Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 113 thereof,

Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission,

Whereas the conclusion of a Convention with Austria, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland with a view to introducing, in trade between the Community and those countries, as well as between those countries themselves, a single administrative document replacing the present declarations, must enable the formalities to be completed in such trade to be eased and simplified; whereas it is therefore appropriate to conclude such a Convention;

Whereas this Convention falls within the framework of follow-up action to the Joint Declaration made in Luxembourg on 9 April 1984 by the Ministers of the Member States of the Community, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Commission expressing their political will to extend cooperation between the Community and these countries, ‘with the aim of creating a dynamic European economic space of benefit to their countries’,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: