Brussels, 17/12/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Agriculture Ministers of EU Member States adopted by qualified majority, on Tuesday, proposals on opening of import quotas for average quality wheat and barley, essentially for the United States and Canada (see EUROPE of 14 December, p.12). Only Denmark voted against fearing the retaliatory measures that Russia is threatening to impose (on imports of European meat) if Russia does not receive an interesting offer for its cereal deliveries to the Community. Germany, Sweden and Spain abstained. Commissioner Franz Fischler explained that negotiations were still under way with Russia (and Ukraine) to determine a national quota in these countries within the quota of 2 981 600 tonnes of average and low quality wheat by common accord at the WTO level with the United States and Canada. As the United States and Canada obtained a quota of 572 000 and 38 000 tonnes of wheat respectively, there is still 2 371 600 tonnes to be attributed to the other third countries. A Commission spokesperson explained that even if Russia asked for a sizeable quota, it would be counter WTO rules to fix an autonomous quota for Russia (outside 2 981 600 tonnes) and impossible for the Member States to agree to increase the quota fixed for the United States and Canada.