cid:132) talous- erityisten tulonsiirtojen perusteena, t(cid:132)m(cid:132)n kuitenkaan rajoittamatta EY:n perustamissopimuksen tavoitteita ja m(cid:132)(cid:132)r(cid:132)yksi(cid:132). sellaisenaan voida rahaliittoa ja 11. 5. 98 ‹ FI ‹ Euroopan yhteis(cid:148)jen virallinen lehti L 139/29 ja talous- keskustellaksemme 7. Julkisen talouden vakauttamista koskevaa ty(cid:148)t(cid:132)mme tulevat t(cid:132)ydent(cid:132)m(cid:132)(cid:132)n tehostetut ponnistukset j(cid:132)senval- tioidenkansantalouden tehokkuuden parantamiseksi, mik(cid:132) vahvistaa my(cid:148)nteisen ymp(cid:132)rist(cid:148)n luomista kasvulle, korkealle ty(cid:148)llisyydelle ja sosiaaliselle yhteen- kuuluvuudelle. T(cid:132)h(cid:132)n liittyen odotamme sovittua tapaamistamme ty(cid:148)markkinaosapuolten kanssa l(cid:132)hiai- koina rahaliitosta. Teemme yhdess(cid:132) ty(cid:148)markkinaosapuolten ja muiden asianomaisten tahojen kanssa kaikki tarpeelliset aloit- teet luodaksemme olosuhteet, joissa erityisesti nuorten, pitk(cid:132)aikaisty(cid:148)tt(cid:148)mien ja v(cid:132)h(cid:132)n koulutetun v(cid:132)est(cid:148)n ty(cid:148)tt(cid:148)myytt(cid:132) Luxemburgissa kokoontuneen Eurooppa-neuvoston p(cid:132)(cid:132)telmi(cid:132) noudat- taen sitoudumme tekem(cid:132)(cid:132)n oman osuutemme ty(cid:148)lli- syyspolitiikalle vahvistettujen suuntaviivojen mukaisesti laadittujen ty(cid:148)llisyytt(cid:132) koskevien kansallisten toiminta- t(cid:132)yt(cid:132)nt(cid:148)(cid:148)n. suunnitelmien tarkastelee Talous- kyseisi(cid:132) Cardiffissa kokoontuvan Eurooppa-neuvoston ja sen j(cid:132)lkeisten Eurooppa-neuvostojen valmisteluun. pikaisesti neuvosto osallistuessaan panemiseksi rahoitusasioiden ja suunnitelmia v(cid:132)hent(cid:132)(cid:132). voidaan 8. Kiinnit(cid:132)mme erityist(cid:132) huomiota niiden mahdollisuuk- joilla kasvu n(cid:132)kyy lis(cid:132)(cid:132)ntyv(cid:132)n(cid:132) korostamme muun muassa sien laajentamiseen, ty(cid:148)llisyyten(cid:132). T(cid:132)ten seuraavia rakenneuudistuksia: — tehostetaan hy(cid:148)dyke-, ty(cid:148)- ja p(cid:132)(cid:132)omamarkkinoita, — parannetaan ty(cid:148)markkinoiden sopeutumiskyky(cid:132) niin, ottaisivat nykyist(cid:132) huomioon palkkojen ja tuottavuuden kehityksen, paremmin ett(cid:132) ne — varmistetaan, ett(cid:132) kansalliset koulutus- ja ammatti- tehokkaita ja ett(cid:132) ne koulutusj(cid:132)rjestelm(cid:132)t ovat vastaavat ty(cid:148)llisyystilanteen vaatimuksia, — pyrit(cid:132)(cid:132)n rohkaisemaan erityisesti v(cid:132)hent(cid:132)m(cid:132)ll(cid:132) siihen kohdistuvia hallinnollisia rasit- teita, yritt(cid:132)jyytt(cid:132), — helpotetaan erityisesti pienten ja keskisuurten ja riskip(cid:132)(cid:132)omamarkki- yritysten p(cid:132)(cid:132)sy(cid:132) p(cid:132)(cid:132)oma- noille, — lis(cid:132)t(cid:132)(cid:132)n verotuksen tehokkuutta ja v(cid:132)ltet(cid:132)(cid:132)n haital- lista verokilpailua, — otetaan huomioon v(cid:132)est(cid:148)n ik(cid:132)(cid:132)ntymisen vaiku- tukset kaikissa sosiaaliturvaj(cid:132)rjestelmiin liittyviss(cid:132) kysymyksiss(cid:132). 9. Neuvosto aikoo perustaa kevyen, toissijaisuusperiaat- teen mukaisen menettelyn, jota noudattaen seurataan j(cid:132)senvaltioiden talousuudistusten edistymist(cid:132). Ensi vuodesta l(cid:132)htien talouspolitiikan laajojen suuntavii- vojen valmistelu perustuu j(cid:132)senvaltioiden ja komission laatimiin lyhyihin arvioihin, jotka koskevat hy(cid:148)dyke- ja p(cid:132)(cid:132)omamarkkinoiden kehittymist(cid:132) sek(cid:132) niit(cid:132) koskevia suunnitelmia ja ty(cid:148)llisyyden toimintasuunnitelmia


title: 98/309/EG: Beschikking van de Raad van 1 mei 1998 tot intrekking van de beschikking betreffende het bestaan van een buitensporig tekort in Oostenrijk

eurovoc_concepts:
Austria
budget deficit
gross domestic product
public debt

text: 11. 5. 98 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen L 139/13 BESCHIKKING VAN DE RAAD van 1 mei 1998 tot intrekking van de beschikking betreffende het bestaan van een buitensporig tekort in Oostenr¶k (98/309/EG) DE RAAD VAN DE EUROPESE UNIE, Gelet op het Verdrag tot oprichting van de Europese Gemeenschap, inzonderheid op artikel 104 C, lid 12, Gezien de aanbeveling van de Commissie, Overwegende dat de tweede fase van de verwezenl¶king van de Economische en Monetaire Unie op 1 januari 1994 is ingegaan; dat in artikel 109 E, lid 4, van het Verdrag is bepaald dat de lidstaten in de tweede fase ernaar streven buitensporige overheidstekorten te voor- komen; Overwegende dat er een procedure b¶ buitensporige tekorten bestaat, die inhoudt dat een beschikking over het bestaan van een buitensporig tekort wordt vastgesteld en dat, nadat het buitensporige tekort is gecorrigeerd, bedoelde beschikking wordt ingetrokken; dat voor de tweede fase de procedure b¶ buitensporige tekorten is bepaald in artikel 104 C van het Verdrag, met uitzonde- ring van de leden 1, 9 en 11; dat het protocol betreffende de procedure b¶ buitensporige tekorten, dat aan het Verdrag is gehecht, nadere bepalingen behelst betreffende de toepassing van de procedure b¶ buitensporige tekorten; in Verordening (EG) nr. 3605/93 (1) gedetailleerde dat regels en definities voor de toepassing van genoemd protocol z¶n vervat; Overwegende dat de Raad op 10 juli 1995 op grond van een aanbeveling van de Commissie overeenkomstig artikel 104 C, lid 6, van het Verdrag, heeft besloten dat in Oostenr¶k een buitensporig tekort bestond; dat overeen- komstig artikel 104 C, lid 7, de Raad aanbevelingen tot Oostenr¶k heeft gericht om dit buitensporige tekort te corrigeren (2); Overwegende dat overeenkomstig de bepalingen van artikel 104 C, lid 12, van het Verdrag een beschikking van de Raad betreffende het bestaan van een buitensporig tekort wordt ingetrokken, indien de Raad van oordeel is dat het buitensporige tekort in de betrokken lidstaat is gecorrigeerd; Overwegende dat de Raad z¶n beschikking tot intrekking van bedoelde beschikking vaststelt op grond van een aanbeveling van de Commissie; dat uit de gegevens die de Commissie heeft verstrekt, nadat Oostenr¶k v(cid:155)(cid:155)r 1 maart 1998 overeenkomstig Verordening (EG) nr. 3605/93 gege- (1) PB L 332 van 31. 