Pending: 31997D0160

January 16, 2026
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Directive 90/426/EEC of 26 June 1990 on animal health conditions governing the movement and imports from third countries of equidae (1), as last amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, and in particular Articles 12, 13, 15, 16 and 19 (ii) thereof,Whereas by Council Decision 79/542/EEC (2), as last amended by Commission Decision 96/624/EC (3), a list of third countries from which Member States authorize imports of bovine animals, swine, equidae, sheep and goats, fresh meat and meat products has been established;Whereas the health conditions and veterinary certification for the temporary admission, the re-entry of registered horses after temporary export and imports of registered horses are laid down respectively in Commission Decisions 92/260/EEC (4), 93/195/EEC (5) and 93/197/EEC (6), all as last amended by Commission Decision 96/279/EC (7);Whereas following a Commission veterinary inspection mission to Lebanon the animal health situation initially appeared insufficiently under control of the veterinary services; whereas however substantial improvements have been made since, including a comprehensive sero-epidemiological survey for African horse sickness, glanders, dourine and infectious anaemia, carried out on equidae all over the territory of the country with negative result in each case;Whereas Lebanon has been free from African horse sickness for more than thirty years and vaccination against this disease has not been carried out during that period of time;Whereas Lebanon is free from glanders and dourine for more than six months and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis and vesicular stomatitis have never occurred;Whereas the veterinary authorities of Lebanon have guaranteed to notify within 24 hours by telefax, telegram or telex to the Commission and the Member States the confirmation of any infectious or contagious disease in equidae mentioned in Annex A of Directive 90/426/EEC and any change in the vaccination or import policy in respect of equidae;Whereas the animal health conditions and veterinary certification must be adopted according to the animal health situation of the third country concerned; whereas the present case relates only to registered horses;Whereas Decision 79/542/EEC and Decisions 92/260/EEC, 93/195/EEC and 93/197/EEC must be amended accordingly;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1
In Part 2 of the Annex to Council Decision 79/542/EEC, special column for equidae, the following line is inserted in accordance with the alphabetical order of the ISO code:

Article 2
Decision 92/260/EEC is amended as follows:
1. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in Group E of Annex I;
2. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in the title of the health certificate set out in Annex II E.

Article 3
Decision 93/195/EEC is amended as follows:
1. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in Group E of Annex I;
2. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries under Group E in the title of the health certificate set out in Annex II.

Article 4
Decision 93/197/EEC is amended as follows:
1. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in Group E of Annex I;
2. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in the first half sentence of the title relating to registered horses of the health certificate set out in Annex II E.

Article 5
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 14 February 1997.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 42.
(2) OJ No L 146, 14. 6. 1979, p. 15.
(3) OJ No L 279, 31. 10. 1996, p. 33.
(4) OJ No L 130, 15. 5. 1992, p. 67.
(5) OJ No L 86, 6. 4. 1993, p. 1.
(6) OJ No L 86, 6. 4. 1993, p. 16.
(7) OJ No L 107, 30. 4. 1996, p. 1.

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Directive 90/426/EEC of 26 June 1990 on animal health conditions governing the movement and imports from third countries of equidae (1), as last amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, and in particular Articles 12, 13, 15, 16 and 19 (ii) thereof,Whereas by Council Decision 79/542/EEC (2), as last amended by Commission Decision 96/624/EC (3), a list of third countries from which Member States authorize imports of bovine animals, swine, equidae, sheep and goats, fresh meat and meat products has been established;Whereas the health conditions and veterinary certification for the temporary admission, the re-entry of registered horses after temporary export and imports of registered horses are laid down respectively in Commission Decisions 92/260/EEC (4), 93/195/EEC (5) and 93/197/EEC (6), all as last amended by Commission Decision 96/279/EC (7);Whereas following a Commission veterinary inspection mission to Lebanon the animal health situation initially appeared insufficiently under control of the veterinary services; whereas however substantial improvements have been made since, including a comprehensive sero-epidemiological survey for African horse sickness, glanders, dourine and infectious anaemia, carried out on equidae all over the territory of the country with negative result in each case;Whereas Lebanon has been free from African horse sickness for more than thirty years and vaccination against this disease has not been carried out during that period of time;Whereas Lebanon is free from glanders and dourine for more than six months and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis and vesicular stomatitis have never occurred;Whereas the veterinary authorities of Lebanon have guaranteed to notify within 24 hours by telefax, telegram or telex to the Commission and the Member States the confirmation of any infectious or contagious disease in equidae mentioned in Annex A of Directive 90/426/EEC and any change in the vaccination or import policy in respect of equidae;Whereas the animal health conditions and veterinary certification must be adopted according to the animal health situation of the third country concerned; whereas the present case relates only to registered horses;Whereas Decision 79/542/EEC and Decisions 92/260/EEC, 93/195/EEC and 93/197/EEC must be amended accordingly;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
In Part 2 of the Annex to Council Decision 79/542/EEC, special column for equidae, the following line is inserted in accordance with the alphabetical order of the ISO code:
Decision 92/260/EEC is amended as follows:
1. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in Group E of Annex I;
2. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in the title of the health certificate set out in Annex II E.
Decision 93/195/EEC is amended as follows:
1. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in Group E of Annex I;
2. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries under Group E in the title of the health certificate set out in Annex II.
Decision 93/197/EEC is amended as follows:
1. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in Group E of Annex I;
2. ‘Lebanon` is added in alphabetical order of the ISO code to the list of third countries in the first half sentence of the title relating to registered horses of the health certificate set out in Annex II E.
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 14 February 1997.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 42.
(2) OJ No L 146, 14. 6. 1979, p. 15.
(3) OJ No L 279, 31. 10. 1996, p. 33.
(4) OJ No L 130, 15. 5. 1992, p. 67.
(5) OJ No L 86, 6. 4. 1993, p. 1.
(6) OJ No L 86, 6. 4. 1993, p. 16.
(7) OJ No L 107, 30. 4. 1996, p. 1.

Pending: 31997D0107

January 16, 2026
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 of 13 November 1984 determining the Community scale for grading pig carcases (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3513/93 (2), and in particular Article 5 (2) thereof,Whereas Article 2 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 provides that the grading of pig carcases must be determined by estimating the content of lean meat in accordance with statistically proven assessment methods based on the physical measurement of one or more anatomical parts of the pig carcase; whereas the authorization of grading methods is subject to compliance with a maximum tolerance for statistical error in assessment; whereas this tolerance was defined in Article 3 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85 of 24 October 1985 laying down detailed rules for the application of the Community scale for grading pig carcases (3), as amended by Regulation (EC) No 3127/94 (4);Whereas by Decision 88/184/EEC (5), amended by Decision 93/703/EC (6), the Commission authorized a method for grading pig carcases in Belgium;Whereas the Government of Belgium has requested the Commission to authorize two new methods for grading pig carcases and has submitted the details required by Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85; whereas an examination of this request has revealed that the conditions for authorizing the two grading methods are fulfilled;Whereas Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 authorizes the Member States to provide for a presentation different from the one specified in that Article if commercial practice or technical requirements so warrant;Whereas in Belgium technical requirements, relating to the use of the method of grading and thus, commercial practice, result in the flare fat, kidneys and diaphragm being left attached to the carcase; whereas this should be taken into account in adjusting the weight to the standard presentation;Whereas, for the sake of clarity, a new Decision should be adopted; whereas Decision 88/184/EEC should therefore be repealed;Whereas no alteration to methods may be authorized except by Commission Decision adopted in the light of experience;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1
Use of the following methods is hereby authorized for grading pig carcases pursuant to Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 in Belgium:
– the apparatus called ‘Capteur Gras/Maigre – Sydel` (CGM) and assessment methods related thereto, details of which are given in Part 1 of the Annex,
– the apparatus called ‘Giralda Choirometer PG 200` and assessment methods related thereto, details of which are given in Part 2 of the Annex.

Article 2
Notwithstanding the standard presentation set out in Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84, pig carcases shall be presented for weighing and grading with flare fat, kidneys and diaphragm attached. In order to establish quotations for pig carcases on a common basis, the hot weight shall be reduced by 2,6 %.

Article 3
No modifications of assessment methods (apparatus, measuring points and formulas) shall be authorized.

Article 4
Decision 88/184/EEC is hereby repealed.
However, until 31 October 1997, Belgium may continue to apply the method of grading pig carcases set out in Decision 88/184/EEC instead of the method set out in this Decision.

Article 5
This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Belgium.
Done at Brussels, 16 January 1997.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 301, 20. 11. 1984, p. 1.
(2) OJ No L 320, 22. 12. 1993, p. 5.
(3) OJ No L 285, 25. 10. 1985, p. 39.
(4) OJ No L 330, 21. 12. 1994, p. 43.
(5) OJ No L 83, 29. 3. 1988, p. 40.
(6) OJ No L 328, 29. 12. 1993, p. 57.

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 of 13 November 1984 determining the Community scale for grading pig carcases (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3513/93 (2), and in particular Article 5 (2) thereof,Whereas Article 2 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 provides that the grading of pig carcases must be determined by estimating the content of lean meat in accordance with statistically proven assessment methods based on the physical measurement of one or more anatomical parts of the pig carcase; whereas the authorization of grading methods is subject to compliance with a maximum tolerance for statistical error in assessment; whereas this tolerance was defined in Article 3 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85 of 24 October 1985 laying down detailed rules for the application of the Community scale for grading pig carcases (3), as amended by Regulation (EC) No 3127/94 (4);Whereas by Decision 88/184/EEC (5), amended by Decision 93/703/EC (6), the Commission authorized a method for grading pig carcases in Belgium;Whereas the Government of Belgium has requested the Commission to authorize two new methods for grading pig carcases and has submitted the details required by Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85; whereas an examination of this request has revealed that the conditions for authorizing the two grading methods are fulfilled;Whereas Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 authorizes the Member States to provide for a presentation different from the one specified in that Article if commercial practice or technical requirements so warrant;Whereas in Belgium technical requirements, relating to the use of the method of grading and thus, commercial practice, result in the flare fat, kidneys and diaphragm being left attached to the carcase; whereas this should be taken into account in adjusting the weight to the standard presentation;Whereas, for the sake of clarity, a new Decision should be adopted; whereas Decision 88/184/EEC should therefore be repealed;Whereas no alteration to methods may be authorized except by Commission Decision adopted in the light of experience;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Use of the following methods is hereby authorized for grading pig carcases pursuant to Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 in Belgium:
– the apparatus called ‘Capteur Gras/Maigre – Sydel` (CGM) and assessment methods related thereto, details of which are given in Part 1 of the Annex,
– the apparatus called ‘Giralda Choirometer PG 200` and assessment methods related thereto, details of which are given in Part 2 of the Annex.
Notwithstanding the standard presentation set out in Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84, pig carcases shall be presented for weighing and grading with flare fat, kidneys and diaphragm attached. In order to establish quotations for pig carcases on a common basis, the hot weight shall be reduced by 2,6 %.
No modifications of assessment methods (apparatus, measuring points and formulas) shall be authorized.
Decision 88/184/EEC is hereby repealed.
However, until 31 October 1997, Belgium may continue to apply the method of grading pig carcases set out in Decision 88/184/EEC instead of the method set out in this Decision.
This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Belgium.
Done at Brussels, 16 January 1997.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 301, 20. 11. 1984, p. 1.
(2) OJ No L 320, 22. 12. 1993, p. 5.
(3) OJ No L 285, 25. 10. 1985, p. 39.
(4) OJ No L 330, 21. 12. 1994, p. 43.
(5) OJ No L 83, 29. 3. 1988, p. 40.
(6) OJ No L 328, 29. 12. 1993, p. 57.
CAPTEUR GRAS/MAIGRE – SYDEL (CGM)
1. Grading of pig carcases is carried out by means of the apparatus known as ‘Capteur Gras/Maigre – Sydel (CGM)`.
2. The apparatus shall be equipped with a high-definition Sydel probe 8 mm in width, a light-emitting infra-red diode (Honeywell) and two light sensors (Honeywell). The operating distance is between 0 and 105 mm.
The values measured will be converted into estimated lean meat content by the CGM itself.
3. The lean meat content of the carcase shall be calculated according to the following formula:
^y = 59,902386 – 1,060750 x1 + 0,229324 x2
^y = the estimated lean meat of the carcase
x1 = the thickness of backfat (including rind) in millimetres measured at 6 cm off the midline of the carcase between the third and fourth last rib
x2 = the thickness of the muscle in millimetres measured at the same time and in the same place as x1 This formula shall be valid for carcases weighing between 60 and 120 kilograms.
GIRALDA CHOIROMETER PG 200
1. Grading of pig carcases is carried out by means of the apparatus known as a ‘GIRALDA CHOIROMETER PG 200`.
2. The apparatus shall be equipped with a probe (Siemens KOM 2110) 6 mm in width, a light diode (LED Siemens F 28) and a light sensor (Siemens F 232). The operating distance is between 0 and 125 mm. The values measured will be converted into estimated lean meat content by the PG 200 itself.
3. The lean meat content of the carcase shall be calculated according to the following formula:
^y = 48,605031 – 0,822075 x1 + 0,378669 x2
^y = the estimated lean meat of the carcase
x1 = the thickness of backfat (including rind) in millimetres measured at 6 cm off the midline of the carcase between the third and fourth last rib
x2 = the thickness of the muscle in millimetres measured at the same time and in the same place as x1 This formula shall be valid for carcases weighing between 60 and 120 kilograms.

Pending: 31997D0102

January 16, 2026
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 129 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (4), in the light of the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee on 1 October 1996,(1) Whereas drug dependence has grown alarmingly in the Member States and has serious implications for the health of individuals and the welfare of the general public;(2) Whereas, by setting up in 1985 a Committee of Inquiry into the problem of drugs in the Member States of the European Community, the European Parliament demonstrated its desire to study in depth the factors which trigger drug demand and enable drugs to continue being produced and distributed;(3) Whereas in its resolutions concerning this problem (5) the European Parliament formulated a series of proposals with a view, in particular, to Community action on the prevention of drug dependence;(4) Whereas the European Council, at its meeting in Dublin on 25 and 26 June 1990, ‘stressed the responsibility of each Member State to develop an appropriate drug demand reduction programme` and ‘considered that effective action by each Member State, supported by joint action of the Twelve and the Community, should be a main priority over the coming years`;(5) Whereas the actions undertaken at Community level on the basis of Council resolutions, declarations and conclusions relating to the prevention of drug dependence, and in particular subsequent to the emphasis placed by the European Council, meeting in Rome on 14 and 15 December 1990, on the European Plan to Combat Drugs, have helped to sustain the Member States’ efforts;(6) Whereas the Council, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 (6), in response to the Commission communication of 24 November 1993 on a framework for action in the field of public health, included drug dependence among the priority areas for Community action for which the Commission was invited to bring forward proposals for action;(7) Whereas Regulation (EEC) No 302/93 (7) established a European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EDMC) to provide the Community and the Member States with reliable and comparable information concerning drugs and drug addiction;(8) Whereas, in accordance with its constituent Regulation, the EDMC actively seeks the cooperation of international organizations and other, particularly European, governmental and non-governmental agencies having responsibility in the sector of drugs;(9) Whereas the declaration on the occasion of the entry into force of the Treaty on European Union adopted by the European Council, meeting in Brussels on 29 October 1993, emphasized that the Treaty provides ‘a structured institutional framework, so that in particular greater control can be achieved over those of society’s problems that run across frontiers, such as drugs ( . . .)`;(10) Whereas the problems associated with the drugs phenomenon are such that they require a fully coordinated and global strategy, as stated by the European Council, meeting in Brussels on 10 and 11 December 1993;(11) Whereas a multidisciplinary approach should in particular ensure that the social and personal implications of the phenomenon are taken into account, in order to limit the adverse consequences to the health and social situation of affected persons;(12) Whereas drug dependence is the only scourge expressly referred to in the provisions of the Treaty dealing with public health and is therefore a priority for Community action within the framework for action in the field of public health set out by the Commission;(13) Whereas drug dependence is a major health scourge which can be prevented;(14) Whereas a Community strategy designed to contribute to the prevention of drug dependence should be based on a global approach to prevention;(15) Whereas this programme is one of the essential components of the Commission communication to the European Parliament and the Council of 23 June 1994 on a European Union Action Plan to combat drugs (1995-1999), on which the Council commented in its conclusions of 2 June 1995;(16) Whereas, by reason of its scale and effects, Community action to encourage support for the prevention of drug dependence will make a better contribution to achieving the desired objectives, which come within the framework of Article 129 of the Treaty, in particular the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 thereof;(17) Whereas cooperation with the competent international organizations and with non-member countries should be strengthened;(18) Whereas a multiannual programme should be launched with clear objectives for Community action, and priority measures should be selected, as well as appropriate mechanisms for the evaluation of such action, with a view to preventing drug dependence and the associated problems;(19) Whereas the programme should have the objective of helping to combat drug dependence by preventing dependence linked to the use of narcotics and psychotropic substances and associated use of other products for the purposes of drug addiction;(20) Whereas a Community strategy must place the emphasis on data, research and evaluation as well as information, health education and training and must take into account the complex nature of the phenomenon, the risks associated with it and the fundamental importance of the wide variety of health and social responses vital to health protection and the quality of life;(21) Whereas this strategy implies consistency with the measures implemented under other Community programmes and initiatives, particularly in the field of public health and in the social field;(22) Whereas the Community action programme on health promotion includes specific measures to prevent alcohol abuse, and the health and social consequences of such abuse, and measures to encourage the rational use of medicinal products, and whereas this programme includes specific measures to prevent the use of all types of narcotics and psychotropic substances, including the new synthetic drugs, and the associated use of other products for the purposes of drug addiction (multiple drug dependence);(23) Whereas there is a need to improve knowledge of the phenomenon of drugs and drug dependence and their consequences, and of the ways and means of preventing drug addiction and the associated risks;(24) Whereas there is a need both for general preventive action and for preventive measures focusing on specific target groups, particularly the young and marginal groups, while avoiding stereotypes of drug users;(25) Whereas socio-economic conditions have to be taken into account in the prevention of drug dependence and can thereby influence the measures taken;(26) Whereas the prison environment is one of the environments for which preventive action appears necessary;(27) Whereas it is important that the Commission ensure implementation of this programme in close cooperation with the Member States; whereas, to that end, provision should be made for a procedure to ensure that Member States are fully involved in implementing the programme;(28) Whereas a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty was concluded on 20 December 1994;(29) Whereas, from an operational point of view, the investment made in previous years in terms of both the establishment of Community networks of non-governmental organizations and of the mobilization of all those involved should be safeguarded and developed; whereas multidisciplinary cooperation and cooperation between the public and private sectors, including NGOs, should be promoted with a view to preventing drug dependence;(30) Whereas, however, possible duplication of effort should be avoided by the promotion of the exchange of experience and by the joint development of basic modules for informing the general public, for health education and for training members of the health-care professions and members of the various groups involved in the prevention of drug dependence, which may be targeted on specific groups;(31) Whereas the objectives of this programme and of the actions undertaken to implement it form part of the health protection requirements referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 129 (1) of the Treaty and as such form a constituent part of the Community’s other policies, the aim being to use the opportunities presented within the framework of other Community policies, programmes and instruments for improving the efficiency of the prevention of drug dependence;(32) Whereas, in order to increase the value and impact of the programme, a continuous assessment of the measures undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard to their effectiveness and the achievement of objectives both at national level and Community level, and, where appropriate, the necessary adjustments should be made;(33) Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and Commission of 6 March 1995, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;(34) Whereas this programme should run for five years in order to allow sufficient time for actions to be implemented in order to achieve the objectives set,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1
Establishment of the programme
1. A programme of Community action on the prevention of drug dependence, hereinafter referred to as ‘the programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.
2. The objective of the programme shall be to help in combating drug dependence, in particular by encouraging cooperation between the Member States, supporting their action and promoting coordination between their policies and programmes with a view to preventing dependence linked to the use of narcotics and psychotropic substances and associated use of other products for the purposes of drug addiction.
3. The actions to be implemented under the programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:
A. Data, research, evaluation
B. Information, health education and training.

Article 2
Implementation
1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.
2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in the field of drug demand reduction; it shall promote multidisciplinary cooperation and cooperation between the public and private sectors, including NGOs.
3. The Member States are called upon to take the measures they judge necessary to coordinate and organize the implementation of this programme at national level.

Article 3
1. The financial framework for the implementation of the programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 27 million.
2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.

Article 4
Consistency and complementarity
1. The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between actions to be implemented under this programme and other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, including the Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci and Youth for Europe (III) programmes and the biomedical and health research programme under the Community’s framework programme for research, and social measures to promote the reintegration of drug users and former drug users.
2. The Commission shall also ensure that the activities implemented take into account the work of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EDMC). It shall also ensure, together with the Member States, that the Community’s priorities and needs are taken into due account in the EDMC’s programmes.
3. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency with the European Union’s Action Plan to combat drugs.

Article 5
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee consisting of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by the representative of the Commission.
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:
(a) the Committee’s rules of procedure;
(b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action;
(c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under the programme, including those involving cooperation with international organizations having responsibility in the field of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6 (2);
(d) the evaluation procedure;
(e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results;
(f) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organizations referred to in Article 2 (2).
The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event:
– the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication,
– the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the first indent.
3. In addition, the Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of the programme.
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its opinion recorded in the minutes.
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.
4. The Commission representative shall keep the Committee regularly informed about:
– financial assistance granted under this programme (amounts, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries),
– Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other areas which are directly relevant to the achievement of the objectives of the programme, with a view to ensuring the consistency and complementarity referred to in Article 4.

Article 6
International cooperation
1. In the course of implementing the programme, cooperation with non-member countries and with international organizations having responsibility in the field of public health shall be encouraged and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
In particular, the Commission shall cooperate with the Council of Europe’s Pompidou Group, with international intergovernmental organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and with the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP).
2. The programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (ACCEE) in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements, to be concluded with those countries, concerning participation in Community programmes. The programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the EFTA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those countries.

Article 7
Monitoring and evaluation
1. The Commission, taking into account the reports drawn up by the Member States and with the participation, where necessary, of independent experts, shall ensure that an evaluation is made of the actions undertaken.
2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an interim report halfway through the programme and a final report on completion thereof. The Commission shall incorporate into these reports the results of the evaluations. It shall also send the reports to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Done at Brussels, 16 December 1996.
For the European Parliament
The President
For the Council
(1) OJ No C 257, 14. 9. 1994, p. 4 and OJ No C 34, 7. 2. 1996, p. 4.
(2) OJ No C 110, 2. 5. 1995, p. 8.
(3) OJ No C 210, 14. 8. 1995, p. 88.
(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 20 September 1995 (OJ No C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 65), Council common position of 20 December 1995 (OJ No C 37, 9. 2. 1996, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 16 April 1996 (OJ No C 141, 13. 5. 1996, p. 42). Council Decision of 12 November 1996.
(5) OJ No C 172, 2. 7. 1984, p. 130;
OJ No C 283, 10. 11. 1986, p. 79;
OJ No C 47, 27. 2. 1989, p. 51 and OJ No C 150, 15. 6. 1992, p. 42.
(6) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 1.
(7) OJ No L 36, 12. 2. 1993, p. 1.

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 129 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (4), in the light of the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee on 1 October 1996,(1) Whereas drug dependence has grown alarmingly in the Member States and has serious implications for the health of individuals and the welfare of the general public;(2) Whereas, by setting up in 1985 a Committee of Inquiry into the problem of drugs in the Member States of the European Community, the European Parliament demonstrated its desire to study in depth the factors which trigger drug demand and enable drugs to continue being produced and distributed;(3) Whereas in its resolutions concerning this problem (5) the European Parliament formulated a series of proposals with a view, in particular, to Community action on the prevention of drug dependence;(4) Whereas the European Council, at its meeting in Dublin on 25 and 26 June 1990, ‘stressed the responsibility of each Member State to develop an appropriate drug demand reduction programme` and ‘considered that effective action by each Member State, supported by joint action of the Twelve and the Community, should be a main priority over the coming years`;(5) Whereas the actions undertaken at Community level on the basis of Council resolutions, declarations and conclusions relating to the prevention of drug dependence, and in particular subsequent to the emphasis placed by the European Council, meeting in Rome on 14 and 15 December 1990, on the European Plan to Combat Drugs, have helped to sustain the Member States’ efforts;(6) Whereas the Council, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 (6), in response to the Commission communication of 24 November 1993 on a framework for action in the field of public health, included drug dependence among the priority areas for Community action for which the Commission was invited to bring forward proposals for action;(7) Whereas Regulation (EEC) No 302/93 (7) established a European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EDMC) to provide the Community and the Member States with reliable and comparable information concerning drugs and drug addiction;(8) Whereas, in accordance with its constituent Regulation, the EDMC actively seeks the cooperation of international organizations and other, particularly European, governmental and non-governmental agencies having responsibility in the sector of drugs;(9) Whereas the declaration on the occasion of the entry into force of the Treaty on European Union adopted by the European Council, meeting in Brussels on 29 October 1993, emphasized that the Treaty provides ‘a structured institutional framework, so that in particular greater control can be achieved over those of society’s problems that run across frontiers, such as drugs ( . . .)`;(10) Whereas the problems associated with the drugs phenomenon are such that they require a fully coordinated and global strategy, as stated by the European Council, meeting in Brussels on 10 and 11 December 1993;(11) Whereas a multidisciplinary approach should in particular ensure that the social and personal implications of the phenomenon are taken into account, in order to limit the adverse consequences to the health and social situation of affected persons;(12) Whereas drug dependence is the only scourge expressly referred to in the provisions of the Treaty dealing with public health and is therefore a priority for Community action within the framework for action in the field of public health set out by the Commission;(13) Whereas drug dependence is a major health scourge which can be prevented;(14) Whereas a Community strategy designed to contribute to the prevention of drug dependence should be based on a global approach to prevention;(15) Whereas this programme is one of the essential components of the Commission communication to the European Parliament and the Council of 23 June 1994 on a European Union Action Plan to combat drugs (1995-1999), on which the Council commented in its conclusions of 2 June 1995;(16) Whereas, by reason of its scale and effects, Community action to encourage support for the prevention of drug dependence will make a better contribution to achieving the desired objectives, which come within the framework of Article 129 of the Treaty, in particular the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 thereof;(17) Whereas cooperation with the competent international organizations and with non-member countries should be strengthened;(18) Whereas a multiannual programme should be launched with clear objectives for Community action, and priority measures should be selected, as well as appropriate mechanisms for the evaluation of such action, with a view to preventing drug dependence and the associated problems;(19) Whereas the programme should have the objective of helping to combat drug dependence by preventing dependence linked to the use of narcotics and psychotropic substances and associated use of other products for the purposes of drug addiction;(20) Whereas a Community strategy must place the emphasis on data, research and evaluation as well as information, health education and training and must take into account the complex nature of the phenomenon, the risks associated with it and the fundamental importance of the wide variety of health and social responses vital to health protection and the quality of life;(21) Whereas this strategy implies consistency with the measures implemented under other Community programmes and initiatives, particularly in the field of public health and in the social field;(22) Whereas the Community action programme on health promotion includes specific measures to prevent alcohol abuse, and the health and social consequences of such abuse, and measures to encourage the rational use of medicinal products, and whereas this programme includes specific measures to prevent the use of all types of narcotics and psychotropic substances, including the new synthetic drugs, and the associated use of other products for the purposes of drug addiction (multiple drug dependence);(23) Whereas there is a need to improve knowledge of the phenomenon of drugs and drug dependence and their consequences, and of the ways and means of preventing drug addiction and the associated risks;(24) Whereas there is a need both for general preventive action and for preventive measures focusing on specific target groups, particularly the young and marginal groups, while avoiding stereotypes of drug users;(25) Whereas socio-economic conditions have to be taken into account in the prevention of drug dependence and can thereby influence the measures taken;(26) Whereas the prison environment is one of the environments for which preventive action appears necessary;(27) Whereas it is important that the Commission ensure implementation of this programme in close cooperation with the Member States; whereas, to that end, provision should be made for a procedure to ensure that Member States are fully involved in implementing the programme;(28) Whereas a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty was concluded on 20 December 1994;(29) Whereas, from an operational point of view, the investment made in previous years in terms of both the establishment of Community networks of non-governmental organizations and of the mobilization of all those involved should be safeguarded and developed; whereas multidisciplinary cooperation and cooperation between the public and private sectors, including NGOs, should be promoted with a view to preventing drug dependence;(30) Whereas, however, possible duplication of effort should be avoided by the promotion of the exchange of experience and by the joint development of basic modules for informing the general public, for health education and for training members of the health-care professions and members of the various groups involved in the prevention of drug dependence, which may be targeted on specific groups;(31) Whereas the objectives of this programme and of the actions undertaken to implement it form part of the health protection requirements referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 129 (1) of the Treaty and as such form a constituent part of the Community’s other policies, the aim being to use the opportunities presented within the framework of other Community policies, programmes and instruments for improving the efficiency of the prevention of drug dependence;(32) Whereas, in order to increase the value and impact of the programme, a continuous assessment of the measures undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard to their effectiveness and the achievement of objectives both at national level and Community level, and, where appropriate, the necessary adjustments should be made;(33) Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and Commission of 6 March 1995, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;(34) Whereas this programme should run for five years in order to allow sufficient time for actions to be implemented in order to achieve the objectives set,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Establishment of the programme
1. A programme of Community action on the prevention of drug dependence, hereinafter referred to as ‘the programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.
2. The objective of the programme shall be to help in combating drug dependence, in particular by encouraging cooperation between the Member States, supporting their action and promoting coordination between their policies and programmes with a view to preventing dependence linked to the use of narcotics and psychotropic substances and associated use of other products for the purposes of drug addiction.
3. The actions to be implemented under the programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:
A. Data, research, evaluation
B. Information, health education and training.
Implementation
1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.
2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in the field of drug demand reduction; it shall promote multidisciplinary cooperation and cooperation between the public and private sectors, including NGOs.
3. The Member States are called upon to take the measures they judge necessary to coordinate and organize the implementation of this programme at national level.
1. The financial framework for the implementation of the programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 27 million.
2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.
Consistency and complementarity
1. The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between actions to be implemented under this programme and other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, including the Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci and Youth for Europe (III) programmes and the biomedical and health research programme under the Community’s framework programme for research, and social measures to promote the reintegration of drug users and former drug users.
2. The Commission shall also ensure that the activities implemented take into account the work of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EDMC). It shall also ensure, together with the Member States, that the Community’s priorities and needs are taken into due account in the EDMC’s programmes.
3. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency with the European Union’s Action Plan to combat drugs.
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee consisting of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by the representative of the Commission.
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:
(a) the Committee’s rules of procedure;
(b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action;
(c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under the programme, including those involving cooperation with international organizations having responsibility in the field of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6 (2);
(d) the evaluation procedure;
(e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results;
(f) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organizations referred to in Article 2 (2).
The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event:
– the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication,
– the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the first indent.
3. In addition, the Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of the programme.
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its opinion recorded in the minutes.
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.
4. The Commission representative shall keep the Committee regularly informed about:
– financial assistance granted under this programme (amounts, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries),
– Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other areas which are directly relevant to the achievement of the objectives of the programme, with a view to ensuring the consistency and complementarity referred to in Article 4.
International cooperation
1. In the course of implementing the programme, cooperation with non-member countries and with international organizations having responsibility in the field of public health shall be encouraged and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
In particular, the Commission shall cooperate with the Council of Europe’s Pompidou Group, with international intergovernmental organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and with the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP).
2. The programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (ACCEE) in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements, to be concluded with those countries, concerning participation in Community programmes. The programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the EFTA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those countries.
Monitoring and evaluation
1. The Commission, taking into account the reports drawn up by the Member States and with the participation, where necessary, of independent experts, shall ensure that an evaluation is made of the actions undertaken.
2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an interim report halfway through the programme and a final report on completion thereof. The Commission shall incorporate into these reports the results of the evaluations. It shall also send the reports to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Done at Brussels, 16 December 1996.
For the European Parliament
The President
For the Council
(1) OJ No C 257, 14. 9. 1994, p. 4 and OJ No C 34, 7. 2. 1996, p. 4.
(2) OJ No C 110, 2. 5. 1995, p. 8.
(3) OJ No C 210, 14. 8. 1995, p. 88.
(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 20 September 1995 (OJ No C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 65), Council common position of 20 December 1995 (OJ No C 37, 9. 2. 1996, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 16 April 1996 (OJ No C 141, 13. 5. 1996, p. 42). Council Decision of 12 November 1996.
(5) OJ No C 172, 2. 7. 1984, p. 130;
OJ No C 283, 10. 11. 1986, p. 79;
OJ No C 47, 27. 2. 1989, p. 51 and OJ No C 150, 15. 6. 1992, p. 42.
(6) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 1.
(7) OJ No L 36, 12. 2. 1993, p. 1.
PROGRAMME OF COMMUNITY ACTION ON THE PREVENTION OF DRUG DEPENDENCE
A. DATA, RESEARCH, EVALUATION
To improve knowledge of the phenomenon of drugs and drug dependence and its consequences and of means and methods of preventing drug dependence and the risks relating thereto, in particular by using the information supplied by the EDMC and the possibilities offered by existing Community programmes and instruments.
1. Help identify the data to be collected, analysed and disseminated for the purposes of the programme, including data on polysubstance dependence.
2. Exploit the data most useful for the implementation of the programme, on the basis in particular of a regular communication of the work of the EDMC.
3. Help develop a strategy for research on the prevention of drug dependence, in particular to improve knowledge as regards the impact in the public health sphere of policies targeting drug users and on the effects of drugs and the use of appropriate techniques for preventive purposes.
4. Support studies and pilot projects on the socio-economic, socio-cultural and psycho-sociological factors associated with drug dependence, including in target groups.
5. Support studies and actions and promote the exchange of experience on ways and means of preventing the risks associated with drug dependence, in particular with a view to:
– preventing, in drug-dependent pregnant women, the effects of drugs on the foetus and the risks of transmitting infections to the child,
– reducing the risks associated with the injection of drugs,
– making an assessment of accompanying health measures, in particular substitution programmes,
– evaluating methods and programmes for prevention and risk reduction in the management of drug-dependent prisoners.
6. Support and encourage the exchange of information and experience, especially among members of the various groups involved in the prevention of drug dependence, and among persons who have a long-term positive influence on drug users, such as families and guardians, on the prevention of drug addiction relapses, including rehabilitation of drug users and links between social and health aspects thereof, as well as other actions provided for in Article 4 (1) .
B. INFORMATION, HEALTH EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Contribute to improving information, education and training aimed at preventing drug dependence and the associated risks, in particular, for young people in the relevant environments (for example home, school, university and leisure time) and particularly vulnerable groups, including former drug users.
(a) Information and health education
7. Support schemes to evaluate the effectiveness of information and health education campaigns and carry out regular public opinion surveys via Eurobarometer to monitor changes in Europeans’ attitudes towards drugs.
8. Organize further European Drug Prevention Weeks on the basis of previous experience.
9. Help identify, test and develop the best information and educational tools and methods for target groups, and in particular:
– encourage the use of information tailored to particular environments or circles, taking account of changes in patterns of use and products used, and of the phenomenon of polysubstance dependence,
– support schemes to adapt messages to the needs and specific features of particularly vulnerable groups,
– support the development of telephone helpline services and consider the feasibility of introducing a single telephone number for such services in all Member States.
10. Help define guidelines on the prevention of drug abuse and foster the selection and use of teaching methods and materials, in particular within the context of the European network of health-promoting schools, enabling in particular highly specialized social behaviour programmes to be defined in order to develop attitudes in young people which will enable them to avoid drugs and drug addiction; support integrated projects, programmes and other drug prevention initiatives in places frequented by children and young people, in a close dialogue with them, with the participation wherever possible of parents and those concerned; promote recourse to the expertise of persons liable to come into contact with groups of potential users.
11. Encourage exchanges of experience on initiatives aimed at improving coordination between all those involved in the provision of education.
12. Support schemes for advising teachers, families and those responsible for young people on the early detection of the use of drugs and the action to take.
13. In cooperation with the EDMC and the Council of Europe, if need be, encourage the extension of the European network of ‘test towns`, so as to promote technical cooperation on the ways and means used by these towns to reduce drug demand.
14. Support exchanges of experience, particularly on a regional cross-border basis, concerning local prevention, grassroots and street-level initiatives designed to benefit risk groups which are not always reached by conventional assistance and prevention strategies. Support exchanges of experience on prevention models and practices involving towns in different Member States which are particularly affected by the problem of drugs.
(b) Training
15. Promote initiatives to improve the drug prevention aspect of vocational training programmes for teachers and those responsible for young people and encourage exchanges of students training for the social and health-care professions, including exchanges under other Community programmes.
16. Support the development of further-training programmes, teaching materials and modules for those likely to come into contact with drug users and groups at risk, including in particular social work, health-care, police and other law-enforcement professionals; promote multidisciplinary cooperation and cooperation between the public and private sectors, including NGOs, with a view to preventing drug dependence.

