Drinking milk produced in Estonia: derogation from Regulation (EC) No 2597/97

PURPOSE:  to extend a milk derogation to the Estonians until 30 April 2009.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Regulation.

CONTENT: Council Regulation 2597/97/EC lays down common rules for the production and marketing of drinking milk.  The provisions stipulate that drinking milk should contain a minimum of 3.5% fat. However, and in line with differing consumer habits, at least ten EU Member States have been given derogations from Regulation 2597/97/EC with regard to the fat content of drinking milk. The derogations are valid until 2009. All that is, apart from Estonia. For both political and legal reasons, Estonia was granted a derogation until 30 April 2007 only.

Nearly 93% of all drinking milk in Estonia has a fat content of 2.5%. Estonia has, therefore, recently asked the Commission to prolong its derogation to reflect the deadline awarded to the other Member States. The purpose of this proposal, therefore, is to prolong the Estonian derogation on fat content in drinking milk until 30 April 2009 in line with the other Member States who have been given a derogation.