12. 1993, blz. 7. (2) Aanbevelingen van de Raad van 24 juli 1995, 16 september 1996 en 15 september 1997. vens heeft overgelegd, de volgende conclusies kunnen worden getrokken: Sinds 1995 is het overheidstekort in Oostenr¶k gedaald en in 1997 bedroeg het 2,5 % van het BBP, hetgeen lager is dan de referentiewaarde van het Verdrag. Naar verwach- ting zal het in 1998 verder afnemen tot 2,3 % van het BBP. Volgens de prognoses van het in 1997 b¶gestelde convergentieprogramma voor Oostenr¶k zal het tekort dalen tot 1,9 % van het BBP in 2000. De schuldquote van de overheid bereikte in 1996 een hoogtepunt van 69,5 % van het BBP en nam vervolgens af tot 66,1 % in 1997. Voor 1998 wordt een verdere in het daling verwacht, die volgens de prognoses b¶gewerkte Oostenr¶kse de komende jaren zou aanhouden. convergentieprogramma Het tekort lag in 1997 onder de referentiewaarde van het Verdrag. Verwacht wordt dat dit ook in 1998 het geval zal z¶n en dat het tekort op middellange term¶n verder zal teruglopen. De schuldquote neemt momenteel af en wordt verwacht in de komende jaren te bl¶ven dalen, HEEFT DE VOLGENDE BESCHIKKING VASTGESTELD: Artikel 1 Uit een algehele evaluatie volgt dat het buitensporige tekort in Oostenr¶k is gecorrigeerd. Artikel 2 De beschikking van de Raad van 10 juli 1995 betreffende het bestaan van een buitensporig tekort in Oostenr¶k wordt hierb¶ ingetrokken. Artikel 3 Deze beschikking is gericht tot de Republiek Oostenr¶k. Gedaan te Brussel, 1 mei 1998. Voor de Raad De Voorzitter G. BROWN


title: 98/315/CE: Décision du Conseil du 1er mai 1998 abrogeant la décision constatant l'existence d'un déficit excessif au Royaume-Uni

eurovoc_concepts:
United Kingdom
budget deficit
gross domestic product
public debt

text: L 139/20 FR Journal officiel des Communaut(cid:130)s europ(cid:130)ennes 11. 5. 98 D(cid:144)CISION DU CONSEIL du 1er mai 1998 abrogeant la d(cid:130)cision constatant l’existence d’un d(cid:130)ficit excessif au Royaume-Uni (98/315/CE) a int(cid:130)rieur brut sensiblement Le d(cid:130)ficit public du Royaume-Uni diminu(cid:130) depuis 1993 et s’est situ(cid:130) en 1997 (cid:133) 1,9 % du produit (PIB), c’est-(cid:133)-dire au-de(cid:135)(cid:133) de la valeur de r(cid:130)f(cid:130)rence du trait(cid:130). Une nouvelle baisse du d(cid:130)ficit, (cid:133) 0,6 % du PIB, est anticip(cid:130)e en 1998. Selon le programme de convergence pr(cid:130)sent(cid:130) par le Royaume-Uni en 1997, les finances publiques devraient afficher un exc(cid:130)dent (cid:133) la fin de la d(cid:130)cennie. Le ratio de la dette publique n’a jamais (cid:130)t(cid:130) sup(cid:130)rieur (cid:133) la valeur de r(cid:130)f(cid:130)rence de 60 % pr(cid:130)vue par le trait(cid:130); apr(cid:138)s avoir augment(cid:130) pendant plusieurs ann(cid:130)es, il est retomb(cid:130) (cid:133) 53,4 % du PIB en 1997. Le d(cid:130)ficit a (cid:130)t(cid:130) largement inf(cid:130)rieur (cid:133) la valeur de r(cid:130)f(cid:130)- rence du trait(cid:130) en 1997; il devrait le rester en 1998, avant de se transformer en exc(cid:130)dent (cid:133) moyen terme; le ratio de la dette publique reste inf(cid:130)rieur (cid:133) la valeur de r(cid:130)f(cid:130)rence du trait(cid:130), A ARR(cid:219)T(cid:144) LA PR(cid:144)SENTE D(cid:144)CISION: Article premier Il ressort d’une (cid:130)valuation globale que le d(cid:130)ficit public excessif du Royaume-Uni a (cid:130)t(cid:130) corrig(cid:130). Article 2 La d(cid:130)cision du Conseil du 26 septembre 1994 constatant l’existence d’un d(cid:130)ficit excessif au Royaume-Uni est abrog(cid:130)e. Article 3 Le Royaume-Uni de Grande-Bretagne et d’Irlande du Nord est destinataire de la pr(cid:130)sente d(cid:130)cision. Fait (cid:133) Bruxelles, le 1er mai 1998. Par le Conseil Le pr(cid:130)sident G. BROWN LE CONSEIL DE L’UNION EUROP(cid:144)ENNE, vu le trait(cid:130) instituant la Communaut(cid:130) europ(cid:130)enne, et notamment son article 104 C, paragraphe 12, vu la recommandation de la Commission, consid(cid:130)rant que la deuxi(cid:138)me phase de la r(cid:130)alisation de l’Union (cid:130)conomique et mon(cid:130)taire a commenc(cid:130) le 1er janvier 1994; que l’article 109 E, paragraphe 4, du trait(cid:130) pr(cid:130)voit que, au cours de la deuxi(cid:138)me phase, les (cid:144)tats membres s’efforcent d’(cid:130)viter des d(cid:130)ficits publics excessifs; consid(cid:130)rant qu’il a (cid:130)t(cid:130) institu(cid:130) une proc(cid:130)dure concernant les d(cid:130)ficits excessifs, qui pr(cid:130)voit l’adoption d’une d(cid:130)cision constatant l’existence d’un d(cid:130)ficit excessif et, lorsqu’il a (cid:130)t(cid:130) rem(cid:130)di(cid:130) (cid:133) ce d(cid:130)ficit, l’abrogation de ladite d(cid:130)cision; que, au cours de la deuxi(cid:138)me phase, la proc(cid:130)dure concer- nant les d(cid:130)ficits excessifs est r(cid:130)gie par l’article 104 C du trait(cid:130), (cid:133) l’exception des paragraphes 1, 9 et 11; que le protocole sur la proc(cid:130)dure concernant les d(cid:130)ficits exces- sifs, annex(cid:130) au trait(cid:130), contient des dispositions addition- nelles pour l’application de cette proc(cid:130)dure; que le r(cid:138)gle- ment (CE) no 3605/93 (1) (cid:130)tablit des r(cid:138)gles et des d(cid:130)fini- tions d(cid:130)taill(cid:130)es pour l’application dudit protocole; consid(cid:130)rant que, sur recommandation de la Commission, le Conseil, conform(cid:130)ment (cid:133) l’article 104 C, paragraphe 6, du trait(cid:130), a d(cid:130)cid(cid:130), le 26 septembre 1994, qu’il existait un d(cid:130)ficit public excessif au Royaume-Uni; que, conform(cid:130)- ment (cid:133) l’article 104 C, paragraphe 7, le Conseil a adress(cid:130) des recommandations au Royaume-Uni afin que celui-ci mette un terme (cid:133) cette situation (2); consid(cid:130)rant que, conform(cid:130)ment (cid:133) l’article 104 C, para- graphe 12, du trait(cid:130), il convient d’abroger la d(cid:130)cision du Conseil constatant l’existence d’un d(cid:130)ficit excessif, dans la mesure o(cid:151), de l’avis du Conseil, le d(cid:130)ficit excessif dans l’(cid:144)tat membre concern(cid:130) a (cid:130)t(cid:130) corrig(cid:130); lorsqu’il abroge ladite d(cid:130)cision, le consid(cid:130)rant que, Conseil statue sur recommandation de la Commission; que les donn(cid:130)es fournies par la Commission, (cid:133) partir du rapport que le Royaume-Uni lui a communiqu(cid:130) avant le 1er mars 1998, conform(cid:130)ment au r(cid:138)glement (CE) no 3605/ 93, justifient les conclusions suivantes: (1) JO L 332 du 31. 12. 1993, p. 7. (2) Recommandations du Conseil des 7 novembre 1994, 24 juillet 1995, 16 septembre 1996 et 15 septembre 1997


title: 98/310/EF: Rådets beslutning af 1. maj 1998 om ophævelse af afgørelsen om et uforholdsmæssigt stort underskud i Frankrig

eurovoc_concepts:
France
budget deficit
gross domestic product
public debt

text: L 139/14 DA De Europæiske Fællesskabers Tidende 11. 5. 98 R(cid:143)DETS BESLUTNING af 1. maj 1998 om ophævelse af afgørelsen om et uforholdsmæssigt stort underskud i Frankrig (98/310/EF) Frankrig inden den 1. marts 1998 i overensstemmelse med forordning (EF) nr. 3605/93, kan der drages følgende konklusioner: Det offentlige underskud i Frankrig er faldet væsentligt siden 1994, og i 1997 udgjorde det 3,0 % af BNP, hvilket svarer underskuddet forventes at falde endnu en anelse til 2,9 % af BNP i 1998, og regeringen regner med at nedbringe under- skuddet yderligere til 2,3 % af BNP i 1999. referenceværdi; traktatens til Den offentlige gældskvote har været stigende og udgjorde 58,0 % af BNP i 1997, men den har aldrig oversteget traktatens referenceværdi p(cid:134) 60 % af BNP. i Underskuddet var lig med traktatens referenceværdi 1997 og forventes at falde til under denne værdi i 1998; den offentlige gældskvote ligger fortsat under traktatens referenceværdi (cid:190) VEDTAGET FØLGENDE BESLUTNING: Artikel 1 Det følger af en samlet vurdering, at det uforholdsmæssigt store underskud i Frankrig er blevet korrigeret. Artikel 2 R(cid:134)dets afgørelse af 26. september 1994 om et uforholds- mæssigt stort underskud i Frankrig ophæves. Artikel 3 Denne beslutning er rettet til Den Franske Republik. Udfærdiget i Bruxelles, den 1. maj 1998. P(cid:134) R(cid:134)dets vegne G. BROWN Formand R(cid:143)DET FOR DEN EUROPÆISKE UNION HAR (cid:190) under henvisning til Europæiske Fællesskab, særlig artikel 104 C, stk. 12, traktaten om oprettelse af Det under henvisning til henstilling fra Kommissionen, og ud fra følgende betragtninger: Anden fase i gennemførelsen af Den Økonomiske og Monetære Union begyndte den 1. ifølge traktatens artikel 109 E, stk. 4, skal medlemsstaterne i denne anden fase bestræbe sig p(cid:134) at undg(cid:134) uforholdsmæs- sigt store offentlige underskud; januar 1994; der findes en procedure i forbindelse med uforholdsmæs- sigt store underskud, hvorefter der træffes en afgørelse om, at der foreligger et uforholdsmæssigt stort underskud, og hvorefter denne afgørelse ophæves, n(cid:134)r det uforholds- mæssigt store underskud er blevet korrigeret; i anden fase bestemmes proceduren i forbindelse med uforholdsmæs- sigt store underskud af traktatens artikel 104 C, undtagen stk. 1, 9 og 11; protokollen om proceduren i forbindelse med uforholdsmæssigt store underskud, der er knyttet som bilag til traktaten, indeholder de nærmere bestem- melser om gennemførelsen af proceduren i forbindelse med uforholdsmæssigt store underskud; forordning (EF) nr. 3605/93 (1) indeholder detaljerede regler og definiti- oner med henblik p(cid:134) anvendelsen af nævnte protokol; p(cid:134) grundlag af en henstilling fra Kommissionen fastslog R(cid:134)det den 26. september 1994 i overensstemmelse med traktatens artikel 104 C, stk. 6, at der forel(cid:134) et uforholds- mæssigt stort underskud i Frankrig; i overensstemmelse med artikel 104 C, stk. 7, rettede R(cid:134)det en henstilling til Frankrig med henblik p(cid:134) at bringe denne situation med et forholdsmæssigt stort underskud til ophør (2); i henhold til traktatens artikel 104 C, stk. 12, ophæver R(cid:134)det sin afgørelse om et uforholdsmæssigt stort under- skud, i det omfang det uforholdsmæssigt store underskud i den p(cid:134)gældende medlemsstat efter R(cid:134)dets opfattelse er blevet korrigeret; n(cid:134)r R(cid:134)det ophæver afgørelsen, sker det p(cid:134) grundlag af en henstilling fra Kommissionen; p(cid:134) grundlag af de data, der er tilvejebragt af Kommissionen efter indberetning fra (1) EFT L 332 af 31. 12. 1993, s. 7. (2) R(cid:134)dets henstillinger af 7. november 1994, 24. september 1996 og 15. september 1997. juli 1995, 16


title: Mededeling van de Raad - Overeenkomst EG/Verenigde Staten op veterinair gebied

eurovoc_concepts:
United States
agreement (EU)
animal health
health legislation
public health
veterinary legislation

text: 1. 5. 98 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen C 136/1 I (Mededelingen) RAAD OVEREENKOMST EG/VERENIGDE STATEN OP VETERINAIR GEBIED (98/C 136/01) (Deze tekst annuleert en vervangt de tekst gepubliceerd in PB C 122 van 21 april 1998) Bij de aanneming van het besluit van de Raad betreffende de sluiting van de Overeenkomst tussen de Verenigde Staten van Amerika en de Europese Gemeenschap inzake sanitaire maat(cid:220) regelen ter bescherming van de volksgezondheid en de diergezondheid bij de handel in levende dieren en dierlijke producten(cid:216)(˛) heeft de Raad de volgende verklaring afgelegd: ,,De Raad neemt nota van de briefwisseling tussen de Commissie en het Ministerie van Landbouw van de Verenigde Staten en komt overeen deze brieven in zijn notulen op te nemen. De Raad beklemtoont dat deze brieven een essentieel onderdeel vormen van zijn besluit met betrekking tot de goedkeuring van de Veterinaire Overeenkomst EG/VS. De Raad en de Commissie zijn van mening dat de politieke toezeggingen die in deze brieven worden gedaan, van wezenlijk belang zijn voor een juiste, evenwichtige en volle(cid:220) dige uitvoering van de overeenkomst. De Commissie verbindt zich ertoe dat zij, overeenkomstig de procedure van artikel 4 van het besluit van de Raad, het bepaalde in artikel 14 van de overeenkomst zal gebruiken om eventuele problemen bij de uitvoering te behandelen en daarbij met name voor ogen zal houden hoeveel