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 the second subparagraph of Articles 63(3) and 64(5) thereof,

Whereas:

Pursuant to Article 63(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999, to the extent necessary to enable the products listed in Article 1(2)(a) and (b) of that Regulation to be exported on the basis of the prices for those products on the world market and within the limits of the Agreements concluded in accordance with Article 300 of the Treaty, the difference between those prices and the prices in the Community may be covered by an export refund.

Export refunds may be set to cover the competitive gap between Community and third country's exports. Community exports to certain close destinations and to third countries granting Community products a preferential import treatment are currently in a particular favourable competitive position. Therefore, refunds for exports to those destinations should be abolished.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 2805/95^f2 should therefore be amended accordingly.

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

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: