Customs 2002: action programme 1996-2002 in the Community

The common position retains a good number of amendments adopted by the European Parliament in its first reading. In regard to the amendments relating to comitology, the Council adopted a new approach which makes a distinction between matters on customs policy strategy, on the one hand, and matters connected with the implementation of the programme, on the other. Customs strategy will be drawn up in partnership by the Commission and the Member States in the Customs Policy Committee, composed of Heads of Customs Administrations or their deputies. The Commission shall be responsible for implementing the programme. Concerning the amendment relating to budgetary questions, the Council agreed on a compromise solution fixing the financial framework for the implementation of this programme at EUR 135 million in accordance with the arrangements set out in the Annex. Lastly, the Council has introduced some technical amendments to the Commission's proposal concerning : - the renaming of the programme, which shall be known as Customs 2002; - an additional reference to 'Community databases'; - rules dealing with the powers of officials participating in exchanges; - the dates for the submission of reports by the Member States and the Commission.