CELEX: 51992PC0535
Language: en
Date: 1992-12-07 00:00:00
Title: Recommendation for a COUNCIL DECISION concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary restraint agreements between the European Economic Community and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat

lOMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                      C0M(92) 535 final
                                                      Brussels,  7 December 1992
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                                     RecommendatIon for a
    F3ïïisfS
    2«T
                                       COUNCIL PECl?tQN
      Iffl
                concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary
      dm        restraint agreements between the European Economic Community
                     and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay
                           on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat.
       mm
                                (presented by the Commission)
 ---pagebreak---                         EXPLANATORY   MEMORANDUM
1.  The existing adaptations to the voluntary restraint agreements
     (VRA's) between the European Economic Community and Argentina,
    Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay on trade in sheepmeat and
    goatmeat are due to expire on 31 December 1992. The adaptations to
    the basic VRA's were put in place in 1989 and 1990. They provide
    for reduced import quantities to the Community but at 0% levy,
     instead of 10%, and with specific limitations on the quantity of
    chilled, as opposed to frozen, sheepmeat.
2.  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 1994, it is necessary to provide for interim
    access arrangements for sheepmeat and goatmeat for 1993. Therefore
    on the Commission's recommendation, the Council decided on ... 1992
     to authorise the Commission to open negotiations with the third
    countries with which the Community         has concluded   voluntary
    restraint agreements in the sheepmeat and goatmeat sector.
3.  Negotiations have been concluded with Argentina, Australia, New
    Zealand and Uruguay on the extension of the adaptations of the
    VRA's to provide for the necessary interim access arrangements for
     1993. The agreements for 1993 provide for retention of the
    existing annual ceilings at the OX levy with increases in the
    quantity of chilled meat in line with the increases which have
    taken place each year since 1989.
4.  The understanding with New Zealand regarding the sensitivity of
    certain areas within the Community market expired in 1990. Due to
    the impending completion of the Community Internal Market, this
    understanding can not be reintroduced. However, assurances as
    outlined in the Annex will be obtained from New Zealand, as well as
    from Argentina, Australia and Uruguay, to market sheepmeat in a way
    so as not to disturb the Community market but to contribute to its
    stability and strength.
5.  With respect to the Canary Islands, which are now subject to the
    Common Agricultural Policy, it is necessary to make provision to
    allow the traditional import of New Zealand sheepmeat to continue
    within the context of extending the adaptation to the VRA for
    1993.
6.   It is therefore recommended      that the Council approves the
    agreements in the form of the exchanges of letters annexed hereto
    and publishes its Decision in the Official Journal of the European
    Commun i t i es.
Small and medium Enterprises : No competitive or cost impact for small
                               and medium enterprises
Financial impact : No financial impact on Community budget.
                                                                         £
 ---pagebreak---                                   ANNEX
     Text of Side Letter to be obtained from Argentina. Australia
                         New Zealand and Uruguay
The        Government and meat industry share with the Commission of
the European Communities and with Member States an interest in
maintaining the stability and strength of the Community market for
sheepmeat.             is aware that there remain areas and times of
special sensitivity within the Community market and it recognises that
the way in which sheepmeat is placed on the market can affect the price
levels achieved.
Against this background and within the commercial and legal constraints
of the Community's Single Market, the ... authorities will urge
exporters of sheepmeat to the European Community to arrange their
sendings to the Community market in such a way as to contribute to the
stability and strength of the market. The ... meat industry is
committed to marketing chilled lamb in a responsible way so as not to
disturb the markets of the Community.
                                                                        3
 ---pagebreak---                             Recommendation for a
                            COUNCIL  DECISION
                               of
      concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary
      restraint agreements between the European Economic Community
            and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay
                  on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat.
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 recommendation from the Commission,
Whereas the voluntary restraint agreements between the European
Economic Community and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay on
trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat were adapted in 1989 and 1990 in the
context of measures taken to stabilise the markets in this sector;
whereas the said adaptations shall cease to have effect on 31 December
1992;
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 it is appropriate in these circumstances to extend the
adaptations to the said voluntary restraint agreements for one year;
Whereas the effect of the implementation of      the Single Market  from
1 January 1993 should be taken into account;
Whereas the Commission has conducted negotiations in this connection
with Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay 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
Economic Community and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay
concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary restraint
agreements between the European Economic Community and Argentina,
Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay on trade in mutton, lamb and
goatmeat are hereby approved on behalf of the European Economic
Community.
The text of the Agreements are attached to this Decision.
 ---pagebreak---                                  - 2 -
                               Art icle 2
The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the
person empowered to sign the Agreements in order to bind the Community.
Done at Brussels,
                                         For the CounciI
                                         The President
                                                                        <;
 ---pagebreak---                                 AGREEMENT
  in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the
          Agreement between the European Economic Community and
             Argentina on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat.
