51998AC0111

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) on the financing of the common agricultural policy` (98/C 95/13)

On 17 December 1997 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Mengozzi as rapporteur-general for its opinion.

At its 351st plenary session (meeting of 28 January 1998), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion with 74 votes in favour and five abstentions.

1. The Committee approves the Commission proposal to consolidate the regulations governing the financing of the CAP.

2. The proposed single instrument incorporates the basic regulation (EEC) No 729/70 and the numerous amendments made over the years. The exercise does not involve any changes of substance; it merely makes formal adjustments required by consolidation.

3. The Committee has frequently called for the consolidation of Community regulations, as it considers this vital for making the common agricultural policy accessible and comprehensible to people working in the sector.

Brussels, 28 January 1998.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee

Tom JENKINS