Brussels, 28/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - Unless there is opposition from the European Parliament, the validity of the ecological criteria for awarding the EU's eco-label for soaps, shampoos and conditioners and also for electric, gas and gas absorption heat pumps will be extended for a further six months to 31 December 2030. On 25 February, the Council of the EU decided, without debate, not to oppose adoption by the Commission of a decision in this connection (by way of amendments to decisions 2007/506/EC and 2007/742/EC which established label eligibility criteria for these two product categories but which expire on 31 March next).
Assessment of the appropriateness and adequacy of the eco-criteria currently in force and the requirements for evaluating and verification proved conclusive so that no legal loopholes will be created.
Now that the Council has given its agreement, the European Commission can adopt the decision to extend the criteria, as long as Parliament does not oppose it. (AN/transl.fl)