Subject files - Single Market Act I and II - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 4, 2014, 8:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System (IMI Regulation) - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - The Single Market Act - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

With legislative proposals and numerous non-legislative initiatives enshrined in two editions in 2011 and 2012, the Single Market Act is the biggest political initiative to boost the Single Market since 1992.

In order to remedy the identified shortcomings, and to give the internal market the opportunity to develop its full potential, the European Communication launched a debate on possible priority actions with its Communication "Towards a Single Market Act", adopted in October 2010, to which the Parliament's response was adopted on 6 April 2011 on the basis of three parallel reports prepared the IMCO committee:

A Single Market for Enterprises and Growth. Rapporteur: Cristian Silviu Buşoi (ALDE),
A Single Market for Europeans. Rapporteur: Antonio Fernando Correia De Campos (S&D),
Governance and Partnership in the Single Market. Rapporteur: Sandra Kalniete (EPP).

On 13 April 2011, the Commission published a conclusive Communication - the Single Market Act: Twelve levers to boost growth and strengthen citizens' confidence (SMA I) - setting out twelve key and fifty complementary actions in various policy areas, which was then followed by relevant legislative proposals and other documents, dealt with by sectoral Parliament committees (including IMCO).

Looking forward to the presentation of Single Market Act II, IMCO coordinated the preparation of a resolution on ‘Single Market Act: The Next Steps to Growth' which was adopted by plenary on 14 June 2012 and the Commission presented in October 2012 its Communication containing another 12 key actions cantered on four main drivers for growth, employment and consumer confidence, that is integrated networks, cross-border mobility of citizens and businesses, digital economy, and actions that reinforce social entrepreneurship, cohesion and consumer confidence. Again, following specific legislative proposals, the Parliament participated in the work on each of them via its competent committees.

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System (IMI Regulation) - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 5, 2014, 7:10 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Single Market Policy - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Single Market Act I and II - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System (IMI)

Following an agreement at first reading, the European Parliament and the Council adopted a regulation that lays down the rules governing the use of the Internal Market Information System for the implementation of administrative cooperation between the Member States' competent authorities and between the Member States' competent authorities and the Commission. The Internal Market Information System (IMI) is a software application accessible via the internet which was developed by the Commission in cooperation with the Member States. The system is used to assist Member States with the practical implementation of information exchange requirements laid down in Union acts by providing a centralized communication mechanism. The new Regulation establishes a legal framework for the IMI and a set of common rules to ensure that it functions efficiently and to enable its use to be extended to other areas of EU law. The IMI is notably being used for administrative cooperation under the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications, the Services Directive and, on a pilot basis, the Posting of Workers Directive.

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Single Market Policy - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 5, 2014, 7:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - The Internal Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System (IMI Regulation) - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The internal market (also referred to as the Single Market; SM) - an area of free movement for goods, people, services and capital - is at the heart of the European project since its inception and has been further developed since 1993 by the consolidation of economic integration, the introduction of common currency and solidarity and cohesion policies. A well-functioning integrated European single market is a fundamental process to further European integration, social cohesion, economic growth and sustainable development within the Union aimed at creating ‘an ever closer union among the European people’ preventing its citizens and Member States from reengaging in conflict. Twenty years after the launch of the European Single Market (SM) a number of shortcomings prevail as highlighted by Mario Monti in 'A New Strategy for the Single Market' and by IMCO report on Delivering a single market to consumers and citizens. IMCO has been very active.

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - The Internal Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 5, 2014, 7:55 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Single Market Governance within the European Semester - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Single Market Policy - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The internal market (also referred to as the Single Market [SM]) - an area of free movement for goods, people, services and capital - is at the heart of the European project. To bring this into being, IMCO has been extremely active to remove technical, regulatory, and legal barriers within the Union. The creation of the internal market encouraged EU Member States to liberalise the monopolistic public utility markets that had been protected until that point. By aligning their national laws, Member States set about harmonising rules and standards within the EU.

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Single Market Governance within the European Semester - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 5, 2014, 7:55 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Alignment Package - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - The Internal Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Single Market Governance and European Semester

Following the Commission's 2012 Communication on Better Governance for the Single Market, IMCO prepared a legislative own-initiative report on Governance of the Single Market (Rapporteur: Andreas Schwab (EPP)) which was adopted in plenary on 7 February 2013, putting forward recommendations on how the Single Market could be further improved and asking that a Single Market pillar be put in place within the European Semester for economic policy coordination. In addition, the report looked into the Single Market aspects of the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) which was presented by the Commission in November 2012 in order to set the course for the following European Semester, and in particular on the report on the state of the Single Market integration 2013 that formed part of the AGS. IMCO also decided to look into this subject annually, within each European Semester cycle.

In line with that, an own-initiative report on Governance of the Single Market within the European Semester was then prepared in IMCO, and adopted in plenary on 25 February 2014 (Rapporteur: Sergio Gaetano Cofferati (S&D)). It reiterated the need for a Single Market governance cycle to constitute a substantial pillar of the European Semester, and made a number of suggestions with regard to the key sectors with the highest growth potential (services, financial services, energy, transport, and digital markets) and to the existing Single Market instruments - including the Online Single Market Scoreboard).

To support IMCO's future work in this areas, two studies have been requested via the Parliament's research units: the first on theCost of non-Europe, updating whenever possible the Cecchini report that was published in 1988 and focusing on such areas as consumer acquis, public procurement, services and construction materials, and the second on Indicators for measuring performance of the Single Market,evaluating the existing tools and reflecting on the possible improvements. Both studies are expected by September 2014.

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Alignment Package - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 5, 2014, 9:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - European single market for electronic communications and to achieve a connected continent - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Single Market Governance within the European Semester - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Zuzana Roithová, Member of the IMCO committee

The Alignment Package consists of nine directives being aligned to the 'New Legislative Framework' (NLF) which was adopted as part of the goods package from 2008, in particular decision No 768/2008/EC establishing a common framework for the marketing of products. The NLF sets out the reference for future product legislation and the 9 directives were chosen as they were not foreseen for revision in the coming years. The directives were aligned to the NLF through a recast technique, seeking to focus only on changes that were a direct result of the alignment procedure without going into substantive changes that would require longer preparations. The Directive on Pressure Equipment was separated from the Alignment package presented in November 2011 because, unlike the other nine Directives, this recast also contained an alignment with another EU legislative act, namely Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation) of the EP and of the CEU of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. The intention of the proposal was restricted to a pure alignment with the horizontal provisions in Decision 768/2008/EC and CLP Regulation as well as the new terminology within the Lisbon Treaty, including new rules on Comitology. The IMCO Members supported the Commission's general intention of a pure alignment and had therefore limited their amendments to the EC proposal to changes reflecting the agreement obtained between the Council and the Parliament on the nine other Directives and which had been omitted in the proposal.

Rapporteur: Zuzana Roithova

Shadow Rapporteurs: Toine Manders (ALDE), Christel Schaldemose (S&D) / Kerstin Westphal (S&D) for Pressure Equipment, Ashley Fox (ECR) and Matteo Salvini (EFD)

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - European single market for electronic communications and to achieve a connected continent - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:10 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Measures to ensure a high common level of network and information security across the Union - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Alignment Package - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO was associated committee on this file, with exclusive competence for all matters related to consumer protection and shared competence for a number of other provisions (such as roaming, open internet access). In January 2014, IMCO adopted its draft opinion, which diverted significantly from the Commission's original proposal to fully harmonise consumer rights provisions through the regulation and instead proposes to introduce valuable new consumer protection provisions through amending the Universal Services and Users' Rights Directive.

IMCO foresees stronger contractual information obligations, including information on unlocking terminal equipment upon contract termination,(e.g. mobile phones) and more comprehensive, contractually binding information on speed for internet access services. It also clarifies that the switching and contract termination provisions will apply to all elements of a bundle containing electronic communication services (i.e. including access to internet TV services, previously not covered). The Parliament also foresees new provisions on consumption control to avoid 'bill shock'. It also strengthens the provisions on the 112 emergency number, including the need to ensure more accurate and precise caller location information. The opinion sent a decisive signal to the Commission on the need to address the question of setting up a "reverse 112 communication system". In addition, the opinion contained substantial amendments on the interplay between securing open internet access services and providing specialised services, suggesting revised definitions of relevant terms and fine-tuning the freedoms granted through the regulation.

The lead committee, ITRE, took over all consumer protection provisions from the IMCO opinion into its report, adopted in March 2014. On the basis of the report, the European Parliament voted on its first reading of the draft legislation in April 2014, in order to consolidate the work done so far and to hand it over to the next Parliament, thereby ensuring that the newly elected MEPs can build on the work done during the current term.

IMCO Rapporteur: Malcolm Harbour (ECR)

The shadow rapporteurs are: Regina Bastos (EPP), Bernadette Vergnaud (S&D), Jürgen Creutzmann (ALDE) and Christian Engström (Greens).

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Measures to ensure a high common level of network and information security across the Union - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:10 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Working Group on the Digital Single Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - European single market for electronic communications and to achieve a connected continent - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The proposal for a directive aims at improving the security of the information systems underpinning the functioning of the internal market. This is to be achieved by requiring the Member States to increase their preparedness and improve their cooperation with each other, and by requiring operators of critical infrastructures, such as energy, transport, and key providers of information society services (e-commerce platforms, social networks, etc.), as well as public administrations to adopt appropriate steps to manage security risks and report serious incidents to the national competent authorities.

This proposal is presented in connection with the joint Communication of the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on a European Cybersecurity. The European Parliament adopted by 521 votes to 22 with 25 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a directive on 13^th March 2014.

Rapporteur: Andreas Schwab (EPP)

Shadows: Vincente Miguel Garcês Ramon (S&D), Toine Manders (ALDE), Christian Engstrom (Greens), Malcolm Harbour (ECR), Matteo Salvini (EFD)

Opinions: ITRE, LIBE (associated committees) and AFET.

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Working Group on the Digital Single Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:10 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Recreational Crafts and Personal Watercrafts - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Measures to ensure a high common level of network and information security across the Union - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The European Commission has presented numerous initiatives over the past three years to promote the digital single market and to exploit the growth opportunities offered by the digital economy. Important progress has been made in this regard. However, it is also clear that the digital single market is far from complete. Business and consumers continue to face significant barriers that prevent them from reaping the full potential benefits it has to offer.

This is why the IMCO Committee has set up a working group on the Digital Single Market and on e-Commerce, which in 2013 will start its third round of meetings in order to identify key remaining barriers and priority areas, where further action is needed as a matter of urgency. The working group will gather input on the strategic direction that should be taken and will put this forward as a contribution to a possible Single Market Act III on the Digital Single Market. To ensure timely input, a series of meetings will be held throughout the first half of 2013, leading to the adoption of conclusions by IMCO in July 2013.

Working Group Coordinator: Pablo Arias Echeverría (EPP)

Honorary Members: Malcolm Harbour, Chair of IMCO (ECR), Louis Grech, Vice-Chair of IMCO (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen, Vice-Chair of IMCO (EPP)

Regular Members: Antonio Correia de Campos (S&D), Martin Lokkegaard (ALDE), Christian Engstrom (Greens), Emma McClarkin (ECR), Dennis De Jong (GUE), Matteo Salvini (EFD).

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Recreational Crafts and Personal Watercrafts - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Agricultural and forestry vehicles - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Working Group on the Digital Single Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The Recreational Craft Directive was adopted in 1994 to regulate the placing on the market of pleasure boats on the European market. It lays down essential safety requirement that manufacturers shall respect when designing watercraft in order to place those safe watercraft on the EU market. The manufacturers must fulfil several obligations in order to show that their product complies with the Directive, including a Declaration of Conformity of the watercraft with the essential requirements of the Directive, affixing the CE marking on the product and providing the users with information on the use and maintenance of the product.

The revision of the Directive substantially modernises existing EU rules on safety and environmental performance requirements for watercrafts designed for private use activities i.e. leisure, sporting and training activities including when hired, with or without crews.

Rapporteur: Malcolm Harbour (ECR)

Shadow rapporteurs: Andreas Schwab (EPP), Mitro Repo (S&D), Toine Manders (ALDE), Heide Rühle (Greens), Matteo Salvini (EFD).

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Agricultural and forestry vehicles - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - European Standardisation - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Recreational Crafts and Personal Watercrafts - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Following an agreement at first reading, the European Parliament and Council adopted the Regulation on the approval of agricultural or forestry vehicles. The Regulation establishes the administrative and technical requirements for the type-approval of all new vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units. It also lays down the requirements for the market surveillance of vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units which are subject to approval. In particular, it applies to the following vehicles: tractors (categories T and C), trailers (category R); and interchangeable towed equipment (category S). For certain vehicles the manufacturer may choose whether to apply for approval under the Regulation or whether to comply with the relevant national requirements: (a) trailers (category R) and interchangeable towed equipment (category S); (b) track-laying tractors (category C); (c) special purpose wheeled tractors (categories T4.1 and T4.2).

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - European Standardisation - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Construction Products Regulation - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Agricultural and forestry vehicles - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The regulation on European Standardisation, as adopted by the Parliament on 11 September 2012, aims to ensure:

(i) the effectiveness and efficiency of standards and standardisation as policy tools for the Union through cooperation between European standardisation organisations, national standardisation bodies, Member States and the Commission;

(ii) the establishment of European standards and European standardisation deliverables for products and for services in support of Union legislation and policies,

(iii) the identification of ICT technical specifications eligible for referencing,

(iv) the financing of European standardisation

(v)stakeholder participation in European standardisation.

Rapporteur: Lara Comi (EPP)

Shadow Rapporteurs: : Christel Schaldemose (S&D), Toine Manders (ALDE), Heide Rühle (GREENS/EFA), Edvard Kožušník (ECR), Dennis de Jong (GUE/NGL), Matteo Salvini (EFD).

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Construction Products Regulation - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Transfer of vehicles registered in another MS within the Single Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - European Standardisation - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) is aimed to simplify and clarify the existing framework for the placing on the market of construction products. It lays down the conditions for the placing or making available on the market of construction products by establishing harmonised rules on how to express the performance of construction products in relation to their essential characteristics and on the use of CE marking on those products. It has entered into force on 24 April 2011, while some of the provisions entered into force on 1 July 2013 to allow businesses necessary time for the adaptation to the new legislation.

Rapporteur: Catherine Stihler (S&D)

Shadow Rapporteurs: Hans-Peter Mayer (EPP), Cristian Silviu Buşoi (ALDE), Heide Rühle (GREENS/EFA), Emma McClarkin (ECR), Matteo Salvini (EFD).

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Transfer of vehicles registered in another MS within the Single Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Textile fibre names and related labelling - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Construction Products Regulation - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Notwithstanding the progressing integration of the single market, motor vehicle registration problems remain a frequent obstacle for citizens when exercising their rights under EU law in their daily lives. To address those problems, on 4 April 2012, the Commission presented a legislative proposal aimed to harmonise, streamline, and simplify the procedures for re-registration of motor vehicles registered in another Member State. On this basis, on 9 July 2013 IMCO adopted a report, which seeks to further simplify the vehicle registration formalities and conditions.

Following a slow progress in the Council, IMCO decided to enter informal negotiations with a view of reaching agreement with the Council on 23 January 2014. However, on 31 January 2014, a majority of Member States requested an impact assessment on the taxation aspects of this proposal before continuing work on it, and the Presidency suspended its negotiations until the impact assessment will have been delivered by the Commission.

The debate on the IMCO report in plenary took place on 15 April 2014 following which the report was sent back to IMCO for further examination while awaiting the Council to resume the negotiations.

Rapporteur: Toine Manders (ALDE)

Shadow Rapporteurs: Othmar KARAS (EPP), Catherine STIHLER (S&D), Heide RÜHLE (Greens/EFA), Malcolm HARBOUR (ECR), Thomas HÄNDEL (GUE/NGL) and Matteo SALVINI (EFD).

Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP

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Subject files - Textile fibre names and related labelling - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Approval and market surveillance of two-, three- and four-wheel vehicles - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Transfer of vehicles registered in another MS within the Single Market - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

On 11 May 2011, the Parliament endorsed the agreement reached with the Council by the IMCO negotiators on a new regulation which lays down rules concerning the use of textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of fibre composition of textile products. It also set rules concerning the labelling or marking of textile products containing non-textile parts of animal origin, as well as rules concerning the determination of the fibre composition of textile products. The general objectives are to improve the functioning of the internal market and to provide accurate information to consumers.

Rapporteur: Toine Manders (ALDE, NL)

Shadow rapporteurs: L. Comi (EPP), C. Schaldemose (S&D), H. Rühle (Greens/EFA), E. McClarkin (ECR), E.B. Svensson (GUE/NGL), M. Salvini (EFD).

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Subject files - Approval and market surveillance of two-, three- and four-wheel vehicles - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Radio Equipment Directive - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Textile fibre names and related labelling - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The European Parliament and Council adopted a regulation on the approval and market surveillance of two-or three-wheeled vehicles and quadricyles. The Parliament adopted its position at first reading. The amendments adopted at plenary are the result of a compromise negotiated between the European Parliament and the Council. They amend the proposal as follows:

Scope: the Regulation establishes the administrative and technical requirements for the type-approval of all new vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units. It also establishes the requirements for the market surveillance of parts and equipment for such vehicles. The Regulation also applies to enduro motorcycles, trial motorcycles and heavy all terrain quads.
Safety provisions: amendments seek to ensure a high level of vehicle functional safety, occupational safety and environmental protection, in harmonising the technical requirements and environmental standards applicable to vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units with regard to type-approval.
Environmental requirements: the Regulation sets environmental requirements for two stages with the second stage (Euro 5) being mandatory for new types of vehicles as of 1 January 2020, thereby creating long-term planning predictability for the vehicle manufacturers and the supplier industry.
Access to repair and maintenance information:the amended text stresses that unrestricted access to vehicle repair information, via a standardised format which can be used to retrieve the technical information, and effective competition on the market for vehicle repair and maintenance information services are necessary to improve the functioning of the internal market. A great proportion of such information is related to on-board diagnostic systems and their interaction with other vehicle systems.

Rapporteur: Wim van de Camp (EPP)

Shadow Rapporteurs: Kerstin Westphal (S&D), Toine Manders (ALDE), Heide Rühle (GREENS/EFA), Malcolm Harbour (ECR), Matteo Salvini (EFD).

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Subject files - Radio Equipment Directive - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Alignment Package - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Approval and market surveillance of two-, three- and four-wheel vehicles - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The draft Radio Equipment Directive lays downs harmonised ruled for placing on the market of the radio equipment and includes essential requirements for the protection of health and safety, of electromagnetic compatibility and for the avoidance of harmful interference.

The scope of the Directive has been extended to include all radio receivers, however it has been restricted to radio equipment capable of radio communication or radio determination only. An explicit reference to the common chargers for particular categories or classes of radio equipment has been included into the text. In order to improve the level of compliance the registration of radio equipment within some categories has been approved.

The political agreement has been reached in December 2013 and subsequently approved by the COREPER and the IMCO Committee in January 2014. Plenary vote was held on 13 March 2014 (result of vote in Plenary: 550 in favour, 12 against, 8 abstentions.)

Rapporteur: Barbara Weiler (S&D, DE)

Shadows: Wim van de Camp (EPP, NL), Toine Manders (ALDE, NL), Heide Rühle (Greens, DE), Malcolm Harbour (ECR, UK), Matteo Salvini (EFD, IT).

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Subject files - Alignment Package - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - eCall - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Radio Equipment Directive - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Rapporteur: Zuzana Roithova

Shadow Rapporteurs: Toine Manders (ALDE), Christel Schaldemose (S&D) / Kerstin Westphal (S&D) for Pressure Equipment, Ashley Fox (ECR) and Matteo Salvini (EFD).

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Subject files - eCall - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Internal market for retail services - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - Alignment Package - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Olga Sehnalová - IMCO rapporteur for eCall

To help mitigate the consequences of serious road accidents, the EU has committed to putting in place an emergency call system known as eCall. Based on in-vehicle communication technology, such an electronic safety system will automatically call emergency services in case of a serious crash. The eCall will dial 112 - the Europe's single emergency number and communicate the vehicle's location to emergency services, even if the driver is unconscious or unable to make a phone call. It is estimated that it could save up to 2500 lives a year.

To achieve that objective, on 13 June 2013 the Commission presented two legislative proposals aimed at ensuring that, from 1 October 2015, firstly, all new models of passenger cars and light duty vehicles would be fitted with 112 eCall and, secondly, the necessary infrastructure would be created for the proper receipt and handling of eCalls in emergency call response centres - ensuring the compatibility, interoperability and continuity of the EU-wide eCall service.

These proposals have been requested by the Parliament, in particular, in its resolution of 3 July 2012 on e-Call: a new 112 service for citizens (IMCO-TRAN report under Rule 51 by Olga Sehnalová and Dieter-Lebrecht Koch).

Out of the two proposals, the one concerning the deployment of the necessary infrastructure is discussed by the TRAN Committee, with Philippe De Backer (ADLE) as Rapporteur, while the IMCO Committee is the lead committee for the proposal concerning the in-vehicle equipment - the proposed regulation on type-approval requirements for the eCall in-vehicle system and amending Directive 2007/46/EC.

The proposal for a regulation provides for the mandatory introduction of an eCall in-vehicle system in new type-approved vehicles across the EU. Contrary to the current system where eCall is installed by manufacturers on a voluntary basis, the proposal provides for a mandatory fitting of eCall devices in vehicles, starting with new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, by 1 October 2015. It therefore requires vehicle and equipment manufacturers to ensure that, in the event of a severe accident, an eCall to 112 is activated automatically. An eCall can also be triggered manually. Furthermore, the regulation provides for rules on privacy and data protection, as well as for the delegation of powers to the Commission in respect of detailed technical requirements.

The Parliament adopted its position at first reading on 26 February 2014.

Rapporteur: Olga Sehnalová (S&D)

Shadow Rapporteurs: Wim van de Camp (EPP), Toine Manders (ALDE), Heide Rühle (Greens/EFA), Malcolm Harbour (ECR), - Dennis de Jong (GUE/NGL), Matteo Salvini (EFD).

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Subject files - Internal market for retail services - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

June 18, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: Subject files - Modernisation of the Professional Qualifications Directive - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

≪ Previous: Subject files - eCall - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The retail sector is a key pillar of the European economy. Today, it accounts for 11% of the EU’s GDP and 15% of EU employment and offers job opportunities to millions of European workers. What is more, retailers play a crucial role in bringing the Single Market closer to consumers across Europe in their daily lives, be it in local shops or online.

However, a number of barriers continue hampering the good performance of the retail sector, from an economic, social or environmental point of view, and prevent European retailers from providing the greatest benefits to consumers and to the European economy as a whole. The Services Directive, which applies in this area, contains unequivocal obligations for Member States concerning access to, and exercise of retail activities, including an obligation to eliminate requirements such as economic needs tests.

In addition, a number of bottlenecks have been identified, notably through the Commission's 2010 retail market monitoring report, which often cut across various policy areas and require joint action by EU institutions, Member States and retail stakeholders at all levels, ranging from facilitating consumer decisions, to improving access to retail services, promoting fairer and sustainable trading relationships along the retail supply chain, promoting innovation and creating a better working environment.

In an effort to address those barriers and move towards a more efficient and fairer internal market in retail services, IMCO prepared two specific parliamentary resolutions during the period 2009-2014.

During this period, IMCO also engaged in a regular dialogue with stakeholders, throughout the supply chain and across different sectors, notably in the framework of the annual Retail Market Roundtable, the first of which was held 26 September 2013.

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