Council Regulation (EC) No 1568/97 of 24 July 1997 adopting autonomous and transitional measures for the preferential trade arrangements with Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria in certain processed agricultural products

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1568/97 of 24 July 1997 adopting autonomous and transitional measures for the preferential trade arrangements with Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria 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 3 to the Europe Agreements concluded with Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria (1), Council Regulation (EC) No 339/97 of 17 February 1997 adapting autonomous and transitional measures for the preferential trade arrangements with Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria 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 the negotiations with the countries concerned for the conclusion of protocols amending the Europe Agreements have been concluded; whereas each Protocol 3, as adapted, has been initialled or will be soon; 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 does not enable the 'interim` protocols to enter into force on 1 July 1997; whereas it is therefore advisable to extend the concessions on an autonomous basis until 31 December 1997;
Whereas, if the countries concerned are prepared to grant to the Community the concessions resulting from the negotiations for the adaptation of the Europe agreement by way of autonomous measures, the Community should equally implement the measures in favour of these countries as envisaged in each Protocol 3, as adapted,