Pending: 31997D0032

January 16, 2026
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field (1), as last amended by Decision 94/370/EC (2), and in particular Article 28 (2) thereof,Whereas Chapter I of Annex IV to Council Directive 92/117/EEC of 17 December 1992 concerning measures for protection against specified zoonoses and specified zoonotic agents in animals and products of animal origin in order to prevent outbreaks of food-borne infections and intoxications (3), as last amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, designates the Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiëne, Bilthoven, The Netherlands as the Community Reference Laboratory for salmonella;Whereas all the functions and duties which the laboratory has to perform are specified in Chapter II of Annex IV to the abovementioned Directive; whereas Community assistance must be conditional on the accomplishment of those functions and duties by the laboratory;Whereas Community financial aid should be granted to the Community Reference Laboratory to assist it in carrying out the said functions and duties;Whereas, for budgetary reasons, Community financial aid is to be granted for a period of nine months staring on 1 April 1996; whereas the reason for choosing that date is the need to take into account the work done by the laboratory from the said date and to assess its capacity for carrying out the work efficiently;Whereas, for supervisory purposes, Articles 8 and 9 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 729/70 of 21 April 1970 on the financing of the common agricultural policy (4), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 2048/88 (5), should apply;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1
The Community hereby grants financial assistance to the Netherlands for the functions and duties to be carried out by the Community Reference Laboratory for salmonella referred to in Chapter II of Annex IV to Directive 92/117/EEC.

Article 2
The Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiëne, Bilthoven, Netherlands, shall perform the functions and duties referred to in Article 1.

Article 3
The Community’s financial assistance shall amount to a maximum of ECU 75 000 for the period 1 April to 31 December 1996.

Article 4
The Community’s financial assistance shall be paid as follows:
– 70 % by way of an advance at the Netherlands’ request,
– the balance following presentation of supporting documents by the Netherlands. Those documents must be presented before 1 March 1997.

Article 5
Articles 8 and 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 729/70 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

Article 6
This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Done at Brussels, 18 December 1996.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 19.
(2) OJ No L 168, 2. 7. 1994, p. 31.
(3) OJ No L 62, 15. 3. 1993, p. 38.
(4) OJ No L 94, 28. 4. 1970, p. 13.
(5) OJ No L 185, 15. 7. 1988, p. 1.

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field (1), as last amended by Decision 94/370/EC (2), and in particular Article 28 (2) thereof,Whereas Chapter I of Annex IV to Council Directive 92/117/EEC of 17 December 1992 concerning measures for protection against specified zoonoses and specified zoonotic agents in animals and products of animal origin in order to prevent outbreaks of food-borne infections and intoxications (3), as last amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, designates the Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiëne, Bilthoven, The Netherlands as the Community Reference Laboratory for salmonella;Whereas all the functions and duties which the laboratory has to perform are specified in Chapter II of Annex IV to the abovementioned Directive; whereas Community assistance must be conditional on the accomplishment of those functions and duties by the laboratory;Whereas Community financial aid should be granted to the Community Reference Laboratory to assist it in carrying out the said functions and duties;Whereas, for budgetary reasons, Community financial aid is to be granted for a period of nine months staring on 1 April 1996; whereas the reason for choosing that date is the need to take into account the work done by the laboratory from the said date and to assess its capacity for carrying out the work efficiently;Whereas, for supervisory purposes, Articles 8 and 9 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 729/70 of 21 April 1970 on the financing of the common agricultural policy (4), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 2048/88 (5), should apply;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The Community hereby grants financial assistance to the Netherlands for the functions and duties to be carried out by the Community Reference Laboratory for salmonella referred to in Chapter II of Annex IV to Directive 92/117/EEC.
The Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiëne, Bilthoven, Netherlands, shall perform the functions and duties referred to in Article 1.
The Community’s financial assistance shall amount to a maximum of ECU 75 000 for the period 1 April to 31 December 1996.
The Community’s financial assistance shall be paid as follows:
– 70 % by way of an advance at the Netherlands’ request,
– the balance following presentation of supporting documents by the Netherlands. Those documents must be presented before 1 March 1997.
Articles 8 and 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 729/70 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Done at Brussels, 18 December 1996.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 19.
(2) OJ No L 168, 2. 7. 1994, p. 31.
(3) OJ No L 62, 15. 3. 1993, p. 38.
(4) OJ No L 94, 28. 4. 1970, p. 13.
(5) OJ No L 185, 15. 7. 1988, p. 1.

Pending: 31997D0028

January 16, 2026
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 of 13 November 1984 determining the Community scale for grading pig carcases (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3513/93 (2), and in particular Article 5 (2) thereof,Whereas Article 2 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 provides that the grading of pig carcases must be determined by estimating the content of lean meat in accordance with statistically proven assessment methods based on the physical measurement of one or more anatomical parts of the pig carcase; whereas the authorization of grading methods is subject to compliance with a maximum tolerance for statistical error in assessment; whereas this tolerance has been defined in Article 3 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85 of 24 October 1985 laying down detailed rules for the application of the Community scale for grading pig carcases (3), as amended by Regulation (EC) No 3127/94 (4);Whereas the Commission, by Decision 89/50/EEC (5), as last amended by Decision 94/565/EC (6), has authorized a number of methods for grading pig carcases in France;Whereas, with a view to improving the transparency of the market, the French Government has requested the Commission to authorize the use of one main method on its territory consisting in the fixing of measuring points and of a single formula for estimating the lean meat content and to that end has presented the information required under Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85; whereas an examination of the request has disclosed that the conditions for authorizing the grading method concerned are met;Whereas, however, the method to be authorized is based on the use of a slide gauge measuring cold carcases at seven different measuring points, the widespread use of which in slaughterhouses does not seem to be possible in practice; whereas authorization should be given therefore, subject to supervision by the Commission, for the use of alternative methods for grading pig carcases once they satisfy a calibration procedure by giving equivalent results, for estimates of the percentage of lean meat, to those obtained using the method referred to above;Whereas, for the sake of clarity, a new decision should be adopted; whereas Decision 89/50/EEC should therefore be repealed;Whereas no adjustments to grading methods may be authorized except by means of a Commission decision adopted in the light of experience gained;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1
1. The method of assessing lean meat content described in the Annex hereto is hereby authorized as a method for the grading of pig carcases.
2. The use of any other method for grading pig carcases shall be subject to the requirement that the results given for the assessment of lean meat content are equivalent to those given by the method referred to in paragraph 1.
To that end, the method must satisfy as part of a calibration procedure carried out by the French authorities, a test for the accuracy of measurements x1 to x7 referred to in the Annex hereto.
3. Where a method for grading pig carcases satisfies the calibration procedure referred to in paragraph 2, the Government shall notify the Commission thereof before it is used for the first time and shall provide all relevant details.
In such case the procedure laid down in Article 25 of Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75 shall be applied.
4. The calibration procedure referred to in paragraph 2 shall be conducted on the basis of specifications laid down by the competent French authorities.

Article 2
Notwithstanding the standard presentation referred to in Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84, pig carcases shall be presented with the flare fat, kidneys and diaphragm, and as appropriate the tongue attached during weighing and grading. In order to establish quotations for pig carcases on a comparable basis, the recorded warm weight shall be reduced by 2,3 % where the tongue is removed and by 2,9 % where it is attached to the carcase.

Article 3
Modifications of assessment methods (apparatus, measuring points and formulae) shall not be authorized.

Article 4
Decision 89/50/EEC is hereby repealed.
However, up to 30 June 1997, the French Republic may continue to apply the methods for grading pig carcases provided for in Decision 89/50/EEC in place of the method determined by this Decision.

Article 5
This Decision is addressed to the French Republic.
Done at Brussels, 13 December 1996.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 301, 20. 11. 1984, p. 1.
(2) OJ No L 320, 22. 12. 1993, p. 5.
(3) OJ No L 285, 25. 10. 1985, p. 39.
(4) OJ No L 330, 21. 12. 1994, p. 43.
(5) OJ No L 20, 25. 1. 1989, p. 27.
(6) OJ No L 215, 20. 8. 1994, p. 26.

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 of 13 November 1984 determining the Community scale for grading pig carcases (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3513/93 (2), and in particular Article 5 (2) thereof,Whereas Article 2 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 provides that the grading of pig carcases must be determined by estimating the content of lean meat in accordance with statistically proven assessment methods based on the physical measurement of one or more anatomical parts of the pig carcase; whereas the authorization of grading methods is subject to compliance with a maximum tolerance for statistical error in assessment; whereas this tolerance has been defined in Article 3 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85 of 24 October 1985 laying down detailed rules for the application of the Community scale for grading pig carcases (3), as amended by Regulation (EC) No 3127/94 (4);Whereas the Commission, by Decision 89/50/EEC (5), as last amended by Decision 94/565/EC (6), has authorized a number of methods for grading pig carcases in France;Whereas, with a view to improving the transparency of the market, the French Government has requested the Commission to authorize the use of one main method on its territory consisting in the fixing of measuring points and of a single formula for estimating the lean meat content and to that end has presented the information required under Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85; whereas an examination of the request has disclosed that the conditions for authorizing the grading method concerned are met;Whereas, however, the method to be authorized is based on the use of a slide gauge measuring cold carcases at seven different measuring points, the widespread use of which in slaughterhouses does not seem to be possible in practice; whereas authorization should be given therefore, subject to supervision by the Commission, for the use of alternative methods for grading pig carcases once they satisfy a calibration procedure by giving equivalent results, for estimates of the percentage of lean meat, to those obtained using the method referred to above;Whereas, for the sake of clarity, a new decision should be adopted; whereas Decision 89/50/EEC should therefore be repealed;Whereas no adjustments to grading methods may be authorized except by means of a Commission decision adopted in the light of experience gained;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
1. The method of assessing lean meat content described in the Annex hereto is hereby authorized as a method for the grading of pig carcases.
2. The use of any other method for grading pig carcases shall be subject to the requirement that the results given for the assessment of lean meat content are equivalent to those given by the method referred to in paragraph 1.
To that end, the method must satisfy as part of a calibration procedure carried out by the French authorities, a test for the accuracy of measurements x1 to x7 referred to in the Annex hereto.
3. Where a method for grading pig carcases satisfies the calibration procedure referred to in paragraph 2, the Government shall notify the Commission thereof before it is used for the first time and shall provide all relevant details.
In such case the procedure laid down in Article 25 of Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75 shall be applied.
4. The calibration procedure referred to in paragraph 2 shall be conducted on the basis of specifications laid down by the competent French authorities.
Notwithstanding the standard presentation referred to in Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84, pig carcases shall be presented with the flare fat, kidneys and diaphragm, and as appropriate the tongue attached during weighing and grading. In order to establish quotations for pig carcases on a comparable basis, the recorded warm weight shall be reduced by 2,3 % where the tongue is removed and by 2,9 % where it is attached to the carcase.
Modifications of assessment methods (apparatus, measuring points and formulae) shall not be authorized.
Decision 89/50/EEC is hereby repealed.
However, up to 30 June 1997, the French Republic may continue to apply the methods for grading pig carcases provided for in Decision 89/50/EEC in place of the method determined by this Decision.
This Decision is addressed to the French Republic.
Done at Brussels, 13 December 1996.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 301, 20. 11. 1984, p. 1.
(2) OJ No L 320, 22. 12. 1993, p. 5.
(3) OJ No L 285, 25. 10. 1985, p. 39.
(4) OJ No L 330, 21. 12. 1994, p. 43.
(5) OJ No L 20, 25. 1. 1989, p. 27.
(6) OJ No L 215, 20. 8. 1994, p. 26.
1. Grading of pig carcases shall be carried out by means of a slide gauge using the assessment method set out in paragraph 2 below based on measurements obtained on cold carcases on the day following slaughter.
Apparatus used in slaughterhouses must be calibrated by reference to the method referred to above.
The results of the measurements are converted into estimated lean meat content.
2. The lean meat content of carcases shall be calculated according to the following formula:
^y = 53,28 – 0,102 x1 – 0,119 x2 – 0,299 x3 – 0,231 x4 + 0,076 x5 + 0,058 x6 + 0,135 x7
^y = the estimated percentage of lean meat in the carcase
x1 = the minimum thickness of fat (including rind) in millimetres, visible on the midline of the split carcase, at the level of the gluteus medius muscle
x2 = the thickness of backfat (including rind) in millimetres, measured at 6 cm off the midline of the carcase, between the second and third last ribs
x3 = the thickness of backfat (including rind) in millimetres, measured at 6 cm off the midline of the carcase, between the third and fourth last ribs
x4 = the thickness of backfat (including rind) in millimetres, measured at 8 cm off the midline of the carcase, between the third and fourth last lumbar vertebrae
x5 = the minimum thickness of the lumbar muscle in millimetres, measured between the anterior extremity of the gluteus medius muscle and the dorsal surface of the spinal canal
x6 = the thickness of the longissimus dorsi muscle in millimetres, measured at 6 cm off the midline of the carcase, between the second and third last ribs
x7 = the thickness of the longissimus dorsi muscle in millimetres, measured at 6 cm off the midline of the carcase, between the third and fourth last ribs
The formula shall be valid for carcases weighing between 45 and 125 kilograms.

