Council Regulation (EC) No 339/97 of 17 February 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 339/97 of 17 February 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 Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden,
Whereas, pending adaptation of Protocol 3 of the Europe Agreements concluded with Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria (1), Council Regulation (EC) No 1534/96 of 25 July 1996 providing for the adjustment, as an autonomous and transitional measure, of concessions for certain processed agricultural products provided for in the Europe Agreements to take account of the Agreement on Agriculture concluded during the Uruguay Round Multilateral Trade Negotiations (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 the negotiations which are currently under way with the countries concerned for the conclusion of Protocols amending the Europe Agreements have not yet been concluded; whereas 'interim` Protocols covering solely the trade-related aspects of the amending Protocols could enter into force on 1 January 1997; whereas it is therefore advisable to extend the concessions on an autonomous basis until 30 June 1997;
Whereas adoption of this Regulation has rendered obsolete the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 3380/94 of 22 December 1994 opening and providing for the administration of quotas for certain processed agricultural products originating in Hungary (3),