10/12/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Council of the EU has adopted four additional "Wine and Spirits" protocols to the stabilisation and association and interim agreements with Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The protocols cover the recognition, protection and reciprocal control of the official designations of wine and spirits and flavoured drinks. Under the protocols, the following imports will be allowed duty-free into the Community: 30,000 hectolitres of quality sparkling wine and wine from fresh grapes from Croatia with the option of increasing this quota by 10,000 hl a year until the ceiling of 70,000 hl is reached and an additional 15,000 hl quota for wine from fresh grapes; and 15,000 hl of quality sparkling wine and 285,000 hl of wine from fresh grapes from Macedonia. In return, Croatia has agreed to zero-rated imports from the EU of 8,000 hl of quality sparkling wines and wines from fresh grapes in 2002with the option of increasing this quota by 800 hl a year until the ceiling of 12,000 hl is reached. For Macedonia, the equivalent volume is 3,000 hl in 2002, with an increase of 300 hl.