http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/eudn/2010/736

Commission Decision

of 1 December 2010

as regards a Union financial contribution for the year 2011, to certain European Union reference laboratories in the feed and food control area

(notified under document C(2010) 8350)

(Only the Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish texts are authentic)

(2010/736/EU)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules1, and in particular Article 32(7) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

European Union reference laboratories in the food and feed control area may be granted a Union financial contribution in accordance with Article 31 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field2.

(2)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1754/2006 of 28 November 2006 laying down detailed rules for the granting of Community financial assistance to Community reference laboratories for feed and food and the animal health sector3 provides that the financial contribution from the Union is to be granted if the approved work programmes are efficiently carried out and that the beneficiaries supply all the necessary information within certain time limits.

(3)

In accordance with Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 1754/2006 the relationship between the Commission and each European Union reference laboratory is laid down in a partnership agreement which is supported by a multiannual work programme.

(4)

The Commission has assessed the work programmes and corresponding budget estimates submitted by the European Union reference laboratories for the year 2011.

(5)

Accordingly, a Union financial contribution should be granted to the European Union reference laboratories designated in order to co-finance their activities to carry out the functions and duties provided for in Regulation (EC) No 882/2004. The Union’s financial contribution should be at the rate of 100 % of eligible costs as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1754/2006.

(6)

Regulation (EC) No 1754/2006 lays down eligibility rules for the workshops organised by the European Union reference laboratories. It also limits the financial assistance to a maximum of 32 participants in workshops. Derogations to that limitation should be provided in accordance with Article 13(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1754/2006 to some European Union reference laboratory that needs support for attendance by more than 32 participants in order to achieve the best outcome of its workshops. Derogations can be obtained in case a European Union reference laboratory takes the leadership and responsibility when organising a workshop with another European Union reference laboratory.

(7)

In accordance with Article 3(2)(a) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 of 21 June 2005 on the financing of the common agricultural policy4, animal disease eradication and control programmes (veterinary measures) shall be financed from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF). Furthermore, Article 13, second paragraph of that Regulation foresees that in duly justified exceptional cases, for measures and programmes covered by Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field5, expenditure relating to administrative and personnel costs incurred by Member States and beneficiaries of aid from the EAGF shall be borne by the Fund. For financial control purposes, Articles 9, 36 and 37 of Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 are to apply.

(8)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: