L 114/32 Official Journal of the European Union 21.4.2004 COMMISSION DECISION of 13 April 2004 approving the first phase of the technical action plan 2004 for improving agricultural statistics (notified under document number C(2004) 1303) (2004/366/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, (5)  The enlargement which will occur during 2004 makes it Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Decision No 96/411/EC of 25 June 1996 on improving Community agricultural statistics ('), and in particular Article 4(1) and Article 6(2) thereof, Whereas: (1)  In accordance with Decision No 96/411/EC, the Commission establishes a technical action plan for agri- cultural statistics each year. 2)  In order to implement the relevant Community policies, it is essential to improve information on the physical aspects of European agriculture, to obtain detailed infor- mation on agri-environmental indicators, to develop the environmental aspects of agricultural accounting and to establish information systems on rural development. (3)  In accordance with Decision No 96/411/EC, the Com- munity contributes to the costs incurred by the Member States in making adaptations to national agricultural statistical systems or to the costs of preparatory work for new or increasing needs which are part of a technical action plan. (4)  There is a need to consolidate certain actions begun under previous action plans and to continue the work. (") OJ L 162, 1.7.1996, p. 14. Decision as last amended bﬁ/ Decision No 1919/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 293, 29.10.2002, p. 5). necessary to implement the 2004 action plan in two phases. The first phase of this action plan needs to be adopted. (6)  The measures provided for in this Decision are in line with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Agri- cultural Statistics, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Atrticle 1 The first phase of the 2004 technical action plan for improving agricultural statistics (TAPAS 2004 — Phase 1), as set out in the Annex to this Decision, is hereby approved. Atticle 2 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 13 April 2004. For the Commission Pedro SOLBES MIRA Member of the Commission