Brussels, 13/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - In adopting the report by Jan Christian Ehler (EPP-ED, Germany) by 534 votes to 62, with 9 abstentions, the Parliament welcomed the dialogue between the Commission, Member States and professional bodies. In September 2005, the Commission adopted a mixed report on the development of the reforms undertaken by Member States to remove regulations deemed by the Commission to be anti-competitive (see EUROPE 9020). On Thursday, MEPs pointed out that while self-regulation or “effective and transparent” regulation could be appropriate, Member States had to ensure that self-regulation did not damage consumer interests or the general interest. They acknowledged the right to issue regulations based on traditional, geographic and demographic specificities, but emphasised that such rules should restrict competition as little as possible. Ethically and from the consumer protection point of view, Parliament supported the adoption of codes of conduct established with professional bodies. Subdividing regulatory protection by category of consumer group should also be subject tot fuller analysis by the Commission, says the report. (ab)