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Theme of the day of 27 November 2007

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Clear rules on mutual recognition


© European Parliament Alexander STUBB MEP (EPP-ED, Finland) MEP 2004 - 2008

 A report by Alexander Stubb MEP on clarifying legal rules for mutual recognition of products of EU Member States will be voted on in the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection on Tuesday 27 November.
The report deals with obstacles to a fully effective internal market in Europe. The EU's principle of "mutual recognition" of goods (where you can sell goods originating from one country in another) ensures problems do not arise while marketing the goods lawfully produced in another Member State. This non-harmonised area of goods represents roughly 25% of goods manufactured in the EU.
Representatives of European companies' associations claim that 28% of European companies still encounter barriers when selling their produce originating from one EU state in another. Many of the rules hindering the common market relate to size, weight, presentation, labelling and packaging. This can negatively affect small and medium size businesses (who form the majority in the EU). Many small companies have to adapt their product to different markets which affects their competitiveness as a whole. The European Court of Justice has already dealt with almost 300 cases on the issues joined with the recognition among the Member States.

Alexander Stubb endorses in his report the proposal of the European Commission on clarifying legal rules for the mutual recognition from February 2007. At the core of the proposal is the shift of burden of proof regarding the product from the manufacturers, to the Member States.

Press release:
15/11/2007 More free and undistorted competition. Alexander Stubb MEP

Legislative observatory - Application of certain national technical rules to products lawfully marketed in another Member State
European Commission Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down procedures relating to the application of certain national technical rules to products lawfully marketed in another Member State
Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection
Website of Alexander Stubb MEP


Photos of the meeting:

Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee Meeting Alexander Stubb MEP (EPP-ED, Finland), Rapporteur of the report on clarifying legal rules for mutual recognition of products of EU Member States
Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee Meeting r-l: Filip Kaczmarek MEP (EPP-ED, Poland), Charlotte Cederschiöld MEP (EPP-ED, Sweden), Andreas Schwab MEP (EPP-ED, Germany) and Ingo Friedrich MEP (EPP-ED, Germany), Quaestor of the European Parliament

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