Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables^f1, and in particular Article 48 thereof,

Whereas:

Article 4 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1943/2003^f2 provides that aid for investments linked to implementation of the measures in recognition plans as referred to in Article 14(2)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 is to be granted solely in the form of special loans. In view of the experience gained over the last few years, and in particular the difficulties encountered by the Member States in implementing this type of aid while ensuring that beneficiaries receive the level of Community funding for the eligible costs of the investments provided for in Article 8 of that Regulation, it should be made possible for direct capital aid to be paid.

Regulation (EC) No 1943/2003 should be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: