ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
Opinion on the draft Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2062/94 establishing a European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (95/C 236/13)

On 20 February 1995, the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee under Article 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community on the draft Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2062/94 establishing a European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.

The Section for Social, Family, Educational and Cultural Affairs which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on this subject, adopted its Opinion on 11 May 1991. The Single Rapporteur was Mr Etty.

At its 326th Plenary Session (meeting of 31 May 1995), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion unanimously.

1. The Committee refers to its earlier Opinion on the Council Regulation establishing a European Agency for Safety and Health at Work of 29 April 1992 (), and in particular to its observations pertaining to Article 8. It is pleased to find that the Commission now proposes that employers and workers from each Member State will be represented on the Administrative Board of the Agency.

2.1. This enlargement of the Administrative Board from 27 to 48 members will, obviously, put even higher pressure on the budget of the Agency which the Committee already considered too modest with a view to the wide variety of tasks of the Agency and the quality standards it should satisfy.

2.2. Consequently, the Committee thinks that the budget for the Agency must be increased.

3. The Committee cannot agree with the proposal in Article 8.6 of the present proposal which gives two votes to each Government representative on the Administrative Board and just one to the other members. This can only be accepted for decisions pertaining to budgetary matters. Otherwise each member of the Administrative Board should have one vote.

Done at Brussels, 31 May 1995.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER

() OJ No C 169,6. 7. 1992.
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) on common rules applicable to the transport of goods or passengers by inland waterway between Member States with a view to establishing freedom to provide such transport services ()

(95/C 301/05)

On 6 June 1995 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Article 75 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Transport and Communications, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its Opinion on 10 July 1995. The Rapporteur was Mr Whitworth.

At its 328th Plenary Session (meeting of 13 September 1995), the Economic and Social Committee unanimously adopted the following Opinion.

1. The proposed Regulation

1.1. The proposed Regulation has a specific and limited purpose - that is to affirm that a Community-based operator should be allowed to transport goods or passengers by inland waterway between Member States without discrimination on grounds of nationality or place of establishment.

1.2. This accords with a Court of Justice decision dating from 1985, pursuant to Article 75(1)(a) of the Treaty, obliging the Council to adopt rules governing such access to the inland waterway market.

1.3. Heretofore the Commission did not deem it necessary to propose such a Regulation as such freedom to provide services existed de facto even before the Treaty. However, bilateral agreements between Austria and two other Member States which pre-date that country's accession contain provisions which are incompatible with the freedom to provide services in this area. It will be necessary for the Member States concerned to modify these agreements in order to comply with the Regulation.

2. General comments

2.1. The Section has no option other than to approve the proposed Regulation, as not only is it necessary to comply with the Court of Justice decision but it is also consistent with the principle of freedom to provide services which the Committee has supported in numerous Opinions dealing with other transport modes.

2.2. The impact of the Regulation on the 'Tour de Rôle' system which applies in the Netherlands, France and Belgium can be considered by the Committee in its forthcoming Opinion on the Commission Communication on a common policy on the organization of the inland waterway transport market and supporting measures (COM(95) 199 final).

Done at Brussels, 13 September 1995.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER

() OJ No C 164, 30. 6. 1995, p. 9.
Opinion on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive amending Directive 95/2/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on food additives other than colours and sweeteners ()

(96/C 18/05)

On 5 October 1995 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Article 100a of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Protection of the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Affairs, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its Opinion on 19 September 1995. The Rapporteur was Mr Gardner, Co-Rapporteurs were Mr de Knegt and Mr Koopman.

At its 329th Plenary Session (meeting of 25 October 1995), the Economic and Social Committee unanimously adopted the following Opinion.

The Committee agrees with the Commission proposal, subject to the following considerations and comments.

1. Introduction

()E 407, carrageenan is an extract prepared from algae which is used as a thickener. The Commission now proposes to permit also E 407a which it calls 'alternatively refined carrageenan'. This is made from Eucheuma algae and is also a thickener. Unlike E407 this contains precipitated algal cells and therefore has a higher level of fibre. The two therefore differ both technologically and nutritionally.

When directive 95/2/EC was drafted, the safety-in-use tests on E 407a had not been completed. These are now complete and the Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) has given E 407 and E 407a the same safety evaluation.

2. Comments

2.1. The Committee approves the proposal subject to the following changes:

2.2. The proposed name is both meaningless and may be misleading. While carrageenan is a refined gum, this material is carrageenan plus an appreciable residue of algal cell material. The name (or E number) of course has to be given on the wrapper of the finished product. For better consumer information the most meaningful name should be chosen. The Commission therefore needs to find a more meaningful name and one which clearly differentiates the two products.

2.3. Given the substantial amount of algal material, a very tight specification is needed including specification of the species of algae.

2.4. The Committee suggests 'Eucheuma Gum' as a possibility.

2.5. Since the alternative wrapper information is the E number, the market would be better served by having a number which is clearly different from that used for carrageenan.

2.6. The Committee understands that E 407a has been proposed because Codex has not yet been able to discuss the matter and the Commission would prefer to keep Codex and EEC numbers the same.

