Brussels, 13/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 12 December, the European Parliament (EP) voted by 359 to 253, with 2 abstentions, to adopt a common position paving the way for a trialogue on a draft directive to ensure access to a basic bank account and a number of services (but not an overdraft) to any adult officially resident in the European Union. The EP says that banks and other providers of bank accounts must be required to provide information about bank charges so that people can shop around for bank accounts within the EU. The MEPs point out that banks must let their customers know that they provide basic bank accounts. Rapporteur Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL, Germany) said: “Parliament has dealt promptly with this file, and it is now up to EU member states to do likewise, so that we can conclude work on this file in spring next year”. EUFFI, the European Foundation for Financial Inclusion, which submitted a report to Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier in June, welcomed the vote, commenting: “Nowadays, for most people a bank account is a gateway to other services and an essential element for full participation in modern society”. (EL/transl.fl)