EBrussels, 11.8.2006
COM(2006) 462 final
1997/0335 (COD)
OPINION OF THE COMMISSION
pursuant to Article 251 (2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty,
on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's common position
regarding the proposal for a
DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
laying down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels and repealing
Council Directive 82/714/EEC
1. Introduction
Article 251(2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty requires the Commission to deliver an opinion on amendments proposed by the European Parliament at second reading. The Commission sets out its opinion below on the amendments proposed by Parliament.
2. Background
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Date of transmission of
the proposal to the EP and the Council |
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Date of the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee: |
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Date of transmission of
the amended proposal |
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Date of adoption of the common position by unanimity: |
23 February 2006 |
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Date of the opinion of the European Parliament, second reading |
5 July 2006 |
3. Purpose of the proposal
The Commission amended
proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending
Directive 82/714/EEC laying down technical requirements for inland waterway
vessels aims at aligning the
Community technical requirements on the advanced standards governing navigation
of the Rhine, with a view to establishing a single scheme for the entire
network of European waterways. It should also facilitate the adaptation of
these technical requirements in the future, by way of a comitology procedure, in the light of technical progress and of developments
arising from the work of other international organisations, in particular that
of the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine.
The internal market and the development of free inland navigation on all waterways in the EU require the harmonisation or alignment of technical and safety requirements according to the highest standards. This will further both the free movement of goods and high safety, environmental and social standards. At the same time the harmonisation of technical requirements and the mutual recognition of certificates will improve the conditions for fair competition and establish a genuine level playing field in inland waterway transport in the single market.
4. Opinion of the Commission on the
amendment[s] by the European Parliament
The Commission can accept the amendment adopted by the European Parliament in second reading as it is a result of a compromise agreed between the European Parliament and the Council with a view to the adoption of the Directive in second reading. The Commission has in any case made clear before the Parliament that it would pay special attention to the subject of recreational craft in the comitology procedure. The amendment thus does not alter the aims and approach of the Commission’s proposal.
5. Conclusion
Pursuant to
Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty, the Commission amends its proposal as set out
above.
6. Commission Declaration
The Commission made a unilateral declaration at the occasion of the adoption of the Common Position (see Annex I).
ANNEX I
Commission declaration
When implementing the present Directive, the Commission commits itself to a close cooperation with CCNR, both concerning the adaptation of the Annexes and concerning the application of the Directive by Member States, and to take into account all initiatives undertaken by CCNR in this regard.