Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field^f1, and in particular Article 20 thereof,

Whereas:

In accordance with Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field, the Community is to undertake or assist the Member States in undertaking the technical and scientific measures necessary for the development of Community veterinary legislation and for the development of veterinary education or training.

Studies, impact assessments as well as systematic and timely evaluations of its expenditure programmes are an established priority for the European Commission (EC), as a means of accounting for the management of allocated funds and as a way of promoting a lesson-learning culture throughout the organisation, particularly in a context of increased focus on results-based management.

In order to carry out these tasks, a call for tender for an evaluation framework contract covering the policy areas of food safety, animal health and welfare and zootechnics has been launched following an open procedure during the last quarter 2004.

This framework contract is expected to provide high quality, timely and relevant information which will serve as a basis for Community decision making.

All individual tasks shall be subject to specific agreements. These agreements shall be signed between the Commission and the selected contractor as defined in the framework contract.

The measure provided for in this Decision is in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: