In line with Regulation 1493/99 provisions the European Commission has prepared an extensive Report on how it is being applied with particular attention given to the management of planting rights. The Report assesses issues such as new planting rights, replanting rights, changes in production potential since 1 August 2000 etc.
Having examined the market in some detail following the changes introduced in 1999, the Commission makes the following conclusions:
Firstly, regarding new planting rights, the Commission notes that Italy and Greece have officially requested new planting rights. The Commission, however, is of the view that it would be premature to add a further 17 000 ha to the area under vines in the community.
Secondly, regarding changes relating to illicit planting, the Commission concludes that provisions relating to illicit planting should be implemented as soon as possible in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the market. It goes on to suggest that the problem of regularising illicit plantings can only be resolved adequately by amending Regulation 1493/99/EC. Consequently, the Commission is preparing a proposal, which would amend the Regulation in 2004.