CELEX: 52004PC0485(01)
Language: en
Date: 2004-07-07
Title: Proposal for a  COUNCIL DECISION on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and India pursuant to Article XXVIII of GATT 1994 relating to the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL  annexed to the GATT 1994

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                     Brussels, 7.7.2004
                                                     COM(2004) 485 final
                                                     2004/0142 (ACC)
                                                     2004/0143 (ACC)
                                        Proposal for a
                                  COUNCIL DECISION
    on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the
   European Community and India pursuant to Article XXVIII of GATT 1994 relating to
     the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL
                                annexed to the GATT 1994
                                        Proposal for a
                                  COUNCIL DECISION
    on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the
   European Community and Pakistan pursuant to Article XXVIII of GATT 1994 for the
     modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for in EC Schedule CXL
                                annexed to the GATT 1994
                               (presented by the Commission)
EN                                                                                      EN
 ---pagebreak---                           EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
   1. On 26 June 2003, the Council authorised the Commission to notify the WTO that the
      European Community intended to modify concessions on products of HS codes 1006
      20 (husked rice), 1006 30 (milled rice) included in Schedule CXL of the European
      Community annexed to GATT. Accordingly, the European Community has notified
      the WTO on 2 July 2003 of its intention to modify certain concessions in EC
      Schedule CXL.
   2. Negotiations have been conducted by the Commission in consultation with the
      Committee established by Article 133 of the Treaty and within the framework of the
      negotiating directives issued by the Council.
   3. The Commission has negotiated with the United States of America, having a
      principal supplying interest in products of HS code 1006 20 (husked rice) and
      substantial supplier interest in product of HS code 1006 30 (milled rice), Thailand,
      having a principal supplying interest in product of HS code 1006 30 (milled rice) and
      substantial supplier interest in product of HS code 1006 20 (husked rice) and India
      and Pakistan, each having a substantial supplier interest in product of HS code 1006
      20 (husked rice).
   4. In spite of its efforts, the Commission could not negotiate an acceptable agreement
      with the United States and Thailand.
   5. The Commission has negotiated an agreement in the form of an exchange of letters
      with India and Pakistan.
      The exchange of letters was initialled by the Commission on …. July 2004.
   6. This proposal asks the Council to approve the agreement in the form of an exchange
      of letters between the European Community and India. Once the Council adopts the
      present Decision, the Commission will notify the WTO of the necessary changes to
      the European Community’s Schedule CXL.
   7. As the necessary modifications to Council Regulation (EC) N° 1785/2003 require the
      European Parliament’s opinion is required it is necessary to provide for the
      Commission to put in place the necessary transitional arrangements. Therefore, in
      order to ensure the application of these two agreements from 1 September 2004, the
      two decisions enable the Commission to derogate from Council Regulation (EC) N°
      1785/2003 for a transitional period, i.e. until the modification has entered into force,
      but not later than 30 June 2005.
      The Commission will present a proposal for the necessary modification to the
      Council Regulation as soon as possible.
EN                                           2                                                 EN
 ---pagebreak---                                                           2004/0142 (ACC)
                                             Proposal for a
                                       COUNCIL DECISION
      on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the
    European Community and India pursuant to Article XXVIII of GATT 1994 relating to
       the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL
                                     annexed to the GATT 1994
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular
   Article 133 in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2)
   thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1,
   Whereas:
   (1)     On 26 June 2003, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations under
           Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 with a view to modify certain concessions for rice.
           Accordingly, the European Community notified the WTO on 2 July 2003 of its
           intention to modify certain concessions in EC Schedule CXL.
   (2)     Negotiations have been conducted by the Commission in consultation with the
           Committee established by Article 133 of the Treaty and within the framework of the
           negotiating directives issued by the Council.
   (3)     The Commission has negotiated with the United States of America, having a principal
           supplying interest in products of HS code 1006 20 (husked rice) and substantial
           supplier interest in products of HS code 1006 30 (milled rice), Thailand, having a
           principal supplying interest in products of HS code 1006 30 (milled rice) and
           substantial supplier interest in products of HS code 1006 20 (husked rice) and India
           and Pakistan, each having a substantial supplier interest in products of HS code 1006
           20 (husked rice).
   (4)     The Commission has successfully negotiated an agreement with India. The agreement
           in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and India
           should therefore be approved.
   (5)     In order to ensure that the agreement may be fully applied by 1 September 2004 and
           pending the amendment of Council Regulation (EC) No 1785/2003 of 29 September
           OJ C …, …, p.
