Reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels

The Commission considers that the common position confirms the Commission's original principles when it was drawing up its initial proposal, derived from cost effective analyses regarding the maximum sulphur content in certain liquid fuels and the need for some Member States to have the possibility of limited derogations under certain circumstances. However the Commission regrets the postponement in the date for implementation of the directive for heavy fuel oils to 2003, but welcomes the tightening of maximum sulphur content in gasoils (by 2008) and the recognition of the need to consider which measures regarding bunker fuels could be taken in a future proposal to be issued (by 2000). The Commission welcomes the fact that the common position received the support of all Member States. �