Brussels, 25/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is hoping to conclude (most optimistic estimates forecast the end of March ) negotiations with East and Central European EU accession candidate countries (CEEC) very shortly. Negotiations on the liberalisation of the trade in agricultural products began nearly two years ago. The object of this new "double profit" approach will consist of: setting quotas on tariffs for certain sensitive products, such as grain (wheat, corn, barley), dairy products and beef and as a starting point on 2% of each CEEC's consummation; immediately and completely liberalising trade for certain products such as malt, barley that is used in malt production, minor grains, treacle, rice and sheep meat. The opening up of the markets could be set in motion by 1 July.
This initiative forms part of the first so called "double zero" agreements (ending import controls and export refunds) concluded with ten candidate countries in 2000 on mainly agricultural products that had hitherto been excluded in negotiations. The Commission also hopes to end tariffs on import quotas in line with the 2000 agreements, as opposed to the minimum entry price system for fruit and vegetables which will be maintained. When the Commission reaches an agreement with the countries involved in negotiations, it will present the results to the Council of Ministers, which will in turn ratify them. According to Community sources, this approach was quite enthusiastically welcomed by candidate countries in initial meetings with the Commission.