(1)

In the context of major epidemics of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the late 1950s both within the Community and in neighbouring countries, the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EUFMD) was founded within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations Organisation.

(2)

In the 1960s, due to increased threats from introduction of exotic strains of FMD into Europe, the member countries of the EUFMD were called to establish a Trust Fund aimed at emergency measures to be carried out in the Balkans, the main entrance route of the disease. Later that fund was divided into Trust Fund 911100MTF/003/EEC supported by those member countries that were at the same time Member States of the Community and Trust Fund 909700MTF/004/MUL supported by member countries of EUFMD which at that time were not or are not Member States of the Community.

(3)

In accordance with Article 4 of Council Directive 90/423/EEC of 26 June 1990 amending Directive 85/511/EEC introducing Community measures for the control of foot-and-mouth disease, Directive 64/432/EEC on animal health problems affecting intra- Community trade in bovine animals and swine and Directive 72/462/EEC on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine animals and swine and fresh meat or meat products from third countries (2), prophylactic vaccination against FMD ceased throughout the Community in 1991.

(4)

At the same time Decision 90/424/EEC specifically provided for the possibility to support measures for the control of foot-and-mouth disease in third countries, in particular with the view to protect areas at risk within the Community.

(5)

By adopting Council Directive 2003/85/EC of 29 September 2003 on Community measures for the control of foot-and-mouth disease repealing Directive 85/511/EEC and Decisions 89/531/EEC and 91/665/EEC and amending Directive 92/46/EEC (3) the Member States reconfirmed the prohibition of prophylactic vaccination while extending the possibility for the use of emergency vaccination against FMD.

(6)

A number of outbreaks of FMD reported since 1992 in particular in parts of the Community adjacent to endemically infected countries and a major epidemic in certain Member States in 2001 are calling for a high level of disease awareness and preparedness, including international cooperation.

(7)

Moreover, in countries neighbouring the Member States outbreaks and in some cases severe epidemics have been recorded during the last years which are liable to threaten the health status of Community susceptible livestock.

(8)

In the light of the emergence of new virus topotypes and regional deterioration of control measures, the Community, in close cooperation with the EUFMD and by using the Trust Fund 911100MTF/003/EEC, supported emergency vaccination campaigns in Turkey and in Transcaucasia.

(9)

In accordance with Commission Decision 2001/300/EC of 30 March 2001 on Community cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organisation with particular regard to activities carried out by the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (4) the Commission concluded the ‘Implementing Agreement MTF/INT/003/EEC911100 (TFEU970089129) on EC Funded Permanent Activities carried out by the FAO European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-mouth Disease’ which was successfully operated until 31 December 2004.

(10)

The European Community and the United Nations signed on 29 November 2003 a new Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement, which provided the enabling environment for the Agreement between the Commission of the European Communities and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, signed on 17 July 2003.

(11)

It appears appropriate to renew the Implementing Agreement between the two international organisations and, taking into account the enlarged Community, fix the Community contribution to the Trust Fund 911100MTF/INT/003/EEC at a maximum level of EUR 4.5 million for a period of four years. The budget of the Trust Fund for 2005 should be made up of the final balance of its funds on 25 January 2005 and a Community contribution to bring the amount to an equivalent in USD of EUR 2 million. Subsequently expenditure should be replenished by annual transfers.

(12)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,