Brussels, 14/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - With the adoption, on Wednesday in second reading (codecision), of the report by British Liberal Chris Davies on the proposal of directive concerning ozone in the ambient air, the European Parliament amended the Council's common position. MEPs are sceptical about the Council's commitment to keep to the target of not exceeding, during 25 days per year, the maximum ozone threshold recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The EP has reintroduced a certain number of amendments that it had adopted in first reading (on 15 March 2000) to: - bring the duration for non-excess to 20 days (as in the initial proposal); - compel Member States to draft a report explaining all excess of target values (Council common position did not approve this obligation), and make it compulsory for them to give information on ozone pollution and the protection of materials; - fix at 2020 the date for achieving long-term objectives for ozone concentrations in the ambient air, "except in the case of physical impossibility"; - make binding provisions relating to short term action plans of Member States in favour of areas dangerously exposed to ozone.
During Tuesday's debate, Commissioner Margot Wallström opposed amendments aimed at reducing the duration from 25 to 20 days, making target values binding and forcing Member States to provide reports on ozone.