OPINION OF THE COMMISSION pursuant to Article 251 (2) third subparagraph, point c of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's common position regarding the proposal for a RECOMMENDATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL concerning the implementation of integrated coastal zone management in Europe AMENDING THE PROPOSAL OF THE COMMISSION pursuant to Article 250 (2) of the EC Treaty

2000/0227 (COD)

OPINION OF THE COMMISSION pursuant to Article 251 (2) third subparagraph, point c of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's common position regarding the proposal for a RECOMMENDATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL concerning the implementation of integrated coastal zone management in Europe

1. Introduction

Article 251(2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty provides that the Commission is to deliver an opinion on the amendments proposed by the European Parliament at second reading. The Commission sets out its opinion below on the 8 amendments proposed by Parliament.

2. BACKGROUND

Date of transmission of the proposal to the EP and the Council (document COM(2000)545 final - 2000/0227COD): // 8 September 2000

Date of the opinion of the Committee of the Regions : // 14 February 2001

Date of the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee: // 28 March 2001

Date of the opinion of the European Parliament, first reading: // 2-5 July 2001

Date of transmission of the amended proposal to the EP and the Council (document COM(2001)533 final - 2000/0227COD): // 26 September 2001

Date of adoption of the common position: // 13 December 2001

Date of receipt of the Common Position by the European Parliament // 17 January 2002

Date of communication of Commission's view on the Common Position // 11 January 2002

On 10 April 2002, the European Parliament at its second reading adopted 8 amendments. These amendments mainly modify the timetable of the common position and further detail the text.

3. PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSAL

The purpose of the proposal is to encourage Member States to undertake a national inventory of the situation of coastal zones taking into account a variety of factors such as legislation, institutions and actors involved in the planning and management of coastal zones. Member States will have, on the basis of this inventory, to develop a national strategy (or strategies) to promote Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).

This proposal was made in light of the findings of the Commission's Demonstration Programme on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and its resultant European Strategy for ICZM, presented in COM(2000)547. These indicated that the condition of the coastal zones of Europe is deteriorating and that this trend can only be halted or reversed through concerted action involving all levels of administration from local to European. The Recommendation calls on Member States to undertake the actions necessary at their level, in collaboration with the regional and local administrations.

4. OPINION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE AMENDMENTS BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

On 10 April 2002 the Parliament adopted 8 amendments (n°1, and n° 9 to 15). All amendments can be accepted by the Commission in full.

The Commission indeed welcomes the amendments of the European Parliament as they further clarify the text and highlight issues of particular concern, such as population pressure in the coastal zone and the effects of climate change (amendments 1, 11). One amendment usefully adds an evaluation of policies and legislation to the requirements for Member States reports (amendment 15). Other amendments strengthen the texts as regards consultation with local or regional authorities as well as international organisations (amendments 9, 12, 13). Amendment 10 usefully refers to best practices identified in the ICZM Demonstration Programme.

The reporting time-scales proposed in amendments 14 and 15, strike a sound balance between the Common position and the initial proposal of 2-years. The Commission recognises that the building of national strategies will require substantial efforts in most Member States. The proposal for 45 months for the Member States reports and strategies, and a subsequent Commission evaluation at 55 months, is realistic and acceptable.

5. CONCLUSION

Pursuant to Article 250 (2) of the EC Treaty, the Commission amends its proposal as set out above.