2.7. The Committee understands that the number E 408 can be made available. The Commission should investigate and change its proposed number to E 408 or another one, agreed within Codex.

Done at Brussels, 25 October 1995.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER

() OJ No C 163, 29. 6. 1995, p. 12.
Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 77/99/EEC and Directive 92/118/EEC with regard to the rules applicable to minced meat, meat preparations and certain other products of animal origin` ()

(96/C 212/15)

On 27 March 1996, the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Scully as Rapporteur-General for its Opinion.

At its 336th Plenary Session (meeting of 29 May 1996), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion by 78 votes to one with four abstentions.

1. General comments

1.1. The following Directives are listed for change:

- Directive 88/657/EEC is replaced by Directive 94/65/EC;

- Directive 77/99/EEC is amended and updated by Directive 92/5/EEC

The removal of obsolete 'dates` helps to improve the texts.

1.2. The removal of Annex C Chapter III from Directive 77/99/EEC is not acceptable. In this Chapter special conditions for the utilisation of stomachs, bladders and intestines are laid down. However there are no conditions in existence yet in Chapter 2 of Annex II to Directive 92/118/EEC. It is intended to replace them with new legislation which is to be introduced by the Standing Veterinary Committee at a future date. However until these new laws are in place, it would be prudent to retain the present production and preparation conditions.

2. Conclusion

2.1. The Committee feels that the text is difficult to follow and lacks some reference numbers.

2.2. Clarification and transparency is essential for the understanding and proper working of all Directives in Member States.

2.3. The Committee feels that such transparency and clarity are lacking in this document and would recommend the Commission to rewrite it.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 1996.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER

() OJ No C 110, 16. 4. 1996, p. 9.
Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Amended proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources` (97/C 30/22)

On 25 September 1996 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Lerios as Rapporteur-General with the task of preparing the Committee's work on the subject.

At its 338th Plenary Session, held on 25 and 26 September 1996 (meeting of 25 September 1996), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion by 80 votes to 1.

1. Main points of the Commission proposal

On 6 December 1995 the Commission presented an amended proposal for a codified version, taking account of the amendments made to Regulation (EEC) No 3094/86 since the original proposal was presented.

Since the said Regulation has been further amended in the meantime by Council Regulation (EC) No 3071/95 of 22 December 1995, the Commission has decided to table a new amended proposal to codify the Regulation under Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty.

2. Conclusions

Given that Regulation (EEC) No 3094/86 has been once more amended to a considerable extent, the ESC takes the view that it is necessary to codify it for reasons of clarity and logical presentation; the Committee therefore endorses the Commission proposal.

Brussels, 25 September 1996.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER
Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations` (97/C 133/02)

On 13 February 1997, the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Article 100a of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 7 February 1997. The rapporteur was Mr Maurer.

At its 343rd plenary session (meeting of 26 February 1997) the Committee adopted the following opinion by 89 votes to two with four abstentions.

The Committee has examined the Commission document in detail and notes that the proposed consolidation exercise does not involve any substantive changes or additions. Since at any event such an exercise simplifies matters for the user, the Committee endorses the Commission proposal.

Brussels, 26 February 1997.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee

Tom JENKINS
Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy` () (98/C 19/21)

On 29 July 1997 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Chagas as rapporteur-general for its opinion.

At its 349th plenary session held on 29 and 30 October 1997 (meeting of 29 October) the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion with 97 votes in favour and one abstention.

1. The Commission proposal

1.1. In accordance with Council Regulation No 779/97 introducing arrangements for the management of fishing effort in the Baltic Sea (), the Commission is presenting a proposal to implement title IIA of Council Regulation No 2847/93 () in the Baltic Sea. This deals in particular with the recording and transmission of data regarding fishing effort.

2. Comments

2.1. As the Committee has already had the opportunity to state on a number of occasions, it is important to guarantee compliance with Community provisions regarding the management of fishing effort. Furthermore, this is also the view taken in the 1995 Commission report on Monitoring the Common Fisheries Policy (), which states that:

'the adoption of an effective monitoring system, at all levels of responsibility, is a conditio sine qua non for the successful implementation of the CFP.`

2.2. The Committee thus supports the present Commission proposal, which is pursuant to the provisions of Regulation No 779/97.

2.3. The Committee does, however, take the view that the measures for monitoring the management of fishing effort should be adopted in the EU in collaboration with the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission, in order that they may be applied to all the countries that fish there. This was pointed out in the ESC opinion on the proposal for the introduction of arrangements for the management of fishing effort in the Baltic Sea ().

Brussels, 29 October 1997.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee

Tom JENKINS

() OJ C 267, 3. 9. 1997, p. 62.

() OJ L 113, 30. 4.1997, p. 1.

() Regulation establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy, OJ L 261, 20. 10. 1993, p. 1.

() COM(97) 226 final.

() OJ C 296, 29. 9. 1997.
Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) concerning short-term statistics` () (98/C 19/32)

On 29 July 1997 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Article 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Economic, Financial and Monetary Questions, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 14 October 1997. The rapporteur working without a study group was Mr Vasco Cal.