EN                                                 3                                              EN
 ---pagebreak---            2003 on the common organisation of the market in rice2, the Commission should be
           authorised to adopt temporary derogations from that Regulation
   (6)     The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in
           accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the
           procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission3,
   HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
                                                     Article 1
   The Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and
   India pursuant to Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 relating to the modification of
   concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL annexed to the GATT 1994 is
   hereby approved on behalf of the Community.
   The text of the agreement is attached to this Decision.
                                                     Article 2
   To the extent necessary to permit the full application of this agreement by 1 September 2004,
   the Commission may derogate from Regulation (EC) No 1785/2003, in accordance with the
   procedure referred to in Article 3(2) of this Decision, until that Regulation is amended but at
   the latest until 30 June 2005.
                                                     Article 3
   1.        The Commission shall be assisted by the Management Committee for Cereals
             instituted by Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 1784/2003.
   2.        Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision
             1999/468/EC shall apply.
             The period provided for in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be one month.
                                                     Article 4
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person empowered to sign
   the agreement in order to express the consent of the Community to be bound thereby4.
   2
           OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 96.
   3
           OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
   4
           The date of entry into force of the agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European
           Communities.
EN                                                       4                                                         EN
 ---pagebreak---    Done at Brussels,
                     For the Council
                     The President
EN                     5             EN
 ---pagebreak---                                                 ANNEX
                                             AGREEMENT
    in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and India pursuant to
    Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 relating to the modification of concessions with respect to
                       rice provided for in EC Schedule CXL to the GATT 1994
                                              Letter No 1
                                 Letter from the European Community
                                                                                        Brussels,
   Sir,
   Following negotiations between the European Community (EC) and India under Article
   XXVIII of GATT 1994 for the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for
   in EC Schedule CXL annexed to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT
   1994), the EC agrees to the conclusions as outlined below.
   Final Import regime
   The tariff rate for husked rice (CN code 1006 20) shall be 65€/ton.
   With respect to the import regime of husked rice (CN codes 1006 20 17 and NC 1006 20 98)
   of the varieties Basmati 370, Basmati 386, Type-3 (Dehradun), Taraori Basmati (HBC-19),
   Basmati 217, Ranbir Basmati, Pusa Basmati and Super Basmati, the EC’s specific bound rate
   of duty shall be zero. To that purpose:
   - a Community control system based on DNA analysis at the border shall be created; India
   shall actively cooperate with the EC to set up such a control system and the EC shall provide
   the appropriate technical assistance in this matter.
   - it is understood that Basmati rice of the varieties described above is produced in certain
   geographical areas and that India will protect Basmati rice as a geographical indication. The
   EC would welcome an application for protection as a geographical indication of Basmati rice
   under Council Regulation (EC) No. 2081/92. The EC shall process any such application as
   expeditiously as possible. The EC shall provide any necessary technical assistance in this
   matter.
   Transitional Arrangement
   As from 1 st September 2004 and until the date of entry into force of the above-mentioned
   Community control system, the EC shall put in place a transitional regime with regard to
   husked rice (CN codes 1006 20 17 and 1006 20 98) of the varieties described above based on
   the following elements.
   The EC’s autonomous applied rate of duty shall be zero. However, if market disturbance
   occurs, the EC will consult with India’s competent authorities to agree an appropriate
   solution. If no agreement is reached, the EC reserves the right to revert to the bound rate of
   duty of 65 €/t for husked rice (CN code 1006 20).
EN                                                 6                                              EN
 ---pagebreak---    General
   For the purposes of this agreement:
   - the EC shall establish separate tariff lines for Basmati rice of the varieties indicated in the
   agreements with India and Pakistan.
   - the competent Indian authorities shall continue to issue the authenticity certificates prior to
   the issuance of import licences, meaning that the current system of administration of the
   certificates of authenticity shall be maintained.
   The EC recognises that India has initial negotiating rights with respect to the concessions
   specified in the present letter.
   This Agreement shall be approved by the Parties in accordance with their own procedures.
   The provisions of this Agreement shall be applicable from 1 September 2004.
   I would be grateful if you could confirm the agreement of your Government to the above.
   Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.
   On behalf of the European Community
EN                                                  7                                                EN
 ---pagebreak---                                               Letter No 2
                                           Letter from India
                                                                                  Brussels, .…….
   Sir,
   I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today’s date, worded as follows:
   “Following negotiations between the European Community (EC) and India under Article
   XXVIII of GATT 1994 for the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for
   in EC Schedule CXL annexed to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT
   1994), the EC agrees to the conclusions as outlined below.
   Final Import regime
   The tariff rate for husked rice (CN code 1006 20) shall be 65€/ton.
   With respect to the import regime of husked rice (CN codes 1006 20 17 and NC 1006 20 98)
   of the varieties Basmati 370, Basmati 386, Type-3 (Dehradun), Taraori Basmati (HBC-19),
   Basmati 217, Ranbir Basmati, Pusa Basmati and Super Basmati, the EC’s specific bound rate
   of duty shall be zero. To that purpose:
   - a Community control system based on DNA analysis at the border shall be created; India
   shall actively cooperate with the EC to set up such a control system and the EC shall provide
   the appropriate technical assistance in this matter.
   - it is understood that Basmati rice of the varieties described above is produced in certain
   geographical areas and that India will protect Basmati rice as a geographical indication. The
   EC would welcome an application for protection as a geographical indication of Basmati rice
   under Council Regulation (EC) No. 2081/92. The EC shall process any such application as
   expeditiously as possible. The EC shall provide any necessary technical assistance in this
   matter.
   Transitional Arrangement
   As from 1 st September 2004 and until the date of entry into force of the above-mentioned
   Community control system, the EC shall put in place a transitional regime with regard to
   husked rice (CN codes 1006 20 17 and 1006 20 98) of the varieties described above based on
   the following elements.
   The EC’s autonomous applied rate of duty shall be zero. However, if market disturbance
   occurs, the EC will consult with India’s competent authorities to agree an appropriate
   solution. If no agreement is reached, the EC reserves the right to revert to the bound rate of
   duty of 65 €/t for husked rice (CN code 1006 20).
   General
   For the purposes of this agreement:
EN                                                  8                                             EN
 ---pagebreak---    - the EC shall establish separate tariff lines for Basmati rice of the varieties indicated in the
   agreements with India and Pakistan.
   - the competent Indian authorities shall continue to issue the authenticity certificates prior to
   the issuance of import licences, meaning that the current system of administration of the
   certificates of authenticity shall be maintained.
   The EC recognises that India has initial negotiating rights with respect to the concessions
   specified in the present letter.
   This Agreement shall be approved by the Parties in accordance with their own procedures.
   The provisions of this Agreement shall be applicable from 1 September 2004.
   I would be grateful if you could confirm the agreement of your Government to the above.”
   India has the honour of confirming its agreement with the contents of this letter.
   Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.
                                                                                 On behalf of India
EN                                                  9                                                EN
 ---pagebreak---                 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
   1.    BUDGET HEADING:                                                                 APPROPRIATIONS:
         Article 100                                                                     EUR 839.1 Mio.
   2.    TITLE:
         Proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters
         between the European Community and India pursuant to Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 relating to
         the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL annexed to the
         GATT.
   3.    LEGAL BASIS:
         Article 133 of the Treaty
   4.    AIMS:
         To modify concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL annexed to the GATT.
   5.    FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS                           12 MONTH             CURRENT         FOLLOWING
                                                            PERIOD            FINANCIAL          FINANCIAL
                                                                             YEAR 2004          YEAR 2005
                                                         (EUR million)       (EUR million)      (EUR million)
   5.0   EXPENDITURE
         -      CHARGED TO THE EC BUDGET
         (REFUNDS/INTERVENTIONS)
         -      NATIONAL AUTHORITIES
         -      OTHER
   5.1   REVENUE                                               (1)                                   (1)
         -      OWN RESOURCES OF THE EC
         (LEVIES/CUSTOMS DUTIES)
         -      NATIONAL
                                                           2006           2007          2008           2009
   5.0.1 ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE
   5.1.1 ESTIMATED REVENUE                                  (1)            (1)           (1)            (1)
   5.2   METHOD OF CALCULATION:
   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 APPROPRIATIONS NEED TO BE ENTERED IN FUTURE BUDGETS?                                  YES / NO
   OBSERVATIONS:
   (1)   The measure should not lead to a change in own resources.
EN                                                       10                                                      EN
 ---pagebreak---                                                           2004/0143 (ACC)
                                             Proposal for a
                                       COUNCIL DECISION
      on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the
    European Community and Pakistan pursuant to Article XXVIII of GATT 1994 relating
     to the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL
                                     annexed to the GATT 1994
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular
   Article 133 in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2)
   thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission5,
   Whereas:
   (7)     On 26 June 2003, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations under
           Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 with a view to modify certain concessions for rice.
           Accordingly, the European Community notified the WTO on 2 July 2003 of its
           intention to modify certain concessions in EC Schedule CXL.
   (8)     Negotiations have been conducted by the Commission in consultation with the
           Committee established by Article 133 of the Treaty and within the framework of the
           negotiating directives issued by the Council.
