Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to the Treaty of Accession of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia,

Having regard to the Act of Accession of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia, and in particular the first paragraph of Article 41 thereof,

Whereas:

Until 30 April 2004, trade in agricultural products between the Community and the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia was subject to the presentation of an import or export licence. As of 1 May 2004, these licences can no longer be used for such trade.

Certain licences that are still valid after 30 April 2004 have not been used at all or have been used only partially. Commitments entered into in connection with these licences must be fulfilled, failing which the security lodged would be forfeited. Given that such commitments are no longer applicable, they should be cancelled and the securities lodged should be released.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinions of all the Management Committees concerned,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: