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:

Pursuant to Decision 90/424/EEC, the Community may undertake, or assist the Member States or international organisations 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 expenditure programmes in the areas of food safety, animal health and welfare and zootechnics are essential in order to carry out those measures and will also support the actions identified in the Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010.

All individual tasks are subject to specific contracts under an evaluation framework contract for which a call for tender was launched in 2004. Those specific contracts are to be signed between the Commission and the selected contractor as defined in the framework contract.

Studies, impact assessments and evaluations covering the areas of food safety, animal health and welfare and zootechnics are to form part of the further development of Community veterinary legislation and the development of veterinary education or training and will also support the actions identified in the Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010.

It is therefore appropriate for the Community to fund for the year 2007, studies, impact assessments and evaluations, covering the areas of food safety, animal health and welfare and zootechnics. The maximum amount to be allocated to these actions should be specified.

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

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: