Brussels, 11/02/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission authorises an agreement between European washing machine producers and importers. They undertake to no longer produce or import into the EU machines that are high in energy consumption (category D and G of the 95/12 directive). This exemption is valid until the agreement expires on 31 December 2001.
By authorising this agreement notified in October 1997 by the European Council of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (CECED), the European Commission took into account the fact that the agreement will allow: i) gradual replacement of machines by more technologically effective appliances; ii) compensation for the higher purchase price of machines by savings on electricity bills; iii) reduction in polluting emissions. The Commission considered, moreover, that competition remains healthy on this market in terms of price, washing performance, brand image, etc. It noted that the agreement does not rule out imports from third countries. The competition Commissioner, Mario Monti, commented on this decision by stressing that the competition policy is not incompatible with environmental concerns, "provided that restrictions of competition are proportionate and necessary to achieving the environmental objectives aimed at, to the benefit of current and future generations".