Mr. Richard Bruton underlined the importance that his country attaches to creating the right conditions and environment in Europe in order to promote jobs and growth and to deepen the Single Market. In that context, the Minister assured Members that he would do his best to facilitate agreement between the Parliament and the Council on the remaining Single Market Act I (SMA I) files.
With regard to specific priority files, he referred to the three Public Procurement Directives, the Accounting Directive, Auditing measures and the proposals on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Posting of Workers. The Presidency also aims to reach agreement with the Parliament on the Union Customs Code and to finalise work on the Consumer Programme 2014-2020.
Looking forward to Commission's proposals of the SMA II files, the Minister committed to advance them as far as possible at Council preparatory bodies. He also indicated that the Presidency will seek to advance measures which help to build the Digital Single Market and build confidence in cross border transactions. Maximising the potential and benefits of the Services Directive, as well as tackling red tape and promoting smart regulation will also figure among the Presidency priorities.
Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP