PURPOSE : to amend Regulation 1257/1999/EC on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).
LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Regulation 567/2004/EC.
CONTENT : the Council adopted unanimously adopted a Regulation amending the Regulation on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).
The aim of the initial proposal was to allow new Member States to adapt to standards established by the Community in the field of the environment; public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety until such time as the required standard is due to be met, by giving to the farmers additional transfers to offset the costs of compliance.
A temporary derogation of three years (2004-2006) is introduced to Council Regulation 1257/1999/EC to allow new Member States to take investment costs into account under certain conditions when determining the level of the annual support under the "Meeting standards" measure. The investment costs may be taken into consideration for determining the level of annual support. A maximum ceiling of EUR 25 000 per farm is set in the Regulation.
This measure is budget neutral for the European Community and will be financed within the envelopes 2004 - 2006 approved for the new Member States.
ENTRY INTO FORCE : 01/05/2004.