The Austrian Presidency of the EU Council received the green light from national delegations in the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) on Wednesday 31 October to negotiate with the European Parliament on the Directive on the accessibility of products and services, including the exemption of microenterprises and the built environment where services are provided.
However, there was no mandate on the issue of integrating intermodal and urban transport into the scope of the Directive or even on the issue of food and accommodation. As for access to emergency communication services, Germany has made a proposal, according to our sources. But it should come back with a written proposal at the next Coreper meeting. Similarly, the Austrian Presidency is expected to present a written proposal on the inclusion of accessibility in public procurement in the near future.
Negotiations must move quickly, as the co-legislators have agreed to reach an agreement under the Austrian Presidency of the Council (see EUROPE 12109). The next interinstitutional meeting is scheduled for 8 November. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)