Pending: 31996D0647

January 16, 2026
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 129 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (4) in the light of the joint text approved on 31 January 1996 by the Conciliation Committee,(1) Whereas the Council, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 (5), in response to the Commission communication of 24 November 1993 on a framework for action in the field of public health, included AIDS and other communicable diseases among the priority areas for Community action for which the Commission was invited to bring forward proposals for action;(2) Whereas AIDS is at present an incurable disease regarded as a major scourge, to combat which coordinated action is required in the areas both of research and of prevention;(3) Whereas it is important to promote the utilization and proper use of condoms as a means of preventing transmission of the HIV virus and other sexually-transmissible diseases;(4) Whereas AIDS is a phenomenon that poses a dilemma not only for those parts of human relationships of most intimate concern to individuals, but also for modes of collective behaviour; whereas its implications extend to law and the economy, to politics, public health, education and culture, as well as to medicine, sociology and research;(5) Whereas the plan of action adopted by Decision 91/317/EEC of the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States, meeting within the Council (6), in the framework of the ‘Europe against AIDS` programme expired at the end of 1993;(6) Whereas the ‘Europe against AIDS` programme was extended until the end of 1995 by Decision No 1729/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (7);(7) Whereas the Council in its conclusions of 13 December 1993 on the setting up of an epidemiological network in the Community (8) and the European Parliament in its resolutions of 26 May 1989 (9), 15 May 1991 (10) and 19 November 1993 (11) took the view that it was essential to acquire a better knowledge of diseases on the basis of their causes and their epidemiological context; whereas, accordingly, the two institutions have called on the Commission to submit proposals for the setting up of an epidemiological network in the Community;(8) Whereas the European Parliament and the Council emphasized that the smooth running of a network for gathering epidemiological data requires that the comparability and compatibility of data be ensured and that theoretical training in epidemiology and practical preparation in epidemiology in the field be developed for the teams participating in the network;(9) Whereas the Community is in a position to make a major contribution towards the organization of exchanges of experience and the dissemination of information with regard to the specific training of health professionals and the information of all the social players involved, such as teachers, families, authorities and heads of undertakings;(10) Whereas, in their Resolution of 13 November 1992 (12), the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States meeting within the Council invited the Commission to consider the existing arrangements which provide for cooperation between Member States in the field of monitoring and control of communicable diseases;(11) Whereas the actions undertaken at Community level in the field of AIDS need to be continued, extended to cover certain other communicable diseases, in particular sexually-transmissible diseases (STDs), and consolidated within the framework of the action in the field of public health set out by the Commission, in a manner consistent with measures against exclusion and situations of vulnerability;(12) Whereas these actions must take into account, as the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States meeting within the Council requested in their Resolution of 27 May 1993 (13), other actions undertaken by the Community in the field of public health or having an impact on public health;(13) Whereas, by reason of its scale and effects, Community action in support of the prevention of AIDS and other communicable diseases enables the desired objectives to be attained more effectively;(14) Whereas policies and programmes formulated and implemented at Community level should be compatible with the aims and objectives of Community action on the prevention of AIDS and other communicable diseases; whereas, in particular, implementation of actions under the Community’s biomedical and health research programme, in particular the development of vaccines and new forms of treatment, must be closely coordinated with the implementation of Community actions to prevent infection by the HIV virus and certain other communicable diseases;(15) Whereas it is necessary to promote studies in the Member States to identify the most effective methods of prevention and to publish the most significant results of this work;(16) Whereas cooperation with the competent international organizations and with non-member countries should be strengthened;(17) Whereas a multiannual programme is required, defining the objectives of Community action, the priority actions for the prevention of AIDS and other communicable diseases, and the appropriate evaluation mechanisms;(18) Whereas it is important that the Commission ensures implementation of the programme in close cooperation with the Member States; whereas, to that end, provision should be made for a procedure to ensure that Member States are fully involved in implementing the programme;(19) Whereas a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty was concluded on 20 December 1994;(20) Whereas, from an operational point of view, the investment made under the preceding action plans in terms of both the European pilot networks and the mobilization of all those involved in combating AIDS and other communicable diseases should be safeguarded and developed;(21) Whereas this programme must take account of past and current measures implemented in the Member States either by the competent authorities or by other parties involved in health policy;(22) Whereas, however, possible duplication of effort should be avoided by the promotion of exchanges of experience and by the joint development of basic information modules for the general public, for health education and for training members of the health-care professions, which may be targeted on specific groups and on non-governmental organizations, including patients’ associations;(23) Whereas the provision of information to children and young people must begin at a very early age in the general context of information on hygiene and sexuality and health education;(24) Whereas the objective of this programme must be to contribute towards stemming the spread of AIDS and other communicable diseases in the Community by improving knowledge concerning their prevalence and patterns, improving recognition of high-risk situations and practices and improving early detection and social, health and medical support, with a view to preventing the transmission of AIDS and other communicable diseases and thus reducing the associated mortality and morbidity as well as combating all forms of discrimination against people suffering from AIDS or infected with the HIV virus;(25) Whereas, in order to increase the value and impact of this programme, a continuous assessment of the measures undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard to their effectiveness and the achievement of objectives at both national and Community level and, where appropriate, the necessary adjustments should be made;(26) Whereas the objective of this programme and of the measures undertaken to implement it form part of the health protection requirements referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 129 (1) of the Treaty and as such form a constituent part of the Community’s other policies;(27) Whereas access to this programme should be facilitated, with particular stress on reaching organizations which lack means of easy access to information on Community programmes;(28) Whereas the procedures for granting financial aid should be simple and accessible, and there should be guarantees of total transparency of these procedures and the relevant controls;(29) Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and Commission of 6 March 1995, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;(30) Whereas this programme should run for five years in order to allow sufficient time for actions to be implemented to achieve the objectives set,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1Establishment of the programme 1. A programme of Community action on the prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases, hereinafter referred to as ‘this programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.2. The objective of this programme shall be to help contain the spread of AIDS and reduce mortality and morbidity due to communicable diseases, by encouraging cooperation between Member States, promoting cooperation between prevention policies and programmes and supporting the activities of non-governmental organizations, including organizations for people affected by HIV.3. The actions to be implemented under this programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:A. Surveillance and monitoring of communicable diseasesB. Combating transmissionC. Information, education and trainingD. Support for persons with HIV/AIDS and combating discrimination.Article 2Implementation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in preventing AIDS and other communicable diseases.Article 3Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in

Article 1
Establishment of the programme
1. A programme of Community action on the prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases, hereinafter referred to as ‘this programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.
2. The objective of this programme shall be to help contain the spread of AIDS and reduce mortality and morbidity due to communicable diseases, by encouraging cooperation between Member States, promoting cooperation between prevention policies and programmes and supporting the activities of non-governmental organizations, including organizations for people affected by HIV.
3. The actions to be implemented under this programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:
A. Surveillance and monitoring of communicable diseases
B. Combating transmission
C. Information, education and training
D. Support for persons with HIV/AIDS and combating discrimination.

Article 2
Implementation
1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.
2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in preventing AIDS and other communicable diseases.

Article 3
1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 49,6 million.
2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.

Article 4
Consistency and complementarity
The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between actions to be implemented under this programme and the other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, including the biomedical and health research programme under the Community’s framework programme for research and Community action in developing countries.

Article 5
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee consisting of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission.
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:
(a) the Committee’s rules of procedure;
(b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action;
(c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under this programme, including those involving cooperation with international organizations competent in the field of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6 (2);
(d) the evaluation procedure;
(e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results;
(f) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organizations referred to in Article 2 (2).
The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall forthwith be communicated by the Commission to the Council. In that event:
– the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication,
– the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the first indent.
3. In addition, the Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme.
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its opinion recorded in the minutes.
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.
4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the Committee regularly informed about:
– financial assistance granted under this programme (amounts, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries),
– Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other policy areas which are directly related to the attainment of the objectives of this programme, with a view to ensuring the consistency and complementarity referred to in Article 4.

Article 6
International cooperation
1. In the course of implementing this programme, cooperation with non-member countries and with international organizations competent in the field of public health, especially the United Nations and in particular the World Health Organization, the Council of Europe and non-governmental organizations competent in the field of public health or particularly involved in the fight against AIDS and other communicable diseases and the prevention thereof, will be encouraged and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
2. This programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Accee), in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements relating to participation in Community programmes, to be concluded with those countries. This programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the EFTA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those countries.

Article 7
Monitoring and evaluation
1. The Commission, taking into account the reports drawn up by the Member States and with the participation, where necessary, of independent experts, shall ensure that an evaluation is made of the actions undertaken.
2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an interim report halfway through this programme and a final report on completion thereof. It shall incorporate into these reports the results of the evaluations. It shall also send the reports to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Done at Brussels, 29 March 1996.
For the European Parliament
The President
For the Council
(1) OJ No C 333, 29. 11. 1994, p. 34, and OJ No C 228, 2. 9. 1995, p. 6.
(2) OJ No C 133, 31. 5. 1995, p. 23.
(3) OJ No C 100, 2. 4. 1996, p. 28.
(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 27 April 1995 (OJ No C 126, 22. 5. 1995, p. 74), Council Common Position of 2 June 1995 (OJ No C 216, 21. 8. 1995, p. 11) and Decision of the European Parliament of 25 October 1995 (OJ No C 308, 20. 11. 1995). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 February 1996 (OJ No C 65, 4. 3. 1996) and Council Decision of 16 February 1996.
(5) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 1.
(6) OJ No L 175, 4. 7. 1991, p. 26.
(7) OJ No L 168, 18. 7. 1995, p. 1.
(8) OJ No C 15, 18. 1. 1994, p. 6.
(9) OJ No C 158, 26. 6. 1989, p. 477.
(10) OJ No C 158, 17. 6. 1991, p. 45.
(11) OJ No C 329, 6. 12. 1993, p. 375.
(12) OJ No C 326, 11. 12. 1992, p. 1.

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 129 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (4) in the light of the joint text approved on 31 January 1996 by the Conciliation Committee,(1) Whereas the Council, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 (5), in response to the Commission communication of 24 November 1993 on a framework for action in the field of public health, included AIDS and other communicable diseases among the priority areas for Community action for which the Commission was invited to bring forward proposals for action;(2) Whereas AIDS is at present an incurable disease regarded as a major scourge, to combat which coordinated action is required in the areas both of research and of prevention;(3) Whereas it is important to promote the utilization and proper use of condoms as a means of preventing transmission of the HIV virus and other sexually-transmissible diseases;(4) Whereas AIDS is a phenomenon that poses a dilemma not only for those parts of human relationships of most intimate concern to individuals, but also for modes of collective behaviour; whereas its implications extend to law and the economy, to politics, public health, education and culture, as well as to medicine, sociology and research;(5) Whereas the plan of action adopted by Decision 91/317/EEC of the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States, meeting within the Council (6), in the framework of the ‘Europe against AIDS` programme expired at the end of 1993;(6) Whereas the ‘Europe against AIDS` programme was extended until the end of 1995 by Decision No 1729/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (7);(7) Whereas the Council in its conclusions of 13 December 1993 on the setting up of an epidemiological network in the Community (8) and the European Parliament in its resolutions of 26 May 1989 (9), 15 May 1991 (10) and 19 November 1993 (11) took the view that it was essential to acquire a better knowledge of diseases on the basis of their causes and their epidemiological context; whereas, accordingly, the two institutions have called on the Commission to submit proposals for the setting up of an epidemiological network in the Community;(8) Whereas the European Parliament and the Council emphasized that the smooth running of a network for gathering epidemiological data requires that the comparability and compatibility of data be ensured and that theoretical training in epidemiology and practical preparation in epidemiology in the field be developed for the teams participating in the network;(9) Whereas the Community is in a position to make a major contribution towards the organization of exchanges of experience and the dissemination of information with regard to the specific training of health professionals and the information of all the social players involved, such as teachers, families, authorities and heads of undertakings;(10) Whereas, in their Resolution of 13 November 1992 (12), the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States meeting within the Council invited the Commission to consider the existing arrangements which provide for cooperation between Member States in the field of monitoring and control of communicable diseases;(11) Whereas the actions undertaken at Community level in the field of AIDS need to be continued, extended to cover certain other communicable diseases, in particular sexually-transmissible diseases (STDs), and consolidated within the framework of the action in the field of public health set out by the Commission, in a manner consistent with measures against exclusion and situations of vulnerability;(12) Whereas these actions must take into account, as the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States meeting within the Council requested in their Resolution of 27 May 1993 (13), other actions undertaken by the Community in the field of public health or having an impact on public health;(13) Whereas, by reason of its scale and effects, Community action in support of the prevention of AIDS and other communicable diseases enables the desired objectives to be attained more effectively;(14) Whereas policies and programmes formulated and implemented at Community level should be compatible with the aims and objectives of Community action on the prevention of AIDS and other communicable diseases; whereas, in particular, implementation of actions under the Community’s biomedical and health research programme, in particular the development of vaccines and new forms of treatment, must be closely coordinated with the implementation of Community actions to prevent infection by the HIV virus and certain other communicable diseases;(15) Whereas it is necessary to promote studies in the Member States to identify the most effective methods of prevention and to publish the most significant results of this work;(16) Whereas cooperation with the competent international organizations and with non-member countries should be strengthened;(17) Whereas a multiannual programme is required, defining the objectives of Community action, the priority actions for the prevention of AIDS and other communicable diseases, and the appropriate evaluation mechanisms;(18) Whereas it is important that the Commission ensures implementation of the programme in close cooperation with the Member States; whereas, to that end, provision should be made for a procedure to ensure that Member States are fully involved in implementing the programme;(19) Whereas a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty was concluded on 20 December 1994;(20) Whereas, from an operational point of view, the investment made under the preceding action plans in terms of both the European pilot networks and the mobilization of all those involved in combating AIDS and other communicable diseases should be safeguarded and developed;(21) Whereas this programme must take account of past and current measures implemented in the Member States either by the competent authorities or by other parties involved in health policy;(22) Whereas, however, possible duplication of effort should be avoided by the promotion of exchanges of experience and by the joint development of basic information modules for the general public, for health education and for training members of the health-care professions, which may be targeted on specific groups and on non-governmental organizations, including patients’ associations;(23) Whereas the provision of information to children and young people must begin at a very early age in the general context of information on hygiene and sexuality and health education;(24) Whereas the objective of this programme must be to contribute towards stemming the spread of AIDS and other communicable diseases in the Community by improving knowledge concerning their prevalence and patterns, improving recognition of high-risk situations and practices and improving early detection and social, health and medical support, with a view to preventing the transmission of AIDS and other communicable diseases and thus reducing the associated mortality and morbidity as well as combating all forms of discrimination against people suffering from AIDS or infected with the HIV virus;(25) Whereas, in order to increase the value and impact of this programme, a continuous assessment of the measures undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard to their effectiveness and the achievement of objectives at both national and Community level and, where appropriate, the necessary adjustments should be made;(26) Whereas the objective of this programme and of the measures undertaken to implement it form part of the health protection requirements referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 129 (1) of the Treaty and as such form a constituent part of the Community’s other policies;(27) Whereas access to this programme should be facilitated, with particular stress on reaching organizations which lack means of easy access to information on Community programmes;(28) Whereas the procedures for granting financial aid should be simple and accessible, and there should be guarantees of total transparency of these procedures and the relevant controls;(29) Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and Commission of 6 March 1995, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;(30) Whereas this programme should run for five years in order to allow sufficient time for actions to be implemented to achieve the objectives set,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1Establishment of the programme 1. A programme of Community action on the prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases, hereinafter referred to as ‘this programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.2. The objective of this programme shall be to help contain the spread of AIDS and reduce mortality and morbidity due to communicable diseases, by encouraging cooperation between Member States, promoting cooperation between prevention policies and programmes and supporting the activities of non-governmental organizations, including organizations for people affected by HIV.3. The actions to be implemented under this programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:A. Surveillance and monitoring of communicable diseasesB. Combating transmissionC. Information, education and trainingD. Support for persons with HIV/AIDS and combating discrimination.Article 2Implementation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in preventing AIDS and other communicable diseases.Article 3Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in
Establishment of the programme
1. A programme of Community action on the prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases, hereinafter referred to as ‘this programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.
2. The objective of this programme shall be to help contain the spread of AIDS and reduce mortality and morbidity due to communicable diseases, by encouraging cooperation between Member States, promoting cooperation between prevention policies and programmes and supporting the activities of non-governmental organizations, including organizations for people affected by HIV.
3. The actions to be implemented under this programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:
A. Surveillance and monitoring of communicable diseases
B. Combating transmission
C. Information, education and training
D. Support for persons with HIV/AIDS and combating discrimination.
Implementation
1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.
2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in preventing AIDS and other communicable diseases.
1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 49,6 million.
2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.
Consistency and complementarity
The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between actions to be implemented under this programme and the other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, including the biomedical and health research programme under the Community’s framework programme for research and Community action in developing countries.
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee consisting of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission.
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:
(a) the Committee’s rules of procedure;
(b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action;
(c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under this programme, including those involving cooperation with international organizations competent in the field of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6 (2);
(d) the evaluation procedure;
(e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results;
(f) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organizations referred to in Article 2 (2).
The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall forthwith be communicated by the Commission to the Council. In that event:
– the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication,
– the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the first indent.
3. In addition, the Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme.
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its opinion recorded in the minutes.
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.
4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the Committee regularly informed about:
– financial assistance granted under this programme (amounts, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries),
– Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other policy areas which are directly related to the attainment of the objectives of this programme, with a view to ensuring the consistency and complementarity referred to in Article 4.
International cooperation
1. In the course of implementing this programme, cooperation with non-member countries and with international organizations competent in the field of public health, especially the United Nations and in particular the World Health Organization, the Council of Europe and non-governmental organizations competent in the field of public health or particularly involved in the fight against AIDS and other communicable diseases and the prevention thereof, will be encouraged and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
2. This programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Accee), in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements relating to participation in Community programmes, to be concluded with those countries. This programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the EFTA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those countries.
Monitoring and evaluation
1. The Commission, taking into account the reports drawn up by the Member States and with the participation, where necessary, of independent experts, shall ensure that an evaluation is made of the actions undertaken.
2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an interim report halfway through this programme and a final report on completion thereof. It shall incorporate into these reports the results of the evaluations. It shall also send the reports to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Done at Brussels, 29 March 1996.
For the European Parliament
The President
For the Council
(1) OJ No C 333, 29. 11. 1994, p. 34, and OJ No C 228, 2. 9. 1995, p. 6.
(2) OJ No C 133, 31. 5. 1995, p. 23.
(3) OJ No C 100, 2. 4. 1996, p. 28.
(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 27 April 1995 (OJ No C 126, 22. 5. 1995, p. 74), Council Common Position of 2 June 1995 (OJ No C 216, 21. 8. 1995, p. 11) and Decision of the European Parliament of 25 October 1995 (OJ No C 308, 20. 11. 1995). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 February 1996 (OJ No C 65, 4. 3. 1996) and Council Decision of 16 February 1996.
(5) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 1.
(6) OJ No L 175, 4. 7. 1991, p. 26.
(7) OJ No L 168, 18. 7. 1995, p. 1.
(8) OJ No C 15, 18. 1. 1994, p. 6.
(9) OJ No C 158, 26. 6. 1989, p. 477.
(10) OJ No C 158, 17. 6. 1991, p. 45.
(11) OJ No C 329, 6. 12. 1993, p. 375.
(12) OJ No C 326, 11. 12. 1992, p. 1.
PROGRAMME OF COMMUNITY ACTION ON THE PREVENTION OF AIDS AND CERTAIN OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (1996 to 2000)
A. SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
To help to improve knowledge and dissemination of information and data concerning HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, taking into account international disease-classification provisions, and to improve the coordination of systems for monitoring these diseases and coordinating Community-level responses, particularly in the event of an epidemic outbreak.
1. Exploration with Member States of ways to increase the amount and improve the quality, comparability and availability of data and provide support for strengthening national or regional monitoring systems and implementing them as part of a network and, in the case of HIV/AIDS and connected diseases, support for the European Centre for the Epidemiological Monitoring of AIDS.
2. Contribution towards improving the quality and coordination of Member States’ epidemiological monitoring systems and participation in the development of surveillance networks on the basis of the jointly-defined methodologies and conditions for data transmission, prior consultation and coordination of replies.
3. Setting up of a Community network of public health epidemiologists for the purpose of defining common surveillance methods and tools and enhancing the ability to respond in a coordinated way to the development of communicable diseases, especially in the case of epidemic outbreaks.
4. Contributing, in particular by the provision of the logistical support necessary, to the production and dissemination of a regular information notice and of a Community bulletin on communicable diseases surveillance, comprising both routine surveillance data and reports on specific epidemiological investigations.
5. Encouraging action aimed at increasing awareness of the problems and including comparable and reliable data on nosocomial infections particularly in routine surveys of hospital conditions; promoting knowledge and exchanges of experience on the ways in which surveillance results concerning infections caused by germs resistant to normal treatment (antibiotics) are analysed, processed and used by the actors in the field.
6. Promotion of investigations of the effectiveness and feasibility of screening for certain types of communicable diseases (tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc.), in particular among pregnant women. Coordination of research to minimalize transmission of diseases from mother to child.
B. COMBATING TRANSMISSION
To assist efforts to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), particularly as regards high-risk environments and behaviour and ensure optimum vaccination cover in the Community for certain communicable diseases.
7. Coordination of studies and information on the problems and situations of persons whose behaviour places them at risk (parenteral drug use, prostitution and at-risk sexual relations, etc.), or placed in particular situations (travel, penal institutions, etc.) and modes of transmission; exchange of experience on preventive action including the promotion of risk-reduction measures; promotion of appropriate preventive measures and of pilot projects, including promotion of the use and availability of good-quality condoms, with instructions for use so as to avoid sexual transmission of disease, and promotion of facilitated access to such condoms.
8. Exchange of views and experience on information, advice and counselling for women who are pregnant or wanting to have children and who may be at risk of transmitting HIV to their babies.
9. Exchanges of information on messages and promotion of appropriate measures for the dissemination of effective messages aimed at the general public and at target groups, notably through campaigns to inform, educate and raise awareness concerning means of protection against the risk of sexual transmission of diseases, the problems they raise and their use.
10. Promotion of cooperation and of exchange of information between Member States on their vaccination policies and programmes as well as their arrangements for implementing them and their results among the general population and especially among children, groups exposed to risk and persons living in certain risk situations. Promotion of exchange of experience and information as regards determining vaccination cover, vigilance concerning vaccines and encouragement of measures and initiatives to ensure optimum vaccination cover.
C. INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND TRAINING
To help to increase awareness and improve public information and education and provide, including with regard to the early detection of communicable diseases, better training for health professionals and relevant personnel.
11. Evaluation of the impact of information campaigns on communicable diseases and their prevention; encouragement of exchanges between Member States on information campaigns at all levels; development of ways of linking and reinforcing campaigns in the Member States, such as provision of specific materials; utilization of telephone and other response mechanisms; definition and promotion of activities to complement national efforts, including the setting-up or strengthening of networks and the exchange of experience and expertise.
12. Gathering and analysis of information concerning preventive measures and promotion of the dissemination of the information; promotion of the development and use of assessment methods to determine the effectiveness of preventive measures and information campaigns aimed at the general public and target groups.
13. Encouragement of initiatives to ascertain and disseminate existing information about the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the general public and certain target groups, particularly children and young people, regarding HIV/AIDS and other STDs and about the preventive measures taken in the European Community; examination and evaluation of current practice in providing information both within and outside formal structures such as schools, training institutions and sports clubs; promotion of the exchange of educational and training material and methods, and support for pilot projects, especially those centred on groups of young people without any specific organizational framework or formal educational structure; development of training suited to every stage of the individual’s development and exchange of educational material for this purpose.
Promotion of information campaigns in the Member States on the utilization and proper use of condoms as a means of preventing transmission of the HIV virus.
Carrying out new Eurobarometer surveys on trends in knowledge and behaviour with regard to HIV/AIDS, where existing information is inadequate.
14. Encouragement of initiatives relating to messages intended to inform and educate migrants in the Member States, taking particular account of cultural and linguistic differences.
15. Surveys and exchange of experience on training given to health professionals and those who, through their work, are brought into contact with certain communicable diseases or can act to prevent them, including personnel responsible for social support and counselling for HIV-infected persons and those living with them, in order to identify weaknesses and gaps in them and to help in devising and promoting new further training programmes; promotion of exchanges among the health professionals involved, where such action is not covered by existing Community programmes.
16. Support for the training of health personnel, in particular in the context of epidemiology and early detection of and screening for communicable diseases, including personal advice at the time of screening.
D. SUPPORT FOR PERSONS WITH HIV/AIDS AND COMBATING DISCRIMINATION
To assist efforts to ensure that persons suffering from HIV/AIDS receive assistance in line with their needs and are not discriminated against in any way.
17. Exchanges of experience and information concerning modes of assistance and support for those testing seropositive, those infected with AIDS and persons living with them. Promotion of studies, pilot projects and actions on the psycho-social aspects of HIV/AIDS, including the subject of HIV-positive children in the school environment.
18. Production and dissemination of information bulletins and directories giving the latest information on organizations providing information and support; encouragement of networks of associations providing information and psycho-social support.
19. Examination of actual or potential discriminatory situations in the Member States. Exchange of information on measures taken in the Member States to avoid or combat discrimination, particularly as regards employment, insurance, credit, housing, education and health care. Exchange of information and experience on HIV-testing policies and practices and drawing-up of a code of good practice on the matter.

Pending: 31996D0646

January 16, 2026
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 129 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (4) in the light of the joint text approved on 31 January 1996 by the Conciliation Committee,(1) Whereas, at its meetings in Milan in June 1985 and in Luxembourg in December 1985, the European Council underlined the advantages of launching a European programme against cancer;(2) Whereas the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council adopted on 7 July 1986 a Resolution on a programme of action of the European Communities against cancer (5) and on 17 May 1990 Decision 90/238/Euratom, ECSC, EEC adopting a 1990 to 1994 action plan in the context of the ‘Europe against Cancer` programme (6);(3) Whereas in its resolution of 19 November 1993 on public health policy after Maastricht (7) the European Parliament asked that activities against cancer be intensified;(4) Whereas in its Resolution of 13 December 1993 (8) the Council invited the Commission to submit in due course a draft third action plan, taking into account the Council Resolution of 27 May 1993 on future action in the field of public health as well as the objectives and improvements set out in the Annex to that Resolution (9);(5) Whereas the Council, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 (10), in response to the Commission communication of 24 November 1993 on the framework for action in the field of public health, included cancer among the priority areas for action for which the Commission was invited to bring forward proposals for action;(6) Whereas, by reason of its scale and effects, Community action in support of cancer prevention enables the desired objectives to be attained more effectively;(7) Whereas policies and programmes formulated and implemented at Community level should be compatible with the targets and objectives of Community action on cancer prevention; whereas, in particular, implementation of actions under the Community’s biomedical and health research programme should be closely coordinated with the implementation of Community actions on cancer prevention;(8) Whereas cooperation with the competent international organizations and with non-member countries should be strengthened;(9) Whereas cancer is a major disease associated with lifestyles; whereas the risk factors inherent in them need to be reduced, especially tobacco consumption, which will also have an effect on combating other diseases, in particular cardiovascular diseases;(10) Whereas, by ensuring wider dissemination of knowledge of the causes of cancer and of its prevention, by ensuring improved comparability and dissemination of information on these subjects, and by developing complementary actions especially in health education, this plan will contribute to the achievement of the Community objectives set out in Article 129 of the Treaty;(11) Whereas measures must be adopted to combat promotion in the media of habits which may lead to cancer, such as poor dietary habits and smoking;(12) Whereas it is important that the Commission ensures implementation of this plan in close cooperation with the Member States; whereas, to that end, provision should be made for a procedure to ensure that Member States are fully involved in implementing the plan;(13) Whereas a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty was concluded on 20 December 1994;(14) Whereas moreover, in order to have available to it all the necessary scientific information, the Commission cooperates with a high-level committee of scientific experts appointed by the Member States;(15) Whereas, from an operational point of view, the investment made under the preceding action plans in terms of both the European pilot networks and the mobilization of all those involved in combating cancer should be safeguarded and developed;(16) Whereas this plan must take account of past and current measures implemented in the Member States either by the competent authorities or by other parties involved in health policy;(17) Whereas, however, possible duplication of effort should be avoided by the promotion of exchanges of experience and by the joint development of basic information modules for the general public, for health education and for training members of the health-care professions, which may be targeted on specific groups, including children;(18) Whereas a Community strategy to contribute to combating cancer includes all aspects of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention, including exchange of experience on quality control in early detection of the disease and prevention of its development, and taking into account psycho-social aspects, with particular emphasis on the quality of life;(19) Whereas, in order to increase the value and impact of this plan, a continuous assessment of the measures undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard to their effectiveness and the achievement of objectives at both national and Community level and, where appropriate, the necessary adjustments should be made;(20) Whereas the objectives of this plan and the actions undertaken to implement it form part of the health protection requirements referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 129 (1) of the Treaty and as such form a constituent part of the Community’s other policies, such as those on the environment, the protection of workers, consumer protection, nutrition, agriculture and the internal market;(21) Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the action plan, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and Commission of 6 March 1995, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;(22) Whereas this plan should run for five years in order to allow sufficient time for actions to be implemented to achieve the objectives set,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1Establishment of the plan 1. A Community plan of action against cancer entitled ‘Europe against Cancer`, hereinafter referred to as ‘this plan`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.2. The objective of this plan shall be to contribute towards ensuring a high level of health protection and shall comprise actions aimed at:- preventing premature deaths due to cancer,- reducing mortality and morbidity due to cancer,- promoting the quality of life by improving the general health situation,- promoting the general well-being of the population, particularly by minimizing the economic and social consequences of cancer.3. The actions to be implemented under this plan and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:A. Data collection and researchB. Information and health educationC. Early detection and screeningD. Training and quality control and guarantees.4. The actions to be undertaken shall include in particular:- the establishment of common objectives,- the standardization and collection of comparable and compatible data on health, including the development and strengthening of the European network of cancer registers,- programmes for exchange of experience and of health professionals and for the dissemination of the most effective practices,- the creation of information networks,- European-scale studies and dissemination of the results, including support for epidemiological studies focused on prevention,- implementation of pilot programmes and pilot projects,- compilation of reports, especially to monitor the measures taken,- early detection and screening,- exchanges of experience on quality control of the early detection of the disease and the prevention of its development, including palliative methods, and contributions for selecting priorities in cancer research and transfer of results of basic research into clinical trials.Article 2Implementation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in combating cancer.Article 3Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this plan for the period referred to in

Article 1
Establishment of the plan
1. A Community plan of action against cancer entitled ‘Europe against Cancer`, hereinafter referred to as ‘this plan`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.
2. The objective of this plan shall be to contribute towards ensuring a high level of health protection and shall comprise actions aimed at:
– preventing premature deaths due to cancer,
– reducing mortality and morbidity due to cancer,
– promoting the quality of life by improving the general health situation,
– promoting the general well-being of the population, particularly by minimizing the economic and social consequences of cancer.
3. The actions to be implemented under this plan and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:
A. Data collection and research
B. Information and health education
C. Early detection and screening
D. Training and quality control and guarantees.
4. The actions to be undertaken shall include in particular:
– the establishment of common objectives,
– the standardization and collection of comparable and compatible data on health, including the development and strengthening of the European network of cancer registers,
– programmes for exchange of experience and of health professionals and for the dissemination of the most effective practices,
– the creation of information networks,
– European-scale studies and dissemination of the results, including support for epidemiological studies focused on prevention,
– implementation of pilot programmes and pilot projects,
– compilation of reports, especially to monitor the measures taken,

Article 2
Implementation
1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in combating cancer.

Article 3
1. The financial framework for implementation of this plan for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be set at ECU 64 million.
2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.

Article 4
Consistency and complementarity
The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between actions to be implemented under this plan and the other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, including the biomedical and health research programme under the Community’s framework programme for research and the programmes introducing an integrated information network (information technology in areas of general interest).

Article 5
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee consisting of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission.
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:
(a) the Committee’s rules of procedure;
(b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action;
(c) the simplification and improvement of this plan’s basic administrative procedures, which shall be duly published;
(d) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under this plan, including those involving cooperation with international organizations competent in the field of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6 (2);
(e) the evaluation procedure;
(f) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results;
(g) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organizations referred to in Article 2 (2).
The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall forthwith be communicated by the Commission to the Council. In that event:
– the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication,
– the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the previous subparagraph.
3. In addition, the Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this plan.
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its opinion recorded in the minutes.
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.
4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the Committee regularly informed about:
– financial assistance granted under this plan (amounts, duration, breakdown, beneficiaries),
– Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other areas which are of direct relevance to achievement of the objectives of this plan, with a view to ensuring the consistency and complementarity referred to in Article 4.

Article 6
International cooperation
1. In the course of implementing this plan, cooperation with non-member countries and with international organizations competent in the field of public health, in particular the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, will be encouraged and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
2. This plan shall be open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Accee), in accordance with the conditions laid down in Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements relating to participation in Community programmes, to be concluded with those countries. This plan shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the EFTA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those countries.

Article 7
Monitoring and evaluation
1. The Commission, taking into account the reports drawn up by the Member States and with the participation, where necessary, of independent experts, shall ensure that an evaluation is made of the actions undertaken.
2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an interim report halfway through the programme and a final report on completion thereof. The reports shall highlight, in particular, the complementarity between this plan and the other actions mentioned in Article 4. The Commission shall incorporate into these reports the results of the evaluations. It shall also send the reports to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Done at Brussels, 29 March 1996.
For the European Parliament
The President
For the Council
(1) OJ No C 139, 21. 5. 1994, p. 12, and OJ No C 143, 9. 6. 1995, p. 16.
(2) OJ No C 393, 31. 12. 1994, p. 8.
(3) OJ No C 210, 14. 8. 1995, p. 55.
(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 1 March 1995 (OJ No C 68, 20. 3. 1995, p. 17), Council common position of 2 June 1995 (OJ No C 216, 21. 8. 1995, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 25 October 1995 (OJ No C 308, 20. 11. 1995). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 February 1996 (OJ No C 65, 4. 3. 1996) and Council Decision of 16 February 1996.
(5) OJ No C 184, 23. 7. 1986, p. 19.
(6) OJ No L 137, 30. 5. 1990, p. 31.
(7) OJ No C 329, 6. 12. 1993, p. 375.
(8) OJ No C 15, 18. 1. 1994, p. 1.
(9) OJ No C 174, 25. 6. 1993, p. 1.
(10) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 1.

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 129 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (4) in the light of the joint text approved on 31 January 1996 by the Conciliation Committee,(1) Whereas, at its meetings in Milan in June 1985 and in Luxembourg in December 1985, the European Council underlined the advantages of launching a European programme against cancer;(2) Whereas the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council adopted on 7 July 1986 a Resolution on a programme of action of the European Communities against cancer (5) and on 17 May 1990 Decision 90/238/Euratom, ECSC, EEC adopting a 1990 to 1994 action plan in the context of the ‘Europe against Cancer` programme (6);(3) Whereas in its resolution of 19 November 1993 on public health policy after Maastricht (7) the European Parliament asked that activities against cancer be intensified;(4) Whereas in its Resolution of 13 December 1993 (8) the Council invited the Commission to submit in due course a draft third action plan, taking into account the Council Resolution of 27 May 1993 on future action in the field of public health as well as the objectives and improvements set out in the Annex to that Resolution (9);(5) Whereas the Council, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 (10), in response to the Commission communication of 24 November 1993 on the framework for action in the field of public health, included cancer among the priority areas for action for which the Commission was invited to bring forward proposals for action;(6) Whereas, by reason of its scale and effects, Community action in support of cancer prevention enables the desired objectives to be attained more effectively;(7) Whereas policies and programmes formulated and implemented at Community level should be compatible with the targets and objectives of Community action on cancer prevention; whereas, in particular, implementation of actions under the Community’s biomedical and health research programme should be closely coordinated with the implementation of Community actions on cancer prevention;(8) Whereas cooperation with the competent international organizations and with non-member countries should be strengthened;(9) Whereas cancer is a major disease associated with lifestyles; whereas the risk factors inherent in them need to be reduced, especially tobacco consumption, which will also have an effect on combating other diseases, in particular cardiovascular diseases;(10) Whereas, by ensuring wider dissemination of knowledge of the causes of cancer and of its prevention, by ensuring improved comparability and dissemination of information on these subjects, and by developing complementary actions especially in health education, this plan will contribute to the achievement of the Community objectives set out in Article 129 of the Treaty;(11) Whereas measures must be adopted to combat promotion in the media of habits which may lead to cancer, such as poor dietary habits and smoking;(12) Whereas it is important that the Commission ensures implementation of this plan in close cooperation with the Member States; whereas, to that end, provision should be made for a procedure to ensure that Member States are fully involved in implementing the plan;(13) Whereas a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty was concluded on 20 December 1994;(14) Whereas moreover, in order to have available to it all the necessary scientific information, the Commission cooperates with a high-level committee of scientific experts appointed by the Member States;(15) Whereas, from an operational point of view, the investment made under the preceding action plans in terms of both the European pilot networks and the mobilization of all those involved in combating cancer should be safeguarded and developed;(16) Whereas this plan must take account of past and current measures implemented in the Member States either by the competent authorities or by other parties involved in health policy;(17) Whereas, however, possible duplication of effort should be avoided by the promotion of exchanges of experience and by the joint development of basic information modules for the general public, for health education and for training members of the health-care professions, which may be targeted on specific groups, including children;(18) Whereas a Community strategy to contribute to combating cancer includes all aspects of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention, including exchange of experience on quality control in early detection of the disease and prevention of its development, and taking into account psycho-social aspects, with particular emphasis on the quality of life;(19) Whereas, in order to increase the value and impact of this plan, a continuous assessment of the measures undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard to their effectiveness and the achievement of objectives at both national and Community level and, where appropriate, the necessary adjustments should be made;(20) Whereas the objectives of this plan and the actions undertaken to implement it form part of the health protection requirements referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 129 (1) of the Treaty and as such form a constituent part of the Community’s other policies, such as those on the environment, the protection of workers, consumer protection, nutrition, agriculture and the internal market;(21) Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the action plan, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and Commission of 6 March 1995, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;(22) Whereas this plan should run for five years in order to allow sufficient time for actions to be implemented to achieve the objectives set,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1Establishment of the plan 1. A Community plan of action against cancer entitled ‘Europe against Cancer`, hereinafter referred to as ‘this plan`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.2. The objective of this plan shall be to contribute towards ensuring a high level of health protection and shall comprise actions aimed at:- preventing premature deaths due to cancer,- reducing mortality and morbidity due to cancer,- promoting the quality of life by improving the general health situation,- promoting the general well-being of the population, particularly by minimizing the economic and social consequences of cancer.3. The actions to be implemented under this plan and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:A. Data collection and researchB. Information and health educationC. Early detection and screeningD. Training and quality control and guarantees.4. The actions to be undertaken shall include in particular:- the establishment of common objectives,- the standardization and collection of comparable and compatible data on health, including the development and strengthening of the European network of cancer registers,- programmes for exchange of experience and of health professionals and for the dissemination of the most effective practices,- the creation of information networks,- European-scale studies and dissemination of the results, including support for epidemiological studies focused on prevention,- implementation of pilot programmes and pilot projects,- compilation of reports, especially to monitor the measures taken,- early detection and screening,- exchanges of experience on quality control of the early detection of the disease and the prevention of its development, including palliative methods, and contributions for selecting priorities in cancer research and transfer of results of basic research into clinical trials.Article 2Implementation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in combating cancer.Article 3Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this plan for the period referred to in
Establishment of the plan
1. A Community plan of action against cancer entitled ‘Europe against Cancer`, hereinafter referred to as ‘this plan`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.
2. The objective of this plan shall be to contribute towards ensuring a high level of health protection and shall comprise actions aimed at:
– preventing premature deaths due to cancer,
– reducing mortality and morbidity due to cancer,
– promoting the quality of life by improving the general health situation,
– promoting the general well-being of the population, particularly by minimizing the economic and social consequences of cancer.
3. The actions to be implemented under this plan and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:
A. Data collection and research
B. Information and health education
C. Early detection and screening
D. Training and quality control and guarantees.
4. The actions to be undertaken shall include in particular:
– the establishment of common objectives,
– the standardization and collection of comparable and compatible data on health, including the development and strengthening of the European network of cancer registers,
– programmes for exchange of experience and of health professionals and for the dissemination of the most effective practices,
– the creation of information networks,
– European-scale studies and dissemination of the results, including support for epidemiological studies focused on prevention,
– implementation of pilot programmes and pilot projects,
– compilation of reports, especially to monitor the measures taken,
Implementation
1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in combating cancer.
1. The financial framework for implementation of this plan for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be set at ECU 64 million.
2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.
Consistency and complementarity
The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between actions to be implemented under this plan and the other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, including the biomedical and health research programme under the Community’s framework programme for research and the programmes introducing an integrated information network (information technology in areas of general interest).
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee consisting of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission.
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:
(a) the Committee’s rules of procedure;
(b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action;
(c) the simplification and improvement of this plan’s basic administrative procedures, which shall be duly published;
(d) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under this plan, including those involving cooperation with international organizations competent in the field of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6 (2);
(e) the evaluation procedure;
(f) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results;
(g) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organizations referred to in Article 2 (2).
The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall forthwith be communicated by the Commission to the Council. In that event:
– the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication,
– the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the previous subparagraph.
3. In addition, the Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this plan.
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its opinion recorded in the minutes.
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.
4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the Committee regularly informed about:
– financial assistance granted under this plan (amounts, duration, breakdown, beneficiaries),
– Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other areas which are of direct relevance to achievement of the objectives of this plan, with a view to ensuring the consistency and complementarity referred to in Article 4.
International cooperation
1. In the course of implementing this plan, cooperation with non-member countries and with international organizations competent in the field of public health, in particular the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, will be encouraged and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
2. This plan shall be open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Accee), in accordance with the conditions laid down in Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements relating to participation in Community programmes, to be concluded with those countries. This plan shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the EFTA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those countries.
Monitoring and evaluation
1. The Commission, taking into account the reports drawn up by the Member States and with the participation, where necessary, of independent experts, shall ensure that an evaluation is made of the actions undertaken.
2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an interim report halfway through the programme and a final report on completion thereof. The reports shall highlight, in particular, the complementarity between this plan and the other actions mentioned in Article 4. The Commission shall incorporate into these reports the results of the evaluations. It shall also send the reports to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Done at Brussels, 29 March 1996.
For the European Parliament
The President
For the Council
(1) OJ No C 139, 21. 5. 1994, p. 12, and OJ No C 143, 9. 6. 1995, p. 16.
(2) OJ No C 393, 31. 12. 1994, p. 8.
(3) OJ No C 210, 14. 8. 1995, p. 55.
(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 1 March 1995 (OJ No C 68, 20. 3. 1995, p. 17), Council common position of 2 June 1995 (OJ No C 216, 21. 8. 1995, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 25 October 1995 (OJ No C 308, 20. 11. 1995). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 February 1996 (OJ No C 65, 4. 3. 1996) and Council Decision of 16 February 1996.
(5) OJ No C 184, 23. 7. 1986, p. 19.
(6) OJ No L 137, 30. 5. 1990, p. 31.
(7) OJ No C 329, 6. 12. 1993, p. 375.
(8) OJ No C 15, 18. 1. 1994, p. 1.
(9) OJ No C 174, 25. 6. 1993, p. 1.
(10) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 1.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS
A. DATA COLLECTION AND RESEARCH
To extend and improve knowledge of the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer and to facilitate the collection of reliable and comparable data on the incidence of cancer, including data on paediatric oncology, in particular to identify trends and to devise European-scale epidemiological studies.
1. Support for exchanges of information and experience relating to the collection and dissemination of reliable and comparable data for cancer registers (prevalence, incidence, mortality, survival rates and age groups). Development and strengthening of a European network in cooperation with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
2. Support for the carrying out of epidemiological studies at European level and for the dissemination of their conclusions with regard to the identification of carcinogens (physical, chemical and biological), with special attention to environmental factors and related conditions at work, the risks arising from exposure to them (types of exposure and population subgroups affected), methods of prevention and the introduction of programmes for objectively assessing survival rates on the basis of specific criteria (age, sex, position of the tumour, stage of development, histological type, etc.) and for assessing sources of disparities in those rates. On the basis of these conclusions, support for the drawing up and dissemination of recommendations. Cohort studies on cancer, diet and health (EPIC network), support for epidemiological studies based on research into nutrition as a potential preventive factor (identification of protective agents, modification of specific dietary factors) and, where appropriate, preventive chemical agents.
3. Contribution to the selection of priorities for cancer research to be carried out under the Community’s framework programmes for research, and specifically the biomedical and health research programme, which includes basic and clinical cancer research, and promotion of research methods aimed at early, accurate and reliable diagnosis by means of laboratory diagnosis techniques, in particular based on immunology and genetics. Support for the establishment of an inventory of European basic and clinical cancer research measures; help with the transfer to clinical trials of the results of basic research; setting up and/or development of information exchange networks for clinical trials in progress, and help with the launching of multiple-centre and multinational clinical testing in order to speed up the assessment of new methods of care.
B. INFORMATION AND HEALTH EDUCATION
– To help to improve knowledge of cancer risks and cancer prevention among European citizens and encourage them to adopt healthy lifestyles;
– to promote and assess policies and measures related to cancer causes and risks.
4. Establishment of an annual ‘Europe against Cancer` week.
5. Improving the dissemination and effectiveness of cancer prevention messages, in particular the recommendations of the European Code against Cancer, by supporting targeted measures (for teachers, general practitioners, etc.) and pilot projects, studies and analyses of health promotion techniques and assessments of action in this field.
6. Supporting and extending pilot action networks for providing information and exchanges with regard to cancer prevention, taking into account the recommendations of the European Code against Cancer, in order to contribute to the highlighting and dissemination of best practice.
7. Promoting information and awareness-raising campaigns for specific population groups on health promotion and cancer prevention, particularly in public places and at work.
8. Encouraging projects with a European dimension relating to the prevention of tobacco consumption; assessment of the implementation of recommendations on tobacco consumption in public places, particularly on public transport and in education establishments. Promotion of strategies aimed at protecting the most vulnerable groups, in particular pregnant women and children, from the risk of passive smoking. Assessment of the effect of measures taken in the Member States to reduce tobacco consumption, for example the banning or control of direct or indirect advertising, taxation measures and the exclusion of tobacco from the price index, and dissemination of knowledge acquired from the assessment process. Support and assessment of pilot measures for preventing tobacco consumption as part of the exchange networks between Member States, for example networks of no-smoking towns, no-smoking hospitals and youth clubs in cooperation with healthcare workers and teachers.
9. Selection at European level and dissemination of the best methods of overcoming addiction to smoking, and evaluation of their impact as part of pilot measures to implement these methods in liaison with opinion formers and healthcare workers in the Member States. Launching, among the pilot projects in the media, of a project to combat passive smoking. Continuing classification of dangerous substances and preparations with the aim of improving packaging and labelling.
10. Contributing to the formulation and implementation of integrated health education programmes in different life contexts, with cancer prevention given a particularly important role. Definition and implementation of supplementary cancer prevention projects for specific groups in different contexts (town planners, environmental specialists, architects, radiologists).
Evaluation, in the context of pilot Community networks, of health education initiatives, with priority being given to making individuals more aware of their responsibility for their own health, to discouraging smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, to promoting a healthy diet, especially increased consumption of fruit and vegetables, to appropriate media campaigns promoting a healthy diet and to making people aware of the risks associated with excessive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation, targeted at young people.
11. Support for exchanges of experience under the integrated health education programmes with the aim of improving initial and continuing training for teachers and project supervisors in the field of cancer prevention, taking account of the experience gained in the framework of programmes such as Erasmus and the supporting actions of the Commission in the education field.
12. Support for the production and dissemination of Community teaching materials relating to cancer prevention, particularly those tested in the pilot networks, and for the evaluation of the impact of such materials.
13. Implementation of studies and dissemination of their conclusions, making it possible to improve the level of knowledge of the perceptions of young people with regard to cancer, tobacco, diet and the risks associated with excessive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. Carrying out analyses with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of preventive programmes among children and young people.
C. EARLY DETECTION AND SCREENING
To help improve and increase the possibilities of early detection, in particular through the development and dissemination of effective screening programmes and appropriate practices.
14. Support for the introduction and evaluation of European pilot project networks in the field of mass screening for breast and cervical cancer, on the basis of recommendations established at European level with regard to ensuring the quality of screening, and support for the organization of meetings to examine the feasibility of extending pilot projects to national and regional levels.
15. Support for the preparation and dissemination at European level of a common terminology and classification in order to improve the quality of anatomical and cytopathological interpretation, particularly of suspect growths in the breast and uterus, in particular for anatomists and cytopathologists in the Community.
16. Support for European feasibility studies on mass screening for other cancers (of the ovary, prostate, skin, colon/rectum and mouth), taking particular account of the medical, psychological, social and economic aspects.
D. TRAINING AND QUALITY CONTROL
To help improve cancer-related training for healthcare workers, including training in paediatric oncology, and quality control methods.
17. Further implementation of the Commission Recommendation of 8 November 1989 concerning the training of health personnel in the matter of cancer; assistance with the introduction of periodic assessment of the impact of the European pilot networks on initial and continuing training in the matter of cancer for the medical, nursing and dentistry professions, in particular for health personnel working in paediatric oncology.
18. Support for the mobility of the health professions (particularly trainers), in order to improve theoretical and practical knowledge of cancer (in particular primary prevention, early diagnosis, mass screening, particularly for cervical and breast cancer, and quality assurance), between those specialized centres in Member States offering training of a high quality, where such mobility is not ensured under existing Community programmes such as Comett II or Force.
19. Support for exchanges of experience and the drawing up and dissemination of conference recommendations for a consensus on good practice in the field of combating cancer and of recommendations by groups of experts, in order to speed up the dissemination and implementation of the results of controlled studies.
20. Preparation of teaching materials of European interest, aimed at improving training for healthcare workers in the matter of cancer, particularly through the use of interactive computer programmes; assessment of the impact of those materials in the pilot networks. In particular, support for the development, implementation and evaluation of prevention modules intended for the health professions, and of models to assist in diagnosis and in making decisions on measures to prevent the development of the disease and risks of relapse.
21. Promotion of initiatives and support for European studies and dissemination of their conclusions, particularly in the context of European-level meetings and exchanges of experience, in order to gain a better understanding of the quality control methods for measures aimed at correct early detection of the disease and prevention of its development, risks of relapse and associated syndromes and improving the effectiveness of those methods, taking into account the psychological and social aspects, in particular the quality of life of patients, including palliative methods.
22. Support for pilot projects in the area of quality assurance, including dissemination and evaluation of the results, with particular reference to practices connected with checks on radiotherapy installations and the training of health personnel.

