Brussels, 28/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - The EU formally adopted, without debate, its common position on the "Auto-Oil II" directive aimed at amending the legislation relating to reducing emissions of gas and polluting particles from internal combustion engines for off-road machinery (Directive 97/68/EC), to include small spark ignition engines (petrol engines) on lawnmowers, chain saws and water pumps.
The Council's common position fixes emission limits in two stages (according to the type of engine), with the possibility of derogation. It provides for the Commission to set out recommendations by end 2003 based on a technical study for engines that cannot meet these requirements.
The Commission accepted the Council's common position. The Council considers it has fully taken account the first reading opinion of the Parliament and that the solution adopted provides a fair balance between the aims of ambient air quality (mainly concerning the fight against tropospheric ozone), and compliance with technical constraints in the industrial sector concerned.