   (9)     The Commission has negotiated with the United States of America, having a principal
           supplying interest in products of HS code 1006 20 (husked rice) and substantial
           supplier interest in products of HS code 1006 30 (milled rice), Thailand, having a
           principal supplying interest in products of HS code 1006 30 (milled rice) and
           substantial supplier interest in products of HS code 1006 20 (husked rice) and India
           and Pakistan, each having a substantial supplier interest in products of HS code 1006
           20 (husked rice).
   (10)    The Commission has successfully negotiated an agreement with Pakistan. The
           agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and
           Pakistan should therefore be approved.
   (11)    In order to ensure that the agreement may be fully applied by 1 September 2004 and
           pending the amendment of Council Regulation (EC) No 1785/2003 of 29 September
   5       OJ C …, …, p.
EN                                                 11                                             EN
 ---pagebreak---            2003 on the common organisation of the market in rice6, the Commission should be
           authorised to adopt temporary derogations from that Regulation
   (12)    The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in
           accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the
           procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission7,
   HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
                                                     Article 1
   The Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and
   Pakistan pursuant to Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 relating to the modification of
   concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL annexed to the GATT 1994 is
   hereby approved on behalf of the Community.
   The text of the agreement is attached to this Decision.
                                                     Article 2
   To the extent necessary to permit the full application of this agreement by 1 September 2004,
   the Commission may derogate from Regulation (EC) No 1785/2003, in accordance with the
   procedure referred to in Article 3(2) of this Decision, until that Regulation is amended but at
   the latest until 30 June 2005.
                                                     Article 3
   1.        The Commission shall be assisted by the Management Committee for Cereals
             instituted by Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 1784/2003.
   2.        Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision
             1999/468/EC shall apply.
             The period provided for in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be one month.
                                                     Article 4
   The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person empowered to sign
   the agreement in order to express the consent of the Community to be bound thereby8.
   6
           OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 96.
   7
           OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
   8
           The date of entry into force of the agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European
           Communities.
EN                                                      12                                                         EN
 ---pagebreak---    Done at Brussels,
                     For the Council
                     The President
EN                    13             EN
 ---pagebreak---                                                 ANNEX
                                              AGREEMENT
   in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and Pakistan pursuant
    to Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 relating to the modification of concessions with respect
                      to rice provided for in EC Schedule CXL to the GATT 1994
                                               Letter No 1
                                  Letter from the European Community
                                                                                  Brussels, .…….
   Sir,
   Following negotiations between the European Community (EC) and Pakistan under Article
   XXVIII of GATT 1994 for the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for
   in EC Schedule CXL annexed to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT
   1994), the EC agrees to the conclusions as outlined below.
   Final Import regime
   The tariff rate for husked rice (CN code 1006 20) shall be 65€/ton.
   With respect to the import regime of husked rice (CN codes 1006 20 17 and 1006 20 98) of
   the varieties Kernel (Basmati), Basmati 370, Pusa Basmati and Super Basmati the EC’s
   specific bound rate of duty shall be zero. To that purpose:
   - a Community control system based on DNA analysis at the border shall be created; Pakistan
   shall actively cooperate with the EC to set up such a control system and the EC shall provide
   the appropriate technical assistance in this matter.
   - it is understood that Basmati rice of the varieties described above is produced in certain
   geographical areas and that Pakistan will protect Basmati rice as a geographical indication.
   The EC would welcome an application for protection as a geographical indication of Basmati
   rice under Council Regulation (EC) No. 2081/92. The EC shall process any such application
   as expeditiously as possible. The EC shall provide any necessary technical assistance in this
   matter.
   Transitional Arrangement
   As from 1 st September 2004 and until the date of entry into force of the above-mentioned
   Community control system, the EC shall put in place a transitional regime with regard to
   husked rice (CN codes 1006 20 17 and 1006 20 98) of the varieties described above based on
   the following elements.
   The EC’s autonomous applied rate of duty shall be zero. However, if market disturbance
   occurs, the EC will consult with Pakistan’s competent authorities to agree an appropriate
   solution. If no agreement is reached, the EC reserves the right to revert to the bound rate of
   duty of 65 €/t for husked rice (CN code 1006 20).
EN                                                  14                                            EN
 ---pagebreak---    General
   For the purposes of this agreement:
   - the EC shall establish separate tariff lines for Basmati rice of the varieties indicated in the
   agreements with India and Pakistan.
   - the competent Pakistani authorities shall continue to issue the authenticity certificates prior
   to the issuance of import licences, meaning that the current system of administration of the
   certificates of authenticity shall be maintained.
   The EC recognises that Pakistan has initial negotiating rights with respect to the concessions
   specified in the present letter.
