6.4.98 Official Journal of the European Communities L 106/1 II (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 20 October 1997 on the conclusion of a Protocol concerning sanitary, phytosanitary and animal welfare measures in relation to trade to the Europe Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Czech Republic, of the other part (98/250/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 113 in conjunction with Article 228(2), first sentence thereof, Having regard to the Europe Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Czech Republic of the other part (1), signed on 4 October 1993, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (2), Whereas in the framework of the negotiations held between the Community and the Czech Republic a stage has been reached whereby an Additional Protocol now can be concluded bearing in mind that the Annexes will need to be amended regularly, as appropriate; whereas this Protocol will help to develop trade between the Parties by including the application of the principle of regionalisation for the main animal diseases and harmful organisms and by listing those commodities for which equivalent trade conditions are recognised; Whereas it is necessary to approve this Protocol, (1) OJ L 360, 31.12.1994, p. 2. (3) OJ C 229, 28.7.1997, p. 1.