Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - 2000 Review of the Internal Market Strategy
Date: 2000-05-03
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: action programme, economic growth, single market

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 03.05.2000
COM(2000)257 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

2000 Review of the Internal Market Strategy

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

2000 Review of the Internal Market Strategy

The Lisbon European Council underlined the central contribution of the Internal Market to
achieving the Union’s objectives of sustained and sustainable economic growth, more and
better jobs and greater social cohesion. The Heads of Government considered that the Internal
Market Strategy1, endorsed at Helsinki, provided an effective framework for ongoing review
and improvement of current policies2. Furthermore, the Internal Market must be seen to
improve the quality of life of citizens in practice, especially in their roles as consumers. And
in a context of increasing globalisation, the interaction between the Internal Market and the
external policies of the Community, including its impending enlargement, cannot be ignored.

The Internal Market has already changed the face of the European economy by facilitating
cross-border economic activity and increasing competition across the European Economic
Area. But to make the most of the possibilities it offers, in terms of growth and job-creation,
further economic reform is essential. The twin phenomena of globalisation and technological
change have the potential to achieve radical improvements in competitiveness, as evidenced
by the world’s best-performing economies, provided they meet with an appropriate response
from legislators and regulators. Seizing that opportunity will depend crucially on the Union’s
capacity to create - and adapt to - new business opportunities. It will also depend on people’s
ability and readiness to acquire new skills and willingness to change jobs. Both in part depend
on creating a regulatory and institutional framework which stimulates innovation, investment
and economic efficiency.

Far-reaching structural reform may be uncomfortable in the short-term but that discomfort can
be eased if it is undertaken in a favourable economic climate. Thus the time to act is now.
Macroeconomic stability, sound public finances and the impetus of new technology create an
opportunity to be seized. As underlined by the Lisbon European Council conclusions,
comprehensive structural improvements are essential to meet ambitious targets for growth,
employment and social inclusion. This first annual review of the target actions therefore
provides a medium through which the conclusions of the Lisbon European Council can be
carried forward.

PRIORITIES FOR ACTION

Coming only six months after the inception of the Strategy, this review offers an opportunity
to identify from amongst new and existing target actions, those priorities with the greatest and
most immediate impact in improving the functioning of the Internal Market and consequently
maximising its benefits to businesses and citizens alike. The European Council itself asked
the Council and Commission to take a certain number of actions to extend, modernise and

1

2

COM(1999) 624 Final
SI(2000) 300, para 16

2

simplify the Internal Market. The other priorities identified in the present review have been
selected on the basis of the analysis in the Cardiff Report3, the data in the 5th edition of the
Scoreboard4 and in response to opinions on the Strategy adopted by the European Parliament
and the Economic and Social Committee. We have also endeavoured to take account of the
views expressed by business, consumer and environmental organisations. Since the Broad
Economic Policy Guidelines (BEPG) play a central role in the co-ordination of economic
policies between the Member States, the recommendations in the BEPG5 on product and
capital market reform form an integral part of the Internal Market Strategy. As such, they
should automatically be considered as priority actions to be implemented immediately by
Member States. The report on the implementation of the BEPG, which is published at the
beginning of each year, will monitor compliance with these recommendations.

Each of the priorities identified in the present review has been linked to one of the four
strategic objectives defined in the Strategy Communication.

Enhancing the efficiency of Community capital and product markets

• Rewarding innovation and creativity

If we are to stimulate investment in research and innovation, intellectual and industrial
property must be properly protected and rewarded. Currently the cost of protecting
intellectual property is too high, especially for SMEs. Registering and maintaining a patent
for 10 years in just 8 European countries is currently six times more expensive than in the
United States. As emphasised by the Lisbon European Council, a key priority must be
rapid agreement on a Regulation creating a Community Patent6.

• Transport and utilities

Opening up public utilities to competition produces significant economic and social
dividends, in terms of lower prices, innovative services and, in some cases, new jobs.
Newly-liberalised markets need competition rules to be rigorously enforced. The Lisbon
European Council asked that liberalisation in areas such as gas, electricity, postal services
and transport be speeded up. Member States need to complete the effective liberalisation of
European energy markets,
including the completion of mechanisms for cross-border
tarification in the electricity sector, and in the electronic communications market, as well
as agreeing on the next steps in the liberalisation of postal services7. In the field of
transport, the Commission will adopt a Communication on the revised Common Transport
Policy where the key issues are enlargement, the environment, efficiency and safety. Other
key issues will be the creation of a single European sky8 on the basis of
a report
envisaged for June 2000 by the High Level Group created by the Commission, and the
development of a Trans-European Rail Freight Network9. The adoption of a package of
measures aiming at strengthening social cohesion in the road transport sector is envisaged
comprising legislation on working time in road transport and on checks of professional
road drivers.

