Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION amending Regulation (EC) No 2820/98 applying a multiannual scheme of generalised tariff preferences for the period 1 July 1999 to 31 December 2001 so as to include Senegal in the list of countries enjoying the special support arrangement for the least developed countries

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

Council Regulation (EC) No 2820/98 of 21 December 1998 applying a multiannual scheme of generalised tariff preferences for the period 1 July 1999 to 31 December 2001 [1], as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 416/2001 [2], provides for more favourable tariff treatment for the least developed countries listed in Annex IV thereto.

[1] OJ L 357, 30.12.1998, p. 1.

[2] OJ L 60, 1.3.2001, p. 43.

Following the latest triennial review by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2001 of the list of least developed countries, Senegal was added to that list by a decision of the UN General Assembly of 12 April 2001.

As the special support arrangement for the least developed countries under the scheme of generalised tariff preferences should benefit all countries classified and recognised by the United Nations as least developed countries, the benefit of that arrangement should be extended to Senegal.

It is therefore appropriate that Regulation (EC) No 2820/98 be amended accordingly and that the amending Regulation enter into force immediately.

2001/0285 (ACC)

Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION amending Regulation (EC) No 2820/98 applying a multiannual scheme of generalised tariff preferences for the period 1 July 1999 to 31 December 2001 so as to include Senegal in the list of countries enjoying the special support arrangement for the least developed countries

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 133 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

(1) Article 6 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2820/98 of 21 December 1998 applying a multiannual scheme of generalised tariff preferences for the period 1 July 1999 to 31 December 2001 [3], as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 416/2001 [4], provides for more favourable tariff treatment for the least developed countries listed in Annex IV thereto.

[3] OJ L 357, 30.12.1998, p. 1.

[4] OJ L 60, 1.3.2001, p. 43.

(2) Following the latest triennial review by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2001 of the list of least developed countries, Senegal was added to that list by a decision of the UN General Assembly of 12 April 2001. It is therefore appropriate that Regulation (EC) No 2820/98 be amended accordingly and that the amending Regulation enter into force immediately.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Regulation (EC) No 2820/98 is amended as follows:

(a) in Annex III, after the entry "SN Senegal", the footnote reference "(2)" is inserted,

(b) in Annex IV, "SN Senegal" is inserted after "CV Cape Verde".

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President