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

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
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 Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden,
Whereas, pending adaptation of Protocol 2 to the Free Trade Agreements, concluded with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (1), Council Regulation (EC) No 1820/96 of 16 September 1996 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 31 December 1996, 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 1820/96 laid down new concessions on a provisional and autonomous basis;
Whereas the negotiations which are currently under way with the countries concerned for the conclusion of Protocols amending the Free Trade Agreements have not yet been concluded; whereas interim Protocols covering solely the trade-related aspects of the amending Protocols cannot enter into force on 1 January 1997; whereas it is therefore advisable to extend the concessions on an autonomous basis until 30 June 1997,