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

COM(2000) 26 Final
SEC(1999) 2043 (http://europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/)
COM(2000) 214
New action under “Markets 4” for December 2001
New action under “Markets 5” for June 2001
Existing action under “Markets 5” for June 2001
Existing action under “Markets 5” for December 2000

3

• Fully integrated financial markets

An integrated European securities market and a dynamic financial sector lie within our
reach. Companies will see the benefits of raising capital across the European Union:
cheaper and more flexible financing arrangements for corporate borrowers,
including
innovative start-up companies. Investors should see improved returns. Implementing the
Financial Services Action Plan, including the Risk Capital Action Plan,10 therefore
remains a core priority for more efficient financial markets and a more competitive
financial services industry.

Improving the business environment

• Promoting competition

The changing regulatory framework brought about by market integration and liberalisation
requires a sustained and vigorous approach to competition policy. The Member States’
efforts to reduce the overall level of state aid coupled with a shift in the remaining funding
towards horizontal objectives of general interest, such as training, regional development,
research and development and environmental protection will be facilitated by enhanced
transparency. Such transparency could be provided by a future state aid register and
Scoreboard.

•

Improving the integration of services markets

One of the main features of Europe’s employment deficit is the so-called “services gap”.
Levels of employment in the services are significantly lower than those in the United
States. At the same time market integration in many service sectors lags behind that
observed for goods. This is in part explained by the characteristics of some services which
traditionally have required physical proximity to the provider. If the remaining economic
potential of a fully-integrated services sector could be realised, it would have a significant
impact on job-creation. The Commission, responding to the Internal Market Council’s
intervention and to a request from the Lisbon European Council, has undertaken to put in
place by the end of this year a new strategy for removing remaining barriers to trade in
services11 with a view to securing 3% year-on-year growth in this sector. A key element in
this strategy will be the completion of
the regulatory framework for electronic
commerce12.

• Reducing the regulatory and administrative burden on business

Whether at Union or national level, the quality of the regulatory framework remains a
central concern for business. In the 1999 EU Business Survey, 65% of companies reported
an improvement in the functioning of the Internal Market, of which over half (54%)
ascribed that improvement primarily to reduced administrative burdens. On the other hand,
of the 35% who saw conditions as stagnating or deteriorating, one third complained that
European rules could not be applied properly because they were too complex or unclear.
The European Parliament13 also emphasised the importance of a legal framework that
creates a climate of confidence for business and consumers; it called for a business-
friendly Internal Market which avoids unnecessary bureaucratic burdens. The Economic

10

11

12

13

Existing action under “Markets 2”
New action under “Business 4” for December 2000
Existing and new actions under “Markets 3”
EP resolution A5-0098/2000

4

and Social Committee14 laid particular stress on improving regulatory impact assessment.
Finally, the Internal Market Council itself, in its conclusions on the Cardiff report, called
upon the Commission to bring forward a new integrated regulatory and simplification
initiative15 which was endorsed by the Lisbon European Council. Such an initiative would
include consideration of alternatives to regulation, soft law, better regulation, and the need
for better public administration at both national and Community levels. The Commission
will respond to this invitation before the end of June 2001. New proposals to amend the
machinery16 and electromagnetic compatibility17 Directives will simplify the existing rules.
The development of harmonised technical standards, e.g. for construction products which
account for 5 % of total trade in all manufactured products in the EU, is a vital element to
removing barriers to trade18. And the Commission will continue to seek agreement on the
European Company Statute19.

• Liberalising public procurement markets

€

The sums spent by public authorities on purchases of goods, services and (construction)
works were estimated at more than
1.000 billion in 1998. Despite the significant
improvement
in transparency in the award of public contracts achieved by existing
Community rules, there has yet to be any measurable impact on cross-border public
purchasing. Indeed the level of intra-EU market penetration is much lower in the public
sector than in overall intra-EU trade. The rapid adoption of the new, streamlined rules
contained in the public procurement legislative package20 is therefore essential to the
creation of a genuinely liberalised procurement market. At the same time, the Commission
will clarify how other policies can be integrated within the existing legal framework. Such
an exercise is already being undertaken in relation to the environment.

• Eliminating tax distortions in the Internal Market

the functioning of the Internal Market.
Unfair tax competition continues to distort
Agreement on the tax package – the code of conduct, and the proposed Directives on the
taxation of savings and on interest and royalty payments – is therefore vital.

Improving the quality of life of citizens

• Enforcing Internal Market rights

The Dialogue with Citizens has a proven record of delivering detailed practical information
on the exercise of Internal Market rights and providing advice to those who encounter
difficulties. Feedback demonstrates that many EU Citizens often find attempts to exercise
their Internal Market rights a frustrating and dispiriting experience. Similarly, the 1999 EU
Business Survey indicates that businesses, especially SMEs, who encounter difficulties in
cross-border trading often fail to seek redress and therefore either forgo the opportunity to
expand their markets or adapt their product or service to the national rules of the target
country. We need to develop effective, rapid and simple solutions for citizens and SMEs,
building on the problem-solving network of coordination centres and contact points set up

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

ECOSOC opinion CES 367/2000
New action under “Business 5” for June 2001
New action under “Business 5” for December 2000
New action under “Business 5” for June 2001
Existing action under “Business 4”for December 2000
Existing action under “Business 5” for December 2000
New action under “Business 4” for June 2001

5

under the Single Market Action Plan. The Commission therefore plans to act upon the
Parliament’s suggestion: it will organise an Internal Market Forum21 bringing together all
those with relevant expertise to examine the concerns of citizens and business and to
identify what steps can be taken to improve the existing redress mechanisms in relation to
This will complement the development of the EEJ-Net22, a
national administrations.
network linking out–of–court settlement bodies, enabling consumers to seek redress in
cross-border disputes.

• Enhancing food safety

Nothing demonstrates the reality of the Internal Market more than a crisis concerning
contaminated or dangerous foods. To retain consumer confidence in the safety of food, the
EU must secure the highest standards. Consumers are entitled to such high common
It
standards, which are also essential for the smooth functioning of the Internal Market.
will therefore be crucial to make progress over the next 18 months on the key priority
measures identified in the Food Safety White Paper23.

• Transport Safety

The sinking of the oil-tanker Erika in December 1999 highlighted the need for an enhanced
control of safety on board oil-tankers at European level. The Commission therefore
proposed a series of immediate and longer-term actions in order to reduce the risks of such
accidents and pollution in the interest of all the European citizens24.

• Deepening the Dialogue with Citizens and Business

Information technology not only lends itself to a new range of business applications – it
also provides a basis for a more open and interactive approach to policy development. The
Dialogue with Business and Citizens uses the internet not only to channel information to
citizens but also to harvest their views and experiences, providing a much more complete
picture of the working (and weaknesses) of the Internal Market than was previously
possible. The importance of the Dialogue in this respect has been recognised by all the
institutions. In the coming twelve months, the Commission will expand the Dialogue25, by
making the feedback from the Business Dialogue available online; by entering into a
partnership with the national contact points in order to maximise the Dialogue’s impact in
terms of support and advice; by raising awareness of the Dialogue and its products
amongst potential users; and by developing the Dialogue as a tool for shaping policy.

Exploiting the achievements of the Internal Market in a changing world

• Preparing for Enlargement

The Internal Market should be streamlined and geared up to servicing an enlarged Union.
Candidate countries should be in a position to adopt the whole body of the Internal Market
rules at the latest by the time of accession. When, on a very exceptional basis transitional
arrangements are granted, they should be few and short. However the enormous challenge,
for the candidate countries, the existing Member States and the Commission, is to ensure

21

22

23

24

25

New action under “Citizens 3” for June 2001
New action under “Citizens 2” for June 2001
New actions under “Citizens 2” for December 2000
New actions under “Citizens 1 & 2” for December 2000
New actions under “Citizens 3” and “Business 5”

6

that the supervisory, enforcement and judicial structures, which will be called upon to
apply the rules in practice are in place and function efficiently. Our available instruments,
in particular twinning, technical assistance and investment provided by Phare, should now
focus on improving the quality of this administrative infrastructure26,.for example, in the
field of banking, insurance and securities supervision.

26

Existing and new actions under “External 2”

7

TRACKING AND UPDATING TARGET ACTIONS

Part of the purpose of the annual review is to examine progress in completing existing target
actions. However, any attempt to do so at this stage faces a structural problem : the first half-
yearly deadline falls on 30 June 2000, a date still nearly three months distant. In the case of
this first review, the difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that less than six months have
elapsed since the list of target actions was compiled. The problem of the disjunction between
the timing of the review and the half-year deadlines will however persist. The Commission
therefore invites the Council and Parliament to consider whether it would not be desirable to
shift the half-yearly deadlines from June and December to March and September respectively.
An additional advantage of such a change would be that the Review could more immediately
reflect the priorities set annually by the Spring European Council on economic and social
matters27. The assessment which follows is based on realistic estimates of likely progress
between now and the end of June.

Of the 53 target actions identified in the Strategy of last November, the Commission believes
that only 2628will be completed by June 30. To fall so far short of the targets set by the
Commission in its Communication, which was endorsed by the Heads of Government at
Helsinki, is disappointing. It is true that the Commission deliberately set ambitious deadlines
in the hope that this would generate momentum. Equally, amongst the target actions expected
to be completed by June, there are a number of key legislative proposals – the Public
Procurement Package, the Regulation creating a Community Patent, the Directive on the
Patentability of Software and the Electronic Communications Package. The Lisbon European
Council reiterated the intention of the Member States to conclude the tax package before their
next meeting at Feira. The Commission also looks forward to early agreement on the pending
proposals relating to e-commerce and late payments. There have been a number of important
initiatives on the non-legislative front : the White Paper on food safety mapped out future
policy in this area of crucial importance to consumers; the Dialogue with Citizens and
Business was further
the SLIM
(simplification of legislation in the Internal Market) initiative and in May, it will adopt
guidelines for the application of the block exemption on vertical restraints.

the Commission produced its review of

improved;

But none of this can hide the paucity of progress so far. Greater discipline and a more
concentrated effort from all of the institutions will be required in future, if the ambitious
agenda set out at Lisbon is to be delivered. Of the actions likely to be outstanding at the end
of June, most are expected to be completed in the second half of this year. In some cases, the
delay is due to lack of progress in the Council and Parliament (this affects, inter alia, the
Directive on tobacco products, the Regulations on social security amending Regulation
1408/71 and the Directive on airport charges).
In other instances, the definition by the
Commission of its priorities, and the consequent establishment of its programme for the year
2000, has resulted in some rescheduling of work. Other actions have been put back to take
account of the need for further consultation of other institutions and interested parties, for

27

28

See Presidency conclusions of Lisbon European Council, para 36
Cf. Annex 1 for the full list which distinguishes between those actions for which the Commission alone
is responsible and those where the outcome lies in the hand of the European Parliament and the
Council. More detailed information on the progress of all the target actions scheduled for completion so
far will appear in the sixth edition of the Scoreboard which will be presented to the Internal Market
Council on 25th May 2000

8

example in relation to the future amendment of
the insolvency Directive and the
Communication on commercial communications. The Commission Communication on
Counterfeiting and Piracy will be produced once the European Parliament has responded to
the Commission Green Paper on that subject.

New target actions have been added to those already identified in the Strategy, partly to take
account of the fact that the period covered (January 2000 – June 2001) has now rolled forward
(July 2000 – December 2001). Some of the new target actions flow from actions which have
been completed but which now require action from other Community Institutions, such as the
Regulation on the Community patent or the Electronic Communications Directives. Others
are entirely new additions to the list. These include proposals to amend the legislation
governing the issuing of marketing authorisations for pharmaceuticals within the EU.
industry and
Discussions continue between the interested parties
Commission) about other aspects of the Internal Market agenda in this sector.
The
Commission is also preparing a new strategy for chemicals with a White Paper to be
published during 2000; this will seek to build public confidence in chemical management,
give more responsibility to industry, create a coherent and simple legislative framework and
ensure a high level of protection for health and the environment. Amended deadlines,
together with the new actions (50 in total) are clearly marked in the updated, consolidated list
of target actions in Annex 2.

(Member States,

CONCLUSION

The creation of the Internal Market, significantly boosted trade, growth and employment in
Europe.
It has the potential to do so further, particularly in a digital economy in which the
importance of physical location is diminished. Internal Market principles should be applied to
support innovation and research and the new technologies can be used by the Union to help
citizens and businesses, especially smaller businesses, make the most of the Market. The
priorities identified above are those which, in the Commission view, are most likely to
produce significant improvements in the functioning of the Internal Market. Consequently,
The Council and the Parliament are invited :

-

-

-

to endorse the priorities outlined in this report;

to commit
responsibility, especially for those identified as priorities;

themselves to rapid progress on the target actions for which they bear

to approve the Commission’s suggested change to the cycle which would align the six-
monthly deadlines for action with the scheduling of the annual review.

9

A. COMMISSION’S TARGET ACTIONS TO BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 200029

ANNEX 1

Improving the quality of life of citizens

H Commission White Paper on Food Safety

H Commission Communication on Passenger Protection in Air Transport (May/June)

H Commission Communication on Legal Aid in Civil Matters

H Commission Communication on Priorities in EU Road Safety

H Commission Package of Regulations on a Uniform Format for the EU Passport, Identity

Card and Residence Permit (June)

H Commission’s “Dialogue with Citizens and Business” Promotion Campaign launched

(May)

H Commission proposal to amend the General Product Safety Directive 92/59

Enhancing the efficiency of Community product and capital markets

H Commission proposal for a Directive on the Patentability of Software (June)

H Commission proposal for a Regulation on the Community Patent (June)

H Commission proposals for Electronic Communications Framework Directive and Four

Specific Directives (June)

H Commission Interpretative Communication on Concessions (April)

H Commission Communication on Economic Reform – Report on the functioning of

product and capital markets in the EU (Cardiff Report)

H Implementation by the Member States of the country-specific recommendations on
product and capital market reform contained in the 1999 Broad Economic Policy
Guidelines30

H Action to support initiatives for on-line out of court redress31

29

30

31

Target actions in italics are expected to be completed by the end of the month indicated in parenthesis
COM(2000) 143 Final, Report from the Commission on the implementation of the 1999 Broad
Economic Policy Guidelines
This is an ongoing action

10

Improving the business environment

H Commission Guidelines to the Block Exemption Regulation for Vertical Restraints (May)

H Commission Pilot Project
Administrative Co-operation

for Community Support

to National

Initiatives

in

H Commission proposal for a Public Procurement Legislative Package (May)

H Commission Reports on the Evaluation of SLIM and the Business Test Panel Projects

H Commission’s “Dialogue with Citizens and Business” - Business Feedback Mechanism

launched (March/April)

H Commission services paper on Representations to Patent Offices about Patent Agents

within the Internal Market (May)

Exploiting the achievements of the Internal Market in a changing world

H Adoption of a Council Decision on ratification of World Intellectual Property

Organisation (WIPO) copyright Treaty (WCT) and WIPO Performances and Phonograms
Treaty (WPPT) on behalf of the EC

B. OTHER TARGET ACTIONS WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED

BY JUNE 2000

Enhancing the efficiency of Community capital and product markets

H Adoption by European Parliament and Council of Electronic Commerce Directive

Improving the business environment

H Adoption by Council of Directive on taxation of savings

H Adoption by Council of Directive on interests and royalties

H Unfair tax competition code of conduct : agreement on roll-back or amendments of

harmful tax measures under code

H Adoption by European Parliament and Council of a Directive combating late payments in

commercial transactions

11

ANNEX 2

CONSOLIDATED LIST OF TARGET ACTIONS UP TO DECEMBER 2001

New target actions are in italics and marked

Priority target actions are in bold and indicated with a

Those target actions which have been rescheduled are marked

v

P
(cid:1)

12

ENSURE THAT THE INTERNAL MARKET CONTRIBUTES TO SUSTAINABLE AND BALANCED DEVELOPMENT

CITIZENS 1

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:1)

(cid:1)

•

LEGISLATIVE

Commission proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive
amending the Insolvency Directive 80/987

Dec.
2000

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of an amendment to Council
Regulation establishing a Community eco-label award scheme (880/92)

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of an amendment to Council
Regulation establishing a Community eco-management and audit scheme
EMAS (1836/93)

Commission Proposal for a Directive on liability and compensation for
damages relating to oil pollution at sea

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of a Directive on
information and consultation of workers in the EC

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of a Directive on the
promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources in the internal
electricity market

NON-LEGISLATIVE

Second cohesion report to provide an updated examination of the effects of
the Internal Market on cohesion

June
2001

Dec.
2001

Dec.
2000

• Commission Recommendation on how to integrate environmental

considerations into financial reporting

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

•

•

Commission Communication on Environmental Considerations in Public
Procurement

Commission Communication on transport in environmentally sensitive
areas (the Alps and the Pyrenees)

Publication of a handbook on the application of Articles 28-30 of the
Treaty to national environmental measures

June
2001

Integration of environmental considerations into the activities of
European standardisation bodies

13

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

14

ENHANCE CITIZENS’ HEALTH AND SAFETY AND PROMOTE THEIR ECONOMIC INTERESTS

CITIZENS 2

P

•

Implementation of Financial Services Action Plan, including the Risk
Capital Action Plan (see also Markets 2)

(cid:1)

(cid:1)

(cid:1)

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

P

LEGISLATIVE

Commission proposal for amendment
(85/577)

to door-to-door sales Directive

Dec.
2000

Commission proposal for amendment to misleading advertising Directive
(84/450)

Commission proposal to amend the consumer credit Directive (87/102 as
amended by 90/88 and 98/7)

Adoption by the Council and the European Parliament of the Directive on
the transformation, presentation and sale of tobacco products

Commission proposals to amend the legislation governing the issuing of
marketing authorisations for pharmaceutical products (see also Business 4)

Adoption by the Council and the European Parliament of Directives
modifying Directives 95/21 (port state control), and 94/57 (ship inspections
and surveys), and a Regulation on the accelerated phasing-in of double
hull or equivalent requirements for single hull oil tankers (safety of the
sea-borne oil trade)

Commission proposal to amend driving licence Directive 91/439

• Adoption by the Council and the European Parliament of a proposal to

(cid:2)

amend the general product safety Directive (92/59)

Adoption by the Council of an amendment to Regulation 339/93 on checks
for conformity with the rules on product safety in the case of products
imported from third countries ( as a consequence of the adoption and
before entry into effect of the amended General Product Safety Directive)

June
2001

Dec.
2001

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

15

NON-LEGISLATIVE

• Commission Green Paper on access to justice and redress for Consumers

• Commission Recommendation on “green claims” (environmental

Dec.
2000

promotion)

• Commission Communication on the reinforcement of administrative co-

(cid:1)

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

•
(cid:2)

operation in consumer protection.

Commission Communication on commercial communications and sales
promotions (see also “Business 4”)

Commission Communication on the safety of services

Commission White Paper outlining a new strategy on chemicals

Commission Communication on maritime safety

Implementation of a Community safety system in air transport

Member States, in partnership with the Commission, to set up the European
Extra-Judicial Network (EEJ-Net) of out-of-court settlement bodies

• Commission Report on the application of Regulation 339/93 on checks for

conformity with the rules on product safety in the case of products imported
from third countries ( as a consequence of the adoption and before entry
into effect of the amended General Product Safety Directive)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

FOLLOW-UP TO THE WHITE PAPER ON FOOD SAFETY

Commission Proposal for setting-up a European Food Authority

Commission Proposal for a Regulation on official food and feed safety
controls

Commission Proposal for a general food law Directive

Commission Proposal for amending Directive 79/112/EEC on the labelling,
presentation and advertising of foodstuffs

June
2001

Dec.
2001

Dec.
2000

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

16

REINFORCE AND PROMOTE THE FULL USE OF THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS

CITIZENS 3

LEGISLATIVE

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of a proposal to extend
Regulation 1408/71 on the co-ordination of social security schemes to non-
EU nationals

Dec.
2000

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of a proposal to replace
Regulation 1408/71 on the co-ordination of social security schemes by a
new simplified and modernised Regulation.

Adoption by the European Parliament and Council of a package of
Regulations on a Uniform Format for the EU passport, identity card and
residence permit

(cid:1)

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

• Commission proposal for a Regulation updating and revising rules on the

(cid:2)

right of residence

Commission proposal to amend Directive 91/477 on the control of the
acquisition and possession of weapons

• Commission Communication on the future of recognition of professional

qualifications

NON-LEGISLATIVE

•

•

(cid:2)

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

P

P

Provide a complete self-service package for job seekers and employers on
the EURES internet site supported by the personalised service from the
Euroadvisers

Provide a complete and up-to-date database for the citizen on living and
working conditions and on labour markets in the Member States

Commission Report on the application of Directive 91/477 on the control of
the acquisition and possession of weapons

COMMISSION TO EXPAND “DIALOGUE WITH CITIZENS AND BUSINESS”

Publication of guide on data protection rights

Commission and European Parliament Internal Market Forum on
Enforcing Internal Market Rights and Means of Redress

Develop Partnership with Member States Internal Market Contact Points
for Citizens

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

17

June
2001

Dec.
2001

Dec.
2000

Dec.
2000

June
2001

ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC REFORM IN THE INTERESTS OF MARKET EFFICIENCY

MARKETS 1

• Annual adoption of Commission Communication on Economic
Reform – Report on the functioning of product and capital markets in
the EU (Cardiff Report)

P

•

Implementation annually by the Member States of the country-
specific recommendations on product and capital market reform
contained in the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines

ENSURING FINANCIAL SERVICES DELIVER THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

MARKETS 2

P

•

Implementation of the Financial Services Action Plan, including
the Risk Capital Action Plan

The Financial Services Action Plan is to be implemented in full by 2005.
Detailed timings appear in the Action Plan itself.

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

18

MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS TO THE INTERNAL MARKET OF THE DIGITAL AGE

MARKETS 3

LEGISLATIVE

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of Directive on
copyright and related rights in the information society

Dec.
2000

(cid:1)

P

• Commission proposal to ensure that the existing VAT system is compatible

(cid:2)

with e-commerce

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of Directive on the
patentability of software

NON-LEGISLATIVE

• Action to support initiatives for on-line out of court redress
(cid:2)

Communication on the application of the principles of free movement of
services for the use of antenna dishes.

• Establish a dialogue with industry and consumers as part of the
development of the integrated framework for electronic commerce

Dec.
2001

Dec
2000

June
2001

ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION BY ADEQUATELY PROTECTING INDUSTRIAL AND
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

MARKETS 4

(cid:1)

LEGISLATIVE

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of Directive on artists’
resale rights

• Adoption by Council of proposal for a Regulation on Community designs

(cid:2)

(cid:1)

Adoption by Council of Regulation on a Community Patent

NON-LEGISLATIVE

Commission Communication as follow-up to Green Paper on counterfeiting
and piracy

Dec.

2000

June
2001

Dec
2001

Dec.
2000

P

P

P

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

19

MARKETS 5

SECURING EFFECTIVE MARKET-OPENING LEGISLATION IN THE UTILITIES AND TRANSPORT SECTORS,
WHILST PRESERVING UNIVERSAL SERVICE

(cid:1)

(cid:1)

P

LEGISLATIVE

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of Directive establishing
rules on airport charges

Dec.
2000

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of Directives modifying
Directives 91/440 and 95/18 and replacing Directive 95/19 (rail
infrastructure package)

• Commission proposal for a European Parliament and Council Regulation
in inland

amending Council Regulation 1191/69 (public
transport)

services

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of a Directive on the
interoperability of conventional rail

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of a Directive on working
time in road transport

Commission Proposal confirming rules on cross-border tarification in the
electricity sector

Commission Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Regulation
on checks of professional road drivers

• Adoption by European Parliament and Council of Regulation updating

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

P

P

P

TENs guidelines in transport and energy sectors

Commission Proposals for future liberalisation of the Energy market

Adoption by Council and EP of amendment to Postal Services Directive
97/67

Adoption by Council and EP of the Commission’s proposals for an
related
Electronic Communications Framework Directive and four
specific Directives

June
2001

Dec.
2001

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

20

(cid:1)

NON-LEGISLATIVE

P

P

Timely transposition and full implementation of Directive 96/92
concerning common rules for the Internal Market in electricity
• Timely transposition of Directive 98/30 concerning common rules for

Dec.
2000

(cid:2)

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

the Internal Market in natural gas

Commission Communication on progress in liberalising Energy markets
including the completion of mechanisms for cross-border transmission
tarification

Timely transposition and full implementation of Directive 97/67 on postal
services liberalisation

Commission Communication on Intelligent Road Transport Systems

Commission Communication on the development of international rail
freight transport

• Commission Sixth Report on the implementation of the Telecoms

Regulatory Package

P

•

Implementation of the Communication on the creation of a single
European sky

June
2001

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

21

A SHARED DETERMINATION TO ENSURE THAT MARKET INTEGRATION IS NOT UNDERMINED BY ANTI-
COMPETITIVE PRACTICES

BUSINESS 1

Dec.
2000

June
2001

Dec.
2000

LEGISLATIVE

• Commission proposal for a Regulation on the modernisation of the rules
on competition for the application of Articles 81 & 82 of the EC Treaty
• Adoption by the Commission of block exemption Regulations for state aid

to SMEs, for training aid and on the “de minimis rule”

• Commission proposal for a European Parliament and Council Regulation
amending Council Regulation 1107/70 (state aids in inland transport)

(cid:2)

Adoption by the Commission of a revised Notice on agreements of minor
importance which do not fall under Article 81(1) (de minimis Notice)

NON-LEGISLATIVE

• Review of the Commission’s policy on horizontal co-operation

agreements

•

Follow-up to the Commission notice on the application of state aid
principles to measures relating to direct business taxation

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

22

ELIMINATE TAX BARRIERS TO THE INTERNAL MARKET AND UNFAIR TAX COMPETITION

BUSINESS 2

LEGISLATIVE

• Adoption by Council of Directive on energy taxation

• Commission proposal for consolidation of the 6th VAT Directive (77/388)
• Commission proposals for modernisation of VAT legislation in the Internal

Market

• Commission proposals for measures to modernise the system of excise

duties and make it more Internal Market friendly.

• Commission proposals for measures against tax provisions restricting full

access of taxpayers to the Internal Market

• Commission report to Council on the system of excise duties in the Internal

NON-LEGISLATIVE

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

Market on mineral oils, tobacco and other goods

Commission report on company taxation in the EU

BUSINESS 3

IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK

LEGISLATIVE

Adoption by the Council of amendments to Regulation 3911/92 on the export
of cultural goods, and adoption by the European Parliament and the
Council of amendments to Directive 93/7 on the return of cultural objects
unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State

• All Member States to reduce their transposition deficit to less than 1,5 %

NON-LEGISLATIVE

• Commission Communication on a comprehensive EU strategy on

administrative co-operation to promote enforcement

Dec.
2000

Dec.
2000

June
2001

Dec.
2000

June
2001

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

23

BUSINESS 4

ELIMINATE THE REMAINING OBSTACLES TO CROSS-BORDER TRADE

• Adoption by European Parliament and Council of Directives on EC services

LEGISLATIVE

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:1)

P

P

provision card
Commission proposals to amend the legislation governing the issuing of
marketing authorisations for pharmaceutical products (see also Citizens 2)

Adoption by the Council and EP of the Public Procurement Legislative
Package

NON-LEGISLATIVE

Commission Strategy for Removing Barriers to Trade in Services

Commission Communication on commercial communications and sales
promotion (see also Citizens 2)

• Monitoring report on the application of the product liability Directive

(85/374)

• Commission Report evaluating the implementation of policy on products

conformity marking

• Agreement on 50 harmonised standards relating to construction products

Dec.
2000

June
2001

Dec.
2000

•

•

Implementation of specific measures contained in the Council Resolution on
standardisation

June
2001

Implementation by Member States and the Commission of specific measures
contained in the Commission Communication and the Council Resolution on
mutual recognition - Biennial Report

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

24

REDUCE THE REGULATORY BURDEN ON BUSINESS, PARTICULARLY SMES, AND HELP BUSINESS TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF INTERNAL MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS 5

(cid:2)

Commission proposal to amend the Machinery Directive (98/37)

LEGISLATIVE

P

• Adoption by the Council of the proposed Regulation and Directive on

the Statute for a European company and associated proposals
(European associations, European co-operatives, European mutual
societies)
Commission proposals to modify the 1st and 2nd Company Law Directives
(post-SLIM) (68/151 & 77/91)

Commission proposal to amend the Electromagnetic Compatibility
Directive (89/336)

Adoption by European Parliament and Council of amendments to the
Recreational Craft Directive (94/25)

Implementation Report on BEST Action Plan

NON-LEGISLATIVE

Commission Integrated Regulatory and Simplification Initiative

Commission Conference / Seminar on SMEs and Public Procurement
Completion of 5th SLIM Phase

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

•

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

COMMISSION TO EXPAND “DIALOGUE WITH CITIZENS AND BUSINESS” :

• Development of new topics for the Business Dialogue website

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Develop Business Dialogue on-line with Member States National Contact
Points

Making on-line statistical data from the Business Feedback mechanism
available to Member States

First in depth study based on data from the Business Feedback
Mechanism

P

P

P

P

Dec.
2000

June
2001

Dec.
2000

June
2001

Dec.
2000

June
2001

Dec.
2001

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

25

CONTRIBUTE TO THE SHAPING OF THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM FOR THE NEXT CENTURY

EXTERNAL 1

LEGISLATIVE

Additional protocol to Convention 108 of the Council of Europe in line with
Directive 95/46

Dec.
2000

(cid:1)

(cid:1)

(cid:1)

(cid:2)

June
2001

Dec.
2000

Dec.
2001

Commission Decisions, based on Article 25, paragraph 6 of Directive 95/46,
assessing the adequacy of the level of data protection in some third
countries

Commission to complete negotiations with the Council of Europe on a
Recommendation on the protection of personal data collected and
processed for insurance purposes

NON-LEGISLATIVE

• Continuing work on the setting of minimum standards at international
level, notably in the framework of WIPO, on protection of audio-visual
performances, broadcasters’ rights and non-original databases

Reach agreement with the US,
the Transatlantic
Economic Partnership, on the feasibility of a Mutual Recognition
Agreement in three service sectors (insurance, engineers and architects).

in the framework of

•

(cid:2)

Identify and promote those instruments developed at Internal Market
level which could be applied within the framework of pluri or multilateral
trade agreements, such as a transparent regulatory environment and the
procedures and principles for the harmonisation of standards.

Revision of Government Public Procurement Agreement within WTO

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

26

ENSURE THAT THE INTERNAL MARKET CONTRIBUTES TO A SUCCESSFUL ENLARGEMENT OF THE
COMMUNITY

EXTERNAL 2

NON-LEGISLATIVE

Joint meeting of
representatives of candidate countries

the Internal Market Advisory Committee and

Dec.
2000

Joint meeting of Heads of Co-ordination Centres and representatives of
candidate countries

•

•

•

P

• More targeted use of pre-accession strategies, such as intensification of

(cid:2)

twinning arrangements on Internal Market issues

Examine the possibility of initiating a peer review process among banking,
insurance and securities supervisors from the EU and candidate countries.

June
2001

(cid:2)

: NEW

(cid:1)

: RESCHEDULED

P : PRIORITY

27