51995AC0595

Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) adapting Regulation (EEC) No 404/93 as regards the volume of the annual quota for the import of bananas into the Community following the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden (95/C 236/23)

On 27 April 1995 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the abovementioned proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Colombo as Rapporteur-General for its Opinion.

At its 326th Plenary Session (meeting of 31 May 1995) the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion by a large majority with 12 dissenting votes and 26 abstentions.

1. The Commission proposal seeks to amend the tariff quota established in Regulation (EEC) No 404/93 for the import of third country bananas and ACP non-traditional bananas, so as to take account of the consumption needs of Austria, Finland and Sweden.

2. The 353,000 tonne increase proposed by the Commission caters adequately for the annual banana consumption of the three new Member States.

3. The Committee therefore approves the proposal.

Done at Brussels, 31 May 1995.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER