Introductory text
United Kingdom
Commission Regulation (EC) No 638/2009
of 22 July 2009
amending Regulation (EC) No 1145/2008 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 637/2008 as regards the national restructuring programmes for the cotton sector
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 637/2008 of 23 June 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 and establishing national restructuring programmes for the cotton sectorf1, and in particular Article 9 thereof,
Whereas:
(1)
The second subparagraph of Article 4(1) of Regulation (EC) No 637/2008 as amended by Regulation (EC) No 472/2009f2 introduces the possibility for Member States to submit a single draft modified restructuring programme for duration of eight years. It is necessary to adjust the implementing rules to this possibility.
(2)
In view of the possible prolongation of the length of the programmes, the maximum percentage which may be paid in the form of advances must be increased. The conditions for release of the securities linked to these advances need to be specified, and it must be clarified that securities are not required for advances paid after full completion of the relevant tasks.
(3)
For reasons of non-discriminatory treatment of ginners, it is necessary that the controls referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 7(1) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1145/2008f3 cover all the measures listed in Article 7(1) of Regulation (EC) No 637/2008.
(4)
Furthermore, the Member States responsibility to verify respect of the commitment not to use the production site for the ginning of cotton during a period of ten years from the moment of approval of the application for dismantling should be specified.
(5)
With a view to optimising the effects of the restructuring programmes, it is necessary to provide Member States with additional flexibility in setting the amount of aid for dismantling per tonne of unginned cotton, which takes into account the heterogeneity of the ginning industry, while in any case avoiding overcompensation.
(6)
Regulation (EC) No 1145/2008 should therefore be amended accordingly.
(7)
The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for the Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: