Brussels, 24/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament's internal market committee (IMCO) discussed the draft report Towards Improved Single Market Regulation on Thursday 23 April.
The rapporteur, Anneleen Van Bossuyt (ECR, Belgium), wishes to foster the principle of “better legislation”. She presented a first working paper in which she explores the instruments that can strengthen the principle. Among these are good use of the subsidiarity principle, impact assessment, stakeholder involvement and sound transposition of European legislation.
The paper was well received by all groups. Vicky Ford (ECR, UK), who chairs the IMCO committee, suggested an “independent body” which, during trialogues, could give its opinion on the compromise texts agreed. It could examine the wordings used and check that they would not result in unforeseen legal implications for the member states. The draft report will be produced for 25 May and another committee debate is scheduled for 4 June. The deadline for submission of amendments has been set, for the moment, for 9 June.
Virtually total ban on trade in seal products. The committee also discussed the draft report by Cristian-Silviu Busoi (EPP, Romania) on the trade in seal products, following a recommendation by the WTO. The European Commission, like the rapporteur, would like to see a total ban on marketing, with two exceptions: products from hunts conducted by Inuit or other indigenous communities, and products from hunts conducted for the sole purpose of the sustainable management of marine resources on a small scale and non-profit basis. Amendments must be put down by 28 April. (Jean Comte)