"information system" means computers and electronic communication networks, as well as electronic data stored, processed, retrieved or transmitted by them for the purposes of their operation, use, protection and maintenance;

Whereas on 19 July 1991 the Commission adopted Decision 91/398/EEC on a computerized network linking veterinary authorities (Animo) (3) and on 21 February 1992, Decision 92/175/EEC establishing the list and identity of the units of the Animo computerized network (4);

Commission Decision 91/398 of 19 July 1991 on a computerised network linking veterinary authorities (Animo)(4) defines the principles governing the communications network linking the veterinary units listed in Decision 2002/459/EC(5).

The equipment used at border inspection posts for the purposes of this Decision may be that specified in Article 2 (2) of Commission Decision 91/398/EEC of 19 July 1991 on a computerized network linking veterinary authorities (Animo) (7).

I acknowledge receipt of your letter concerning the extension of the use of the common communications network/common systems interface (CCN/CSI) for the new computerised transit system to Norway, which reads as follows:

the network shall make use of, inter alia, an autonomous computer system linking the national drug information networks, the specialized centres in Member States and the information systems of the international or European organizations or bodies cooperating with the Centre.

Commission Decision of 3 July 2003 amending Decisions 2001/881/EC drawing up a list of border inspection posts agreed for veterinary checks on animals and animal products from third countries, and 2002/459/EC listing the units in the ANIMO computer network

If a local unit in a Member State is unable to use the Animo computerized network as from 1 June 1994, the central authority of that Member State shall ensure that all messages which that unit is intended to handle under the Animo system are taken over by the central unit.

As part of the Edicom 2 programme, a number of projects designed to promote interoperability between computer systems and networks are planned, including the creation of a network to improve the statistical service offered to administrations, data providers and data users.

As part of the Edicom 2 programme, a number of projects designed to promote interoperability between computer systems and networks are planned, including the development of tools and software for the collection of statistical data with a view to facilitating the work of administrations and information providers alike.

If a Member State is unable, in accordance with Article 1, to use the Animo computerized network as from 1 February 1994, the central authority of that Member State shall send by fax to the central authority of the country of destination all messages which the Animo system is intended to handle.

This situation may arise in particular with the implementation of important integrated transport infrastructure projects, large computer networks or projects involving complex and structured financing the financial and legal make-up of which cannot be defined in advance.

Regarding the extension of the use of the common communications network/common systems interface (CCN/CSI) for the new computerised transit system to Norway, I would like to propose the following commitment on behalf of the European Community:

Research will focus on new computational models, including computing and information GRIDs, peer-to-peer technologies and the associated middleware to make use of large scale highly distributed computing and storage resources and to develop scalable, dependable and secure platforms.

Commission Decision 2002/986/EC of 13 December 2002 amending Decisions 2001/881/EC drawing up a list of border inspection posts approved for veterinary checks on animals and animal products from third countries, and 2002/459/EC listing the units in the ANIMO computer network(3), as corrected by OJ L 4, 9.1.2003, p. 24, is to be incorporated into the Agreement.

Whereas the Commission has adopted several decisions concerning the Animo computerized network, in particular Decision 91/398/EEC of 19 July 1991 on a computerized network linking veterinary authorities (Animo) (3), Decision 92/486/EEC of 25 September 1992 establishing the form of cooperation between the Animo host centre and Member States (4) and Decision 93/227/EEC of 5 April 1993 on the provisional setting-up of the Animo computerized network in Italy (5);

Member States shall ensure that up-to-date information on ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead is routinely made available to the public as well as to appropriate organisations such as environmental organisations, consumer organisations, organisations representing the interests of sensitive populations and other relevant health-care bodies by means, for example, of broadcast media, press, information screens or computer-network services.