HOW E.E.C.-GROWERS VIEW THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY

Although national governments can still take measures in a number of fields which have a direct or indirect impact on the economic climate in which their national growers have to work, the main policy decisions are taken by the Council of Ministers or the European Commission in Brussels.

The proper functioning of the Community in all its aspects is, therefor, essential not only for the existence of our Community, but also for a proper functioning of the common organisation of the fruit and vegetable market, with its large fluctuations in supply and the perishable character of many of its products.

After the first enlargement with the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark the decision taking process slowed down. Quite evidently it became more difficult to reach important decisions between nine member-states than between six.

The next enlargement of the Community with Greece, Spain and Portugal carries the danger of an even further slowing down of the decision taking process. The nine governments are aware of this danger and have charged three "wise men" to propose solutions. The fruit and vegetable sector too is anxiously looking forward to their report, because the entry of Greece, Spain and Portugal will considerably change the situation in the fruit and vegetable market and timely measures by the Community institutions will be essential.

The basic decision to enlarge the Community with three countries of the Mediterranean Area was taken because of political considerations. But quite apart from the general and important problem of how to ensure the proper functioning of the Community and its institutions, this political decision will entail a host of problems in other fields notably for the fruit and vegetable sector too.

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