2003/23/EC: Commission Decision of 30 December 2002 concerning a financial contribution for the compulsory slaughter between 1 July and 31 October 2001 of animals due to foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom (notified under document number C(2002) 5491)

Commission Decision
of 30 December 2002
concerning a financial contribution for the compulsory slaughter between 1 July and 31 October 2001 of animals due to foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom
(notified under document number C(2002) 5491)
(Only the English text is authentic)
(2003/23/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field(1), as last amended by Council Decision 2001/572/EC(2), and in particular Article 11(2) and (4) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease occurred in the United Kingdom in 2001. The onset of the disease represents a serious danger to Community stocks. With a view to prevent the spreading of the disease and contribute to its eradication the Community may contribute to eligible expenditures incurred by the Member State.
(2) As soon as the presence of foot-and-mouth disease was officially confirmed, the British authorities reported that they had taken measures listed in Article 3(2) of Decision 90/424/EEC and implemented immediately the relevant provisions of Directive 85/511/EEC(3).
(3) Pursuant to Article 3(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1258/1999(4), veterinary and plant health measures undertaken in accordance with Community rules shall be financed under the Guarantee Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund; for financial control purposes, Articles 8 and 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1258/1999 apply.
(4) The financial contribution from the Community shall be granted provided that the actions planned are efficiently carried out and that the authorities supply all the necessary information within the time limits laid down.
(5) The financial contribution towards the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom in 2001 relating to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease which occurred until 30 June 2001 has been fixed by Commission Decision 2001/654/EC(5).
(6) Outbreaks of foot-and-mouth occurred in the United Kingdom also after 30 June 2001. A supplementary financial contribution towards the eradication of these outbreaks has to be fixed.
(7) As the amount of the eligible costs shall be paid in euro, an exchange rate has to be fixed.
(8) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,