Brussels, 22/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 21 January, the members of the EP civil liberties committee adopted by a very large majority a compromise negotiated by the rapporteur, Claudio Fava (PES, Italy), with the Council of Ministers, opening the road to a first reading agreement on the directive relating to sanctions and penalties. The text, which was adopted by 46 votes in favour, 6 against and one abstention, will be examined in plenary session in Brussels on 19 February. The draft penalties directive provides for harmonisation of certain obligations imposed on employers and of penalties taken against them to combat undeclared work by third country nationals. A compromise on this text had been reached in Council on 23 December 2008 (EUROPE 9815). (B.C./transl.jl)