belang de Raad in zijn besluit heeft gehecht aan de brieven van de Ver(cid:220) enigde Staten. De Commissie verbindt zich er tevens toe dat zij, ingeval problemen van bovenvermelde aard onoplosbaar blijken, de nodige procedurele stappen zal nemen om de Raad in staat te stellen de maatregelen uit hoofde van artikel 16 van de overeenkomst te treffen, en zij zal alle middelen aanwenden die de Gemeenschap uit hoofde van artikel 2 van deze overeenkomst ter beschikking staan. Het is in ieder geval duidelijk dat de Commissie in het kader van het Permanent Veteri(cid:220) nair Comit~ een aantal toepassingsbesluiten moet nemen. Volgens de Commissie zal de omzetting in nationale wetgevingen na de ondertekening nog enige maanden vergen, overeenkomstig artikel 8 van de overeenkomst. De Commissie zal in die periode de toe(cid:220) passing door de Verenigde Staten nauwlettend volgen. De Raad stemt in met de bekendmaking van deze verklaring en bovengenoemde brieven in het Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen (serie C). ’’. (˛)(cid:217)PB L 118 van 21. 4. 1998, blz. 1. Rectificatie in PB L 130 van 1. 5. 1998. C 136/2 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen 1. 5. 98 BIJLAGE I March 10, 1998 Franz Fischler Agricultural Commissioner Commission of the European Union Rue de la Loi 200 B(cid:220)1049 Brussels Dear Franz, In our meeting in Oxford last January, we had a lengthy discussion of the actions we intended to take to recognize, under the terms of our draft Veterinary Equivalency Agreement (the Agreement), the animal health status of the European Community (EC). I explained to you that it would be impossible for us to publish a second proposed rule on animal health status before the EC Council voted to adopt the Agreement. However, I did promise to provide to you, before the date of the Council vote, an indication of the likely content of the proposal. This letter is in fulfillment of that commitment. Our regionalization obligation under the Agreement extends to the seventeen diseases listed in Annex III of the Agreement. To ensure complete clarity, I would like to describe the situation with respect to each of those seventeen diseases. For eleven of the diseases - namely, peste de petits ruminants, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, sheep and goat pox, enterovirus encephalomyelitis, pseudorabies/aujeszky’s, vesicular stomatitis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, bluetongue, African horse sickness, fowl plague (avian influenza), and Vene(cid:220) zuelan equine encephalomyelitis - the United States already recognizes the EC’s animal health status as defined by the Community. There is, therefore, no need for further action. November 1997 Proposed Rule: In July 1997, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) received a request from the European Commission for the recognition of the animal health status of Member States and their regions for the remaining six diseases - swine vesicular disease (SVD), Newcastle disease (ND), rinderpest, foot(cid:220)and(cid:220)mouth disease (FMD), classical swine fever (CSF), and African swine fever (ASF). Based on the information which was provided, APHIS published a proposed rule in November 1997, under the terms of which the United States would recognize Belgium free of SVD; France free of SVD and ND; Greece free of rinderpest and ND; Luxembourg free of FMD, rinderpest, and ND; Portugal free of FMD, rinderpest, SVD, and ASF; and Spain free of ND. If that rule is finalized as written, and I expect that it will be shortly, the United States will have recognized the EC’s animal health status for two more diseases - ASF and rinderpest - as defined by the EC. With respect to the other four disease, we had not received by the time of the publication of the original proposed rule sufficient information from the EU to allow us to make determinations with respect to certain Member States and regions. Information received subsequently, however, has given us a more complete picture. Foot(cid:220)and(cid:220)Mouth disease: Based on the new information we have received on FMD, we are now prepared to begin the rulemaking process to recognize Greece as FMD(cid:220)free. Completion of that process and final(cid:220) ization of the November proposed rule would mean that the U. S. disease picture for FMD would correspond with that of the EC. Swine vesicular disease: With regard to SVD, we have nearly a complete picture. On the basis of the data provided, we are now prepared to propose the recognition of the EC disease map for all regions except for the central and southern regions of Italy for which we have not yet received sufficient surveillance data. Once we have received and evaluated such information, we would be able (if the data are satisfactory) to complete the EC picture with regard to SVD. Prompt receipt of the information could allow us to make a positive determination prior to formal publication of the proposal in the Federal Register. Classical swine fever and Newcastle disease: With regard to the remaining two diseases, I am frankly very concerned. The situation in Europe is far from stable, and our regulatory officials are anxious to ensure that implementation of the Agreement does not expose U. S. livestock and poultry flocks to unacceptable risks. I coming to conclusions on these two diseases, I have instructed APHIS to go as far as can be scientifically justified. However, I have also instructed them to demand full information and to make prudent judgements. 1. 5. 98 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen C 136/3 On the basis of the information we have received with respect to CSF, we are prepared to begin the rulemaking process for recognizing the EC’s animal health status as defined by the EC. Moreover, we would intend to include in our proposed rule references to regionalization efforts in place in infected regions. This should facilitate the task of changing the status of those areas once the disease is eradicated. However, in light of the length, severity and repetitive nature of the outbreaks, we intend to propose two special conditions. First, in the case of future outbreaks, we would request the EC provide us with information on all shipments to the United States from the newly(cid:220)infected area for 40 days prior to the outbreak. Second, we would stipulate that, in the case of this disease, infected areas would not be determined disease(cid:220)free until they had completed the full six(cid:220)month waiting period prescribed by the Inter(cid:220) national Office of Epizootics (OIE). With respect to ND, we have received from the Commission little information on surveillance. In addition, we are concerned by the Community’s inability to identify the source of the recent outbreaks and the lack of harmonized regulations on the movement of pet birds. Therefore, we are not in a position at this time to extend the disease(cid:220)free recognition for ND beyond what we have already outline in our November 1997 proposed rule. However, additional data and information obtained from he Commission supporting disease free status would allow adjustments prior to the formal publication of the proposal in the Federal Register. I am confident that we are acting in conformity with our obligations under the draft Agreement and the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. We look forward to the adoption and implementation of the Agreement, and to working with you under the Agreement to resolve outstanding issues to the satisfaction of both parties. Sincerely, Dan Glickman Secretary C 136/4 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen 1. 5. 98 BIJLAGE II February 24, 1998 Mr. Guy Legras Director General Directorate(cid:220)General VI Commission of the European Community Rue de la Loi 200 B(cid:220)1049 Brussels Dear Mr. Legras, I refer to the 29 January letter from David Roberts to Paul Drazek concerning the U. S. position on animal health and regionalization issues. That letter accurately identifies the main issues that arose during our recent meetings in Brussels. By way of response to that letter, I can confirm that the U. S. interpretation of the agreement is that the initial presumption in every case is that the regionalization decision taken by the other party will be accepted, allowing for exceptional cases in which, for good and justifiable reasons, the party feels that need to take recourse under the safeguard provision. Thus, in the ordinary case, we expect the agreement to operate as follows: -(cid:217)In the case where the EC takes a decision to restrict an area that has previously been recognized as disease(cid:220)free, the United States would accept the EU’s regionalization decision without having to take further actions; -(cid:217)When, subsequently, a disease incident had been appropriately dealt with and the EC lifts restrictions on that area, the United States would accept that decision without having to take further action. In order to obviate the need for rulemaking in every instance in which the EC might take such a decision to impose or lift restrictions in an area previously recognized disease(cid:220)free, USDA would include provisions in our new proposed rule on EC animal health status to the effect that animals or animal products whose free movement in the EC is restricted are similarly restricted from importation into the United States. -(cid:217)Where a region that has previously been infected with a disease is being recognized as disease(cid:220)free for the first time, USDA is required to proceed by rulemaking to change its recognition of disease status. This includes publishing a proposed rule based on full technical and scientific information, allowing public comment, and issuing a final rule. However, we fully anticipate that we will be able to comply with these domestic requirements to conduct rulemaking in a manner that will permit us to accept and recognize EC regionalization decisions in the ordinary case. Our policy would be to initiate rulemaking by publishing our proposed rule during the waiting period required by the OIE before a region may be declared disease(cid:220)free. Previously, APHIS policy was to require that a country be free of disease for the entire OIE time frame or longer before it initiated rulemaking. However, in light of our agreement, we consider that it would be appropriate to initiate rulemaking once we have received thorough and complete information that the last case of the disease has been eliminated from the region, including details of the regionalization measures in place. The proposed rule would contain reference to such measures. The publication of the final rule would be contingent on the fact that no additional cases of the disease are discovered in the region during the OIE period. Normally, the required rulemaking can be conducted within the OIE waiting period. Although this response attempts to clarify our interpretation and position with respect to the obligations incorporated in Article 6 of the Agreement, it is implicit that the proper functioning of the Agreement will depend, of course, on both parties exercising their responsibilities under all provisions of the Agreement. I would note, in this regard, that we consider that the provisions of Article 6 are closely tied to the provisions of Article 10 and 11 requiring the parties to keep each other fully informed of their actions and the bases for those actions. In addition, we recognize that there may be exceptional cases - e. g. , where there has been a disease outbreak which achieves significant geographical spread or which persists for a significant duration - in which the parties will not agree on what action is appropriately indicated by the circumstances, and in those cases, the obligations under Article 6 are clearly balanced by the rights and procedures contained in Article 12. Our policy in such exceptional circumstances would be to initiate rule(cid:220)making through the publication of an Interim Rule, with a public comment period. If the EC can demonstrate that the disease situation was brought under control during the comment period, the Interim Rule could simply be withdrawn and the normal regionalization provisions apply, i. e. , the United States would accept the EC regionalization decision without further action. 