Brussels, 07/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - A working paper presented by the Commission's Enterprise Directorate General on the free movement of environment-friendly electrical and electronic goods (EEE) was discussed on 6 March at a meeting between the services of the European Executive and interested parties. It is a question of acting on the Recommendations of the European Council of Lisbon for a simplification of the legislative environment. This paper is the fruit of a wide-ranging process of consultation with civil servants of Member states, manufacturers, suppliers, NGOs, consumer organisations and other interested parties, process that began in the spring of 2000 and which will continue throughout this year, and which could lead to the presentation of a proposal for a directive. As to substance, the paper underpins the need to ensure a high level of environmental protection, while guaranteeing the smooth running of the internal market, enabling competition to increase and encouraging companies to innovate in the field of environmental design. It highlights one key principle: the "holistic" approach, that takes account of the different effects on the environment throughout a product's life cycle. This paper demonstrates the EU's determination to integrate sustainable development in other policies, including business policy. Its elements should also complement the draft directive on electric and electronic equipment waste, by improving the management of EEEs from the very design of the products.