The Commissioner welcomed this opportunity to take stock of what the Commission and EP have achieved together with the Council in his areas of competence.
Particular attention was given to the main legislative files on Customs such as the recast of the Union Customs Code (UCC) which now provides a solid basis for implementing a modern, pan-European electronic customs environment. The adoption of the Customs 2020 programme was also mentioned as a key EU instrument to support the customs modernisation is in place. The new Regulation on Customs enforcement of IPRs was cited as a crucial instrument in stopping fake goods from reaching the EU market by clarifying and simplifying procedures and by ensuring stronger protection for rights holders and of customers. On product safety, the Commissioner welcomed the EP's support to the Commission's expert group on import controls and compliance. On the new Commission's proposal for a directive on customs infringements and sanctions he thanked the two co-rapporteurs for their work on a Resolution and their support to the proposal. On anti-fraud, Commissioner Šemeta commended the very efficient work on the IMCO report on the Commission's proposal to enhance European anti-fraud capacity by amending the Regulation 515/97 on mutual assistance.
Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP