Council Regulation (EC) No 1507/97 of 24 July 1997 adopting autonomous and transitional measures for the free trade agreements with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in certain processed agricultural products

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1507/97 of 24 July 1997 adopting autonomous and transitional measures for the free trade agreements with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in certain processed agricultural products
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 113 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Having regard to the 1994 Act of Accession,
Whereas, pending adaptation of Protocol 2 of the Free Trade Agreements concluded with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania (1), Council Regulation (EC) No 340/97 of 17 February 1997 adopting autonomous and transitional measures for the free trade agreements with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in certain processed agricultural products (2) was adopted, which, until 30 June 1997 maintains the degree of preference granted, thus offsetting possible negative effects the implementation of the results of the Uruguay Round may have on exports of these countries to the Community;
Whereas, pending adoption of improved concessions granted to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania by the respective Joint Committees, Regulation (EC) No 340/97 laid down new concessions on a provisional and autonomous basis;
Whereas the negotiations with the countries concerned for the conclusion of Protocols amending the Free Trade Agreements have been or soon will be concluded and new Protocols 2 have been or soon will be initialled; whereas procedures for the formal adoption of 'interim` Protocols covering solely the trade-related aspects of the amending protocols are underway; whereas the time schedule required for formal adoption may not allow for the entry into force of the 'interim` Protocols on 1 July 1997; whereas it is therefore advisable to extend the concessions on an autonomous basis until 31 December 1997,