Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in wine^f1, and in particular Article 72(4) thereof,

Whereas:

The second subparagraph of Article 11(2) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2729/2000^f2 determines the minimum number of samples to be taken each year for the analytical databank provided for in Article 10 of that Regulation. Following the accession of the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Hungary, Malta, Slovenia and Slovakia, the number of samples to be taken for those countries should be determined.

Article 12 determines the number of analyses to be performed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), including analyses of samples from Member states not yet equipped. A transitory period should be laid down to provide for the setting up and the organisation of proficient isotopic laboratories in those Member states.

Annexes I, II and III to Regulation (EC) No 2729/2000 draw up precise instructions for the processing, analysis and reporting of samples. To take account of experience and technical progress, those instructions should be updated.

Regulation (EC) No 2729/2000 should be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Wine,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: