Division 1 The Member States included in the list annexed to this Decision may be granted a transitional period for the introduction of the European Health Insurance card from 1 June 2004.

The competent institutions of these Member States shall continue to issue E 111 forms in accordance with the model laid down in Decision No 198 until the end of the transitional period.

However, before the end of the transitional period, these Member States may choose to shorten the transitional period. The Member States shall notify the Administrative Commission, at the latest three months before the introduction of the first European Card. The Administrative Commission will amend the relevant annexes to this Decision in order to indicate the date on which the transitional period of the Member State concerned will end.