Brussels, 03/04/2000 (Agence Europe) - During the last two plenary sessions, the European Parliament voted on a number of projects, concerning, in particular:
1) The cash reserves of the European Central Bank. By adopting a report by Robert Goebbels (Socialist, Luxembourg) the Parliament approved the doubling of the ceiling for the forming of foreign cash reserves of the European Central bank, that will now go from EUR 50 to 100 billion. This proposal by the European Commission, which follows a recommendation by the ECB, aims to strengthen the autonomy of the bank and its credibility in international markets. EUROPE recalls that the contributions by the four Member States, who are not taking part in the single currency, have not been demanded and, in consequence the present ECB reserves are EUR 39.5 billion, of which 85% in foreign currency and 15% in gold.
2) Taxation. By adopting the report by Christa Randzio-Plath (Social Democrat, Germany), the European Parliament approved the modification of Directive 1977 concerning the common VAT system to enable Austria to keep a reduced rate (10%) for the rental of property goods for residential purposes and for Portugal to apply a reduced rate (12%) for restaurant. These two derogations where foreseen in the transitory provisions granted during their accession.
3) Transports. By adopting the report by Theo Bouwman (Green, Netherlands), the European Parliament modified, in the framework of the codecision procedure, the "common position" of the Council concerning the port reception facilitates for ship production waste and cargo residue. It notably called for the cost of the running of these installations to be 90% financed through a flat rate tax, integrated into the port taxes and applicable to all ships stopping over whether or not they uses these facilities (see EUROPE of 24 February, p.11). The Parliament also called for the Member States to draw up a list of pleasure boats to be exempt from the requirement to siphon their waste in ports.
4) Development/forests: By adopting the report by Ferdinando Martin (EPP, Spain), the European Parliament modified, in the framework of the codecision procedure, the "common position" of the Council concerning measures aimed at promoting the conservation and management of tropical forests in developing countries. The Parliament reintroduced several amendments already adopted in first reading concerning the implication of local population in the projects implemented and the co-ordination of the actions undertaken by the European Commission with those carried out by the Member States in the framework of their bilateral relations. The Parliament also wants a financial package for the carrying out of this regulation, for the 2000-2006 period, to be set at EUR 209 million and not 63 million as wanted by the Council. During the vote, the Commissioner Margot Wallström indicated that the Commission would agree to most of the Parliament's amendments, including those relating to financial allocation.