Pending: 31996D0645

January 16, 2026
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 129 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (4) in the light of the joint text approved on 31 January 1996 by the Conciliation Committee,(1) Whereas, pursuant to Article 3 (o) of the Treaty, Community action must include a contribution towards the attainment of a high level of health protection; whereas Article 129 of the Treaty expressly provides for Community competence in this field insofar as the Community contributes to it by encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, by lending support to their action;(2) Whereas the actions to be carried out must be undertaken within the framework for action in the field of public health set out by the Commission and take into account, as the Council requested in its Resolution of 27 May 1993 (5), other actions undertaken by the Community in the field of public health or having an impact on public health;(3) Whereas the Council, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 (6) in response to the Commission communication of 24 November 1993 on the framework for action in the field of public health, included health promotion, education and training among the priority areas for action for which the Commission was invited to bring forward proposals for action;(4) Whereas, in their Resolution of 23 November 1988 concerning health education in schools (7), the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council emphasized that certain eating habits, the uncontrolled use of some chemical substances and medicines, drug abuse, smoking and environmental pollution have a harmful effect on health, also bearing in mind the problems of safety and accident prevention;(5) Whereas, in their Resolution of 3 December 1990 concerning an action programme on nutrition and health (8), the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council underlined that the promotion of a healthy lifestyle as regards nutrition is vitally important to enable people to make the necessary choices for ensuring appropriate nutrition in keeping with individual needs;(6) Whereas, in their Conclusions of 13 November 1992 (9), in response to the Commission communication to the Council of 11 May 1992 on health education in schools, the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States meeting within the Council identified school as a vital setting for systematically developing a healthy lifestyle at an early age that would enable sickness and accidents to be reduced; whereas they considered that there were a variety of other settings such as local communities, homes, workplaces and hospitals, in which health education had a central role; whereas they invited the Commission to strengthen cooperation between Member States in implementing effective health education measures in the various settings;(7) Whereas in its resolution of 19 November 1993 on public health policy after Maastricht (10) the European Parliament formulated a series of proposals for Community action in the field of accident prevention and prevention of cardiovascular diseases which are not currently the subject of Community programmes;(8) Whereas, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 concerning cardiovascular diseases (11), the Council invited the Commission to examine actions to encourage their prevention and further study of the risk factors for such diseases;(9) Whereas the results of the integrated approach adopted in the joint World Health Organization – Council of Europe – European Community Project entitled ‘The European Network of Health-Promoting Schools` are encouraging with respect to ways of implementing health promotion in particular settings;(10) Whereas it is recognized that socio-economic conditions such as urbanization, housing, unemployment and social exclusion have to be taken into consideration in the promotion of health, particularly for those living in deprived areas;(11) Whereas health education and information are expressly mentioned in the provisions of the Treaty dealing with public health, and constitute a priority for Community action in public health;(12) Whereas, by reason of its scale and effects, Community action in support of health promotion enables the objectives envisaged to be more effectively achieved;(13) Whereas cooperation with the competent international organizations and with non-member countries should be strengthened;(14) Whereas a multiannual programme should be launched with clear objectives for Community action, and priority measures should be selected, as well as appropriate mechanisms for the evaluation of such action, with a view to promoting the health of all the citizens of the Community;(15) Whereas this programme must contribute to raising awareness of health determinants and risk factors and encourage the development of an integrated approach to health promotion;(16) Whereas, from an operational point of view, the activities undertaken in the past in terms of both the establishment of Community networks of non-governmental organizations and of the mobilization of all those involved in health promotion and education should be safeguarded and developed;(17) Whereas the programme must take account of past and current measures implemented in the Member States either by the competent authorities or by other parties involved in health policy;(18) Whereas, however, possible duplication of effort should be avoided by the promotion of the exchange of experience and by the joint development of basic information modules for the general public, for health education and for training members of the health-care professions;(19) Whereas the objectives of this programme and the actions undertaken to implement it form part of the health protection requirements referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 129 (1) of the Treaty and as such form a constituent part of the Community’s other policies;(20) Whereas it is important that the Commission ensures implementation of this programme in close cooperation with the Member States; whereas, to that end, provision should be made for a procedure to ensure that Member States are fully involved in implementing the plan;(21) Whereas a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty was concluded on 20 December 1994;(22) Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of this programme, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and Commission of 6 March 1995, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;(23) Whereas this programme should run for five years in order to allow sufficient time for actions to be implemented to achieve the objectives set;(24) Whereas, in order to increase the value and impact of the action programme, a continuous assessment of the measures undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard to their effectiveness and the achievement of objectives at both national and Community level and, where appropriate, the necessary adjustments should be made;(25) Whereas responsibility for measures concerning sex education in general, especially measures designed to further integrate such education within schools, lies with the Member States, with due regard to their structures, especially schools,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1Establishment of the programme 1. A programme of Community action on health promotion, information, education and training, hereinafter referred to as ‘the programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.2. The objective of the programme shall be to contribute towards ensuring a high level of health protection and shall comprise actions aimed at:- encouraging the ‘health promotion` approach in Member States’ health policies by lending support to various cooperation measures (exchanges of experience, pilot projects, networks, etc.),- encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles and behaviour,- promoting awareness of risk factors and health-enhancing aspects,- encouraging intersectoral and multidisciplinary approaches to health promotion, taking account of the socio-economic factors and the physical environment necessary for the health of the individual and the community, especially for disadvantaged groups.3. The actions to be implemented under the programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:A. Health promotion strategies and structuresB. Specific prevention and health promotion measuresC. Health informationD. Health educationE. Vocational training in public health and health promotion.Article 2Implementation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in the field of health promotion, information, education and training.Article 3Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of the programme for the period referred to in

Article 1
Establishment of the programme
1. A programme of Community action on health promotion, information, education and training, hereinafter referred to as ‘the programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.
2. The objective of the programme shall be to contribute towards ensuring a high level of health protection and shall comprise actions aimed at:
– encouraging the ‘health promotion` approach in Member States’ health policies by lending support to various cooperation measures (exchanges of experience, pilot projects, networks, etc.),
– encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles and behaviour,
– promoting awareness of risk factors and health-enhancing aspects,
– encouraging intersectoral and multidisciplinary approaches to health promotion, taking account of the socio-economic factors and the physical environment necessary for the health of the individual and the community, especially for disadvantaged groups.
3. The actions to be implemented under the programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:
A. Health promotion strategies and structures
B. Specific prevention and health promotion measures
C. Health information
D. Health education
E. Vocational training in public health and health promotion.

Article 2
Implementation
1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.
2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in the field of health promotion, information, education and training.

Article 3
1. The financial framework for implementation of the programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 35 million.
2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.

Article 4
Consistency and complementarity
The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between actions to be implemented under the programme and the other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, as part of public health action or the fields of education and vocational training (Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci programmes), research (Biomed II) and health and safety at work.

Article 5
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee consisting of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission.
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:
(a) the Committee’s rules of procedure;
(b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action;
(c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under the programme, including those involving cooperation with international organizations competent in the field of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6 (2);
(d) the evaluation procedure;
(e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results;
(f) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organizations referred to in Article 2 (2).
The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall forthwith be communicated by the Commission to the Council. In that event:
– the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication;
– the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the first indent.
3. In addition, the Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of the programme.
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its opinion recorded in the minutes.
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.
4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the Committee regularly informed of:
– financial assistance granted under the programme (amount, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries),
– Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other areas which are of direct relevance to achievement of the objectives of the programme, with a view to ensuring the consistency and complementarity referred to in Article 4.

Article 6
International cooperation
1. In the course of implementing the programme, cooperation with non-member countries and with international organizations competent in the field of public health, in particular the World Health Organization and the Council of Europe as well as non-governmental organizations active in the areas covered by this programme, will be encouraged and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
2. The programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Accee) in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements relating to participation in Community programmes, to be concluded with those countries. The programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the EFTA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those countries.

Article 7
Monitoring and evaluation
1. The Commission, taking into account the reports drawn up by the Member States and with the participation, where necessary, of independent experts, shall ensure that an evaluation is made of the actions undertaken.
2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an interim report halfway through the programme and a final report on completion thereof. The Commission shall incorporate into these reports the results of the evaluations. It shall also send the reports to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Done at Brussels, 29 March 1996.
For the European Parliament
The President
For the Council
(1) OJ No C 252, 9. 9. 1994, p. 3, and OJ No C 135, 2. 6. 1995, p. 2.
(2) OJ No C 102, 24. 4. 1995, p. 15.
(3) OJ No C 210, 14. 8. 1995, p. 81.
(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 15 March 1995, (OJ No C 89, 10. 4. 1995, p. 72), Council Common Position of 2 June 1995 (OJ No C 216, 21. 8. 1995, p. 21) and Decision of the European Parliament of 25 October 1995 (OJ No C 308, 20. 11. 1995). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 February 1996 (OJ No C 65, 4. 3. 1996) and Council Decision of 16 February 1996.
(5) OJ No C 174, 25. 6. 1993, p. 1.
(6) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 1.
(7) OJ No C 3, 5. 1. 1989, p. 1.
(8) OJ No C 329, 31. 12. 1990, p. 1.
(9) OJ No C 326, 11. 12. 1992, p. 2.
(10) OJ No C 329, 6. 12. 1993, p. 375.
(11) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 3.

