13.7.2004 Official Journal of the European Union L 24121 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 21 June 2004 on the signing of the European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport (2004/544[EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 37, in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas: (1) The Commission has negotiated on behalf of the Community the European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport. (2)  Subject to its possible conclusion at a later date, the European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport, which is open for signature since 5 November 2003, should be signed, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Sole Article Subject to possible conclusion at a later date, the President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign, on behalf of the European Community (%), the European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport, attached to this Decision. Done at Luxembourg, 21 June 2004. For the Council The President J. WALSH (") Only the authentic versions of the Convention, ie. English and French, are reproduced.