I (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 37 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2), Whereas: (1) Council Directive 77/93/EEC of 21 December 1976, on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community (3). For the sake of clarity and rationality, it has been amended on a number of occasions, often substantively (4). It should therefore be consolidated. (2) Plant production is very important to the Community...