The Rapporteur opened up the debate by asserting that the only way to approach regulation in this field is by trying to achieve a certain level of harmonisation throughout the EU, while still respecting the principle of subsidiarity. The main axes of his draft report were said to focus on the enforcement of EU law, the enhancement of administrative cooperation, e.g. through a common identification system and self-blocking mechanisms, consumer protection, responsible advertising and actions aiming at combating money laundering and ensuring the integrity of sports.
EPP and S&D shadows emphasised the need to respect the different regulatory approaches of Member States in a sector of economy which does not resemble ordinary economic activities, while they welcomed the Commission's suggested actions regarding administrative cooperation, consumer protection, sports integrity and money laundering. ALDE shadow said that the Commission's Communication was not ambitious enough and that legally binding measures are necessary at EU level, while Greens shadow concluded that Member States have failed to achieve what is necessary to protect consumers, especially with regards to advertising. Deadline for amendments: 4th April 2013.
Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP