AGREEMENT IN THE FORM OF AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS

amending the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and Romania on the Reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas for certain wines

A. Letter from the Community

Brussels, 17 June 1999.

Sir,

I have the honour to refer to the Agreement of 26 November 1993 in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and Romania on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas for certain wines and to the negotiations which have taken place between the European Community and Romania with a view to extending the Agreement beyond 31 December 1998.

I hereby confirm that as a result of the negotiations the European Community and Romania have agreed on the following:

I. The table below shall be added to the Annex to the said Agreement

"Quantities of wine originating in Romania and qualifying for tariff reductions in 1999

>TABLE>"

II. The following shall be added at the end of point 3(a) of the said Agreement: "- in 1999: 75 % of the basic duty not exceeding 18,75 % ad valorem;

In addition, in order to ensure optimal utilisation of the tariff quota opened by Romania for certain wines originating in the Community, the detailed provisions for management of the tariff quota by the Romanian authorities are to be amended by increasing the individual limit."

This Exchange of Letters shall be approved by the contracting Parties in accordance with their respective procedures.

This Agreement shall enter into force on 1 January 1999. It shall expire on 31 December 1999. During the first half of 1999 negotiations will take place with a view to concluding an additional protocol to the Europe Agreement covering both wines and spirits. In addition, the additional protocol to the Europe Agreement will lay down detailed rules for cooperation between Romania and the European Community to support the implementation of a programme under which Romania will adopt the acquis communautaire relating to wine and spirits, particularly as regards reinforcing inspection structures and controlling production in the winegrowing sector (including the establishment of a vineyard register).

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the contents of this letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

On behalf of the Council of the European Union

>PIC FILE= "L_1999172EN.001002.EPS">

B. Letter from Romania

Brussels, 17 June 1999.

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date, which reads as follows: "I have the honour to refer to the Agreement of 26 November 1993 in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and Romania on the reciprocal establishment of tariff quotas for certain wines and to the negotiations which have taken place between the European Community and Romania with a view to extending the Agreement beyond 31 December 1998.

I hereby confirm that as a result of the negotiations the European Community and Romania have agreed on the following:

I. The table below shall be added to the Annex to the said Agreement

'Quantities of wine originating in Romania and qualifying for tariff reductions in 1999

>TABLE>'

II. the following shall be added at the end of point 3(a) of the said Agreement: '- in 1999: 75 % of the basic duty but not exceeding 18,75 % ad valorem.

In addition, in order to ensure optimal utilisation of the tariff quota opened by Romania for certain wines originating in the Community, the detailed provisions for management of the tariff quota by the Romanian authorities are to be amended by increasing the individual limit.'

This Exchange of Letters shall be approved by the contracting Parties in accordance with their respective procedures.

This Agreement shall enter into force on 1 January 1999. It shall expire on 31 December 1999. During the first half of 1999 negotiations will take place with a view to concluding an additional protocol to the Europe Agreement covering both wines and spirits. In addition, the additional protocol to the Europe Agreement will lay down detailed rules for cooperation between Romania and the European Community to support the implementation of a programme under which Romania will adopt the acquis communautaire relating to wine and spirits, particularly as regards reinforcing inspection structures and controlling production in the winegrowing sector (including the establishment of a vineyard register).

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the contents of this letter."

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the contents of your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of Romania

>PIC FILE= "L_1999172EN.001101.EPS">