EN Official Journal of the European Union C 199/1

COMMISSION DECISION

of 19 July 2010

concerning the financing for the year 2010 of activities in the veterinary field related to the European Union's information policy, support of international organisations, disease notification and computerisation of veterinary procedures

2010/C 199/01

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field (1), and in particular Articles 20, 23, 35(2) and 36(2) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) In accordance with Article 75 of the Financial Regulation and Article 90(1) of the Implementing Rules, the commitment of expenditure from the budget of the European Union shall be preceded by a financing decision setting out the essential elements of the action involving expenditure and adopted by the institution or the authorities to which powers have been delegated by the institution.

(2) In accordance with Article 110 of the Financial Regulation, an annual work programme must be adopted for grants.

(3) It is necessary to lay down a work programme for the activities of the European Union in the veterinary field related to information policy, support of international organisations, disease notification and computerisation of veterinary procedures. As the work programme in the annexes is a sufficiently detailed framework in the meaning of Article 90(2) and (3) of Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (2) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Implementing Rules’), the present decision constitutes a financing decision for the expenditure provided for in the work programme for grants and procurement.

(4) Article 19 of Decision 2009/470/EC rules that the Union shall make a financial contribution to the establishment of an information policy in the field of animal health, animal welfare and food safety in products of animal origin including the performance of studies necessary for the preparation and development of legislation in the field of animal welfare.

(5) The Commission has committed itself to submit to the European Parliament and to the Council reports on the various stunning methods for poultry (Article 27(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 of 24 September 2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (3)), the welfare of animals being transported and on the trade flows of live animals within the enlarged Union (Article 32 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 (4)) and the influence of genetic parameters on identified deficiencies resulting in poor welfare of chickens (Article 6(1) of Council Directive 2007/43/EC of 28 June 2007 laying down minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production (5)).

(6) The Commission has committed itself to improve information of stakeholders and the general public on animal welfare standards with the Community Action Plan on Animal Welfare adopted in 2006 (6).

(7) The Commission has committed itself to present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on cloning for food production by the end of 2010. The report will consider all aspects of cloning for food production in the context of existing legislation and will point out possible options. Data on the current situation of the use of the technology and on the effects on the health and welfare of the animals are needed.

(8) The Union should exploit the ‘World Veterinary Year 2011’ to promote its animal health policy and the importance of the role of the veterinary profession in safeguarding public health, animal health and animal welfare.

(9) Article 19 paragraph (a)(i) of Decision 2009/470/EC provides that the Union shall make a financial contribution to the gathering and storing of all information relating to Union legislation in the field of animal health, animal welfare and food safety in products of animal origin.

(10) A financial contribution is required to make the interactive database of veterinary legislation (Vetlex) established by the Directorate-General for Enlargement for candidate countries, potential candidate countries and countries under the European Neighbourhood Policy initiative available to all Member States.

(11) Pursuant to Article 22 of Decision 2009/470/EC, the Union may undertake, or assist the Member States or international organisations in undertaking, the technical and scientific measures necessary for the development of Union veterinary legislation and for the development of veterinary education or training.

(12) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. The OIE will organise a global conference on veterinary legislation from 6 to 8 December 2010. The OIE has realised a first study on veterinary legislation, and intends to enlarge the discussion with all its members in the global conference. It is important that the EU approach to veterinary legislation be shared with all member countries of the OIE and that the EU actively supports this Conference in order to promote the Union's animal health policy at the occasion.

(13) Under Article 168(1)(c) of the Implementing Rules, grants may be awarded without a call for proposals in the case of bodies with a de facto monopoly. As standard setting body under the WTO/SPS Agreement, and as the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide the OIE has a de facto monopoly in this sector hence a call for proposals is not required in order for the EU to contribute to the organisation of the global conference on veterinary legislation.

(14) Article 35(1) of Decision 2009/470/EC allows for Union financial assistance for the introduction of systems to identify animals and notify diseases.

(15) A Union financial contribution should be granted for the management of and for improving the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS), based on Commission Decision 2005/176/EC of 1 March 2005 laying down the codified form and the codes for the notification of animal diseases pursuant to Council Directive 82/894/EEC (7).

(16) The Commission has committed itself to improvement of EU preparedness against major threats to animal health including the strengthening of the Union's rapid response network in the Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a new Animal Health Strategy for the EU (2007-2013).

(17) Article 36 of Decision 2009/470/EC provides for Union financial contribution for certain computerised systems used in intra Union trade and imports.

(18) It is necessary to continue to provide financial contributions for hosting, management and maintenance of the integrated computerised veterinary system Traces (Trade Control and Expert System) introduced by Commission Decision 2003/24/EC of 30 December 2002 concerning the development of an integrated computerised veterinary system (8).

(19) This financing decision may also cover the payment of interest due for late payment on the basis of Articles 83 of the Financial Regulation and 106(5) of the Implementing Rules.

(20) For the application of this decision, it is appropriate to define the term ‘substantial change’ within the meaning of Article 90(4) of the Implementing Rules.

(21) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The annual work programme for the implementation of Articles 20, 23, 35(2) and 36(2) of Decision 2009/470/EC, as set out in Annex I and II, is hereby adopted.

The work programme constitutes a financing decision in the meaning of Article 75 of the Financial Regulation.

Article 2

The maximum contribution authorised by this Decision for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 4 935 000 to be financed from the following lines of the General Budget of the European Union for 2010:

— budget line 17 04 02 01: EUR 4 935 000

These appropriations may also cover interest due for late payment.

Article 3

1. The authorising officer may adopt any changes to this Decision which are not considered substantial within the meaning of Article 90(4) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, in accordance with the principles of sound financial management and of proportionality.

2. Cumulated changes of the allocations to the actions covered by the work programme not exceeding 10 % of the maximum contribution provided for in Article 2 of this Decision shall not be considered to be substantial within the meaning of Article 90(4) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, provided that they do not significantly affect the nature and objective of the work programme.

Done at Brussels, 19 July 2010. For the Commission John DALLI Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 155, 18.6.2009, p. 30.

(2) OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1.

(3) OJ L 303, 18.11.2009, p. 1.

(4) OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1.

(5) OJ L 182, 12.7.2007, p. 19.

(6) COM(2006) 13 final.

(7) OJ L 59, 5.3.2005, p. 40.

(8) OJ L 8, 14.1.2003, p. 44.

ANNEX I Council Decision 2009/470/EC on expenditure in the veterinary field, and in particular Articles 20, 23, 35(2) and 36(2) thereof — Work Programme for 2010 1.1. Introduction This programme contains eight implementing measures for the year 2010. On the basis of the objectives given in the Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field, the distribution of budget and the main actions are the following: — for grants (implemented in direct centralised management) (1.2): — A Union financial contribution, for the organisation of the Global Conference on Veterinary Legislation, organised by the OIE from 6 to 8 December 2010, of EUR 200 000 constituting a Union co-financing of at maximum 80 % of the total eligible costs. — for procurement (implemented in direct centralised management) (1.3): — Use of framework contract for the development of tools to promote animal health issues and the Animal Health Strategy principles in the framework of the communication campaign for the ‘World Veterinary Year 2011’ up to a maximum of EUR 1 100 000. — Implementation of a cross-subdelegation by DG Health and Consumers to DG Enlargement with a written agreement between the two DGs in accordance with Article 7 of the Internal Rules, on a contribution to enable access to the Vetlex database for administrators in Member States up to a maximum of EUR 75 000. — Use of framework contract for a study to collect available information on the effects of cloning on the health and welfare of farm animals up to a maximum of EUR 50 000. — Use of framework contracts to host, maintain and develop the integrated computerised veterinary system TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) up to a maximum of EUR 2 210 000. — Use of framework contract for studies, publications and the dissemination of information to support the strategy on animal welfare up to a maximum of EUR 600 000. — Use of framework contract for a study to evaluate the EU preparedness against major threats to animal health and the strengthening of the rapid response network of the Union on that area up to a maximum of EUR 200 000. — Use of framework contract to update the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS) with the necessary technical improvements up to a maximum of EUR 500 000. 1.2. Grants 1.2.1. Union financial contribution, for the financing of the Global Conference on Veterinary Legislation, organised by the OIE from 6-8 December 2010 Grants shall be covered by a written agreement. LEGAL BASIS Article 23 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 OBJECTIVES TO BE FULFILLED AND FORESEEN RESULTS The OIE will organise a Global Conference on Veterinary Legislation from 6-8 December 2010. Whereas the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has realised a first study on veterinary legislation, and intends to enlarge the discussion with all its Members in the Global Conference, it is important that the EU approach to veterinary legislation be shared with all member countries of the OIE and that the EU actively supports this Conference. DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE IMPLEMENTING MEASURE A Union financial contribution, for the financing of the Global Conference on Veterinary Legislation. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised. DIRECT AWARD: ART. 168.1.C INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE GRANT EUR 200 000 MAXIMUM POSSIBLE RATE OF CO-FINANCING At maximum 80 % of the total eligible costs related to the organisation of the Global Conference. 1.3. Procurement The global budgetary envelope reserved in 2010 for the procurement contracts amounts to EUR 4 735 000. 1.3.1. Communication campaign to promote ‘World Veterinary Year 2011’ LEGAL BASIS Article 20 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED A maximum of four service contracts SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED To develop the communication campaign for the ‘World Veterinary Year 2011’ in order to promote the Union's Animal Health policy during that year including different communication actions and tools. See Annex II for details. IMPLEMENTATION Direct Centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE — SPECIFIC CONTRACT Conclusion of at least four specific service contracts (during the second quarter of 2010) under framework contract reference XXX (reference number will be inserted before adoption). 1.3.2. Availability of Vetlex to the administrations of all Member States LEGAL BASIS Article 20 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED Implemented by a cross-subdelegation by DG Health and Consumers to DG Enlargement with a written agreement between the two DGs in accordance with Article 7 of the Internal Rules SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) The Vetlex database is an existing interactive database of all veterinary legislation that is at the moment accessible to Candidate Countries, potential Candidate Countries and countries under the European Neighbourhood Policy initiative. It is kept up to date within 24 hours of new legislation being published and contains the consolidated versions of the concerned legislation. It is managed by an outside company via a contract that they have with DG Enlargement. The funds to pay for this come for the moment from the budget of DG Enlargement and therefore access to the Vetlex database can not be made available to Member States. The contribution foreseen will enable Vetlex to be made more widely available to administrators in Member States. IMPLEMENTATION — INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE Following adoption of this Decision INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 75 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACT Written agreement between DG SANCO and DG ELARG 1.3.3. A study on the effects of cloning on the health and welfare of farm animals LEGAL BASIS Article 23 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED One service contract (use of existing framework contracts) SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) Data will be gathered on the adverse effects of this technology in cloned animals and their surrogate mothers. A comparison with other technologies will be made as well as an analysis on the potential for improvement of the technique. The impact of cloning on biodiversity, breeding programs and biosecurity will also be subject of the study. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE First half of 2010 INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 50 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACT Conclusion of one specific service contract (during the second quarter of 2010) under framework contract reference XXX (reference number will be inserted before adoption). 1.3.4. The hosting, management, maintenance and further development of the integrated computerised veterinary system TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) LEGAL BASIS Article 36(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED Several service contracts (use of existing framework contracts) SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) — EUR 1 935 000 for the hosting, management and maintenance of the integrated computerised veterinary system TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System), logistical support to assist TRACES users, contribution to central services, communication, website, security and the purchase (maintenance and support) of software licences. — EUR 150 000 to develop and implement an informatic platform for the exchange of information between national bovine databases, combined with the certification via TRACES. — EUR 125 000 for a study to analyse the technical requirements for the implementation of electronic certification within TRACES and to analyse the existing solution regarding electronic signatures in the Member States. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE — INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 2 210 000 (part of EUR 140 M ESP DESIS I & II (IT development services by DIGIT)) SPECIFIC CONTRACT Conclusion of several specific service contracts (during the third quarter of 2010) under framework contract references DIGIT 05650, 05710, 05711, 05716, 06210, 06350. Conclusion of a call for expression of interest under code 4-12 published under the reference 2005/S 208-204587 (during the third quarter of 2010) 1.3.5. Studies, publications and the dissemination of information to support the strategy on animal welfare LEGAL BASIS Article 20 of Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED A maximum of seven service contracts (use of existing framework contracts). SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) — A study on the impacts of the possible measures for an EU strategy on animal welfare. — A study to evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of phasing out certain methods of stunning poultry such as the electrical multiple waterbath stunning. — A report on the impact of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the welfare of animals, taking into account the implementation of the requirements on navigation systems, as well as the socio-economic implications, including regional aspects. — Organisation of an International Conference on animal welfare education, with the aim to further inform citizens about animal welfare and to raise awareness on the importance of educating people about how animals should be treated. — A study to evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of possible measures to minimise welfare problems in commercial broilers related to genetic selection as well as to minimise welfare problems emanating from the way grand-parents and parent stocks are raised and kept. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE — INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 600 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACT Conclusion of a maximum of seven specific service contracts (during the first half of 2010) under framework contract evaluation, impact assessment and related services, lot 3, Food Chain, contract number No SANCO/2008/01/055. Except in the case of the organisation of the International Conference on animal welfare education where specific service contracts or service level agreements will be concluded. 1.3.6. Evaluation of the EU rapid response network, crisis management and communication capacity regarding certain transmissible animal diseases LEGAL BASIS Article 23 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED One service contract (use of existing framework contracts) SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) A study on the evaluation of the EU rapid response network, crisis management and communication capacity regarding certain transmissible animal diseases IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE First half of 2010 INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 200 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACT DG SANCO Evaluation Framework Contract 2009-2013 Lot 3 (Food Chain), contract number is SANCO/2008/01/055 1.3.7. Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS) LEGAL BASIS Article 35(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED A maximum of three service contracts (use of existing framework contracts) SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) The objective of this procurement contract is: — EUR 150 000 for ongoing work on the ADNS system. — EUR 150 000 to prepare ADNS for the use of webservices for incoming and outgoing messages and to make ADNS compatible with the OIE notification system. — EUR 50 000 for mapping: add web-mapper to ADNS and put web-mapper on SANCO internet pages. — EUR 50 000 for mapping: improve output via ArcMAP. — EUR 100 000 for licenses and support. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE Already executed by DIGIT INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 500 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACT Conclusion of a maximum of three specific service contracts (during 2010) under framework contract reference DI 5710-5750