08/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 6 September, the European Commission adopted a decision establishing the EU's financial contribution to the expenditure incurred to combat bluetongue disease in sheep in Italy in 2001 and 2002. The first instalment, EUR 4 million, has already been paid to Italy, and the final instalment, EUR 3.35 mil can now be paid out. The EU's financial contribution cannot be more than 50% of eligible costs. The decision was published in OJ L246 of 8 September 2006.