1. 5. 98 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen C 136/5 I hope that this explanation clarifies our position. I want to reiterate that we understand our obligations under the draft agreement with respect to animal health and the recognition of regionalization decisions, and intend to honor those commitments in every respect. I believe that we have shown considerable understanding of, and respect for, the various legal requirements which the EC must follow in the implementation of its obligations under the draft agreement. We too have certain domestic requirements that must be respected, and we appreciate your consideration in helping us to accomodate those requirements as we implement our responsibilities. Sincerely, Terry Medley Administrator C 136/6 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen 1. 5. 98 BIJLAGE III January 28, 1998 Mr. Paul Drazek USDA Washington D. C. Dear Paul, Subject: Forthcoming Veterinary Discussions: MEGAREGs and BSE Firstly, I would like to thank you and your team for the constructive discussions last Friday. It was most helpful to be able to run over the ground, and will enable us to be better prepared for next week’s discussions in Washington. You asked us to set out some ideas in advance, especially as regards MEGAREGs. On the MEGAREGs, there have been no substantive discussions between the EC and the U. S. Indeed although we had some discussion last year, as regards the SSOPs and E coli requirements, the provisions as regards salmonella and HACCP, which apply to large plants from January 1998, were not really discussed as we all expected that these discussions would take place under the provisions of Footnote 1 to Annex V. It is evident, and not suprising, that EG legislation does not contain exactly the same provisions as those the U. S. has already imposed, and will progressively impose through to the year 2000 for the production of red meat and poultrymeat under the MEGAREGs. We are therefore ready to consider providing a guarantee that provisions at least equivalent to those set down in the MEGAREGs are applied in EC establishments which are to be listed for export to the United States, or establishments that supply such establishments. We therefore propose the following: All red meat and poultrymeat establishments exporting to the United States must: 1. (cid:217)Be EC agreed (oval stamp) 2. (cid:217)(a)(cid:217)For large establishments (more than 500 employees): apply HACCP, with the HACCP plan including microbiological testing provisions at least equivalent to those set down in the MEGAREGs for E coli and salmonella. 2. (cid:217)(b) For other establishments: apply SSOPs, and microbiological testing provisions at least equivalent to those set down in the MEGAREGs for E coli. 3. (cid:217)The U. S. agrees not to modify the provisions as regards SSOPs, HACCP, E coli or salmonella testing, as they stand at 27 January 1998, without prior discussion with the EC. 4. (cid:217)A procedure be agreed to initiate discussions immediately to compare, on a case by case basis, the testing and sampling provisions which are in place in the EC or which are proposed with those set down in the MEGAREGs, with a view to reaching a determination of equivalence. This approach is intended to provide the U. S. with clear guarantees, and both sides with a process through which alternative testing and sampling methodologies may be assessed. Point 3 is simply intended to ensure that this work can move forward without sudden changes being applied without prior notice. It does not of course prevent the U. S. making changes, simply calls for advance discussion with the EC. Turning to BSE, we regret that we had no possibility of advance discussions of the U. S. concerns that led to the action on 12 December. The Commission has taken a considerable number of measures in respect of BSE, starting in 1989 with a ban on the movement from the UK to other Member States of animals born before 1 July 1988 (the date on which the UK banned the feeding of ruminant protein to ruminants) or animals which were the offspring of BSE cases. In total, 23 Commission Decisions have been taken on the subject. These include measures to make BSE a notifiable disease, to require certain standards of treatment for waste products, to ban the feeding of mammalian protein to ruminants, to ban the export to other 1. 5. 98 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen C 136/7 Member States or third countries of bovine animals and certain bovine products from the UK, as well as to approve BSE control and eradication programmes in the UK, France, Ireland and Portugal. It should be noted that these Member States, and some others, have SRM bans in place. The Commission actions also include the Decision banning the use of specified risk materials and the subsequent Decision postponing its entry into force until 1 April 1998. Details of these Decisions are available on request. The Commission has, in December, set up an interservice group to make an evaluation of the current state of scientific knowledge on specified risk materials, and to recommend future action to the Commission. This action may include amending the current SRM Decision (97/534/EC), but at this stage it is not possible to predict the content of any such amendment. I must stress, as we explained during the meeting in Oxford, that the purpose of the SRM Decision is to address risks to human and animal health, not to cover "industrial’ products which do not present a health hazard. I realise that the wording of the Decision has given rise to concern that it would affect industrial products imported from third countries. However, the certification for imports is only required for products of animal origin intended for food or feed, and for medicinal, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and their starting materials or intermediate products. It is the intention of the Commission to clarify the scope in any future amendment of the Decision to make it clear that "industrial’ products are excluded