06/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 5 September, the European Commission adopted a communication in which it states its agreement on the Council common position relating to the proposal for an «eCustoms» decision to introduce a paper-free environment for customs and trade (see EUROPE 9422). It accepts the common position as it still guarantees the times allowed in the proposal despite the initial reticence shown by some member states to take commitments for long-term projects that they felt still had to be proven feasible. In May, the Council reached a political agreement providing for the gradual entry into force of measures aimed at making national systems compatible with each other and creating a single electronic portal. The European Parliament, which has not adopted any amendments to the proposal for a decision at first reading, will take a stance in coming months in second reading (see EUROPE 9327). (mb)