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 129 thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (3),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty (4) in the light of the joint text approved on 31 January 1996 by the Conciliation Committee,(1) Whereas, pursuant to Article 3 (o) of the Treaty, Community action must include a contribution towards the attainment of a high level of health protection; whereas Article 129 of the Treaty expressly provides for Community competence in this field insofar as the Community contributes to it by encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, by lending support to their action;(2) Whereas the actions to be carried out must be undertaken within the framework for action in the field of public health set out by the Commission and take into account, as the Council requested in its Resolution of 27 May 1993 (5), other actions undertaken by the Community in the field of public health or having an impact on public health;(3) Whereas the Council, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 (6) in response to the Commission communication of 24 November 1993 on the framework for action in the field of public health, included health promotion, education and training among the priority areas for action for which the Commission was invited to bring forward proposals for action;(4) Whereas, in their Resolution of 23 November 1988 concerning health education in schools (7), the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council emphasized that certain eating habits, the uncontrolled use of some chemical substances and medicines, drug abuse, smoking and environmental pollution have a harmful effect on health, also bearing in mind the problems of safety and accident prevention;(5) Whereas, in their Resolution of 3 December 1990 concerning an action programme on nutrition and health (8), the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council underlined that the promotion of a healthy lifestyle as regards nutrition is vitally important to enable people to make the necessary choices for ensuring appropriate nutrition in keeping with individual needs;(6) Whereas, in their Conclusions of 13 November 1992 (9), in response to the Commission communication to the Council of 11 May 1992 on health education in schools, the Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member States meeting within the Council identified school as a vital setting for systematically developing a healthy lifestyle at an early age that would enable sickness and accidents to be reduced; whereas they considered that there were a variety of other settings such as local communities, homes, workplaces and hospitals, in which health education had a central role; whereas they invited the Commission to strengthen cooperation between Member States in implementing effective health education measures in the various settings;(7) Whereas in its resolution of 19 November 1993 on public health policy after Maastricht (10) the European Parliament formulated a series of proposals for Community action in the field of accident prevention and prevention of cardiovascular diseases which are not currently the subject of Community programmes;(8) Whereas, in its Resolution of 2 June 1994 concerning cardiovascular diseases (11), the Council invited the Commission to examine actions to encourage their prevention and further study of the risk factors for such diseases;(9) Whereas the results of the integrated approach adopted in the joint World Health Organization – Council of Europe – European Community Project entitled ‘The European Network of Health-Promoting Schools` are encouraging with respect to ways of implementing health promotion in particular settings;(10) Whereas it is recognized that socio-economic conditions such as urbanization, housing, unemployment and social exclusion have to be taken into consideration in the promotion of health, particularly for those living in deprived areas;(11) Whereas health education and information are expressly mentioned in the provisions of the Treaty dealing with public health, and constitute a priority for Community action in public health;(12) Whereas, by reason of its scale and effects, Community action in support of health promotion enables the objectives envisaged to be more effectively achieved;(13) Whereas cooperation with the competent international organizations and with non-member countries should be strengthened;(14) Whereas a multiannual programme should be launched with clear objectives for Community action, and priority measures should be selected, as well as appropriate mechanisms for the evaluation of such action, with a view to promoting the health of all the citizens of the Community;(15) Whereas this programme must contribute to raising awareness of health determinants and risk factors and encourage the development of an integrated approach to health promotion;(16) Whereas, from an operational point of view, the activities undertaken in the past in terms of both the establishment of Community networks of non-governmental organizations and of the mobilization of all those involved in health promotion and education should be safeguarded and developed;(17) Whereas the programme must take account of past and current measures implemented in the Member States either by the competent authorities or by other parties involved in health policy;(18) Whereas, however, possible duplication of effort should be avoided by the promotion of the exchange of experience and by the joint development of basic information modules for the general public, for health education and for training members of the health-care professions;(19) Whereas the objectives of this programme and the actions undertaken to implement it form part of the health protection requirements referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 129 (1) of the Treaty and as such form a constituent part of the Community’s other policies;(20) Whereas it is important that the Commission ensures implementation of this programme in close cooperation with the Member States; whereas, to that end, provision should be made for a procedure to ensure that Member States are fully involved in implementing the plan;(21) Whereas a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty was concluded on 20 December 1994;(22) Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of this programme, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and Commission of 6 March 1995, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;(23) Whereas this programme should run for five years in order to allow sufficient time for actions to be implemented to achieve the objectives set;(24) Whereas, in order to increase the value and impact of the action programme, a continuous assessment of the measures undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard to their effectiveness and the achievement of objectives at both national and Community level and, where appropriate, the necessary adjustments should be made;(25) Whereas responsibility for measures concerning sex education in general, especially measures designed to further integrate such education within schools, lies with the Member States, with due regard to their structures, especially schools,HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Article 1Establishment of the programme 1. A programme of Community action on health promotion, information, education and training, hereinafter referred to as ‘the programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.2. The objective of the programme shall be to contribute towards ensuring a high level of health protection and shall comprise actions aimed at:- encouraging the ‘health promotion` approach in Member States’ health policies by lending support to various cooperation measures (exchanges of experience, pilot projects, networks, etc.),- encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles and behaviour,- promoting awareness of risk factors and health-enhancing aspects,- encouraging intersectoral and multidisciplinary approaches to health promotion, taking account of the socio-economic factors and the physical environment necessary for the health of the individual and the community, especially for disadvantaged groups.3. The actions to be implemented under the programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:A. Health promotion strategies and structuresB. Specific prevention and health promotion measuresC. Health informationD. Health educationE. Vocational training in public health and health promotion.Article 2Implementation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in the field of health promotion, information, education and training.Article 3Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of the programme for the period referred to in
Establishment of the programme
1. A programme of Community action on health promotion, information, education and training, hereinafter referred to as ‘the programme`, shall be adopted for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 within the framework for action in the field of public health.
2. The objective of the programme shall be to contribute towards ensuring a high level of health protection and shall comprise actions aimed at:
– encouraging the ‘health promotion` approach in Member States’ health policies by lending support to various cooperation measures (exchanges of experience, pilot projects, networks, etc.),
– encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles and behaviour,
– promoting awareness of risk factors and health-enhancing aspects,
– encouraging intersectoral and multidisciplinary approaches to health promotion, taking account of the socio-economic factors and the physical environment necessary for the health of the individual and the community, especially for disadvantaged groups.
3. The actions to be implemented under the programme and their specific objectives are set out in the Annex under the following headings:
A. Health promotion strategies and structures
B. Specific prevention and health promotion measures
C. Health information
D. Health education
E. Vocational training in public health and health promotion.
Implementation
1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation, in close cooperation with the Member States, of the actions set out in the Annex, in accordance with Article 5.
2. The Commission shall cooperate with the institutions and organizations which are active in the field of health promotion, information, education and training.
1. The financial framework for implementation of the programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 35 million.
2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective.
Consistency and complementarity
The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between actions to be implemented under the programme and the other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, as part of public health action or the fields of education and vocational training (Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci programmes), research (Biomed II) and health and safety at work.
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee consisting of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission.
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:
(a) the Committee’s rules of procedure;
(b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action;
(c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under the programme, including those involving cooperation with international organizations competent in the field of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6 (2);
(d) the evaluation procedure;
(e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results;
(f) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organizations referred to in Article 2 (2).
The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall forthwith be communicated by the Commission to the Council. In that event:
– the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication;
– the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the first indent.
3. In addition, the Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of the programme.
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its opinion recorded in the minutes.
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.
4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the Committee regularly informed of:
– financial assistance granted under the programme (amount, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries),
– Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other areas which are of direct relevance to achievement of the objectives of the programme, with a view to ensuring the consistency and complementarity referred to in Article 4.
International cooperation
1. In the course of implementing the programme, cooperation with non-member countries and with international organizations competent in the field of public health, in particular the World Health Organization and the Council of Europe as well as non-governmental organizations active in the areas covered by this programme, will be encouraged and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5.
2. The programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Accee) in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements relating to participation in Community programmes, to be concluded with those countries. The programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the EFTA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those countries.
Monitoring and evaluation
1. The Commission, taking into account the reports drawn up by the Member States and with the participation, where necessary, of independent experts, shall ensure that an evaluation is made of the actions undertaken.
2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an interim report halfway through the programme and a final report on completion thereof. The Commission shall incorporate into these reports the results of the evaluations. It shall also send the reports to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Done at Brussels, 29 March 1996.
For the European Parliament
The President
For the Council
(1) OJ No C 252, 9. 9. 1994, p. 3, and OJ No C 135, 2. 6. 1995, p. 2.
(2) OJ No C 102, 24. 4. 1995, p. 15.
(3) OJ No C 210, 14. 8. 1995, p. 81.
(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 15 March 1995, (OJ No C 89, 10. 4. 1995, p. 72), Council Common Position of 2 June 1995 (OJ No C 216, 21. 8. 1995, p. 21) and Decision of the European Parliament of 25 October 1995 (OJ No C 308, 20. 11. 1995). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 February 1996 (OJ No C 65, 4. 3. 1996) and Council Decision of 16 February 1996.
(5) OJ No C 174, 25. 6. 1993, p. 1.
(6) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 1.
(7) OJ No C 3, 5. 1. 1989, p. 1.
(8) OJ No C 329, 31. 12. 1990, p. 1.
(9) OJ No C 326, 11. 12. 1992, p. 2.
(10) OJ No C 329, 6. 12. 1993, p. 375.
(11) OJ No C 165, 17. 6. 1994, p. 3.
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMME ON HEALTH PROMOTION (1996 to 2000)
A. HEALTH PROMOTION STRATEGIES AND STRUCTURES
To encourage the evaluation of the impact of health promotion policies and instruments and the development of a health promotion approach in the Member States by promoting the devising and assessment of health promotion strategies and dissemination of the best practices.
1. Surveys and comparative analyses of the impact of Community and national health promotion policies and instruments and of health promotion structures and strategies and the assessment of the latter; activities to encourage and support cooperation between Member States on various strategic aspects of public health and health promotion.
2. Support for transnational networks of national, regional or local health promotion bodies, adopting an integrated approach (i.e. an approach covering the various determinants, contexts and population groups) and promotion of joint activities and projects.
B. SPECIFIC PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION MEASURES
To improve knowledge, particularly in conjunction with measures under the Biomed programme, of the situation and the problem of health promotion in relation to certain risk factors and health determinants and to certain disadvantaged social groups. To promote intersectoral and multidisciplinary approaches to health promotion directed at vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.
3. Support for integrated health promotion measures and projects relating more specifically to groups which are disadvantaged as a result of their vulnerability or social exclusion, of social and cultural differences or of living in unfavourable areas or environments, together with measures to combat exclusion and precarious situations.
4. Examination of the role of nutrition and other life-style factors in the etiology of diseases and information to the public to improve understanding of basic nutritional principles and of new techniques and methods of presenting and preparing foodstuffs.
5. Promotion of analysis, evaluation and exchange of experience and information and support for actions in respect of innovative measures for the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, taking account of the risk factors for such diseases.
6. Support for exchanges of experience and information concerning the rational use of medicines, in particular generic medicines and self-medication, in cooperation with general practitioners and pharmacists. Exchange of experience on providing the public with information on the use of medicines, in particular medicines available without prescription.
7. Promotion of examination, assessment and exchanges of experience and support for actions concerning measures to prevent alcohol abuse and the health and social consequences thereof.
8. Support for measures to promote regular physical activity and to reach sound physical and mental hygiene practices.
9. Support for studies on ageing populations in the European Union and promotion of exchanges of experience and information on the prevention of age-related illnesses in conjunction with the other specific programmes.
C. HEALTH INFORMATION
To improve knowledge of mechanisms for devising health messages and assessing health information methods and encourage an exchange of information and documentation between professionals and those responsible for public health and health promotion policies.
10. Support for and coordination of work in the Member States to improve knowledge of the psychological, sociological and cultural mechanisms and the economic factors involved and of information methods to encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles; support for the assessment of results and for dissemination of the best practices.
11. Surveys of public opinion on various aspects of health promotion (Eurobarometer survey) and support for the preparation and assessment of specific information campaigns including those coordinated at Community level or in several Member States.
12. Support for the development of a European infrastructure, for example in the form of transnational networks, reference centres containing information and documentation on public health and health promotion for use by professionals, administrators and decision-makers in the field of public health, and dissemination to interested parties of information on the Community’s activities in this field.
D. HEALTH EDUCATION
To encourage greater integration of health education in schools, including sex education; to foster the development and dissemination of the best health education experiments and methods tailored to different contexts (e.g. school, work and leisure) and different target groups (e.g. children, adolescents and young adults, and workers).
13. Exchanges of experience between Member States concerning the development and distribution of appropriate health education programmes, teaching materials and modules. Support for information campaigns, demonstration projects and innovative experiments aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and responsible behaviour including support for the European Network of Health-Promoting Schools in cooperation with the WHO and the Council of Europe.
14. Support for, coordination and evaluation of health education projects which are aimed at young persons and adolescents who have left the school system and are devised and implemented either by official bodies or by private associations and non-governmental organizations in settings such as sport and leisure activities and socio-cultural activity centres.
15. Support for innovative means of providing continuing structured health education, involving distance teaching and information technologies, for adults and the elderly.
16. Support for health education measures in the workplace, particularly in relation to nutrition and the risks involved in tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as mental health factors, including prevention of stress-related risks.
E. VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH PROMOTION
To help to familiarize the various categories of health staff, those who decide on and administer health policy or action and those in the front line of health promotion (e.g. teachers, educators, social workers) with knowledge, ideas and methods relating to public health, prevention, health promotion, information and health education.
17. Review and assessment of existing structures and training schemes in public health and health promotion and compilation of a European directory. Support for cooperation between schools of public health, universities and bodies providing training in this area with a view to the development of common training courses and exchanges of students and teaching staff in conjunction with existing education and training schemes.
18. Promotion of cooperation between Member States on the content of training courses and training activities in the fields of public health and health promotion for professionals, administrators and decision-makers, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches (including social, economic, psychological and environmental aspects).
19. Support for training activities relating to health education in schools aimed at teachers, instructors and other staff concerned including development of modules, teaching aids and educational materials.
20. Encouragement and support for exchanges of experience relating to the training of health professionals in health promotion and the early detection and prevention of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, and in identifying and controlling risk factors and situations, including those linked to alcohol abuse.

Pending: 31996D0624

January 16, 2026
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Directive 72/462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine, ovine and caprine animals and swine, fresh meat or meat products from third countries (1), as last amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, and in particular Article 3 thereof,Whereas Council Decision 79/542/EEC (2), as last amended by Commission Decision 96/605/EC (3), draws up a list of third countries from which Member States authorize imports of bovine animals, swine, equidae, sheep and goats, fresh meat and meat products;Whereas the authorities of Argentina and Uruguay have provided the Commission with satisfactory information on the health situation and veterinary structures responsible for checking, in both of these countries, the meat of wild cloven-hoofed animals;Whereas the authorities of the Czech Republic have provided the Commission with satisfactory information on the health situation and the veterinary structures responsible for the prevention of classical swine fever in wild boar;Whereas Decision 79/542/EEC must be amended as a result;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1
The Annex to Decision 79/542/EEC is replaced by the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 17 October 1996.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 302, 31. 12. 1972, p. 28.
(2) OJ No L 146, 14. 6. 1979, p. 15.
(3) OJ No L 267, 19. 10. 1996, p. 29.

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Directive 72/462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine, ovine and caprine animals and swine, fresh meat or meat products from third countries (1), as last amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, and in particular Article 3 thereof,Whereas Council Decision 79/542/EEC (2), as last amended by Commission Decision 96/605/EC (3), draws up a list of third countries from which Member States authorize imports of bovine animals, swine, equidae, sheep and goats, fresh meat and meat products;Whereas the authorities of Argentina and Uruguay have provided the Commission with satisfactory information on the health situation and veterinary structures responsible for checking, in both of these countries, the meat of wild cloven-hoofed animals;Whereas the authorities of the Czech Republic have provided the Commission with satisfactory information on the health situation and the veterinary structures responsible for the prevention of classical swine fever in wild boar;Whereas Decision 79/542/EEC must be amended as a result;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
The Annex to Decision 79/542/EEC is replaced by the Annex to this Decision.
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 17 October 1996.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 302, 31. 12. 1972, p. 28.
(2) OJ No L 146, 14. 6. 1979, p. 15.
(3) OJ No L 267, 19. 10. 1996, p. 29.
This is a list in principle, imports shall fulfil the appropriate animal and public health requirements
LIVE ANIMALS, FRESH MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS
SPECIAL COLUMN FOR REGISTERED HORSES

Pending: 31996D0550

January 16, 2026
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 of 13 November 1984 determining the Community scale for grading pig carcases (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3513/93 (2), and in particular Article 5 (2) thereof,Whereas Article 2 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 provides that the grading of pig carcases must be determined by estimating the content of lean meat in accordance with statistically proven assessment methods based on the physical measurement of one or more anatomical parts of the pig carcase; whereas the authorization of grading methods is subject to compliance with a maximum tolerance for statistical error in assessment; whereas this tolerance has been defined in Article 3 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85 of 24 October 1985 laying down detailed rules for the application of the Community scale for grading pig carcases (3), as amended by Regulation (EC) No 3127/94 (4);Whereas the Government of Finland has requested the Commission to authorize two methods for grading pig carcases and has submitted the details required in Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85; whereas an examination of this request has revealed that the conditions for authorizing the two grading methods are fulfilled;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1
Use of the following methods is hereby authorized for grading pig carcases pursuant to Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 in Finland:
– the apparatus called ‘Hennessy grading probe` (HGP4) and assessment methods related thereto, details of which are given in Part 1 of the Annex,
– the method called ‘Intrascope/Optical probe` details of which are given in Part 2 of the Annex.

Article 2
Modifications of apparatus or of assessment methods shall not be authorized.

Article 3
This decision is addressed to Finland.
Done at Brussels, 5 September 1996.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 301, 20. 11. 1984, p. 1.
(2) OJ No L 320, 22. 12. 1993, p. 5.
(3) OJ No L 285, 25. 10. 1985, p. 39.
(4) OJ No L 330, 21. 12. 1994, p. 43.

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 of 13 November 1984 determining the Community scale for grading pig carcases (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3513/93 (2), and in particular Article 5 (2) thereof,Whereas Article 2 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 provides that the grading of pig carcases must be determined by estimating the content of lean meat in accordance with statistically proven assessment methods based on the physical measurement of one or more anatomical parts of the pig carcase; whereas the authorization of grading methods is subject to compliance with a maximum tolerance for statistical error in assessment; whereas this tolerance has been defined in Article 3 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85 of 24 October 1985 laying down detailed rules for the application of the Community scale for grading pig carcases (3), as amended by Regulation (EC) No 3127/94 (4);Whereas the Government of Finland has requested the Commission to authorize two methods for grading pig carcases and has submitted the details required in Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 2967/85; whereas an examination of this request has revealed that the conditions for authorizing the two grading methods are fulfilled;Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Use of the following methods is hereby authorized for grading pig carcases pursuant to Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 in Finland:
– the apparatus called ‘Hennessy grading probe` (HGP4) and assessment methods related thereto, details of which are given in Part 1 of the Annex,
– the method called ‘Intrascope/Optical probe` details of which are given in Part 2 of the Annex.
Modifications of apparatus or of assessment methods shall not be authorized.
This decision is addressed to Finland.
Done at Brussels, 5 September 1996.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 301, 20. 11. 1984, p. 1.
(2) OJ No L 320, 22. 12. 1993, p. 5.
(3) OJ No L 285, 25. 10. 1985, p. 39.
(4) OJ No L 330, 21. 12. 1994, p. 43.
METHODS FOR GRADING PIG CARCASES IN FINLAND
Hennessy grading probe (HGP4)
1. Grading of pig carcases is carried out, by means of the apparatus called ‘Hennessy grading probe` (HGP4):
2. The apparatus shall be equipped with a probe of 5,95 mm diameter (and of 6,3 mm at the blade on top of the probe) containing a photodiode (Siemens LED of the type LYU 260-EO and photodetector of the type 58 MR) and having an operating distance of between 0 and 120 mm. The results of the measurements shall be transformed in terms of estimated lean meat content by means of the HGP 4 itself as well as a computer linked to it.
3. The lean content of the carcase shall be calculated according to the following formula:
^y = 60,385 – 0,328 x1 – 0,456 x2 + 0,156 x3Where:
^y = the estimated percentage of lean meat in the carcase
x1 = the thickness of backfat (including rind) in millimetres measures at 8 cm off the midline of the carcase behind the last rib
x2 = the thickness of backfat (including rind) in millimetres, measured at 6 cm off the midline of the carcase between the third and fourth last rib
x3 = the thickness of muscle in millimetres measured at the same time and the same place as x2.
This formula shall be valid for carcases weighing between 51 and 107 kg.
Intrascope/Optical probe
1. Grading of pig carcases is carried out by means of the method called ‘Intrascope/Optical probe`.
2. The intrascope shall be equipped with a hexagonal shaped probe of a maximum width of 12 mm (and of 19 mm at the blade on top of the probe) containing a viewing window and light source, a sliding barrel calibrated in millimetres and having an operating distance of between 7 and 50 mm.
3. The lean meat content of the carcase shall be calculated according to the following formula:
^y = 67,526 – 0,698 x1Where:
^y = the estimated lean meat of the carcase
x1 = the thickness of backfat (including rind) in millimetres measures at 6 cm off the midline of the carcase between the third and fourth last rib.
This formula shall be valid for carcases weighing between 51 and 107 kg.