CELEX: 51992PC0131
Language: en
Date: 1992-04-06
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the extension of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Austria on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas for certain quality wines

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       COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN                            COMMUNITIES
                                                      COM(92) 131 final
                                                      Brussels, 6 April 1992
                                      Proposal for a
                                     COUNCIL DECISION
         on the extension of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters
           between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Austria
                     on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas
                                 for certain quality wines
                              (presented by the Commission)
 ---pagebreak---                                                                  <L
                           EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
1. The Agreement between the Community and Austria on the reciprocal
   establishment of tariff quotas for certain quality wines, signed on 23
   December 1988, is limited in duration to an initial period ending on 30
   June 1992. However, it provides for consultations to be held during the
   second half of 1991 to decide whether, and on what terms, the Agreement
   should be extended.
2. Accordingly, the Commission has held consultations on this subject with
   Austria.
   In the course of these consultations, it was agreed that the Agreement
   should be extended for one additional year, in view of the fact that in
   principle a new Agreement should enter into force on the same date as
   the Agreement relating to the EEA (European Economic Area).
3. It has also been agreed that consultations will take place during the
   first half of 1993, if necessary, concerning a possible review of the
   situation.
4. In view of the above, it is proposed that the Council:
   - approve the draft exchange of letters attached to this proposal:
   - authorize the President of the Council to designate the person
     empowered to sign the exchange of letters on behalf of the Community.
 ---pagebreak---                                                                      J
                                Proposal for a
                               COUNCIL DECISION
   on the extension of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters
     between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Austria
               on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas
                           for certain quality wines
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,
and in particular Article 113 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Whereas the Agreement between the European Economic Community and Austria
on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas for certain quality
wines*, signed on 23 December 1988, fixed the said quotas only for an
initial period ending on 30 June 1992; whereas the quotas applicable from
1 July 1992 should therefore be fixed;
Whereas the Commission has held consultations on this matter with Austria
and whereas these consultations have led to an Agreement,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS
                                   Article 1
The Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European
Economic Community and the Republic of Austria on the extension of the
Agreement on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas for certain
quality wines is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.
The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.
                                   Article 2
The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the person
empowered to sign the Agreement in order to bind the Community.
Done at Brussels                                          For the Council
                                                          The President
 1   OJ No L 348, 17.12.1988, p. 56.
 ---pagebreak---                                                                    s
                                 AGREEMENT
               in the form of an exchange of letters between
        the European Economic Community and the Republic of Austria
     on the extension of the Agreement on the reciprocal establishment
                 of tariff quotas for certain quality wines
                        A. LETTER FROM THE COMMUNITY
Sir,
I have the honour to refer to the consultations held between the European
Economic Community and the Republic of Austria under paragraph 11 of the
Agreement on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas for certain
quality wines signed on 23 December 1988.
I hereby confirm that these consultations have led to the following
results:
1. From 1 July 1992, the Agreement is extended for a further period of one
   year from 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993.
2. During the first half of 1993, consultations will be held, if necessary,
   to decide on a possible extension of this Agreement.
I should be obliged if you would confirm your Government's agreement
concerning the content of this letter.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
                                                 On behalf of the Council
                                                 of the European Communities
 ---pagebreak---                                                                         J
                           B. LETTER FROM AUSTRIA
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 consultations held between the European
Economic Community and the Republic of Austria under paragraph 11 of the
Agreement on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas for certain
quality wines signed on 23 December 1988.
I hereby confirm that these consultations have led to the following
results:
1. From 1 July 1992, the Agreement is extended for a further period of one
   year from 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993.
2. During the first half of 1993, consultations will be held, if necessary,
   to decide on a possible extension of this Agreement.
I should be obliged if you would confirm your Government's agreement
concerning the content of this letter."
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the
contents of this letter.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
                                                 For the Government
                                                 of the Republic of Austria
 ---pagebreak---                                                                                                      s -
                                                                                                    t>
        Financial Statement
1. BUDGET HEADING : 1000                                               APPROPRIATIONS
2. TITLE :
      Council Decision concerning the extension of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters
      between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Austria
3. LEGAL BASIS : Article 113 of the Treaty
4. AIMS
      To extend the Agreement on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas for certain quality wines
5. FINANCIAL   IMPLICATIONS         PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS   CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR    FOLLOWING FINANCIAL YEAR
                                                                 < 1992 )                (   1993     2
5.0 EXPENDITURE
      - CHARGED TO THE EC BUDGET
         (RE FUNDS/INTERVENTIONS)
      - NATIONAL AUTHORITIES
      - OTHER
5.1 REVENUE
      - OWN RESOURCES OF THE EC
         (LEVIES/CUSTOMS DUTIES)      ECU 1.30 million    - ECU 0.65 million          ECU 0.65 million
       - NATIONAL
5.0.1 ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE
5.1.1 ESTIMATED REVENUE
5.2 METHOD OF CALCULATION
       Loss of customs duties:
      85 000 hi of quality wine psr x ECU 14.5/hl = ECU 1 232 500
        2 000 hi of sparkling wine x ECU 40/hl    = ECU    80 000
                                                    ECU 1 312 500
6.0 CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED FROM APPROPRIATIONS ENTERED IN THE RELEVANT CHAPTER OF THE CURRENT BUDGET ?
                                                                                                         YES/NO
6.1 CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED BY TRANSFER BETWEEN CHAPTERS OF THE CURRENT BUDGET ?
                                                                                                         YES/NO
6.2 WILL A SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET BE NECESSARY ?
                                                                                                         YES/NO
6.3 WILL FUTURE BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS BE NECESSARY ?
                                                                                                         YES/NO
COMMENTS :
       Loss of revenue is calculated on the hypothesis that the full quota is exhausted.
      The tariff concession does not reduce expenditure under the Community budget for export refunds
      because Austria is one of the third countries of destination for which no refund is payable.
 ---pagebreak---                                                                      ISSN 0254-1475
                                                              COM(92) 131 final
                                                      DOCUMENTS
EN                                                                         03 02
                                 Catalogue number: CB-CO-92-144-EN-C
                                                             ISBN 92-77-42729-9
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