AGREEMENT IN THE FORM OF AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS

amending the Annex to the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Bulgaria on the reciprocal protection and control of wine names

A. Letter from the Commission of the European Communities

Brussels, 23 April 2001

Sir,

I have the honour to refer to the Agreement of 29 November 1993 between the European Community and the Republic of Bulgaria on the reciprocal protection and control of wine names, hereinafter called "the Agreement", and to the consultations which have taken place between the Commission of the European Communities and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria with a view to amending the Annex to the Agreement, as provided for by Article 13(a) of the Agreement.

I hereby confirm that following the consultations and taking into account the entry into force on 1 January 2000 of the Bulgarian Law on wine and spirits, the Commission of the European Communities and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria have agreed to amend the Annex to the Agreement as follows:

The following footnote is inserted at the end of the title of point B.2.3. Wines bearing one of the following geographical names of the sub-Balkan viniviticultural region Rozova Dolina/Pod-Balkanski Rayon: "- For a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2006, the term 'Rosenthaler', as described in 'Ordinance on indication and trade presentation of wines, spirits, grape and wine products' (Decree No 55 of the Council of Ministers of 6 April 2000) and which corresponds to the translation into German of the name 'Rozova Dolina', can be used to describe wines originating in Bulgaria. These wines are not protected under point B of the Annex to this Agreement."

This amendment shall enter into force on the day of the signature of this Exchange of Letters.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the contents of this letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Commission of the European Communities

B. Letter from the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria

Brussels, 23 April 2001

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date, which reads as follows: "I have the honour to refer to the Agreement of 29 November 1993 between the European Community and the Republic of Bulgaria on the reciprocal protection and control of wine names, hereinafter called 'the Agreement', and to the consultations which have taken place between the Commission of the European Communities and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria with a view to amending the Annex to the Agreement, as provided for by Article 13(a) of the Agreement.

I hereby confirm that following the consultations and taking into account the entry into force on 1 January 2000 of the Bulgarian Law on wine and spirits, the Commission of the European Communities and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria have agreed to amend the Annex to the Agreement as follows:

The following footnote is inserted at the end of the title of point B.2.3. Wines bearing one of the following geographical names of the sub-Balkan viniviticultural region Rozova Dolina/Pod-Balkanski Rayon: '- For a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2006, the term 'Rosenthaler', as described in 'Ordinance on indication and trade presentation of wines, spirits, grape and wine products' (Decree No 55 of the Council of Ministers of 6 April 2000), and which corresponds to the translation into German of the name 'Rozova Dolina', can be used to describe wines originating in Bulgaria. These wines are not protected under point B of the Annex to this Agreement.'

This amendment shall enter into force on the day of the signature of this Exchange of Letters.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the contents of this letter."

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the contents of your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria