COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0M(93) 655 final 
Brussels, 10 December 1993 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary 
restraint agreements between the European Community 
and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, 
Hungary and Poland on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat 
(presented by the Commission) 
UteA.'3"1* Via 
MEMORANDUM TO THE COMMISSION 
1. The existing adaptations to the voluntary restraint agreements between 
the European Community and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak 
Republic, Hungary and Poland on trade in sheepmeat and goatmeat are due 
to expire on 31 December 1993. The adaptations to the basic agreements 
with these countries were put in place in 1990. They provide for a levy 
on imports into the Community at 0% instead of 10** and compliance with 
traditional quantities during sensitive periods as well as arrangements 
for monitoring prices. 
2. In the case of the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary and 
Poland, attention is drawn to the amendments made to the voluntary 
restraint agreements by the interim trade agreements and accompanying 
measures concluded with these countries, which entered into force on 
1 March 1992. Pursuant to these, the products and quantities referred to 
in the voluntary restraint agreements were changed (see Article 14(4) in 
conjunction with Annex X(b) of the agreements with Hungary and Poland and 
Article 14(4) in conjunction with Annex XIII(b) of the agreement with the 
Czech and Slovak Federal Republic). As a result of the decision of the 
European Council held in Copenhagen on 21 and 22 June 1993, the 
additional quantities provided for in the interim agreements have been 
brought forward with effect from 1 July 1993 by additional agreements. 
However, continued suspension of the levy at 0% depends on the extension 
of the adaptations to the voluntary restraint agreements. The quantities 
covered by the voluntary restraint agreement concluded with the Czech and 
ulovak Federal Republic were divided by common accord between the two 
states which replaced it. The Community has negotiated additional 
agreements with the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic providing, 
inter alia, for the division of these quantities. 
3. As it is now clear that the GATT Uruguay Round negotiations will not be 
completed in time to permit the application of the new multilateral 
framework for agricultural trade to enter into effect before 1 January 
1995, it is necessary to provide for interim access arrangements for 
sheepmeat and goatmeat for 1994. Therefore, on the Commission's 
proposal, the Council decided, on 1993, to authorize the 
Commission to open negotiations with the third countries with which the 
Community has concluded voluntary restraint agreements in the sheepmeat 
and goatmeat sector, and particularly Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the 
Slovak Republic, Hungary and Poland. 
4. Negotiations with Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, 
Hungary and Poland have resulted in the adaptations to the voluntary 
restraint agreements being extended for one year to provide for the 
necessary interim access arrangements for 1994. The agreements to be 
concluded with these countries for 1994 stipulate that the existing 
adaptations are to be extended. 
5. The Council is invited to approve the agreements in the form of exchanges 
of letters annexed hereto and to designate the person empowered to sign 
the agreements in order to bind the Community. 
Financial impact; No financial impact on the Community budget. 
1 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
1. The existing adaptations to the voluntary restraint agreements between 
the European Community and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak 
Republic, Hungary and Poland on trade in sheepmeat and goatmeat are due 
to expire on 31 December 1993. The adaptations to the basic agreements 
with these countries were put in place in 1990. They provide for a levy 
on imports into the community at 0% instead of 10% and compliance with 
traditional quantities during sensitive periods as well as arrangements 
for monitoring prices. 
2. In the case of the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary and 
Poland, attention is drawn to the amendments made to the voluntary 
restraint agreements by the interim trade agreements and accompanying 
measures concluded with these countries, which entered into force on 
1 March 1992. Pursuant to these, the products and quantities referred to 
in the voluntary restraint agreements were changed (see Article 14(4) in 
conjunction with Annex X(b) of the agreements with Hungary and Poland and 
Article 14(4) in conjunction with Annex XIII(b) of the agreement with the 
Czech and Slovak Federal Republic). As a result of the decision of the 
European Council held in Copenhagen on 21 and 22 June 1993, the 
additional quantities provided for in the interim agreements have been 
brought forward with effect from 1 July 1993 by additional agreements. 
However, continued suspension of the levy at 0% depends on the extension 
of the adaptations to the voluntary restraint agreements. The quantities 
covered by the voluntary restraint agreement concluded with the Czech and 
Slovak Federal Republic were divided by common accord between the two 
states which replaced it. The Community has negotiated additional 
agreements with the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic providing, 
inter alia, for the division of these quantities. 
3. As it is now clear that the GATT Uruguay Round negotiations will not be 
completed in time to permit the application of the new multilateral 
framework for agricultural trade to enter into effect before 1 January 
1995, it is necessary to provide for interim access arrangements for 
sheepmeat and goatmeat for 1994. Therefore, on the Commission's 
proposal, the Council decided, on 1993, to authorize the 
Commission to open negotiations with the third countries with which the 
Community has concluded voluntary restraint agreements in the sheepmeat 
and goatmeat sector, and particularly Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the 
Slovak Republic, Hungary and Poland. 
4. Negotiations with Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, 
Hungary and Poland have resulted in the adaptations to the voluntary 
restraint agreements being extended for one year to provide for the 
necessary interim access arrangements for 1994. The agreements to be 
concluded with these countries for 1994 stipulate that the existing 
adaptations are to be extended. 
5. The Council is invited to approve the agreements in the form of exchanges 
of letters annexed hereto and to designate the person empowered to sign 
the agreements in order to bind the Community. 
Financial impact: No financial impact on the Community budget. 
COUNCIL DECISION 
Of 
concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary 
restraint agreements between the European Community 
and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, 
Hungary and Poland on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in 
particular Article 228(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 228(3), in 
conjunction with Article 113 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Whereas the voluntary restraint agreements concluded between the European 
Community and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary and 
Poland on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat were adapted in 19 9 0 in the 
context of measures taken to stabilize the markets in this sector; 
Whereas the said adaptations will cease to have effect on 31 December 1993; 
whereas it is necessary to provide for interim arrangements for trade in the 
sheepmeat and goatmeat sectors pending the conclusion of the negotiations 
regarding agricultural trade in the framework of the General Agreement on 
Tariffs and Trade; 
Whereas the Community has negotiated agreements with the Czech Republic and 
the Slovak Republic following the dissolution of the Czech and Slovak 
Federal Republic; whereas those agreements provide for the quantities 
covered by the voluntary restraint agreement concluded with the Czech and 
Slovak Federal Republic to be divided between the two states which have 
replaced it; 
Whereas account should be taken of the implications of the implementation of 
the single market from 1 January 1993; 
Whereas it is appropriate in these circumstances to extend the adaptations 
to the said voluntary restraint agreements for one year; 
whereas the Commission has conducted negotiations in this connection with 
Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary and Poland which 
have resulted in Agreements; 
whereas the Agreements should be approved, 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Article 1 
The Agreements in the form of Exchanges of Letters between the European 
Community and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary and 
Poland concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary 
restraint agreements between the European Community and Bulgaria, the Czech 
Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary and Poland on trade in mutton, lamb 
and goatmeat are hereby approved on behalf of the European Community. 
The texts of the Agreements are attached to this Decision. 
Article 2 
The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the person 
empowered to sign the Agreements in order to bind the Community. 
This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European 
Communities. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President 
1 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the 
Agreement between the European Community and 
the Republic of Bulgaria on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat 
LETTER No 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 1990 constituting 
an Agreement between the Community and the Republic of Bulgaria adapting the 
Principal Agreement concluded in 19 82 between the Community and the Republic 
of Bulgaria on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 1993" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that, if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of the 
Republic of Bulgaria on the matter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Union 
LETTER No 2 
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 Exchange of Letters of 1990 constituting 
an Agreement between the Community and the Republic of Bulgaria adapting the 
Principal Agreement concluded in 1982 between the Community and the Republic 
of Bulgaria on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 199 3" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that, if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of the 
Republic of Bulgaria on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the 
contents of your letter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Government of the Republic of Bulgaria 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the 
Agreement between the European Community and 
the Czech Republic on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat 
LETTER NO 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 1990 constituting 
an Agreement between the Community and the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic 
adapting the Principal Agreement concluded in 19 82 between the Community and 
the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 1993" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that, if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of the 
Czech Republic on the matter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Union 
? 
LETTER No 2 
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 Exchange of Letters of 1990 constituting 
an Agreement between the Community and the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic 
adapting the Principal Agreement concluded in 1982 between the community and 
the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 1993" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that, if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of the 
Czech Republic on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the 
contents of your letter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Government of the Czech Republic 
,V 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the 
Agreement between the European Community and 
the Slovak Republic on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat 
LETTER NO 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 1990 constituting 
an Agreement between the Community and the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic 
adapting the Principal Agreement concluded in 19 82 between the Community and 
the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 1993" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that, if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of the 
Slovak Republic on the matter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Union 
q 
LETTER No 2 
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 Exchange of Letters of 199 0 constituting 
an Agreement between the Community and the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic 
adapting the Principal Agreement concluded in 1982 between the Community and 
the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 1993" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that, if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of the 
Slovak Republic on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the 
contents of your letter. 
Please accept, sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Government of the Slovak Republic 
10 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the 
Agreement between the European Community and 
the Republic of Hungary on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat 
LETTER No 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 1990 constituting 
an Agreement between the Community and the Republic of Hungary adapting the 
Principal Agreement concluded in 1981 between the Community and the Republic 
of Hungary on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 1993" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of the 
Republic of Hungary on the matter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Union 
LETTER No 2 
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 Exchange of Letters of 1990 constituting 
an Agreement between the Community and the Republic of Hungary adapting the 
Principal Agreement concluded in 1981 between the Community and the Republic 
of Hungary on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 1993" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of the 
Republic of Hungary on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the 
contents of your letter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Government of the Republic of Hungary 
n 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the 
Agreement between the European Community and 
the Republic of Poland on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat 
LETTER No 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 1990 constituting 
an Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Poland 
adapting the Principal Agreement concluded in 19 81 between the Community and 
the Republic of Poland on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 1993" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that, if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the community and the Government of the 
Republic of Poland on the matter. 
Please accept, sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Union 
n 
LETTER NO 2 
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 Exchange of Letters of 1990 constituting 
an Agreement between the Community and the Republic of Poland adapting the 
Principal Agreement concluded in 1981 between the Community and the Republic 
of Poland on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters, extended for one year on 
17 December 1992, shall continue in force until 31 December 1994 subject to 
the following amendment: 
in Clause 6 of the Agreement the words "until 31 December 1993" shall be 
replaced by "until 31 December 1994". 
I have the honour to propose that if the foregoing is acceptable to your 
Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of the 
Republic of Poland on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the 
contents of your letter. 
Please accept, sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Government of the Republic of Poland 
1/1 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(93) 655 final 
DOCUMENTS 
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Catalogue number : CB-CO-93-702-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-62680-1 
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