At its 349th plenary session of 29 and 30 October 1997 (meeting of 30 October) the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion with 52 votes in favour and two abstentions.

1. The Economic and Social Committee approves this proposal for a regulation which aims to provide the Community with more reliable, complete, up-to-date, and above all comparable, short-term statistics on businesses, thus facilitating the follow-up of the internal market and the development of the European Union's internal policies, including monetary and social policy.2. The Committee considers that the proposal takes sufficient account of the principle of subsidiarity in requiring the Member States to provide the necessary data whilst leaving to them the choice of collection method.

3. The Committee approves the Commission's desire to ensure that the new measure does not increase the administrative workload of small and medium-sized enterprises. Breaking down the data by company size would over time make it easier to identify the effects of the economic cycle on enterprises of different size.

4. The Committee feels that the proposal should be adapted to reflect the requirements of the employment policies of the Member States and the coordinating role which the European Union is required to play in this field by the provisions of the Treaty of Amsterdam. In particular, statistics on businesses should be more detailed as regards employment, setting out for example the number of hours worked in the commercial and services sectors too, and overtime worked in all these sectors.

5. Moreover, the Committee regrets that the 'other services` sub-sector is not included in the periodic collection of data and hopes that the proposed pilot studies will lead to its inclusion at the earliest opportunity.

6. Finally, the Committee considers it essential that the social partners and the economic and social interest groups should as soon as possible enjoy access to short-term statistics on businesses in order that they may be able to perform their role to the full.

Brussels, 30 October 1997.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee

Tom JENKINS

() OJ C 267, 3. 9. 1997, p. 1.
Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EC) No 3072/95 on the common organization of the market in rice and Regulation (EEC) No 2358/71 on the common organization of the market in seeds` (98/C 73/12)

On 30 September 1997 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Agriculture and Fisheries, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 7 November 1997. The rapporteur was Mrs Santiago.

At its 350th plenary session (meeting of 10 December 1997), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion by 113 votes with five abstentions.

1. Introduction

1.1. Implementing the decision of the Council of Ministers, the Commission proposes the inclusion of rice seeds among products coming under the income aid arrangements of Regulation (EC) No 3072/95.

1.2. The amendment is all the more crucial in that the fall in market prices for Community rice has been greater than was expected in the COM review, and has not been offset by the income aid calculated at that time.

1.3. The lack of adequate compensation for the production of rice for sowing inevitably entails less use of certified seeds and a fall in the quality of the rice demanded by consumers.

2. Comments

2.1. Article 1(2) (In Article 6)

2.1.1. The area of land given over to seed production must be established in proportion to the area receiving compensatory aid, and in the light of the quantity of seeds used per hectare.

2.1.2. In this way, each country will have the capacity to meet at least its own requirements.

2.2. Article 3

2.2.1. The second paragraph of Article 3 stipulates that Article 1(1) and Article 2 shall apply from 1 July 1998. Consequently, 1998 sowing will not benefit, since the deadline for applications for income aid is set at 31 March.

2.2.2. The proposed text must therefore be amended so that the new rules apply to the 1998 sowing period.

3. Conclusions

3.1. The Committee supports the Commission proposal provided the suggested modifications are made.

Brussels, 10 December 1997.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee

Tom JENKINS
Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EC) No 1221/97 laying down general rules for the application of measures to improve the production and marketing of honey` () (98/C 407/39)

On 4 September 1998 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Agriculture and Fisheries, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 23 July 1998. The rapporteur was Mr Gottero.

At its 357th plenary session (meeting of 9 September 1998) the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion with 100 votes in favour and six abstentions.

1. The Committee welcomes the Commission's proposal to extend, until 31 January 1999, the deadline for expenditure in the first year of application of Regulation (EC) No 1221/97 on measures taken under the national programmes to improve the production and marketing of honey.

2. In the Committee's view, the reduction in the duration of these programmes in the first year would otherwise have been too great and would have jeopardized their success.

Brussels, 9 September 1998.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee

Tom JENKINS

() OJ C 222, 16.7.1998, p. 15.
Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directives 70/524/EEC concerning additives in feedingstuffs, 95/53/EC fixing the principles governing the organisation of official inspections in the field of animal nutrition and 95/69/EC laying down the conditions and arrangements for approving and registering certain establishments and intermediaries operating in the animal feed sector` () (1999/C 40/04)

On 17 September 1998 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 12 November 1998. The rapporteur was Mr Scully.

At its 359th plenary session (meeting of 2 December 1998) the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion by 100 votes to two with one abstention.

The proposal is designed to establish a legal framework for approval and registration procedures during the transitional period from 1 April 1998 to 1 April 2001, and to take account of the repeal of Directive 77/101/EEC.

The Committee approves the amendment proposed by the Commission to Directives 70/524/EEC, 95/53/EC and 95/69/EC which it regards as both timely and opportune. It notes with satisfaction that the proposal has no financial implications for the Community budgets.

Brussels, 2 December 1998.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee

Beatrice RANGONI MACHIAVELLI

() OJ C 266, 25.8.1998, p. 14.