No L 162/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 1.7.96 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 25 June 1996 on improving Community agricultural statistics (96/411/EC) - THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (?), Having regard to Council Decision 93/464/EEC of 22 July 1993 on the framework programme for priority actions in the field of statistical information 1993 to 1997(%), and in particular Article 4 (a) thereof, Whereas the 1993-1997 framework programme envisaged by Decision 93/464/EEC establishes, inter alia, the need for better utilization of the resources devoted to agricultural statistics by implementation of the results of a ‘screening’ operation carried out under the previous statistical programme envisaged by the Council Resolution of 19 June 1989 on the implementation of a plan of priority actions in the field of statistical information: Statistical programme of the European Communities (1989 to 1992)(*); Whereas this screeening has identified the main aspects of the changes to be incorporated in Community agricultural statistics; () OJ No C 336, 14. 12. 1995, p. 6. (?) Opinion delivered on 24 May 1996 (O] No C 166, 10. 6. 1996). (}) O] No L 219, 28. 8. 1993, p. 1. (*) O] No C 161, 28. 6. 1989, p. 1. Whereas these changes include some of the main areas where savings may be made and where there are new or increasing needs; whereas these changes should conform to agreed general principles; Whereas national adaptations have to be coordinated at Community level, in order to ensure that: (a) data remain sufficiently reliable in the case of each Member State and comparable between Member States; (b) the changes to Council legislation which may be necessary can be identified, prepared and proposed by the Commission in good time and in addition that the Commission approves implementing rules for Council legislation in good time; (c) methodological studies by different Member States into efficient ways of meeting the new information needs are appropriate; (d)} the scheduling of national activities takes account of collective Community interest; (e) the Community financial resources facilitating execution of this programme are used as an addition to other national resources and in the most efficient way; Whereas the best means of achieving this coordination is within a formal structure which allows the technical constraints and preferences to be considered collectively and choices made which reconcile national and Community interests; Whereas a financial contribution by the Community to the Member States is necessary, according to their objective needs, to facilitate the adaptations required;