L 313126 Official Journal of the European Union 28.11.2009 COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 27 November 2009 concerning the adoption of a financing decision for 2010 for communication measures, studies, evaluations and on a direct grant to the OIE based on Article 168(1)(c) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 (2009/856/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field ('), and in particular Articles 20, 23 and 41 thereof, Having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Commu- nities () (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Financial Regulation’), and in particular Article 75 thereof, Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities () (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Implementing Rules), and in particular Article 90 thereof, Whereas: (1) Decision 2009/470/EC lays down the procedures governing the Community’s financial contribution towards specific veterinary measures, in particular as regards the information policy for animal health, animal welfare and food safety, and technical and scientific measures. (2)  Pursuant to Article 19 of Decision 2009/470/EC, the Community shall make a financial contribution to the establishment of an information policy in the field of animal health, animal welfare and food safety in products of animal origin including the performance of studies necessary for the preparation and development of legislation in the field of animal welfare. (3)  The Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010 (%) in particular foresees to involve and inform animal keepers/handlers as well as OJ L 155, 18.6.2009, p. 30. OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. the general public on current standards of animal protection and welfare, and to continue to support and initiate further international initiatives to raise awareness and create a greater consensus on animal welfare. In this regard, a European strategy to communicate on animal welfare in Europe and abroad is being implemented, to explain to citizens the variations in animal production systems and the costs and benefits of higher animal welfare standards. The Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a new Animal Health Strategy for the EU (2007 to 2013) acknowledges the importance of dialogue between citizens, civil society associations and the EC institutions (particularly the Commission). An effective communication strategy has been put in place in previous years to promote animal health issues and the Animal Health Strategy principles to stake- holders, organisations and society as a whole. This communication strategy should be continued. In 2010, it is the intention of the Commission to promote in particular the importance of identification and traceability of live animals and along the food chain during the EU Veterinary Week. The year 2011 has been designated as ‘World Veterinary Year 2011 and will mark the 250th anniversary of veterinary education in the world. A communication strategy aimed at different stakeholders will be prepared to highlight its importance and to inform the stake- holders about the different events that are to be organised in that year to celebrate this occasion. Article 41 of Decision 2009/470/EC provides for the Commission to submit a report to the Council and Parliament on the animal health situation and the cost effectiveness of the implementation of programmes for the eradication control and monitoring of animal diseases.