Brussels, 11/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - “There is no objective reason why my report cannot be discussed today”, said Astrid Lulling (EPP-ED, Luxembourg), on Wednesday 9 May, during the mini plenary of the European Parliament. She went on to add: “The report was adopted in economic and monetary committee after long months of discussion (…). We have discussed it at least five times. Everyone has been able to put their opinions forward”. The parliamentary committee adopted the report mid-April in fact. It argues in favour of doing away with excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic beverages and suggests replacing the specific directive 92/84/EEC with a simple code of conduct (see EUROPE 9405).
Ms Lulling understands why “the Socialist group is suggesting this postponement”, saying “Socialists are in favour of putting minimum excise rates up, whereas in Bulgaria” - where European elections are to be held on Sunday 20 May - “they are against this”. “Socialists are therefore afraid of taking a position” before this electoral date, she said, denouncing the fact that it was a “political reason” and “not an objective reason”. She therefore called on her colleagues to vote against. The vote on the report was finally deferred against the opinion put forward by the rapporteur. Voting will take place during the second plenary session in May (21-24 May).
At the end of 2006, the Council was unable to reach a unanimous agreement on adjusting excise rates on alcohol and alcoholic beverages in relation to inflation. It called on the Commission to carry out a complete study on application of minimum excise rates, including for wine with zero excise rates. (mb)