Common rules for exports. Codification

The European Parliament adopted by 636 votes to 28, with 36 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for exports (codified text).

Parliament adopted its position at first reading following the ordinary legislative procedure taking over the Commission proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.

According to the Consultative Working Party, the proposal in question contains a straightforward codification of the existing texts without any change in their substance.

The proposed regulation establishes the principle according to which exports to third countries are not subject to any quantitative restriction, subject to the exceptions provided for in this regulation and without prejudice to such measures as Member States may take in conformity with the Treaty. The regulation should apply to all products, whether industrial or agricultural.

The proposed regulation lays down rules on: (i) the Commission's information and consultation procedure regarding the need for safeguard measures; (ii) protective measures necessitated by the interests of the Union.