Re-examined proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION adopting a series of actions and measures in order to ensure interoperability of and access to trans-European networks for the electronic Interchange of Data between Administrations (IDA)

(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 c(d) of the EC Treaty)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. Background

On the 12th December 1997, the Commission proposed to the Council the adoption of a series of actions and measures in order to ensure interoperability of and access to trans-European networks for the electronic Interchange of Data between Administrations (IDA) (1).

(1) OJ C 54, 21.2.1998, p. 12.

The Economic and Social Committee gave a favourable opinion on the 29th April 1998 (2).

(2) OJ C 214, 10.7.1998, p. 33.

The Committee of the Regions gave a favourable opinion on the 14th May 1998 (3).

(3) OJ C 251, 10.8.1998, p. 1.

On the 18th November 1998, the European Parliament adopted a favourable resolution at its first reading with regard to the Commission proposal and proposed amendments (4).

(4) OJ C 379, 7.12.1998, p. 58.

On the 15th December 1998, the Commission amended its proposal in order to incorporate those amendments of the European Parliament it had accepted (COM(1998) 785 final) (5).

(5) OJ C 10 , 14.1.1999 p. 8.

The Council adopted its Common position on the 21st December 1998, (Common Position (EC) 9/1999) (6).

(6) OJ C 55, 25.2.1999, p. 15.

In its statement of the 8th January 1999, the Commission informed the European Parliament fully of its position (SEC(1998) 2252).

On the 12th April 1999, the European Parliament amended the Common Position.

This Commission proposal accompanied a proposal to adopt a series of guidelines governing the establishment of telematic networks in support of the Community decision-making process and of Community policies and activities. Both decisions together provide a balanced framework which will form the basis of a second phase of the IDA programme.

2. Position of the European Parliament in second reading

In the second reading, the European Parliament has proposed one amendment to the Common Position.

This amendment is based on amendment 11 proposed in the first reading, the formulation of which has been slightly modified.

The former amendment 11 was rejected by the Commission on the grounds that proposals for the amendment of this decision, following the periodical programme evaluation, could only be submitted to both Parliament and Council once the Treaty of Amsterdam had entered into force and thus determined the application of the co-decision procedure. The Council endorsed this position.

3. Opinion of the Commission

The formulation now proposed by the European Parliament would seem more appropriate. The Commission can now remove its objection, especially in view that the Treaty of Amsterdam has been ratified by all Member States and is due to enter into force on the 1st May 1999.

4. Conclusion

The Commission therefore accepts Parliament's sole amendment to the Common Position and hereby re-examines its proposal, in accordance with Article 189c(d) of the EC Treaty, in order to incorporate this amendment.

Re-examined proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION adopting a series of actions and measures in order to ensure interoperability of and access to trans-European networks for the electronic Interchange of Data between Administrations (IDA) (Text with EEA relevance)

Article 13(3)

Original proposal

The Commission shall forward its evaluation to the Council together with any appropriate proposals for the amendment of this Decision.

Re-examined proposal

The Commission shall forward its evaluation to the Council and the Parliament, once the TAC has examined it. The Commission shall also submit any appropriate proposal for the amendment of this Decision. The evaluations shall be forwarded no later than the draft budget for the years 2001, 2003 and 2005 respectively.