from the requirements. The Commission’s Scientific Steering Committee met last week to address the question of SRMs, and in particular on geographical risk factors and the risks associated with gelatin and tallow. The interservice group is reflecting on the outcome from the Scientific steering Committee. In addition, as you are aware, the OIE is also working on the question of TSEs at present, with meetings over the next two weeks and a possible decision in May. The outcome of this work will also have a bearing on the Community policy. On the question of the BSE status of the USA, your latest submission has been passed to DG XXIV with a request for it to be examined as soon as possible by the relevant scientific group. As far as your "temporary suspension’ of import licences for ruminants and ruminant products is concerned, we intend to comment in the coming weeks, on behalf of the Community, on the interim rule published in the Federal Register of 6 January. At this stage, I would not wish to prejudge the Community position, but I would query the restriction of the scope of the proposed rule to Europe. It seems to me that many countries outside Europe have the same risk factors which you cite to justify your current import prohibition and I would welcome an explanation of why these other countries are not subject to the same rule. We have confirmed our travel arrangements, and will be ready to start work on the morning of 3 February in Washington. We look forward to receiving a draft agenda, following our discussions in Brussels on 23 January, and details of the location of the discussions. Yours sincerely Lars Hoelgaard C 136/8 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen 1. 5. 98 BIJLAGE IV March 3, 1998 Mr. Guy Legras Director General Directorate(cid:220)General VI Commission of the European Community Rue de la Loi 200 B(cid:220)1049 Brussels Dear Mr. Legras, In a meeting earlier this month in Washington, EC officials requested clarification of Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) procedures with respect to the implementation, vis(cid:220)a(cid:220)vis the EC, of the Pathogen Reduction Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Systems (PR/HACCP) rule. This letter is in response to that request. First of all, I would like to confirm that we are in general agreement with the four(cid:220)point approach laid out in Lars Hoelgaard’s letter of 28 January to Paul Drazek. Further, I would like to confirm that -(cid:217)FSIS, in keeping with U. S. obligations under footnote 7 to Annex V of the draft agreement, will continue to recognize decisions by the veterinary services of the Member States to add and delete approved export establishments from their list of establishments exporting to the United States; -(cid:217)FSIS will accept HACCP plans developed by establishments, provided that these are equivalent to U. S. measures and are under official control and supervision; and -(cid:217)FSIS will accept Salmonella testing by private establishments, provided that equivalent regulatory testing for verification and equivalent regulatory enforcement is carried out by authorized government officials. As provided for in footnote 1 to Annex V of the draft agreement and Mr. Hoelgaard’s letter, FSIS is prepared to discuss with EC and Member State officials in the coming months the implementation of PR/HACCP provisions that were put in place in January 1998 - i. (cid:216)e. , HACCP and Salmonella performance standards and testing. We have received from Member States notification that HACCP and Salmonella standards, or equivalent alternative sanitary measures, are in place in those establishments that have 500 or more employees and are certified to export to the United States. We are reviewing those submissions in accordance with the principles of equivalence and will make every effort to reach a successful outcome. The situation is somewhat different regarding the requirements for Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and Eshcheria coli (E. coli) testing, which were implemented in January 1997. With respect to SSOPs, FSIS has already determined that all EC Member States have complied with the requirement, or have implemented equivalent sanitary measures, in establishments which are certified to export meat or poultry to the United States. With respect to E. coli, FSIS has approved the testing programs of most Member States. Discussions continue, however, with four Member States. Since more than a year has elapsed since domestic implemen(cid:220) tation, FSIS must now proceed in the coming weeks to bring the process to closure. If FSIS determines that the original and follow(cid:220)up documentation and information provided by any of the four countries does not demonstrate that a proposed alternative sanitary measure is equivalent to the United States’ E. coli testing requirement, FSIS will advise that country and the Commission of its determination. That country will then be allowed sufficient time to submit, if it chooses to do so, additional data or other information to make its case. Should FSIS still judge the country’s measures not to be equivalent in regards to E. coli testing, the Agency must proceed, through notice and comment rule making, to remove the country from the group of countries listed in the United States Code of Federal Regulations as eligible to export meat or poultry to the United States. Notwithstanding the above, we remain open to initiating general follow(cid:220)on discussions on E. coli testing under the auspices of the draft agreement and point 4 of Mr. Hoelgaard’s letter. We would welcome in that context any assistance the Commission could give us in resolving outstanding issues. 1. 5. 98 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen C 136/9 I can confirm that FSIS will not take any action as regards the PR/HACCP requirements against any Member State before contacting the Commission and the Member States concerned, and providing an opportunity to resolve the matter. Let me assure you that we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth finalization of this process so that we can avoid any disruption of trade. Sincerely, Thomas J. Billy Administrator C 136/10 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen 1. 5. 98 BIJLAGE V Mr. Thomas J. Billy Administrator USDA/FSIS Washington D. C. 20250 Dear Mr. Billy, Thank you for your letter of 3 March concerning the implementation of the Pathogen Reduction Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Systems (PR/HACCP). The letter was discussed in detail by the Chief Veterinary Officers of the Member States meeting in the Council on 5 March. The Commission representative was asked to clarify a number of points in the letter, and did so on the basis of the conclusions reached in our meeting in Washington at the beginning of February. The CVOs concluded by asking the Commission to obtain written clarification on three aspects of the letter. 1. (cid:218)(cid:217)That the MEGAREG rules apply only to those EC establishments that export to the U. S. , and that Member States were not obliged to enact special new laws to put such arrangements in place. I would be grateful for your confirmation that this is correct. 2. (cid:218)(cid:217)The second bullet point of the second paragraph states that FSIS will accept HACCP plans provided that these are equivalent to US measures (emphasis added). In this context, does "measures’ refer to the US system of HACCP in general, or does it refer to more specific measures. As you know, EC legislation on fresh meat and poultry meat does not at present contain requirements for HACCP, although it is the intention of my services to make a proposal for this in the near future. The proposal will be based on the full CODEX HACCP system (as are our existing HACCP legislative provisions on fishery products and milk and dairy products). Until this is adopted in legislation, EC firms may use HACCP on a voluntary basis. This is what is happening in firms exporting to the US and we need to know if application of the HACCP system as described by CODEX would be considered "equivalent to US measures’. 3. (cid:218)(cid:217)The third point of clarification concerns the effect of the last four paragraphs of your letter on the question of the timing of actions under the MEGAREG as discussed in Washington. In the fourth from last paragraph you state that FSIS must, in the coming weeks, bring their approval process to closure and, if they judge that a country’s measures are not equivalent, they must delist that country. However, the next two paragraphs seem to indicate that the US would not delist without prior consultation. Furthermore, your final paragraph refers to avoiding any disruption of trade. Member States asked for a moratorium from the US so that no Member State or establishment was delisted until the discussions on equivalency have taken place. Can I ask you to confirm that this de facto will be the case since it is our intention that these equivalency discussions should proceed as quickly as possible and the penultimate paragraph of your letter states that no action will be taken before an oppor(cid:220) tunity has been provided to resolve the matter. Yours sincerely, G. Legras 1. 5. 98 NL Publicatieblad van de Europese Gemeenschappen C 136/11 BIJLAGE VI March 12, 1998 Mr. Guy Legras Director(cid:220)General Directorate(cid:220)General VI, Agriculture European Commission Rue de la Loi 200 B(cid:220)1049 Brussels Dear Mr. Legras, Thank you for your letter of March 6, 1998, concerning the implementation of the Pathogen Reduction Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Systems (PR/HACCP) rule. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify three points in our letter of March 3, 1998. 1. (cid:218)(cid:217)We concur that the PR/HACCP rule applies only to those European Community (EC) establishments that are certified to export to the United States, and that Member States are not obligated to enact special new laws to put such arrangements in place. A circular or other document sent from the Member State to the establishments that are certified to export to the United States would be an acceptable implementation instrument. 2. (cid:218)(cid:217)We concur that a HACCP system as described by Codex Alimentarius [see Codex Alimentarius, Food Hygiene Basic Texts, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System and Guidelines for Its Application, Annex to CAC/RCP 1(cid:220)1969, Rev. 3 (1997)(cid:129) would be an acceptable sanitary measure. We would, of course, expect that the HACCP plan address, among other things, certain regulatory requirements, such as adequate control of fecal contamination as evidenced by E. coli testing (or an equivalent sanitary measure), zero tolerance for visible fecal contamination, pathogen control as evidenced by the Salmonella standard (or an equivalent sanitary measure), etc. In accordance with CAC HACCP System and Guidelines for Its Application, we would expect that the establishments validate and verify their HACCP plans. We would also expect that the controlling authority enforce this requirement. 3. (cid:218)(cid:217)We concur that prior to the removal of a Member State from the list of countries eligible to export to the United States the Food Safety and Inspection Service will give the Member State an opportunity to resolve the matter. Before proceeding, through notice and comment rule making, to remove the country from the group of countries listed in the United States Code of Federal Regulations as eligible to export meat or poultry to the United States, the Member State and/or the Commission acting on behalf of the Member State, will be allowed sufficient time to submit; if it chooses to do so, additional data or other information to make its case. We believe this objective, transparent, and measured process offers the maximum opportunity to finalize the remaining equivalence judgements without any disruption of trade. However, we cannot agree to a moratorium, since we will be bringing our equivalence approval process to closure in the coming weeks with respect to the implementation of the Escherichia coli testing provisions of the PR/HACCP final rule. Sincerely, Thomas J. Billy Administrator