Environment: Eco-management and audit scheme EMAS, voluntary participation by organisations (amend. regul. 1836/93/EEC)

The Commission feels that the changes introduced by the Council in general act to clarify the text of the proposed Regulation, to enhance compatibility with EN ISO 14001 and to distinguish mandatory requirements by the use of the word "shall." In areas of difficulty, such as the use of the logo, the involvement of employees and the period between verifications, the Council has proposed measures which introduce flexibility in the application of the Regulation. This flexibility will be achieved by the production of guidance documents, and will be necessary to ensure that the scheme can be applied in all sectors and all sizes of business. The Commission supports the Common Position.