Summer-time arrangements: 8th Directive

The common position corresponds to the Commission proposal. The dates and times at which summer time begins are fixed for a four-year period. In 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 in each Member State, summer time will begin at 1 a.m., universal time, on the last Sunday in March and end at 1 a.m., universal time, on the last Sunday in October. The common position stipulates that the arrangements covering the period as from 2002 should be adopted before 1 January 2001 on a proposal from the Commission submitted before 1 January 2000. The common position does not incorporate any of the three amendments tabled by Parliament at first reading. Those amendments sought to: - make the application of summer-time arrangements voluntary; - incorporate a provision stipulating that the Commission should ensure that the time differences between outlying Member States should never exceed one hour. �