Brussels 21 February 2008:
The European Parliament has today endorsed the next step to improve the functioning of the internal market of goods, much to the delight of Orgalime, the European engineering industries association. The decision on the package* is very positive for industry and has potential to serve as a clear and transparent basis for product regulation of the future.
Adrian Harris, Secretary General of Orgalime commented “Hats off to the Parliament for realising the difficulties that industry faces with accreditation and market surveillance in the internal market.
The Parliament has successfully strengthened the Commission texts which were already on the whole very good. Now let us see the Council take its decision and Member States attack with vigour the problems of implementation. Resources are urgently needed in order to improve the effort both within the Member States and at the border. We firmly believe that the adoption of this package signals a strong commitment of our institutions to defend the EU’s internal market which
is so essential to the competitiveness of our companies manufacturing here in Europe. A better Internal Market framework is good for SMEs, is good for consumers, and good for workers. Now let’s make it work!”

Ends

Notes for Editors:
*
1) André Brie Report on the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products
2) Christel Shaldemose Report on the Decision No .../2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a common framework for the marketing of products
3) Alexander Stubb Report on the Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down procedures relating to the application of certain national technical rules to products lawfully marketed in another Member State