                               LETTER No 1
Sir,
 I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of
constituting an Agreement between the Community and Argentina adapting
the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 between the Community and
Argentina 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 shall continue in
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments :
1.   the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the
     Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement as modified by
     Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of
     23,000 tonnes representing the annual ceiling in metric tonnes on
     the total quantity of imports each year into the Community of
     mutton, lamb and goatmeat from Argentina, shall be deemed to have
     been replaced by the figure of 19,000 tonnes. This ceiling shall
     be deemed to include a maximum in 1989 of 1,000 metric tonnes of
     lamb imported into the European Community from Argentina in a form
     which has never been frozen, a maximum of 1,200 metric tonnes in
     1990, a maximum of 1,400 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of
     1,600 metric tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 1,800 metric tonnes
     in 1993."
2.   in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993"
     shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992".
3.   in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall
     be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992".
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
Argentina on the matter.
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
                                        On behalf of the
                                Council of the European Communities
 ---pagebreak---                                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
constituting an Agreement between the Community and Argentina adapting
the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 between the Community and
Argentina 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 shall continue in
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments :
1.   the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the
    Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement as modified by
    Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of
     23,000 tonnes representing the annual ceiling in metric tonnes on
     the total quantity of imports each year into the Community of
    mutton, lamb and goatmeat from Argentina, shall be deemed to have
    been replaced by the figure of 19,000 tonnes. This ceiling shall
    be deemed to include a maximum in 1989 of 1,000 metric tonnes of
     lamb imported into the European Community from Argentina in a form
    which has never been frozen, a maximum of 1,200 metric tonnes in
     1990, a maximum of 1,400 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of
     1,600 metric tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 1,800 metric tonnes
     in 1993."
2.   in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993"
     shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992".
3.   in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall
    be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992".
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
Argentina 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 Governement of Argentina
                                                                         ¥
 ---pagebreak---                                   AGREEMENT
   in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the
            Agreement between the European Economic Community and
               Australia on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat.
                                 LETTER No 1
  Sir,
  I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of
  constituting an Agreement between the Community and Australia adapting
  the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 between the Community and
  Australia 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 shall continue in
  force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments :
  1.   the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the
      Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement as modified by
      Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the quantity of 17,500 metric
       tonnes expressed in carcase weight shall be deemed to include a
      maximum in 1989 of 1,500 metric tonnes of lamb imported into the
      European Community from Australia in a form which has never been
       frozen, a maximum of 2,000 metric tonnes in 1990, a maximum of
      2,500 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 3.000 metric tonnes in
       1992, and a maximum of 3,500 metric tonnes in 1993."
  2.   in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993"
      shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992".
  3.   in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall
      be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992".
  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
  Australia on the matter.
  Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
                                          On behalf of the
                                  Council of the European Communities
f
 ---pagebreak---                                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
constituting an Agreement between the Community and Australia adapting
the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 between the Community and
Australia 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 shall continue in
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments :
1.   the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the
     Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement as modified by
     Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the quantity of 17,500 metric
     tonnes expressed in carcase weight shall be deemed to include a
     maximum in 1989 of 1,500 metric tonnes of lamb imported into the
     European Community from Australia in a form which has never been
     frozen, a maximum of 2,000 metric tonnes in 1990, a maximum of
     2,500 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 3,000 metric tonnes in
     1992, and a maximum of 3,500 metric tonnes in 1993."
2.   in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993"
     shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992".
3.   in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall
     be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992".
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
Australia 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 Governement of Australia
                                                                         Oy
 ---pagebreak---                                  AGREEMENT
      in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adjustment
       of the Agreement between the European Economic Community and
            New Zealand on trade in mutton, iamb and goatmeat.
                              A.  LETTER No 1
Sir,
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 18 October
1989 constituting an Agreement between the Community and New Zealand
relating to the adjustments of the Principal Agreement concluded in
1980 between the Community and New Zealand 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 shall continue in
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments :
1.   the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the
    Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement, as modified by
    Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of
     "245,500", representing the annual ceiling, in metric tonnes, on
     the total quantity of imports each year into the Community of
    mutton, lamb and goatmeat from New Zealand shall be deemed to have
     been replaced by "205,000". This ceiling shall be deemed to
     include a maximum in 1989 of 6,000 metric tonnes of lamb imported
     into the European Community from New Zealand in a form which has
     never been frozen, a maximum of 7,500 metric tonnes in 1990, a
    maximum of 9,000 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 10,500 metric
     tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 12,000 metric tonnes in 1993."
2.   in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993"
     shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992".
3.   in paragraph 7 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall
     be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992".
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 New
Zealand on the matter.
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
                                         On behalf of the
                                 Council of the European Communities
 ---pagebreak---                               A. 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 18 October
1989 constituting an Agreement between the Community and New Zealand
relating to the adjustments of the Principal Agreement concluded in
1980 between the Community and New Zealand 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 shall continue in
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments :
1.   the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the
     Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement, as modified by
     Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of
     "245,500", representing the annual ceiling, in metric tonnes, on
     the total quantity of imports each year into the Community of
     mutton, lamb and goatmeat from New Zealand shall be deemed to have
     been replaced by "205,000". This ceiling shall be deemed to
     include a maximum in 1989 of 6,000 metric tonnes of lamb imported
     into the European Community from New Zealand in a form which has
     never been frozen, a maximum of 7,500 metric tonnes in 1990, a
     maximum of 9,000 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 10,500 metric
     tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 12,000 metric tonnes in 1993."
2.   in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993"
     shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992".
3.   in paragraph 7 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall
     be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992".
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 New
Zealand 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 New Zealand
                                                                         /A
 ---pagebreak---                                  AGREEMENT
     in the form of an Exchange of Letters relating to the extension
         of the adjustment of the Agreement between the European
          Economic Community and New Zealand on trade in mutton,
                            lamb and goatmeat.
                              B. Letter No 1
Sir,
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 18 October
1989 as extended constituting an Agreement between the Community and
New Zealand relating to the adjustments of the Principal Agreement
concluded in 1980 between the Community and New Zealand on trade in
mutton, lamb and goatmeat.
Having regard to Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement and to the
integration of the Canary       Islands into the Community's customs
territory and into the common agricultural          policy, New Zealand
undertakes to ensure that the annual quantity exported to the Canary
Islands does not exceed 600 metric tonnes in 1993, such an increase
representing the average annual import of New Zealand mutton, lamb and
goatmeat into the Canary Islands since the accession of Spain to the
Community. These exports shall not be included within the overall
ceiling of 205,000 metric tonnes in Clause 2 of the Agreement as
amended.
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 New
Zealand on the matter.
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
                                         On behalf of the
                                 Council of the European Communities
                                                                        At
 ---pagebreak---                              B. 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 18 October
1989 as extended constituting an Agreement between the Community and
New Zealand relating to the adjustments of the Principal Agreement
concluded in 1980 between the Community and New Zealand on trade in
mutton, lamb and goatmeat.
Having regard to Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement and to the
integration of the Canary      Islands into the Community's customs
territory and into the common agricultural policy, New Zealand
undertakes to ensure that the annual quantity exported to the Canary
Islands does not exceed 600 metric tonnes in 1993, such an increase
representing the average annual import of New Zealand mutton, lamb and
goatmeat into the Canary Islands since the accession of Spain to the
Community. These exports shall not be included within the overall
ceiling of 205,000 metric tonnes in Clause 2 of the Agreement as
amended.
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 New
Zealand 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 New Zealand
                                                                        X>
 ---pagebreak---                                 AGREEMENT
 in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the
          Agreement between the European Economic Community and
      the Eastern Republic of Uruguay on trade in mutton and lamb.
                               LETTER No 1
Sir,
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of          Letters of
constituting an Agreement between the Community        and the Eastern
Republic of Uruguay adapting the Principal Agreement   concluded in 1980
between the Community and Uruguay on trade in mutton  and iamb.
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments :
1.   the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the
    Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement, as modified by
    Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of 5,800
    metric tonnes shall be replaced by the figure of 5,220 metric
     tonnes. This ceiling shall include a maximum in 1989 of 2,000
    metric tonnes of lamb imported into the European Community from
    Uruguay in a form which has never been frozen, a maximum of 2,200
    metric tonnes in 1990, a maximum of 2,400 metric tonnes in 1991, a
    maximum of 2,600 metric tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 2,800
    metric tonnes in 1993."
2.   in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993"
     shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992".
3.   in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall
    be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992".
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
Uruguay on the matter.
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
                                        On behalf of the
                                Council of the European Communities
 ---pagebreak---                                          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
constituting an Agreement between the Community        and the Eastern
Republic of Uruguay adapting the Principal Agreement   concluded in 1980
between the Community and Uruguay on trade in mutton  and lamb.
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments :
1.   the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the
     Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement, as modified by
     Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of 5,800
     metric tonnes shall be replaced by the figure of 5,220 metric
     tonnes. This ceiling shall include a maximum in 1989 of 2,000
     metric tonnes of lamb imported into the European Community from
     Uruguay in a form which has never been frozen, a maximum of 2,200
     metric tonnes in 1990, a maximum of 2,400 metric tonnes in 1991, a
     maximum of 2,600 metric tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 2,800
     metric tonnes in 1993."
2.   in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993"
     shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992".
3.   in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall
     be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992".
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
Uruguay 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 Uruguay
                                                                         fi
 ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---                                                                      ISSN 0254-1475
                                                              COM (92) 535 final
                                                      DOCUMENTS
EN                                                                             03
                                Catalogue number : CB-CO-92-554-EN-C
                                                             ISBN 92-77-50520-6
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