THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 113 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Whereas the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway(1), signed in Brussels on 14 May 1973, does not provide for the prohibition of quantitative restrictions affecting exports and measures having equivalent effect;
Whereas it is in the interest of the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway to promote the free circulation of raw materials and goods by abolishing any such restrictions and measures and by preventing the creation of new restrictions or measures affecting their mutual trade;
Whereas it is necessary both to make arrangements for a phased abolition of current restrictions affecting certain products or measures having equivalent effect and to provide for safeguard measures in the event either of re-export towards third countries against which the exporting Contracting Party maintains restrictions or measures having equivalent effect or in the event of serious shortage of a particular product;
Whereas under Article 32 (1) of the Agreement, the Contracting Parties may, in the interest of their economies, develop the relations established by the Agreement by extending it to fields not covered thereby;
Whereas the Commission has held negotiations with the Kingdom of Norway, which have resulted in a Protocol,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: