The Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU is planning to unveil a compromise on the regulation on reception of and surveillance of the market for motor vehicles at the meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives on 10 May, according to two diplomatic sources on Friday 5 May.
The question of market surveillance is reported to have generated strong reticence from Germany and member states in central and Eastern Europe. Poland, Italy and Spain are said to be prepared to back the Maltese Presidency’s text, and the other member states also support it. One of the most discussed questions was Article 90, which foresees fines of up to €30,000 per vehicle.
The ministers are due to adopt a general orientation at the Competitiveness Council on 29 May. The European Parliament decided on its negotiating position in early April, burying the idea of a European market surveillance agency (see EUROPE 11761). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)