9.1.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities L 5/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 26/1999 of 21 December 1998 adopting autonomous and transitional measures for Europe Agreements with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in certain processed agricultural products THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 113 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas, pending adaptation of Protocol 2 of the Europe Agreements concluded with Estonia, Latvia and Lithu- ania ("), Regulation (EC) No 2621/97 () was adopted, which, until 31 December 1998 maintains the degree of preference granted, thus offsetting possible trade- distorting effects the implementation of the results of the Uruguay Round may have on exports from these coun- tries to the Community; Whereas, pending adoption of improved concessions granted to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania by the respective Joint Committees, Regulation (EC) No 2621/97 laid down new concessions on a provisional and autonomous basis; Whereas the negotiations with the countries concerned for the conclusion of Adaptation Protocols adjusting the trade aspects of the Europe Agreements, hereinafter ‘Adaptation Protocols’, have been concluded and new Protocols 2 have been initialled; whereas procedures for the formal adoption of the Adaptation Protocols are under way; whereas the time schedule required for formal adop- tion may not allow for the entry into force of the Adapta- tion Protocols with all of the countries concerned on 1 January 1999; whereas it is therefore advisable to provide for extension of the concessions on an autonomous basis until 31 December 1999, (") OJ L 373, 31. 12. 1994, p. 1 (Estonia). OJ L 374, 31. 12. 1994, p. 1 (Latvia). OJ L 375, 31. 12. 1994, p. 1 (Lithuania). (3 Council Regulation (EC) No 2621/97 of 19 December 1997 adopting autonomous and transitional measures for the free trade agreements with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in certain processed agricultural products (OJ L 354, 30. 12. 1997, p. 1). HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 1. From 1 January to 31 December 1999 the goods originating from Lithuania listed in Annex I to this Regu- lation shall be subject to the annual tariff quotas and preferential duties mentioned in that Annex. The basic amounts to be taken into consideration in calculating the reduced agricultural components and additional duties applicable to the importation into the Community are given in Annex IL 2. From 1 January to 31 December 1999 the goods originating from Latvia listed in Annex III shall be subject to the annual tariff quotas and preferential duties mentioned in that Annex. The basic amounts to be taken into considereation in calculating the reduced agricultural components and additional duties applicable to the importation into the Community are given in Annex IIL 3. From 1 January to 31 December 1999 the goods originating from Estonia listed in Annex IV shall be subject to the annual tariff quotas and preferential duties mentioned in that Annex. The basic amounts to be taken into consideration in calculating the reduced agricultural components and additional duties applicable to the importation into the Community are given in Annex IIL Article 2 1. The concessions applying to trade in processed agri- cultural products provided for in the Adaptation Protocols with the countries referred to in Article 1 shall replace the concessions provided for in the respective Annexes to this Regulation: (a) as from 1 January 1999 with regard to those countries for which the Adaptation Protocols are in force by that date, and