(5) According to this same Decision, the balance of the financial contribution by the Community was to be based on the claim submitted by the United Kingdom on 27 February 2003, on detailed documents confirming the figures in the claim, and on the results of the on-the-spot checks by the Commission.

(6) Having taken into account the abovementioned elements, the financial contribution from the Community towards the operational costs for the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom in 2001 should now be fixed.

(7) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The additional financial contribution by the Community towards the operational and other costs of the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom in 2001 covered by Decision 2003/676/EC is fixed at EUR 156 972 555.

Having regard to the already paid advance of EUR 40 million, a balance of EUR 116 972 555 shall be paid as soon as the necessary credits are made available.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Done at Brussels, 30 December 2004.

For the Commission

Markos

KYPRIANOU

Member of the Commission

(1)

OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 19

. Decision as last amended by Directive 2003/99/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (

OJ L 325, 12.12.2003, p. 31

(2)

OJ L 230, 28.8.2001, p. 16

(3)

OJ L 8, 14.1.2003, p. 41

(4)

OJ L 249, 1.10.2003, p. 45