Excise duty beer imports into Finland: temporary quantitative restrictions (amend. Directives 69/169/EEC, 92/12/EEC)

In its first reading, the European Parliament adopted the resolution drafted by Astrid LULLING (PPE/ED, Luxembourg) amending the proposal for temporary quantitative restrictions on beer imports into Finland. No substantial changes were made, but the recitals were amended to emphasise that the phased elimination of the restrictions will give the Finnish authorities time to put in place alternative means of combating alcohol-related problems. Parliament also stated in its amendments that Finland has fiscal sovereignty to apply excise taxes at a level it deems most appropriate. Whilst the provisions of this proposal do not affect that status, Finland may decide that a reduction of excise differentials with other Member States could help prevent an otherwise likely increase in cross-border shopping levels.