Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field^f1, and in particular Articles 20, 23 and 41 thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities^f2 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Financial Regulation’), and in particular Article 75 thereof,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities^f3 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Implementing Rules’), and in particular Article 90 thereof,

Whereas:

Decision 2009/470/EC lays down the procedures governing the Community’s financial contribution towards specific veterinary measures, in particular as regards the information policy for animal health, animal welfare and food safety, and technical and scientific measures.

Pursuant to Article 19 of Decision 2009/470/EC, the Community shall make a financial contribution to the establishment of an information policy in the field of animal health, animal welfare and food safety in products of animal origin including the performance of studies necessary for the preparation and development of legislation in the field of animal welfare.

The Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010^f4 in particular foresees to involve and inform animal keepers/handlers as well as the general public on current standards of animal protection and welfare, and to continue to support and initiate further international initiatives to raise awareness and create a greater consensus on animal welfare. In this regard, a European strategy to communicate on animal welfare in Europe and abroad is being implemented, to explain to citizens the variations in animal production systems and the costs and benefits of higher animal welfare standards.

The Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a new Animal Health Strategy for the EU (2007 to 2013) acknowledges the importance of dialogue between citizens, civil society associations and the EC institutions (particularly the Commission).

An effective communication strategy has been put in place in previous years to promote animal health issues and the Animal Health Strategy principles to stakeholders, organisations and society as a whole. This communication strategy should be continued. In 2010, it is the intention of the Commission to promote in particular the importance of identification and traceability of live animals and along the food chain during the EU Veterinary Week.

The year 2011 has been designated as ‘World Veterinary Year 2011’ and will mark the 250th anniversary of veterinary education in the world. A communication strategy aimed at different stakeholders will be prepared to highlight its importance and to inform the stakeholders about the different events that are to be organised in that year to celebrate this occasion.

Article 41 of Decision 2009/470/EC provides for the Commission to submit a report to the Council and Parliament on the animal health situation and the cost effectiveness of the implementation of programmes for the eradication control and monitoring of animal diseases.

It is therefore appropriate for the Community to fund for the year 2010, studies, impact assessments, evaluations, and information policy covering the areas of food safety, animal health and welfare and zootechnics. The maximum amount to be allocated to these actions should be specified.

Pursuant to Article 22 of Decision 2009/470/EC, 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.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. It is recognised as a reference organisation by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for setting standards for international trade of animals and their products.

The OIE has organised a worldwide conference on ‘Evolving veterinary education for a safer world’, from 12-14 October 2009.

The OIE conference could ensure a better understanding of the Community policy on animal health amongst deans and directors of veterinary institutions and key national policy makers from all over the world and in developing veterinary education in the participating countries. Financial support by the Community for the dissemination of the proceedings related to the OIE global conference is therefore in line with its goal to improve the veterinary situation in the Community.

The OIE is planning an International Conference on foot and mouth disease. This conference will support the actions identified in the Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a new Animal Health Strategy for the EU (2007 to 2013). Therefore it is appropriate for the Community to contribute to this initiative in order to foster the development of Community legislation related to this disease. Therefore, the Community should contribute to this OIE initiative.

In accordance with Article 75 of the Financial Regulation and Article 90(1) of the Implementing Rules, the commitment of expenditure from the Community budget shall be preceded by a financing decision setting out the essential elements of the action involving expenditure and adopted by the institution or the authorities to which powers have been delegated by the institution.

Under Article 168(1)(c) of the Implementing Rules, grants may be awarded without a call for proposals in the case of bodies with a de facto monopoly. The OIE has a de facto monopoly in its sector, hence a call for proposals is not required in order for the Community to contribute to the dissemination of technical and scientific material related to the OIE conference ‘Evolving veterinary education for a safer world’ and the organization and hosting of an International Conference on Foot and Mouth Disease.

The present financing decision may also cover the payment of interest due for late payment on the basis of Article 83 of the Financial Regulation and Article 106(5) of the Implementing Rules.

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: