Commission working document - Third progress report on the strategy for simplifying the regulatory environment {COM(2009) 15 final} {COM(2009) 16 final}
Date: 2009-01-28
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: activity report, administrative formalities, application of EU law, impact study, operation of the Institutions, simplification of formalities

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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 28.1.2009 
COM(2009) 17 final 

COMMISSION WORKING DOCUMENT 

Third progress report on the strategy for simplifying the regulatory environment 

{COM(2009) 15 final} 
{COM(2009) 16 final} 

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COMMISSION WORKING DOCUMENT 

Third progress report on the strategy for simplifying the regulatory environment 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

Over  the  last  half  century,  the  EU  has  developed  a  large  body  of  legislation  (the  acquis) in 
response to the needs of citizens, businesses and public authorities. It has given new rights to 
citizens,  opened  markets  for  businesses,  strengthened  public  interests,  and  in  doing  so, 
contributed  to  increased  growth  and  welfare.  Yet  legislation  can  also  entail  costs.  The 
challenge is to strike the right balance – also over time and under changing circumstances.  

At  the  beginning  of  its  mandate,  this  Commission  therefore  set  out  a  firm  commitment  to 
review its acquis, ensuring the relevance, effectiveness and proportionality of the legislation 
in place.1 Together with its twin programme for reducing administrative burdens, the strategy 
for  simplifying  the  regulatory  environment2  set  out  an  ambitious  programme  to  update, 
modernise  and  simplify  the  EU  regulatory  framework.  Four  years  later,  it  can  point  to 
convincing  results.  From  being  a  set  of  dispersed  actions  simplification  has  developed  to 
become inherent in any policy revision, covering all policy areas. The screening of the acquis, 
the results of which are published alongside this report, clearly illustrates this development.  

This  third  progress  report  on  the  strategy  for  simplifying  the  regulatory  environment 
complements the third strategic review of Better Regulation in the European Union3 and the 
Commission  Working  Document  on  reducing  administrative  burden.  It  reviews  the 
considerable  ground  covered  since  the  launch  of  the  strategy,  highlights  success  stories  and 
maps areas for future simplification action.  

2. 

STATE OF PLAY  

Using  a  wide  range  of  consultation  mechanisms,  the  Commission  continuously  collects  and 
analyses suggestions from citizens, stakeholders and Member States for making Community 
legislation clearer, simpler and more effective. 

On  the  basis  of  this  input,  the  Commission  drew  up  a  “simplification  rolling  programme”, 
beginning with 100 simplification initiatives for the period 2005-2008. The programme uses 
the  full  set  of  tools  identified  in  the  simplification  strategy.  These  include  legislative 
techniques, notably repeal, codification and recasting, as well as other means of modernising 
the acquis, such as wider use of IT solutions.  

Since 2007, the simplification programme has been integrated into the Commission legislative 
and work programme. It has been extended each year with new initiatives and now covers all 
policy  areas.  It  now  contains  185 initiatives  and  about  132  of  these  initiatives  have  already 
been adopted by the Commission, with a delivery rate of around 80 % in both 2007 and 2008. 

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Better Regulation for Growth and Jobs in the European Union – COM(2005) 97. 
Implementing  the  Community  Lisbon  programme:  A  strategy  for  the  simplification  of  the  regulatory 
environment – COM(2005) 535. 
Third strategic review of Better Regulation in the European Union – COM(2009) 15. 

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This  shows  the  Commission’s  determination  to  overcome  all  obstacles  and  deliver  the 
benefits of this priority exercise on time. More than half of these adopted initiatives have now 
completed  their  legislative  cycle  and  have  become  law  following  their  publication  in  the 
Official Journal.  

The  Commission  has  already  proposed  about  800  legal  acts  for  amendment  or  repeal  under 
the simplification programme 2005-2009. Once adopted, the acquis will be reduced by about 
600  legal  acts  or  around  6,500  pages  of  the  Official  Journal.  But  simplification  reaches 
further. It has become inherent in any policy revisions. In parallel, the Commission has also 
continued  to  codify  the  acquis  with  a  view  to  making  it  more  compact  and  readable  whilst 
ensuring  legal  certainty.  The  Commission  has  already  finalised  the  codification  of  229 acts. 
142  of  these  are  already  adopted  by  the  co-legislator  and  have  replaced  729  previous  acts, 
corresponding to about 1,300 pages of the Official Journal. 

Overall, this Commission has taken action since October 2005 which will reduce the acquis 
by almost 10% - about 1,300 legal acts and 7,800 pages of the Official Journal. 

3. 

RESULTS 

So far, some 75 out of the above-mentioned 132 simplification initiatives have finalised their 
legislative  process  –  36  by  the  Commission  as  autonomous  acts  (Annex 4)  and  39  by  the 
legislature (Annex 5).  

The  benefits  of  these  and  other  simplification  measures  are  becoming  increasingly  tangible 
for  businesses,  citizens  and  public  authorities.  The  following  sections  present  a  number  of 
examples, illustrating different complementary approaches to simplification.  

3.1. 

A streamlined regulatory framework 

Legislation takes shape over time as new building blocks are added to the legal foundation. 
To ensure that they fit together and form a coherent framework, the Commission continuously 
reviews  existing  legislation,  looking  for  more  efficient  and  more  effective  legislative 
solutions. 

•  The new General Block Exemption Regulation allows Member States to approve a range 
of  aid  measures  without  first  notifying  the  Commission,  enabling  faster  processing  of 
cases. The Regulation, aimed to promote job creation and competitiveness, covers aid for 
SMEs, research, innovation, regional development, training, employment and risk capital. 
Companies  may  for  example  benefit  from  aid  for  fundamental  research  (up  to  100 %), 
industrial  research  (up  to  50/70 %)  and  for  experimental  development  (25/45  %).  It  also 
harmonises and consolidates five legal acts into one text; 

•  The new rules concerning controls on direct payments to farmers provide a simpler and 
more  effective  framework  for  the  selection  of  the  control  sample,  the  timing  of  controls, 
and procedures for on-the-spot checks4; 

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Additional  information  on  simplification  initiatives  in  the  agricultural  sector  will  be  presented  in  a 
Commission Progress Report in Spring 2009. 

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•  The new Regulation on structural business statistics reduces the number of information 
requirements  and  provides  for  annual  rather  than  multi-annual  collection  of  data.  At  the 
same  time,  a  new  statistical  classification  of  economic  activities  in  the  European 
Community was introduced. It is expected to lead to a 17.5 % net reduction in data to be 
reported; 

•  Under the Thematic Strategies on Air Pollution and on the Prevention and Recycling of 
Waste,  the  framework  legislation  in  these  areas  has  been  streamlined,  clarified  and 
simplified.  The  new  Ambient  Air  Quality  directive  merges  5  separate  directives  and  the 
new  Waste  Framework  Directive  integrates  the  previously  separate  directives  on 
hazardous waste and waste oils; 

•  The  new  Water  Framework  Directive  provides  a  single  coherent  policy  framework  for 
planning,  executing  and  reporting  to  protect  and  restore  clean  water  across  Europe,  and 
reduces the number of directives in the water sector from 18 to 10.  

•  A new Directive on health and safety at work simplifies and rationalises the reports from 
Member States on practical implementation of the framework Directive and its individual 
Directives. From now, Member States will only be required to present one report every 5 
years. 

3.2. 

Improved working methods and simplified procedures 

The  Commission  actively  promotes  the  wider  use  of  IT  as  a  way  to  improve  working 
procedures.  

•  The  new  Common  Procurement  Vocabulary  (a  standard  EU  product  description) 
facilitates  the  identification  of  public  procurement  opportunities  anywhere  in  the  EU, 
irrespective  of  the  language  of  the  country  of  procurement.  The  forms  used  by  public 
authorities  to  publish  notices  in  the  EU  Official  Journal  have  been  standardised  and 
automated, reducing publication time from 12 to 5 days. Both developments will increase 
transparency  in  public  procurement  markets.  Every  day,  business  opportunities  in  the 
public  sector  worth  more  than  € 1 billion  a ppear  on  the  EU  website  ‘Tenders  Electronic 
Daily’ (TED); 

•  The  simplification  of  the  Community  Customs  Code  includes  the  modernisation  of  the 
EU customs legislation and the creation of a paperless environment for customs authorities 
and traders. Electronic logging of customs declarations and accompanying documents will 
become  the  rule.  Authorised  traders  will  be  able  to  declare  goods  electronically  and  pay 
their  customs  duties  in  the  Member  State  where  they  are  based,  regardless  of  where  the 
goods  were  brought  in  or  taken  out  of  the  EU  customs  territory,  or  where  they  will  be 
consumed. Once the integrated system is fully operational, it should generate benefits for 
traders estimated at € -2.5 billion/year;  

•  The  amendment  of  Article  55  of  the  General  Regulation  for  cohesion  policy  has 
simplified rules for small revenue-generating projects. The provision on proportionality in 
monitoring small operations (where the total cost is below € 200 000) has been replaced by 
an  exemption  from  the  application  of  the  article  for  operations  co-financed  by  the 
European  Social  Fund  and  the  European  Regional  Development  Fund  or  Cohesion  Fund 
where the total cost is less than € 1 000 000. 

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3.3. 

A well functioning Internal Market  

The  Internal  Market  has  been  and  remains  a  driving  force  for  simplification  in  the  EU, 
allowing a vast set of national laws to be concentrated into a single piece of legislation.  

•  The  common  rules  for  the  operation  of  air  services  in  the  Community  revise  the  so-
called  ‘third  package’  of  air  transport  liberalisation.  They  should  contribute  to  more 
consumer  choice,  lower  fares  and  more  competition.  Stricter  requirements  and  better 
supervision  of  start-up  airlines  will  also  reduce  the  risk  of  bankruptcy  and  the  negative 
consequences  for  passengers.  The  average  annual  cost  of  bankruptcies  to  passengers, 
including repatriation costs and loss of advance bookings, is estimated at € -15.6 million. A 
50 % reduction of the number of bankruptcies among air carriers with up to two years of 
operations would save consumers on average € 2.4 million annually; 

•  The  revised  Directive  on  the  interoperability  of  the  rail  system  within  the  Community 
modernises rules for the certification of vehicles. Savings on certification costs, have been 
estimated  at  € 200-280 million  for  railway  under takings  and  manufacturers  over  the  next 
15 years; 

•  The new Regulation on maximum residue levels (MRL) for pesticides in food and feed 
replaces  approximately  500,000  national  MRLs  with  100,000  EU  MRLs  and  helps 
operators, who no longer have to submit multiple applications in different Member States; 

•  The ‘VAT package’ introduces new rules for services which will mean that business-to-
business services will be taxed in the Member State of the customer. This should act as an 
incentive for businesses to provide services throughout the Community. The package also 
includes  a  mini  one-stop  shop  for  telecom,  broadcasting  and  e-commerce  services  for 
businesses established within the EU and a new procedure for claiming VAT refunds for 
businesses not established in the Member State in which the VAT was incurred; 

•  In the area of the Company law, the  directive adopted by fast track in  2007  on mergers 
and  divisions  streamlines  cross  border  mergers,  thereby  leading  to  a  saving  for  public 
limited companies of € 17 million. 

4. 

MORE RESULTS TO BE EXPECTED: PENDING PROPOSALS AND INTER-INSTITUTIONAL 
ASPECTS 

The number of simplification measures adopted by the Council and the European Parliament 
has  gone  up  from  16  in  January 2008  to  39  in  January 2009.  However,  50  simplification 
proposals  are  still  pending  before  the  Council  and the  European  Parliament  (Annex 3).  It  is 
important the institutions progress in their consideration of these proposals so that even more 
benefits are enjoyed by business, citizens and public administrations. 

•  The  new  EU  directive  on  investment  funds,  known  as  'UCITS'  (Undertakings  for 
Collective  Investment  in  Transferable  Securities)  will  provide  consumers  with  access  to 
professionally  managed  investments  on  affordable  terms;  allow  UCITS  managers  to 
develop their cross-border activities and generate savings consolidation and economies of 
scale;  enable  investors  to  benefit  from  a  greater  choice  of  investment  funds  operating  at 
lower  costs;  and  protect  retail  investors  by  making  sure  that  they  receive  clear,  easily 

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understandable  and  relevant  information  when  investing  in  UCITS.  The  directive  will 
replace 10 existing directives with a single text;  

•  Several important proposals have been made in the field of company law with a view to 
simplifying  the  conduct  of  business  in  the  EU  and  making  important  savings.  Amongst 
these measures are the proposal for a Council Regulation for a European Private Company 
Statute; the proposal to reduce the translation and publication requirements of companies 
which  would  lead  to  an  estimated  saving  of  €  600  million;  and  a  further  proposal  on 
reporting and documentation requirements in the case of mergers and divisions; 

•  The  new  cosmetic  regulation  will  replace  over  3,500 pages  of  legal  text.  While 
maintaining  the  same,  high  level  of  safety  standards,  the  proposal  reduces  costs  for 
businesses  by  at  least  50 %.  Product  safety  assessments  procedures  are  clarified  and 
notification rules for new cosmetics are simplified. This will have a significant effect as the 
European  market  for  cosmetic  products  is  worth  approximately  €  65 billion  and  creates, 
directly and indirectly, over 350,000 jobs; 

•  The revision of the pharmaceutical “Variations” Regulations will harmonise criteria for 
evaluating  variations  and  timelines  for  review  and  approval.  Data  show  that  a  typical 
generic company has to manage over 1,500 changes to medicines every year, while a larger 
pharmaceutical  company  has  to  handle  more  than  12,000.  The  proposal  will  strengthen 
companies’  competitiveness  by  reducing  logistical  problems,  such  as  having  to  stock 
different  versions  of  the  same  product  for  various  national  markets.  The  simplified 
framework will help companies, especially SMEs, to expand their activities into other EU 
markets; 

•  The new "Car Safety Package" proposal will simplify the existing regulatory environment 
by  repealing  150 directives  on  the  type-approval  of  vehicles;  and  introduce  mandatory 
fitting  of  safety  features  and  tyre  pressure  monitoring  systems  on  passenger  cars, 
dramatically improving vehicle safety and reducing CO2 emissions; 

•  The  Directive  on  Consumer  Rights  will  contribute  to  the  better  functioning  of  the 
business-to-consumer  internal  market  by  reducing  business  reluctance  to  trade  across 
borders. It will decrease fragmentation and simplify the existing regulatory framework by 
repealing  4  directives.  The  Directive  will  tighten  up  the  regulatory  framework  and  a 
standard set of consumer contract terms will cut compliance costs substantially; 

•  The package of energy efficiency proposals aims to make energy savings in key areas, for 
example  by  reinforcing  energy  efficiency  legislation  on  buildings  and  energy-using 
products. Average annual energy savings can easily amount to over € 1,000 per household; 

•  In  the  area  of  statistics  on  intra-Community  trade  in  goods  (Intrastat),  the  reporting 
thresholds required by European legislation will exempt an estimated 370,000 companies 
from  the  obligation  to  report.  This  represents  a  reduction  in  the  surveyed  population  of 
roughly 52 % over 6 years (from 720,000 in 2004 to 350,000 in 2010); 

•  The proposal on the placing on the market and use of feed will increase innovation and 
competitiveness for companies in this sector. The new Regulation will repeal 7 Directives, 
down  to  about  30 pages  from  more  than  100.  The  prohibitive  pre-market  authorisation 
procedure  for  certain  products  (bio-proteins)  will  also  be  abolished  (as  it  is  not 

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proportionate to the risk). To illustrate what this means in terms of cost reduction, the total 
costs for a new bio-protein authorisation for the industry are estimated at € 481,000; 

•  The  proposal  to  recast  the  directive  on  integrated  pollution  prevention  and  control 
(IPPC)  will  merge  7  directives  on  industrial  emissions into one legislative instrument. It 
will  delete  obsolete  parts  of  existing  directives,  simplify  permit  requirements,  reduce 
reporting by operators and streamline reporting by Member States. The proposal will lead 
to  significant  administrative  cost  savings  of  an  estimated  €  32  million  per  annum  and  in 
addition  will  lead  to  an  even  more  significant  reduction  of  the  administrative  burden  at 
Member State level (national or regional) in the order of € 150-300 million per annum; 

•  The "GSM package" aims to open up the 900 and the 1800 MHz spectrum (GSM bands) 
for  more  innovative  use.  This  package  will  remove  restrictive  regulation  that  no  longer 
reflects  technological  development  and  hampers  widespread  use  of  mobile  broadband 
services; 

•  The "Health Check" of the Common Agricultural Policy will bring about a simplification 
of the single payment scheme. In particular it marks a move away from maintaining two 
parallel systems of coupled and decoupled support towards more decoupling. Decoupling 
is projected to provide a reduction of € 0.63 milli on in administrative burden to farmers in 
the  UK  alone.  The  simplification  also  abolishes  the  10 %  land  set  aside  requirement. 
Farmers can use all of their land, no longer need to go through the associated procedures 
and Member States no longer need to control this measure. To illustrate the benefits, this is 
expected  to  lead  to  a  reduction  of  € 4.4 milli on  in  administrative  costs  to  farmers  in 
England alone5; 

•  All provisions relating to the control of fishing activities will be brought under the same 
regulatory framework with a special emphasis on the extended use of modern technologies 
and linkages to data bases; 

•  The reform of the Telecom Package will lead to a net reduction of administrative costs for 
the industry by reducing the number of relevant markets susceptible to ex ante competition 
regulation,  simplifying  market  review  procedures,  setting  up a European regulatory body 
and 
reforming  spectrum  management.  Electronic  communications  services  and 
infrastructure  provide  the  foundations  for  the  economy  as  a  whole,  and  improvements  in 
this sector will feed through to benefit the rest of the EU; 

•  The  proposal  to  improve  the  implementation  of  regional  policy  programmes  aims  to 
facilitate the financial management and accelerate the release of the necessary Community 
financial  resources  in  favour  of  both  operational  programmes  and  projects.  In  particular, 
the Commission has proposed that overhead costs of the projects will be reimbursed on the 
lump sum basis and that state aid advances paid to the beneficiaries could be reimbursed 
fully by the EU to public authorities. These changes will be of particular help for SMEs; ; 

•  The modernisation of the coordination of national social security schemes will facilitate 
the free movement of workers and their families across the EU. It will also benefit the 173 
million holders of the European Health Insurance Card who can have access to health care 
during a temporary stay in a Member State in the same way as nationals of that State. 

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UK Government booklet: "25 ideas for simplifying EU law", 2008. 

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The  number  of  pending  proposals  before  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament  is 
increasing. It is therefore essential that means to accelerate their adoption are examined and 
every effort made to reach agreement, if possible, on first reading in the co-decision process. 
The  Commission  welcomes  the  European  Parliament’s  intention  to  establish  specific 
structures  to  encourage  simplification,  as  stated  in  the  recently  adopted  report  by 
Mr Medina Ortega. 

The  European  Parliament  has  confirmed  its  wish  that  the  Commission  use  recasting  as  an 
ordinary  legislative  technique,  even  when  ‘revision’  of  the  current  text  is  being  proposed. 
However,  it  is  important  that  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament  align  with  the 
principles and spirit of the simplification exercise by keeping the adopted proposals as simple 
as  possible  and  by  speeding-up  the  decision-making  process  so  that  the  benefits  can  be 
enjoyed by business, citizens and public administrations.  

5. 

CODIFICATION  

As well as simplifying legislation, the Commission also codifies it, combining the basic law 
and all subsequent amendments into one text. This makes legal acts clearer and reduces the 
size of the Community acquis.  

The Commission has finalised a total of 229 codification acts so far. Of these, 142 acts have 
been  codified,  adopted  and  published  in  the  Official  Journal  (102 Commission  acts  and 
40 acts  of  the  European  Parliament  and  the  Council).  These  142 codified  acts  replace 
729 previous acts, corresponding to about 1,300 pages of the Official Journal. 

87 acts are still pending before the Council and the European Parliament.  

Most of the translation backlog of legislation for codification in the new languages has been 
eliminated. The remaining proposals for the completion of the codification programme, which 
was revised in 2006, will be presented in 2009 with a report detailing the achievements of the 
programme  as  a  whole.  21 new  pieces  of  legislation  have  been  selected  for  codification  in 
2009 (Annex 6). 

6. 

NEXT STEPS 

6.1. 

Initiatives in the pipeline for 2009 

The  Commission  has  included  33 simplification  initiatives  in  its  Legislative  and  Work 
Programme for 20096 (Annex 7).  

For example: 

•  Revision  of  Directive 2000/35/EC  on  combating 

in  commercial 
transactions that will discourage public authorities and businesses from delaying payment 
to  suppliers  and  will  provide  incentives  for  creditors  to  seek  damages  for  late  payment. 

late  payment 

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Commission  Legislative  and  Work  Programme  2009:  Acting  now  for  a  better  Europe  –  COM(2008) 
712. 

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This initiative is part of the “Small Business Act for Europe” and the "European Economic 
Recovery plan"; 

•  Simplification  of  EC  legislation  on  agricultural  and  forestry  tractors  by  replacing 

24 Directives with one Regulation; 

•  Amendment and modernisation of Regulation (EC) No 44/2001 to adapt Regulation to new 
international  instruments  and  to  ensure  recognition  and  enforcement  of  judgements  in 
civil and commercial matters, by getting rid of intermediary steps which citizens must to 
go through (exequatur) to have a judicial decision recognised and enforced abroad; 

•  Reform  of  the  common  organisation  of  the  markets  in  the  fishery  and  aquaculture 
sector, focusing on sustainable fishing and marketing activities. This covers adaptation to 
market  developments,  strengthening  coherence  with  other  elements  of  the  Common 
Fisheries  Policy  as  well  as  related  Community  policies  (trade,  health  and  consumer 
protection, environment) and will promote extended use of electronic means. 

Furthermore, the Commission is continuing its work with Member States to further indentify 
ways to simplify the regulations on cohesion policy and reduce the administrative burden for 
beneficiaries. 

6.2. 

Screening of the acquis and future simplification activities  

As  announced  in  the  Second  Strategic  Review  of  Better  Regulation  in  the  EU,  the 
Commission has carried out a comprehensive screening of the acquis.  

As  a  first  step,  a  systematic  review  of  the  acquis  was  carried  out  to  identify  the  most 
important  regulatory  instruments.  As  a  result  of  this  review  about  3,600 acts  were  selected. 
For these acts, a more detailed screening was undertaken to assess whether they are up to date 
or whether there is scope for simplification.  

The complete series of results by policy area will be published on the Europa simplification 
website7 to provide a clear overview of the Commission’s simplification efforts to date.  

The outcome of the screening shows to what extent: 

•  simplification has already taken place;  

•  simplification is planned for 2009; 

•  there is scope for simplification during the next Commission; or 

•  simplification is not planned, i.e. the text is clear, up to date and proportionate to its policy 
objectives. In some of these cases, changes to the legislation  might produce benefits, but 
they would be outweighed by costs and burdens for businesses and public administrations, 
notably in terms of transposition.  

The  emerging  picture  is  one  of  significant  progress.  About  two  thirds  of  the  acts,  which 
primarily  cover  agriculture,  the  internal  market,  transport,  enterprises,  health  and  the 

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environment,  have  been  simplified  under  the  simplification  rolling  programme,  the 
codification  programme  or  other  Commission  initiatives,  or  are  now  included  in  the 
forthcoming simplification proposals for 2009 (Annex 2). 

This stocktaking also prepares the ground for further simplification activities. By examining 
existing  acts  in  their  sectoral  context,  the  Commission  is  moving  towards  an  integrated 
approach  to  simplification.  A  further  81 actions  (Annex 1)  could  be  incorporated  in  future 
simplification initiatives.  

For example:  

•  Alignment  of  15  technical  harmonisation  Directives  with  the  Decision  setting  out  a 
common  framework  for  the  marketing  of  products.  The  latter  sets  out  elements 
commonly  used  in  technical  harmonisation  legislation  in  a  standardised  format  which 
should be introduced into future legislation. The rationale is to ensure more consistency of 
the  legal  environment  and  to  establish  a  common  “culture”  of  legislating.  This  will 
improve the quality of our legislation and reduce administrative burdens; 

•  Simplification  of  implementing  rules  under  the  Common  agricultural  policy,  following 
adoption of the “Health Check” with regard to the intervention management mechanism; 

•  Revision  of  the  legislation  on  health  threats  (communicable  diseases  and  chemical, 

biological and radio-nuclear threats) and animal health, welfare and feed; 

•  Further  burden  reduction  in  the  statistical  area  thanks  to  the  MEETS  (Modernisation  of 
European  Enterprise  and  Trade  Statistics)  programme.  This  will  improve  the  methods  of 
data collection in Member States through more use of administrative and accounting data 
and  improved  sampling  schemes  and  also  better  and  more  intensive  use  of  available 
sources.  

7. 

CONCLUDING REMARKS 

Since  the  launch  of  the  strategy  for  simplifying  the  regulatory  environment  in  2005, 
simplification has been mainstreamed into the work of the Commission. Through a range of 
coordinated  activities,  the  Commission  has  built  up  a  political  and  practical  framework  of 
action  delivering  tangible  benefits  for  citizens,  businesses  and  public  administrations.  In  an 
effort  to  make  legislation  more  clear  and  understandable,  some  1,300 acts,  representing 
around 10 % of the acquis, have been proposed for removal from the EU statute book. 

Simplification is a continuous process. The snapshot provided by the screening of the acquis 
prepares  the  ground  for  future  work.  A  programme  which  started  with  a  limited  number  of 
dispersed  initiatives  now  covers  all  policy  areas  and  is  taking  an  increasingly  sectoral 
approach. This means examining the entire body of legislation that affects a given policy area 
to  identify  overlaps,  gaps,  inconsistencies  and  excessive  regulatory  burdens.  The  aim  is  to 
assess the overall effectiveness of the regulatory framework sector by sector.  

In  driving  forward  the  simplification  agenda,  the  Commission  will  require  political  support 
from  the  other  EU  institutions  and  the  Member  States.  The  European  Parliament  and  the 
Council are invited to do their utmost to adopt pending proposals as soon as possible and to 
preserve their simplification content during the decision-making process. The Member States 

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are encouraged to carry forward their own simplification programmes and to apply EU law in 
a spirit of simplification, without adding unnecessary measures on the back of EU law.  

On a daily basis, European citizens and businesses are confronted with a mix of EU, national 
and regional legislation. Only a coordinated simplification effort at all these levels can ensure 
that  this  regulatory  framework  serves  its  purpose  in  the  best  possible  way  –  safeguarding 
growth and welfare, while keeping burdens to the minimum necessary. 

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Annex 1 

Results of the screening of the acquis  

Scope for simplification activities during the next Commission 

Annex 2 

Visualisation of the screening of the acquis 

Annex 3 

Simplification proposals pending before the Council and the European Parliament – 
state of play  

Annex 4 

Commission autonomous acts & other initiatives adopted since 2005 

Annex 5 

Simplification proposals adopted by the legislature since 2005 

Annex 6 

Codification programme (2009) 

Annex 7 

Simplification rolling programme (2009) 

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Annex 1 

Results of the screening of the acquis  

Scope for simplification activities during the next Commission 

Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

1. 

Health and safety 
at work  

Commission Directive 91/322/EEC of 29 May 1991 on establishing 
indicative limit values by implementing Council Directive 80/1107/EEC 
on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to 
chemical, physical and biological agents at work 

2. 

Labour Law / 
European 
Cooperative 
society / 
European 
Company Statute 
/ Information and 
consultation of 
employees 

Council Directive 2003/72/EC of 22 July 2003 supplementing the Statute 
for a European Cooperative Society with regard to the involvement of 
employees 

Council Directive 2001/86/EC of 8 October 2001 supplementing the 
Statute for a European company with regard to the involvement of 
employees 

Following adoption of a new Commission Directive 
establishing a third list of indicative occupational 
exposure limit values in implementation of Council 
Directive 98/24/EC, the intention is to review the 
scientific values contained in Directive 91/322/EEC 
and examine the possibility of its review in the 
future. 

Taking into account the views of Member States, the 
Commission has decided to examine possible 
simplification of the provisions on information and 
consultation of employees once the full evaluation 
report on Regulation (EC) No 1435/2003 (European 
Cooperative Society Statute) has been completed in 
2011. 

Taking into account the views of Member States, the 
Commission has decided to examine the possible 
simplification of provisions on information and 
consultation of employees once the full evaluation 
report on Regulation (EC) No 2157/2001 (European 
Company Statute) has been completed (foreseen for 

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Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

  Internal market 
for products / 
Common 
framework for the 
marketing of 
products 

Directive 93/15/EC on the market and supervision of explosives for civil 
uses, Directive 90/384/EC relating to non-automatic weighting 
instruments, Directive 73/23/EC to electrical equipment designed for use 
within certain voltage limits, Directive 2004/108/EC relating to 
electromagnetic compatibility, Directive 94/9/EC concerning equipment 
and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive 
atmospheres and Directive 2007/23/EC on the placing on the market of 
pyrotechnic articles 

2010). 

Alignment of the existing harmonised acquis with the 
Decision setting out a common framework for the 
marketing of products8  

  Internal market 
for products  

Directive 97/68/EC on the emissions of gaseous and particulates 
pollutants of non road machinery 

Review and alignment with the new legal framework 
for the marketing of products  

  Internal market 
for products  

Directive 95/16/EC on lifts 

Review and alignment with the new legal framework 
for the marketing of products 

  Internal market 
for products  

Directive 2000/14/EC on noise emission in the environment by equipment 
for use outdoors  

Review and alignment with the new legal framework 
for the marketing of products 

  Internal market 
for products  

  Internal market 
for products  

Directive 89/686/EC on personal protective equipment 

Directive 90/396/EC relating to appliances burning gaseous fuels  

Review and alignment with the new legal framework 
for the marketing of products 

Review and alignment with the new legal framework 
for the marketing of products  

  Internal market 
for products  

Directive 2000/9/EC relating to cableway installations designed to carry 
persons 

Review and alignment with the new legal framework 
for the marketing of products  

Decision  No  768/2008/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on  a  common  framework  for  the  marketing  of  products  has  established  a  new  horizontal 
framework (revision of the new approach), which will enhance consistency and coherence across a broad range of technical regulations adopted over the last 30 years. 

14 

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3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

8 

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Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

10. 

11. 

12. 

Policy area 

  Internal market 
for products  

  Internal market 
for products  

  Nature protection 
/ Trade of wild 
fauna and flora 

Directive 94/25/EC on recreational craft 

Directive 1999/5/EC on Telecommunications 

Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the 
protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein  

+ 

12 amendments 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 of 4 May 2006 laying down 
detailed rules concerning the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) 
No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by 
regulating trade therein 

13. 

  Waste  

Decision 2000/532/EC establishing a list of wastes 

+ 

3 amendments 

14. 

  Specific waste 
streams 

European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and 
packaging waste 

+ 6 Commission implementing Decisions (on the identification system 

for packaging materials, on formats relating to the database system, on 
derogation and on national measures in 3 Member States) 

+ 

3 amendments 

Review and alignment with the new legal framework 
for the marketing of products 

Review and alignment with the new legal framework 
for the marketing of products  

While the stakeholder consultation and a study 
concluded that the Regulation was generally 
effective, a number of areas have been identified 
where the Implementing Regulation (Regulation (EC) 
No. 865/2006) could be simplified, and clearer and 
more transparent guidance provided on the 
interpretation and implementation of the Regulations. 
A full revision of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 
865/2006 will be prepared in 2009 

Waste legislation will be simplified further. In 
particular, the Commission is currently reviewing the 
waste list and may come forward with a proposal for 
revision in 2009 

Scope to simplify further is under review. This 
Directive will be part of a full screening ("review") of 
the EU recycling Directives during the next 
Commission. Preparatory studies are under way. 
Expected results include clearer definitions in line 
with the revised Waste Framework Directive. Results 
are not expected before 2012 

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Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

15. 

16. 

17. 

Council Directive 96/59/EC on the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls 
and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCB/PCT) 

Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
end-of life vehicles 

+ 4 Commission implementing Decisions (on questionnaires, certificates 

of destruction, exemptions and the Dutch scheme) 

+ 

6 amendments 

  Water protection 
and management / 
River basin 
management 

Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 
establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water 
policy 

+ 2 amendments (notably Decision No 2455/2001/EC establishing the 

list of priority substances in the field of water policy) 

+ 

Commission Decision 2005/646/EC (intercalibration 

network) 

Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the 

Council on the assessment and management of flood risks 

Scope to simplify further is under review. The 
implementation of the deadline for decontamination 
and/or disposal of PCB containing equipment will 
have to be evaluated ("reviewed") in 2011. If results 
are positive, a further simplification could be 
envisaged as from 2011 

Scope to simplify further is under review. The ELV 
Directive will be part of an overall screening (to 
examine the possibility of revision) of the recycling 
directives during the next Commission. Preparatory 
studies are under way. Expected results include 
clearer definitions in line with the new Waste 
Framework Directive). Results are not expected 
before 2012 

Possible scope to simplify further by codifying the 
Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, Floods 
Directive 2007/60/EC, Directive on environmental 
quality standards 2008/105/EC and of Directive 
2006/118/EC into one legal instrument. 

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Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

18. 

Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
the assessment and management of flood risks 

19. 

  Groundwater 

Directive 2006/118/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration 

20. 

  Drinking water 

Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human 
consumption 

+ comitology Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 

+ 

transitional measures for new Member States 

21. 

  Air quality / 
Standards 

Directive 2004/107/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
15 December 2004 relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and 
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air 

Possible scope for further simplification through 
codification of the Floods Directive 2007/60/EC, the 
Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, Directive 
2008/105/EC on environmental quality standards and 
Directive 2006/118/EC 

Possible scope to simplify further by codifying the 
Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, Floods 
Directive 2007/60/EC, Directive on environmental 
quality standards 2008/105/EC and of Directive 
2006/118/EC into one legal instrument. 

The potential to simplify further is under review, both 
with legislative and non-legislative measures. The 
revision process began in 2008 and is expected to 
finish in 2009. 

There is scope to simplify further. The Directive was 
due for transposition in 2007. It is envisaged to 
include this Directive in the general review of 
Directive 2008/50/EC in 2013 with the objective of 
merging those two Directives. This merger would 
ensure that all ambient air quality objectives are 
contained in one legal instrument. No reporting 
obligations for business under current Directive, only 
for Member States.  

22. 

  Air quality / 
Standards 

Directive 98/70/EC on the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending 
Directive 93/12/EC 

Codification could be considered once the amending 
legislative proposal COM(2007) 18 becomes law 

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Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

Directive 1999/32/EC on the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels 

Codification could be considered as part of the review 
of the directive currently underway (proposal 
expected in 2010).  

Consultants have been instructed to assess potential to 
simplify technical provisions in light of previous 
stakeholder views and new information that may be 
available. Report expected spring 2009. No reporting 
obligations for business in current directive only for 
MSs. 

  VOC / Storage of 
petrol 

Directive 94/63/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the 
control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the 
storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations 

Policy area 

  Air quality / 
Standards 

23. 

24. 

25. 

  Climate change / 
Monitoring and 
reporting on green 
house gazes 

Decision No 280/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 
concerning a mechanism for monitoring Community greenhouse gas 
emissions and for implementing the Kyoto Protocol 

Further simplification is under review, depending on 
agreement on climate and energy package, and 
international agreement in Copenhagen. 

+ 

Commission Decision 2005/166/EC laying down rules 

implementing Decision No 280/2004/EC 

26. 

  Industrial 
emissions / Paints 

Directive 2004/42/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use 
of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing 
products 

Review of the directive is ongoing with a proposal 
expected in 2010. There is scope to improve the 
clarity and implementation of the Directive following 
the review and consultation with stakeholders and 
impact assessment. 

27. 

  Asbestos 

Council Directive 87/217/EEC on the prevention and reduction of 
environmental pollution by asbestos 

Simplification is envisaged for 2010. 

The Directive 87/217/EEC could be simplified by 
amending or repealing it, depending on the results of 
an impact assessment to be carried out in 2009. 

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Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

28. 

  Civil protection 
and industrial 
accidents 

Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards 
involving dangerous substances 

Review of directive underway with view to proposals 
at end 2009/early 2010. Possible simplification will 
be considered as part of review.  

+ 2 amendments 

1 Commission implementing decision  

29. 

  Chemicals and 
Biocides / 
Laboratory 
animals 

+ 

1 amendment (Directive 2003/65/EC) 

Council Directive 86/609/EEC regarding the protection of animals used 
for experimental and other scientific purposes 

There is scope to simplify further: The Commission is 
currently discussing the revision of the Directive.  

The main objective of the revision is to create a level 
playing field for researchers and industry. In line with 
the Animal Welfare Protocol annexed to the EC 
Treaty, the proposal aims to increase the level of 
welfare and protection of animals used in 
experiments. By promoting the use of test methods 
alternative to animal testing, the Directive will result 
in costs savings for the EU industry, as the in vitro 
and computer based tests are less expensive than 
those using animals. It will also strive to simplify the 
regulatory environment and ensure the 
competitiveness of EU research and industry. 

Scope to simplify further is under review: The 
Commission is preparing the report on the application 
and effectiveness of the EIA Directive and how it has 
been implemented by the Member States. The 
directive could be simplified by clarifying certain 
provisions following the accession of the new 
Member States, probably by recasting the legislation 

30. 

  Horizontal 
Instruments / 
Impact 
Assessment 

Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain 
public and private projects on the environment 

+ 

2 amendments 

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31. 

Policy area 

  Energy and 
environment 
statistics 

32. 

  Intrastat 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

Regulation (EC) No 2150/2002 on waste statistics 

This revision aims: to increase the usability of waste 
statistics, to simplify the provisions of the Regulation 
as far as possible, to align the Regulation with other 
reporting obligations included in Community waste 
legislation, and to take into account user needs. 

Regulation (EC) No 638/2004 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of 31 March 2004 on Community statistics relating to the trading 
of goods between Member States and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) 
No 3330/91 

By means of a reduced minimum trade coverage ratio 
for arrival flows, the number of enterprises filing 
Intrastat declarations can potentially be reduced from 
540,000 to an estimated 350,000. 

The Regulation will be amended by 2008/0026(COD) which will enter 
into force from 2009. 

The MEETS (Modernisation of European Enterprise 
and Trade Statistics) programme aims at further 
reducing burdens by improving data collection 
methods in Member States through greater use of 
administrative and accounting data and improved 
sampling schemes and by making better and more 
intensive use of available sources 

Eurostat continues its work on long term solutions 
such as single flow reporting and better use of 
administrative data, in particular the integration of 
Intrastat and VIES (VAT information exchange 
system) declarations 

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Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

33. 

  Short term 
statistics 

Council Regulation (EC) No 1165/98 of 19 May 1998 concerning short-
term statistics 

34. 

  European System 
of Accounts 

Council Regulation (EC) No 2223/96 of 25 June 1996 on the European 
system of national and regional accounts in the Community 

Regulation (EC) No 1221/2002 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of 10 June 2002 on quarterly non-financial accounts for general 
government 

35. 

  Economy and 
finance statistics / 
Prices 

Council Regulation (EC) No 2494/95 of 23 October 1995 concerning 
harmonized indices of consumer prices 

36. 

  Transport 
statistics / Road 

Council Regulation (EC) No 1172/98 of 25 May 1998 on statistical 
returns in respect of the carriage of goods by road 

In this area, a cost and burden measurement was 
undertaken in the framework of providing a Report to 
the European Parliament and the Council in August 
2008. The same measurement will be repeated for the 
next Report to Council and European Parliament due 
in three years and this will be an opportunity to obtain 
information on the reduction of burdens over time. 
STS are also covered by the MEETS (Modernisation 
of European Enterprise and Trade Statistics) exercise  

All regulations related to the European System of 
Accounts will be incorporated in the new regulation 
on ESA. The possibilities to simplify will be studied 
when preparing this new regulation. The provisional 
planning for the regulation foresees adoption by the 
EP and the Council in 2011/2012 

Discussions ongoing within the Commission to 
decide how to simplify the regulation. This work can 
only be completed once the Commission has adopted 
all the implementing measures planned (adoption 
foreseen: 2nd half of 2009). 

ESTAT plans to simplify the requirements of 
Commission Regulation (EC) No 642/2004 for data 
collected in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 
1172/98,  
for example, by redefining variables and thresholds. 

37. 

  Transport 
statistics / Sea 

Council Directive 95/64/EC of 8 December 1995 on statistical return in 
respect of carriage of goods and passengers by sea 

This directive will be simplified and codified.  

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Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

38. 

Policy area 

  Information 
society / 
electronic 
signatures 

Revision of the regulatory framework for e-signature/e-identification 
following an action plan seeking EU-wide solutions in cross-border use of 
online public services; 

Directive 1999/93/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
13 December 1999 on a Community framework for electronic signatures  

39. 

  Police and 
criminal justice 
cooperation 

Third pillar instruments notably framework Decisions of the Schengen 
acquis in the field of police and criminal justice cooperation 

The Commission adopted an eSignature / 
eIdentification Action Plan in November 2008. The 
Action Plan seeks an EU-wide solution to cross-
border use of online public services. A progress 
report on the Action Plan will be submitted to the 
Council in 2010. On the basis of this Report, the 
Commission will assess whether further horizontal 
and/or sectoral initiatives are needed. 

Revision or repeal of a number of third pillar 
instruments notably framework Decisions on the 
entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in the Justice, 
Freedom and security acquis (shift to the 1st pillar). 
This concerns the Schengen acquis in the field of 
police and criminal justice cooperation. The full 
acquis will be revised to improve transparency and to 
establish which articles continue to apply and which 
have been replaced 

40. 

  Asylum / 
Minimum 
standards Refugee 
status 

Council directive 2005/85/EC on minimum standards on procedures in 
Member states for granting and withdrawing refugee status and Council 
Directive 2004/83/EC on minimum standards for the qualification and 
status of third country nationals or stateless persons as refugees or as 
persons who otherwise need international protection and the content of the 
protection granted 

The Commission will put forward a proposal 
amending this Directive in spring 2009. Room for 
simplification of the present text could be found in 
this context 

The possibility of a recast will be considered 

41. 

  External borders  Consolidation of Council Directive 2007/2004/EC establishing a 

European agency for management external borders 

In the framework of the forthcoming proposal to 
amend the Regulation, a consolidation could be 
envisaged 

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Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

42. 

   Immigration / 
Admission third-
country nationals 

Simplification of Council Directive 2005/71/EC on a specific procedures 
for admitting third-country nationals for scientific research and Council 
Directive 2004/114/EC on the conditions of admission of third-country 
nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated 
training or voluntary services 

In 2009/2010, the Commission will have to put 
forward a first application report which may lead to 
proposals to amend these Directives. Room for 
simplification of the present text could be found in 
this context 

43. 

  Immigration / 
Residence 

Revision of Council Directive 2003/109/EC on status of third-country 
nationals who are long term residents 

44. 

  Immigration / 
Family 
reunification 

Council Directive 2003/86/EC on the right to family reunification 

In 2011, the Commission will put forward a first 
application report which may lead to proposals 
amending this Directive. Room for simplification of 
the present text could be found in this context 

Following its first application report of October 2008, 
the Commission will put forward a Green Paper on 
family reunification in March 2009. Room for 
simplification of the present text of Directive 
2003/86/EC could be found in this context  

45. 

  Information 
Network 

Council Decision 2005/267/EC establishing a secure web-based 
information and coordination network for MS’s migration management 
services 

Review of the functionality of the ICONet will take 
place in the context of the planned FRONTEX 
evaluation in 2009-2010 

46. 

  Expulsion 

Enhancement of Council Directive 2001/40/EC on the mutual recognition 
of decision on the expulsion of third country nationals 

47. 

  Smuggling 

Revision of Council directive 2004/81/EC on the residence permit issued 
to third-country national who are victim of trafficking in human beings 

In the light of the first evaluation of the adopted 
Return Directive in 2014, the issue of mutual 
recognition of return decisions and the weaknesses of 
Directive 2001/40/EC will be reconsidered.  

In 2009, the Commission will put forward a first 
application report which may lead to proposals 
amending this Directive. Room for simplification of 
the present text could be found in this context 

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Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

48. 

  Citizenship and 
freedom to travel / 
Schengen acquis 

1999/436/EC: Council Decision of determining, in conformity with the 
relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing , the legal basis for each of 
the provisions or decisions which constitute the Schengen acquis 

+ 55 related Decision of the Executive Committee  

49. 

  Organised crime 

2000/642/JHA Council decision on arrangements for cooperation between 
financial intelligence units of the Member States in respect of exchanging 
information 

50. 

  Organised crime / 
Drugs 

Simplification of Decision 2004/757/JHA laying down minimum 
provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the 
field of illicit drug trafficking 

51. 

  Judicial 
cooperation / Data 
protection  

Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 
October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the 
processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data 

Part of the Schengen acquis in the field of police and 
criminal justice cooperation has been repealed by 
other instruments. The full acquis will be revised to 
create transparency and establish which articles 
continue to apply and which have to be replaced 

On December 2007 the Commission issued a report 
on the implementation of this Decision. The report 
shows good legal compliance by MS but underlines a 
lack of legal clarity on how data protection rules may 
affect the exchange of information between MS 
Financial Intelligence Units and highlights the need 
for possible complementary measures. These aspects 
are now being discussed with the MS. This may lead 
to a complete revision of the decision 

The Decision calls for the Commission to submit a 
Report to the Council and the Parliament by 12 May 
2009 to assess measures taken by MS to comply with 
the Decision. Possibilities of simplification can also 
be assessed at the same occasion 

An on-going study will identify whether the Directive 
should be modified to take into account technological 
progress and the globalisation of data movement. 
Furthermore, the entry into force of the Treaty of 
Lisbon would provide additional possibilities, such as 
a single instrument, in respect of shaping the future of 
data protection 

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52. 

Policy area 

  Financial services 
and financial 
markets / Banking 
and financial 
conglomerates 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

Council Directive 89/117/EEC of 13 February 1989 on the obligations of 
branches established in a Member State of credit institutions and financial 
institutions having their head offices outside that Member State regarding 
the publication of annual accounting documents 

Reviews of the branch accounts and financial 
conglomerates directives are taking place with a view 
to simplifying them. 

Directive 2002/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
16 December 2002 on the supplementary supervision of credit institutions, 
insurance undertakings and investment firms in a financial conglomerate 
and amending Council Directives 73/239/EEC, 79/267/EEC, 92/49/EEC, 
92/96/EEC, 93/6/EEC and 93/22/EEC, and Directives 98/78/EC and 
2000/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 

53. 

  Public health / 
Communicable 
diseases 

Decision No 2119/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 
setting up a network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of 
communicable diseases in the Community 

Regulation (EC) No 851/2004 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council establishing a European Centre for disease prevention and control

Review of the health threats legislation scheduled for 
adoption by the Commission by the end of 2010 
including in particular review of Regulation (EC) No 
851/2004 and Decision No 2119/98/EC. 
Implementing measures of Decision No 2119/98/EC 
will be amended accordingly 

54. 

  Public health / 
Blood 

- Directive 2002/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 
setting standards of quality and safety for the collection, testing, 
processing, storage and distribution of human blood and blood 
components and amending Directive 2001/83/EC 

Overall review of blood/tissues and cells legislation 
will take place in 4-5 years; simplification in common 
reporting mechanisms could be extended and 
Commission directives regrouped 

- Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use 

- Directive 2000/70/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 
amending Council Directive 93/42 as regards medical devices 
incorporating stable derivates of human blood or human plasma  

- 3 Commission Directives implementing Directive 2002/98/EC 

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Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

55. 

  Public health / 
Tissues and Cells 

Directive 2004/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
setting standards of quality and safety for the donation, procurement, 
testing, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of human tissues 
and cells 

Overall review of blood/tissues and cells legislation 
will take place in 4-5 years; simplification in common 
reporting mechanisms could be extended and 
Commission directives regrouped 

Commission Directive 2006/17/EC implementing Directive 2004/23/EC 
of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards certain technical 
requirements for the donation, procurement and testing of human tissues 
and cells  

56. 

  Public health / 
Tobacco products 

Directive 2001/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions 
of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale 
of tobacco products  

Any simplification can be envisaged in the context of 
the report undertaken in 2007. Proposal to revise the 
tobacco products directive is scheduled for 2010 

57. 

  Public health / 
Food and feed 
safety 

58. 

  Chemical safety 
of foods / 
Fraudulent 
practices 

Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council on genetically modified food and feed  

Evaluation is planned end of 2008/2009 including for 
simplification and administrative burden reduction 

Council Directive 90/167/EC laying down the conditions governing the 
preparation, placing on the market and use of medicated feeding stuffs in 
the Community 

Commission Decision No 2005/402/EC on emergency measures regarding 
chilli, chilli products, curcuma and palm oil 

A first step to alleviate controls has been taken in the 
framework of implementing measures of Regulation 
(EC) No 882/2004. If the control results are 
favourable, it can be expected that the measures will 
be completely lifted. 

EN 

26 

EN 

 
  
 
Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

59. 

  Animal health and 
welfare 

Animal health measures on disease eradication and control, intra-
community trade and imports 

60. 

  Phytosanitary 
legislation / 
Harmful 
organisms 

Legislation on protective measures against harmful organisms (including 
intra-trade, plant passports, third country imports, control measures) 

Legislation on protected zones (including particular plant health risks, 
surveys and movement of certain plants) 

Action plan on animal health (including certain 
welfare and feed aspects) has been adopted in 2008; 
final proposal for the new Animal Health Law is 
planned in 2010. Revision of some 50 Council and 
EP/Council acts to replace existing policy actions 
with a single simplified regulatory framework. The 
foreseen Animal Health Law will seek to converge 
with international standards and will establish legal 
basis for implementation of IT tools and for possible 
changes in regulatory practice (e.g. use of guidelines 
in certain areas). 

Evaluation of the Community plant health regime to 
be launched in 2009 including for simplification and 
administrative burden reduction  

EN 

27 

EN 

 
  
 
Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

61. 

  Seed and plant 
propagating 
material 

Council Directive 66/401/EC on the marketing of fodder plant seed  
Council Directive 66/402/EC on the marketing of cereal seed  
Council Directive 2002/53/EC on the common catalogue of varieties of 
agricultural plant species  
Council Directive 2002/54/EC on the marketing of beet seed  
Council Directive 2002/55/EC on the marketing of vegetable seed  
Council Directive 2002/56/EC on the marketing of seed potatoes  
Council Directive 2002/57/EC on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre 
plants  
Council Directive 68/193/EC on the marketing of material for the 
vegetative propagation of the vine  
Council Directive 1998/56/EC on the marketing of propagating material 
of ornamental plants  
Council Directive 92/33/EC on the marketing of vegetable propagating 
and planting material, other than seed  
Council Directive 92/34/EC on the marketing of fruit plant propagating 
material and fruit plants intended for fruit production  
Council Directive 1999/105/EC on the marketing of forest reproductive 
material 

62. 

  Consumer policies 
/ Rights 

Council Directive 90/314/EEC on package travel, package holidays and 
package tours 

63. 

  Consumer policies 
/ Distance 
marketing in 
financial services 

Distance Marketing of Financial Services Directive 2002/65/EC 

Evaluation of the whole acquis on seed and plant 
propagating material in the framework of Better 
Regulation aiming to simplify and reduce 
administrative burdens finalised in November 2008. 
Action plan to be prepared by 2009. 

The outcome of a public consultation has shown that 
a majority of stakeholders believe that there is a need 
to simplify, clarify and modernise the Directive. A 
consumer detriment study has been initiated in 2008. 
The Impact Assessment will be launched in 2009. 
Possible proposal in 2010 

A report on the application of the Directive is 
scheduled for 2009, on the basis of which the 
possibility of amending the Directive will be 
considered 

EN 

28 

EN 

 
  
 
Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

64. 

  Consumer policies 
Enforcement 

Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 on Consumer Protection Cooperation 

65. 

  Direct taxation 

Proposal for a Council Directive on a common system of taxation 
applicable to interest and royalty payments made between associated 
companies of different Member States (recast version) 

  Indirect taxation / 
Excise duties 

Directive 68/297/EC on the standardisation of provisions regarding the 
duty-free admission of fuel contained in the fuel tanks of commercial 
motor vehicles  

  Indirect taxation / 
Excise duties  

Directive 92/83/EC on the harmonisation of the structures of excise duty 
on alcohol and alcoholic beverage 

The application of the Regulation is reviewed and 
assessed biennially. Scope for further simplification 
may be identified in this context. The first such report 
is due in 2009 and covers the period 2007-2008. 

To extend the scope of the Directive by reducing the 
participation thresholds, the inclusion of indirect 
holdings and by updating the annex(types of 
companies)  

Repeal of Directive is being envisaged 

Currently being reviewed by the Commission 
Services with a view to identifying areas that require 
modernisation. Simplification opportunities will be 
sought where appropriate 

  Customs / General 
legislation 

Regulation (EC) No 1889/2005/EC on controls of cash entering or leaving 
the Community 

Evaluation report being prepared on the 
implementation of the regulation, which may lead to 
amendments to simplify it 

  Customs / 
Specific 
legislation 

Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 on rules for the monitoring of trade 
between the Community and third countries in drug precursors  

A study is underway on the implementation of this 
legislation. It may identify areas to be simplified  

29 

EN 

66. 

67. 

68. 

69. 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

70. 

  Maritime transport Recast of Regulation (EC) No 725/2004 on enhancing ship and port 

facility security and repeal of Directive 2005/65/EC on enhancing port 
security 

71. 

  Air transport 

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3922/91 of 16 December 1991 on the 
harmonization of technical requirements and administrative procedures in 
the field of civil aviation, and its amendments 

Avec cinq années de recul par rapport à la mise en 
œuvre des premières mesures de sûreté maritime, 
regrouper en un seul règlement l'ensemble des 
prescriptions relatives à la sûreté des navires et des 
ports, en veillant à leur adéquation vis à vis de 
l'évolution des instruments internationaux de 
référence.  

Potential repeal of Council Regulation 3922/91 on the 
harmonisation of technical requirements and 
administrative procedures in the field of civil 
aviation.  

72. 

Air transport / 
Accidents 

Directive 2003/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
13 June 2003 on occurrence reporting in civil aviation 

Recast of Directive 2003/42/EC and Council 
Directive 94/56/EC under review  

Council Directive 94/56/EC of 21 November 1994 establishing the 
fundamental principles governing the investigation of civil aviation 
accidents and incidents 

73. 

  Road transport 

Recast of Regulation (EC) No 3821/85 on recording equipment in road 
transport 

74. 

Road transport   Council Directive 96/53/EC of 25 July 1996 laying down for certain road 

vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorized 
dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum 
authorized weights in international traffic. 

There is an urgent need to fix a number of technical 
issues for tachographs (to guard against fraud). In 
order to have new rules operational quickly, this will 
be done by comitology in 2009 (included in our 
catalogue). Later a recast will cover other aspects 
(such as integration of satellite signals)  

Need to amend the directive currently being 
examined. If amendment is necessary, it could be 
done in the form of a recast. 

EN 

30 

EN 

 
  
 
76. 

77. 

Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

75. 

Inland waterway  Council Directive 96/50/EC on the harmonisation of the conditions for 

obtaining national boat masters’ certificates for the carriage of goods and 
passengers by inland waterway in the Community 

It is planned to revisit the Directive with a view to 
facilitating the conditions for obtaining the national 
boat masters' certificates and to achieve mutual 
recognition on the Rhine 

Trans-European 
Transport 
Networks 

Decision No 1692/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 
of 23 July 1996 on Community guidelines for the development of the 
trans-European transport network, as amended by Decisions 
1346/2001/EC, 884/2004/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1791/2006/EC  

Review envisaged, pending the outcome of a Green 
Paper discussion to be launched early 2009. It is, 
among other things, envisaged to simplify Member 
State's reporting requirements. 

"TEN-T" 

Intermodal 
transport 

Regulation (EC) No 1692/2006 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of 24 October 2006 establishing the second Marco Polo 
programme for the granting of Community financial assistance to 
improve the environmental performance of the freight transport system 
(Marco Polo II) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1382/2003 

78. 

Energy / Oil 

1999/280/EC: Council Decision of 22 April 1999 regarding a 
Community procedure for information and consultation on crude oil 
supply costs and the consumer prices of petroleum products and 
implementing measure (1999/566/EC: Commission Decision of 26 July 
1999 regarding a Community procedure for information and consultation 
on crude oil supply costs and the consumer prices of petroleum products)  

Council Regulation (EC) No 2964/95 of 20 December 1995 introducing 
registration for crude oil imports and deliveries in the Community 

Simplification measures will be proposed (December 
2008) in the context of a mid-term revision of the 
Regulation. Eligibility thresholds are lowered, 
applications can be presented by single undertakings, 
conditions for financing of infrastructure are 
simplified, project duration is allowed to be extended 
and administrative procedures streamlined.  

As from end 2008, a new data transmission system is 
used by national authorities to communicate data to 
the Commission. The Market Observatory for energy 
carried out in 2008 a user survey to better understand 
the needs and to identify possible improvements of 
the oil bulletin. An additional survey on national data 
collection methods including administrative cost 
involved is ongoing with a view to exchange best 
practice. Possible modifications of the EC instrument 
may be envisaged thereafter (2010).  

79. 

Electricity and 
Gas 

2003/796/EC: Commission Decision of 11 November 2003 on 
establishing the European Regulators Group for Electricity and Gas  

Likely to be repealed following the creation of an 
agency for the co-operation of regulators proposed 

EN 

31 

EN 

 
  
 
Policy area 

Title of legal instruments 

Scope and potential objectives of simplification  

80. 

Trans-European 
Energy Networks 
/ Guidelines 

Decision No 1364/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the 
Council laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks and 
repealing Decision No 96/391/EC and Decision No 1229/2003/EC 

81. 

Nuclear safety 

Recast of basic safety standards legislation for the protection against the 
dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation 

by the Commission and currently dealt with by the 
co-legislator 

Review envisaged, following a discussion on the 
basis of a Green Paper, adopted in November 2008 

Recast into a single Council Directive establishing 
the Basic Safety Standards for the protection against 
dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. 
This recast concerns 5 Directives on radioprotection: 
Euratom Council Directives 89/618, 90/641, 96/29, 
97/43 and 2003/122.  

The objective is: 

(a) to reflect the new Recommendations of the 
International Commission on Radiological 
Protection (ICRP) issued in December 2007, and 

(b) to revise and consolidate existing legislation 
taking into account operational experience. 

EN 

32 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Annex 2 

Visualisation of the screening of the acquis

Scope for revision (beyond 2009)

Remaining acts

Simplification already implemented (2005-2008)

Simplification planned in 2009

s
i
u
q
c
a
y
t
i
n
u
m
m
o
C

Justice, freedom and security

Information society and media

Fisheries and maritime affairs

Environment

Transport

Energy

Health and consumers

Internal Market

Employment

Taxation and customs union

Eurostat

Agriculture and rural development

Enterprises

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Number of acts

EN 

33 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Simplification proposals pending before the Council and the European Parliament – state of play (28 January 2009) 

Annex 3 

Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Maritime 
Transport 

Recast of the regime for ship inspections and survey organisations 
(Directive 94/57/EC) 

2005/TREN/060 

Maritime 
Transport 

2004/TREN/053 

Free  movement 
of workers  

2004/EMPL/022 

Recast of the regime on port State control  

(Council Directive 95/21/EC) 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council 
laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 
on the coordination of social security systems  

Plant  Protection 
products  

Proposal for a Regulation on the placing of plant protection products on the 
market 

2003/SANCO/61 

Commission 

COM(2005) 587  
23 November 2005 
2005/0237/COD 

COM(2005) 588  
23 November 2005 
2005/0238/COD 

COM(2006)16 
31 January 2006 
2006/0006/COD  

COM(2006)388 
12 July 2006 
2006/0136/COD 

EN 

34 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

Commission 

Social 
affairs 
Health and safety 

2006/SJ+/105 

Proposal of Council Directive concerning the minimum safety and health 
requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work (second 
individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 
89/391/EEC) (codified version) 

COM(2006)652 
3 November 2006 
2006/0214/COD 
[amended prop: COM(2008)111] 

affairs 
Social 
Health and safety 

Proposal of Council Directive on the protection of workers from the risks 
related to exposure to asbestos at work (second individual Directive within 
the meaning of Article 8 of Directive 80/1107/EEC) (codified version) 

COM(2006)664 
10 November 2006 
2006/0222/COD 

2006/SJ+/101 

5. 

6. 

. 

EN 

35 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. 

10. 

Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

7. 

Trade of dual use 
items 

Proposal for a Council Regulation setting up a Community regime for the 
control of exports of dual-use items and technology 

2006/TRADE/025 

8. 

Trade mark 

2006/SJ+/099 

Proposal for a Council Regulation on the Community trade mark (Codified 
version) 

Commission 

COM(2006)829 
18 December 2006 
2006/0266/ACC 
SEC(2006)1696 

COM(2006)830 
16 December 2006 
2006/0267/CNS 

Residue  limits  of 
veterinary 
medicinal 
products. 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council 
laying down Community procedures for the establishment of residue limits of 
pharmacologically active substances in foodstuffs of animal origin, and 
repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2377/90 

COM(2007)194 
17 April 2007 
2007/0064 (COD) 
SEC(2007)484-SEC(2007)485) 

2006/ENTR/042 

Admission  to  the 
of 
occupation 
transport 
operators 

2006/TREN/001 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council 
establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to 
pursue the occupation of road transport operator (recast) 

11. 

to 

Access 
passenger 
transport market  

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
common rules for the international carriage of passengers by coach and 
bus (recast)  

2006/TREN/042 

COM(2007)263 
23 May 2007 
20070097(COD) 
SEC(2007)635-636 

COM(2007)264 
23 May 2007 
20070098(COD) 
SEC(2007)635-636 

EN 

36 

EN 

 
  
Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

Access  to  goods' 
transport market 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
access to the market in the carriage of goods by road within the 
Community to or from the territory of a Member State or passing across the 
territory of one or more Member States (recast) 

12. 

Radiation 
protection 

2006/SJ+/106 

13. 

Consumer 
Protection acquis 

2006/SANCO/038 

Codification of Regulation (Euratom) 1987R3954 laying down maximum 
permitted levels of radioactive contamination of foodstuffs and of feeding 
stuffs following a nuclear accident 

Review of the Timeshare Directive (94/47/EC) 

14. 

15. 

Financial 
services 
Insurance 

– 

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the 
taking-up and pursuit of the business of insurance and reinsurance 
(SOLVENCY II) (recast)  

2005/MARKT/006 

pan-

Public 
European 
cellular 
land-based 
mobile 
communications 

digital 

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 
repealing Council Directive 87/372/EEC on the frequency bands to be 
reserved for the coordinated introduction of public pan-European cellular 
digital land-based mobile communications in the Community (GSM 
Directive)  

Commission 

COM(2007)265 
23 May 2007 
20070099(COD) 
SEC(2007)635-636 

COM(2007)302 
2006/SJ+/106 
2007/0103CNS 

COM(2007)303 
7 June 2007 
2007/0113COD 

COM(2007)361 
10 July 2007 
2007/0143/COD 
[amended prop: COM(2008)119] 

COM (2007) 367 
25 July 2007 
2007/0126/COD 

2007/INFSO/016 

EN 

37 

EN 

 
  
 
Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

16. 

17. 

Coordination  of 
security 
social 
systems 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council 
amending the annexes to Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination 
of social security systems  

2008/EMPL/005 

Coordination  of 
social 
security 
systems 

2008/EMPL/004 

Proposal for a Council Regulation extending the provisions of Regulation 
(EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No […] to nationals of third countries 
who are not already covered by these provisions solely on the ground of their 
nationality  

18. 

Information 
society 

Revision of the regulatory framework for electronic communications and 
services 

2007/INFSO/001 

19. 

Air Transport 

Revision of the regulatory framework for computerised reservation systems 

2002/TREN/29 

20. 

Modernisation  of 
rules 
VAT 
relating 
to 
financial services 
including 
insurance 

2007/TAXUD/001 

Proposal for a Council Regulation laying down implementing measures for 
Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax, as 
regards the treatment of insurance and financial services 

Commission 

COM (2007) 376 
03 July 2007 
2007/0129/COD 

COM (2007) 439 
23 July 2007 
2007/0152/CNS 

COM(2007)697-9 
13 November 2007 
2007/0247-9/COD 

COM(2007)709 
15 November 2007 
2007/0243/COD 

COM(2007)746 
28 November 2007 

EN 

38 

EN 

 
  
Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

21. 

IPPC 

2007/ENV/002 

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control)  

22. 

Emissions 
heavy 
vehicles 
VI)  

from 
duty 
(Euro 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to emissions from 
heavy duty vehicles (Euro VI) and on access to vehicle repair and 
maintenance information 

2007/ENTR/009 

23. 

Foodstuffs 

2007/SANCO/006 

24. 

Toys 

2006/ENTR/004 

25. 

Foodstuffs 

2006/SANCO/001 

26. 

Cosmetics 

2007/ENTR/002 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
novel foods and amending Regulation (EC) No XXX/XXXX establishing a 
common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food 
flavourings 

Revision of Council Directive 88/378/EEC of 3 May 1988 on the 
approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning the safety of toys 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
the provision of food information to consumers 

Revision of Council Directive 76/768/EEC of 27 July 1976 on the 
approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to cosmetic products

Commission 

COM(2007)844 
21 December 2007 
2007/0286/COD 

COM(2007) 851 
21 December 2007 
2007/0295/COD 

COM (2007)872 
2008/002/COD 
14 January 2008 

COM(2008)9  
25 January 2008 

COM(2008)40 
30 January 2008 

COM (2008) 49 
31 January 2008 

EN 

39 

EN 

 
  
Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

27. 

Community 
statistics 

2008/ESTAT/001 

Revision of Regulation (EC) No 638/2004 of the European Parliament and the 
Council on Community statistics relating to the trading of goods between 
Member States (intrastat) 

28. 

29. 

liability 
Civil 
insurance  -motor 
vehicles 

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 
relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor 
vehicles, and the enforcement of the obligation to insure against such liability 

2007/SJ+/036 

(Codified version) 

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers (recast of 
Directive 96/96/EC) 

Roadworthiness 
for 
motor 
vehicles  &  their 
trailers 

2006//SJ+/001 

30. 

Pharmaceutical 
Variations 

2008/ENTR/016 

Revision of the pharmaceutical "variations" Regulations and the legal basis 
in Directives 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal 
products for human use and Directive 2001/82/EC on the Community code 
relating to medicinal products for veterinary use 

31. 

Revision  of  feed 
labelling 
legislation 

2007/SANCO/2004 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
the placing on the market and use of feed 

Commission 

COM (2008) 58 
07 February 2008 

COM(2008)98 
27 February 2008 
2008/0037(COD) 

COM(2008)100 
29 February 2008 
2008/0044 (COD) 

COM(2008)123 
4 March 2008 
2008/0045/COD 

COM(2008)124; 
SEC(2008)275-6 
3 March 2008 
2008/0050(COD)  

EN 

40 

EN 

 
  
Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

32. 

CAP 
check 

Health 

2008/AGRI/016 

33. 

Construction 
products 

2007/ENTR/001 

Package of proposals following arising from the ‘Health Check’, notably a 
proposal for a Council regulation establishing common rules for direct 
support schemes for farmers under the common agricultural policy and 
establishing certain support schemes for farmers 

Proposal for a regulation laying down harmonised conditions for the 
marketing of the construction products (review of Directive 89/106/EEC on 
Construction Products) 

34. 

General safety of 
motor vehicles 

Proposal for a regulation on type-approval requirements for the general safety 
of motor vehicles 

2008/ENTR/004 

35. 

Protection 
of 
marine juveniles 

Recast of Council Regulation No. 850/98 on technical measures for the 
protection of marine juveniles 

2006/MARE/004 

36. 

Eco-label  award 
scheme 

2007/ENV/011  

Revision of Regulation (EC) No 1980/200 of the European Parliament and of 
the Council of 17 July 2000 on a revised Community eco-label award 
scheme 

37. 

EMAS 

2006/ENV/053 

Regulation amending the Regulation 761/2001 of 19 March 2001 allowing 
voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management 
and audit scheme (EMAS). 

Commission 

COM (2008)306 
20 May 2008 

COM (2008) 311 
23 May 2008 

COM (2008) 316 
23 May 2008 

COM(2008)324 
4 June 2008 
2008/0112/CNS 

COM(2008)401 
16 July 2008 

COM(2008)402 
16 July 2008 

EN 

41 

EN 

 
  
Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

38. 

UCITS 

2007/MARKT/005 

39. 

single CMO 

2008/AGRI/012 

Recast of Directive 85/611 on Units in Collective Investments in Transferable 
Securities (UCITS) 

Amendment to the single CMO regulation (Council Regulation (EC) n° 
1234/2007) to include provisions concerning the wine sector 

40. 

Ozone  depleting 
substances 

Review of Regulation (EC) n° 2037/2000 on substances that deplete the ozone 
layer 

2008/ENV/001 

41. 

Company  law  – 
mergers 
& 
divisions 

2006/MARKT/44 

Further revision of the Company law Directives as regards reporting and 
documentation requirements in the case of merger and divisions 

Commission 

COM(2008)458 
16 July 2008 

COM(2008) 489 
29 July 2008 
2008/0156/CNS 

COM(2008)505 
01 August 2008 
2008/0165/COD 

COM(2008)576 
24 Septembre 2008 
2008/0182/COD 

Proposal for a Directive amending Council Directives 68/151/EEC and 
89/666/EEC as regards publication and translation obligations of certain 
types of companies 

COM(2008) 194 
17 April 2008 
2008/0083 (COD) 

Proposal for a Directive amending Council Directives 78/660/EEC and 
83/349/EEC as regards certain disclosure requirements for medium-sized 
companies and obligation to draw up consolidated accounts 

COM(2008) 195 
17 April 2008 
2008/0084 (COD) 

EN 

42 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

42. 

Consumer 
protection 

Directive on Consumer Rights (Follow up of Revision of the Consumer 
Protection acquis) 

2008/SANCO/001 

43. 

system 
Control 
for 
ensuring 
compliance  with 
CFP 

2008/MARE/001 

Proposal for a Council regulation establishing a Community control system 
for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy 

44. 

Household 
appliances  

Recast of 1 Directive 92/75 on energy consumption labelling of household 
appliances 

2007/TREN/002 

45. 

Emergency 
stock system 

2008/TREN/001 

46. 

Building 
directive 

2008/TREN/048 

oil 

Proposal for a Directive revising the Emergency Oil Stock 

System 

Recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 

47. 

Metrology 
ENTR/015 

Extension of the scope of Directive 2004/22/EC on measuring instruments 
and repeal of 8 "old approach" Directives 

Commission 

COM(2008)614 
8 October 2008 
2008/0196(COD) 

COM(2008) 721 final 
14 November 2008 
2008/0216 (CNS) 
COM(2008) 718 final 
14.11.2008 

COM(2008)778 
13 November 2008 
2008/0222(COD) 

COM(2008)775 
13 November 2008 
2008/0220(CNS) 

COM(2008)780 
13 November 2008 
2008/0223(COD) 

COM(2008)801 
3 December 2008 
2008/0227(COD) 

EN 

43 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Revision Directive 2002/95/EC (hazardous substances in 

electronic equipments) 

Revision  of  Directive  2002/96/EC  on  waste  electrical  and  electronic 
equipment (WEEE) 

Commission 

COM(2008) 809; 
SEC(2008) 2930; 
SEC(2008) 2931 

COM(2008) 810; 
SEC(2008) 2933; 
SEC(2008) 2934 

Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

48. 

Hazardous 
substances 

2008/ENV/001 

49. 

Waste  electrical 
and 
electronic 
equipm 

2008/ENV/002 

50. 

Textiles 

Proposal  for  a  Regulation  …/…/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council of […] on textile names and related labelling of textile products 

COM(2009)31 

Other initiatives pending before the legislature, contributing to the simplification but not part of the rolling programme 

Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

Regional Policy 

2008/REGIO/017 

Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EC) 1083/2006 
on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund 
and the Cohesion Fund concerning certain provisions relating to financial 
management 

Commission 

COM(2008)803  
26 November 2008 

Internal market/ banking 
and financial 
conglomerate 

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council  
amending Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC as regards banks affiliated 
to central institutions, certain own funds items, large exposures, supervisory 
arrangements, and crisis management 

COM(2008) 602 
1 October 2008 
2008/0191 (COD) 

EN 

44 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

Internal market/ 
settlement systems and 
financial collateral 
arrangements 
Internal market/ European 
private company 

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council  
amending Directive 98/26/EC on settlement finality in payment and securities 
settlement systems and Directive 2002/47/EC on financial collateral 
arrangements as regards linked systems and credit claims 

Proposal for a Council Regulation on the Statute for a European private 
company 

Social affairs / labour law 

2008/EMPL/027 

Recast of Council Directive 94/45/EC of 22 September 1994 on the 
establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-
scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the 
purposes of informing and consulting employees  

Commission 

COM(2008)213 
23 April 2008 

COM(2008) 396/3 
25 June 2008 
2008/xxxx (CNS) 

COM(2008) 419 
7 February 2008 
2008/0141/COD/801 

EN 

45 

EN 

 
  
Annex 4 

Commission autonomous acts & other initiatives adopted since 2005 

Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

Official Journal 

1. 

Public procurement 

2005/MARKT/057 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1564/2005  establishing  standard  forms  for  the 
publication of notices in the framework of public procurement procedures pursuant to 
Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 

O.J.  L  257  of  01.10.2005, 
p. 1 & p. 127. 

Commission  Directive  2005/51/EC  of  7  September  2005  amending  Annex  XX  to 
Directive  2004/17/EC  and  Annex  VIII  to  Directive  2004/18/EC  of  the  European 
Parliament and the Council on public procurement 

2. 

Pharmaceutical 
products 

2005/ENTR/061 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  2049/2005  of  15  December  2005  laying  down, 
pursuant  to  Regulation  (EC)  No  726/2004  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council,  rules  regarding  the  payment  of  fees  to,  and  the  receipt  of  administrative 
assistance  from,  the  European  Medicines  Agency  by  micro,  small  and  medium-sized 
enterprises 

O.J.  L  329  of  16.12.2005, 
p. 4 

3. 

Quality policy 

2006/SANCO/032 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  217/2006  of  8  February  2006  laying  down  rules  for 
the  application  of  Council  Directives  66/401/EEC,  66/402/EEC,  2002/54/EC, 
2002/55/EC  and  2002/57/EC  as  regards  the  authorisation  of  Member  States  to  permit 
temporarily  the  marketing  of  seed  not  satisfying  the  requirements  in  respect  of  the 
minimum germination 

O.J.  L  38  of  09.02.2006, 
p. 17 

4. 

Trade  in  agricultural 
products 

2007/AGRI/019 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006 of 31 August 2006 laying down common 
rules for the administration of import tariff quotas for agricultural products managed 
by a system of import licences 

O.J.  L  238  of  01.09.2006, 
p. 13 

EN 

46 

EN 

 
  
5. 

Customs and trade 

2006/TAXUD/021 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1549/2006  of  17  October  2006  amending  Annex I 
to Council  Regulation  (EEC)  No 2658/87  on  the  tariff  and  statistical  nomenclature 
and on the Common Customs Tariff 

O.J.  L  301  of  31.10.2006, 
p. 1 

6. 

Trade  in  agricultural 
products 

2006/TREN/078 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1635/2006 of 6 November 2006 laying down detailed 
rules  for  the  application  of  Council  Regulation  (EEC)  No  737/90  on  the  conditions 
governing imports of agricultural products originating in third countries following the 
accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power-station 

O.J.  L  306  of  07.11.2006, 
p. 3 

7. 

State aid 

2006/AGRI/036 

Commission Communication on Community guidelines for state aid in the agriculture 
and forestry sector 2007-2013 

O.J.  C  319  of  27.12.2006, 
p. 1 

8. 

9. 

Common 
organisation 
agricultural markets 

of 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1913/2006 of 20 December 2006 laying down detailed 
rules  for  the  application  of  the  agrimonetary  system  for  the  euro  in  agriculture  and 
amending certain regulations 

O.J.  L  365  of  21.12.2006, 
p. 52 

2007/AGRI/013 

Agriculture  –  Direct 
Payments  

2007/AGRI/024 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  2002/2006  of  21  December  2006  amending 
Regulation (EC) No 795/2004 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the 
single  payment  scheme  provided  for  in  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1782/2003 
establishing  common  rules  for  direct  support  schemes  under  the  common  agricultural 
policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers 

O.J.  L  379  of  28.12.2006, 
p. 47 

10. 

Agriculture  –  Direct 
Payments 

2006/AGRI/053 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  2025/2006  of  22  December  2006  amending 
Regulation  (EC)  No  796/2004  laying  down  detailed  rules  for  the  implementation  of 
cross-compliance,  modulation  and  the  integrated  administration  and  control 
system  provided  for  in  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1782/2003  establishing  common 
rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing 
certain support schemes for farmers 

O.J.  L  384  of  29.12.2006, 
p. 81 

EN 

47 

EN 

 
  
11. 

Agriculture  –  Direct 
Payments 

2007/AGRI/024 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  270/2007  of  13  March  2007  amending  Regulation 
(EC) No 1973/2004 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation 
(EC) No 1782/2003 as regards the support schemes provided for in Titles IV and IVa 
of that Regulation and the use of land set aside for the production of raw materials 

O.J.  L  75  of  15.03.2007, 
p. 8 

12. 

Common 
policy 

fisheries 

2006/FISH/041 

13. 

Agricultural 
products 

2007/AGRI/012 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  498/2007  of  26  March  2007  laying  down  detailed 
rules  for  the  implementation  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1198/2006  on  the 
European Fisheries Fund 

O.J. L 120 of 10.05.2007 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 557/2007 of 23 May 2007 laying down detailed rules 
for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1028/2006 on marketing standards for 
eggs 

O.J.  L  132  of  24.05.2007, 
p. 5 

14. 

Trans-European 
transport  and  energy 
networks 

Commission  Decision  2007/394/EC  of  7  June  2007  amending  Council  Directive 
90/377/EEC with regard to the methodology to be applied for the collection of gas and 
electricity prices charged to industrial end-users 

O.J.  L  148  of  09.06.2007, 
p. 11 

2007/TREN/036 

15. 

Agricultural 
products 

2007/AGRI/011 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  939/2007  of  7  August  2007  amending  Regulation 
(EC) No 917/2004 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation 
(EC)  No  797/2004  on  measures  improving  general  conditions  for  the  production  and 
marketing of apiculture products 

O.J.  L  207  of  08.08.2007, 
p. 3 

16. 

Trade  in  agricultural 
products 

2007/AGRI/021 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1001/2007 of 29 August 2007 amending Regulations 
(EC)  No  800/1999  and  (EC)  No  2090/2002  as  regards  controls  in  the  framework  of 
export refunds on agricultural products 

O.J.  L  226  of  30.08.2007, 
p. 9 

EN 

48 

EN 

 
  
17. 

Common 
organisation 
agricultural markets 

of 

2007/AGRI/018 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1388/2007  of  27  November  2007  amending 
Regulation (EC) No 382/2005 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council 
Regulation  (EC)  No  1786/2003  on  the  common  organisation  of  the  market  in  dried 
fodder 

O.J.  L  310  of  28.11.2007, 
p. 3 

18. 

Trade  in  agricultural 
products 

2007/AGRI/015 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1423/2007 of 4 December 2007 amending Regulation 
(EC)  No  1291/2000  laying  down  common  detailed  rules  for  the  application  of  the 
system  of  import  and  export  licences  and  advance  fixing  certificates  for  agricultural 
products 

O.J.  L  317  of  05.12.2007, 
p. 36 

19. 

Trade  in  agricultural 
products 

2007/AGRI/014 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1454/2007  of  10  December  2007  laying  down 
common rules for establishing a tender procedure for fixing export refunds for certain 
agricultural products 

O.J.  L  325  of  11.12.2007, 
p. 69 

20. 

State aid 

2007/COMP/007 

Notice  from  the  Commission  on  the  execution  of  recovery  decisions:  “Towards  an 
effective  implementation  of  Commission  decisions  ordering  Member  States  to  recover 
unlawful and incompatible State aid” 

Communication 
C(2007)5116 

21. 

Public procurement 

2006/MARKT/042 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 213/2008 of 28 November 2007 amending Regulation 
(EC)  No  2195/2002  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on  the  Common 
Procurement  Vocabulary  (CPV)  and  Directives  2004/17/EC  and  2004/18/EC  of  the 
European Parliament and of the Council on procedures for the award of public contracts 

(not published in the O.J.) 

O.J.  L  74  of  15.03.2008, 
p. 1 

22. 

State aid 

2007/COMP/002 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  271/2008  of  30 January  2008  amending  Regulation 
(EC)  No 794/2004  implementing  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 659/1999  laying  down 
detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty 

O.J. L 82 of 25.03.2008 

EN 

49 

EN 

 
  
23. 

Rules of origin 

2006/TAXUD/020 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No 214/2007  of  28  February  2007  amending  Regulation 
(EEC)  No 2454/93  laying  down  provisions  for  the  implementation  of  Council 
Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code 

O.J. L 62, 1.3.2007, p. 6 

24. 

Leased lines 

2007/INFSO/015 

2008/60/EC:  Commission  Decision  of  21  December  2007  amending  Decision 
2003/548/EC as regards the deletion of specific types of leased line from the Minimum 
Set of Leased Lines 

O.J. L 15, 18.1.2008, p. 32 

25. 

in 

Controls 
the 
framework  of  export 
refunds 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 159/2008 of 21 February 2008 amending Regulations 
(EC)  No  800/1999  and  (EC)  No  2090/2002  as  regards  physical  checks  carried  out 
when agricultural products qualifying for refunds are exported. 

O.J. L 48, 22.2.2008, p. 21 

2008/AGRI/011 

26. 

Streamline Controls  

2008/AGRI/007 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 319/2008 of 7 April 2008 amending Regulation (EC) 
No 795/2004 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the single payment 
scheme  provided  for  in  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1782/2003  establishing  common 
rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing 
certain  support  schemes  for  farmers,  and  Regulation  (EC)  No  796/2004  laying  down 
detailed rules for the implementation of cross-compliance, modulation and the integrated 
administration  and  control  system  provided  for  in  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 
1782/2003 

O.J. L 95, 8.4.2008, p. 63 

27. 

Production 
in the cereals sector 

refunds 

2008/AGRI/010 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No 491/2008  of  3 June  2008  laying  down  detailed  rules 
for  the  application  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 1234/2007  concerning  production 
refunds in the cereals sector  

O.J. L 144, 4.6.2008, p. 3–
13 

EN 

50 

EN 

 
  
28. 

29. 

Information 
provision 
and 
promotion  measures 
agriculture 
for 
products 

2007/AGRI/020 

Commission Regulation (EC)  No  501/2008  of  5  June  2008  laying  down  detailed  rules 
for  the  application  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  3/2008  on  information  provision 
and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third 
countries. 

O.J. L 147, 6.6.2008, p. 3–
34 

Collection 
and 
management  of  data 
needed 
to  conduct 
the CFP 

Commission Regulation No. 665/2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of 
Council  Regulation  (EC)  N°  199/2008  concerning  the  establishment  of  a  Community 
framework for the collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector and 
support for scientific advice regarding the Common Fisheries Policy. 

O.J.  L  186,  15.7.2008, 
p. 3–5 

2008/MARE/020 

30. 

General 
Exemption (GBE) 

Block 

2005/COMP/005 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  800/2008  of  6  August  2008  declaring  certain 
categories  of  aid  compatible  with  the  common  market  in  application  of  Articles  87 
and 88 of the Treaty (General block exemption Regulation) 

O.J. L 214, 9.8.2008, p. 3–
47 

31. 

Private storage aid 

2007/AGRI/016 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No 826/2008  of  20 August  2008  laying  down  common 
rules for the granting of private storage aid for certain agricultural products 

O.J.  L  223,  21.8.2008, 
p. 3–22 

EN 

51 

EN 

 
  
32. 

total 

feed 
Review 
ban  with  regard  to 
fish  meal 
the 
feeding  of  young 
ruminants  

in 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 956/2008 of 29 September 2008 amending Annex IV 
to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council 

O.J.  L  260,  30.9.2008, 
p. 8–11 

laying  down  rules  for 
transmissible spongiform encephalopathies 

the  prevention,  control  and  eradication  of  certain 

33. 

Accounting 
standards 

2008/MARKT/001 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1126/2008  of  3  November  2008  adopting  certain 
international accounting standards in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 
of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council.  It  consolidates  all  IFRS  accounting 
standards. 

O.J.  L  320,  29.11.2008,  p. 
1–481  

34. 

Marketing standards 

2008/AGRI/013 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1221/2008 of 5 December 2008 amending Regulation 
(EC)  No  1580/2007  laying  down  implementing  rules  of  Council  Regulations  (EC)  No 
2200/96, (EC) No 2201/96 and (EC) No 1182/2007 in the fruit and vegetable sector as 
regards marketing standards 

O.J.  L  336,  13.12.2008, 
p. 1–80 

35. 

Pharmaceutical 
variations  

36. 

2008/ENTR/017 

Physical  checks  of 
exports 
of 
agricultural  products 
receiving refunds  

2008/AGRI/052 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1234/2008  of  24  November  2008  concerning  the 
examination  and  variations  to  the  terms  of  marketing  authorisation  for  medicinal 
products for human use and veterinary medicinal  

O.J.  L  334,  12.12.2008,  p. 
7-24  

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1276/2008of 17 December 2008 on the monitoring by 
physical  checks  of  exports  of  agricultural  products  receiving  refunds  or  other 
amounts  

O.J.  L  339,  18.12.2008, 
p.53-75 

EN 

52 

EN 

 
  
 
Other initiatives contributing to the simplification: 

•  Report from the Commission Evaluation report on the Settlement Finality Directive 98/26/EC [COM(2005)657 - O.J. C122 of 23.05.2006, p. 17] 

•  Report from the Commission to the Council on the application of the system of cross-compliance (under Article 8 of Council Regulation (EC) No 
1782/2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for 
farmers) [COM(2007)147 – O.J. C 181 of 03.08.2007, p. 17] 2007/AGRI/001. 

•  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1566/2007 of 21 December 2007 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) 
No  1966/2006  on  electronic  recording  and  reporting  of  fishing  activities  and  on  means  of  remote  sensing  (not  part  of  the  simplification  rolling 
programme). 

•  Commission  Recommendation  of  17  December  2007  on  relevant  product  and  service  markets  within  the  electronic  communications  sector 
susceptible to ex ante regulation in accordance with Directive 2002/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a common regulatory 
framework for electronic communications networks and services 

EN 

53 

EN 

 
  
Annex 5 

Simplification proposals adopted by the legislature since 2005 

Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

Official Journal 

1. 

Common 
of 
organisation 
agricultural markets 

2005/AGRI/015 

2. 

Quality policy 

2005/AGRI/011 

3. 

Quality policy 

2005/AGRI/012 

4. 

Agricultural product 

2006/AGRI/024 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 318/2006  of  20 February  2006  on 
organisation of the markets in the sugar sector 

the  common 

O.J.  L  58  of  28.02.2006, 
p. 1-42 

Council Regulation (EC) No 319/2006 of 20 February 2006 amending Regulation (EC) 
No 1782/2003  establishing  common  rules  for  direct  support  schemes  under  the 
common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 320/2006  of  20 February  2006  establishing  a  temporary 
scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry in the Community and amending 
Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 on the financing of the common agricultural policy 

Council Regulation (EC) No 509/2006 of 20 March 2006 on agricultural products and 
foodstuffs as traditional specialities guaranteed 

O.J. L 93 of 31.03.2006, p. 1 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 510/2006  of  20  March  2006  on  the  protection  of 
geographical  indications  and  designations  of  origin  for  agricultural  products  and 
foodstuffs 

O.J.  L  93  of  31.03.2006, 
p. 12 

Council Regulation (EC) No 1028/2006 of 19 June 2006 on marketing standards for 
eggs 

O.J.  L  186  of  07.07.2006, 
p. 1 

EN 

54 

EN 

 
  
5. 

Quality policy 

2005/AGRI/013 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1991/2006  of  21  December  2006  amending  Regulation 
(EEC)  No  2092/91  on  organic  production  of  agricultural  products  and  indications 
referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs 

O.J.  L  27  of  02.02.2007, 
p. 11 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  834/2007  of  28 June  2007  on  organic  production  and 
labelling of organic products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 

6. 

Public procurement 

2006/MARKT/046 

Directive  2007/24/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  23 May  2007 
repealing  Council  Directive  71/304/EEC  concerning  the  abolition  of  restrictions  on 
freedom to provide services in respect of public works contracts and on the award of 
public works contracts to contractors acting through agencies or branches 

O.J.  L  189  of  20.07.2007, 
p. 1 

O.J.  L  154  of  14.06.2007, 
p. 22 

7. 

Trans-European 
transport and energy 
networks 

Regulation (EC) No 680/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 
2007 laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field 
of the trans-European transport and energy networks 

O.J.  L  162  of  22.06.2007, 
p. 1 

2006/TREN/019 

8. 

Forestry products 

2006/ENTR/046 

Decision  No 714/2007/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  20  June 
2007  repealing  Council  Directive  68/89/EEC  on  the  approximation  of  the  laws  of  the 
Member States concerning the classification of wood in the rough 

O.J.  L  163  of  23.06.2007, 
p. 16 

9. 

Health  and  safety  at 
work 

2006/EMPL/033 

Directive 2007/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007 
amending  Council  Directive  89/391/EEC,  its  individual  Directives  and  Council 
Directives  83/477/EEC,  91/383/EEC,  92/29/EEC  and  94/33/EC  with  a  view  to 
simplifying and rationalising the reports on practical implementation 

O.J.  L  165  of  27.06.2007, 
p. 21 

EN 

55 

EN 

 
  
 
 
10. 

Agricultural product 

2006/AGRI/002 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1182/2007  of  26 September  2007  laying  down  specific 
rules as regards the fruit and vegetable sector, amending Directives 2001/112/EC and 
2001/113/EC  and  Regulations  (EEC)  No 827/68,  (EC)  No 2200/96,  (EC)  No 2201/96, 
(EC)  No 2826/2000,  (EC)  No 1782/2003  and  (EC)  No 318/2006  and  repealing 
Regulation (EC) No 2202/96 

O.J.  L  273  of  17.10.2007, 
p.1 

11. 

Common 
of 
organisation 
agricultural markets 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 1234/2007  of  22 October  2007  establishing  a  common 
organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural 
products (Single CMO Regulation) 

O.J.  L  299  of  16.11.2007, 
p.1 

2006/AGRI/030 

12. 

Services 
Internal market 

in 

the 

2003/MARKT/22 

Directive 2007/64/EC of the  European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 
2007  on  payment  services  in  the  internal  market  amending  Directives  97/7/EC, 
2002/65/EC, 2005/60/EC and 2006/48/EC and repealing Directive 97/5/EC 

O.J.  L  319  of  05.12.2007, 
p.1 

13. 

Common 
organisation 
of 
agricultural markets 

2006/AGRI/012 

Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2006 of 19 December 2006 amending and correcting 
Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes 
under  the  common  agricultural  policy  and  establishing  certain  support  schemes  for 
farmers and amending Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development 
by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 

O.J.  L  384  of  29.12.2006, 
p. 8 

14. 

Public procurement 

2006/MARKT/002 

Directive 2007/66/EC of  the  European Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  11  December 
2007  amending  Council  Directives  89/665/EEC  and  92/13/EEC  with  regard  to 
improving  the  effectiveness  of  review  procedures  concerning  the  award  of  public 
contracts  

O.J.  L  335  of  20.12.2007, 
p. 31  

EN 

56 

EN 

 
  
 
15. 

16. 

Regulation  (EC)  106/2008  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on  a 
Community energy-efficiency labelling programme for office equipment (recast) 

O.J. L 39 of 13.02.2008, p. 1  

Energy-efficiency 
labelling 
programme 
office equipment 

for 

2006/TREN/076 

and 
Information 
promotion 
for 
agricultural products 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  3/2008  of  17 December 2007  on  information  provision 
and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third 
countries 

O.J.  L  003  of  05.01.2008, 
p. 1 

2006/AGRI/048 

17. 

Euratom 
Agency 

Supply 

Council Decision of 12 February 2008 establishing Statutes for the Euratom Supply 
Agency 

O.J.  L  41  of  15.02.2008, 
p. 15 

2006/TREN/084 

18. 

Taxation 

2004/TAXUD/013 

19. 

Veterinary  medical 
devices 

2007/ENTR/018 

20. 

Business statistics 

2004/ESTAT/005 

Council  Directive  2008/7/EC  of  12.  February  2008  concerning  indirect  taxes  on  the 
raising of capital 

O.J.  L  46  of  21.02.2008, 
p. 11 

Repeal of the Directive on electro-medical equipments used in veterinary medicine 

O.J. L 73 of 19.03.2008 p. 1 

Streamlining of the structural business statistics (Council Regulation (EC / Euratom) 
N°58/97) 

O.J.  L  97  of  09.04.2008, 
p. 13 

EN 

57 

EN 

 
  
 
21. 

Revised 
CMO Regulation 

Single 

2008/AGRI/005 

22. 

Common 
organisation  of  the 
market in wine 

2006/AGRI/008 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  n 361/2008  amending  Regulation  (EC)  No  1234/2007 
establishing  a  common  organisation  of  agricultural  markets  and  on  specific  provisions 
for certain agricultural products ("Single CMO Regulation") 

O.J.  L  121  of  07.05.2008 
p. 1 

Council Regulation on the common organisation of the market in wine and amending 
certain Regulations 

O.J.  L  148  of  06.06.2008, 
p. 1 

Council Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 of 29 April 2008 on the common organisation 
of the market in wine, amending Regulations (EC) No 1493/1999, (EC) No 1782/2003, 
(EC) No 1290/2005, (EC) No 3/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2392/86 and 
(EC) No 1493/1999 

23. 

Costums Union 

2004/TAXUD/015 

Regulation  (EC)  No  450/2008  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
23 April  2008  laying  down  the  Community  Customs  Code  (Modernised  Customs 
Code) 

O.J.  L  145  of  04.06.2008, 
p. 1 

24. 

Rail safety  

the 
(part 
2006/TREN/005) 

of 

package 

25. 

Radiation protection 

(2006/SJ+/107) 

Directive  2008/57/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  17 June  2008 
on the interoperability of the rail system within the Community (Recast)  

O.J. L 191 of 18.07.2008. 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 733/2008  of  15  July  2008  on  the  conditions  governing 
imports  of  agricultural  products  originating  in  third  countries  following  the 
accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station (Codified version) 

O.J.  L  201  of  30.072008, 
p. 1 

EN 

58 

EN 

 
  
 
 
26. 

Veterinary 
zootechnical 
2007/SANCO/008 

and 
fields 

Council  Directive  2008/73/EC  of  15  July  2008  simplifying  procedures  of  listing  and 
publishing  information  in  the  veterinary  and  zootechnical  fields  and  amending 
Directives  64/432/EEC,  77/504/EEC,  88/407/EEC,  88/661/EEC,  89/361/EEC, 
89/556/EEC,  90/426/EEC,  90/427/EEC,  90/428/EEC,  90/429/EEC,  90/539/EEC, 
91/68/EEC,  91/496/EEC,  92/35/EEC,  92/65/EEC,  92/66/EEC,  92/119/EEC,  94/28/EC, 
2000/75/EC,  Decision  2000/258/EC  and  Directives  2001/89/EC,  2002/60/EC  and 
2005/94/EC 

O.J. L 219, Vol 51 

14.08.2008, p. 40 

27. 

Transport 
dangerous good 

of 

Directive 2008/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 
2008 on the inland transport of dangerous goods 

O.J.  L  260  of  30 09 2008, 
p. 13 

2005/TREN/017 

2005/TREN/001 

28. 

Employment  Social 
Affairs 

2006/SJ+/100 

Directive  2008/94/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  22  October 
2008 on the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer 
(Codified version) 

O.J.  L  283,  Vol.  51  of 
28.10.2008, p. 36 

29. 

Fruit 
plants 
propagating material 

Council Directive 2008/90/EC of 29 September 2008 on the marketing of fruit plant 
propagating material and fruit plants intended for fruit production (Recast version) 

O.J.  L  267,  Vol  51  of 
8.10.2008, p. 8 

2004/SANCO/008 

30. 

Authorisations 
fishing activities 

for 

2005/FISH/010 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1006/2008  of  29  September  2008  concerning 
authorisations  for  fishing  activities  of  Community  fishing  vessels  outside 
Community  waters  and  the  access  of  third  country  vessels  to  Community  waters, 
amending  Regulations  (EEC)  No  2847/93  and  (EC)  No  1627/94  and  repealing 
Regulation (EC) No 3317/94 

O.J.  L  286,  Vol  51  of 
29.10.2008, p. 33 

EN 

59 

EN 

 
  
 
31. 

Free  movement  of 
workers 

Decision  No  1065/2008/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  22 
October  2008  repealing  Council  Decision  85/368/EEC  on  the  comparability  of 
vocational  training  qualifications  between  the  Member  States  of  the  European 
Community 

O.J.  L  288,  Vol  51  of 
30.10.2008, p. 4 

32. 

Air 
2002/TREN/28 

Transport 

Regulation(EC)N  1008/2008  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  24 
September  2008  on  common  rules  for  the  operation  of  air  services  in  the 
Community  

O.J.  L 293  of  31  10  2008 
p. 3 

33. 

Maximum 
residue 
limits for pesticides 

2008/SANCO/015 

34. 

Waste 

35. 

Maritime Transport 

2006/SJ+/108 

36. 

Rail safety 

Regulation  (EC)  No  299/2008  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  11 
March  2008  amending  Regulation  (EC)  No  396/2005  on  maximum  residue  levels  of 
pesticides  in  or  on  food  and  feed  of  plant  and  animal  origin,  as  regards  the 
implementing powers conferred on the Commission 

O.J. L 97 of 9.4.2008, p. 67 

Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 
2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (Text with EEA relevance) 

O.J.  L  312  of  22  .11.2008, 
p. 3–30 

the  European  Parliament  and  of 
Directive  2008/106/EC  of 
19 November 2008 on the minimum level of training for seafarers 

the  Council  of 

O.J.  L  323  of  3.12.2008, 
p. 33  

the  Council  of 
Directive  2008/110/EC  of 
16 December 2008  amending  Directive  2004/49/EC  on  safety  on  the  Community’s 
railways (Railway Safety Directive)  

the  European  Parliament  and  of 

O.J.  L  345  of  23.12.2008, 
p. 62 

37. 

Excise duty 

Council  Directive  2008/118/EC  of  16  December  2008  concerning  the  general 
arrangements for excise duty and repealing Directive 92/12/EEC 

O.J.L 9 of 14.01.2009, p. 12  

EN 

60 

EN 

 
  
 
 
38. 

Foodstuffs 

Regulation  (EC)  No  1331/2008  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  16 
December 2008 establishing a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food 
enzymes and food flavourings  

O.J.  L  354  of  31.12.2008, 
p. 1 

Regulation  (EC)  No  1332/2008  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  16 
December 2008 on food enzymes and amending Council Directive 83/417/EEC, Council 
Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999, Directive 2000/13/EC, Council Directive 2001/112/EC 
and Regulation (EC) No 258/97  

O.J.  L  354  of  31.12.2008, 
p. 7 

Regulation  (EC)  No  1333/2008  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  16 
December 2008 on food additives (1) 

O.J.  L  354  of  31.12.2008, 
p. 16 

Regulation  (EC)  No  1334/2008  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  16 
December  2008  on  flavourings  and  certain  food  ingredients  with  flavouring  properties 
for  use  in  and  on  foods  and  amending  Council  Regulation  (EEC)  No  1601/91, 
Regulations (EC) No 2232/96 and (EC) No 110/2008 and Directive 2000/13/EC 

O.J.  L  354  of  31.12.2008, 
p. 34 

39. 

Railway agency 

Regulation  (EC)  No  1335/2008  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  16 
December  2008  amending  Regulation  (EC)  No  881/2004  establishing  a  European 
Railway Agency 

O.J.  L  354  of  31.12.2008, 
p. 51 

EN 

61 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
Other initiatives adopted by the legislature contributing to the simplification but not part of the rolling programme 

Regulatory area 

Legal act(s) 

Insurance undertakings 

Directive 2006/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 
amending Council Directives 78/660/EEC on the annual accounts of certain types of 
companies, 83/349/EEC on consolidated accounts, 86/635/EEC on the annual accounts 
and consolidated accounts of banks and other financial institutions and 91/674/EEC on 
the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of insurance undertakings 

Official Journal 

O.J. L 224, 16.8.2006, p. 1-7 

Employment and social 
affairs 

Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on 
the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of 
men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast) 

O.J. L 204, 26.7.2006, 
p. 23–36 

Electronic recording and 
reporting of fishing activities 

Council Regulation (EC) No 1966/2006 of 21 December 2006 on electronic recording 
and reporting of fishing activities and on means of remote sensing 

O.J. L 36 of 8.2.2007, p. 3 

Export of agricultural 
products 

Council Regulation (EC) No 14/2008 of 17 December 2007 amending Regulation (EEC) 
No 386/90 on the monitoring carried out at the time of export of agricultural 
products receiving refunds or other amounts. 

O.J. L 8 of 11.01.2008, p. 1 

eCustoms 

Regional policy 

Decision No 70/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a paperless 
environment for customs and trade. 

O.J. L 23 of 26.01.2008, 
p. 21 

Council Regulation (EC) No 1341/2008 of 18 December 2008 amending Regulation 
(EC) No 1083/2006 laying down general provisions on the European Regional 
Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund, in respect of 
certain revenue generating Projects 

O.J. L 348 of 24.12.2008, 
p. 19 

EN 

62 

EN 

 
  
Annex 6: Codification programme (2009) 

Title 

(a) EP/Council acts 

  Regulation 1612/68 on freedom of movement for workers within the Community 

Directive 98/34 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and 
regulations 

DG 

Legal Base 

EMPL 

ENTR 

Art. 40 and 251 

Art. 95, 284 and 37 

Directive 89/552 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by Law, Regulation or Administrative Action 
in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities 

INFSO 

Art. 47(2) and 55  

  Regulation 2160/2003 on the control of salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents 

Regulation 21/2004 establishing a system for the identification and registration of ovine and caprine animals and 
amending Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 and Directives 92/102/EEC and 64/432/EEC 

Regulation 178/2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European 
Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety 

  Regulation 95/93 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports 

Regulation 417/2002 on the accelerated phasing-in of double hull or equivalent design requirements for single hull 
oil tankers and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 2978/94 

SANCO 

SANCO 

SANCO 

TREN 

TREN 

Art. 152(4)(b) 

Art. 37 

Art. 37, 95 and 133 

Art. 80(2) 

Art. 80(2) 

(b) Commission acts 

Regulation 2568/91 on the characteristics of olive oil and olive-residue oil and on the relevant methods of analysis  AGRI 

Regulation 

Council 
1234/2007 
Art. 113(1)(a),  118  and 
121(h) 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

EN 

63 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Title 

Regulation 1019/2002 on marketing standards for olive oil 

DG 

AGRI 

Regulation 297/2003 laying down detailed rules for the application of the tariff quota for beef and veal originating 
in Chile 

AGRI 

Regulation 1342/2003 laying down special detailed rules for the application of the system of import and export 
licences for cereals and rice 

Regulation 2236/2003 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1868/94 
establishing a quota system in relation to the production of potato starch 

AGRI 

AGRI 

Regulation 2402/96 opening and setting administrative rules for certain annual tariff quotas for sweet potatoes and 
manioc starch 

AGRI 

Regulation 596/2004 laying down detailed rules for implementing the system of export licences in the egg sector 

AGRI 

Regulation 633/2004 laying down detailed rules for implementing the system of export licences in the poultrymeat 
sector 

AGRI 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

Legal Base 

Regulation 

Council 
1234/2007 
Art. 113(1)(a),  118  and 
121(h) 

Council 
1234/2007 

Regulation 

Council 
Regulation 
1234/2007 and 3072/95 

Council 
1868/94 Art. 8 

Regulation 

Council 
1095/96 

Regulation 

Council Regulation (EC) 
Articles 
1234/2007 
161(3),  170  and  192(2), 
in 
conjunction  with 
Article  4  thereof;  and 
Council Regulation (EC) 
No 3290/94 Article 3(1)  

Council Regulation (EC) 
Articles 
1234/2007 
161(3),  170  and  192(2), 
in 
conjunction  with 
Article  4  thereof;  and 
Council Regulation (EC) 
No 3290/94 Article 3(1)  

EN 

64 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Title 

Regulation 1438/2003 laying down implementing rules on the Community Fleet Policy as defined in Chapter III of 
Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 

DG 

MARE 

Regulation 930/2000 establishing implementing rules as to the suitability of the denominations of varieties of 
agricultural plant species and vegetable species 

SANCO 

Regulation 1239/95 establishing implementing rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 2100/94 as 
regards proceedings before the Community Plant Variety Office 

SANCO 

Regulation 1702/2003 laying down implementing rules for the airworthiness and environmental certification of 
aircraft and related products, parts and appliances, as well as for the certification of design and production 
organisations 

TREN 

Regulation 2042/2003 on the continuing airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products, parts and appliances, 
and on the approval of organisations and personnel involved in these tasks 

TREN 

Legal Base 

Council 
Regulation 
2371/2002  Art.  11(7), 
12(2), 13(2) and 14(2) 

Council 
Directive 
2002/53  Art.  9(6)  and 
Directive 
Council 
2002/55 Art. 9(6) 

Council 
2100/94 Art. 114 

Regulation 

EP 
and 
Regulation 216/2008 

Council 

EP 
and 
Regulation 216/2008 

Council 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

EN 

65 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annex 7: Simplification Rolling programme 2009 

(Extract from the Commission Legislative and Work Programme 2009 - COM (2008)712) 

Title of action 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Description of scope and objectives 

1.  Commission  Regulation  on  physical  checks  on 
exported agricultural products subject to refunds 

Revision 

2.  Commission Communication establishing formal 
recognition that a certain number of acts of 
Community law in the field of agriculture have 
become obsolete 

Repeal 

3.  Commission Regulation on intervention on the market 

Revision 

in skimmed milk powder 

Following  the  2007  Communication  on  the  "Health  Check"  in  the 
Common  Agricultural  Policy  (CAP),  the  legislative  proposals  will 
provide  options  aiming  at  making  the  Single  Payment  Scheme  more 
effective,  adapting  the  market  support  instruments  and  addressing  the 
new  challenges  facing  the  sector.  The  "Health  Check"  is  not  a 
fundamental  reform,  rather  it  essentially  aims  to  ensure  that  the  CAP 
functions  effectively  and  to  simplify  it  where  possible.  This  initiative 
arises  from  the  review  clauses  regarding  the  Single  Payment  Scheme 
and  certain  agricultural  markets  that  were  included  in  2003/04  CAP 
reforms. 

The objective of the proposal is to declare obsolete Commission 
legal  acts  that  are  of  no  practical  relevance  or  broader  interest, 
thus  contributing  to  the  objectives  of  updating  and  simplifying 
the Community acquis. Their removal will clarify the "essential" 
acquis of acts that are active and generally applicable. 

The purpose of the initiative is to amend the implementing rules 
due  to  the  abolition  of  private  storage  aid  for  skimmed  milk 
powder (SMP) as well as to implement newly introduced rules on 
the  standardisation  of  protein  content  in  SMP.  Technical 
clarifications  and  simplification  (e.g.  concerning  the  security 
provisions) are being introduced. 

EN 

66 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Title of action 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Description of scope and objectives 

4.  Revision of Commission Regulation 1973/2004 

Recast 

implementing the Health Check as regards the support 
schemes provided for in Titles IV ('other aid schemes') 
and IVa of that Regulation  

5.  Revision  of  Commission  Regulation  796/2004 
implementing  the  Health  Check  as  regards  cross-
compliance,  modulation 
integrated 
administration and control system (IACS)  

and 

the 

Recast 

6.  Revision  of  Commission  Regulation  795/2004 
implementing  the  Health  Check  as  regards  the  single 
payment scheme 

Recast 

7.  Commission  Regulation  establishing  common  rules 
concerning buying-in under public intervention 

Recast/Revisio
n 

8.  Council  Regulation  repealing  a  number  of  obsolete 

Repeal 

agricultural acts 

Council Regulation 1782/2003 is scheduled for replacement by a 
new  Direct  Payments  Regulation  in  2008.  The  objective  of  the 
recast  is  to  do  away  with  obsolete  provisions  linked  to  aid 
schemes to be abolished or decoupled pending the outcome of the 
Health Check. 

Council Regulation 1782/2003 is scheduled for replacement by a 
new  Direct  Payments  Regulation  in  2008.  The  objective  of  the 
recast  is  to  establish  common  rules  for  direct  support  schemes 
under  the  common  agricultural  policy  and  certain  support 
schemes for farmers.  

Council Regulation 1782/2003 is scheduled for replacement by a 
new  Direct  Payments  Regulation  in  2008.  The  objective  of  the 
recast  of  Regulation  795/2004  is  to  do  away  with  obsolete 
provisions linked to the setting up of the single payment scheme 
introduced by the 2003 CAP reform or temporary rules linked to 
subsequent integration of sectors into the single payment scheme. 

The  initiative  is  a  consequence  of  the  Health  Check  proposals. 
The  project  concerns  simplification  and  harmonisation  in  a 
horizontal  legal  act  of  the  detailed  rules  for  intervention,  in 
particular for cereals, dairy products and meat.  

The  objective  of  the  Regulation  is  to  repeal  Council  legal  acts 
that are obsolete and of no practical relevance or broader interest, 
thus  contributing  to  the  objectives  of  updating  and  simplifying 
the Community acquis. Their removal will clarify the "essential" 

EN 

67 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Title of action 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Description of scope and objectives 

acquis of acts that are active and generally applicable. 

9.  Notice on the enforcement of State aid law by national 

Revision 

courts 

10.  Best Practices Code in State Aid 

Revision 

11.  Notice on a simplified procedure in State aid 

Revision 

Review  of  the  1995  Notice  on  cooperation  between  national 
courts and the Commission in the State aid field. The new Notice 
will  support  and  assist  national  courts  faced  with  illegal  aid,  by 
setting  out  the  applicable  Community  Case-law  and  decision-
making  practice.  It  will  also  update  and  reinforce  the  support 
mechanisms  offered  to  national  courts.  By  rationalising  and 
improving existing guidance, the Notice will simplify the tasks of 
national courts in State aid enforcement.  

The  Best  Practices  Code  aims  at  establishing  good  practices  on 
both the Commission's and Member States' sides with a view to 
increasing the efficiency, transparency and predictability of State 
aid  procedures.  Efficiency  could  be  improved,  for  instance,  by 
means of improved pre-notification contacts, incentives for more 
complete  notifications  by  Member  States,  more  standardised 
information exchange with Member States, as well as streamlined 
internal  procedures.  Predictability  would  be  increased  by  means 
of  quicker  decision  making.  And  Member  States  would  obtain 
more  transparency  as  regards  procedural  steps  and  foreseen 
deadlines.  

The design of a simplified procedure in State aid aims at ensuring 
the  quick  adoption  of  decisions  in  straightforward  notified  aid 
cases  including  cases  adopted  on  the  basis  of  the  standard 
assessment section of horizontal state aid instruments, as well as 

EN 

68 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Title of action 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Description of scope and objectives 

12.  Community initiative on work-related musculoskeletal 

Recast 

disorders 

13.  Revision  of  Directive  2000/35  of  the  European 
Parliament and Council on combating late payment in 
commercial transactions 

Revision 

cases  merely  confirming  precedents.  The  Notice  should 
contribute to improving the efficiency of state aid procedures by 
simplifying the procedure for these types of cases.  

Follow-up  of  the  second  phase  of  consultation  of  the  social 
partners.  The  objective  of  this  initiative  is  to  integrate  into  a 
single  legislative  instrument  the  provisions  on  the  protection  of 
the  health  and  safety  of  workers  from  the  risks  of  musculo-
skeletal  disorders  at  work.  These  provisions  are  currently 
fragmented  over  different  directives,  namely  Council  Directive 
90/269/EEC  and  Council  Directive  90/270/EEC.  A  single 
legislative instrument would be more comprehensive, clearer and 
easier to apply. It will benefit employers in terms of legal clarity 
and  workers  in  terms  of  providing  better  protection  against  the 
risks of musculo-skeletal disorders. 

Several  key  provisions  of  the  current  Directive  are  unclear  or 
difficult  to  implement,  thereby  creating  various  hurdles  for 
businesses  to  claim  their  rights  in  case  of  late  payment.  The 
overall objective is to discourage debtors from paying late and to 
provide creditors with measures that enable them to fully exercise 
all their rights when paid late. The simplification would entail a 
clarification  of  the  calculation  of  the  applicable  interest  rate,  a 
better description of the nature and extent of “retention of title”, a 
new  definition  of  the  types  of  commercial  transactions  covered 
by  the  Directive  and  a  clearer  definition  of  “relevant  recovery 
costs”  to  include  internal  administrative  costs  linked  to  late 
payment. 

EN 

69 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Title of action 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Description of scope and objectives 

14.  Regulation 

the 
relating 
agricultural and forestry vehicles  

to 

type-approval  of 

Recast 

15.  Amendment to Annex IV to Regulation 2003/2003 on 

Revision 

fertilizers 

16.  Directive or Regulation concerning medical devices 

Recast 

17.  Regulation on type approval of Two- or Three- Wheel 

Recast 

motor vehicles  

The  proposal  will  simplify  EC  legislation  on  agricultural  and 
forestry  tractors  by  replacing  existing  legislation  (including  the 
present Framework Directive and the separate Directives) by one 
main  Regulation.  The  proposal  will  repeal  24  Directives.  It  will 
introduce improved requirements for tractor brakes as well. 

The objective is to ensure that CEN Standards can be considered 
as  official  methods  of  analysis  to  be  used  as  references  for 
official  controls.  Their  updated  versions  delivered  by  CEN  will 
no longer be included in the legal act but will exist in the form of 
separate  standards  to  which  Community  law  will  refer  -  the 
detailed  descriptions  of  test  methods  currently  contained  in  the 
Annex will be deleted. 

The  objective  is  to  simplify  and  strengthen  the  rules  in  order  to 
ensure  a  high  level  of  health  protection  while  at  the  same  time 
ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market. 

The proposal will simplify EC legislation on 2 and 3-wheel motor 
vehicles  by  replacing  existing  legislation  (including  the  present 
Framework Directive and the separate Directives) into one main 
Regulation.  The  proposal  will  repeal  14  Directives.  It  will 
introduce  modern  emissions  legislation,  ABS  and  automatic 
emergency braking for two- and three-wheelers. 

18.  Proposal  of  a  Legal 
the 

development 

of 

Instrument 
Shared 

to  underpin 
Environmental 

Revision  

The simplification objectives cover: 

-  modernising  and  streamlining  environmental  reporting,  to 

EN 

70 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Title of action 

Information System 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Description of scope and objectives 

19.  Council  Regulation  1172/98  on  statistical  returns  in 

Revision  

respect of the carriage of goods by road  

20.  Amendment 
to  Regulation  44/2001  concerning 
of 
recognition 
jurisdiction, 
judgments in civil and commercial matters 

enforcement 

and 

Revision 

facilitate  data  availability  in  line  with  the  principle  that 
information should be managed as close as possible to its source 
and should be collected once and broadly shared; 

-  timely  availability  of  information  /  data,  in  particular  by 
simplifying the current approach on reporting periods; 

-  repealing  /  streamlining  obsolete  or  overlapping  reporting, 
based on a screening of legislation.  

The  objective  is  to  create  an  instrument  within  the  European 
Statistical  System  (ESS)  that  allows  to  manage  road  freight 
statistics surveys by means of reporting requirements (thresholds 
of  the  number  of  vehicles  per  reporting  country),  scope  of  the 
surveys  (types  of  vehicles  included)  and  precision  standard 
(already  modifiable  by  comitology).  In  agreement  with  the  ESS 
(Statistical  Programme  Committee),  the  population  (focus  on 
international  operations  and  heavy  vehicles)  and  sample 
(precision  measures  to  be  adapted  to  data  needs)  of  road  freight 
vehicles subject to reporting may be decreased. 

The objective is to ensure free circulation of all judgments in the 
EU by the abolition of exequatur and to adapt the provisions of 
the  Regulation  to  the  new  international  instruments  in  the  area 
concerned. It will also abolish intermediary steps which citizens 
have to go through in order to have a judicial decision recognised 
and enforced abroad. 

EN 

71 

EN 

 
  
 
 
Title of action 

21.  Council  Regulation  on  the  reform  of  the  common 
organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture 
products 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Revision 

22.  Commission  implementation  rules  on  the  reformed 

Revision 

control and enforcement framework  

Description of scope and objectives 

The common market organisation (CMO) was created to achieve 
the objectives laid down in Article 33 of the Treaty in the fishery 
sector, in particular to provide market stability and to guarantee a 
fair  income  for  producers.  More  recent  objectives  focus  on 
sustainability-supportive  fishing  and  marketing  activities.  In 
place since 1971, the common market organisation has undergone 
many  changes  over  time,  and  a  reshaped  CMO  has  been  in 
operation since 1 January 2001. The effectiveness and efficiency 
of this policy is currently being evaluated. The proposal aims at 
taking  account  of  market  developments,  changes  in  fishing 
activities and the shortcomings detected in the implementation of 
the provisions currently in force. 

The  new  rules  will  modernize  and  simplify  procedures  for 
national administrations and stakeholders and will facilitate better 
enforcement. Administrative burden and constraints for the sector 
and public administrations are to be alleviated, with an increased 
use of IT tools to reduce reporting obligations. All aspects related 
to  control  and  monitoring  of  fisheries  activities  (declaration  of 
catches, 
transport, 
localisation  of  the  fleet,  etc.)  will  be  simplified.  Also  new 
elements  to  address  the  challenges  of  Illegal,  Unreported  and 
Unregulated (IUU) fishing will be included. 

landing  declarations, 

tolerance  margins, 

23.  Commission Communication on formal recognition of 
obsolescence  and  four  proposals  repealing  obsolete 
legal instruments in the field of the Common Fisheries 

Repeal 

Screening of the body of Community law relating to the Common 
Fisheries  Policy  (CFP)  within  the  context  of  the  "2006-2008 
Action  Plan  for  simplifying  and  improving  the  CFP"  revealed 
that  a  number  of  Acts  of  Community  law  have  exhausted  their 

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Title of action 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Description of scope and objectives 

Policy 

24.  Recast  of  Decisions  relating  to  checks  on  insurance 
against  civil  liability  in  respect  of  the  use  of  motor 
vehicles 

Recast 

25.  Recast of the Prospectus Directive 

Recast 

legal  effects,  though  they  have  not  been  formally  repealed  or 
have  no  indication  of  a  time  limit as  to  their  validity.  To  repeal 
acts still in force, the same enabling power should be used as that 
for  the  initial  act.  Where  the  legal  basis  for  the  act  no  longer 
exists,  the  Commission  will  publish  a  formal  recognition  of 
obsolescence through a Communication. 

Over the past few years, the Commission has adopted a number 
of  Decisions  (2003/542/EC,  2004/332/EC,  2005/849/EC,  and 
2007/482/EC) on the abolition of insurance checks in respect of 
the countries acceding to the EU. The Recast aims at simplifying 
and  clarifying  the  regime  of  these  Decisions  adopted  under 
Article 2 of Directive 72/166/EC on motor insurance. 

Areas  where  legislative  changes  are  required  to  improve  and 
simplify the application of the directive will be identified in order 
to reduce the administrative burden on issuers, without lowering 
the standard of investors' protection. Among them, the deletion of 
information 
transparency 
directive (Article 10), the extension of the scope of the exemption 
for employees share schemes (Art. 4.1. e), and the clarification of 
the responsibilities in case of retail cascade (art. 3.2). 

that  duplicate 

requirements 

the 

26.  Recast of the Market Abuse Directive 

Recast 

In  line  with  the  Commission's  Better  Regulation  approach,  a 
review of the MAD (Market Abuse Directive) regime in the EU 
is taking place. Focus is on areas where improvements could be 
achieved  in  terms  of:  (i)  rationalising/reducing  administrative 
burdens  concerning  for  example  the  disclosure  duties  on 
company  executives,  and  the  duty  to  draw  up  and  maintain 

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Type of 
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action 

Description of scope and objectives 

27.  Simplification of Accounting Directives 

Revision 

28. 

Implementing  Measures  for  the  Rapid  Alert  System 
for Food and Feed (RASFF) 

Revision 

29.  Regulation  on  plastic  food  contact  materials  and 

Recast 

articles 

insider  lists,  (ii)  facilitating  and  strengthening  supervision 
exercised at the level of Member States. 

Objective  is  to  allow  Member  States  to  exempt  micro  entities 
from the accounting requirements and to review the Accounting 
Directives (4th and 7th Company Law Directives) to take account 
of  the  interest  of  small  businesses  and  reduce  administrative 
burdens by over €5 billion. 

The  objective  of  the  implementing  measures  is  the  uniform 
operation  of  the  RASFF  by  all  the  members  of  the  network  by: 
defining  the  scope  of  the  system;  setting  up  contact  points; 
defining 
the  Commission;  elaboration  and 
transmission of relevant notification; assessment and follow-up of 
a notification; defining rules for exchanging RASFF information 
with third countries; setting up confidentiality requirements. 

role  of 

the 

Recast  of  Directives  on  plastic  food  contact  materials  into  one 
Regulation  with  the  aim  to  speed  up  authorisation  of  new 
additives and monomers and to simplify, clarify and update rules 
on  migration  testing;  repeal  of  obsolete  rules,  such  as  the 
analytical methods in Directives 80/766/EEC and 81/432/EEC; of 
certain  parts  of  Directive  82/711/EEC  which  are  not  testing 
criteria  but 
interpretations  and  explanations;  and  remove 
contradicting  rules  between  82/711/EEC  and  2002/72/EC  as 
regards  applicability,  and  between  82/711/EEC  and  85/572/EEC 
as regards the definition of some food stimulants. 

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Title of action 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Description of scope and objectives 

30.  Recast of Directive 1999/36/EC on Transportable 

Recast 

Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED) 

31.  Recast  of  First  Railway  Package 

legislation: 
simplification  and  modernisation  of  the  legislative 
framework for access to the rail transport market  

Recast 

Certain  clauses  have  become  obsolete  and  certain  issues  are 
currently  dealt  with  in  the  international  agreements  on  the 
transport  of  dangerous  goods.  Need  to  eliminate  contradictions 
stemming  from  these  international  agreements  taking  into 
account 
intergovernmental 
agreements 
organisations level (UN for road transport, OTIF for rail). Repeal 
of  4  Directives  on  Pressure  Vessels  (76/767/EEC,  84/525/EEC, 
84/526/EEC and 84/527/EEC) and integration of the still relevant 
provisions into the revision of Directive 1999/36/EC. 

transitional 

at 

It  is  also  necessary  to  bring  the  existing  directive  into  line  with 
the "New Approach" rules on the free movement of goods which 
is  in  the  final  stages  of  formal  adoption,  in  line  with  the  new 
legislative framework for the marketing of products.  

In  order  to  simplify  the  legislation,  the  three  Directives  will  be 
merged  and  restructured  while  eliminating  cross-references 
across  the  legal  acts.  This  will  lead  to  improved  readability  and 
hence enable better and harmonised implementation in MSs thus 
potentially  reducing  administrative  burdens.  Furthermore,  other 
legal provisions, in particular institutional arrangements, such as 
strengthening  of 
the  powers  of  regulatory  bodies  and  a 
strengthened  cooperation  of  rail  infrastructure  managers  for 
international  services,  will  be  enhanced 
the 
emergence of a genuine internal market and to eliminate barriers 
to  the  provisions  of  international  rail  transport  services.  Overall 
by  enhancing 
the 
Commission  hopes  to  see  market  access  cost  of  railway 

institutional  framework 

to  promote 

legal  and 

the 

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Type of 
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action 

Description of scope and objectives 

undertakings being reduced.  

32.  Marine Equipment Directive 

Recast 

33.  Recast  of  the  Community  regulatory  framework 

Recast 

regarding transport of radioactive material 

(respectively  concerning 

Directive  96/98/EC  has  been  technically  amended  three  times 
since  its  adoption  and  a  further  two  technical  amendments  are 
currently  under  preparation 
the 
committee  procedure  and  the  technical  annexes).  Furthermore, 
the new legislative framework for the marketing of products will 
have  a  direct  impact  on  a  number  of  basic  elements  (notified 
bodies,  market  surveillance,  and  safeguard  clause).  Lastly,  the 
current system of periodical technical updates is in need of an in-
depth  revision  in  order  to  keep  pace  with  the  legislative 
production  of  the  International  Maritime  Organisation.  It  is 
intended to recast or to repeal the existing Directive and replace it 
with a new one.  

At Community level there are currently more than 30 directives, 
regulations  and  recommendations  governing  the  transport  of 
radioactive  material.  There  are  also  non-binding  international 
rules. Inconsistent transposition of these rules means that there is 
an unnecessary degree of complexity causing practical problems 
on  the  ground  in  Member  States,  including  increased  costs  and 
delays. Simplification of rules and procedures would reduce this 
and an initial estimate puts the potential at a reduction of 50% in 
the labour costs and 30% in the costs to operators.  

(33 initiatives)  

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