DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR INTERNAL POLICIES OF THE UNIONCOMMITTEE ON THE INTERNAL MARKET AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

I M C O

N e w s l e t t e r

ISSUE 3 - MAY 2010

About the editor: European Parliament Directorate General for Internal Policies of the Union Internal Market and Consumer Protection CommitteeHead of Unit: Editor - Joe DunneResponsible Administrator: Federico RossettoLayout: Claudia Arnold-Assakhen

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S U M M A R Y

The Plenary sitting from 17 to 20 May will deal with some dossiers from the IMCO committee. Namely, the European Parliament is to adopt its first reading on the regulation on textile names and labelling of textile products. A report on delivering a single market to consumers and citizens will also be adopted, together with another non-binding report on new developments in public procurement.

This Newsletter focuses also on the debate held with Professor Monti on 10 May, when he presented to IMCO Members his report on the relaunch of the single market. Additionally, it includes a summary of the discussion with Commissioner Šemeta on his working programme for 2010-2011 in the field of the customs union. And finally, in the section "tip of the month" there is an overview of the Rapid Alert System for non-food consumer products (Rapex) explaining how this important tool for consumer safety works.

IMCO WEB-SITE

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S I N G L E M A R K E T I N T H E P L E N A R Y ( 1 7 - 2 0 M A Y )

Textile labelling and related labelling of textile products The Plenary is to debate and vote a co-decision report (first reading) on textile names and labelling of textile products presented by the IMCO committee. The report is in favour of introducing a mandatory origin marking scheme for textile products originating in third countries. An amendment requests the Commission to submit, within two years, a report regarding other possible labelling requirements to be introduced at Union level, which shall be accompanied, where appropriate, by legislative proposals.

RAPPORTEUR: Toine Manders (ALDE, NL)PLENARY: short presentation 17 May, vote 18 MayText of the report

A single market for consumers and citizens In the context of a debate onthe EU 2020 strategy, the plenary is to vote the report adopted by the IMCO committee setting out prio-rities for revitalising the single market. Members callfor a more holistic and citizen-based approach to the European market by tabling in 2011 a package of measures (the 'Single Market Act'). The single market should provide benefits for

New developments in public procurement

On 18 May the plenary will vote on the report on new developments in public procurement. This non-binding report adopted by IMCO members comments on the current situation and suggests improvements to be implemented in the context of a future revision of the existing directives, like more transparency, legal certainty and a better coordination between European, national and regional law. Particular attention is paid to the latest judgements of the EU Court of Justice and the importance of public procurement for innovation as well as environmental and social issues.

RAPPORTEUR: Heide Rühle (Greens/EFA, DE)PLENARY: short presentation 17 May, vote 18 MayText of the report

consumers in terms of better quality, greater variety, reasonable prices, and safety of goods and services. But greater efforts must be made also to facilitate SMEs development and to enable them to take full advantage of their entrepreneurial potential, e.g. by reducing red tape. Finally, the report calls for a better transposition and implementation of internal market legislation and a beter communication of its benefits.

RAPPORTEUR: Louis Grech (S&D, MT)TIMETABLE: Plenary: debate 19 May, vote 20 MayText of the reportPress Release

E V E N T SUsing complaints to improve consumers' lives

Bringing together experts in complaints and policymakers to exchange views on how to best improve understanding on analysing and using complaints data. This is the aim of the high-level conference organised by the European Commission, DG Health and Consumers, on 27 May in Brussels.

The Commission will present a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints. The conference will be web-streamed.

Website of the eventCommission recommendation

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F R O M T H E P R E V I O U S M E E T I N G ( 1 0 M A Y )

Relaunch of the Single Market: Mario Monti presented his report

To emphasise the importance of the event, the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, introduced the presentation of Prof. Monti’s report stressing that the relaunch of the single market concerns more the spirit of EU integration rather than the solution of existing problems. He then underlined that it is the appropriate timing for such a discussion, since it is just after the entering into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the European Parliament has greater responsibilities on the single market and on the ‘community method’.

For the President, the single market is a very important achievement that contributed to EU prosperity and its relaunch could make Europe ‘a better place to live’. He also underlined that, in addition to the five freedoms granted by the single market (free movement of people, goods, services, capital and knowledge), it is important to encourage the teaching of foreign languages, promote e-commerce, create an EU energy market and support competitiveness on the basis of cohesion policy and unlocking EU potential via innovation.

Professor Monti acknowledged that many ideas of his report came from the Grech report on delivering a single market to consumers and citizens. The financial and economic crisis, EU 2020 and even the ongoing Greek crisis - he said - are reflections of the level of integration (or lack of it) in the single market. The single market, he added, 'is less popular than ever and at the same time it is more needed than ever, so obviously something has to be done'. He then supported a proactive approach aimed at achieving more competition and better enforcement.

Prof. Monti stressed the necessity of initiatives to build a stronger single market focused on the needs of consumers, citizens and SMEs, also in new areas such as the digital and low-carbon economy. A consensus on the stronger single market is also needed, he said, in order to create a highly competitive social market economy by conciliating the economic freedoms with workers' rights and applying single market rules to (social) services of general interest. The role of horizontal policies - such as tax, industrial, competition, trade and cohesion policy –has also to be recognised in achieving this aim. There is also the need for initiatives on delivering a stronger single market which include regulation ("ma non troppo") and enforcement, and it is essential to give higher visibility to the single market.

The Committee Members welcomed the report. They addressed issues such as the single market act, the social dimension (workers’ rights, wages, posting of workers, unemployment), the energy security and the EU market in this field, the health sector, the green economy, fiscal policy and standardisation. A need for more detailed discussions on individual recommendations was expressed as well as the necessity to ensure a follow up on the report in the Commission and Council. The Chairman accordingly invited Professor Monti to return to the Committee once the Members had had a chance to study the report's recommendations.

MONTI'S REPORT: EN - DE - FR - ITEP Press releaseWatch the presentation

Custom's Union: debate with Commissioner Šemeta on his work programme for 2010-2011

Commissioner Šemeta highlighted two objectives of customs policy in particular. The first is the protection of citizens which concern issues such as product safety, detection of illegal goods, the fight against piracy and counterfeiting. In this regard he said that the Commission will present a proposal to modify the Regulation on the customs enforcement of intellectual property rights after the summer. The second objective is the facilitation of legitimate trade, which should benefit from the implementation of the Modernised Customs Code and the electronic customs system in the coming years. The Commissioner also mentioned the external dimension as regards the strengthening of international customs cooperation, mainly with the US, China, Japan and Russia.

Members questioned him about the illegal import of medicines and on the effectiveness of border control instruments, in particular regarding small packages, and called for an enhanced international cooperation against product counterfeiting (such as cigarettes, medicines and food). They also asked questions about alternative control methods to a 100% scanning of containers. Finally, the reduction of human resources due to cost cuts was addressed.

Disclaimer: The items contained herein are drafted by the Secretariat of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee and are provided for general information purposes only. The opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament. The IMCO Newsletter may contain links to websites that are created and maintained by other organisations. The IMCO Secretariat does not necessarily endorse the view expressed on these websites.

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Closure date of the current issue: 17 May 2010

Other items discussed during the meeting

The Committee held a first exchange of views on the future of European standardisation. The rapporteur referred to his meetings with European and National Standards Organisations. Members highlighted the significance of the Public hearing on the Future of European Standardisation which will be organised by the Committee on 23 June and of the IMCO Delegation visit to Geneva on 25-26 May which will include meetings with international standardisation organisations.

RAPPORTEUR: Edvard Kožušník (ECR, CZ)TIMETABLE:Hearing: 23 June 2010Consideration of draft report: 12 July 2010Deadline for amendments: 15 July at 12.00

The rapporteur on the interconnection of business registers presented her draft opinion which emphasises the need for reliable, up-to-date business registers that are interconnected. They should function as a 'one stop shop' to facilitate business and consumers. Members of the Committee indicated they will support her approach and suggested to add items regarding the quality of information and the reduction of red tape.

RAPPORTEUR: Catherine Soullie (EPP, F)TIMETABLE:Consideration of Amendments: 2 June 2010Vote: 3 June 2010

On the control of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers, the rapporteur highlighted theimportance of the right of scrutiny currently guaranteed to the Parliament and the possibility to object to the draft measures. He stressed that the Parliament should be granted access to the comitology committee meetings and suggested improvements for the information flow to the Parliament and Council. Members supported this approach and underlined that the Parliament should defend its prerogatives.

RAPPORTEUR: Louis Grech (S&D, MT)TIMETABLE:Consideration of Amendments: 2 June 2010Vote: 3 June 2010

T I P O F T H E M O N T HRAPEX: Rapid Alert System for non-food consumer products

RAPEX is the EU rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products –with the exception of food, pharmaceutical and medical devices, which are covered by other mechanisms. It facilitates the rapid exchange of information between Member States and the Commission

on measures taken to prevent or restrict the marketing or use of products posing a serious risk to the health and safety of consumers. Both measures ordered by national authorities and measures taken voluntarily by producers and distributors are reported by RAPEX.

When a product (e.g. a toy, a childcare article or a household appliance) is found to be dangerous, the competent national authority can withdraw the product

from the market, recall it from consumers or issue warnings. The National Contact Point then informs the Commission about the product, the risks it poses and the precautionary measures taken. The Commission disseminates the information to the other national contact points and publishes also weekly overviews of dangerous products and the measures taken on the internet. Every national contact point ensures that the authorities responsible check if the newly notified dangerous product is present on the market. If so, the authorities take appropriate measures. (Text adapted from Consumer Affairs' portal on Europa website)

Rapex websiteRapex annual reports

S U B S C R I P T I O NIf you wish to receive the IMCO newsletter, please send an email with the subject "newsletter" to: ip-imco@europarl.europa.eu