   This Agreement shall be approved by the Parties in accordance with their own procedures.
   The provisions of this Agreement shall be applicable from 1 September 2004.
   I would be grateful if you could confirm the agreement of your Government to the above.
   Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.
   On behalf of the European Community
EN                                                 15                                                EN
 ---pagebreak---                                               Letter No 2
                                         Letter from Pakistan
                                                                                    Brussels, .…….
   Sir,
   I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today’s date, worded as follows:
   “Following negotiations between the European Community (EC) and Pakistan under Article
   XXVIII of GATT 1994 for the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for
   in EC Schedule CXL annexed to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT
   1994), the EC agrees to the conclusions as outlined below.
   Final Import regime
   The tariff rate for husked rice (CN code 1006 20) shall be 65€/ton.
   With respect to the import regime of husked rice (CN codes 1006 20 17 and 1006 20 98) of
   the varieties Kernel (Basmati), Basmati 370, Pusa Basmati and Super Basmati the EC’s
   specific bound rate of duty shall be zero. To that purpose:
   - a Community control system based on DNA analysis at the border shall be created; Pakistan
   shall actively cooperate with the EC to set up such a control system and the EC shall provide
   the appropriate technical assistance in this matter.
   - it is understood that Basmati rice of the varieties described above is produced in certain
   geographical areas and that Pakistan will protect Basmati rice as a geographical indication.
   The EC would welcome an application for protection as a geographical indication of Basmati
   rice under Council Regulation (EC) No. 2081/92. The EC shall process any such application
   as expeditiously as possible. The EC shall provide any necessary technical assistance in this
   matter.
   Transitional Arrangement
   As from 1 st September 2004 and until the date of entry into force of the above-mentioned
   Community control system, the EC shall put in place a transitional regime with regard to
   husked rice (CN codes 1006 20 17 and 1006 20 98) of the varieties described above based on
   the following elements.
   The EC’s autonomous applied rate of duty shall be zero. However, if market disturbance
   occurs, the EC will consult with Pakistan’s competent authorities to agree an appropriate
   solution. If no agreement is reached, the EC reserves the right to revert to the bound rate of
   duty of 65 €/t for husked rice (CN code 1006 20).
   General
   For the purposes of this agreement:
   - the EC shall establish separate tariff lines for Basmati rice of the varieties indicated in the
   agreements with India and Pakistan.
EN                                                 16                                                EN
 ---pagebreak---    - the competent Pakistani authorities shall continue to issue the authenticity certificates prior
   to the issuance of import licences, meaning that the current system of administration of the
   certificates of authenticity shall be maintained.
   The EC recognises that Pakistan has initial negotiating rights with respect to the concessions
   specified in the present letter.
   This Agreement shall be approved by the Parties in accordance with their own procedures.
   The provisions of this Agreement shall be applicable from 1 September 2004.
   I would be grateful if you could confirm the agreement of your Government to the above.”
   Pakistan has the honour of confirming its agreement with the contents of this letter.
   Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.
                                                                            On behalf of Pakistan
EN                                                 17                                                EN
 ---pagebreak---                 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
   1.    BUDGET HEADING:                                                                 APPROPRIATIONS:
         Article 100                                                                     EUR 839.1 Mio.
   2.    TITLE:
         Proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters
         between the European Community and Pakistan pursuant to Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 relating
         to the modification of concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL annexed to the
         GATT.
   3.    LEGAL BASIS:
         Article 133 of the Treaty
   4.    AIMS:
         To modify concessions with respect to rice provided for in Schedule CXL annexed to the GATT.
   5.    FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS                           12 MONTH             CURRENT         FOLLOWING
                                                            PERIOD            FINANCIAL          FINANCIAL
                                                                             YEAR 2004          YEAR 2005
                                                         (EUR million)       (EUR million)      (EUR million)
   5.0   EXPENDITURE
         -      CHARGED TO THE EC BUDGET
         (REFUNDS/INTERVENTIONS)
         -      NATIONAL AUTHORITIES
         -      OTHER
   5.1   REVENUE                                               (1)                                   (1)
         -      OWN RESOURCES OF THE EC
         (LEVIES/CUSTOMS DUTIES)
         -      NATIONAL
                                                           2006           2007          2008           2009
   5.0.1 ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE
   5.1.1 ESTIMATED REVENUE                                  (1)            (1)           (1)            (1)
   5.2   METHOD OF CALCULATION:
   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 APPROPRIATIONS NEED TO BE ENTERED IN FUTURE BUDGETS?                                  YES / NO
   OBSERVATIONS:
   (1)   The measure should not lead to a change in own resources.
EN                                                       18                                                      EN