Brussels, 29/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 June, the European Commission shelved infringement proceedings brought against France on account of its legislation requiring co-owners to give their managing agent an address in France. The decision to shelve these proceedings has been taken following a change to France law to abolish the requirement.
The Commission had sent France a reasoned opinion as the legislation in question put co-owners who live in other European Union countries at a disadvantage compared to residents of France, counter to Article 56 of the EC Treaty, which prohibits restrictions on capital movements. On 1 March 2007, the French government published Decree No. 2007-285, which came into force on 1 April 2007 and abolishes the requirement for co-owners to give their managing agent an address in France or a French overseas department. In future, the protection to be afforded to the co-owner will be ensured by sending a registered letter with an acknowledgement of receipt or a fax notification to the co-owner's real or elected domicile. (cd)