Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 36 and 37 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament^f1,

Whereas:

Article 14 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2771/75 of 29 October 1975 on the common organisation of the market in eggs^f2 and Article 14 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2777/75 of 29 October 1975 on the common organisation of the market in poultry meat^f3 provide for the introduction of exceptional market support measures to take account of restrictions on free circulation caused by the application of measures to combat the spread of animal diseases.

These exceptional market support measures should be taken by the Commission and should be directly related to or consequent upon veterinary and health measures adopted by the Member States concerned to combat the spread of animal diseases. They should be taken at the request of the Member States in order to prevent serious disruption of the markets concerned.

Experience shows that serious market disturbances such as a significant drop in consumption or in prices may be attributed to a loss in consumer confidence due to public health, or animal health risks.

The exceptional market support measures laid down in Regulations (EEC) No 2771/75 and (EEC) No 2777/75 should therefore also cover market disturbances created by consumer behaviour in response to such animal or public health risks.

It should be clarified that veterinary or sanitary measures taken by Member States should be in conformity with Community law.

Regulations (EEC) No 2771/75 and (EEC) No 2777/75 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: