Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 113 in conjunction with Article 228(2), first sentence thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Canada on sanitary measures to protect public and animal health in respect of trade in live animals and animal products provides an adequate means for putting into practice the provisions of the World Trade Organisation Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures as regards public and animal health measures;

Whereas the Agreement will contribute towards facilitating bilateral trade between the European Community and Canada in live animals and animal products through the progressive recognition of the equivalence of sanitary measures, the recognition of animal health status, the application of regionalisation and the improvement of communication and cooperation;

Whereas it is appropriate to make provisions for a procedure establishing close and effective cooperation between the Commission and the Member States within the Standing Veterinary Committee;

Whereas the Agreement should be approved on behalf of the Community,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: