The ordinary Session of the Joint Committee

Bled, July 4, 2003

The Joint Committee examined the development of mutual trade among the CEFTA Parties. In this respect, it appreciated the general positive trend in the period from the last session, in 2002, as well as the positive contribution to the development of trade among the CEFTA Parties within the period of its functioning.

The Joint Committee appreciated the progress achieved in further liberalization of trade in agricultural products. On the other hand, it expressed concern about the lack of progress in solving problems related to safeguard measures and export subsidies applied by certain Parties. The Parties also exchanged views on the changes in their relations after the accession of five CEFTA countries to the EU. In this respect, heads of the delegations of the acceding countries expressed their willingness to assist the remaining CEFTA Parties according to the possibilities given, with a view to prompt conclusion of negotiations on accession to the EU.

In addition the Agreed Minutes of the ordinary session of the Joint Committee, the following documents amending CEFTA were signed:

• Agreement amending the Central European Free Trade Agreement relating to amendments to the provisions on validity and withdrawal from the Agreement and Depositary needed due to the accession of five CEFTA countries to the EU;
• Additional Protocol No. 13 to CEFTA relating to technical amendments of Protocol 7 concerning rules of origin
• Additional Protocol No. 14 to CEFTA on further liberalization of trade in agricultural products between the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic on the one hand and the Republic of Hungary on the other.

Background information

On the basis of Article 34 of CEFTA, the Joint Committee was set up composed of representatives of the Parties, i.e., Ministers of the CEFTA Parties responsible for foreign trade. The Joint Committee meets whenever necessary but at least once a year.

The Joint Committee supervises and administers the implementation of the Agreement. Within the Joint Committee, the Parties exchange information and, at the request of any Party, hold consultations. The Committee also keeps under review the possibility of further removal of obstacles to trade between the Parties. The Joint Committee may take decisions in cases provided for in the Agreement (Article 10, 28, 31, 37). On other matters, the Committee may make recommendations. The recommendations of the Joint Committee are issued in the form of Agreed Minutes.

If the Joint Committee considers it necessary for its functioning, it can form subcommittees and working groups. On that basis, the Subcommittee on Agricultural Trade was set up in 1998.