- expressed satisfaction at the continued good functioning of the Agreement; - noted that the EEA Joint Committee had, since the last meeting of the EEA Council, adopted 45 Decisions incorporating into the EEA Agreement Community legislation rela
ted, inter alia, to veterinary matters, technical regulations and standards, social security, transport, competition, state aid, financial services, telecommunications, health and safety at work, consumer protection and the environment; - noted in particular that the Joint Committee had by decision No 69
/98 of 17 July 1998 incorporated ...[+++] an important new area of strengthened cooperation into the Agreement in the form of a completely revised Annex I on veterinary matters and that the remaining veterinary acquis should be incorporated rapidly in order to ensure homogeneous conditions of trade in this area; - noted that the rate of decision taking had increased resulting from efforts undertaken by the Commission and the EFTA side, and that efforts should be continued in order to maintain the homogeneity of the EEA; - noted with satisfaction the continuing high level of participation by the EEA EFTA States in the decision shaping process; - noted that discussions in preparation for the resumption of work on Protocol 3 (processed agricultural products) of the EEA Agreement were close to completion, and that the revision of the Protocol could begin in the near future; - noted with disappointment that the ongoing discussions relating to Liechtenstein and the free movement of persons were not concluded.