Internal market SLIM: results of the 2nd phase and follow-up of the implementation of 1st phase. Report

The Committee has unanimously adopted the report by Brian CROWLEY (UFE, Irl) on simplifying legislation on the internal market (known as "SLIM"). The aim of the report was to examine the results of the second phase and the follow-up of implementation of the first phase recommendations. The first phase of SLIM (June-October 1996) examined four sectors: · Intrastat, · recognition of diplomas · construction products · ornamental plants. The second phase (June-October 1997) examined four more sectors: · VAT obligations · the Combined Nomenclature for External Trade · fertilisers · banking legislation. Two new phases are planned for this year. In its motion for a resolution, the committee stresses the importance of using clearer language for Community legislation. SLIM is not to be regarded as an isolated simplification exercise, but rather as an element within a larger "rolling programme of simplification". The committee believes that the working party set up to establish common guidelines for legislative work must be common to all the institutions and that the SLIM teams should be granted a longer working period (minimum 6 months). The committee welcomes the inclusion of the banking services sector in the initiative. As regards Intrastat, it believes that a single set of nomenclature should be used (for both the internal market and trade outside the EU). For the third phase of the project, the committee proposes that the following sectors be chosen: · freedom of movement and social security for migrant workers · health and safety at work · public procurement · marketing of dangerous substances. Lastly, the committee calls on the Commission, acting through its offices in the 15 Member States, to react vigorously when governments use the EU as a scapegoat for unpopular national rules. �