Market in eggs and poultrymeat: exceptional support measures where restrictions are placed on free circulation in case of animal diseases and a drop in consumption (amend. Regulations (EEC) No 2771/75 and (EEC) No 2777/75)

PURPOSE: to lay down the legal basis for specific exceptional market support measures in the poultry meat and eggs sector.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Regulation 679/2006/EC amending Regulations 2771/75/EEC and 2777/75/EEC as regards the application of exceptional market support measures.

CONTENT: The Council unanimously adopted this Regulation, which extends the scope of Article 14 of Regulations 2771/75 and 2777/75 on, respectively, the common market organisation in eggs and in poultry. This Article allows for 50 % co-financing of veterinary measures (such as slaughtering of chickens) from the EU budget and 50 % co-financing of compensation for animal movement restrictions resulting from an outbreak of animal disease on a farm on the territory of the EU.

The new text will allow "exceptional market measures" to be taken at the request of Member States to take account of "serious market disturbances directly attributed to a loss in consumer confidence due to public health, or animal health risks". Once Member States have submitted their proposed measures, the Commission would have to approve them through the Management Committee procedure.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 11 May 2006.